THR Craftdee's Made It Through

[xtina16405]

Oh @craftdee i loved you doggie story. My beagle/border collie mixed dog was put to rest2 months ago. I so miss him. Nothing like puppy love or any animal love.

 

[craftdee]

@Hoppy Nanny... no not a fun day to look forward to, but you can't have fun EVERY day, lol. Thanks @LaxMom I did have a good day, went 'roo chasing - well not personally, the dog did, lol. We went for a long walk first, well over 1km (which is a long way on one crutch, I found) around a beautiful park, then we went to a bush area for Rocky - alas they're building houses out there, so a lot of the land's been cleared, he still enjoyed it though and we saw a couple of roos (though Rocky did a quick calculation and decided they were to far away to be bothered with and just stuck close to us)
Ah, @xtina16405 , it is so hard when we lose our furry friends. My last little dog, also a Jack Russel was with us until he was 15 years two months and two days old. I work from home, he was my little helper. The day he died we went for a walk in the morning, as always, when we returned he didn't want to go into his basket for his nap... he climbed onto my lap, licked my hand and died. I thought my heart would break, and I didn't think we would ever have another dog, why put yourself through that pain? but two years later my sons presented me with another Jack Russel puppy. Toby had been such a maniac, especially for the first ten years! I didn't think I could deal with it, but Rocky is just such a sweetie, it's like he knew he was an old crock's dog from the very beginning. In fact we have to beg him to go for a walk most of the time... the promise of 'roo chasing is the only thing that gets instant approval, oh that and dinner.
A beagle/collie cross must have made a really loyal friend. I hope your sadness at his loss passes soon, and if you decide to get another in future, unlikely as that feels now, I hope he is as sweet as my little Rocky

 

[craftdee]

... and then you get a slap
I had a great day yesterday, I had a big walk and I was tired, but certainly not exhausted. I ached a bit when I got into bed, but as much in my shoulders and upper back as in my operated leg (I get that a lot, I expect from the crutches, I seem to 'hunch' a bit when I use them and have to concentrate on 'dropping' my shoulders)
Then I went to bed. The nights are always much worse than the days (which are really pretty good) I know I'm going to be uncomfortable (still haven't really made the adjustment to sleeping on my back) and am trying to at least start the night with my leg flat as instructed by my OS. So I've set the scene.... I decided not to do my cryptic crossword (a more or less nightly ritual) and turned slightly towards my hubby on my operated leg to kiss him goodnight. Ow, that's a bit sore, not TOO bad, fraction of an inch more absolute AGONY. I was still on the back of my leg, sort of between the back and side of it. It was a definite 10, the worst pain I've ever had... a sort of multifaceted pain; a deep pressing/tugging pain and (not in exactly the same place) a feeling of being stabbed deep in my leg. It made me scream out, which I've never done not even with the two kidney stones or 9lb baby I've had... and it was terrifying. I just want to know if everyone who's had Posterior Approach gets this pain when laying on their operated side - I know it's different for Anterior Approach.
It set me up for a terrible night; I had to ice just about all night (I haven't iced at all at night for ten days) it's frightened me and it's depressed me; I can't roll onto my good leg for another three weeks at least (and even then not without the pillow palaver) and now I know I can't roll onto my operated leg so I'm stuck with spending my nights trapped on my back
I know this journey is a rollercoaster and I'm on the "down" side (or is that the right analogy, surely I'm at the bottom and can just see this huge hill in front of me.... whatever, you know what I mean!) and I'm "just having a bad day" but it feels soul destroying.
I'm out of bed now, I've had my brekkie and hubby is unexpectedly home so that's a huge bonus. I've got to go and "tackle the tax" (no rest for the wicked) so I'll have my shower, square my shoulders and get on with it. If I'm still feeling rubbish later I'll do the ironing, well you may as well do something you hate and be justified feeling sorry for yourself

 

[MajorHeidi]

Oh you brought me to tears about your departed Jack Russell.....
I so love my dogs, and my dogs that are now gone.

You are doing great!
I have to laugh at the doggie throw up episode. My two dogs do this probably once every two weeks.
Grrrr.
DH had to do that cleaning for awhile... Ha!

But the ironing! Really?? EEEK. Funny, I have NOT ironed in 20 plus years. I still have the iron, but keep it more for the antique aspect of it all... hahaha

 

[craftdee]

@MajorHeidi , I love that... keeping your iron as an antique artifact My mum LOVES ironing, sadly not one of the genes I inherited when we go away I have to either a) hide the ironing or b) gasp, DO the ironing, so she doesn't get to it while we're gone. When we get back she always makes me feel bad for not leaving her any, but I still just CAN'T ... that IS a gene I inherited from her, so you'd think she'd understand!
I wish we could be more like dogs in a way, they just barf, feel better and never feel guilty ... what a gift!

 

[Hoppy Nanny]

Yup, I got that pain too @craftdee....I couldn't sleep on my operated side until about 9 months post op OR my unoperated side...don't know whether it was cos I'm a bit of a wuss & worry freak but my body just wouldn't let me do it sooner! Have to say got so used to sleeping on my back & still do sometimes. I had posterior approach.....!!
This is a roller coaster ride for sure...but although it takes time it's euphoric when you reach the top!!
Hope you feel better during the day today.......step away from the ironing!! Xxx


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[craftdee]

Thanks @Hoppy Nanny, I did feel better in the day - the days are always better than the nights anyway. I know it's more of a problem for us "Posteriors" (sleeping generally, rolling onto the operated side particularly), it didn't sound too much of a deal BEFORE surgery - but it sure feels different livin' it, I won't be game to try laying on that side for a good long while I can tell ya... maybe I'll get used to sleeping on my back (yeah, right!)
I guess I'll just plod on waiting for that euphoria
And your last comment really made me smile... you're right, nothing is so bad that you have to resort to the ironing
Hope you have a lovely day:cool:

 

[Hoppy Nanny]

You will get used to sleeping on your back!! They say it only takes 21 times to make something into a habit....you must nearly be there by now!


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[craftdee]

I'm still on a bit of a "downer". Nothing's really changed, so I don't know why I'm feeling so flat. Maybe because nothing's changed?! I got the yits last evening and said to hubby I hope I start feeling this op was worth it soon, because at this stage I'm not feeling it; I feel more disabled, I'm sleeping worse, medicating more, aching more and feeling more beaten than I have for ages. I feel like I had some sort of deal with my pre-op hip, I didn't ask too much of it and it left me alone. Now I can't lay down without discomfort, can't roll over in either direction (one way hurts too much the other way's not allowed), can't bend over (not allowed anyway), can't sit without a whole great performance about angles and wedge cushions, make sure you don't cross those ankles too - dislocation is only a heartbeat away and it's agony and all this inconvenience starts again!, I can't walk without a crutch, can't walk any real distance anyway without feeling exhausted and having sore shoulders. At this point I HATE!!!!!!!!!! this new hip, the "answer to all my problems" why did I do it?????????????????????????
Not only am I no use to myself I'm no use to anyone else either; My mum has to go in to hospital next week for an Angiogram and I can't drive her there... I've got to leave it up to my 85 year old dad, who will have to stay there until someone can take me up so I can accompany him home as he rely's on my Mum for directions,. I really thought I'd be up to driving by then... four and a half weeks but it sure doesn't feel like it at this point.
Don't bother replying to this anyone, I know "it will all get better" the same way as it was "the answer to all my problems"

 

[Hoppy Nanny]

Well...you've really hit those post op blues @craftdee!!

Hop over to @CivicAngel. She's feeling exactly like you! Exactly like everyone feels.....one day you feel great that you got through the op..thanking God & science & everyone that we've come this far to get a new hip......the next day hating everyone & everything about having this ' new hip' because you still feel ' disabled & can't do everything it promised.

Your body & soul has been through trauma .....it takes time & oh so much patience ....it's a THR roller coaster .....but you are very early days yet...I drove at 8 weeks ( after being released by the OS) it was great! Not too long in the grand scheme of things. Hope you have a better day today x


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[craftdee]

Back on the road to "up" today. I still slept poorly, waking up aching but felt less resentful (if that's the right word, and of what I'm not entirely sure!) I had a go on the treadmill yesterday afternoon, and it was more successful than I was expecting, giving me an opportunity to stretch my stride which felt good. I also got on the stationary bike, after a mammoth effort, it felt good too, but five minutes on no resistance was enough... then I couldn't get off the thing! It felt unsafe whichever way I tried, either straight out dangerous or at least breaking restrictions. I sat there for a few minutes thinking of how to deal with hubby's wrath when he came home and found me still perched on the bike. I worked it out in the end, and I won't be going near the thing again until I work out a safe way to get on AND off it!
I've been using only one crutch for a few days, and started using a cane yesterday. I also find myself getting about without anything quite a bit, though only from bedroom to ensuite or family room to kitchen, it's far from perfect gait-wise but I do "practice" my gait regularly and it is improving. My OS was very surprised at how well I walked before my op for the level of damage to the joint, he did get me on a very good day, lol. I'm sure that's why I'm not aching so much, using the crutches less... in fact today is the best day I've had for overall soreness since the op. I've been busy enough, did my PT, made the bed and the usual tidying up, did some more washing, folding etc, some paperwork, swept the floor, went to the shops and did the grocery shopping, but I hardly ached all day I had a massage when we were out.... a proper lay-on-my-tummy-for-50 minutes back and leg massage - it was heaven! The masseuse was very good at handling the leg, and considerate of my limitations re getting on and off the table (which actually wasn't hard as it was the perfect height for sort of just leaning onto and lifting my legs, without compromising my restrictions. I was going to have a pedicure (especially as I caught my big toenail on the treadmill and scagged it badly, can't reach it to file it... restrictions... but that can be a treat for another day
Our next door neighbour's daughter has her Valedictory dinner tomorrow evening and they've just informed us they are having an "after party" at their place... their entertainment area is right next to our bedroom and this party STARTS at 11pm going to 3.30am We've decided to decamp, we're going to a hotel for the night, we've chosen one not too far from home that has great eateries nearby for dinner and we may even go to the movies, carting my wedge pillow round to that lot might take some of the pleasure out of it, we'll see.
Interestingly one of my favourite craft shops is located very nearby, we'll practically drive past on our way home Saturday morning - be rude not to call in really, wouldn't it?
I'm off to bed now, maybe TONIGHT's the night for six hours unbroken sleep, you can but hope. Night night or have a good day Bonesmarties,
Donna

 

[xtina16405]

Glad you are on your way "up". The pain you have now cannot be as bad as the pain before surgery? I have the pain but I will take this pain vs bone on bone pain. My new pain is my left shoulder upper back and neck from the cane. I am working on relaxing when walking. I iced it today with the hip to see if that helps.

I think it's amazing that we have up days and down days and how we need so much rest after a good day. I think that is the frustrating part.

Glad you got to go to park with puppy. Glad you got a massage. Aaahhhh. How great that would be. I am afraid to do the yet. Glad you are beginning to feel better. You are doing great.

 

[craftdee]

Hi @xtina16405 Oh NO, the pain isn't anywhere as fierce as that bone on bone pain pre-op (I used to call it lightning!) It's not even that dull gnawing that seemed to be there all the time pre-op, but it is overall soreness... like you're coming down with the flu, or you've moved a thousand bricks in a day (did that once, took a week to recover, should have just taken the week to move the bricks) It's been much better the last two days, but was quite debilitating while it lasted, relentless - no way of getting away from it. I've got a bit of "throbbing" in my leg today, but my shoulders, back, other leg and arms are ache-free... touch wood and whistle!
Generally the stiffness improves through the day, which is what makes me think it's related to the very restricted sleeping position that I've had to adopt - @Hoppy Nanny says it only takes 21 days for something to become a habit... I must be a slow learner
I do think that the crutches contribute too, I found that if I used the crutch (or even the cane, though that's better) a lot the pain was worse in my shoulder, neck and upper back like you; icing does seem to help, though getting the ice pack onto your upper back and shoulder is a feat in itself
You're right about the up and down days being pretty much universally felt after this op, it's amazing that it's a "symptom" really, and I still am amazed at how zonked I feel - especially after a good day; you sort of expect to feel tired, exhausted even, after a bad day, but when you're feeling pretty good and thirty seconds later you HAVE to rest it's disconcerting to say the least
I recommend the massage. We have a massage every week, it is our little treat - we don't smoke, drink very little, are real home bodies so spend very little on entertainment and have found this to be a real stress reliever for both of us. I've had a neck and shoulder massage and reflexology weekly since week one post op, and it was nice - definitely helped, and I didn't feel "able" to lay on the table face down for any length of time until this week. Hubby was still unsure, I think he was mainly worried that if I couldn't last the distance he'd have to interrupt his massage to come and help me get off the table. Getting on and off the table was easy, it was a great height to just sort of roll onto without breaking any of my restrictions. I "lasted" just fine, really relaxed into it, I pointed out the area I needed the masseuse to avoid she was excellent! she did a lighter massage on the calf of the operated leg, really light massage on my glutes (feather touch, but gee it felt good!) and practically skipped the scar area altogether... she did the usual "hold your breath" firm massage on my "good" side, which you don't feel the benefit of until the next day - which I am. It was another step towards "normal" too, I suppose that's one of the side benefits. So feel free to think of me as your trailblazer, and go for it (I see you had Posterior Approach, so I presume you have restrictions, if you decide on the reflexology and/or neck massage, don't forget your wedge cushion!)
Well I'm off to get stuff done before the big Hotel Adventure... actually the hotel we're going to is about 20 minutes away, literally around the corner from the hospital I had my op in. It's like I've got a "homing hip"
I'll be back later, checking out what my Bone Buddies are up to... first thing I checked; does this hotel have WiFi!!

 

[Hoppy Nanny]

Enjoy your 'Hotel Adventure @craftdee.....loving the sound of a weekly massage...might have to look into that! X


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[craftdee]

Just checking in. Had a good night at the hotel, I was shattered by the time we got to bed though... that energy drain came and gave me a wake up call No pain though. I slept for nearly five and a half hours, way better than I've managed so far, but I must confess I started on my side (with a pillow) and didn't turn on to my back as required until I woke up I presume a good few hours in, me bad... but oh it was nice to be rested.
Interesting few minutes for hubby when he was wrangling the toilet raiser up to the room, really did give us a giggle.
I'm off to bed now
Warm Wishes

 

[PhatTxDiva]

@craftdee Glad you sleep went better last night. Don't blame you for bugging out to the hotel. Party noise can be so irritating. I can listen to rain, thunder, white noise machines, traffic noise, random TV, but party noise just pushes a button for some reason.

Good night.

 

[craftdee]

It's a beautiful day here, spring has sprung:cool: but at least it's not too hot yet. I finally got around to booking my Physio... she's coming to the house on Thursday. I liked her when I spoke to her on the phone, I explained that I feel I'm progressing well and asked her to be honest as to whether she felt there was benefit in me having a session with her; obtusely the reason I'm having the session is that she said that if it were a TKR, definitely there would be benefit, but in THR it's not so important. So I feel like she's not "pushing an agenda" as it were. I want her to check my gait, she has suggested adding some exercises to my regimen - as much as for variety as anything else - if I want to, and I'm going to see what she can do about the ache/soreness in my Quads/some other muscle that sounded like laterilas
I slept pretty well, better than I have been and most of that on my back still achy for the first hour up though. I do have a shower, which I clean with a squeegy (not easy when observing restrictions), get dressed, make the bed and get breakfast in that first hour, before medicating so I suppose that could account for the achy lasting the hour
Had a lovely day yesterday, went to my son and DILs for lunch. It was a nice day so we spent some time in the garden with the twins, who are so cute right now (18 months) I was tired when we got home, but I knew why so it wasn't as distressing as that out-of-nowhere energy drain. My hip wasn't too swollen either, and not sore at all... though my hip hasn't been sore for weeks really
I've been busy today too, in the garden! I planted some cuttings from a frangipani tree that have been sitting since before my op; the reticulation is not sorted yet from the garden renovation I so thoughtlessly interrupted with a THR, so I just scraped a bit of a hole in a flower bed, propped up the cuttings (they're a couple of feet high, so it wasn't THAT easy) filled it in and flooded it. Then I hand watered the WHOLE back garden, took an hour, skimmed the pool... came in for a rest!
I've hung out some washing, got to go and get that in and hang out some more, and then I'm going to get dinner ready... it's the first real dinner I've made since pre-op so I'm giving myself plenty of time.
I'm using the cane all the time now, when I use anything. Even without the cane I'm really stable and my gait has improved a lot since last week. I'm keeping the crutch by the bed so when (no, not if, definitely when) I have to get up to go to the loo I feel safer, as I get stiff in the night and don't feel so steady on the cane.
Hope you're all doin' good

 

[PhatTxDiva]

Hi @Craft Dee! *waves* Sounds like you had a fabulous time. Glad to hear it.

Perhaps I can crash your place now so I can enjoy Spring instead of Winter!!!! Winter is definitely my least favorite season.


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[craftdee]

Ah, @PhatTxDiva , you can come crash... maybe a tad too far though As I often say "every silver lining has it's cloud" ;-) Winter in Perth is really mild so I don't mind it at all.... but SUMMER is HOTTTTT. I used to like it when I was young, but now I'm like an air conditioning seeking missile though we've put another pool in (not a second one, lol, but replaced the one we took out twelve years ago) so this summer will be better... got grandkids this year so it'll get used big time
My favourite season is autumn, not that it's that spectacular here (we have what's described as a Mediterranean Climate, we're on the Western side of the continent and have hot dry summers and cool wet winters, and not much of a spring -though we are the wildflower State- and less autumn!) I think the lesson is we always want (at least a little of) what we don't have
.... and chocolate is so much more "winter" tooso just think of it that way
Have a good one :cool:

 

[MajorHeidi]

@craftdee Wow your day was busy and packed with activities. It sounded good!
I hope your physio appt will be good for you; I would think that helping on your gait could definitely be done.....