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THR Jumping over a little prematurely, but...

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@DeepBreath, you are so kind to share from your experience! Can't wait for that 4th week! I did hear from a nurse at my drs office this afternoon and she seemed to understand the dilemma that I was facing with the pain meds, the situation I found myself facing/choices I have made. Either that or she just wanted to see a pic of my incision to be certain that I wasn't developing an infection while they were ignoring me and had concerns about their liability, probably the more likely motivation. His PA is just an arrogant, self-promoting sort who doesn't seem to understand that she isn't a dr.

I ended up choosing the anterior in part because I was terrified that I would do something to break the restrictions without thinking, so much of what we do is out of habit, unthinking. (Also, because of the national reputation of the dr. I chose to do it, although,sadly, he didn't have the understanding and compassion he initially indicated he had.)

I will readily admit that I expected this to be more of a "breeze", to feel better than I do sooner. Hearing about people who are on the golf course in a couple of weeks, riding a motorcycle, begging to go back to work on the 4th day, etc. This surgery and recovery has come so very far, but it's still a difficult, traumatizing surgery. Sweet lady at Home Health has been a major encouragement and advocate for me as well, supportive in spite of the PA saying I was "threatening" to do this and that if I didn't get what I wanted. I simply told her I'd go to the ER if that was the only way to get some pain control. Isn't that sad?

It blesses me to hear how well you are doing! I just need to be patient and wait out this slow-moving time, pay attention to the little advancements I'm making, spend the quiet time doing my quad exercises and foot-pumping, praying for my hippy friends and their recoveries. That and a little Panthers action on TV is bound to make for improvement! Sending you heart-felt wishes for continued success!Keep those ankles uncrossed, girl!
 
@Southernbelle, I SO hear you about the expectations and misinformation surrounding this surgery.
Before I found this site I had also heard the 'you'll be up and completely back to your regular self in just a few weeks' line.
I'm so glad I did find this place and was able to get a more balanced view of what the healing process and timeline actually looks like. It helped me mentally prepare for what lay ahead, and I have been pleasantly surprised at how various aspects of the surgery and recovery have actually been easier than I expected.

I'm so sorry that PA has been such a pain. What an attitude she has! I cannot understand why somebody like that would go into the health care field when it seems they don't have much in the way of empathy towards patients.
I hope you continue to get relief from the pain med you had for your wrist.
I'm glad the Home Health lady has been such a gem. :)
You have a great attitude and I honestly think that is a HUGE plus when it comes to recovery.

So far, I am keeping my ankles uncrossed!
I hope you have a great day. Sending out good thoughts for you. :flwrysmile:
 
Good morning' @DeepBreath!
I went back and read your thread last night and so enjoyed the humor and story of your "stalker" roomie! Thank goodness for your sense of humor! It is a saving grace in this life, isn't it? I just wonder where that woman got all those phones! So strange and unusual! I haven't yet moved this am, took my first pain pill and hoping to wait a little bit before having to get to the bathroom. I thought I might try going to the oxy this afternoon, see if I'm ready for less pain help. It's going to be an interesting conversation when I go in for my first post-op visit, oh, what I'd give to record that conversation!

I so agree with you about this site! I'm surprised that doctors, nurses, home health folks, etc. aren't more familiar with it because it means so much to those of us who are patients. I ask everyone I come in contact with if they know of it and they never do. The nurse I spoke to yesterday didn't even acknowledge that she knew of this difficulty moving the op leg as commonplace. So odd! I found this site before I moved back to Charlotte this Spring, while I was living in Pasadena and thought I was going to have the surgery out there, debating which procedure, which dr., etc. and it was so helpful! Once I got back home, it was only a matter of talking to a friend and her sister about who was "the only" dr. to use here and who her sister used and he did the anterior, so after that it was only a matter of waiting for that first appt. and scheduling the surgery. It's a 3-month wait for an appt. with him and, then, a 3-month wait for a surgery date. During that time, I broke my wrist, so the surgery was put out a little longer, but not much. So relieved to have it behind me!

While waiting, my dear son took my master bath down to the studs and did a total renovation, beautiful little spa space now! A walk-in, curbless shower with bench at one end, raincan, hand-held, and new toilet, vanity, and even a heated floor! I can't wait to use it for the first time! He just finished it right before my surgery. He did inaugurate it himself last night and was so proud of himself! Now, he's going to do the other bath, but not as extensively. Will give him something to do while here with me.

Need to get up now, so I'll wish you and all our hippie buddies a wonderful, pain-free day! More soon! Debra
 
@Southernbelle, oh yes, a sense of humor is absolutely necessary in navigating life! :)
I hope your pain is okay and am sending out good thoughts that it levels out.
I am also surprised that more people don't know about this site. I know I have referred to it a lot to my surgeon and others. My surgeon commented during my last appointment that he thought it sounded like I had gotten a lot of really solid information from this place. I heartily agreed.
While I was in the hospital, the nurses and aides assured me that the non-moving leg was normal, but when I got home and started working with the physical therapist, he had me really concerned because I still wasn't able to get myself out of bed during our first session, which was just 6 days post op. He had me further worried when I could not abduct my op leg while lying down during our earliest sessions. I was really concerned that something awful had gone wrong. Nope. All of a sudden, one day I tried it and could abduct it just fine...it simply took some time for the trauma to subside and my body to heal to that point. I will never understand how people like that are allowed to be around patients. That attitude is just so counter productive.
And yes, your surgery is behind you and you will soon begin to feel those benefits, I promise. :)
Oh my goodness, I am swooning over your new bathroom! How fantastic! And how wonderful that your son is able to do renovations like that. Wow! I hope you get to enjoy it very soon as it sounds like such a relaxing space.

I hope your day is going well. Take good care of yourself. :)
 
Hi southern belle,
Oh do I understand the expectation part of your post. I actually went to a pre-op class and was told...oh you won't have hardly any pain afterwards....really?!?!? This forum has been a godsend as far as realizing that each person heals differently and that it is not a race.
I am at 9 weeks and I know I am still healing. I am soooo much better without the arthritis pain, but I am still dealing with stiffness and minor aches. Hang in there, one day at a time!!



Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum
 
Thanks so much, @DeepBreath! Hope you are doing well, also. Tomorrow marks 2 weeks for me and I think things are going well. I still have a lot of pain and aches here and there, still can't put all my weight on the operated leg, but when I think of where I was 13 days ago, I'm not complaining. I may not progress as quickly as some, but I'm so grateful to be without that excruciating bone-on-bone pain and to be steadily improving, no fever or any other indications of problems, have pain that is responsive to pain killers, learning not to sit too long, things like that. How are you doing? How is your activity level now? Are you feeling good?
 
Glad to hear you are doing so well @Southernbelle. It's wonderful that your son remodeled your bathroom for you. Can I borrow him? I have a bathroom that is need of remodeling too!!! Have a wonderful day!
 
Oh, Janice!@Nana757, wish I could share him! Would love to send him up your way! He's already started on the guest bath, got the wallpaper off and working on the lighting today. Gives him something to do while he's here taking care of the infirm, right? ; ) I'm a terrible slavedriver, aren't I? So blessed that he enjoys doing this sort of thing! He did some construction work when he was in high school and college and now, I'm enjoying the benefits of it! I'm truly so grateful! And, he does a beautiful job, even if I'm bragging a bit. Everything except the glass work is done on the master and we have to get someone in to do that, of course. I had the estimates the day before my surgery and just need to let one know to order it. I'll have to post a picture for you. It's not a large bath, but it's so lovely, and I love it! Was such a delight when taking my first shower after this surgery, with the bench and hand-held to make things so easy. Wish I could share it with all you sweet hippies!

I do have a question: at what point did some of you go from the walker to a cane? How did you know it was time? Thought I might see what's cute on Easy - the shopper ever coming out!
 
@Southernbelle, I'm so glad you're seeing improvement. That second week can be a bit rough. You've gotten over that initial "I made it through surgery!" phase. Things kind of start to settle and sink in and when you're moving around a bit more, the pain can be a bit challenging. Don't forget the mantra: Rest, Ice, Elevate, and Meds on Schedule. It's still early days, so be very kind to yourself. :)
And don't hurt your wrist cracking that whip over your son! :wink: What a fabulous thing that he is redoing your bathrooms for you. That is hugely expensive, as I'm sure you know. Having someone skilled at it in the family is so valuable!

I'm doing good, thank you. I have my date for my second THR, November 24th. I'm making plans and starting to get organized. My activity level has increased a lot since I got the okay to fully weight bear. Week nights I make dinner and weekends my husband does it. I've been able to get around so much easier and accomplish most household chores. Getting out and about is much easier as well.
It will be interesting to see how I feel after the next surgery. :)

I'm glad you're doing good! Enjoy your time with your awesome son. :)
 
@Southernbelle
It sounds like your son is quite the gem! I'm sure he is enjoying doing the work for you...whip or not :wink:...

As far as your question about transitioning from walker to cane.. I did not move to a cane until I was walking, limp free, with one foot in front of the other in a smooth gait. I think it was around 10-12 days after surgery. But there are numerous others who have kicked the walker to the curb sooner than that. But others have taken longer. It totally depends on how well you feel and the confidence you have with the cane. With that said, though, I didn't get rid of the cane, until I was able to walk fluidly (I think it was about my 3rd or 4th week). You will know when you're ready to make the transition. This recovery process takes an enormous amount of patience, of which I had none, but was forced to learn how. I hope you are allowing your dear son to take care of you, when he's not slaving away in your bathroom renovations. But, the best thing you can do for yourself
is just what @DeepBreath said....rest, ice, elevate and take your pains meds on schedule. Have a wonderful evening.
 
@DeepBreath, I SO appreciate the reminder, as I have not been icing as much. And, I tried to wait until I "needed" pain medicine the day before yesterday and that was a mistake. Too soon for that!

Do you find that you are much more relaxed as you anticipate #2? I should have some time, but my left hip is on its way out. I love hearing how much easier it is to do things like cook dinner, household chores, etc. I have always loved to cook and bake, until this hip went.

You are so right, at this age (33), it is a special treat to have this time with my child (only one). On his end, it is a very good thing that he has some projects around here to absorb some of his energy and time. He's really missing his girlfriend, who is in Ca. I bought this house when I moved back to Charlotte this past May (after 10 yrs. in Southern CA) , so it's still in the settle-in-and-fix-it-up/make it my own stage. You are so right about the cost of the updating these bathrooms! I could not have done both if he didn't provide the labor. He has also tried his hand in the kitchen a little. I froze a lot ahead of time, but it's been fun to see him take on some dinner prep and follow a recipe for the first time. So good of your husband to do the meals on the weekend! Sounds like he is very supportive and understands your recovery needs.
 
@Southernbelle, tomorrow I will be 7 weeks post surgery and I still ice. Not as often, but I still do it. It's soothing to me. I notice at this stage, as I am moving around more, my incision will sting a bit if I've had an active day. The ice sets that right in no time. :)
I had to smile about the cutting back on meds thing. It's been a couple of weeks ago now, but I was helping my son with a project one afternoon and completely forgot my afternoon med dosage. I shrugged it off and went about my evening routine. Boy, by bedtime my body was scolding me.

Yes, I think you'll be so pleased to see how mobile you'll be in short order and how much easier it is to do those things that probably tuckered you out prior to surgery.
Even with my leg length differential and the pain in my non op hip, it's just so much easier now than it was pre surgery. I'm excited to hear your thoughts as you continue to recover and see the difference! :)
I too am glad my husband pitches in to help. I'm not going to lie, prior to surgery I was not sure how all that was going to go. I had nightmares about the house basically imploding and looking like a barn yard and our son starving or at least suffering from scurvy. To my delight, my husband really stepped up and has been a champion during all of this. I'm really proud of him. It's been an eye opener for me and I feel like it's added dimension to our relationship...which frankly it needed.

Your son sounds dear. You obviously raised him right. :) What a precious thing to have this time with him and for him to be caring for you and pouring love into the renovations of your home.
How are you liking North Carolina? Both of my kiddos were born there at Ft. Bragg.
 
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I just caught up with your thread, @Southernbelle. I'm glad you found medication that works for your pain. I read above that you enjoy cooking and baking. That's the one thing that's really changed for me since my surgery. I'm able to do all of that in the kitchen and have the energy to garden again. I just bought some fresh herbs for my kitchen windowsill, and I've got winter vegetables growing. I'm sure you'll be able to do all of that again. It sounds like you really love your home.

My vet gave me some good advice before my surgery. He told me that his father in law had had both hips replaced. The first one was the posterior method, and the second one was the anterior method. He said that he didn't really notice a difference. "The first three days are the worst," he told me. Like you, I made the mistake of thinking the anterior method was not going to be very painful. It's still the same surgery as far as what they do to the bones. I wasn't on any pain medications previously, so I was fortunate that the meds worked very well for me. I still had to take a "break through" drug through the iv the first night, though. It just helps to be prepared and know that you have to ask for it. It's too bad that the meds they prescribed didn't work for you. The body does really build up a tolerance over time.

My neighbor is a horse vet, and she told me that bone pain is different. She said that you can cut through muscles and tendons on a horse, and they will still put weight on their leg. If it's bone spurs, they won't put weight on it. Animals are very sensible.

Oh, and my vet also told me that strong legs make a big difference. I was lucky that I had been able to go to the gym and really work my legs, abs, and upper body pre op. When getting out of bed, I was able to take my weight that way. Plus, being a dancer, my legs had always been worked heavily. I think it will get easier for you with time. I'm so glad that you have your son there to help you. He sounds so sweet.
 
@Nana757, thank you so much for the input re the transition to the cane. I'm at 2 weeks yesterday and I'm still on the walker and not putting my full weight on the operated leg, so I'm way behind you. It's bothered me, especially since a dr. told me this morning that I really need to be putting my weight on that leg. How do I do that when it feels like it will give way and it hurts?

I went in today and saw a different dr. b/c mine is away at a meeting for a few days. Also, I'm now being treated for an infection around my incision - oh, joy! I noticed a red area about an inch up from the bottom of my incision and,then, yesterday I awakened with little spots of blood on my nightgown on that side. So, I'm on an antibiotic for 10 days and see my dr. in a week. The dr. who saw me felt very confident there isn't an issue with the joint, that I would be in more pain if it was involved.

You all will love this! The PA who was such a problem and wouldn't give me the pain medicine that I needed would not see me today. Such a mature young lady! Yesterday, the nurse made me an appointment with her for this morning and then, she called me this am and said my dr. was out of town, but Dr. Curtain could see me at 9:30, could I be there? I know exactly what happened! When Miss Smartypants got to work this am, she saw me on her schedule and pitched a little "oh, no you don't!" Well, I'd much rather see the dr. anyway. Every time I've ever encountered a PA, they messed something up, and this one has been no exception. In addition to the medication issue, she dropped a medication I take for a stomach imotility. If I hadn't picked up on it, I would have been throwing up every time I ate anything while in the hospital. I didn't have much appetite in the hospital, but don't need that problem on top of everything else, do we?

Hope you're having a great week, Janice!
Doing the Bonesmart Mantra and sending hippie hugs to you!
Debra
 
@DeepBreath, I'm beginning to understand how you feel about the icing! It's becoming almost like a security blanket of sorts, but one that has great medicinal perks. Today was my first day getting out of the house (I'm so slow compared to you all!) and after the dr. appt., we did a few errands. I stayed in the car for a couple, but did go inside when we went to Costco for my antibiotic prescription; however, I was in my wheelchair. (I had the hip symptoms for so long that I had gotten to the point that if I had to go more than 40-50ft, I had to be in that awful thing!) It was very handy today and, before we got out of there, my lap was piled high, of course! Just had to treat Michael to some of those Chocolate Covered Macadamia Caramels he loves! So, we got home at 3pm, my little outing became a 6-hr. adventure, and I bet I'll be paying for it tomorrow. I was so ready for my ice and pill and bed!

I so love hearing how your husband has stepped up during this recovery of yours! One of the blessings to include in your list of blessings from this experience, isn't it? What a champion! I can understand how it would add a new dimension to that relationship and be such a welcome one of new understanding and caring. If men only knew what an aphrodisiac compassion is, right?

I love North Carolina! I was born and raised in Charlotte and never lived anywhere else until those past 10yrs. in So. California. This is home and I'm happy to be back. : ) I've only been through Fayetteville a couple of times when I was a young girl, but don't remember much about it. I do have a couple of friends whose husbands were in the military and they speak of what a close knit group of friends they made while moving about the country. I'm sure it's not easy moving every few years and making new friends so often, having so much in flux. Makes you resilient, doesn't it? Were you in NC long enough to see other areas of the state? I think our Smokey Mountains are so beautiful and such a relaxing place. Love the beaches, too. They are so different from those in So. Ca. and it's been fun to see and enjoy those differences.

Have a great weekend! Oh, and that's when the 'weekend chef' comes onboard - yea!
Debra
 
@DeepBreath I keep meaning to tell you how touched I was as I read your thread about putting all those meals in the freezer for your family "just in case". My heart broke as I thought of the fear you were going through, and at the same time, I was just so moved thinking of your love and care for your family. What a blessing you are to them!
 
Good morning @Southernbelle! I'm so sorry to hear that you have an infection in your incision and hope the antibiotics do the trick. One thing to remember is that incision infections are totally separate from the actually hip issues. So I would take what the DR said and run with it...
I do have a question for you, though...are you still taking your pain meds on schedule? I have a suggestion that may help you gain confidence with the strength on your op side. Try standing at a counter using both legs and do a couple of small side steps (using your op leg to start) while holding onto the counter. Then just keep adding more steps each time. This will help you gain the confidence and also show you that your new hip is stronger than you think it is. It could be that your leg muscles are now weak, which will take time to rebuild. Just try and be patient and take one day at a time. You will start seeing improvement soon, I promise! And, just because you are still using a walker is no reason to think you are not progressing. I'll bet you are doing much better than you think you are. Have a wonderful day!
I'm a bit of a choco-holic, and those chocolate covered macadamia nuts sound absolutely decadent?!
 
@Southernbelle, you are not slow! You're right on par with where you need to be. Comparing your recovery to anybody else's isn't fair to you. This surgery affects everybody differently. Heck, I wasn't out of the house shopping at two weeks. The only place I went the first two weeks was to my first follow up appt.
I'd say you're doing great.
I have no practical advice regarding full weight bearing, as I was toe touch for 4 weeks. Nana's suggestion sounds like a good one. I'm going to file that one away for future reference. :)

YUM about the Chocolate Covered Macadamia Caramels! That made my mouth water.

Boy, you said a mouthful about compassion being an aphrodisiac! I am truly looking at him in a different light than I have in a long time. It's a nice feeling.

I'm glad that you are back home in NC. It is a lovely state. We were stationed there two separate times, so about 4 years total. We did get to travel a bit and see the sights. I'd still like to see more one day though. We never got to the coast to really explore it as I would have liked to. From the little I've seen, it is spectacular.

Aww, thank you for the kind words about the freezer meals post. I was definitely a bundle of nerves prior to my surgery. I had quite the dramatic, fatalistic view! That's what happens when you're a community theater junkie. LOL! :heehee:
It was important to me to lay in a stock of good meals just for practical purposes and 'just in case', as it were.
I like things that make me feel more in control of situations, even if I really have no control at all. That busy work helped.

I hope you're having a good day and that you're not sore from your outing yesterday. :)
 
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