THR Colette’s Recovery Thread

[Layla]

A belated Happy Two Month Anniversary!
I hope you’re doing well and adjusting to your return to work. Please update as time allows, we love following progress.
A great week to you.
@Colette

 

[Colette]

My three month anniversary is coming up on Sunday. I’ve been so very busy but thought I should post an update to mark the occasion. I’m doing really great and most of the time forget I had the surgery last December or was injured 4 years ago. I’m completely off pain killers. I have walked up to 4.5 miles but managed to do that 4 days in a row last weekend (incl the Thursday). Now trying to lose the extra weight I’ve put on over the last 4 years which is a total of 10kgs but has shot up in particular since last October (+5kg). There is still some weakness in the leg muscles as would be expected after 2 years of not being able to straighten up and the op. Couldn’t be happier; some nicer weather would be good but I guess that’s just a matter of time with spring due here in the UK.

All this seems like magic when I think back only a year when I was in constant pain, couldn’t straighten the joint or walk even a few hundred metres without my sticks. The remaining challenge is fitting in sufficient exercise time in the day at a time when I’m not too tired. The phased return to work did not happen and I started working full-time straightaway. That was initially very tiring but is getting better now. Work have bought me a stand-sit desk for home which was delivered yesterday and already makes a big difference.

 

[djklaugh]

@Colette What a wonderful update! Thanks for letting us know that you are doing so well

 

[Layla]

@Colette
You’re doing great! Thanks for sharing. It’s an encouragement to those following behind you to see the difference a few months can make. Good to hear you’re adjusting to being back at work and the fatigue is easing. Wishing you all the best and hope you feel stronger and steadier with each passing week.
Happy Three Month Anniversary a few days early.

 

[Colette]

I did my first pilates class (online of course) today. It went so well, I almost can’t believe it. I never thought I would ever be able to do Pilates to that level again. I’m so pleased.

 

[Colette]

Today, I have been officially discharged by the physio. Been walking 7 miles at the weekend and doing well on my crosstrainer and rowing machine. So far no setbacks, fingers crossed. I feel very lucky.

 

[Colette]

Coming up to my six month anniversary and I’ve had a bit of a set back; not sure whether it is the hip or the SI joint / iliopsoas muscle that’s causing the pain. But I should start at the beginning. Three weeks ago I missed the bottom step on my stairs and stepped down pretty hard on my operated leg. It really hurt at about an 8/10 for roughly half an hour. Initially, that seemed to have been resolved but looking back I am not sure It wasn’t the start.

After that I had two weeks of seriously mad stress levels at work and at home which triggered my anxiety and also resulted in me sitting at my desk for far too long and not exercising. So when I got up from my desk after a long work day on Wednesday 26 May, my lower back went into complete spasm. This was not the first time this has happened but its a 3-4 yearly occurrence usually linked to anxiety. So I made a physio appointment and restarted anxiety meds and got a couple of diazepam to get rid of the spasm from my GP. I was walking upright again a few days later.

I am now left with pain at the front of my thighs, groin pain and buttock pain, mostly on the operated side but also on the left. It’s painful to put weight on the operated leg and I am rather wobbly. I’ve started limping again a little sometimes, although I seem to be able to walk that off. I also get pain under the foot and my lower back is still painful but less so. The soft tissue of my thigh is tender when I’m lying on the floor but I can still sleep comfortably on the operated side. I’m icing a lot and gently stretching. I’ve also decided to restrict walking for now.

I am seeing my surgeon for my 6 month checkup and an x-ray on Wednesday, so all is covered. However, I’m feeling so worried that the implant is loose because I’ve damaged the femur when I missed the step. The weight-bearing pain in particular worries me. So I thought I write it all down and see whether anybody had a similar experience or can give any advice. I also searched the threads. I keep telling myself that my recovery so far has been exceptionally positive, so it seems unlikely that something untoward has been going on unbeknownst to me.

 

[Jaycey]

Sounds like quite a jarring misstep @Colette . That coupled with spinal issues! I'm glad you are seeing your surgeon this week. I doubt you have done anything to that new hip but it will be good to confirm all is well.

Please update us after your appointment.