Hello, Welcome to BoneSmart and recovery. Thanks for joining us!
I understand it may be difficult for you, but please try to relax and b-r-e-a-t-h-e. It’s going to be okay.
If you’re unable to sleep, you’re not alone. Some find it difficult to sleep early on, but it won’t last. You can talk to your OS, or Primary Care Physician if you’re really troubled and see if they can offer something short term to help you sleep. Or, you can do the same as many and just muddle through, it will improve. Try reading, watching tv, listening to calming music, or a relaxation tape or video. Many are available online. I took comfort and found it relaxing to surround myself with pillows. Lots of pillows, one here, one there, one everywhere. It helped me relax and drift off. I also used a Lounge Doctor as has been suggested above, but really couldn’t sleep with it. I only used mine while on the sofa, or bed watching tv.
Try not to burden hubby unless you really need him. You don’t want to burn him out adding more stress to the situation, so whatever you can
safely do, yourself, do it. Save hubs for the things you can’t and shouldn’t be doing.
You mention not being able to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Well, you’re only 7 days post op. Please don’t look for daily progress, but instead reflect back weekly and you’ll realize you are healing and progressing. Pick a day to do this and avoid looking at your situation from day to day. You’ll only feel let down.
You don’t need to be “scared to death” you’re going to do something wrong. If you move slowly and carefully, you’ll be fine. The odds are in your favor that you'll do very well. The majority enjoy great success as you can see in reading threads of those weeks and months ahead of you. You’ll get there too!
You took a chance in hopes of a better life. No one goes into this surgery without fear, anxiety or reservation. No one wants to lose their natural hip. But yours was no longer serving you well. You can let doubts rule or you can change your outlook and look toward the brighter future awaiting you. Just think how good you’ll be feeling by the holidays. Focus on that. Don’t allow yourself to wallow in fear and negativity, you don’t need to.
Joint replacement surgery is one of the most prevalent surgeries performed worldwide. The outcomes of these surgeries have become excellent based on a number of techniques changing over the years. The implants are durable and long lasting, with longevity much greater than before, offering an increase in the likelihood you'll never have to experience this procedure again.
I‘d advise you plan your days with things to occupy your mind, squeezing out thoughts of things that could go wrong, or worrying about the temporary sleepless nights you’re experiencing. It may be wise to encourage your husband to get out of the house for a couple hours daily, if he’s not already. Have yourself set up and cut him loose for his mental health and yours. You’ll both feel better afterward. Following are a few ideas of what you could do to occupy yourself during the day, when you can’t sleep, or while hubby is out of the house -
Call, email, text friends or write a letter to someone.
Invite someone over for coffee, or lunch. Or to play cards, or a board game.
Put a jig saw puzzle together.
Get a crossword puzzle book.
Plan your next vacation
Look up recipes if you enjoy cooking or baking. Plan menus for meals you’ll prepare once you’re more mobile.
Buy an adult coloring book and color while listening to your favorite music.
Organize a photo album.
Read a book, page through magazines.
Sew, Crochet or Knit if any are your thing.
Play games online.
Watch YouTube videos on anything you enjoy, cooking, decorating, exercise (even though you can‘t join in yet)
Watch movies or TV.
Listen to relaxation music.
Sit outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air and take in the sounds of nature.
Chronicle your recovery.
Look for other members to encourage on BoneSmart
Give yourself a mani or a facial.
Check out our Social Room for hours of entertainment. Here‘s a link -
You can do this! We‘ll be here to help you every step of the way. Stop back whenever you need support, encouragement or have a question and we’ll do our best to help.
Sending a warm hug and wishes for comfort and a peaceful evening!
@Nchiodo
United States
and welcome to the healing side. Going to leave you our Recovery Guidelines, son really useful information that may make your recovery much easier.
to bonesmart. As Elf said, the first weeks are the hardest but it does get easier. I think I was very euphoric the first few days and then reality hit and it was much harder. Slow and steady will get you through to a good result from this surgery. Ice, rest and elevate with small walks for now and soon you will be able to do more.
