THR In recovery land

[wander03]

@Poodle3 When I left the hospital, among the medications I was told to obtain was “sennosides-docusate sodium 8.6-50 mg tab, Commonly known as SENNA-S,“ a “Natural Vegetable Laxative + Stool Softener.” The directions are to take two a day for 30 days. I think it has been very beneficial. It is over-the-counter. I use Walmart pharmacy and was given their Equate generic. It might be worth a try.

 

[Poodle3]

Thank you all.
Constipation is my Achilles Heel

 

[Elf1]

@Poodle3 happy to see you on the healing side. Sorry for the headache, nausea and constipation. I know that its also been said on here to use pumpkin, straight pumpkin, not the pumpkin pie mix. And I wouldn't be surprised if the headache and nausea are at least partly because of the constipation. Hopefully you'll find your magic fix and this problem will be in the past.

Other than those issues you do seem to be doing well.

 

[Klassy]

I would bet that the constipation is causing headache and nausea. I had terrible trouble after Hip 1. The hospital standard prescriptions included a stool softener but that wasn’t enough to work for me. I tried various food based remedies to no avail. Finally I sent my husband to the pharmacy to buy every possible over the counter treatment and used them all. Great relief, and I felt so much better. I then had the opposite problem for a few days but it was worth it. My breakthrough came on Day 10, so about the same stage as you are now.

I hope you get things moving soon and feel a lot better .

 

[Poodle3]

Making strides… I know from past experience, it’s easy to go off the rails and a longer road back.
I started adding daily walks up and down the street. Slow but steady wins the race, right.

 

[Klassy]

Slow and steady is good for sure when it comes to upping the activities. I think you are making wonderful progress. Being able to take a gentle walk in the street already is excellent! And so good to get some fresh air and a change of scene.

 

[Poodle3]

I ventured into the yard to collect toys that my young one scatters. It’s been 11 days since surgery so I’m thinking pain is still normal, right. I know the answer but so much want to be out there walking. My PT person thinks I should be off the cane inside the house. Not sure how I feel about that.I don’t think she does much for me. Bree comes am and pm to walk dogs. She’s a blessing.

 

[Layla]

Please be careful in the yard, due to possible uneven terrain or a hidden divot that can cause a misstep. Pain at eleven days post op is common. Continue to ice any areas of pain or discomfort. You will set aside the cane when the time is right for you. You’ll know it’s time once you begin finding yourself walking away without it. I hope you have a peaceful weekend….stay in touch and thanks for updating!
@Poodle3

 

[Poodle3]

Thank you.

 

[Snoopy55]

My PT person thinks I should be off the cane inside the house. Not sure how I feel about that.I don’t think she does much for me.

I hate when PT people give opinions like that! Is that supposed to make you feel better?? Please. Everyone recovers differently. If she's not doing much for you ditch her and get another one who makes you feel good and is understanding of what you are going through.

 

[Klassy]

I would say keep using the cane as long as you want. I have seen people on this forum whose surgeons require them to use walking aids for a minimum of three months. I can’t recall anyone being advised to stop using aids, and certainly not as early as 11 days. The common wisdom on here is that it is much better to walk with good form with aids than to limp without. And much much better to stay safe than to risk a fall.

You don’t have to do anything that your PT tells you. I’m with Snoopy, ditch her if she isn’t helping you.

Hang in there. Time spent being patient now is an investment in all those years of pain-free walking that your new hip will give you, if you take care of it in its early days.

Would it help to think of it like training a puppy maybe?

 

[subie2021]

Time to self-PT that patience muscle!
I hope you were using your grabber/reacher to pick up dog toys. I still use mine to reach stuffy stuffing that winds up in nooks and crannies; my big guy likes to skin his toys and carry around the hides

You know what? At your next pt appointment, ask your therapist *why* she thinks you need to lose the cane anywhere at less than 2 weeks post hip replacement. Put her on the spot instead letting her put you on one. At the least, you'll get her perspective and you can give her yours. Sounds like she needs a view from our side.

I hope you feel better soon...you'll get to where you want to be but it will take time. And patience!

PS....Love Standard Poodles!

 

[Boofit]

My PT person thinks I should be off the cane inside the house.

WHAT????!!!!!! When you are still in pain and at 11 days after a major hip surgery???

My two cents: if you are still experiencing pain on weight bearing, then you should be using a walking aid rather than limping to move around. And if you are in pain you WILL limp and likely do more harm than good to your hip and its surrounding muscles that are in healing.

 

[Ocean]

I had surgery the same day as you and I still use a crutch in the house, no one has suggested that I shouldn’t and if they did I would think that they were talking rubbish. I have walked a little indoors without the crutch, but not a lot.

I’d probably just nod and smile at the PT then do what I wanted.

 

[myglasshalffull]

Yeah, I'm 5 months post op and use cane in my yard, it's not a flat terrain so not taking any chances. I have numerous bird feeders in the yard and part of the back is quite uneven.
My driveway is different, don't need it but outside I have it. One misstep and a fall could occur and we've all come too far to go backwards.
In the house it's a different story, I can move about freely. Even in the house sometimes by days end my hip is a little sore and instead of limping just grab cane. I'm no hero!!! LOL!
Stay well.

 

[Poodle3]

@Ocean, that’s exactly what I did!

 

[Poodle3]

I’m using the cane. She’s given me some good information but all in all I listen,then sort out what applies to me.

 

[CricketHip]

Good for you! I think you are making a wise decision. You are doing A-Ok in my book, at less than 2 weeks post op.

 

[Poodle3]

Thank you CricketHip!
yesterday was the first day that I felt good. Not healed, but hopeful in the process. It takes time for all those icky drugs to leave the body so that may be part of it. Then there’s the inflammation. Not totally gone but knocked down quite a bit. sleeping has been better these past twonights. I decided to leave my two at the kennel for an extra week, expensive but I feel worth it to give me an extra week of healing. Penny has a boyfriend there, a doodle named Link.
and reading about those Kizik shoes cold_brew makes me want a pair. Must be feeling better if shopping appeals!

 

[Layla]

Penny has a boyfriend there, a doodle named Link.

Hahaha! So cute. Then she probably won’t miss you as much and enjoy the extra time there.

I heard about Kizik’s here also and watching the video, I was impressed. There is another hands free brand someone brought up here called, Zeba. They both may have videos on their websites. I saw a few pair of Kizik’s that I liked and may consider them next time I need a new pair. You’ll be two weeks post op already tomorrow.
I hope you have a great week!