THR Day 1 surgery day

[cetch1]

Day 16
PT came and pulled out 32 staples! So much for having long legs. Only a couple of real ouchies; most pinches. We counted them out together which was kind of fun. Otherwise I continue to ice, do adl’s. Son made me omelette and French toast this morning. Mmmm

 

[FCBayern]

Sounds like a good day and a good son @cetch1!

 

[SnowyOwl]

Congrats on your recovery @cetch1! Hope all is well!

 

[cetch1]

Day 18
Warm enough to sit with a friend on the back porch. Had overnight guest which made things fun. My balance is very good; have been trying a few steps with the walker. Moving around in the kitchen with ease; make own meals. Sleeping ok except for very dry mouth- Biotene helps and staying away from acidy foods. Cut down on pain pills to 1/2 Oxy every 7 hours. Hope to try front porch stairs with PT next week. That way I can get out of the house and into a friends car and away!

 

[cetch1]

Meant to say tried a few steps with the cane

 

[Layla]

Hello @cetch1
You’re doing well! Having a friend over and spending time on the porch sounds like a good time. Engaging in life without the pain is certainly the goal. It seems you’re making great progress and I’m betting that outing in the car with a friend will be happening soon.
Best wishes for a great week!

 

[cetch1]

Day 20
Using the cane a little as tired of walker. Did raise the walker up a notch so I am not so bent over it. Have def more strength in op leg. PT lady comes around once a week but we don’t do much. She is very conscious that I might overdo which is prob a good notion in my case. I am sitting in various chairs and walking from one end of the house to another. I use ice in the chairs and always in bed. Anxious to have stairs PT so I can leave the house Today a girlfriend is coming over to help me with a full shower. Also new thing is that I can nap for awhile on my non op side. It feels great to do it and I ice my butt when I am doing it

 

[cetch1]

Day 22
Took a shower and washed my hair ( with help from a friend)! Feel so clean! This week really feeling more strength in op leg. 1000 intentional steps daily continued icing resting. 1/2 Oxy every 8 hours but can go 11-12 overnight. Still waiting on PT to do stairs. Cabin fever for sure!

 

[Layla]

Cabin fever does set in for sure. Hopefully you’re able to sit outside, if the weather cooperates, take in the sights, sounds and scent of of nature. Or even a car ride helps to feel like you’re part of civilization again.

Aah...those first few showers are so good! I think hubs had to push me in for my first. Not because I didn’t want one, but I was frightened I’d slip / fall. Took the walker right in our walk in shower for the first two showers until hubby said “No More” as he wiped up the floor....for a second time!

You’re doing so well! Feeling stronger and steadier, getting in steps, reducing meds. All good, just don’t overdo and land in the infamous ODIC (Over Did It Club) don’t want to see you stall your great progress.
Good luck with the steps as you begin practicing.
@cetch1

 

[cetch1]

Day 23
The stairs!!! Yay!! Went up and down and walked with cane over to the pool with the PT lady. Lots easier than I thought it would be. Will rest this afternoon although my adrenalin is still going!

 

[Layla]

Good for you! Steps do feel intimidating until you try them. I had to do them before discharge from my surgery site, then practiced them at home daily for awhile. Not as scary as I imagined. Good confidence builder also to know you can navigate them if necessary.
Have a nice weekend!
@cetch1

 

[cetch1]

Day 33
Doing better after shoulder/ neck strain. On cane 80% of time. 1/2 Oxy every 8-10 hours but often go longer. Neck/shoulder/arm issues limits mobility on assistive devices. Hip is doing well, getting stronger every day. Took my first upright shower this week by myself! Doing stairs and taking very small walk around yard, making and cleaning up after all meals. Today a friend is coming for my first car ride since op. Been cooped up in the house for 2 months!

 

[Layla]

Two months! Wow, that’s a long time. I’ll bet you’re going to enjoy getting out amongst the living again. I hope its a beautiful sunny day and you enjoy the car ride and the company.

It’s good to hear your shoulder / neck strain is easing, you mastered the shower, you’re navigating stairs, making meals / cleaning up afterward and seem to be doing well. Thanks for the update.
Happy Saturday to you
@cetch1

 

[cetch1]

One month @Layla not two/ my op was on 2/17/21. Yesterday was my first car outing on a glorious California afternoon. Riding out to a local lagoon birdwatching and then a wonderful lunch. 2 hour nap at home and a little sore today Wonderfully surprised at the strength in my hip/ no prob at all getting in and out of car or using cane for short ealk

 

[Layla]

I was referencing your comment about being cooped up in the house for two months. I apologize for not making myself clear on that.

It’s great to hear you enjoyed your outing! The activity of yesterday sounds lovely. I’m sure with some rest today and a little icing, if necessary, you’ll be feeling good by tomorrow.
Happy Sunday...hope it’s a peaceful one for you.
@cetch1

 

[Mojo333]

Yay for all the improvements... Job well done.
It will keep getting better and better

 

[cetch1]

Overdoing Club
Now a member... 76 degrees here today and both yesterday and today decided to go on my first butterfly photo hike. A friend held my camera both days until I was ready to shoot but 10 pounds is a lot of camera. Short 1/2 mile hike but too much for two days at 5 weeks. I’m sitting on my front porch icing and with Oxy , kicking myself for trying too much too early. Low back pain and sore hip area. Just had post op X-ray yesterday and all is well That was pre hike tho. Feels ok. No swelling. I walked with cane on hike but walk without anything at home

 

[djklaugh]

@cetch1 Don't be too hard on your self -- the ODIC has many many members I suspect you are at the transition period of recuperation - almost healed up, feeling better and more energetic, but still there is internal healing to do and more stamina to gain. Also walking even 1/2 mile over uneven ground can stress your new hip and the muscles around it. It does sound like lovely hikes though! Did you find some beautiful butterflies? Icing and elevating and resting should get you back on track

 

[Hippielife]

I would absolutely adore to see your pics of butterflies. we are having a heat wave in the PNW it 62 ...Haven’t see any butterflies yet and only a few bumblebees . The birds are out in full force.

Hummers are always territorial flying thru trees doing all their acrobatics ... so funny....got a few pics of them and butterflies from last year in my garden.

 

[AussieRodney]

@cetch1 At 1 month, I think you are doing remarkably well. Love your quip about the Overdoing Club.