THR Hippity Hop to the Other Side

[EditorER]

Thanks for the tips. I had the posterior approach, so I sleep on the non-operated (but nerve damaged) side with pillows between by thighs and ankles and one pillow against my back. I actually find it claustrophobic instead of comforting because I feel like I have to lie stiff and still and can’t snuggle in. Maybe that will start to change, as I am now two weeks out and getting quite mobile. I worry about letting the knee drop on the operated leg if I move around very much.

@Schaargi, I remember when I was first trying to sleep on the other hip (surgical side, hypersensitive) I tried so many different things. I even cut shoulder pads out of an old jacket to try to use them as a cradle under my hip. The ultimate solution was purchasing a cushy foam mattress topper. It gave me the cushion and support I needed. I kept that on the bed until just before this second surgery (other hip), removing it because it is easier to “schooch” and slide my legs into position on a firmer surface. If you don’t have a foam or gel topper, you might want to try one.

 

[Schaargi]

Thanks, @EditorER! I loved your description of feeling claustrophobic. Perfect depiction! I tried telling that to my surgeon but he just told me to get a different pillow. As though I hadn't thought of that.

Thanks for the advice about the topper. I need to find one that doesn't make me hot. I hate being hot!

 

[EditorER]

@Schaargi I thought about your surgeon’s advice to get a different pillow and swapped the two pillows (one between thighs, one between ankles) for a body pillow last night. It was more comfortable and I felt like I could squirm around a bit more without risking losing a pillow. But it did not improve my sleep, which was actually worse. So frustrating!

The mattress topper does make sleeping a bit hotter, and like you, I hate being hot at night. Look for one with cool gel and maybe run a fan during the night.

My new issue is a pain in my lower left (Non-operative) side. I’ve had it about 36 hours. It stays in one place and has not gotten worse - or better. I’ve ruled out constipation and gas. My husband thinks it is a pulled muscle but it doesn’t feel like that to me. I’m reluctant to call the doctor unless it gets worse or I have other symptoms, so I’m just eating a light diet (eggs, applesauce, sweet potato) and waiting it out another day.

Anyone else have something similar happen?

 

[Eman85]

It's real easy to strain odd muscles when you're trying to move around and not break restrictions. I went for anything but a light diet! I ate to feed my body for recovery trying to replace blood and heal muscles. I always had muscle cramp problems and many have posted about cramps post op. Many times lack of some things in what we eat can cause them.

 

[EditorER]

I think I am most likely dealing with a strained muscle from doing the cumbersome “flops” over in bed with pillows in between my legs. Sometimes I feel like a beached whale. I remember that from my previous surgery.

I do eat a good diet of proteins, fats, and vegetables with fruit and keto-friendly baked goods as treats. I was an intermittent faster before surgery and look forward to getting back to that lifestyle once my sensitive stomach calms down. It doesn’t like all the meds coming down the hatch.

 

[EditorER]

At almost the three-week mark, I have next to no pain. I’ve systematically cut out meds (as allowed) to deal with GI issues. I think Celebrex has been the culprit. I feel much better after not taking it for 48 hours. Nausea and intestinal cramps are abating. I’m taking extra-strength Tylenol only twice per day.

I’m getting along well on a cane and even setting it down to counter cruise in the kitchen and bathroom. Won’t walk without it, though, because I want to develop a smooth heel-toe gait.

My ongoing frustration is sleeping position. The lingering nerve damage from hip #1 makes it a challenge to lie on the nerve-damaged side to sleep. It tingles and burns after 90 minutes. I’ve tried SalonPas rub, which helps a bit. I am considering putting my mattress topper back on, since I am moving pretty easily with #2 and I think I can manage the scooting on and off the bed now at almost three weeks. The mattress topper allowed me to sleep on that side half the night before surgery.

I am now able to lie on the incision for up to 45 minutes, so I get a little variety in position that way. I know better nights are ahead, but I can’t help wishing they would hurry up and get here!

 

[Mojo333]

You sound like you are doing very well with number two
Sorry the first hip is making it hard on your sleep situation.
Hope the mattress topper helps.
I had two times the fun with bilateral hip replacement so I certainly know the frustration regarding getting comfortable enough to sleep for long.
My recliner was my nighttime pal for way too long.
Continued healing thoughts coming your way.

 

[EditorER]

The mattress topper has helped me log a couple of three-hour sleep stretches before the nerve-damaged thigh starts burning. I feel like a new woman! I’m also having an easier time flipping over to the surgical side, where I can sleep for 45-60 minutes. I tuck some folded quilt batting under that thigh for extra padding. Since my bedroom is also my quilting studio, that supply was right at hand.

In other good news, I spent a little time yesterday cutting and sewing a binding for a Christmas quilt. It feels good to reengage in my favorite hobby. But I did feel it in my back later in the day. The standing at the ironing board and then again later in the day standing in line for a COVID test (routine for my work on a school campus) was a bit much.

I am still amazed at how much healing takes place in just three weeks. For those in the early days and wondering if they will ever be able to move again, hang in there! You will turn the corner soon!

Today I start outpatient PT. I was able to get in with the same therapist I saw after my first hip replacement and am relieved I won’t have to spend lots of time on sharing my history. I’m also relieved that under the new lockdown orders here in California the medical offices have stayed open.

 

[Layla]

What a great update @EditorER Thank you for sharing. You’re doing well!
I hope you feel stronger and steadier week by week.
Best wishes for a nice holiday season. Just think how great you’ll be feeling in the New Year!

 

[EditorER]

I just saw my OS for the first time since surgery. Tomorrow makes four weeks. He didn’t take an x-ray, as I assumed he would, explaining that this visit is just about looking for trouble. He takes the x-ray at an 8-week check.

Thankfully, I’m not having trouble and he found none. I am cleared to resume my work and to try driving. I plan to go to the office (I’m a school administrator) three half days this week, and then enjoy the two-week Christmas Break before going back full time in January (when I’ll still have the choice to work at home or in the office, given COVID). I’ll practice driving when my husband gets home later today. I have my temporary handicap parking permit and a negative COVID test, so I am as ready as I can be. I’ll be sure to bring along a small ice pack—a tip I learned on this forum.

Since I had the posterior approach, I’m still under quite a few restrictions. He did relax the 90-degree bend limit to 100- to 120-degrees, which will allow me my favorite reading and TV watching position. Yay! But still pillows between the legs at night, no internal rotation, watching the knee position, etc. I find myself inadvertently crossing my legs when I sit in my recliner and have to watch that.

He used a different prosthesis than my left hip replacement. I believe it is a Dupont Pinnacle device. I think I have a Johnson & Johnson device on the left side. While I wish I had a matching set, I guess it really doesn’t matter as long as they work!

Leg length is close. Before surgery the right leg was 1/4” shorter and now it is about an 1/8” longer. Hoping it settles in evenly. I plan to give it four months and to see how my back feels before using inserts.

I can stop the aspirin (to prevent clotting) and that opens up the possibility of taking ibuprofen now if I feel the need for an anti-inflammatory. (I quit taking Celebrex because it upset my stomach and gave me diarrhea.) So far, I’m managing well with extended release Tylenol only for pain. And lots of icing.

When I asked for his advice on how to deal with the lingering nerve damage from my left THR (five years ago), he said the physical therapist can help with that. While I wish he had a magic wand or some great advice, I understand that it isn’t his problem to fix (he did not do that surgery) and I am grateful that he did everything in his power to prevent nerve damage this time around. So far, everything feels normal and healing is going very well.

My daughter was able to drop me off at the clinic on her way to work, but I had to get an Uber ride home. I was a little nervous about getting in and out of the back seat and riding with a stranger during COVID. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy and safe it was. They have pushed the front passenger seat all the way forward to disable it, so it was super easy to get in the back seat, with plenty of space. The windows were open halfway. And there is a plastic shield between the front and back seats. The driver wore a mask, and so did I.

These surgeon visits are such a big deal on the recovery journey. I’m looking forward to seeing an x-ray on January 11 and finding out if the bone graft is taking.

 

[FCBayern]

Great update @EditorER! Looking like a bright holiday!

 

[Layla]

Happy One Month Anniversary!
Wonderful update. It’s great you’re doing so well. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and more good news when you return for your next appointment in the New Year.

@EditorER

 

[EditorER]

Thank you! I am doing well and starting to sleep better, too. Brighter days ahead!

My physical therapist is helping me rehab both legs. He said I should do intensive self-massage on the scar tissue in the left leg (surgery five years ago) and can probably still do some strengthening. I’m grateful for that help and glimmer of hope, since that leg still bothers me way more than the recent surgery on the right hip.

Now that I have experienced an uncomplicated hip replacement surgery, I’m starting to get a little bit angry that I have had to endure complications for the past five years—and most likely for the rest of my life—from my first surgery. I’m trying to fight that feeling, since It is not productive or helpful. I have to remind myself that with all the parts that get moved around during surgery, irritation can happen. At least both joints work well and I can look forward to getting more active if I can build up some strength in the quads. If I have to slap at my thigh when it burns and tingles, its not the worst thing in the world.

I’ll keep updating. I like looking back at the posts as a journal of my progress.

 

[Layla]

At least both joints work well and I can look forward to getting more active if I can build up some strength in the quads.

Your attitude is a healthy one since you can’t go back to pre-op 2015, and probably wouldn’t even want to. Without surgery things wouldn't improve, but only worsen. It sounds like you’re better off overall with the surgery and the hope that even after five years, your PT may be successful in helping you build strength. I hope, Righty, is behaving on this special day marking two months since your last surgery.
Happy Two Month Anniversary! I hope 2021 is a good year for you!

 

[EditorER]

@Layla, thank you for this message. You are so right—I can’t go back to pre-op 2015 and I wouldn’t want to. My left leg isn’t what I had hoped for, but the right one has exceeded expectations. Now I know what I am dealing with and all the awful fear of the unknown is behind me.

I saw the surgeon and had x-rays this past week and everything looks good. The bone graft is taking and everything is in place as it should be. I am now allowed to cross my ankles and to bend up to 110 degrees. Best of all, I can ditch sleeping with a pillow between my legs. Such freedom! He said I am walking well, so I’ve stopped using a cane except for longer walks and uneven ground.

I took my first steps on sand this weekend at the beach (hanging on to my husband’s arm) and that went well. It was so worth it to sit and watch a glorious sunset. Life is good and I want to encourage all the BoneSmarties who are waiting for surgery or just out of surgery to look forward to better days ahead.

 

[Layla]

It‘s wonderful that you’re doing so well and enjoying steady progress. It sounds like you had a great visit with your surgeon. It’s reassuring to know things look as they should.

Thank you for the uplifting message above. Many following behind you will be encouraged through your words. Walking on the beach and watching the sun go down sounds glorious. Wishing you many more beautiful sunsets! Please stay in touch.
@EditorER

 

[FCBayern]

So happy to hear you are doing well @EditorER. Here's to more walks on the beach!

 

[Mojo333]

So happy things are going well...
Better and even better days ahead for sure.
So glad to read your update.

 

[EditorER]

Checking in at 12 weeks. This is the point at which I expect to be “back to normal” and the little reminders that I am still recovering and will be for a while longer start to bother me. The muscles around my new hip hurt when I pick up the pace on a walk and I am disappointed. Then I slow down and everything feels fine and I remember, “you are still recovering; be thankful you are now walking without a cane.” I get in the driver’s seat like a normal person and feel a twinge at the weight transfer and remember, “you were supposed to sit down facing out first and then swivel on your butt; be thankful you can drive.” I run my hand over my hairy leg and wish I could shave it and write myself a note to ask my husband for his help, feeling grateful knowing he will say “yes.” I have a long, standing conversation at work and ask, “do you mind if I sit?” feeling a little embarrassed at my “weakness” but thankful to be back in the office full time.

The point of this ramble is that it is GOOD to switch from thinking of myself as someone recovering from major surgery to thinking of myself as a person on the brink of engaging in normal activity! I might pump up my bike tires and go for a ride soon! I might go for a 30-minute walk on a pretty path instead of the 20-minute loop on the neighborhood sidewalks. I might wear cute boots with that skirt instead of the sturdy black tennis shoes with elastic laces. It might be time to take the “throne” out of the bathroom (I’m always reluctant to give up that nice chair with the arms—my husband likes it, too.) This might be the day to skip taking a couple of ibuprofen in the middle of the afternoon. Could it be time to switch from the exercises in the hospital’s hip replacement booklet to doing my online Pilates classes again, with modifications? After all, I’m paying for that subscription.

I’ve been cautious and given my body lots of time and TLC to heal. I’m not going to mess that up and rush into anything. I know some people would have been doing the things I mention weeks and weeks ago. I ease into things. This recovery has gone so well thus far and I want to keep it that way!

 

[Jaycey]

I ease into things. This recovery has gone so well thus far and I want to keep it that way!

Exactly! Time and time again we see this approach gets great results. Yes, it can seem like a very long time. But it's actually a short time for a lifetime of pain free living.

Well done @EditorER !