THR I'm HOME and recovering well!

[CAHippie]

13 days post-op. Yesterday was a busy day, I had my first post-op visit with the OS, the bandage was removed and I got a first glimpse of my incision...not the best looking thing I've seen but the hip pain relief makes me feel like a new person. Next week I start outpatient PT, I'll have an initial meeting with the PT and will be scheduling PT in a pool. Incision certainly is not bathing suit worthy but that's OK, I'll do whatever is necessary to heal as soon as possible. I rode with my dad to take my daughter to the airport, she returned home yesterday. Today is my first day alone, I admit I was a little nervous but I've managed pretty well so far; I did my exercises, walked around my complex with a walker vs cane, I made breakfast for myself, and I drove a short distance to the post office to mail some paperwork to my job. YAY! Next order of business is to do the dishes and decide what to have for dinner. All is right with the world today (so far).

 

[MsFit1]

Glad to hear how well and how fast you're progressing, @CAHippie ! Thanks for posting - reading your story is so helpful...it makes me feel not quite as anxious and nervous!

 

[Jp9294]

@CAHippie, sounds like you are doing great! How wonderful for you. Remember to listen to your body and rest often. Keep up the great work!

 

[MountainGirl]

@CAHippie , you sound great! Hooray for all you're accomplishing! I too had my two-week follow up, with similar positivities and encouragement to keep at it. I smiled a little at your declaration of scars not worthy of bathing suits, for I too have been pondering this. I think that in the end, they're outward signs of long battles fought and WON, and I would respect anyone who was brave enough to show them as continuation of success in life. So, if you're brave enough to get in that pool, I'll use that as strength to do the same when I next get into the pool! but on a serious note, is your incision healed enough to be in a tub or pool? Mine is still quite scabby and bleeds a bit if I catch it on clothing.

Hang in there! I look forward to reading your next update

 

[CAHippie]

@MountainGirl So glad we are still in sync. Today I had my last in-home PT with Julie; she's a very nice young lady and has been very encouraging. I keep thinking things should be moving much faster but she, like all of the BS crew here keep saying take your time, listen to your body.

is your incision healed enough to be in a tub or pool? Mine is still quite scabby and bleeds a bit if I catch it on clothing.

My OS looked at the incision and suggested pool therapy. I am a shower person and have to say I've not even considered taking a bath because I'm not so sure I could get up and out of the tub without help. I did not have staples or stitches, I was "glued" back together; my incision is about 6 to 7 inches long. When I came out of surgery I had a drain attached to the surgical site. Each day the drain was checked and the draining fluid was measured then tossed. At the moment, there is very little scabbing just bits of glue that should come off during showers and no draining or bleeding.

I can't wait until I'm able to go down to the beach and walk along the strand. The first time I'm able to cross my legs will be a HUGE milestone. I have not been able to cross my legs in a lady-like fashion in years. In hindsight, I sometimes feel kind of stupid for not having surgery sooner. I've one hip done and one to go. Hope and pray that one is just as easy. I'll have a matching set of battle scars to show off in a bathing suit -- Here's a visual, a 60something year old in a bathing suit, scars or no scars could be a scary thing don't ya think . . . LOL. Once in the pool let's see if I'm brave enough to post a picture, no promises, just a thought.

@Jp9294 Thank you so much for your encouragement and well wishes. I am listening to my body at the moment and it's telling me it's time to elevate and ice so off I go. Peace, blessings, and less pain each day to all of us in recovery mode!

 

[CAHippie]

Friday, Mar 28 - 24 days post op. I had my first PT in the pool. Before getting into the pool the PT checked my incision, all was well thank goodness. I will have six sessions over a three week period. The water PT sessions are one hour, you're monitored and reminded to take it easy. First I walked back and forth across the shortest width of the pool. Then I had to do the same thing but walking backwards. I did lots of slow but repetitive movements. I have to say once the session was over, I was tired. When I got home, I rested, elevated and ice'd. I'm looking forward to the next session. I've folded up the walker for now but I'm still using a cane. I am limping and hope the PT helps me regain a more natural gait.

Another tiny milestone, I was able to lay (not sleep) on my right side, my operated side for a few minutes with a pillow between my legs. Sleeping on my back is no joy; for me it has been one of the most uncomfortable parts of the recuperation process.

I had thoughts of @Dr. Toonz the other day as I was trying very hard to put on a pair of socks and attempting to tie my shoes. I finally succeeded but it took some time. Boy, the simple things we take for granted.

Wishing you all a speedy and pain free recovery!

P.S. Still contemplating posting a photo of my incision in a bathing suit -- We'll see if/when it actually happens. It's not to scare you all, but more of an act of encouragement to do what it takes to get better.

 

[MajorHeidi]

Yes! Yes! You should show your badge of honor!
Glad you are doing great! I envy you and the pool.....

 

[glmrphy]

@CAHippie , you're doing awesonme! I am dying to lie on my operated side so much... I still cant seem to lie on my good side yet, causes a spasm, so I avoid it. I hate sleeping on my back, but have not choice... So glad you are progressing so well!

 

[Jp9294]

@CAHippie, good for you! Sounds like you are doing awesome. I wish I lived in a warm climate and could do pool PT right now. Sounds like a great way to exercise. I am almost 8 weeks out and can now comfortably lay on my operated hip. It does take some time. Keep up the great work.

 

[CAHippie]

@Jp9294 Good to know it takes a bit more time to comfortably lay/sleep on one's operated hip. Guess I'm trying to rush things. Oh well, I'm putting on my patience hat, I am after all in RECOVERY mode ( sigh).

I've a question, does anyone have difficulty sitting for a long period of time? I've noticed while riding in a car or just sitting at my computer for some time I can feel it in my hip. Is that normal?

 

[bottomshollow]

@CAHippie, Didn't you just have major hip replacement surgery on March 4? Give it another month at least before you expect to be unaware of your hip----all that soft tissue and bone is still doing a lot of healing---the kind you cannot see but are made aware of by discomfort and/or pain. Your patience hat is slipping; better adjust it!

Take care and keep us posted. We care.

 

[CAHippie]

@bottomshollow My patience hat has been adjusted. I am back in recuperation reality mode.

I am still doing PT in the pool twice a week. I believe I have two maybe three remaining pool sessions then it is back to the PT's office for more therapy there. I enjoy the hour long sessions, being in the water is easy on my joints. I do still have one bad hip. I feel good after my pool sessions. I do feel some stiffness the day after but I think that is normal if you have not been able to exercise for a long period of time. My new hip is improving day by day, I'm not 100% but I am walking a little better. I can walk around the house without my cane but I take it with me whenever I leave the house; it is my security blanket.

April 16 I have another appointment with my surgeon. Even though I am improving I cannot say I feel ready to return to work. We shall see what the doctor says, I hope we are on the same accord with returning to work.

I await the day I am "unaware" of my new hip. Patience patience patience

 

[Vetgirl]

Hi @CAHippie it sounds like your recovery is going great.

Take time to heal...if your not ready for work then don't push yourself....once back they will most probably expect you to 'be back' with not too many concessions.

Patience.....yes this surgery does help teach us that!! N