Bilateral THR ByGosh ByGolly ByLateral

[zauberflöte]

ByGosh better late than never... I'm so glad that the new OS was so helpful, and has a plan, and a diagnosis, and possible reasons, and that you liked and trusted him to boot! I believe the end may be in sight, which pleases me no end! Patience is probably not exactly what you wanted to grow more of, but of all people I have confidence that you will, as you've had such a good start, and handled things with grace and cheerfulness. Keep up the wonderful presence here We count on you.

 

[Nylsor]

Good morning my dear friend across the Pond ByGosh and what a lovely start to the day that you have such good news! We were at the sales in the West End yesterday ( yes - I know, we must have been crazy as it was 90F/30C but wonderful bargains to be had) and while we were eating lunch my husband asked me how you were getting along and how you were. I've just read him your post and we are both delighted that the new OS gave you such help and support and a good diagnosis and that you have found someone you trust. And cortisone shots do work. I had them in my wrists and fingers when I had a problem 20 years ago and they are very effective. But I'm so pleased he told you to stop all the exercises. My OS told me when I saw him at 4 weeks to stop all the exercises and just walk - so that's what I did. And Josephine has always given the same advice. So onwards and upwards ! I hope your daughter had a lovely birthday and thanks for your kind comments re my age - I feel about 90 somedays! Your news has quite made my day so please follow the advice to the letter and let's hope that you see some improvement very soon. You've had a very hard time and truly deserve a break. Rosxx

 

[Kim22]

ByGosh I am sorry to have taken so long to reply but we are still at our caravan in Northumberland and our wi fi connection is rubbish I am no longer getting alerts or e mails so I have just come across your post.It is wonderful that you saw a new OS who listened to you and gave you a diagnosis and more importantly a plan.I am sure that walking as tolerated is the answer as well as the stationary bike if it doesn't cause you pain. This advice was the same given to me by my OS when I saw him a month ago.Did he tell you to avoid inclines and unstable surfaces when walking ? I find that walking on gradients can still irritate the groin area.I am so happy for you as now you have a plan you can really start to recover from your double hip replacement.

 

[Nannyannie]

ByGosh Kim22 I still find inclines more difficult than steps - my husband keeps trying to get me to use disabled access slopes when we are out because I'm still slow on stairs/steps (worried about falling!). I refuse because it hurts walking on a slope, seems to pull in the groin somehow. And as for cobblestones!!!!
We just need to do what feels right for us!
Anne

 

[Littlejem]

Just catching up after the weekend!! So good to hear your news, as you say not good but not too bad either, thank goodness!! Lets hope with the rest and the exercise stopped you will recover completely and will get to enjoy your new hips very soon!! xx

Love the new avatar by the way!!

 

[ByGosh]

Hello nmay51 It's nice of you to drop by. Thanks about the avatar -it's one that bottomshollow so kindly found for me. I think it's beautiful - I love roses and the color is lovely. (Thanks again bottomshollow)
How are you doing with your recovery nmay51 ? I hope it's going well for you!

Keep up the wonderful presence here We count on you.

By gosh, by golly zauberflöte shucks, you're embarrassing me...I'm the one who counts on all of you! You're so kind and sweet, I really appreciate you - and everyone here. How are you doing?


Nylsor Nannyannie zauberflöte sandybeach Kim22 Littlejem nmay51 Shadow09 sandpiper I want to tell you all (and everyone who is anterior) that the OS told me not to do straight leg raises because it's all the ilopsoas tendon that is working when you do them. He said he tells all his patients not to do them, and he's been doing anterior for 20 years. He also cautioned about flexion - like bending over at the waist. I had no restrictions as far as that goes post-op - I even called the OS nurse and specifically asked about bending at the waist - I wanted to put the dog food down - and she said fine, I can bend at the waist. So please be careful, I don't want this to happen to anyone else.
He talked about this tendonitis in relation to anterior approach - did not mention any other approach - so just follow your OS advice for your particular type of THR, but if you've had anterior, I just want you to be aware of what he said. I'm not giving out advice, but this has totally stopped my recovery, and completely limited my life. I even wanted the cortisone shots when I say him that day. But he said, before he starts sticking needles in me, he wants to see if it gets better on it's own. I wish I had pushed him as I haven't gotten better, and it'll soon be 5 months! I don't think another 6 weeks will change anything, although I hope it will!

Good morning my dear friend across the Pond ByGosh

Nylsor Thank you so much for your kindness from across the pond. You can imagine how much it means to me to have the friendship and support of such wonderful people - like you Nylsor, and your devoted husband. I'm so glad to hear that the cortisone shots worked for you, and hope they do the job for me.
I wish I was a little more optimistic about it, though. When I'm in pain, it's hard to think anything will help. I don't want to wait 6 weeks, either. I'm supposed to go back to my school nurse job in 6 weeks. How will I know if I can work if I only get the shot a few days before then? I have to give them notice if I can't return. Oh dear...

But I'm glad you went shopping even though it was hot, and I hope you got some nice bargains. Especially since you're going on your wonderful vacation - you need new clothes. Probably some nice blouses, and a new dress or two. How about a warm sweater for Alaska? I can picture you in nice vibrant colors, with your lovely tan skin and pretty blonde hair. You and your husband both look healthy and happy - tell him he needs a new polo shirt and a nice warm sweater for vacation, too! My treat! And Nylsor - do make sure that you have nice comfortable walking shoes for your vacation. You don't want to stress anything. And you also need some dressy shoes for when you go out to dinner - some really pretty ones. I'm sure hubby will understand - he's such a great guy!


My daughter's 20th birthday dinner was delicious, thank you. My other daughter baked a homemade cake with homemade frosting, and I made fresh strawberry sauce for the top of it. It was really yummy- and we have some left over. My husband grilled steaks and portabella mushroom caps and veggie burgers. We also had salad and fresh corn on the cob. It was pretty simple, we all enjoyed it, my daughter was happy and we were all together - that's what counts the most.

 

[sandybeach]

ByGosh my OS gave me no restrictions but one thing he told me not to do is sit on a chair and lift my leg straight out . Are the leg lifts you're taking about laying down or while sitting? It all goes back to the best therapy is walking. I agree with zauberflöte, we all do depend on you and all your great advice. Thanks for sharing all about the check up you gave us some good pointers.

 

[ByGosh]

Nannyannie I also feel that inclines stress the hips because it's a prolonged flexion when you're trying to get up them. The OS cautioned about any hip flexion under stress - and said the straight leg raises have the stress of the gravity pull on the leg.....interesting.
You know the steps will come easier for you and you're right to be careful now of your footing - hang on to that husband of yours for support! He shouldn't mind a bit.

We just need to do what feels right for us!

Nannyannie Those are true words of wisdom, I agree with you 100%. It's so down to earth and sensible - and that's how you seem to be. Your children are lucky to have you be there for them and for their children. Grandmothers are a real treasure to a family, all that experience and wisdom.

 

[Littlejem]

Fingers crossed for recovery in 6 weeks!!

 

[ByGosh]

Are the leg lifts you're taking about laying down or while sitting?

sandybeach I just assumed he meant the laying down leg lifts - that's the one that seems hard to do post-op. He said 'straight leg raises' - so that must be what he meant, now that I think of it - the others aren't straight leg - it's with a bent knee.
You're welcome about the sharing of my visit information - this is an awful situation I'm in and I don't want anyone else to experience it - gee, my life has been on hold for months. I got the surgery without hesitation so that I could have my life back. And to be in more pain now is one thing I never imagined would happen to me. I often feel that I'll never get better - I can't help it. I used to jump out of bed every morning, go for a swim, and do things all day - like work, do errands, walk the dogs, cook dinner, etc. This is not a lifestyle that I'd choose - even if it didn't include pain. I'm sorry for the complaining, but I know all of you can imagine how difficult this is.

 

[ByGosh]

Kim22 It's nice to hear from you and don't worry about when you reply. I'm glad you're still enjoying your vacation on the lovely coast. The OS didn't say anything about slopes or rough surfaces, but I think what your OS told you makes perfect sense, too. It's difficult to walk where it's uneven, plus we might lose our footing and fall. Would you please remind me what you did for your tendonitis? You massaged, and did you also stop exercising, and what else? I want to pay very close attention to myself, even more than before.
It's interesting and worth noting that both your OS and the one I saw gave the same advice. Of course, I hope this doctor that I saw is correct, and the shots work for me.
How is Northumberland weather holding up for you? Have you ever swam in the ocean there- do people usually do that? I wonder what the water temperature runs. I know the scenery is very beautiful. I was just telling my children about where you vacation, and I'll look it up and show them pictures when I'm finished, it's so pretty.

How are you doing? I'm so glad your tendonitis seems better and that you've been able to be out and enjoy yourself.

 

[sandybeach]

ByGosh Once you get your healing back on track even inclines and walking on uneven ground will not be a problem. Before my legs got stronger, when I walked on inclines it was a workout, now it's not a problem. We were at an outside event over the weekend and I didn't even give any thought about walking around on the grass, and it was uneven, until I read your post. You will come through this and be back to new once this set back is over. You just need to treat your hips very gently and continue to ice. Sorry about your fears for the future and I can relate to the pain seeming that it will never go away but it will. How much activity are doing through out the day right now?

 

[Songlady]

Wow, ByGosh - what news!! It sounds as though you got some real answers and some good. solid advice, explanations and instruction! Hooray!!!!
I am so glad you can proceed toward getting your life back!!
Interestingly, I walked quite a lot on my week away with the in-laws; no exercises, just a LOT of walking, and... I feel real progress this week from doing that. Jo is scoring a lot of points!

 

[bottomshollow]

ByGosh, I love seeing the avatar I made for you.

 

[ByGosh]

Hi sandybeach I don't do much, really. If I'm not in bad pain, I do some light housework, like dusting, and cleaning a bathroom - no bending, no tub - hubby does it. I'll sweep and Swiffer the floor if needed, I feed the dogs, I may go outside with them for a few mins, and walk down the driveway or to the house next door. I may do a small load of laundry -but that's just throwing it in the washer, then the dryer. I don't do any heavy housework at all, just light cleaning, I sit on a stool to do the kitchen by sections. And any of this that I do, is spaced throughout the whole week, a little bit a day, not all at once. If it's a day I can manage it, I'll drive to the pool, and submerge myself, walk a little in the water, then paddle back and forth with a buoy between my legs to keep them afloat, but not kicking my legs, for about 30 mins. I don't do any shopping or errands. The most I do is the drive-through bank or pharmacy, nothing that involves walking around a store. I can't. If I do, I'll end up in very bad pain the next day usually.
I had severe pain yesterday mostly from the MD visit on Fri., where I walked into the building, to the room, then out to the car again. I felt fine at the time, but it hit me the next day. It may have also been from the false feeling of improvement I got from wearing the TENS machine all week, and doing more in the kitchen because I didn't have pain. I baked a bit, getting up and down off the stool, standing some.
I'm not doing any activity I think is strenuous, or exercising alot. I don't walk more than a house or two up the block - it's proven to be too painful.
I usually spend hours on the couch with ice in the afternoon until dinner, which my poor husband does just about all of. I'll set the table, and help clean up if I'm not in too much pain. But I don't do it if I'm hurting alot. Once in a great while, I'll sit on a stool and make salad, or cut something up for dinner. That's become stressful for my shoulders, because I have to hold them up to reach - the stool isn't a real counter stool, and it's not a counter that's designed for stool sitting, plus I'm a shrimp, short, and can't reach well.
So that's my life now. Very limited, I think.

 

[ByGosh]

Fingers crossed for recovery in 6 weeks!!

Littlejem Thanks - let's all keep our fingers crossed, OK?
I hope you enjoyed your little trip this weekend and that you're doing well. Give Henry a pat for me.
PS Avatar is compliments of Bottomshollow. She does a great job of picking them out, doesn't she?

 

[LeeApril26]

ByGosh I was catching up on your thread and was wondering about your walking in the pool. Are you walking up and down a lane, or horizontally across the pool. The Hips book said not to walk up and down an incline-just walk horizontally, and if you are in waist deep water and it hurts, go into deeper water.
You may know all this but I was reviewing the book recently so thought I'd share.
Fingers crossed.

 

[sharonslp]

A definitive diagnosis is such a relief. You can stop imagining all the dismal possibilities, and get started treating the reality. And you are so right....it's NOT an infection, or an immune-system problem. It's something you can deal with. You have a plan. There is an end in sight. It's so good to go forward, ByGosh. I'm pleased for you.

Sharon

 

[ByGosh]

Thanks for that bit of info LeeApril26 I appreciate any information you send my way - you're very good at sharing what's helpful and important. Feel free to tell me anything and everything! I like what you have to say.

Anyhow - the new pool is 4 1/2 feet deep in it's most shallow part. I'm 5' 3", so that's about up to my chest, nearly. It's a bit deep to walk much without getting too deep, and then having to tiptoe and having no momentum to get through the water by the legs alone. It's divided by lap lanes, so I can't walk across it. There's a little slope as I go down the lane, but not much, and because it gets so deep, I don't walk far. So it's not the best choice for walking, unfortunately. I've tried a few different things - noodles and then jog belts but they throw me off balance, or stress the shoulders too much. It's getting increasingly difficult to get any exercise in the pool if I can't use my arms or my legs - what's left? I tried to bicycle on the steps in the water, and it felt really good, but the OS cautioned me about kicking my legs in the pool. Although he said I could try the exercise bike...I would think water biking is less stress, but I don't know. And yesterday I had a lot of pain from who knows what activity - maybe all - the walking for the MD appointment, trying to bicycle for a minute (literally) in the pool, doing a little baking with the TENS on- I don't know anymore. Seems like anything and everything triggers significant pain, except laying down with ice. Pathetic..

How are you doing? Are you still in your cabin in the mountains of Penna? What a nice get away, especially in this hot weather! It has to be somewhat cooler there, is it? This week is supposed to be brutal - my daughter said over 100 Tues. Unbelievable - the weather is very hot early this summer.
So nice you were able to treat yourself to a pedicure. I bet that felt great - what color did you choose? My daughter currently has blue on her toes - it's cute for the summer, but not my style exactly.

I ordered Swanson's Tumeric supplements, thank you very much for the info! I researched it and Consumer Labs evaluated many brands and found Swanson's to be very pure, true to their labeling - they had what they said they had in them, and in the amounts stated. Sounded good to me, so I got the one they tested. Maybe it'll help something - although I don't think I have arthritic pain now, maybe it'll help the tendons. It's definately worth a try.

 

[ByGosh]

Thanks so much sharonslp ! I hope he's right and he can treat it, and I prefer sooner rather than later - 6 more weeks is so long when it's been nearly 5 months of this pain and standstill of my life. I need to move forward and I don't know if 6 more weeks of waiting will change anything here. I doubt if it'll get better on it's own - it hasn't yet, and I laid on the couch pretty much totally from week 6 or 7 to week 12. And even now I hardly do anything.
But I appreciate your support and your kind words. I'm keeping my hopes up that this is a correct diagnosis and something will turn my situation around so I can get on with life. I was so vibrant a person before all this. I want to get back to at least some of my former self - for my family, too.

So good of you to drop by with your encouragement, thanks again.