Dear friends, thank you for your kind words and understanding. This whole turn of events has truly left me feeling kicked in the teeth. Jerry's illness was totally unexpected and his decline was extremely rapid. I feel we did the right thing - but after 16 years of a house that always included a furry friend, it is difficult. It's late afternoon, the time when I must wind things up and get Jerry fed - but there is no one to feed.
I know Jerry would not want me to jeopardise my recovery in any way. So I will plug along, pack some boxes (we will be moving house in early November - and no I am not lifting or doing anything strenuous) and research were I can donate all the food and medication that was Jerry's.
A short update - sleep is not good. I guess this should be expected since it's always a problem post op. My restrictions were if it hurts don't do it. My surgeon said listen to your hip. Today I received a very stern "don't go there Jaycey" from my hip. I think I may have twisted ever so slightly while trying to get up from sitting. Recommendation - don't try this at home post THR! Iced and elevated and I am now back to the normal stiffness.
I must say my ROM and mobility is much better than after my LTHR. Some of this may be due to a change in the blood thinners I am on. I'm doing the Fragmin self injections and having no problems thanks to our mother hen's (
@Josephine )
great thread on this in our Library. This from a needle phobic person! Anyway, the med does not make me dizzy at all - something I struggled with post LTHR.
I stopped all the heel slides, leg raises, etc the minute I left the hospital and now have minimal pain in the upper thigh. Please note that I am not recommending this to everyone here. It was my decision based on what I have learned here and the fact that my hip just did not want to do those silly angel slides just post op. Moving around normally - I naturally incorporate those moves and if they hurt - I don't do them.
I am using one cane around the house. If I need to go out I take 2 - just in case. If I am tired or have the least bit of pain - I use 2 canes again. This is not a step backward. It's helping all that sore muscle and soft tissue gain strength.
So that my rather boring update. No fanfares or cartwheels here I am afraid. Just slow and steady - very carefully moving around, resting when I can and contemplating better days in the months ahead.
Thanks for being there!
PS - some of you may remember the argument I had with my employer about my sick leave. They seemed to think I would be back within a "couple of weeks" and could not believe I would be given a sick note for at least 6 weeks. I am happy to say today I emailed that sick note which clearly stated "a MINIMUM of six weeks subject to extension by patient's GP".
United States
