THR Cassidy's hopalong recovery<

[Cassidy]

It hadn't even occurred to me that there might be a no bath/swimming pool for 3 months; I keep reading here about return to swimming once the wound has healed, i.e. after a few weeks. I don't know what my OS view on the matter is. I'm so keen to avoid infection, though, that I'll go with 3 months if that's advisable. After all, in comparison with 6 weeks of the Tweedledum stockings, no swimming restrictions can compare.

I must admit, @Bone-obo, that I feel less than friendly towards my boss's two shining examples of hip replacement perfection. I do wonder, though, if he's got his timescale right - he's not too good with dates!! I won't be browbeaten, though, as I think he needs me more than I need him - a good position to be in (even if it's at a more than 90 degree stance on a non-swivel chair!).

 

[An54]

[QUOTE="Cassidy, post: 1181739, member: 28499]

Much as I love reading other people's experiences, though, I'm getting a bit spooked by the number of people needing revision surgery - is this really common, or is just that we like to air our problems on here for advice - which I'm by no means criticising, and fully understand since the people on here are so understanding, informative and sympathetic - but I'm hyper aware of potential problems. It's easier to take the bad experiences on board and overlook the good ones. I suppose I've always been a bit of a what if type of person, and there are so many variables in this game!




I would imagine these forums are generally skewed towards the more problematical and complicated cases; those who made a rapid recovery are up and getting on with things, and probably not posting as much on the forums. That would be rich; can you imagine continually reading posted updates like “ yep— another great day! No pain! All better— going dancing tonight “ ; Bone-Obo would be getting together a posse to take the offender out!

 

[Cassidy]

I suspect you're right @An54. You sound as though you're doing all right so far. I was going to say that you're close behind me, but actually it's not that close - it's amazing how quickly my first 12 days have gone! I'll be keeping an eye on both you and @Quiltmom.

 

[Cassidy]

Because my bad hip wasn't caused by OA, but by an undiagnosed bone infection, I was told that my other hip looked as expected for my age, and shouldn't need replacing any time soon. Whilst I (more than) greatly admire those who face a second/double replacement with such equanimity (whilst not doubting their underlying anxiety), I would obviously like to avoid it for myself - I'm happy to admit that I'm a wimp!! Because my other hip is good, I've started resorting to the golfer's lift quite a bit; in fact, I don't put any weight at all on the op leg, just reach it out behind me. I'm now wondering if this is doing my good hip any good! Did others of you use your other leg wihout any ill effect? I wish I didn't keep finding new things to worry my little head about!!

 

[Jaycey]

In my experience there is nothing you can do to avoid the other hip going. If it goes - it goes. Thank goodness it can be replaced and you won't have to live with hip pain.

THR is all about living again. Please don't worry about what the future holds. Enjoy that new hip!

 

[Mojo333]

Good morning Cassidy
(for me) First cup of coffee and first posts to make me smile!
No getting drunk and walking through freshly plowed fields...check!
Will see if we should get that added to recovery guidelines.
I also did no swimming..though I love it... the first few months...not instructed thusly, just an overabundance of caution on my part.
Wanted that incision closed up tight as could be.
You have such a wonderful wit...I hardly noticed before with all your consternation leading up to surgery.
I am SO happy you sound well.
Hope today is a Good Day

 

[Mojo333]

Don't blame you one bit for ditching those sausage casings.
Sounds like they are causing more harm than good...of course with the disclaimer that you should follow medical advice...my legs moved about as they didn't like to be still, and after a week of torture...mine conveniently got lost two days before follow up with OS.
He never said anything about me ditching them, and I didn't either.
I didn't had any high risk factors AND did my ankle pumps when sitting for long periods...anyway, I do hope they will let you out of them sooner than later!

 

[Cassidy]

I know what you mean about the legs moving @Mojo333 - my legs almost feel as if they're twitching sometimes - and the sort of ants in the pants from the stockings .... I never wear tights, stockings or socks in my "real" life, so to be put in the most extreme form of hosiery is almost adding insult to injury! My nice brown legs are slowing paling to match the virginal whiteness of the stockings! I'll soon have legs like pipe cleaners!

Joking aside, apart from the occasional ache in my knee (which I know is referred pain from the hip), I'm really not in too much discomfort from the op apart from the stockings, so I suppose I shouldn't complain. I've cut out pain relief now, and it's tolerable with regular icing. I shouldn't speak too soon, but I think I've been very lucky so far. When I had the original infection in my acetabulum I experienced real pain, so I suppose it's all relative. Fingers crossed I won't ever go back to that again, which makes me all the more sympathetic towards those going through infection now.

 

[Mojo333]

for you also.
I think pre-surgery , you worried all the bad mojo away...leaving you nothing but good times ahead!

We will have you a compression stocking burning celebration!
I also had a fair amount of hypersensitivity for first months which probably doesn't help.
I could feel a small fold in a sheet or a tiny knot in fabric and it would annoy my already twitchy legs.
Thank goodness for recovery in summer...don't know that I could've stood all the clothes and blankets.
All temporary!
Hope your day is sweet!

 

[Layla]

I've been reading about your dreadful socks elsewhere.
Can you call and ask for early release....telling them you've served your time.
At least graduate to knee length. I'm annoyed by your socks and they aren't even my socks
Creases and irritation at the top of your thighs sounds awful. I feel for you @Cassidy
It is worth a try...you may be pleasantly surprised.
Hope you have a nice weekend!

 

[Apricot]

Do try. Remember The medical mantra - ‘Do no harm’. I imagine the Ward would be the place to enquire.

 

[Cassidy]

Thank you for all your inputs regarding TEDs. I think I'd better lay the subject to rest now, before it gets really boring! I do understand the reasoning behind wearing them, even though there are such different views on their efficacy - it's just ironic that the one non-sock/tight wearing female should be asked to wear oversize, thick, hot stockings during the hottest English summer for years. Somebody's having a laugh!

If they are the worst I have to face on this long, arduous journey called hip replacement, then I should be truly grateful.

The word "stockings" will not pass my lips again!!

 

[Cassidy]

At the moment I'm still sleeping on my back, and expect to for some weeks to come, but my husband thinks I should be ordering a knee pillow for when I can venture onto my side. Would those of you with experience please advise whether I'd be better off using standard pillows, a specially purchased abductor pillow or a long body pillow. I'm a very light sleeper and wonder whether the rather rigid abductor pillow would make me feel trapped, but I don't want to be worrying whether my leg might escape the ordinary pillows whilst I'm sleeping (assuming I rediscover such iuxury!). I read somebody suggesting a long body pillow, but somebody else commenting that it got very hot. Suggestions, please?! Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Bchbum4evr]

the rather rigid abductor pillow would make me feel trapped

I was thrilled to not have TEDS but am being made to wear an abductor pillow at night. Mine is not hard sided but hard foam and I LOATHE it. In fact I asked on my recovery thread if it was overkill. Our knowledgeable Josephine ensured that I at 5 days post op should wear it, and in a few weeks change to a pillow.

Good luck!

 

[Cassidy]

Thanks @Bchbum4evr - I think you're confirming what I suspected. If I'm not careful I'll go from one prison to another! Does anyone know if there's a softer, less rigid version of the pillow that keeps the top leg from flopping over the bottom, without feeling like a mediaeval instrument of torture?!

 

[Apricot]

Sisseluk.com have a pillow for between the legs. Don’t know if this is the type you are thinking of?

 

[Cassidy]

Thanks @Apricot, yes, that's exactly what I was thinking of. Can anybody say if it's actually comfortable to sleep with? I can get lying like that and reading, but I wonder if it's a bit rigid for actually relaxing enough to sleep. On the other hand you wouldn't have to worry about accidentally crossing the legs!!

I was getting ready for bed last night, and didn't feel as though I did any strange moves, but I had a sudden sharp pain in my buttock and down my leg, and it throbbed for a few minutes after in bed. Of course, I lay awake for an hour or so thinking of emerging infection, fractured femurs, loosened stems - I'm hoping it was just a muscle catching or something. It seems to have settled down this morning. I'm not expecting no pain - there's usually a niggling something going on - but this was the sharpest pain I've had since pre-op. It's sad how my sub-conscious is obviously worrying about all the complications that could arise.

 

[Mojo333]

There can be strange pains when moving something differently ...try not to stress too much on it.
Such early days.
I used a regular pillow...@Layla I believe used a body pillow.
All will keep improving Cassidy.
You are getting through the rough stuff!
Hope today is a better day!

 

[Apricot]

you could ring the ladies up they are pretty yorkshire down to earth and won't try to sell anything to you. They would tell you what it is like. If you want that type it will be cheapest from them I think. Sissell is highly respected in the Pilates and therapy world.

 

[An54]

Sisseluk.com have a pillow for between the legs. Donkt know if this is the type you are thinking of?

I tried one of these once, pre-surgery, and it was horrible. The weight of the upper leg is concentrated on the area of the smallish cushion , and ( for me) it felt like a form of torture. I think it’s best if the weight of the leg is distributed evenly along a long soft pillow or something like that. I have a thick fluffy mattress pad, or “topper”, and roll that up —or rather husband rolls or folds it up —into the right shape or thickness for the activity, whether sleeping or sitting up “ recliner style”. I am embedded on our soft living room sofa, lying on a layer of soft cushions, and I was even able to sleep on my side last night ( day 4) for three hours with the use of the folded mattress-topper positioned like a long soft buffer wall between my legs .