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THR Chappyd's recovery story

Taking it pretty easy today. I did go to the store with my wife, just a small garden type place close by. I was really humbled by how far I have yet to go. I mean, I can get around ok, but there is still a lot I can't do. Getting into the truck was pretty easy, just about the right height but had to move the seat all the way back and recline a bit. Once at the store, I'm the guy with a cane. Walked around for about 10 minutes and it was enough. Feels funny going out dressed in sweat pants, but that's all I got for now, lol. Nice day here today, got some sun in on the deck, and will take my stroll to the mailbox in a bit, then maybe a little puttering around the house. Have some dinner and hit up the recliner with some ice. My Dr. sent a video on the app he has his patients use, "when can I start driving?". Looks like around the 4 week mark for me with the right leg, they say 2-3 if it's your left leg.I went out to my truck to get something and when I opened the drivers door, it just looked like it would be such an impossible thing to even get in on that side!
 
It does seem like a challenge to do "normal" things initially and it really is just that, a challenge. I also had to put the seat back in my SUV and recline it so I could actually get inside. The first couple of times it was difficult and I was still maneuvering my walker at the same time. It's just like your first walk down the driveway @Chappyd , slow at first and then you get it. I will say that in reality no one in the store cares if your wearing sweat pants and using a walker or cane. I was self-conscious at first and it lasted about one nano second! What matters is that you're out and about and doing great with your recovery!
 
Hi @Chappyd :wave:
You're doing exceptionally well.
As far as driving goes, like you, I experienced Right THR and was released to drive at three weeks, which is not unusual. The number one consideration is that you're off the heavy narcotics.
I'm sure you'll be released to drive at your follow up next week. :driver:
Enjoy the weekend!
 
My doctor could have cared less when I started driving with my left hip. This time he was very dramatic with my right and said not until 6 weeks!!! He then went into a long tirade about how his wife just had an accident (no surgery involved!) and having the insurance company all over his you-know-what. Uh seriously doc, this visit is about ME? Just my luck, my hubs adores my OS so of course his word was gospel..........:tantrum::gaah:
 
Chappyd said:
They took a x-ray right after surgery, but at my follow up next week if they do another one I want a picture!
Click to expand...

My notes for my follow up next week include "ask for all possible imagery". I intend to bore everybody to death with this surgery for years!

@Layla but driving on heavy narcotics is so much fun!
 
Layla said:
Hi @Chappyd :wave:
You're doing exceptionally well.
As far as driving goes, like you, I experienced Right THR and was released to drive at three weeks, which is not unusual. The number one consideration is that you're off the heavy narcotics.
I'm sure you'll be released to drive at your follow up next week. :driver:
Enjoy the weekend!
Click to expand...
Thanks!
I'm not in any real hurry. If my boss finds out I'm driving, he'll be after me to come back. The Dr. says 6-8 weeks no matter when I start driving, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! (plus it's true)
 
59billy said:
My notes for my follow up next week include "ask for all possible imagery". I intend to bore everybody to death with this surgery for years!

@Layla but driving on heavy narcotics is so much fun!
Click to expand...

Nothing like a picture to go with the story! I think I got gypped on the narcotics, only had them for 6 days.
Vroom vroom :driver:
 
So today is a big day- I'm going grocery shopping with my wife in about an hour. that should be a pretty good walk about. I'll drive the cart as usual. Before my wife let me go with her to the store the other day I had to get the OK from my PT! I guess I'm cleared to be the passenger now, lol.:spin:
 
SE Florida said:
Hi @Chappyd How did your grocery shopping go yesterday? Hope you enjoyed your weekend!
Click to expand...
Ha, after about an hour of walking around I was ready to come home. Although before the surgery, by that time my hip would be hurting and my patience would be wearing thin, so it is improved already! Today we went to a open house for Birds of prey. Kinda cool, got to see a bald eagle up close. My wife wanted to go and a friend of mine volunteers there. It wasn't too much walking, it's a small place. Then a trip to home depot on the way home to pick up a few things, then it was a bunch of rest for me. It is still very humbling how much you take for granted just being able to get out and do things.

Don't worry Pooch, it won't be too long now...:dogwalk:
 
It sounds like a good trip @Chappyd and the Birds of Prey exhibit sounds amazing too. It's rare to be able to see something like that. Our recovery does make us humble. I know I look at people struggling just getting in and out of their car in a whole new light. It looks like tomorrow is your 2 week anniversary!!!! Keep up the good work! :yes!: :happydance:
 
Doing pretty good still. My Dr gave me some new exercises, and I think one of them and I didn't get along. Something called"bridges". You lay on the bed feet up under your knees and arch your hips up. So I've been taking it easy, though I did go up the driveway 3 times and once around the house outside. It was a pretty nice day here, and the rest of the week is supposed to be cool and wet.
Tomorrow I go see the PA, my first follow up with them. Looking forward to that, and hopefully get some pictures. I can't help it, I find the whole operation fascinating from a mechanical engineering standpoint! :ice:
 
Bridges are brutal. Powerlifters and wrestlers do them as a supplemental exercise to strengthen the hips. Its a great exercise but I currently have no urge to do them.

I'm with you on the engineering aspect. The whole process is just so... cool!
 
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I'm also not liking bridges...unhelpful, in my opinion, especially these early days.
Lots of healing still happening.
I loved my first follow up and xrays.
I framed mine (very amateurish job) to keep me mindful as mine always felt very natural.
 

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