THR Down to one crutch already!
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Hello Sandy and anyone else who reads my thread (not many, I think!)
I'm just back from a lovely relaxing holiday in the Isle of Man with my stepdaughter Alison, her husband Ryan and their two adorable little red-headed girls, Anna (7) and Olivia (5). No chance to catch up with all you Bone Smarties as I didn't have a Euro booster package for my phone, so I have a lot of thread-reading to do now! We stay in a bungalow down the hill from Alison and co. as they have cats and don't want Susie the dog in the house (which is crazy as she's adorable and gets on fine with our cat :doggieshmooze:, only trying to eat her on rare occasions). It's quite nice to be able to get away from the children when they're wild and noisy and have a good rest by the fire! However, this time because I wasn't mobile, I spent a lot of time up at their house playing board games with the girls - couldn't get down on the floor for Lego and jigsaw puzzles, but we did all the other games at the table. Meanwhile John was out on the cliffs in incredible blustery winds (the weather was foul, I almost didn't envy him!) with Susie, walking off the delicious and huge meals that Alison cooked for us on most nights. We had them down to us for dinner a couple of times, too. Consequence is that I've put back the weight I lost in hospital, which is great. The highlight of the week for me was having the girls for a sleepover. I don't have kids of my own, so being a grandma is something I absolutely treasure. We had a lovely time and they were little angels, we made pancakes together for breakfast and had a lot of fun tossing them around the kitchen.
I really have been resting as instructed by the Prof (my OS), but even so have made progress in these regards:
After a couple of days of showering, I just couldn't resist trying the bath. So first of all I got in the empty bath with all my clothes on, and the door open in case I needed John to help me out. That was fine, so then I had a wet bath, still a bit fearful that the hot water would be bad for my scar. I'm such a wuss that I haven't really looked at it, but I did catch a glimpse of it in the mirror by mistake, and I must say it looks great - just slightly pink, and the ends of it are even starting to disappear. No problems with the hot water, so now it's back to my regular nightly bath, thank goodness.
I was a bit worried that, being in a bungalow, I wouldn't get my usual stair climbing - in a normal day I go up and down about 20 times. So I did some stair climbing practice at Alison's house, and I can now go up and down properly, not one stair at a time, though I am holding on tight to the banister! Walking around the house with no stick, but YES I am still limping, though trying very hard to do a heel-toe walk, which does help. I can see now that Josephine's comment about hips sorting themselves out in due course is spot-on. I do feel that if I don't stress about it, it will come right in the end.
And the other great bit of progress is that I can sleep ANY WHICH WAY! I tried a few times lying on my front, then lying on the operated side for a few minutes at a time, and by now (4 1/2 weeks post-op) I'm fine sleeping on either side, on the front or on the back (with a pillow under the knees). The one bit of trouble I'm having is back pain. I have arthritis in the lower spine, but naively I thought it would be better when the first hip was replaced, but the pain is sometimes quite bad if I sit too long, eg after driving back from the ferry - 4-5 hours - or watching Downton Abbey on the telly - 2 hrs, but not to be missed! So I'm reluctantly reverting to a couple of Paracetamol when it starts to feel bad.
I'm off the Dabigatran now, thank goodness (blood thinner), so I'm able to go back to my fish oils etc, and also the herbal mixture that my herbalist friend has made up for me. I wish I could have taken it earlier but was concerned about interaction with the blood thinner.
As some of you know, my OS has this idea that THR patients should rest for weeks 3 and 4 of recovery, and in my case for weeks 3-6. It is frustrating, especially when I read of others going for decent walks (Sarah, you lucky girl!), a thing I long to do, but I am beginning to see the logic of it. If any of you are interested, here is a video of my OS talking about his protocol. It's a bit long (about 15 minutes!), but somewhere during the course of the interview he points out that it's at this period that people are starting to feel better and maybe try to do too much, and that's when dislocation can sometimes occur:
https://nhslocal.nhs.uk/story/interview-hip-replacement-surgeon
I'm still supposed to be resting till 10th Jan, but may try and push the boundaries a little bit this week and next - sitting in the car and seeing how I'd feel about driving, without actually going anywhere yet, taking Susie out for her morning poop - not the sexiest ambition, granted(!) but I need to work out whether I can handle stick, dog poop picker-upper and dog all at once. And maybe picking up my home-based business again (I make and sell soap, face creams etc etc). I need to start stocking up already for the Royal Welsh Show next summer, so can't start soon enough. But it involves some heavy lifting, so I need to be careful or enlist hubby's help.
OK, now I've done my update, I'm going to go and join the party!
Happy New Year to everyone!
:reindeer::reindeer: love Jane
I'm just back from a lovely relaxing holiday in the Isle of Man with my stepdaughter Alison, her husband Ryan and their two adorable little red-headed girls, Anna (7) and Olivia (5). No chance to catch up with all you Bone Smarties as I didn't have a Euro booster package for my phone, so I have a lot of thread-reading to do now! We stay in a bungalow down the hill from Alison and co. as they have cats and don't want Susie the dog in the house (which is crazy as she's adorable and gets on fine with our cat :doggieshmooze:, only trying to eat her on rare occasions). It's quite nice to be able to get away from the children when they're wild and noisy and have a good rest by the fire! However, this time because I wasn't mobile, I spent a lot of time up at their house playing board games with the girls - couldn't get down on the floor for Lego and jigsaw puzzles, but we did all the other games at the table. Meanwhile John was out on the cliffs in incredible blustery winds (the weather was foul, I almost didn't envy him!) with Susie, walking off the delicious and huge meals that Alison cooked for us on most nights. We had them down to us for dinner a couple of times, too. Consequence is that I've put back the weight I lost in hospital, which is great. The highlight of the week for me was having the girls for a sleepover. I don't have kids of my own, so being a grandma is something I absolutely treasure. We had a lovely time and they were little angels, we made pancakes together for breakfast and had a lot of fun tossing them around the kitchen.
I really have been resting as instructed by the Prof (my OS), but even so have made progress in these regards:
After a couple of days of showering, I just couldn't resist trying the bath. So first of all I got in the empty bath with all my clothes on, and the door open in case I needed John to help me out. That was fine, so then I had a wet bath, still a bit fearful that the hot water would be bad for my scar. I'm such a wuss that I haven't really looked at it, but I did catch a glimpse of it in the mirror by mistake, and I must say it looks great - just slightly pink, and the ends of it are even starting to disappear. No problems with the hot water, so now it's back to my regular nightly bath, thank goodness.
I was a bit worried that, being in a bungalow, I wouldn't get my usual stair climbing - in a normal day I go up and down about 20 times. So I did some stair climbing practice at Alison's house, and I can now go up and down properly, not one stair at a time, though I am holding on tight to the banister! Walking around the house with no stick, but YES I am still limping, though trying very hard to do a heel-toe walk, which does help. I can see now that Josephine's comment about hips sorting themselves out in due course is spot-on. I do feel that if I don't stress about it, it will come right in the end.
And the other great bit of progress is that I can sleep ANY WHICH WAY! I tried a few times lying on my front, then lying on the operated side for a few minutes at a time, and by now (4 1/2 weeks post-op) I'm fine sleeping on either side, on the front or on the back (with a pillow under the knees). The one bit of trouble I'm having is back pain. I have arthritis in the lower spine, but naively I thought it would be better when the first hip was replaced, but the pain is sometimes quite bad if I sit too long, eg after driving back from the ferry - 4-5 hours - or watching Downton Abbey on the telly - 2 hrs, but not to be missed! So I'm reluctantly reverting to a couple of Paracetamol when it starts to feel bad.
I'm off the Dabigatran now, thank goodness (blood thinner), so I'm able to go back to my fish oils etc, and also the herbal mixture that my herbalist friend has made up for me. I wish I could have taken it earlier but was concerned about interaction with the blood thinner.
As some of you know, my OS has this idea that THR patients should rest for weeks 3 and 4 of recovery, and in my case for weeks 3-6. It is frustrating, especially when I read of others going for decent walks (Sarah, you lucky girl!), a thing I long to do, but I am beginning to see the logic of it. If any of you are interested, here is a video of my OS talking about his protocol. It's a bit long (about 15 minutes!), but somewhere during the course of the interview he points out that it's at this period that people are starting to feel better and maybe try to do too much, and that's when dislocation can sometimes occur:
https://nhslocal.nhs.uk/story/interview-hip-replacement-surgeon
I'm still supposed to be resting till 10th Jan, but may try and push the boundaries a little bit this week and next - sitting in the car and seeing how I'd feel about driving, without actually going anywhere yet, taking Susie out for her morning poop - not the sexiest ambition, granted(!) but I need to work out whether I can handle stick, dog poop picker-upper and dog all at once. And maybe picking up my home-based business again (I make and sell soap, face creams etc etc). I need to start stocking up already for the Royal Welsh Show next summer, so can't start soon enough. But it involves some heavy lifting, so I need to be careful or enlist hubby's help.
OK, now I've done my update, I'm going to go and join the party!
Happy New Year to everyone!
:reindeer::reindeer: love Jane
DallasSarah
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Morning Jane,
Your trip sounds lovely! Sorry you had yucky weather. You got in the bath, oh my goodness that is brilliant I'm impressed big time!! I also think you are brave to actually venture out for the trip those are all big steps, car, ferry new environment. Thank you for your post earlier. Yessss the walking Miles has been a life saver, it's funny to watch me because I am super slow and I was thinking in terms of time frame my walking really started to pick up on the cane Christmas Eve which put me at the 4 week mark post surgery, I think I had taken the same path as you....relax and be gentle to myself after the surgery! I was sore yesterday riding as a passenger in the car which surprised me because normally sitting around I'm fine, I think it was the entire mini trip was all new to me. I'm fine this morning.
I am going to watch your dr's video later this morning.
Your Susie is adorable! She's little like Miles once you do get outside walking you will quickly go back to your routine and it's so much fun, I'm really looking forward to picking up our walks in distance soon. I have a walk date today with another neighbor she also has dachshund puppies Virgil and Max are beautiful and wait.......one is 14 and the other is 18 years old so they are slow when we walk today she will use her "pram" wow haven't used that term in years it's a small buggy for them so we can walk further.
I also like Josephine's comment that hips sort themselves out with time.
I have a feeling similar to Sandy's trip to the beach both your trips have been fabulous adventures and will help with your recoveries!
Glad you are back we missed you and thrilled you are doing so well!
xxooxx
Your trip sounds lovely! Sorry you had yucky weather. You got in the bath, oh my goodness that is brilliant I'm impressed big time!! I also think you are brave to actually venture out for the trip those are all big steps, car, ferry new environment. Thank you for your post earlier. Yessss the walking Miles has been a life saver, it's funny to watch me because I am super slow and I was thinking in terms of time frame my walking really started to pick up on the cane Christmas Eve which put me at the 4 week mark post surgery, I think I had taken the same path as you....relax and be gentle to myself after the surgery! I was sore yesterday riding as a passenger in the car which surprised me because normally sitting around I'm fine, I think it was the entire mini trip was all new to me. I'm fine this morning.
I am going to watch your dr's video later this morning.
Your Susie is adorable! She's little like Miles once you do get outside walking you will quickly go back to your routine and it's so much fun, I'm really looking forward to picking up our walks in distance soon. I have a walk date today with another neighbor she also has dachshund puppies Virgil and Max are beautiful and wait.......one is 14 and the other is 18 years old so they are slow when we walk today she will use her "pram" wow haven't used that term in years it's a small buggy for them so we can walk further.
I also like Josephine's comment that hips sort themselves out with time.
I have a feeling similar to Sandy's trip to the beach both your trips have been fabulous adventures and will help with your recoveries!
Glad you are back we missed you and thrilled you are doing so well!
xxooxx
nanamac
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Welcome back Jane! I don't know why you would think not many of us read your thread! I have been waiting anxiously for an update! Your trip sounds wonderful! You painted a lovely picture of it all!
Isn't it wonderful spending time with the grandchildren? I still have Christmas to do with two of mine who live out of state and will not be here until January 7th. I can't wait.
Kudos on the tub soak! I actually had mine replaced with a larger walk in shower as I didn't think I'd ever be able to get in or out again. I do miss it now though. Oh well...
Well, sounds like you are moving right along with recovery and I am thrilled for you! Glad you are back and that the trip was so enjoyable :wink1:..
Isn't it wonderful spending time with the grandchildren? I still have Christmas to do with two of mine who live out of state and will not be here until January 7th. I can't wait.
Kudos on the tub soak! I actually had mine replaced with a larger walk in shower as I didn't think I'd ever be able to get in or out again. I do miss it now though. Oh well...
Well, sounds like you are moving right along with recovery and I am thrilled for you! Glad you are back and that the trip was so enjoyable :wink1:..
Josephine
NURSE DIRECTOR EMERITA
No-one reads your thread! Are you kidding? don't you know this thread has had 658 views since it started? Quite a lot of people are following your progress with interest. But they may not be members of the forum so they cannot post. There are nearly always around 2 or 3 hundred guests on this forum all the time, any time of day or night!
girlienerd
member
Hi Jane! We have been missing you. It sounds like you've had a wonderful holiday with family and lots of great food!!
I'm glad the enforced rest is going well and you're making it through that, I think your Dr has a good point about pushing yourself during those weeks, reading so many of the posts here prove that.
Congrats on the bath! I'm completely jealous of you. How are you getting out of the tub? If I could figure that part out I might try it....
Have a wonderful evening!
Buffi
I'm glad the enforced rest is going well and you're making it through that, I think your Dr has a good point about pushing yourself during those weeks, reading so many of the posts here prove that.
Congrats on the bath! I'm completely jealous of you. How are you getting out of the tub? If I could figure that part out I might try it....
Have a wonderful evening!
Buffi
Juliep
graduate
Hey there Jane !!
I loved to read your wonderful Christmas holiday. I'm SO glad to hear you are doing so well and YES we read your thread. I just myself got home and have not posted lately but will soon. I just have to get my bearings right now.
I wish you the most blessed and happy New Year Jane !!
xoxo
I loved to read your wonderful Christmas holiday. I'm SO glad to hear you are doing so well and YES we read your thread. I just myself got home and have not posted lately but will soon. I just have to get my bearings right now.
I wish you the most blessed and happy New Year Jane !!
xoxo
How do I get out of the bath, Buffi? Well, I'll have to figure that one out. (pause while I get into the bath to remind myself). I'm sitting facing the taps, right? I put one hand on each side of the bath, heave myself up using my arms, till I am upright. If I was obeying the 90 degree rule I would keep operated leg straight out in front of me while doing this and only bend the other one. Then, holding onto hand basin whichh just happens to be nearby, I get good leg over side, then bad one. I am lucky as I have a step up to my bath, but when I first tried this in the holiday cottage there wasnt a step. I built one up with a pile of towels. HTH, as they say!
Shawnna
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Hi Jane,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story! Sounds like you've made really nice progress.
I'm missing my nightly deep tub soak more than anything and very much appreciate your detailed description! Just counting down the days until I can take a nice, long hot tub bath keeps me going now!
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story! Sounds like you've made really nice progress.
I'm missing my nightly deep tub soak more than anything and very much appreciate your detailed description! Just counting down the days until I can take a nice, long hot tub bath keeps me going now!
Josephine
NURSE DIRECTOR EMERITA
But ...... when you lift yourself up, don't you have to lean forward quite a bit to alter your centre of gravity? Thereby violating the 90 degree rule? Or perhaps you were released from that?
And that's okay if you have good shoulders. My shoulders are shot to heck which was the principle reason I gave up having baths some years ago. My soak in the tub became ruined by being constantly in a fret in case I wouldn't be able to get out again. For which reason, I used to have my cordless phone on the stool beside the bath just in case I needed to phone for help!
And that's okay if you have good shoulders. My shoulders are shot to heck which was the principle reason I gave up having baths some years ago. My soak in the tub became ruined by being constantly in a fret in case I wouldn't be able to get out again. For which reason, I used to have my cordless phone on the stool beside the bath just in case I needed to phone for help!
girlienerd
member
Ohhhh, ok. That makes sense. I think I'm still going to have to lose bit more weight for my shoulders to allow me to do that but it's a great goal to work for. I can't wait for a good soak!!
Happy New Year to you Jane! I believe by my clock you're just into the new year.
Take care,
Buffi
Happy New Year to you Jane! I believe by my clock you're just into the new year.
Take care,
Buffi
Re. the bath thing: I wasn't given any restrictions at all, so I suppose that gave me the confidence to try things I would otherwise not dare to do. The day I was released from hospital the physio told me I would not be given a raised toilet seat as the Prof didn't believe they were necessary! She demonstrated to me how to get on and off a normal (low) toilet, and I observed that she was violating the 90 degree rule. She replied that as the Prof didn't worry about that, I wasn't to either. Therefore I've been breaking it since day 1, though I do think about it and try not to break it too radically. Yesterday, when trying to answer Buffi's question, I did another dry run, sticking my operated leg straight out to the front rather than sort of squatting, and I don't think I went below 90 degs. I've also remembered that the first once or twice I took a bath I did land up kneeling at one point while trying to work out how to get out, so I do experiment with different techniques.
I totally understand that if you have dodgy shoulders or lack arm strength then getting out of the bath would be difficult. I'm lucky that my arms are strong (years of sailing) and I don't weigh much. However, if the bath is full of water it does make it much easier, though it would be sensible to have a non-slip mat on the bottom of the bath, and of course someone nearby to pull you up if you need it.
Since hot baths are one of the great joys of life, I'll do anything to help others enjoy them too. Jo, can you get to a public jacuzzi somewhere near you where you can just step down into it? That's better than never having a bath.
I totally understand that if you have dodgy shoulders or lack arm strength then getting out of the bath would be difficult. I'm lucky that my arms are strong (years of sailing) and I don't weigh much. However, if the bath is full of water it does make it much easier, though it would be sensible to have a non-slip mat on the bottom of the bath, and of course someone nearby to pull you up if you need it.
Since hot baths are one of the great joys of life, I'll do anything to help others enjoy them too. Jo, can you get to a public jacuzzi somewhere near you where you can just step down into it? That's better than never having a bath.
Jane
I've just been reading catching up on your thread. I noticed on Sandy's thread you had said you didn't think things were progressiing too well - the green eyed monster!
I have obviously got completely the wrong impression. At a month since the op I would say you are pregressing very nicely indeed.
Stairs in the normal manner 20 times a day - WOW! that pretty good.
Your surgeon has a different approach with this enforced non activity. I have never heard of that before but it must add to your frustrations a bit when you could otherwise be gently and methodically working on exercises and walking etc.
Your holiday in the Isle of Man with family sound great. I know what you mean about the foul weather. We are almost within shouting distance of the island across the Irish Sea here on the NW coast. It seems to have been wet and windy for the whole of December. Roll on spring.
I look forward to your future progress reports particularly after this current rest period.
Take care
Dave
I've just been reading catching up on your thread. I noticed on Sandy's thread you had said you didn't think things were progressiing too well - the green eyed monster!
I have obviously got completely the wrong impression. At a month since the op I would say you are pregressing very nicely indeed.
Stairs in the normal manner 20 times a day - WOW! that pretty good.
Your surgeon has a different approach with this enforced non activity. I have never heard of that before but it must add to your frustrations a bit when you could otherwise be gently and methodically working on exercises and walking etc.
Your holiday in the Isle of Man with family sound great. I know what you mean about the foul weather. We are almost within shouting distance of the island across the Irish Sea here on the NW coast. It seems to have been wet and windy for the whole of December. Roll on spring.
I look forward to your future progress reports particularly after this current rest period.
Take care
Dave
DallasSarah
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Happy New Year Jane!
Hope you are feeling Good this morning. I was reading your posts over on Sandy's thread and I thought ohhh be gentle and nice to yourself with the walking. Definely take your cane with you on any of the walks, it's a great support, I have to always use mine, I only cheat in the house. Don't be discouraged on short distance. I was talking with my girlfriend at night my big surge on walking oly started Christmas Eve that basically was a week ago yesterday and I was tired, sore and thought ewwwww! What's helped is I've had friends come and me all week for this little adventures and I'm completely thrilled how quickly the walking gets easier. If it reallys hurts then stay away for a few days and go back to the normal routine of rest, ice etc. we all have had the same surgery, however all our situations are unique meaning we all had previous "boooo-boooooos" which could effect our healing and recovery! Please don't be sad, everything is going to fall in to place on your time!!
Sending you lots of love! Happy New Year!
xxooxx
Hope you are feeling Good this morning. I was reading your posts over on Sandy's thread and I thought ohhh be gentle and nice to yourself with the walking. Definely take your cane with you on any of the walks, it's a great support, I have to always use mine, I only cheat in the house. Don't be discouraged on short distance. I was talking with my girlfriend at night my big surge on walking oly started Christmas Eve that basically was a week ago yesterday and I was tired, sore and thought ewwwww! What's helped is I've had friends come and me all week for this little adventures and I'm completely thrilled how quickly the walking gets easier. If it reallys hurts then stay away for a few days and go back to the normal routine of rest, ice etc. we all have had the same surgery, however all our situations are unique meaning we all had previous "boooo-boooooos" which could effect our healing and recovery! Please don't be sad, everything is going to fall in to place on your time!!
Sending you lots of love! Happy New Year!
xxooxx
Josephine
NURSE DIRECTOR EMERITA
There are many surgeons who don't hold with the 90 degree rule. My sister was very compliant about it and I taught her how to get in and out of the bath using the golfer's reach. However, when she went for her 3 month follow-up and asked the surgeon when she would be free of the restrictions, he looked her straight in the face and said "Have you been doing that?" to which she said "Oh yes!". Response came "And did I tell you to do that?" Turns out he's one of those that don't hold to it! :th_heehee:
Poppet
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Ah Jo, the mysteries of these different surgeons advice!! No wonder we all get so confused!
I am adhering to my three main restrictions for the 12 weeks, but I really LOVE reading and re- reading your words that walking is the best exercise and that hails have a way of working out for themselves... Trying to live by that mantra day by day, until I get some hair brain idea to throw in a new exercise - those dreaded SLR's ... Still paying form that little indiscretion.... So morale of the story, listen more to Jo!
lots of love to you Jo
p.s. Hubby wants to know if you export your pies to OZ please?
I am adhering to my three main restrictions for the 12 weeks, but I really LOVE reading and re- reading your words that walking is the best exercise and that hails have a way of working out for themselves... Trying to live by that mantra day by day, until I get some hair brain idea to throw in a new exercise - those dreaded SLR's ... Still paying form that little indiscretion.... So morale of the story, listen more to Jo!
lots of love to you Jo
p.s. Hubby wants to know if you export your pies to OZ please?- Status
