Steph
graduate
United KingdomHi everyone, just a quick post before I go to bed.
I came home today after having my THR on the 2nd June and just want to say what a positive experience it has been. The first couple of days after surgery were fairly yukky due to having a general anastheatic, plus an epidural. Once the epidural was removed after 24 hours, my head started to clear and I was on the way :flwr:
They got me out of bed in the afternoon of the day after the op, I was fairly giddy but managed to stand and walk round the bedroom on two crutches. The next day we were out in the corridor and walking up and down several times. It was tiring but exhilerating!
On Thursday lots more exercises, and lots more walking - achey joint / leg but no real pain and only taking Paracetomal and Voltarol.
Friday we progressed to hydro therapy, which was amazing! It was so wonderful to see my leg be able to move so far and the range of movement that I never thought I would have again. Again loads more walking and exercises. Felt really tired, but had not been sleeping too well, hospital bed, strange noises and a very over active bladder (which has continued and is how my body always reacts to any fluid build up).
Saturday (day 4), we moved onto two canes / sticks and walked using a waking gait. Very easy to get used to - in fact once you get used to the fact that the upper arm support is no longer there they are easier than using crutches. More hydro therapy and exercises.
Sunday more of the same, but added in up and down stairs. Saw my consultant who said I could come home this morning :wahey:. So now getting used to being at home again and walking about the house and garden trying not to trip over two German Shepherds who are following me everywhere.
Pain wise - the hip/knee/leg pain has completely gone. It has been replaced by aches - muscular and bone I imagine. Plus I can feel the joint aching - if thats possible (I assume that is where it is settling into the bone). The outer leg feels a bit sore, but the wound is very neat and tidy,clean and dry and about 8 inches long.
I am feeling very good about it all, and the hospital staff all seem impressed at the speed of my recovery. I am aware though that there will be dips as well as highs and so am going to pace myself and listen to my body. The only thing I really hated was those dratted inflating booties - the most uncomfortable thing in the world! I can even cope with the blue TED's especially as it is a bit chilly in the UK at the moment and they are keeping my legs warm.
I go back for hydro therapy next Monday and to have my staples removed. My Dr said to leave the dressings off after a couple of days at home as it has healed so well.
So all in all a pretty good experience insofar as it can be. So.......onwards and upwards from now on. :thmb:
Thanks for all the positive and encouraging stuff I have read on this forum, which really prepared me for what would happen emotionally and physically - you have all been so very helpful - thank you.
I came home today after having my THR on the 2nd June and just want to say what a positive experience it has been. The first couple of days after surgery were fairly yukky due to having a general anastheatic, plus an epidural. Once the epidural was removed after 24 hours, my head started to clear and I was on the way :flwr:
They got me out of bed in the afternoon of the day after the op, I was fairly giddy but managed to stand and walk round the bedroom on two crutches. The next day we were out in the corridor and walking up and down several times. It was tiring but exhilerating!
On Thursday lots more exercises, and lots more walking - achey joint / leg but no real pain and only taking Paracetomal and Voltarol.
Friday we progressed to hydro therapy, which was amazing! It was so wonderful to see my leg be able to move so far and the range of movement that I never thought I would have again. Again loads more walking and exercises. Felt really tired, but had not been sleeping too well, hospital bed, strange noises and a very over active bladder (which has continued and is how my body always reacts to any fluid build up).
Saturday (day 4), we moved onto two canes / sticks and walked using a waking gait. Very easy to get used to - in fact once you get used to the fact that the upper arm support is no longer there they are easier than using crutches. More hydro therapy and exercises.
Sunday more of the same, but added in up and down stairs. Saw my consultant who said I could come home this morning :wahey:. So now getting used to being at home again and walking about the house and garden trying not to trip over two German Shepherds who are following me everywhere.
Pain wise - the hip/knee/leg pain has completely gone. It has been replaced by aches - muscular and bone I imagine. Plus I can feel the joint aching - if thats possible (I assume that is where it is settling into the bone). The outer leg feels a bit sore, but the wound is very neat and tidy,clean and dry and about 8 inches long.
I am feeling very good about it all, and the hospital staff all seem impressed at the speed of my recovery. I am aware though that there will be dips as well as highs and so am going to pace myself and listen to my body. The only thing I really hated was those dratted inflating booties - the most uncomfortable thing in the world! I can even cope with the blue TED's especially as it is a bit chilly in the UK at the moment and they are keeping my legs warm.
I go back for hydro therapy next Monday and to have my staples removed. My Dr said to leave the dressings off after a couple of days at home as it has healed so well.
So all in all a pretty good experience insofar as it can be. So.......onwards and upwards from now on. :thmb:
Thanks for all the positive and encouraging stuff I have read on this forum, which really prepared me for what would happen emotionally and physically - you have all been so very helpful - thank you.
