Victoria-R
junior member
Oh, you poor dear! Have you tried icing the shoulder?
Justine's all done
- Thread starter Justine
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Justine, can you call your OS and see if you can start to weight bear? Even a small amount of weight bearing would help balance things and ease the stress on your shoulder.
NYLiz
member
Oh Justine, I'm so sorry to hear about your shoulder issue. I hope you find relief soon and get over this bump in the road to recovery.
Hang in there!
Liz
Hang in there!
Liz
Josephine
NURSE DIRECTOR EMERITA
Can't suggest anything much as I am in the same condition myself at the moment! But don't worry about a period of inactivity compromising your recovery as it won't. You'll be fine.
OP
OP
Justine
member
Hey Tanny
Thanks for thinking of me. I'm doing ok. I sort of feel like I've hit a bit of a plateau at the moment. At first, I could see huge improvements week on week, however, although I feel fine, I do feel my progress has slowed.
I think the main problem is that I can't yet put weight on my op side - I've another 2 weeks to go before I see my surgeon (and hopefully he'll give me the ok to put weight on that side). So I'm really limited with how far I can walk. My girls are back at school now and yesterday afternoon, I walked there and back to collect them (approx 1/2 a mile in total, with a small hill). For the rest of the day, I was no use to anyone! I can't describe how weak I felt, plus, my arms, shoulder and good leg were so tired and sore! I felt a bit nauseous and had to lie down for the rest of the day. My scar area was really red and hot too.
The good news is I had very little pain, just sheer exhaustion. I've halved my meds over the last few days and feel ok with that (generally).
Today I drove to school (even though I've not been ok'd to do that yet). I do feel I'm safe to drive and didn't really have a choice - there's no way I could've done that walk again!
Sorry all. I get a wee note, asking how I am and I moan, moan, moan..... I just wish I could be back to normal.
J x
Thanks for thinking of me. I'm doing ok. I sort of feel like I've hit a bit of a plateau at the moment. At first, I could see huge improvements week on week, however, although I feel fine, I do feel my progress has slowed.
I think the main problem is that I can't yet put weight on my op side - I've another 2 weeks to go before I see my surgeon (and hopefully he'll give me the ok to put weight on that side). So I'm really limited with how far I can walk. My girls are back at school now and yesterday afternoon, I walked there and back to collect them (approx 1/2 a mile in total, with a small hill). For the rest of the day, I was no use to anyone! I can't describe how weak I felt, plus, my arms, shoulder and good leg were so tired and sore! I felt a bit nauseous and had to lie down for the rest of the day. My scar area was really red and hot too.
The good news is I had very little pain, just sheer exhaustion. I've halved my meds over the last few days and feel ok with that (generally).
Today I drove to school (even though I've not been ok'd to do that yet). I do feel I'm safe to drive and didn't really have a choice - there's no way I could've done that walk again!
Sorry all. I get a wee note, asking how I am and I moan, moan, moan..... I just wish I could be back to normal.
J x
The Cappuccino Kid
graduate
Hi Justine, you're not even a month out. Still a lot of healing going on.
I do recall that it was the 4 / 5 week stage that I felt that I was making no improvement and got frustrated at struggling to do the least wee thing.
But it's just another stage.
I also found that other people around you have moved on in their lives whilst you're still suffering. It's inevitable; you're the centre of attention for a while but people have other things to do. I felt like shouting "HEY, I'M STILL ON CRUTCHES HERE".
Just keep reminding yourself - you're doing really well! Oh, you should also check if your car insurance has any limitations regarding driving after the op - you don't want to find that you're not covered.
I do recall that it was the 4 / 5 week stage that I felt that I was making no improvement and got frustrated at struggling to do the least wee thing.
But it's just another stage.
I also found that other people around you have moved on in their lives whilst you're still suffering. It's inevitable; you're the centre of attention for a while but people have other things to do. I felt like shouting "HEY, I'M STILL ON CRUTCHES HERE".
Just keep reminding yourself - you're doing really well! Oh, you should also check if your car insurance has any limitations regarding driving after the op - you don't want to find that you're not covered.
NYLiz
member
Hey Justine - you are allowed to moan! I concur with Cappy about what happens when you are no longer the center of attention and people around you move on with their lives and since they have seen you improving, they don't realize you still have a lot of recovering to do yet.
I think once you can put weight on your leg you'll see more noticeable improvement, so look at the next 2 weeks as a 'lull' in the recovery process and if there is improvement in that time, take it as a 'bonus'. Try not to overdo it, but when you have to since there's no choice, like bringing your girls to school and probably a dozen other things, just plan on resting afterwards.
Hang in there and I'm thinking of you!
Liz
I think once you can put weight on your leg you'll see more noticeable improvement, so look at the next 2 weeks as a 'lull' in the recovery process and if there is improvement in that time, take it as a 'bonus'. Try not to overdo it, but when you have to since there's no choice, like bringing your girls to school and probably a dozen other things, just plan on resting afterwards.
Hang in there and I'm thinking of you!
Liz
I remember that 4 week mark and posting here about how I should be doing better than I was. NOT!
1/2 a mile non-weight bearing is quite a distance Justine. Be good to yourself. Please don't over do.
And I agree with Cappy - please do check on your insurance. It may not be valid if you are not officially released to drive.
2 more weeks Justine. You are doing really well!
1/2 a mile non-weight bearing is quite a distance Justine. Be good to yourself. Please don't over do.
And I agree with Cappy - please do check on your insurance. It may not be valid if you are not officially released to drive.
2 more weeks Justine. You are doing really well!
uktanny
graduate
Hi Justine, I am in awe that you walked that far not weight bearing, no wonder the rest of you was screaming out in pain. Its so weird isn't it that different surgeons say different things, I had the same as you ceramic on ceramic and yet was told I could weigh bear from day one!
I cant imagine how hard it is to walk on one leg, Im quite chubby and think I would have been virtually house bound if I was given that restriction.
Re your scar being hot, I have been worried about this a couple of times, well I looked in my book the hospital gave me the other day and it says the op site can be warmer for up to 6 months, which suprised me, but its a sign of healing going on rather than infection.
If you look at my thread, I had exactly the same feelings as you at 4 weeks, everything has slowed but youre not better yet, its so frustrating but I think terribly normal.
Is there a neighbour that could take the children in the morning and then maybe you could get a taxi in the afternoon? Luckily my son doesnt go back to the 5th sept, so my surgery couldnt have been better timed for me
take care
Tan x
I cant imagine how hard it is to walk on one leg, Im quite chubby and think I would have been virtually house bound if I was given that restriction.
Re your scar being hot, I have been worried about this a couple of times, well I looked in my book the hospital gave me the other day and it says the op site can be warmer for up to 6 months, which suprised me, but its a sign of healing going on rather than infection.
If you look at my thread, I had exactly the same feelings as you at 4 weeks, everything has slowed but youre not better yet, its so frustrating but I think terribly normal.
Is there a neighbour that could take the children in the morning and then maybe you could get a taxi in the afternoon? Luckily my son doesnt go back to the 5th sept, so my surgery couldnt have been better timed for me
take care
Tan x
Paignton
member
Justine
My Insurance would not allow me to drive until the six weeks had officially passed and my consultant gave me the okay to do so. Please be careful, cos as the others have already said your insurance could be null and void if you have a car accident
My Insurance would not allow me to drive until the six weeks had officially passed and my consultant gave me the okay to do so. Please be careful, cos as the others have already said your insurance could be null and void if you have a car accident
Hi Justine, so sorry about how you're feeling. I think it's the magic week 4, had it too. Two more weeks, and things will look up again. Re driving: better phone the insurance. I was also told there's no coverage until the surgeon gives the ok.
Suzieslips
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Hey Justine!
I was wondering how you were getting on, so it's good to read an update.
Sorry you are having trouble with your shoulder. I don't know how I would have managed with non weight bearing if my shoulder had played up, and that long walk you did on crutches was bound to make you feel exhausted.
(you did great though :wink1
I remember oh so well the frustration of not being able to bear weight when everyone else in the world (it seemed!) was walking on 2 legs at 4 weeks. But those remaining 2 weeks will soon pass and with luck your OP will tell you to start bearing weight on that leg and then the fun will really begin.
And from that stage, it may be tiring (and perhaps a little painful) at times, but things will get better a whole lot faster. :wink1:
Stay with it Justine, you are doing great.
I was wondering how you were getting on, so it's good to read an update.
Sorry you are having trouble with your shoulder. I don't know how I would have managed with non weight bearing if my shoulder had played up, and that long walk you did on crutches was bound to make you feel exhausted.
(you did great though :wink1
I remember oh so well the frustration of not being able to bear weight when everyone else in the world (it seemed!) was walking on 2 legs at 4 weeks. But those remaining 2 weeks will soon pass and with luck your OP will tell you to start bearing weight on that leg and then the fun will really begin.
And from that stage, it may be tiring (and perhaps a little painful) at times, but things will get better a whole lot faster. :wink1:
Stay with it Justine, you are doing great.
OP
OP
Justine
member
Hi everyone
Thank you all so much for your words of support! It means a lot to me.
I've come to the conclusion that I've done WAY too much over the last few days (and I'm paying for it now!!!).
I'm a mum - when I'm sick, or have a cold, I have to plough on through it and do what needs to be done - I honestly don't think I've had a day sick in bed since my eldest daughter was born 14 years ago. It's the way I've always been and it's what I'm used to. So when I started to feel good recently (even though I was sitting down, resting most of the time), I decided that I was all better and should get back to normal. I've been ironing, making meals from scratch, walking too much, standing for too long outside school, bathing the kids, cleaning the toilets, driving (a big mistake, I now realize!).
I am so exhausted, sore and tearful. I feel frustrated with myself for being silly by doing too much, and frustrated with my body for not being able to do what I want.
I've learned the hard way that no, I'm actually not "all better" and I'm definately spending the next few days completely resting. I'm ignoring the housework while Graham is at work, I've roped in my neighbours to take my girls to school and will have my mum here to help more (which she's desperate to do).
I know I should've got more help before now, but it's taken this to make me realize how much I need help. I thought I'd be fine, and I will be - just not for a while yet.
J x
Thank you all so much for your words of support! It means a lot to me.
I've come to the conclusion that I've done WAY too much over the last few days (and I'm paying for it now!!!).
I'm a mum - when I'm sick, or have a cold, I have to plough on through it and do what needs to be done - I honestly don't think I've had a day sick in bed since my eldest daughter was born 14 years ago. It's the way I've always been and it's what I'm used to. So when I started to feel good recently (even though I was sitting down, resting most of the time), I decided that I was all better and should get back to normal. I've been ironing, making meals from scratch, walking too much, standing for too long outside school, bathing the kids, cleaning the toilets, driving (a big mistake, I now realize!).
I am so exhausted, sore and tearful. I feel frustrated with myself for being silly by doing too much, and frustrated with my body for not being able to do what I want.
I've learned the hard way that no, I'm actually not "all better" and I'm definately spending the next few days completely resting. I'm ignoring the housework while Graham is at work, I've roped in my neighbours to take my girls to school and will have my mum here to help more (which she's desperate to do).
I know I should've got more help before now, but it's taken this to make me realize how much I need help. I thought I'd be fine, and I will be - just not for a while yet.
J x
We all learn the hard way Justine. I can't believe that list of activities. WAY too much my friend. So glad you are going to slow down and take it easy.
You will be able to get back to all of that. Just give yourself a bit of time. Just a few weeks toward getting your life back! Easy does it!
You will be able to get back to all of that. Just give yourself a bit of time. Just a few weeks toward getting your life back! Easy does it!
The Cappuccino Kid
graduate
As Jaycey says, we all learn the hard way! Use people - don't be afraid to ask for help. You know what we're like in the UK - people don't like to offer or ask but would secretly be delighted to pitch in.
Oh, and no one's ever died of an unironed shirt. (Note, I don't actually know this for a fact).
Be good to yourself!
Oh, and no one's ever died of an unironed shirt. (Note, I don't actually know this for a fact).
Be good to yourself!
:hysterical: Love it!
Oh Justine, that's just how moms are. Good thing is you realize that you've done a bit too much too soon. Now put your feet up, take some pills, and let your mom and friends pitch in. Don't worry about the kids' baths and dust and ironing. Nobody and nothing is going to suffer, ok? Time for Justine and healing now. Hope you'll have some relaxing days ahead of you.
uktanny
graduate
I cannot believe your last post Justine! Ironing, that is the very very last priority in the world.
I am glad you have to rope in some more help and only do what is absolutely necessary (ironing most def isn't! lol)
I shop online for food (normally Tesco) and just get top ups from the shop, I have not hoovered once since Ive been home. You have a 14 year old, maybe they could hoover.
I normally cook from scratch too, but apart from soup, I have made things only from the freezer including frozen mashed potatoe.
Please re read your post if you are tempted to do too much again, I think you were having a moment of clarity when you wrote that.
Take care Tanny x
I am glad you have to rope in some more help and only do what is absolutely necessary (ironing most def isn't! lol)
I shop online for food (normally Tesco) and just get top ups from the shop, I have not hoovered once since Ive been home. You have a 14 year old, maybe they could hoover.
I normally cook from scratch too, but apart from soup, I have made things only from the freezer including frozen mashed potatoe.
Please re read your post if you are tempted to do too much again, I think you were having a moment of clarity when you wrote that.
Take care Tanny x
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