THR Hello everyone - I'm ba-a-ck!

[Poppet]

Regards returning to work - I went back to an office job at 7 weeks part time for three days, graduating to full time by 10 weeks. The biggest problem I encountered was energy drain. It kicked in around 3 PM every day, so I took a couple of paracetamol around 2:30 and that was enough to get me through the day. I would suggest if you have a good team working for you, try and take more time or go back part time. It makes all the difference

Also, here is an article you may want to check out...

Slow and steady and remembering that recovery from a joint replacement can be a marathon and not a sprint gives one permission to recover in one's own timeframe

The following is a link to an article which provides the current science regarding the healing beneath and around the implant and approximate timeframes for the healing phases and processes and the relevant nutritional information for each phase.

Healing Phases & Nutrition

 

[beachgal]

I'm at 15 weeks. I returned to work into my 7th week but I'm self-employed with hubby and we have a bedroom set up at our office so when I needed to get off my feet, I did. Having said that, I would have waited another two weeks to return to work if I had the choice again. It's not so much the work but the change in your focus. Right now, you are paying close attention to your body and its healing. When you go back to work, it takes over your attention as normal. I just found it difficult to give my body what it needed while trying to keep work on track. Stay away as long as you can. My recovery was textbook and it was still difficult for me at 7 weeks.



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[Jamie]

What you're feeling is normal for this early in your recovery. For the back pain, you might try a heating pad at the small of your back. That also may make sleeping on your back a little easier.

 

[Jaycey]

Have you tried a pillow under your knees when you are sleep on your back. It helps ease the pressure on the lower back area.

I am back to almost full time work from home at 6 weeks out but my work is computer based. I have to get up quite often and pace myself very carefully. No being a hero! But we all heal differently.

 

[dougie0216]

Welcome back, Mr. Peril. Swelling is normal, unfortunately, so is pain. Keep it elevated and use lots of ice. I bought several of those re-freezable Ice packs. If you don't like the condensation dripping down your leg, use a plastic bag
After they get a little mushy, you can form them to fit, so I much preferred them to actual ice cubes.
Best of luck in your recovery.

 

[theorangeperil]

Thanks @dougie0216. The hospital gave me a very nice rubberised canvas pouch thing with water in it that I stick in the freezer for an hour. Works a treat unless I leave it in there for too long and it's rock solid!
The swelling seems particularly painful today and I'm even getting pins and needles in my little fingers but I think it's because I've been sitting around in an office chair for too long. New antibiotics are making me feel really sick too. I couldn't be in an office environment at the moment that's for sure!
On a positive my gait is improving and the leg is feeling stronger, certainly for walking and climbing stairs! Next physio session tomorrow probably discover where I'm weak then!


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[theorangeperil]

So another brief update. I'm on the London Underground going to a networking event and it's just coming up to 6pm.
So it's now into my 7th week post op. I was signed off by the surgeon to drive, cycle, swim etc and go back to work about 2 weeks ago.
I'm coming up to 1.5 weeks back at work and it's all going well. Continuing to see the Physio (but less regularly) who on the last couple of visits mainly had me on the treadmill and exercise bike. Most of my exercise now seems to be going about daily life.
We had a weekend away just gone and I did a 3.7 mile cycle with my daughters which was wonderful to be able to do again.
It's amazing to be getting my life back, I really never thought this would happen.
The signing off by the surgeon was a bit of a disappointment to be honest. I was expecting more. He basically looked at my scar and said I was good to go. A useful insight he gave was the healing hasn't all finished inside until the scar has gone white. Useful to know. He also said not to jump off any high buildings as the metal stem would act as an axe in my femur...
I've done a few days from home but my idea of slowly easing in hasn't worked. I'm doing full days and probably not taking quite as many breaks as I should. I'm focusing on one big pitch and although not as entrenched as I was before the op which is good, I am slightly wary that only a couple of weeks ago my healing was my priority and now it's almost forgotten. But to be fair I don't feel too bad for it.
Recent developments are a slight clunking of the hip when sitting in certain positions and rocking backwards and forwards which the surgeon said was perfectly normal, but is slightly unnerving. On the days working from home I feel the 'energy drain' at around midday but when I'm at the office it seems less noticeable. Perhaps I'm drinking more coffee!
Some days there are times when there is no pain which is amazing, but I do seem to suffer a kind of tearing sensation from the area of the incision (posterior) which is uncomfortable and could be a source of worry if I let it.
General consensus from the experts seem to be it's done, it's bullet proof, get on with it..
Thoughts welcomed!



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