THR Deep Breath Reporting for Recovery Duty

[DeepBreath]

@Hip Hip Hooray! Oh my goodness, when I think about how things used to be, medically speaking, it gives me the willies. We definitely live in a miraculous age.
Have a terrific weekend, friend.

@Hipster Girl, errr...busted. Instead of one of the freezer meals, we indulged in Arby's. I love me a good turkey reuben!
I'm pleased with how well my hands are healing. I have to be careful about possibly poking or cutting myself, but they're healing nicely.
Very true about the steps forward and backward. We wouldn't appreciate the forward steps as much without the backward steps to remind us of our blessings, I think.
Have a great weekend!

 

[Southernbelle]

So glad to hear you are doing better @DeepBreath! Like you all, I'm so grateful that there is a place where people truly "get it"! There is so much more involved in this recovery than I expected. Sounds like you had a cheerful day preparing Christmas packages. I love this time of the year! Does your daughter live in Germany permanently or temp? Such a lovely country!

I'm doing well. Michael went back to California on Tues. and that hit kinda hard. I was suddenly the only one to do everything and by yesterday, the sink was full of pots and pans and I wasn't sure which end was up! I even let a sweet friend pick Lila up and keep her for a few days. We are having problems with the invisible fence, as well as a physical fence in the backyard, so we've had to put her on a leash and walk her and it got to be more than I could easily manage by myself. Although she's very happy and enjoying the company of a darling little 2 1/2 lb malti-poo, the house is now TOO empty. Michael will be back on the 20th for Christmas. I should surely be walking and driving and a "new woman" by then, right? No particular plans for the holidays, just being here and enjoying time with friends. I'll do some baking, but keep it simple this year. I meant to mention that I have had very much the same experience as you did with the Food Network back when Ina Garten and her proteges gave us the opportunity to expand our cooking horizons (she's my favorite as well!). I so related to your experience! Suddenly, my Southern roots had a chance to explore new horizons with food! It was great fun, wasn't it?

Well, I've rambled enough. I hope your hands continue to heal. It sounds like the antibiotic ointment at night is making a difference. Also glad to hear that you are going to explore the cause of that. I have a couple of drug allergies, but never had that particular reaction and it doesn't sound at all pleasant. I'm sure it's also taking a toll on your body. Rest, rest, rest, and ice!

 

[Hipster Girl]

@DeepBreath oh yes, the turkey at Arby's is very good. There is also a pumpkin cheesecake shake that I'm seeing advertised that looks like it might be worth a visit!

 

[Hip Hip Hooray!]

Hi @DeepBreath, I chuckled when you said that you got Arby's. That's so funny! Sometimes we get a yen for certain kinds of foods.

It's weird, I remember watching some old war movie when I was a little girl. The soldier was having his leg amputated, and it was horrible. It really upset me. It's like a part of me knew I was going to have to go through the same thing someday. The circumstances are so much better now. Back then they just had booze. Ugh.

Glad you are enjoying good food and good times!

 

[DeepBreath]

@Southernbelle, I'm loving the Peanuts avatar! So cute!
Sending *hugs* for your empty home now that Michael has gone back to CA. It sounded like you had such a fabulous visit with him, so I'm sure his absence is being keenly felt. I'm so glad he'll be back out to celebrate Christmas with you.
While I know you miss Lila as well, I think it was a really sound idea to simplify things for yourself as much as possible while you get the hang of navigating things on your own. We want the best for our fur babies and it's stressful if we feel we can't provide for them as we'd like to. I hope she has a great time with her little malti-poo buddy.
I'm directing good vibes out that you will soon be walking, driving, and feeling like a new woman! It will happen in its own time. Just take good care of YOU.
Regarding my daughter living in Germany; it remains to be seen how long she will be there. She loves it so much and is having a ball traveling throughout Europe. She has mentioned wanting to live in Australia someday.
She is, however, only 20 and things change a lot in the decade between 20-30.
She is studying wildlife and fishery, so I'm guessing that wherever she can find a job under that umbrella is where she'll land. One part of me hopes she'll eventually live closer to us, but the other part is so proud of her fearless, independent spirit and hopes she continues to always live her dream.
I hope your weekend is wonderful, Belle.

@Hipster Girl, pumpkin cheesecake shake? I'm on it.... I don't often eat fast food, but when I do it's generally Arby's. I love their food.

@Hip Hip Hooray! cravings are odd things, aren't they? I was reading about your navel oranges being ripe on another thread and thinking how a fresh orange straight off the tree orange would be so delicious. I'll bet you enjoy your wonderful fresh produce so much. YUM!
LOL about just having booze for 'anesthesia' back in the day. Actually, that's not funny...poor folks. It would take a lot of alcohol to numb the pain of surgeries. I definitely count my blessings to be living in this day and age!

 

[Hip Hip Hooray!]

Hi @DeepBreath, It's fun to hear about your daughter's adventures in Germany. I performed in theaters in Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg. We did some television specials there, too. Wonderful memories...I think it's great that she's traveling at this age.

Yeah, the Peanuts avatars are so cute! (@Southernbelle and @Hipster Girl)! Very festive...

I hope you are feeling better each day, Deep Breath. You sound like you're in good spirits. Take care...

 

[Hipster Girl]

@DeepBreath your daughter's travels through Europe sound so exciting - it sounds like she has a very adventuresome spirit. Maybe from all the moves your family has made over the years, she must have enjoyed the excitement and new starts that came with that, and it has carried over to her adult years. It is wonderful that she is able to have such experiences at her young age!

@Southernbelle, it goes without saying I am kind of a Peanuts nut so I too love your avatar - very cute and festive!

 

[DeepBreath]

@Hip Hip Hooray! my goodness, I sure messed up part of my reply to you...about the oranges. That's what I get for trying to navigate the forum and fold laundry at the same time. LOL!
I'll bet you had a blast touring through Europe! Germany is such a magical place. I dearly love and miss it.
I was thinking of you this weekend because my daughter did lights and sound for Seussical the Musical at our little community theater there in Ansbach. I was so enjoying seeing the pictures posted on the theater's FB page. There were a lot of my friends who participated and a dear friend (and fellow hippie) directed it. I can't wait to get back into theater!
Thank you. I really am feeling better day by day. I do think I need to slow down just a tiny bit. I'll have days like today where I go full throttle...laundry, Christmas decorating (although the hubs handled 95% of it), and boxing up friends' Christmas packages for mailing tomorrow...and I admit that my incisions on both sides are letting me know they're cranky. I've given them Tramadol, Tylenol, and ice so hopefully it will appease them.
I hope you are doing well too. How goes the lovely wool blanket?

@Hipster Girl, my daughter really has taken full advantage of her time there in Europe. She's been to France, Spain, Austria, Denmark, the UK (several times), and last year went to South Africa as part of a wildlife preserve volunteer project.
I thought I was pretty fearless as a young woman, but she puts me to shame! I absolutely agree with you that I am so happy she's getting to experience all of this. I hope she always has this adventurous spirit and makes traveling a priority. I would like to think that her time as an Army Brat has inspired her love of traveling. Lord knows it's not easy for kids. She does have a wonderful personality and seems to be able to fit in and make friends wherever she goes. Not that I'm biased at all.
How are you doing? I hope this weekend was restful for you and that you're feeling good after your return to work this week.

 

[Hip Hip Hooray!]

The blanket is almost finished, @DeepBreath. I'm on the last ball of yarn. It looks like it's going to be the perfect size for my bed. I'm really pleased with it. Thanks for asking.

I remember that feeling of the incisions getting cranky. It's a long haul, but eventually that dissipates. Muscle soreness is so different when there's a an implant in there. Glad to hear you are doing so well.

 

[DeepBreath]

Yaay about the blanket almost being done and that you're pleased with it, @Hip Hip Hooray! I'm sure that will feel good this winter.

Two week post op check today. Incision looks good, TED hose gone, out patient PT referral put in to start in 2 weeks. So far, so good.

 

[Nana757]

Hi I @DeepBreath
Just thought I'd pop in and say how happy I am to see how wonderful you are doing. It seems you have come to terms with the differences between this surgery and your first. It just goes to show that each surgery has its own uniqueness, even with the same body. You have definitely overcome this with flying colors. I'm so proud of you.
And, your daughter truly is one of a kind..well... maybe not, since she has your genes. But, she does sound like a remarkable young lady.
I hope you have a wonderful day!

 

[DeepBreath]

Gosh, fellow hippies, today is just a gorgeous day here in Virginia and I'm feeling good. It's one of those days in the recovery process where you feel like a small, but very noticeable, corner has been turned. Understandably, my newest op hip has been a bit more painful than the last one. Nothing horrible, just more notable incision and muscle pain than with the last one. I am fully weight bearing on this one though so it's to be expected.
Today, that pain is much less. Just now when I was making myself a spot of lunch I took a few cautious steps without my walker or cane. It isn't pretty because of the gait issues I must work out in PT, but it was doable and it was pain free. My cup runneth over.
I cannot wait until my son gets home from school so I can take a little walk (with the walker!) My husband went back to work today and I've promised him to take my walks with our son just for caution's sake. I see and agree with that wisdom. Plus, how awesome is it to be able to take a walk with the handsomest young man in the neighborhood?
Doggie girl and I have had a lovely, peaceful day. Gracie is my constant companion...always watching over me and giving me motherly, concerned glances when I do something 'new'. I love her so much. She has been an earth bound angel to me during my recoveries.

@Nana757, how's it going, friend? Thank you for popping in and saying 'Hello' to me. I hope (and expect) you are doing wonderfully and feeling great. I also hope you're doing something awesome on this lovely day we're having.
Thank you for the kind words and encouragement. They mean the world to me.
I was thinking of you recently, in general, and specifically because I wanted to ask you about the vitamin supplement you had recommended to another poster for muscle cramps. I have a new pair of shoes and it seems that when I wear them out (I am just in socks always at home) later on in the day I can be assured of having toe cramps. I'd appreciate it if you could let me know what supplement it is you said helps with that.
Have a fabulous day, friend!

 

[Nana757]

Hey @DeepBreath
I take D3 daily. Usually 5000-10000 units a day. According to the label, it helps support strong bones, teeth, neuromuscular and immune health. I get the Natures Bounty brand and it has really made my cramps disappear. Hope it works for you.

 

[DeepBreath]

Thank you, @Nana757. I will definitely try that. I come from a rather 'crampy' family, so we must be lacking in something. Hopefully D3 is it and I can see good results like you have.

 

[Kim22]

Hi @DeepBreath just catching up and I am really glad how well you are doing second time round.I think the fact that this time you are fully weight baring is going to really help in this recovery.I am very impressed that you managed a few steps without your cane so early on this is wonderful news.Funny enough I just ordered some D3 yesterday as I had read how common Vit D deficiency is during these mainly gloomy days of midwinter and Vit D is essential for calcium absorption of the bones as well being essential for muscles.I have taken magnesium since my first hip op to prevent cramp and seems to work too.I hope you see an end to yours very soon.

 

[Hip Hip Hooray!]

Hi @DeepBreath, Wow! You sounds great. Hope you enjoyed your walk with your son. It's great that you have so much support. It makes such a difference. Gracie sounds really sweet, too. Dogs are so sensitive. They just know...

 

[CricketHip]

Hello @DeepBreath !! I am reading the posts from the past few days and my goodness, you are doing so well! I'm glad that I am not there in front of you because I would probably hurt you because I hugged you too hard.
seriously!
It sounds like you are well on your way to recovery and I get so excited, thinking about your finding a great pT office and you will get that gait smoothed out in no time flat.

We have been a wee but busier than usual. Having some health issues with my Mom in Law.. a detached retina. She went in for emergency surgery late in the evening yesterday.. hopefully they caught it in time. It's definitely changed up the week's routine and it was already a peppy schedule for both of us. but you do what you need to do, right? So grateful to be feeling well enough to help.

Goodness!@ I typed "wee" @Legin is rubbing off on me... "chortle"
Back to your recovery, Deep, please promise me that you will go slow and easy? Yes, you feel pretty darn good but you have both hips to get strong and let them heal.. please don't go off all wonky walking and start some chronic issue.. ok? Slow and easy,peasy wins the race..

When you have a moment, go to my page and look at my cartoon link.. and yes, you've got this!

 

[Hipster Girl]

Hi @DeepBreath you sound like you are doing great...happy to hear your post op went well and yay for no more TED hose! Those things are miserable to wear

I hope you enjoyed your walk with your son. It is smart of you to take him along for safety and I bet it is wonderful to have that one on one time with him, just talking. Gracie sounds like such a sweetie, it is amazing how comforting pets can be through things like this.
Keep up the great recovery, Friend.

 

[DeepBreath]

@Nana757, I forgot to say 'thank you' for the sweet words about my daughter. She truly is a remarkable young lady.

@Kim22, I was pretty surprised that I could take some steps without a walking aid as well. It just didn't feel comfortable at all to try, but today was just different. There's still a long way to go, but it's nice sign that I'll eventually get there.
At my last physical this summer, my PCM and I were discussing how common Vitamin D deficiency is and all the things it can cause. I've also heard about magnesium being very good for cramps.
I hope you are doing well and continue to feel good.

@Hip Hip Hooray! animals are wonderful, sensitive beings. You are so right that they just 'know'. Yes, the time with my son today was lovely. It's nice to have these times with him. He's 14 and before I know it he'll be off to college. I hope your day was good. I was sending good vibes your way.

@CricketHip, aww, your post made me tear up, friend. I'd gladly accept that hug. I'm so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. She'll be in my prayers that it was caught in time and that she recovers fully. Detached retinas are scary things.
I absolutely promise you that I will take it easy. I made a point of taking it easier yesterday and today and icing more. I think it made a big difference. You have an excellent point about not walking with a bad gait and making things worse. Heaven knows that isn't what's needed!
I laughed at the 'wee' mention. Pretty soon you'll be calling us 'lass'.
I'll definitely pop over and look at the cartoon. I hope your week is going great, friend.

@Hipster Girl, AMEN about the TED hose. I had started getting a steady pain on the top of my non-op leg's foot. I mentioned it to my OS yesterday and he examined the area, palpated my foot, and made sure the blood flow was good. He said that sometimes TED hose can do that. It is much better today, thankfully.
I really did enjoy the time with my boy today. He makes me laugh. He does all these goofy impersonations that crack me up.
And yes, Gracie is a doll. She's huge, but thinks she's tiny. Here's a picture of her. This is several years old...she's a senior girl now. She was visiting my husband's office and decided that she was Queen of the Settee. So funny.

 

[CricketHip]

@DeepBreath What a beautiful big baby!! I love big dogs... and she certainly fits the bill. So sweet.

I am glad to hear that you've scaled back a bit and isn't it great that our bodies respond so quickly to the TLC? Thats the best part about the new hips.. well, one of the best parts. There's so many!
I liked hearing about your son, I thoroughly enjoyed my sons and still do! Will be glad to see them over the holidays.
Thank you for the kind thoughts for my MIL.. she got through her surgery fine and is home and doing well.. we won't know for several weeks if her vision was saved but things look positive at the moment.
The warm weather has been amazing!! Am enjoying nice walks in the evening and looking at the pretty Christmas lights, our neighborhood does a nice job of decorating.