THR Ginny's Recovery Thread (LTHR)
- Thread starter Ginny12
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Barbaraj
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Hey, @Ginny12, it is nice to have someone who is just as anxious, if not more so, than you are. You get to be the calm "big sister" which is great for your friend but also pulls you out of your own worrying head, so a double bonus! I hope you realize that it's YOUR body and that while the medical staff certainly should be consulted about so many things involving this recovery, you are the one in the best position to assess how you're feeling and what you are able to accomplish on a day to day basis. I haven't done any kind of exercise or PT, although I admit I am missing it, but I walk and have had a few brief forays to the local gym with my husband, VERY slow workouts on either the treadmill or the elliptical. I, too, was shown a few exercises in the hospital before discharge, involving things that (log leg) I simply couldn't do at the time. I was given a few sheets describing these details, but they're lost in a pile of paperwork. Once I have my 6 week check-up I may dig them out again or I'm hoping maybe PT, which I did before surgery and really appreciate, might be authorized for awhile. But, in the meantime I'm not going to worry about it. It is early days for you--figure out the medication schedule that works for you, try to walk a bit more every day, and try to eat nourishing, healthy foods and get as much sleep/naps as you're able. It is all going to work out--it does for all of us. Have a great day!
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Hi @Ginny12
It is nice to get an honest perspective of others recoveries even though we shouldn't compare.
Following are some possible remedies for Constipation if it comes to needing a little help -
Pumpkin Purée has been suggested as a cure for Constipation.
With Pumpkin Puree' being the ONLY ingredient in the can.
Cinnamon can be sprinkled on top.
The following were posted on NanaMama's Recovery thread several months ago -
This is the "Bomb" recipe for anyone Brave (or Desperate) enough to use it.
I hope you have a great day and week to come!
It is nice to get an honest perspective of others recoveries even though we shouldn't compare.
Following are some possible remedies for Constipation if it comes to needing a little help -
Pumpkin Purée has been suggested as a cure for Constipation.
With Pumpkin Puree' being the ONLY ingredient in the can.
Cinnamon can be sprinkled on top.
The following were posted on NanaMama's Recovery thread several months ago -
This is the "Bomb" recipe for anyone Brave (or Desperate) enough to use it.
- one dose liquid milk of magnesia in an 8 oz. measuring cup
- fill to 8 oz. mark with prune juice
- Add 1 Tbsp. dark Karo syrup
- Heat in microwave
- Enjoy.
- one dose of MoM in an 8 oz. measuring cup
- fill to 8 oz. mark with apple juice
- spoonful of brown sugar
- Heat in microwave
- Enjoy
- Beware starting this recipe if you've only purchased Cherry Flavored MoM
- DH got "100% Prune Juice" as opposed to the store brand kind where (though it said 100% Prune Juice, the first ingredient was Water, which made DH deem if unacceptable)
The consistency of the PJ he got was very thick/syrupy. - I think the idea of the Karo was to sweeten the pot.... but with the cherry flavor and the Karo the resulting hot drink was sickeningly sweet and had the texture of hot beef gravy.
- I didn't make this, but if I were going to - I'd get the regular MoM
- Buy the cheapest Apple Juice you can find...
- I would error on the side of too little brown sugar, at least to start.
I hope you have a great day and week to come!
@Layla thank you for the above suggestions for moving things along! I can highly recommend psyllium husks as an effective solution for constipation. Relatively natural and cheap and very easy to add to fluids.
I hope that you have a great week too.
@Bionic @Mojo333 @Barbaraj @SurreyGirl @Eman85 and @Jaycey Thank you all for your posts.
I hope that you have a great week too.
@Bionic @Mojo333 @Barbaraj @SurreyGirl @Eman85 and @Jaycey Thank you all for your posts.
Day 6 (Morning in the UK)
Top tip:
A commode by my bed at night. I realise that this may be a step too far for some but it is definitely safer for me. I live in an old house with awkward stairs so i would be in much more danger if i tried to navigate them overnight. It was very cheap on Amazon, as i recall about £20.00. I sleep in the spare room, which basically i have made into my lair. I spend a lot of time in there and can relax, if i stay downstairs too long i get tired. I wish to say upfront that i really do not wish to appear to be insensitive ( to anybody without much room) by saying that i have a spare room and somebody to help me. I am very lucky and grateful for my social circumstances.
Quite a good night sleep wise, i am a poor sleeper anyway but usually wake up refreshed. I really don't know how i would manage if one was not allowed to sleep on the operated side.
Pain very well controlled with x 3 30mg codeine and x3 paracetamol. Going to contact the GP today to replenish my dwindling stash. The pre op pain was manageable for me, i rarely took analgesia. However, my mobility had really deteriorated and my leg was permanently bent to the side. Not sure how to describe it. But my leg is straight now and i am not aware of any stiffness. But of course i am on strong painkillers so hard to say.
Appetite not as good but forcing myself to eat protein shakes with vegetables in them. I also find jars of almond butter and tahini good as lots of calories but easy to eat, and tasty!
I did not go for a walk outside yesterday, but, kept moving around the house and doing my exercises. Today I have done my exercises had my breakfast and written this post and i am already tired. So off for a nap now.
I wish everybody well.
Top tip:
A commode by my bed at night. I realise that this may be a step too far for some but it is definitely safer for me. I live in an old house with awkward stairs so i would be in much more danger if i tried to navigate them overnight. It was very cheap on Amazon, as i recall about £20.00. I sleep in the spare room, which basically i have made into my lair. I spend a lot of time in there and can relax, if i stay downstairs too long i get tired. I wish to say upfront that i really do not wish to appear to be insensitive ( to anybody without much room) by saying that i have a spare room and somebody to help me. I am very lucky and grateful for my social circumstances.
Quite a good night sleep wise, i am a poor sleeper anyway but usually wake up refreshed. I really don't know how i would manage if one was not allowed to sleep on the operated side.
Pain very well controlled with x 3 30mg codeine and x3 paracetamol. Going to contact the GP today to replenish my dwindling stash. The pre op pain was manageable for me, i rarely took analgesia. However, my mobility had really deteriorated and my leg was permanently bent to the side. Not sure how to describe it. But my leg is straight now and i am not aware of any stiffness. But of course i am on strong painkillers so hard to say.
Appetite not as good but forcing myself to eat protein shakes with vegetables in them. I also find jars of almond butter and tahini good as lots of calories but easy to eat, and tasty!
I did not go for a walk outside yesterday, but, kept moving around the house and doing my exercises. Today I have done my exercises had my breakfast and written this post and i am already tired. So off for a nap now.
I wish everybody well.
Mojo333
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
Bionic
post-grad
@Ginny12
It doesn't take much to tire yourself out at this stage does it?
The commode sounds like a good idea. I was lucky to have an ensuite bathroom just a few steps from my bed and for most of the first week home I was sort of living between the two rooms upstairs. No need for any marathon exercise sessions.
Although I had a good appetite immediately after the op, I really didn't want much for the whole of the following week. Very unusual for me. Husband was dishing me up very small portions and I was only eating a little of what was on the plate. I soon got my appetite back though.
I think I need to check out psyllium husks before my next op.
It doesn't take much to tire yourself out at this stage does it?
The commode sounds like a good idea. I was lucky to have an ensuite bathroom just a few steps from my bed and for most of the first week home I was sort of living between the two rooms upstairs. No need for any marathon exercise sessions.
Although I had a good appetite immediately after the op, I really didn't want much for the whole of the following week. Very unusual for me. Husband was dishing me up very small portions and I was only eating a little of what was on the plate. I soon got my appetite back though.
I think I need to check out psyllium husks before my next op.
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Ginny, you really are a very sweet, dear woman. You are far from insensitive, quite the contrary. I like to think the good Lord balances it all out. Where one is blessed, another is not and visa versa.
I've posted this list before for some who express they're struggling to eat, with not much appetite.
It is mainly protein ideas. Protein is so important for healing. Most are simple and snack like so don't feel overwhelming. Often times someone suggests something we simply haven't thought of and it actually sounds kind of good. Here goes -
Nuts
Trail Mix
Turkey roll ups (cheese or veggies rolled inside the turkey)
Greek Yogurt
Cottage Cheese
Hard Boiled Eggs
Tuna
Veggies & Hummus
Peanut Butter and Apple
Peanut Butter on Celery
Cheese Slices
Beef Sticks
Protein Bars
Protein Shakes
Canned Salmon on Crackers
Edamame
Chicken Salad
No Bake Energy Bites (many online recipes)
I hope you have a great day!
@Ginny12
I've posted this list before for some who express they're struggling to eat, with not much appetite.
It is mainly protein ideas. Protein is so important for healing. Most are simple and snack like so don't feel overwhelming. Often times someone suggests something we simply haven't thought of and it actually sounds kind of good. Here goes -
Nuts
Trail Mix
Turkey roll ups (cheese or veggies rolled inside the turkey)
Greek Yogurt
Cottage Cheese
Hard Boiled Eggs
Tuna
Veggies & Hummus
Peanut Butter and Apple
Peanut Butter on Celery
Cheese Slices
Beef Sticks
Protein Bars
Protein Shakes
Canned Salmon on Crackers
Edamame
Chicken Salad
No Bake Energy Bites (many online recipes)
I hope you have a great day!
@Ginny12
Dear @Mojo333 and @Bionic The pysllium husks are actually good things to take on a regular basis i have been told. As we are supposed to have at least 2 bowel movements a day (normally) apparently! In the past i have been very gung ho about supplements and now i am much more cautious so would just check at a health food shop before buying. But a medical Dr recommended them to me so i am happy to take them. thank you both for the support. x
@Layla, what a lovely thing to say about me. I was told never to refuse a complement and so i am going to lap yours up. Thank you. x
@Layla, what a lovely thing to say about me. I was told never to refuse a complement and so i am going to lap yours up. Thank you. x
Barbaraj
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Good morning, @Ginny12, or is it afternoon or evening by now in the UK? I can never keep track of the time zone differences! Anyway, I hope after your morning nap you were feeling a bit better. I remember that for the first few days I wasn't hungry at all but that did ease and suddenly food tasted good and I could feel myself anticipating my next meal. My brother came fairly early on in my recovery and brought luscious macaroni and cheese, a favorite recipe, and even though I wasn't terribly hungry, I wolfed down two very generous portions. I agree that painkillers can kill appetite a bit so as you wean down on those, I suspect you'll find yourself a bit hungrier. In the meantime, such early days that a major accomplishment is just getting through the day without much pain or discomfort, and it sounds like despite fatigue you're managing that quite well. Soldier on!
Last edited:
Mojo333
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
.
Sounds kind of good...But it really is yucky.
I bought three bags of frozen Edamame...great source of protein.
The other two bags still serve as back up ice packs!
Day 7
Apart from the expected problems sleeping i had a good day yesterday and woke up this morning feeling a bit more mobile/myself. Nothing major to report except that i actually feel like going for a walk outside. So i will take it gently especially as the weather in the UK much colder than recent months.
I spoke to a lovely locum GP a few minutes ago to get more codeine and he said i was not taking enough paracetamol and i could take my previously prescribed melatonin. I had concerns that the melatonin might interfere with the blood thinners. So maybe i might get a better sleep tonight. He had no problems prescribing the codeine and said it was way to early to cut back.
I wish all my fellow hipsters well.
@Barbaraj Thanks for your post. x
Apart from the expected problems sleeping i had a good day yesterday and woke up this morning feeling a bit more mobile/myself. Nothing major to report except that i actually feel like going for a walk outside. So i will take it gently especially as the weather in the UK much colder than recent months.
I spoke to a lovely locum GP a few minutes ago to get more codeine and he said i was not taking enough paracetamol and i could take my previously prescribed melatonin. I had concerns that the melatonin might interfere with the blood thinners. So maybe i might get a better sleep tonight. He had no problems prescribing the codeine and said it was way to early to cut back.
I wish all my fellow hipsters well.
@Barbaraj Thanks for your post. x
@Ginny12 
good to read how well you are doing. I am 3 wks after surgery, 2 weeks before you. Sounds like you are recovering nicely. I have to say I was happy to be off heavy meds because of the side effects but needed them right up to the day before I suddenly forgot to take a dose. It was startling! So now I’m past the constipation & diarrhea and eating comfort foods. I did have a friend who is a wonderful cook make a dish that was wonderful tasting but set me back wth turmeric, ginger, and cumin spices that I’m not used to. (Potatoes, peas and cauliflower rice - delicious!) So the journey continues and I take heart from @Barbaraj, advisors, and others before me and am looking forward to a glass of wine with my hearty beef soup w friends tonite.
good to read how well you are doing. I am 3 wks after surgery, 2 weeks before you. Sounds like you are recovering nicely. I have to say I was happy to be off heavy meds because of the side effects but needed them right up to the day before I suddenly forgot to take a dose. It was startling! So now I’m past the constipation & diarrhea and eating comfort foods. I did have a friend who is a wonderful cook make a dish that was wonderful tasting but set me back wth turmeric, ginger, and cumin spices that I’m not used to. (Potatoes, peas and cauliflower rice - delicious!) So the journey continues and I take heart from @Barbaraj, advisors, and others before me and am looking forward to a glass of wine with my hearty beef soup w friends tonite.
Barbaraj
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Hey there, @Ginny12. Hoping you got a better night's sleep and felt perkier the next morning. I remember reading postings before surgery when folks were wailing about poor sleep post-surgery, but it actually hasn't been too bad for me. I was able to sleep on my non-operated side even while still in the hospital, although with a ton of pillows wedged all around. At home I started out with a pillow between my legs but recently I've been kicking it off the bed as I find it too hot and bulky often in the middle of the night. I do get achy sometimes and sleep isn't as restful as I wish it could be, but I am sleeping and mostly feel pretty darn good in the mornings. Did you get in a brief walk yesterday? No matter how short, I find doing new things is a great mood booster--another small step on the way back to "normal me". It is way too early for huge steps, but I hope every day brings small improvements that you'll happily notice and celebrate. It is a journey but you are absolutely headed in the right direction! Cheers!
Day 8
Top Tip:
Pink Noise for improving sleep. I am being serious. If you have not heard of it it is basically background noise that sounds a bit like rainfall. It can be very soothing and help sleep. If anybody wants to give it a try just Google 'Pink noise ten hours The classic now in dark screen'. Dalensnale. It is free!
Much better night sleep wise last night. I still wake up frequently but since increasing the paracetamol it is more because of my position than pain. Taking my Melatonin definitely helped too.
Went for a walk outside yesterday and felt stronger than a couple of days ago. I am very lucky in that my favourite thing in the whole world is to read, so this enforced rehab does have its upsides for me.
I wish everybody well. x
@Layla @wcgirl and @Barbaraj As always thank you for your posts.
Top Tip:
Pink Noise for improving sleep. I am being serious. If you have not heard of it it is basically background noise that sounds a bit like rainfall. It can be very soothing and help sleep. If anybody wants to give it a try just Google 'Pink noise ten hours The classic now in dark screen'. Dalensnale. It is free!
Much better night sleep wise last night. I still wake up frequently but since increasing the paracetamol it is more because of my position than pain. Taking my Melatonin definitely helped too.
Went for a walk outside yesterday and felt stronger than a couple of days ago. I am very lucky in that my favourite thing in the whole world is to read, so this enforced rehab does have its upsides for me.
I wish everybody well. x
@Layla @wcgirl and @Barbaraj As always thank you for your posts.
Mojo333
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
@Ginny12 I was quite the night creeper for the first months after my surgery.
Things just didn't like being still and on one position for long periods.
I tried skipping naps...so as to hopefully sleep longer...just want happening.
I decided to just go with it.
Maybe my body needed to move every so often...so just took power naps throughout the day.
Pink noise? I'll have to check that out.
You are doing just fine for these early days.
It will be so sweet once you get to the end of this recovery journey.
So so worth it!
Keep on keeping on, and hope today is a Good Day!
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Good Morning, Ginny
Pink noise, hmm, that's a new one. Obviously I've heard of white noise, never pink. I'm going to listen out of curiosity.
Something else to consider for sleeplessness is Magnesium -
Magnesium supports the following:
Bone health
Healthy blood sugar
Cardiovascular health
Muscle relaxation and nerves
Promotes healthy sleep (falling asleep and staying asleep)
An article on Magnesium -
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/magnesium-is-a-star.20301/
It's nice to hear you're feeling improvement in walking. I hope you have a great Wednesday!
@Ginny12
Pink noise, hmm, that's a new one. Obviously I've heard of white noise, never pink. I'm going to listen out of curiosity.
Something else to consider for sleeplessness is Magnesium -
Magnesium supports the following:
Bone health
Healthy blood sugar
Cardiovascular health
Muscle relaxation and nerves
Promotes healthy sleep (falling asleep and staying asleep)
An article on Magnesium -
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/magnesium-is-a-star.20301/
It's nice to hear you're feeling improvement in walking. I hope you have a great Wednesday!
@Ginny12
@Layla,
Thank you so much for the support and tips.
I couldn't agree more re the magnesium. The pharmacist (at the hospital) told me not to take any supplements as they may interact with the blood thinners, but, thanks for the reminder as i know magnesium works for many things, including my current favorite topic, constipation. I am going to ring my local chemist and ask if he thinks any contraindications for me to start my supplement regime again. Cheers!
I am already deficient in many vitamins and minerals (i have had lots of functional medical tests) and i have been working with a Functional medical Dr (FMD) to improve things. Interestingly my FMD believes that my nutritional deficiencies may have contributed to my arthritis. This makes sense to me because if the cartilage is not getting the minerals etc if requires well then it could lead to damage.
I have done some research into Vit d and apparently that is mega important to have a good level, for anybody, but especially if having joint surgery.
All this info you and the other moderators supply is incredibly helpful, thanks again.
Thank you so much for the support and tips.
I couldn't agree more re the magnesium. The pharmacist (at the hospital) told me not to take any supplements as they may interact with the blood thinners, but, thanks for the reminder as i know magnesium works for many things, including my current favorite topic, constipation. I am going to ring my local chemist and ask if he thinks any contraindications for me to start my supplement regime again. Cheers!
I am already deficient in many vitamins and minerals (i have had lots of functional medical tests) and i have been working with a Functional medical Dr (FMD) to improve things. Interestingly my FMD believes that my nutritional deficiencies may have contributed to my arthritis. This makes sense to me because if the cartilage is not getting the minerals etc if requires well then it could lead to damage.
I have done some research into Vit d and apparently that is mega important to have a good level, for anybody, but especially if having joint surgery.
All this info you and the other moderators supply is incredibly helpful, thanks again.
Barbaraj
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I don't take a lot of supplements, @Ginny12, but I did take a calcium with D, a multi-vitamin and fish oil before surgery. I was told I could resume taking the calcium and multi-vitamin but definitely not the fish oil. So, since I'm lazy I haven't started anything back up again. It is already a hassle to remember to take the evening baby aspirin! Do you know why you were so deficient in so many areas before surgery? Are you significantly underweight, perhaps? I hope you're able to bring your levels up as you heal since if it's true that these deficiencies may have contributed to your arthritis, you don't want to have to worry about your other hip giving out too soon! Hope you are feeling good today, and that sleep isn't so elusive.
