THR Ginny's Recovery Thread (LTHR)

[Ginny12]

@Barbaraj

Thanks for your concern. Yes, i could do with putting a bit of weight on. Working on that.
But i also have a 'leaky gut' so not absorbing food well and add to that a history of long term stress. All that said i have a brilliant Dr that i am working with and things are improving. She had me on an intensive supplement program pre-op so hopefully that will help. I always (apart from the anxiety) feel physically well.

Touch wood my other hip is OK and i am going to make the most of this second chance in life. My physio said my arthritis could also be related to a childhood accident when a broke my right ankle. He said my gait was putting a lot of strain on the left. Who knows!

I hope that you are feeling well and thanks again for checking in. x

 

[Ginny12]

Day 9

Top Tip:

Future Learn

If anybody is bored in the rehab bit there is a wonderful off shoot of the Open University (OU) called Future Learn. To anybody who does not know the OU was started in the UK as a method for the masses to have access to a university education by doing home study. I have studied with the OU and found them brilliant. However, it can be expensive. So i was delighted when Future Learn was introduced. There are hundreds of really interesting short courses which are totally free. Most last about 6 weeks, but, one can study in ones own time. There are some excellent courses on mindfulness and even arthritis. Hundreds of other subjects too, all the courses are written by university professors so a pretty high standard. No exams, fees, pressure. If interested just Google Future Learn. I am currently doing a couple of courses, one on gut health and the other Richard lll.

I went for a nice walk yesterday with my husband, only a short distance but if felt good to be out. I am becoming more independent, which is obviously a good thing. Main thing is that when i move or walk i am not aware of the horrible grinding and stiffness that was there all the time before the op.

I must be feeling better because i am getting cabin fever.

Warmest wishes to all.

 

[Mojo333]

Future Learn ...how neat! Thanks for sharing the info.
What a great distraction and a way to feel you aren't just "biding time" in recovery.
Of course, my brain had some focus issues...but that's what's so great about doing things on your own time.
Way too early to be getting cabin fever young lady!
One week might be a record!

Isn't it wonderful to realise that the bone crunching pain is gone, and the rest of this is all temporary!
Hope today is a Good Day for you!

 

[Ginny12]

@Mojo333

I just want to try and give back to this wonderful community, like you do and so many others. Thank you.

 

[Barbaraj]

Hi there, @Ginny12--sounds like a wonderful time, no matter how short your walk with your husband, to get out of the house and stretch a bit. I remember those early walks with my husband as well--a bit of exercise, fresh air and a feeling of normality in your recovery day. That's great--here's to doing more of these. Have a great day! And Future Learn sounds interesting, may have to check that out, too.

 

[Bionic]

@Ginny12
I too studied with the OU, gaining a law degree. Since retiring though I have done several short courses through Future Learn, from a course on forensics to one on colour and several,others in between. It's a great way to spend some time.
I'm pleased you seem to be getting on well. You were so worried pre op. It's lovely to see the positive Ginny shining through. Keep up the good work.

 

[Layla]

Future Learn does sound like is a great resource. Thanks for sharing that info!
Gut health is an interesting topic since the majority of our immune system lies within.
Glad you're doing well, recovery does get boring but please take it slow.
Losing the grinding pain and stiffness is so liberating. A new year soon and a new you!
Enjoy the day!
@Ginny12

 

[Ginny12]

Day 10

Things seem to be going well, able to walk with one stick around the house all the time and x 2 sticks for my walks outside. Felt sightly 'blah' when i woke up but nothing i could not talk myself out of. Beautiful sunny day in the UK so that helps.

@Bionic @Barbaraj @Layla Thank you for your posts.

I wish everybody well.

 

[SurreyGirl]

Looks like you are taking the right road to recovery. Interesting about the bad hip possibly being related to a childhood accident. My husband broke his wrist when a student and has arthiritis there. I fell into a swimming pool - you know the rest!! Have a good weekend.

 

[Ginny12]

Day 11

Good nights sleep last night, what a difference that makes to ones mood!

Nothing major to report but thrilled that my walking is improving.

I wish everybody well.

@SurreyGirl There is actually quite a bit of evidence in the literature to suggest previous injuries can lead to arthritis. It is one of the reasons sportspeople often have to have joint replacements earlier than the average population. So yes the swimming pool incident could possibly be a factor. I hope that you are feeling a bit better today. x

 

[Mojo333]

So jealous
Didn't get one of those for almost three months

Glad to read that you are doing so well.
By Christmas, you will be well on your way to Golden!
Have a great weekend!

 

[Barbaraj]

Hi, @Ginny12. Glad to hear that you are sleeping well (that is so great--sleep is restorative and so many recovering hippies complain that sleep is so elusive) and that your walking is improving. Isn't it nice to wake up and every day feel (despite perhaps some minor setbacks occasionally) that you are definitely moving in the right direction and full recovery is definitely on the horizon? Hope you have sunshine in your neck of the woods today so maybe a short outside walk for some fresh air and sunshine will happen this weekend.

 

[Ginny12]

Day 12

Having a very lazy day today, feeling tired but OK. Just had my walk which was a bit further than yesterday. My dressings to come off tomorrow. So hopefully all will be well.

I wish everybody well.

 

[Mojo333]

Oh goody.
Then you can check out your battlescar whenever you like.

Hope your Sunday is restful!

 

[Barbaraj]

Ha, ha @Ginny12, I admit I was curious about what my scar looked like, and was thoroughly horrified at the bulging, angry red 4" scar! But I've gotten used to it now and it doesn't look too intimidating. Plus, I've been told (gosh, I sure hope this is true!) that with time it will fade to a thin white line.

Congrats on a walk a little bit further than the day before, that's the ticket--inch by inch, you are getting stronger and more active, just the way you should be--hurray for you! Hope you have a good day, and the fatigue fades a bit by day's end. Cheers!

 

[Layla]

Happy Sunday, Ginny
Hope it's been a comfy lazy day for you so far.
A nice walk and maybe a cozy nap can equal a good day early on in recovery.
Let us know how the big reveal goes tomorrow.
A great evening to you...across the pond.
@Ginny12

 

[Mojo333]

good morning (for me...it's not quite 5:30am and hoping that you are having a good day.
About two weeks and I'm guessing this recovery business is just getting somewhat tedious?
Guess you'll be airing out that incision...I was sort of amazed when I looked at mine...they got that prosthetic in through there?
It can look kind-of gnarly but was amazed how quickly it got better and better looking!

Hope your day is restful and happy, dear @Ginny12

 

[Layla]

Happy Monday!
Wishing you a great week, Ginny.
Your support of, allena, has been so honest and reassuring.
Many blessings to you for your gentle kindness!
@Ginny12

 

[Barbaraj]

A good Monday to you, @Ginny12 (or whatever time of day it is in the UK), and I hope you are starting the week feeling pretty good. Today was when you were getting your scar bandage removed, and I hope you feel relieved when you see the scar, it will be both scary but also reassuring to see that you ARE healing! And so another day on the long, and frankly boring at times, recovery road. By the way, I had to chuckle at an earlier comment you made that you could stand to "gain some weight". Wow, words that bring jealousy to the ears of so many women! Take the opportunity during recovery to both nourish and feed your body and help with recovery, but also use it as an opportunity to eat some heavily caloric and rich foods that most of us steer clear of! Mmmm...milkshakes for breakfast, brownies for lunch, and capped off with something equally decadent and delicious for dinner, and all without any guilt associated with this eating! Sounds good to me!

 

[Ginny12]

Hello my fellow Bonesmarties,

The nurse said the wound was fine and it looks OK to me. It was glued. As long as no infection i don't mind a bit of a war wound. Has anybody tried the Active scar shield? Is it easy to get in the UK? And how soon can you put it on the wound? Thanks in advance.

I an seeing my OS tomorrow for a routine check up and i am going to check with him if he is happy for me to do the exercises the hospital gave me. I feel fine but i am a little bit confused at the difference between the recommendations for walking only (if i have understood correctly) on this site and the set routine to follow from the hospital. Could i have done any damage if i don't feel any pain?

I definitely feel my energy is returning and that is good, but, strangely i have no desire to do any housework or cooking! I just realized as well, we lose blood in the op so until new red cells are produced that would also contribute to feeling tired. I don't normally eat meat but having a lamb chop for my supper tonight as i think my body needs it.

Had a few wobbly moments mood/anxiety wise but overall managing to keep on top of things. I am going to start a gratitude list on my thread starting tomorrow. I did a list yesterday and it is truly amazing how focusing on the positive can lift ones mood.

I hope that everybody is a little bit better today than they where yesterday. But not as good as they will be tomorrow.


@Barbaraj @Mojo333 @Layla @SurreyGirl

Thank you you all for checking in and the lovely comments, very much appreciated.