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THR Are We There Yet?

Aww, thanks so much to @Layla and @Jaycey! You guys are so darn positive and supportive. I think I said to @Layla early on that you moderators are such incredible folks. I would be so very tempted, in your shoes, to be snarky and rude and full of comments like, "snap out of it--it's not all about you", or "please, I'm sick of your whining!" To be supportive and kind and full of sane advice every single day to the Bonesmart world, kudos to you and all the other moderators. I'd like to say when I grow up I'd be 1/10th as pleasant and cheery, but...

Just got back from my manicure appointment and my 10 fingernails are a pleasant pale pink with a coat of that, for me anyway, ever-so-critical glittery top coat. Had lunch with my friend, including a glass of lovely pink rose and now home and contemplating a lazy afternoon. Hope all's well with you both, although bummer about that snow, @Layla. No way could I live someplace where snow is an annual occurrence. Not fond of year-around hot weather, but I hate snow.
 
Hi again, I'm happy you enjoyed your manicure. I'm doing a pedi today, myself, and I have to say at fifteen and a half months out, it isn't the same as pre OA but I can do it easily enough. So I'm good!!

I appreciate your kind words but I have my days also. I think reading on here daily keeps the Recovery process fresh in one's mind. Also, at just 15 months out, I'm not that far removed. I have a heart for those who are fearful because I was terrified. Never had more than a tooth pulled and the thought of anesthesia and trusting someone to cut my flesh and remove a body part while I was unconscious frightened me silly. I hope I don't lose sight of that because it helps me relate. In addition, I enjoy giving back as a token of my gratitude for all I received here through my recovery. You're a great supporter and cheerleader of others here, so don't sell yourself short. It's much appreciated by many.

The snow is gone, the grass is green and the trees are a mix of green, red, orange and gold. But no sunshine today. The older I get, the less I can tolerate the snow, cold and Winters here. If you don't engage in outdoor Winter activities, which I no longer do, it's a lot of hibernating. I feel Florida calling louder and louder each Winter. Not as a permanent residence because I'd never want to leave my married children, or grandchildren, but a nice long vacay is sounding more and more like it may be in the cards for us annually.

I hope you have a relaxing evening and peaceful week!
@Barbaraj
 
@Barbaraj Thanks for your kind words. Having been through this journey (twice) I don't think I will ever take it lightly. I do remember telling myself to "snap out of it" on more than on occasion during recovery. But it just doesn't work that way.

Hope you enjoyed your lazy afternoon!
 
Another glorious fall day here in the PNW, and it's such a mood booster for me! And--yet another milestone along the way--my husband actually got up and left the house early this morning, heading to his office and leaving me to make my own coffee, fetch the newspaper and tend to myself. He will be home sometime midafternoon. I think he feels confident enough now that I can be left for longer periods of time and I was happy to slowly get up and get moving on my own steam this morning--made my own morning latte, grabbed the newspaper, started a load of laundry, all the "normal" activities of daily living done solo. As I am sure everyone can appreciate, these small miracles of independence along the hip replacement journey feel very satisfying.

Went to trivia last night, and won 2nd place, and then we were home by 9:00. Again, I experienced this pretty significant weariness by the end of the day--I'm not sleepy, but just physically exhausted. Normally exhaustion is triggered for me by poor sleep, but since surgery it is clearly just "body" exhaustion, something I've never experienced before but which I do understand (much as it frustrates me). My hip/thigh/leg feels much the same this morning, although mornings are the best time for me--the combo of 1000mg of Tylenol, caffeine from my morning coffee and the benefit of sleep all coalescing to make the start of my day a good one.

Tomorrow is my post-op appointment and I'm quite excited about that. Hoping I'll get the go-ahead to ditch these compression stockings which have now officially moved from "warm and cozy" to "highly annoying", and get the bandage removed. I'd also like some direction on exercise/PT moving forward. Any other questions I should be posing? I know I need to start writing them down today so that I can make sure I cover everything at tomorrow's appointment.
 
Barbaraj said:
Again, I experienced this pretty significant weariness by the end of the day--I'm not sleepy, but just physically exhausted.
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I remember this well. It's like hitting a brick wall. Nothing like being sleepy - it's just that you can't do it anymore.
Barbaraj said:
Any other questions I should be posing?
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You might ask if you have any restrictions. Most surgeons are no longer imposing any but it's good to ask.

I also asked how the other hip looked on the x-ray post LTHR. Of course all was well at the time.
 
Good Morning, :wave:
Dental protocol - antibiotics, or not. For how long.
When is it safe to use Bathtub, Hot Tub, Pool, Lakes.....if you care.
OS's opinion on pedicures in a salon setting....if you care.
Driving, Side sleeping, Intimacy, Flying
Ask him about your fatigue...because he will offer you reassurance.
I asked about my other hip also, as Jaycey mentioned above.

Nice that you got out again. You're doing great. Let us know how your appt goes.
A wonderful day to you!
@Barbaraj
 
One more...Many members are curious about when it's safe to start applying creams, lotions, to their incision area.
You may want the all clear, or not, on that if you're interested in moisturizing / massaging the immediate area.
 
Thanks, @Jaycey and @Layla--good suggestions and I'll incorporate them into my list of questions for tomorrow's appointment. I am hoping--assuming--that the bandage will be removed for good. It's peeling all around the edges and if they don't remove it, they will definitely need to replace it. If the former, I will check to see if there is anything I can do to help minimize scar tissue. Of course, the tops of my thighs are rarely on display (just annual summer vacation where, with great reluctance and modesty I don a swimsuit for a few days) but I assume having the scar as flat as possible will help to reduce friction with pants--and I otherwise live in jeans, so that would be important.
 
Barbaraj said:
If the former, I will check to see if there is anything I can do to help minimize scar tissue.
Click to expand...
I am sure they will get rid of the bandage. Please don't worry about the scar. In nearly every case they just fade to a very thin line.
 
@Barbaraj, don’t sweat the scar, it takes awhile but it becomes almost invisible, my first one is a tiny white line. Now I I’ll have a matching one on the other side!! I had a dressing change one week post op this time, I was told when this one starts to peel back, pull it off, it’s ok to shower with it, (no bath) and I was cautioned that I could put a bandage on it my self, especially at the crease where it tens to rub. I’m using large flex fabric bandages, cut to overlap, mostly so it doesn’t rub on my clothes. It’s amazing how these things heal up.

It’s the internal scar tissue that can be problematic. Do you have a massage therapist?

How are you? Ready for this to move forward a little quicker huh? I’m glad you had a manicure day. I see the OS on Thursday. We can compare visits.
 
Well, @Jaycey, I sure hope that they take this stupid bandage off tomorrow! It's fraying around the edges which I've tried sealing with additional tape so it looks a mess and I'm so done with it! I won't worry about the scar overly much if it's just going to fade to a thin line, I can totally deal with that.

And, @MrDIY, I sure wish I could get a pedicure. I'm getting an ingrown toenail but can't really bend down far enough to deal with it effectively. My darling daughter (the Little Prophetess of Doom and Gloom) solemnly informed me on Friday that nail salons can give you flesh eating bacteria! Horrors! I have thus far, prior to surgery, escaped this despite regular pedicures, but after surgery I am perhaps more cautious. Still, my toes definitely need a pedicure so I may take the dangerous plunge if they give me the go-ahead tomorrow. Although I don't know about climbing into those spa chairs--ouf!
 
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Yay, I got a good report at my first post-op visit this morning. Mildly irritated at first because they want you there a half hour early, I was assuming some paperwork to fill out, but no. Check in and then "hurry up and wait". But got called back about 10 minutes after my scheduled appointment (so about a 40 minute total wait time--sheesh) and I'm feeling encouraged. Stupid, peeling bandage was removed and starting tomorrow I can shower without using those aqua-cells. It is pretty much covered with steri-strips at the moment, but they said it looked good although a tiny bit swollen. I guess the steri-strips will fall off on their own--anybody willing to share their experience with how long for this to happen?

No restrictions but keep walking, trying to fit in a bit more walking as I'm able daily. I also need to really practice and focus on "good walking", standing up straight, putting weight evenly on both legs and walking smoothly (heel/toe). I still limp if I'm not focusing on my walk so need to be more focused on that, especially around the house where I walk without any assistive device. And I got the go-ahead to return to using the elliptical at the gym, very slowly at first (lowest resistance, and only 10 to 15 minutes to start) and can increase a few minutes each time after that IF I have no greater fatigue or swelling. And keep icing daily. I've been released to drive (as long as no narcotic use) when I feel I'm able to do it (i.e., can move leg quickly from brake to drive pedal, can put full quad power to brake). Feel a bit nervous about that and might wait for a bit longer.

Just as Bonesmart preaches, I was again reminded that this is MAJOR surgery, and that it will takes months to heal fully. While continuing to work on increasing my walking and resumption of normal daily activities is critical, the reality is that I also must understand and accept that this new hip won't feel or act "normal" for many months down the road. I just need to continue to be patient with myself, not holding back but also not pushing myself beyond my limits, monitoring fatigue and soreness regularly. Also had them confirm what y'all have said--that this "bodily fatigue" I experience daily is perfectly normal and just my body pouring so much of its energy into healing, so by day's end it's to be expected I'm physically tired. This was nice to hear, as I feel as if I am really so lazy these days that I'm always amazed at how tired I get and how easily.

But overall, a great report--they said I'm on track for recovery and basically--keep up the good work!
 
Well that is all very encouraging and sounds like you are doing very well whilst being mindful of some of the ODIC pitfalls that can befall you :-)

Your OS dept sounds great. Good luck with the Eliptical and the Walking...
 
Sounds like your doing great, what did they say about the pedicure? be careful getting on and off the elliptical. My incision was done differently then yours I think. My first two dressing were the clear sheets of tagaderm plastic, which sealed the wound, I have been able to shower daily from the beginning without aqua cells or anything. I don’t have steri strips, I think my incision was glued. I have nothing on it except some bandaids to keep from rubbing on clothes. I leave it completely open at night now.

No more compression stockings I hope?

Fortunately this time it is my left so driving is only restricted due to pain meds. Last time with the right my OS to do me to avoid rush hour traffic as I could not respond as quickly.

I quit the tramadol. Boy do I ever feel better. I hate those drugs. The Tylenol is fine for me, and I would rather have a little pain then the general yucky feeling of the drugs.

Have a great day. I’m on my afternoon rest break...
 
Hi @Lmflora ... I was just wondering, have you been taking the Tramadol on schedule until now? And, what dose were you taking?
Sounds like you and @Barbaraj are both doing great at 20 days post surgery.

@Barbaraj .... Congratulations on your 1st post op visit ! :wow: So happy for you :yahoo:
 
Thanks, @SurreyGirl, @Lmflora and @Lea61! I am feeling positively exuberant this morning, although tired after my walk with a celebratory lunch (plus a cocktail) to follow. Will probably curl up with a book and ice pack this afternoon. I am with you on the narcotic drugs, @Lmflora. I don't want to be stupid and gut it out if I'm in significant pain, but for now the Tylenol seems to be working. And I did "persuade" them that I could at least move from thigh high compression stockings to some knee highs. I didn't hate the compression stocking as many did, but they always bunched up just above my knees which was a hassle when wearing pants, in addition to looking peculiar. I forgot to ask about a pedicure, but I am not sure I could manage climbing into the spa chairs at my nail salon anyway. So, guess I'll just wait awhile. As soon as I feel flexible enough (am on my left side, but not on my right) I will simply remove the polish and cut them way back. I think sandal weather has passed, so now my focus is on cutting them short enough to relieve a bit of ingrown toenail on both big toes.
 
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Hi @Lea61, I was taking 50 mg of tramadol every six hours for the first week (except for a couple of days where I foolishly stopped taking everything because my tummy was upset) then 6 days ago I started taking the tramadol at 6 pm and midnight. Then 3 days ago I only did the 6 pm, and last night I stopped the tramadol all together. I am still taking Tylenol and Advil every 6-8 hours. I went back and found my old thread from 4 years ago, and I am on the same timeline, I had a hard time finding my old thread!! Wish I had found it sooner, I found that I don’t remember much......

Hey @Barbaraj, I need a good toenail trim too, keep getting them stuck on my socks when I put them on!!
 
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