THR Karen's recovery thread

[Layla]

Hugs
It will get better!

 

[sportbrown]

You are brave.....but no doubt it's so good to put both hip replacements behind you!

 

[Karenhasswag]

It's been a rough first week, but I am slowly seeing improvements. It really is true that every hip is it's own recovery. My boyfriend said that everything about this is different, surgery time, recovery time, amount of swelling, first few days...everything different.
Saturday was by far the worst day with a lot of pain and deep sadness.

But I woke up Sunday feeling better physically and mentally better. I have no energy but pain is manageable and I am seeing physical improvements. Slow and steady makes me happy

 

[myglasshalffull]

Each day that gets even a little better brings joy!
As you know from first go round sadness/depression is quite normal after surgery.
Having a supportive partner certainly helps.
My partner was amazing & so helpful emotionally as well as taking on bigger chores around here in beginning months.
I'm totally anal about my house & way it's cleaned so I had to let some stuff go but it got done.
I learned a lot about myself in recovery, how to be patient. That gene that skipped my DNA. But now I don't feel like I have to get every last thing done, there's always tomorrow!
Stay well & continued good wishes on your recovery.

 

[benne68]

Slow and steady makes me happy

You have the perfect attitude for this recovery! Even though every hip is different, having been through one hip recovery, you know what to expect.
Here's wishing you a smooth recovery!

 

[Karenhasswag]

I am wondering if there are any articles or information on glute pain?

I thought I would be ok sleeping on my side with a pillow between my knees a couple nights ago. I woke up feeling like someone had kicked me in the rear. It's been a few days now and I'm still feeling sore. I'm hoping that I didn't somehow mess things up.

 

[Hippie Chick]

I had to build up my side sleeping time gradually. I still have to switch sides during the night but it’s so nice to have that option again. Still use a pillow for comfort. You will get there!

 

[Layla]

Sorry to read the news, Karen. Hopefully a good nights sleep has helped?
Here is an article on Piriformis Syndrome. See if the symptoms described here fit the discomfort you're dealing with. I hope you feel better soon.

Piriformis syndrome

Basically, simply a muscle spasm with consequences, piriformis syndrome is far more common than people (including doctors) realise and really is a pain in the butt on two fronts. First it's extremely distressing and can almost totally disable the sufferer Secondly it can be a long term problem...

bonesmart.org

@Karenhasswag

 

[Karenhasswag]

This is very helpful thank you. That is exactly where it hurts, but more of a dull ache than a radiating pain. Kind of like I sat on something hard for too long. I actually wondrred if the screw my dr used had come loose or moved (which I really doubt had happened). It just feels like something pokeing me there. It was bad 3 or so days ago, lessened over the last two days and seems to have flared up again today. I accidentally walked too far this morning and I attribute the flare up to that.

 

[myglasshalffull]

Yes, if we overdo a little the hips let us know.
It took me awhile to sleep on either side after surgery primarily because I developed bursitis on both sides but then once that cleared I was ok to roll around again.

 

[Layla]

You're welcome!
It always felt like I was sitting on a tennis ball early on...that was the size of a golf ball. Seems silly, but it was what it felt like and eventually it eased. It sounds like yours is definitely more of a pain, than a nuisance as I described the sensation I felt. If you try the suggestions in the article and it helps, please let us know.
I wish you comfort and speedy relief, Karen.
@Karenhasswag

 

[Karenhasswag]

Today is 1 month post op for my left hip and 4 month for the right. Overall I'm feeling pretty good. My morning walks are up to three quarters of a mile, and I'm back to upper body weights at the gym in the afternoons. The pain in my glute only seems to act up if I sit or stand for too long. I started back to work part time from home this week and am setting a timer to get up every hour. I am so glad that I made the decision to work part time for the semester, that I had available leave time, and that my surgeon and boss supported the idea even though it is longer than the normal 12 weeks post op (I'll be part time till mid December)
My biggest complaint is that everything is just slow and takes forever. I let a lot go around the house because I just don't have the energy to do it. I still take a nap or two every day and some days I find I still need to sleep most of the day. But, I don't really have any pains to speak of (knock on wood lol) and I see little progress every day.

 

[Layla]

Happy One Month Anniversary!
You're doing well by the account you shared above. Feeling good, taking walks, upper body gym workouts, easing back into work! Thankfully you're able to transition back into work, with a nod from your boss.
You're lucky.

This recovery can move slowly and tests our patience at times for sure.

Energy Drain is real, reference article in the Recovery Guidelines.
Since our body's energy supply isn't limitless, when we're in healing mode after major surgery
our energy will be used for healing first, not leaving a great reserve for all the other activity of daily life. It is completely normal to feel tired for quite some time. How long....most likely relates to your body's rate of healing. Making our best effort to get adequate sleep, which it sounds like your doing, is beneficial. Our body does it's best healing while we're sleeping.

Thanks for the update, Karen. A great rest of the week to you!
@Karenhasswag

 

[benne68]

Wonderful update, @Karenhasswag. You are doing very well for just one month post-op!

It can feel very much like this recovery proceeds at a tortoise's pace, but before you know it you will be back to your life, doing all the things you want to do with your shiny new hips!

 

[myglasshalffull]

I felt very impatient to get back at my daily life but had to learn to let the hip run the show. My days consisted of a "loose" plan. Maybe get 1/2 of it completed then the hip wants ice, lay down, relax. Ok hip let's go do that.
You will achieve milestones, another words you will do something w/o even thinking about it you couldn't do a few days ago or last week, then you will surprise yourself! That's how my recovery went anyway.
I'm well over 2 years into recovery almost 3 years now & I have a very full life & do everything I did prior to hip replacement. I think I've added a few new activities because I like challenging myself.
All my best.

 

[Layla]

Happy Two Month Anniversary!
I hope your strength and stamina is slowly returning.
A great week to you, Karen!
@Karenhasswag