Don't be like me and wait too long!

[mainegirl1]

Well stretching worked well enough to get six hours of sleep in.. I just stretch till I feel it in the hip joint..doesn't take long.. The piriformis isn't really in the hip but it makes lying down in any position painful when it spasms.. just to add to the hip pain mix.. I use a pillow to minimize leg movement at night so as to allow the other bed occupant some peace. I know afterward there will be other muscles complaining as well as the piriformis but 84 days with no more than two hours sleep a night seems counterproductive..

 

[Icespirit5]

Glad you have your date and are getting it done!

Walking is OK for a mile and a half

I totally get this! I went back and forth with just myself for about a year and a half. I could walk OK for about as much as you can (really it was more a duration thing. How far could I get in 20-30 min when my hip said 'nah I'm done')
There is so much more to life than meandering around. Ive got super limited range of motion and with it a lot of sharp pain.
Totaly agree with what @Mojo333 said and what Ive seen you reference, as long as you keep your mind busy you can manage but when you stop a moment then things complain
Pillows between or around your legs really do make a difference. I havent (cant) slept without one for many years now.
I loved reading your story and wish you the best of luck come August!

 

[Barbaraj]

Hi, there @mainegirl1 I am back on the forum again, having been on previously, both pre-op and post-op, for my right hip replacement surgery on September 26, 2018. I was planning--ha, ha--to have months if not years of pain-free recovery but my left hip was not okay with that plan. So, here I am back again, waiting for surgery #2, and I noticed that you and I are both scheduled for the same day, so you can be my same day hip buddy! Having had the surgery before, I am far less anxious about it--the whole spinal/sedation prospect had me totally freaked out--although still not, unsurprisingly, looking forward to the surgery. Yes, I know that if my recovery from right hip surgery is any indication, I should do fine--I had a straightforward and relatively pain-free recovery--but I am not looking forward to weeks of struggling to get my life back again. It feels like a setback really, even though I know that is foolish thinking. But, sheesh, I really didn't think I'd be back in this position so quickly. You've had knee surgery, it appears, which I've heard is much tougher than hip surgery, so I think you'll probably feel that this new surgery, when it's over and done and you're regaining strength, was a lot easier. in the meantime, in the weeks and months leading up to surgery, you'll just keep pushing along. Best of luck to you, and I look forward to reading your posts.

 

[mainegirl1]

@Barbaraj We will be twins of a sort.. Of course I am older so I can be bossier. I didn't find knee surgery bad at all .. the relief after 45 years of bone on bone( most of the cartilage was removed in 1971 and I was told I would have a few years maybe 10 till I was suffering from arthritis.. Knee replacements weren't the norm then. wheelchairs were. I was out of the house with my PT walking down the street on day 3 and went to lunch on day five and out to dinner day 12 ( we also went to a play that night which was a bad idea.. Visited the ODIC that night) 6 weeks after surgery I drove 2 hours with hubby ( and I did not let him drive) for a weekend in Rockland ME so we could visit several museums.. The outing was great ( the museums did have sit down places). I did take gel ice packs but I was never very compliant with icing several times a day for an hour or so.. ( not good )Three months later the real strength training started and I was riding my bike or paddling in Florida every day.. Biking with a new knee on horse trails which are sand yet! Not far on them. maybe 7 miles. 25 on pavement.

We got our handicap access paddling dock in yesterday and its so wonderful. I can load my own canoe on it and step in .. no more wobble off a high dock.. So we have been paddling two hours every day.. It does give all of you a workout..I might try Stand Up Paddling with my neighbors paddleboard. it will be Fall In Paddling because I don't think my balance is great right now but the water is finally warming and it could help my balance.. They say swimming is good exercise.. We live on a lake.
It so beats hanging around the house.. I love to go out and take pictures.. I found a nesting mother loon today.. She was there last year.. So happy to see her back.
If you have something you can do outside it helps the mind SO much to pass the time! I think I would be mopier if it were winter.

 

[Barbaraj]

You might be older than me, @mainegirl1, but I'm betting I might be bigger than you (5', 8-1/2") so you realize I won't be taking any lip from you! But it sounds like you're still engaged in an impressive amount of activities despite being scheduled for surgery in 2+ months! That's great. I am not quite that active but my bum hip hasn't whittled my life down this time as much as it did last time. Walking is still mostly okay, it's sitting that really can be painful. I exercise daily and I'm trying to stay in as good shape as possible leading up to surgery as I think, based on my experiences with hip #1, that being in relatively good shape meant my recovery was easier and went more quickly. Am I looking forward to surgery? Heck, no! But I'm a lot less freaked out this time around. I live in the PNW so summers are usually very pleasant. We live in a residential neighborhood, no lakes, but I'm about a 3/4's of a mile walk from Puget Sound. You are right that being outside on a glorious day does much to improve one's mood, and scatter away the anxious thoughts.

 

[mainegirl1]

Things crashed the last two days. When I change positions the nerve pain from hip to knee makes me scream. I can't get up without pain to a 10. I can't turn over in bed without screaming.. I am foregoing being with anyone for two months including family.. If I am still the discomfort is mild. As soon as I move I can feel the whole head of the femur ( which is now cone shaped not a ball move and exert horrific bolting pain).. Nothing touches it.. I am not wanting to stay in bed two months but it may happen.. that or suicide. I tried going out but bending over to weed brought agony.. However I am getting old.. maybe its time.

 

[Barbaraj]

Oh, no, @mainegirl1 Your situation sounds awful, so painful. I wish there was some magic wand that could be waved to bring your pain down to a dull roar. I guess for now, as you wait, you'll need to ice and/or use a heating pad maybe, try not to do a whole lot and certainly not when you're experiencing a horrid flare-up like now and try to remember that come August you'll be looking at an end to this. I am sure it's hard to stay positive and upbeat when you're so miserable, but the time will come when you will get some permanent relief. So sorry to hear you're so miserable.

 

[Layla]

Oh my, I'm so sorry, your pain sounds excruciating. I recall the great difficulty turning in bed right before surgery, but by your description you are in much more pain than I was. I did find a heating pad helpful in the last few weeks leading up to surgery. Obviously it doesn't take the pain away but if you lay still and watch tv or read the distraction coupled with the warmth may bring you some comfort. It's worth a try, if you haven't tried it already. Sending a hug and wishes for some peaceful sleep this week. @mainegirl1

 

[julesglass]

I know I'm not the only one that wishes we could be right there with you to hold your hand and give a warm loving smile. We are here for you. It's horrible not being able to do anything we'd like to let alone just to move. Please reach out to some one to help you through this.

 

[julesglass]

Morning @mainegirl1. Wanted to see how you're getting along this morning. I was truly feeling your pain in my heart last night. I understand not wanting everyone to know how truly awful it is right now. Friends ask how I'm doing, I tell them I'm getting along. Reality is it's horrible getting out of bed just to get to the kitchen for coffee and to my chair. I do have my sister-in-law to talk to about things. I hope you have a dear friend or family member just to have someone to talk to face to face. Let us know how you are doing.

 

[mainegirl1]

The worst part is my misery is going to make everyone miserable especially Hubby. I don't want my grandsons over to hear my misery ( they visit usually July 4).

When the pain happens I tense up and that just makes it worse. I am going out to have my hair done and out to embroidery club in hope this is just a flare. But today I NEED to cuddle with my dog.

Thank you for all your best wishes and encouragement.. One more day at a time .. I was really down last night.

 

[Mojo333]

Hi @mainegirl1
I hated to read how desperate you sound with this hip pain.
Please do take this advice with all the kindness in which it has given...but please baby that hip until your op!
I have seen several members who ascribe to the "pre hab" philosophy and for someone who is in serious need of hip replacement...this is just insanity.
When I got my diagnosis of end stage OA, my OS told me that PT or overactivity of any sort would only aggravate and cause harm.
I could not sleep, and as I had to soldier through my work...I stayed in chronic pain.
Please try not to isolate yourself.
You need support and I certainly understand how despondent one become.
This new hip will be the cure...and unfortunately we just have to be as kind as we can to ourselves until we get it done.
You can do this, hang in there friend!

 

[Layla]

Hi @mainegirl1
I'm happy to read things are looking a bit brighter today. The horrid pain you're dealing with is definitely an energy sucker. It's draining and grates on our nerves. Being as active as you are and experiencing several health issues over the past few years would be disheartening. Hopefully you'll be on your way once this hip surgery is behind you. My parents are both very active at 81 & 82. My dad had both hips replaced five months apart at age 72. My mom had one at 73 and the other at 80. I think you'll be back to your active life in no time.

Your user name is mainegirl1 and you mentioned the Maine Coastal Botanical Gardens in an earlier post which I believe is located in Boothbay. Hubs and I found Boothbay, by accident, years ago. I'm guessing 20-25 yrs ago. We've been back many times since then and stay for several days before moving onto the Cape which I love also. Many beautiful areas out your way.

I hope you enjoy the time away from home today with your hair appt and embroidery club. Sneak in some extra cuddles with your dog too. Sending a warm hug your way and wishing you comfort for today.
@mainegirl1

 

[Barbaraj]

Yup, just adding to all the other voices here, @mainegirl1--lots of folks thinking of you and wishing you an easier day. There really isn't anything you can do for the relentless hip pain except gut it out. I think mojo333's suggestion to baby that hip is a sensible one. I was active before surgery, but not in the excruciating pain you're describing. I tried to balance activity with rest which, when you are an active person generally, can be really tough. I don't know that I completely collapsed, but certainly some days were slower than others, and primarily spent curled up in a chair with a heating pad. Basically, you get to decide how to approach each day to make it as comfortable as you can for yourself. This is definitely a time in your life when you need to take care of yourself. Do let others know how you're feeling and ask for help when you need it. Hang in there, I know this must be so difficult for you but you are going to get through this time leading up to surgery and surgery, when it happens, will truly be life changing and positive. Recovery is a slow slog, but you definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel early on, and it will motivate and inspire you to be a true believer--2020 is going to be a great year for you and so many others! Sending cyber hugs your way!

 

[Elf1]

So sorry to hear the pain is getting relentless @mainegirl1 . I can totally empathize with you, every day seems to get harder and harder, there seems to be a new pain added to the ones that were previously there. We just have to keep trudging along until we can get to our surgeries.

As @Layla said, the heating pad doesn't necessarily take the pain away but it does give you something else to focus on while watching TV or whatever. I also have been using Ben Gay and other such stuff, the hubby complains it smells like a locker room!

I know our first instinct is to hide away from others to shield them from our pain, especially when we're used to being the strong ones and taking care of everyone else. We have to let them in at least a little. Hugs and cuddles with our fur babies is always a good thing and very calming, so do this often!

And, though I knew I was going to be dragging and hurting after the fact, we had a cookout with friends and family over Memorial Day weekend. That night I was ready to just lay down and call it quits but then I remembered the wonderful sound of my twin granddaughters giggling and running back and forth. Playing with their auntie on snap chat and making faces. All the friends coming up and saying how great the food was, what can we do to help you clean up made the pain and discomfort worth it. I've always been a home body (Taurus) and loved having people over and feeding them, just something about it always felt good. These last few years, between the back (mostly fixed) and now the hip, I've shied away from that and I think that hurts worse. So, on to the surgery and looking to get my life back!

 

[Ptarmigan]

@mainegirl1 I am so very sorry to hear about the intense pain you’ve been having. I am hoping it’s a temporary flare up and that you’ll get another reprieve and some better days between here and your surgery date. If such a thing were possible, I would switch places with you in a heartbeat to shorten your wait .

It sounds as though your body is telling you exactly what to do right now (as little as humanly possible), and not giving you any choice about obeying the directions. It’s so very hard to surrender those activities that keep us part of the healthy world - even for a short time - but sometimes the greater wisdom is to embrace a visit to the world of the injured and recuperating. If sleep is elusive, rest will be your ally. Peaceful thoughts will help your mind calm your body, and that may help your pain. You have a solution in place; now it’s a question of the best way to get from here to there.

Will check in again soon to see how it goes with you, my August hipsister.

 

[mainegirl1]

Embroidery club went well. I was not sure how sitting in hard wooden chairs for three hours would do.. I tried to get up every hour.. The first time getting up I was in agony.. For some reason getting up the second and third time was absolutely pain free. Maybe it was the laughter and the camaraderie even this was the first time in the club?
As was ten hours in bed last night.. ( the night before not so good).. Having a firm pillow between my legs seems to aid in sleep comfort. And having a cool room. Windows open. 41 degrees outside at five am.

Now to the next event.. Hubby and I are going on a brewpub crawl Friday.. First we stop at the Amish Charcuterie for smoked sausages and cheeses.. So good.. Then to the Amish community store for donuts and perhaps a new gardening implement. Then to brewery number 1 for a tasting.. Followed by a visit to Liberty Maine where there is a store full of old tools and an old fashioned gas station still in existence across the street with a old time museum attached followed by brewpub 2 which sells beer and actually food. Maybe drop down a few miles to the coast and pick up a lobster or four for Saturday at home. If we do that will mean stopping at a store for handmade sauerkraut cold cuts and pickles.

Distractions one day at a time.. Thank you all for your kind suggestions..
@Layla the Gardens are indeed in Boothbay.. They have expanded greatly.. maybe too much and are now a worldwide noted garden.. I was able to hobble around as they have plenty of resting places!

 

[Barbaraj]

Interesting to read about sitting for three hours, @mainegirl1, how the first time getting up was awful and yet the second and third time, no pain. I can relate to that. I actually do better sitting in a hard chair (like I am now, in front of my computer) but the soft, cushy chair where I like to read almost immediately brings on a deep, throbbing ache in my hip. Do you find it more comfortable perhaps to sit in firmer chairs?

Sounds like you've got a fun event coming up on Friday. Great to have distractions for yourself, and even though there will undoubtedly be times on Friday when you'll be in pain, you'll at least be getting out of the house and doing something fun with your husband. Distractions like this are great, and, yes, it's one day at a time, keep moving ahead.

 

[Ptarmigan]

So great to read this post! You found lots of small adjustments to brighten your spirits, help you sleep, accommodate your hip, and pass the time enjoyably! It’s inspiring to see!

 

[julesglass]

Sounds like a beautiful time out with hubby @mainegirl1. Laughter and good conversation does ease the tension in the body. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!