THR Deep Breath Reporting for Recovery Duty

[Jaycey]

What I did to get to that bending stage is work very gradually and gently. I sat on my bed with hands on either side of my leg and lifted my op side foot toward my torso. Mind you, it took me quite awhile to get the flexibility back. Like you I had not done this in years. Then I worked on gently bending forward toward my foot - again with my hands on either side of the leg. Eventually my hands reached my foot. Then you have to go a little bit farther as putting on a sock requires you stretching all the way to your toe.

Work very gently. It does take a bit of time - but you'll get there! I don't do the foot not he opposite knee. That just seems to invite problems as it is outward rotation of the hip.

 

[Readysetgo]

@DeepBreath - You have really been trying to resolve this confusing issue of PT- how much, when to back off, when it's too much too soon, etc.. And it looks like you're doing a fine job of listening to your body and doing what's best for you right now. The rest and no PT seem to have been what you needed. I'm so glad you are feeling better!

You mentioned wanting to get back to Pilates eventually. Me, too! My most recent Pilates teacher (for one-on-one sessions pre THR) is also a PT and has worked with many THR patients, including those right out of surgery. She has a beautiful Pilates studio and does mainly the rehabilatative one-on-one sessions but also does a circuit class. She told me before I went for my surgery that she felt Pilates was so much better than PT. And she IS a PT! I know Pilates can be tough on a body also if done too much/too soon.... But I am looking forward to a session or 2 with her before I go back to work in May. She's a bit far and not cheap, but so worth it for me. Do you have a teacher you like/trust? Or do you just do Pilates at home?

You said you felt sometimes like your progress was moving at a snail's pace. Reading your recovery thread has given me the total opposite impression, my dear! I feel you have made incredible leaps of progress! I am so happy you can walk around with your family with zero pain. I can't wait for that myself but I know it won't happen overnight.

Hopefully your son has a good med cocktail against allergies now. I hope he doesn't suffer anymore this season.

And you are not whiny! I sometimes feel that way when I'm kvetching on BS or trying to solve something. But then I remind myself that writing about dealing with issues and trying to resolve them can be helpful to others who may encounter those same problems. Plus venting can be wonderfully cathartic and healthy. So please vent away when needed.

I bet you were a great cheerleader! You are an excellent and tireless cheerleader for others on this forum!

I do hope you have a beautiful weekend. Spring is almost here but we are expecting snow in a day or 2. Just for laughs I guess.

 

[Hipster Girl]

@DeepBreath I am so glad your son is feeling better! And gosh no, you don't sound whiny at all...it's very clear how grateful you are for this surgery. This is your recovery thread and everyone's individual journeys and experiences are helpful and informative for others to read about.

I was just now reading about the toenail thing and that is a question I have as well since I still can't do it, so it is very helpful for me to read others' responses, especially Jaycey - thank you @Jaycey! Your post has encouraged me to start using that method of sitting and bringing my foot up to my torso - I am going to start practicing that today - that will be my PT because that is something practical that I am frustrated that I can't do any longer and I want to be able to stop using the sock aid and be able to trim my toenails and tie my shoes again. I haven't tried because my PT had showed me the method of putting my foot on my opposite knee, and it didn't feel right to me and so I tried it once or twice and then quit doing it.

@Hip Hip Hooray! and @Jaycey both of your posts are inspiring that improvement will come, even at 7 months and beyond. I have been so busy and preoccupied with other things that I haven't tended to my hips like I should have the last couple months and I was wondering if I missed my window of opportunity but your posts help me to see it's not too late for me either.

Sorry @DeepBreath I didn't mean to hijack your thread but just wanted to show you that others have the same questions and concerns as you do, so please don't feel bad about posting them because you are helping others as well. One day soon we are going to celebrate the milestone of clipping our own toenails and it will give us yet one more thing to be grateful for on this recovery journey!

 

[Cynthia777]

You aren't whining at all! Recovery does not just encompass the physical aspect of it, but the emotional aspect as well. Others need to know emotions will play a very important role in this journey we are traveling. I mean, who wants to think they're the only batty one here on BS? Sometimes I think the emotional part is more difficult to travel than the physical part (but that's just me). Who better to share your fears and/or disappointments with other than your Bonesmart family? You have had to deal with lifelong issues, whereas most have not, so your recovery would be more difficult (in most cases) than the "average Joe" THR recovery. Hang in there dear friend, you're doing better than you think! You'll get to those toenails soon enough...

 

[DeepBreath]

@Hip Hip Hooray! You are so kind and I appreciate your support and sharing where you are in all of this. I agree about the strengthening, but not pushing the ROM. I have a feeling that will simply have to come with time as well.
You are so right about this surgery being huge and it being incredible to think of all the compenents of our legs and hips. Just studying up on the trochanter area, the iliotibial band, etc, etc...I mean WOW, that is a lot of moving parts!
And yes, my parents were such great, caring people. They made many sacrifices so I could have the best of care. I am forever grateful to them.

@Jaycey, thank you for sharing how you worked on your flexibility for those tasks. That is super helpful. I have started bending past 90 degrees (OS released me from my restrictions in early January...but I tend to be uber cautious) and have crossed midline as well, so I know I'll likely be okay. I like the thought of going slowly and building up that flexibility. That feels right to me...plus, I think it will take me some time to stretch those muscles out. They've been dormant a long time. You know, come to think of it I don't think I really ever have been a person who puts their foot on the opposite knee, so why do I need to do it now? I'm curious, do you ever sit with your legs crossed either at the knee or ankle?
Thank you so much for your time and valuable answers, Jaycey.

@Readysetgo, you're such a sweetie...Thank You!
The Boy is clearly on the mend as he is back to his old, goofy self and eating everything in sight.
As far as Pilates goes, I just follow a video of Winsor Pilates. I love it. It has helped me so much over the years in maintaining my weight and remaining as flexible as possible. Your Pilates gal sounds amazing. I don't blame you one bit for being willing to drive a bit and pay for such great help.
Thank you for your kind words about my progress. When I am honest with myself, I know I've come a long way in just a short time. I am, at heart, an impatient person. I need to just calm down and let things be. That is really difficult for me!
And yes, you most definitely will get to the point where you're walking around pain free and you're gonna LOVE IT! It is the most amazing thing ever. I can't wait to hear about you enjoying that sensation.

@Hipster Girl, no, no, no...you are not hijacking my thread! You bring so many good points to the table and it is very comforting to me to hear that you wonder about things like putting on socks and toenail clipping without help. It seems like such a little thing, but it surely isn't to us hippies!
Yes, we will have to have an Independent Toenail Clipping Celebration when we've both reached that milestone!
Do we know how to party or what?
And for what it's worth, even though I've been doing PT, I still have that 'Have I missed my window?' feeling. I don't know why I have these unrealistic expectations for myself. It's silly!

@Cynthia777, I just want to make sure I am the battiest one here on BoneSmart.
You're such a kind friend and have been so supportive of all the hippies. Thank you for that.
You are so right about this process being huge in both a physical and mental sense.
It's great to get many different perspectives and know we all have challenges and overcome them at different rates.


Thank you, BoneSmart friends, for listening and encouraging me. Your help and support means the world to me. I hope you all are having a terrific weekend.

 

[Jaycey]

I'm curious, do you ever sit with your legs crossed either at the knee or ankle?

Yes I can cross both at the knee and at the ankle. But I got out of this habit post LTHR as I was on restrictions. It has never really felt right to do this since my first THR. Everyone tells me it's bad for your circulation anyway.

 

[Nana757]

Hi @DeepBreath! I hope your day is going well. Please, don't ever think you are whining. It never comes across that way.
The toenail thing.....I was extremely apprehensive, myself. And I was so inflexible, I thought I would never reach my toenails again. But....
As soon as my restrictions were lifted, I started "practicing", while sitting in my recliner. I would recline the chair, sit straight up, and reach down and bring my foot as close to me as I could, with my knee bend out to the side. Once I got to the point where I could reach my toenails, VOILA!!!! Nails clipped. I know it sounds gross to do your toenails in the living room, in your recliner....but HEY!...whatever works. And I always had a towel under my feet and no one was the wiser. And, I did them after my shower, when they were nice and soft and easier to clip.
Oh..and I have not crossed my legs or ankles, since surgery. Have totally gotten out of that habit.
This weather is playing havoc on my sinuses...I think I've gone through 2 boxes of tissues in the past week. ARGHH!!!!

 

[Hip Hip Hooray!]

My occupational therapist in the hospital showed me how to put my foot up on seat of the chair in a parallel position. This is how I was able to put on the TED stockings, and it's also how I trim my toenails. Have you tried sitting in a chair and reaching down to tie your shoe? I find it helps for putting on socks, as well. That foot on the opposite knee position still feels tight and uncomfortable to me. I don't really think we need it. If I do it, I feel the prosthesis.

I rarely cross my legs, but I can. (I couldn't before the surgery.) I do cross my ankles sometimes, when sitting. That was what I used as a modification when I started doing yoga after the surgery. I would sit in a chair and cross my ankles, instead of sitting cross legged on the floor. I think it builds confidence and it's safe.

My understanding of the posterior technique is that they remove and re-attach some of the tendons and ligaments during surgery. I think you are very wise to be cautious.

 

[DeepBreath]

@Nana757, thank you, friend. The recliner tip sounds like a good one. That would definitely help as I build up to bending over far enough to clip my toenails.
Hey, I ain't gonna judge you for clipping your nails in the living room. You have to do stuff when and where it's comfortable.
I have gotten out of the habit of crossing my ankles as well. I used to do it all the time and was worried I'd do it too soon after surgery. With the exception of starting to do it a couple of times a few weeks out from my first surgery, I haven't though. I've also heard it's bad for your circulation, so I guess it's not a bad thing to not do any more.
Oh my gosh...the sinus stuff! I was okay while it was nice and sunny, but when it started raining today (not sure if you're getting any in your neck of the state) I was just one huge sneeze. I got on such a toot earlier that my dog got up, made her grumpy noise, and walked out of the room. LOL...too funny!

@Hip Hip Hooray! I haven't tried sitting down and tying my shoes like that yet, but I have started pulling the tops of my socks up that way after putting them on with the sock aid. No matter how much I try, I can't get the socks to go all the way up like I like them to. I very carefully lean over and pull them up so they're comfortable.
Yeah, the posterior approach is an interesting one. My OS keeps assuring me (very patiently) that I will be okay and that it's the muscles that need working on. He says to trust the process. I am trying very hard to do that.

 

[Hip Hip Hooray!]

Hi @DeepBreath, I think as you feel more comfortable bending over, you'll be able to do it. Slowly but surely...I didn't have a sock aid, so I'm not really familiar with it. I'm trying to visualize it. At least you are getting your socks on...remember how hard that was before the surgery? Underwear, too.

 

[DeepBreath]

@Hip Hip Hooray! You are so right about that! Getting dressed prior to surgery was a bear. I am definitely seeing improvement in bending over as the weeks go by. It's just a matter of patience.
I love your new avatar! How beautiful and springy!
Here is a pic of the sock aid. It's basically a half tube of plastic with two long ropes attached on either side.

 

[DeepBreath]

Oooh, our weather is changing today. After a weekend of chilly, rainy weather we are now seeing sunshine and some sort of front coming through. The wind is howling out there! It puts me in mind of 'Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day'.
Temps are still chilly, but it's supposed to warm up this week.
I hope all my hippie buddies are doing well and that you have a terrific week!

 

[Hipster Girl]

The sock aid is such an amazing little contraption, isn't it? I marvel at whoever had the idea to invent such a thing. I really don't know how I would have managed without it. I had one of those terry cloth ones that didn't work very well but that plastic one is a big help!

 

[DeepBreath]

@Hipster Girl, I had the terry cloth one too. I ordered it off of Amazon before I knew they'd give me one of the plastic ones at the hospital. It is honestly a God send. I wish I would have had one over the past couple of years. It sure would have saved me a lot of twisting and squirming trying to get my socks on. Between that and using my reacher to help me dress, it's been a world of help.

 

[Hipster Girl]

@DeepBreath oh yes, the reacher too! I couldn't have managed without it. I have them all over the place plus one in my car and one at work, and still use them all the time.

I read on another thread that you finally got your referral to see the allergist to see what caused the reactions after your THRs...yay!! Very glad to hear that! I know it will be a relief to finally get to the bottom of that mystery.
Hope you have a great Tuesday friend!

 

[Hip Hip Hooray!]

That looks really helpful, @DeepBreath. I probably should have purchased one of those over the past few years, too. I didn't realize there were so many inventions that help with mobility. How are your hips feeling today? I hope the pain has eased, and that it's easier for you to walk now.

Thank you, I love my new avatar, too. Spring is such a beautiful time of year.

 

[Cynthia777]

Your avatars are always so adorable...just like you!

 

[DeepBreath]

@Hipster Girl, ooh you are a smart gal for having reachers at work and in your car! I use mine a lot as well. I find I have to have one in the laundry room because I inevitably drop laundry on the floor when transfering it to either the dryer or the hamper.
Yes! I am glad to get that referral going as well. I really want to find out what on earth caused that reaction if I can. Fingers crossed they'll be able to help me. I'll be going back up to the Naval hospital where I had my surgeries. They seem to have very good physicians there.
Enjoy your day, friend.

@Hip Hip Hooray! I never knew there were so many mobility aids either until I started 'window shopping' online last summer. There are so many great ideas out there. I'm feeling good today! I mentioned it on your thread. I feel like I'm back to where I was prior to the bursa flare up. I'm still taking things easy and adding more of my basic exercises back in very slowly.

@Cynthia777, aw shucks. You are the sweetest! Thank you.

 

[Hip Hip Hooray!]

Those reachers were a big help. Your post made me realize that I take for granted the fact that I can now bend down and pick up things. It's weird how quickly you forget the difficulties. This is a good reminder for me.

I'm glad that you're feeling good. That's great that stopping those exercises is working. I wonder if we will be adding and subtracting physical activity regularly with this recovery. I know I have. Thank goodness it works! Take care, friend.

 

[DeepBreath]

@Hip Hip Hooray! it is amazing how quickly we forget. It was really just a short time ago that I was still on my cane and couldn't fathom not using it. I noticed it sitting propped in a corner of my closet the other day and though, "Well, that puts things in perspective!"
I think you're right. I think we will be dealing with that balancing act for some time to come. Perhaps it is the different 'layers' that are healing and certain exercises/movements affect us at different times? Not sure, but it is interesting how something that really bothered us a few weeks ago doesn't even cause a twinge now.
I realized yesterday that I have pretty much forgotten my first op hip. The incision and the muscles around it twinge every once in awhile, but it's now pretty much the same sensation as before surgery without the pain and with more flexibility and ROM. I'm hoping that one day I will suddenly notice the same thing about my newest op hip.