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THR Ginny's Recovery Thread (LTHR)

Dear American BoneSmarties,

Happy Thanksgivings Day.

My little bit of research on Google said that it falls on the 4th Thursday in November but i get mixed up if you are in front or behind the UK time wise. Either way what a wonderful idea for a holiday, just to be thankful for food etc.

I am having my second PT appointment today so hopefully things will go OK and he thinks i am making progress. I woke up to snow outside, light flurry, but still snow. I am too frightened to go for a walk, if one marches on the spot for 20 minutes would that count as a walk? I realise different muscles would be used but with winter setting in does anybody have any suggestions about alternatives to walks if the weather is playing up please?

Would a walking machine do the same job?

Thanks in advance for any answers.

I wish everybody well.
 
I had the opposite problem with the weather. Heat wave during early days and humidity was horrid, so I would get faint feeling trying to do much outside.
I walked all over the house like a caged lion:sigh:
I think that walking in place is okay...but marching can be hard on those quads if you overdo.
Only problem I see with treadmill ...on slow.. is risk of falling.
I tried to do a bit of it, but I'm not very graceful or coordinated or familiar with treadmill do I got anxious as never used one before operation.

Hope the weather clears..as some change of scenery does do our spirits good.

Hoping today is a good day for you.
Close to your one month Hipversary.
Thanksgiving is tomorrow!
Thank goodness...a Day Off!:yes!:
 
You could try walking in water if you have a suitable pool you can use. Don’t overdo it though. It should not bring on aching. I was told to start with 5 minutes. Of course I didn’t and walked too far the first time.
 
Hi, @Ginny12, I think we must be behind you as I'm writing this post on Wednesday morning, the day before Thanksgiving. But today is preparation day, so lots of scurrying around for a lot of folks in the USA, so that tomorrow's feast will be abundant and tasty. Luckily, I'm not hosting Thanksgiving--we go to my husband's sister's house where she and her husband do most of the meal--I just bring rolls and a salad. I am not sure about what would constitute "walking", but if you are feeling nervous about going outside then you should definitely not try that--wobbly gait plus anxiousness would make for a difficult experience, I think. My surgeon recommended either a treadmill or an elliptical, and I read an article the other day from a physical therapist who opined that ellipticals were the best as they don't require lifting your feet and yet your leg, hip and foot are taken through a smooth motion which is beneficial. For me, I love the elliptical at my gym. I had to start very, very slowly (only 10 minutes at the lowest settings possible) and I admit I was a bit winded afterwards. But I've continued to plug away, still very low resistance, and I've increased the time a little bit every visit. It does feel good and I don't push it too hard. Can't say I've every done water walking (putting on a bathing suit is a depressing and miserable experience I try to avoid) but it might work. I think you are in a good position where you can try various things, as you feel able and willing, to see what works best for YOU! Lots of choices out there, when you're ready.
 
Hi @Ginny12, I feel badly I have not been checking in with others who have had their surgeries this month. So getting in gear now, as I'm feeling a bit more comfortable. Loved all your positive affirmations and totally agree about all the support and information that BoneSmart gives us! I can't imagine doing either surgery without this forum and the knowledge and support it gives us :)

After first surgery I walked around the house like an animal in a cage, until I found the crutches steady for outside. With this surgery it will be tricky due to the change in weather. Maybe try walking in an indoor pool, but do mind what I think @Apricot had to say about not overdoing it. Also check with your OS about getting in water. I was told to wait until after six weeks.

To me the elliptical seems safer than the treadmill, but I might be biased as I like the elliptical better due to the overall work out it gives one's body. I was free to try these things at six weeks post op, but had horses to contend with until surgery at 9 weeks, as my husband developed a hernia. Could your hubby drive you to a big supermarket or large store of some sort, and you would walk around there? It makes such a difference to be able to walk. The marching exercises are hard on your quads, so if your quads are sore, I'd give the marching a miss for now.

I'm in week one, second surgery, so still in my recliner with legs up, on ice, and not feeling like I want to run the marathon just yet!

You have to figure out what works best for you and your schedule etc. Good luck with figuring it out. You are doing so well!:SUNsmile:
 
Thanks for the holiday wishes, Ginny. Here in the states, we are behind you time wise.
I hope your second PT appt went well today. I think water walking, elliptical or treadmill are all good options as long as you're cleared by your OS and start out slow.
You're doing great at almost one month post op. Keep up the good work.
A great end of the week to you!
@Ginny12
 
Hi,

I was too early yesterday, so once again Happy Thanksgivings Day.

I have decided to adopt this holiday on behalf of UK citizens, well me and my bewildered husband anyway. It is a brilliant concept for a holiday and even if it only makes one more aware of all the things to be grateful for for a short while it is a step in the right direction. I realize that from my previous posts i may sound like i am grateful for things all the time. If only. I am grateful but i can quickly switch to forgetting how lucky i am and moaning about trivial things. I constantly battle to be a better person. The things that i regret most in my life are the occasions when i have not been kind. Anyway enough soul searching off me!

To BoneSmartie issues:

I subscribe to Dr Mercola's daily email newsletter. Yesterday he sent out some really interesting information regarding osteoarthritis. Apparently the rate is increasing each year by 2.5%. People born after 1940 are at much greater risk of developing it at much younger ages. This was quite a big article and i am only cherry picking a few points but i thought that this was very interesting. When i was first told that i had osteoarthritis i was in denial as i thought that i was too young. Well clearly i was wrong as this site demonstrates. Anyway apart from the usual suspects that may contribute to osteoarthritis interestingly the role of poor gut health is becoming more of a player in pinpointing why arthritis is so common. The rationale being poor gut health leads to systemic inflammation and the degradation of cartilage. This makes sense to me as i have had quite a lot of functional medical tests on my gut and they have highlighted that my gut microbiota is imbalanced. I have no obvious signs of gut problems so people can have issues without any symptoms. So what's the answer, well i am not qualified in any way to say, but Dr Mercola gave some pointers. Keeping stress as low as possible, good diet, not too much processed food, exercise, weight management. All the things that we already know but not so easy to implement in the real world!

However, what i find so encouraging about this latest research on osteoarthritis is that it is highlights that it is mainly because of society changes and how our food has become so processed which has potentially has led to the increase of arthritis.

@Mojo333 @Barbaraj @Layla @Apricot Thank you for your posts re my exercise options, very much appreciated.

@Alitm Good luck with your recovery too. Wow two op's so close together, respect! Your post to me was really thoughtful, thank you so much. x
 
Interesting observations about our over processed society.
I AM grateful for the advanced medical technology that makes new hips possible and have me my life back !:happydance:
Also made me more cognizant of taking steps to eat healthier, and take better care of myself.

Hope you are having a good day..mine is just beginning !:mcoffee:
 
Hey, there, @Ginny12--I, too, found the article about gut health and osteoarthritis to be interesting, although I feel I have a fairly reasonable diet, I have always exercised and appropriately managed my weight. I have always wondered whether a possible explanation for more osteoarthritis, at least for myself, was "overuse" of my hips through exercise. If it is truly the explanation that Dr. Mercola posits, I have no good explanation for why I developed it as I think I've followed his advice and yet here I am with two arthritic hips! I suppose there is a genetic component as well (or so my surgeon opined) although neither of my parents, and none of my siblings so far, have arthritis. But, it is what it is--no use worrying about the cause(s) at this point. One hip done, another waiting in the wings! But off to finish making rolls in a few minutes and then maybe just chilling out before heading out for the Big Feed. I love the family gathering, and the recognition of gratitude for all that we truly enjoy, but really not a huge fan of way too much food today. I am going to TRY to be reasonable, but I make that pledge every year and still end up by day's end feeling overstuffed and bloated! Argh!
 
@Barbaraj I hope that you don't feel too bloated today. We have all that over indulgence in the UK over Xmas and it usually takes a few months to sort ourselves out!

Ladies shallow question alert and TMI

My legs are now very furry. Is is safe to have waxing? I am just over a month. I actually do have better things to worry about but still...

Thanks in advance for any answers.
 
Good day, @Ginny12, I confess I am feeling a wee bit bloated this morning--way too much food was served, although my sons were thrilled as they carted home bags of leftovers. But survived and intend to eat far more abstemiously today to help myself recover. I agree that the Christmas holidays present dangerous overeating opportunities as well, not only Christmas Eve and Day but also various holiday events leading up to the Big Day, too much alcohol, too much fattening food! But at least we recognize this going in and can exercise a bit of control if we try.

RE: fuzzy legs. I've never waxed before but I would think it would be safe. I was able to contort myself in the shower well enough to shave--okay, missed a few spots on the back of each leg but whatever. I've never actually had any body waxing since I am a weenie about pain and it sounds like it hurts to have it done. But I don't see, if you're game, that it would hurt to have wax put on and those little hairs all yanked out. Just my opinion, however; admittedly I've never had it done before.
 
@Barbaraj Thank you re your opinion re waxing. Yes it does hurt but you are not furry for ages which is nice. I was just more concerned of a potential infection risk. But that's me, always with the drama.

I really feel for you having the prospect of a another surgery hanging over you at some time. It's bad enough having one op. The weird thing about humans tho is that we adapt really well to change. We think that we can't face something but when whatever the 'thing' is we tend to get on with it it and take it in our stride. This is only obvious with hindsight of course. Anyway, by keeping as active as you are when you do decide the time is right you will be in great condition. Thanks so much for all your lovely posts to me.

Ginny x
 
Hi Ginny,
I've never read, or heard that waxing poses a risk post op.
There is also the option of a long handled razor called the Giraffe in the Recovery Aids in the Library.
It can be purchased through Amazon. Notice the Amazon info in the rotating advertising at the top of the page. I use an electric razor, myself, in an effort to avoid cuts.
Wishing you a nice weekend!

Amazon product ASIN B00HXQP3VA
@Ginny12
 
@Layla Thank you for the info, i think that your idea of an electric razor is probably the way to go.

I wish everybody well and remain so grateful this site exists.
 
Hi, there, @Ginny12. It turned partly sunny today, always a mood booster for me. Started the day with PT, which went well for me--so happy about this--with the therapist noting that I probably only needed a couple more sessions and they'd release me. I am glad about this, as it means I've done well, but I will also miss the appointments as I like the feedback they've provided me. Because I only started PT after 6 weeks after my surgery, I was feeling pretty good and I just wanted help with some targeted exercises for my left hip, and to increase the range of motion in my operated right leg/hip. How are you feeling? Do you notice steady even if slow improvement? You're a month out now, and I remember feeling pretty positive and cheery by that time. Sure, left hip was whining but not the sort of deep, persistent 24/7 ache that my right hip was experiencing prior to surgery. It is so nice now to feel how strong and stable it feels--love that! Have a great day.
 
@Barbaraj Thanks for your checking in on me. I am fine, i actually feel guilty saying how i am doing as so many people seem to be having a really bad time. This is silly i know.

That's great re your PT. I agree it's good having feedback on progress and technique. Hopefully your left hip will go into remission and buy you some time. I hope that you are having a restful day. x
 
Hi @Ginny12, I waxed before surgery this time, but I'm not sure it will be too comfortable for awhile post op. Mind you, I was 8 weeks post op on first hip when I went for the waxing, but just did knee and lower leg, so she wasn't anywhere near the surgical site, which is looking good on the first hip.

Did you figure out where to do some walking? You were posting about that a while back. We are having a big storm come through today and tomorrow, with tons of rain and wind, so I'm doing laps around the house when I walk. Don't feel up to putting a rain coat on and heading outside just yet. I'm still in bare feet as my foot is still has swelling. I'm wondering if it will come down before my xrays, staples out and OS visit on Tuesday!! Last time I managed a pair of sketchers. I could probably wear the delightful, non-skid, smiley-faced socks that I found on my feet post op! I have two pairs now to round out my sock wardrobe :heehee:

Wishing you a restful night :sleep:
 
@Ginny12, you should NEVER feel badly about reporting how well you're doing! These are the stories that I liked to read before surgery. Yes, I understand that there are folks who are having a much more difficult time, and I remember being terrified before surgery as somehow I seemed to instinctively hone in on those scary stories of folks who were really struggling months after surgery. It didn't help my pre-surgery jitters at all! I understand not all surgeries go well, and many people who are struggling find this forum after not being able to find answers and dealing with very slow and difficult recoveries. But remember that folks LIKE reading about the fairly swift and easy recoveries. I always said that I wanted, if I was lucky enough to have an uneventful, smooth recovery, to post about that after surgery even if it got boring after awhile. Yes, if you've had a good recovery you don't have as much to say if your complaints are minimal, but again, I think it's important for all types of hip recoveries to be represented here. And I am thrilled, and I'm sure others are as well, to read GOOD NEWS, that you are doing so well and life is looking up--hurray for you!
 
@Alitm

Thank you so much for your lovely post and concern.

The non urgent furry leg situation is in hand. As for the walking, nothing for it except being brave and going outside unfortunately. The UK weather is well known for rain so if i don't go out i would remain a hermit. That said i am picking the least dangerous route as possible!

I hope that you are doing OK, i should imagine the weather in Canada can be much more challenging than the UK. Also two surgeries so close together, i really cannot imagine having the grit to go thru that. However, you clearly are doing well and being kind enough to support others.

Thanks again x
 
@Barbaraj

I was so touched when i read your last post to me. How generous of you to express that people do like to read of things going well post op. I was approaching it from the wrong mindset. Feeling slightly guilty that (up to now at least and fingers crossed) i was not having any unexpected problems. But you are so right it is encouraging to read about relatively straight forward recoveries. I am aware that things could potentially go wrong at any stage so i am just trying to enjoy not being in pain and being able to walk again.

You are one in a million. xx
 
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