THR Let's make it a matched set!

[Layla]

I'm guessing it would be the same?
Wondering if pushing the seat back and raising the steering wheel would make it easier for you...

 

[ceezee]

I’m not tall but even I struggle with the driver’s side. I lowered my seat as far down as it would go (where I now keep it) and before I get in or out make sure the seat is as far back as it will go. When I get settled in to drive I move the seat forward so I can reach the pedals. Maybe you can tilt the steering wheel up too? I think when I get the surgery on the right side it’s going to be even more of a problem for me. Ugh.

 

[gertie]

@Layla the steering wheel doesn't move up and down, sadly. I think I can lower the seat once I"m seated (don't think the car needs to be on for that). When I practiced pre-op I maneuvered my right leg into a sort of frog position to get out so as to avoid crossing mid-line, rotating inward, etc., but i doubt I could do that move right now. Anyhow, it's a challenge I'll face with the in-home PT watching to keep me safe.

 

[Layla]

Going through it with your in-home PT is your best bet as they should know how to advise, helping you practice until you feel confident and comfortable.
Best of luck to you....let us know how it goes.
@gertie

 

[gertie]

Approaching the 3 week mark tomorrow and here's where things stand:
--Hip is feeling pretty good--a little stiff and achy at times, incision is sometimes itchy but all seems to be on target with healing. I haven't needed heavy duty pain killers since my first day out of hospital--just acetaminophen and sometimes some Celebrex.
--Had my 2 week check up last week and the PA thought all looked fine. PT also thinks I'm right on target if not a bit ahead. I continue to be impatient!
--PA said I could drive whenever I thought I was ready--not sure I'm quite there yet but close.
--Low and mid back muscle pain continues to be an issue--too much sitting, shifts in alignment, etc. Not extreme pain--just annoying. PT and PA both think it's to be expected given the shifts in alignment, walking with aids and so forth.
--Walking mostly with a cane since Wednesday--except first thing in the morning or overnight when I still use the walker.
--Not ready to leave the cane behind.
--Have done some very short walks up the street with the cane--mindful of energy levels and hip fatigue (and heat).
--Still dealing with depression--long days alone, missing out on fun summer activities weighs heavily. I have gone out as a passenger with friends a couple of times--once to pick up a Rx and once to get ice cream--but that's the extent of the excitement!
--Energy drain is alive and well--yesterday I spent a brief time cleaning old food out of the fridge and then taking the bag out to the trash can in the garage--and then had to rest. Tidying up the house is a process of brief spurts of activity followed by plopping down for a while.
--The in home PT comes 2 x a week and we work on functional things. Last week was walking with the cane--making sure I was steady and ready for outdoor excursions--and getting into and out of the driver's side of my car--a bit of a production but doable--I'll practice again, with her watching, tomorrow. I'll also test out how it feels to move back and forth from accelerator to brake.
--So, overall I'd say that things are moving right along physically-but still tough emotionally--I'm working on acceptance of recovery mode but not quite getting there. Doing this all as a physically cautious single person is very challenging emotionally and giving my summer over to this recovery seems much harder than it did 2 years ago when I had both knees replaced. Partway through the knee summer I blithely said "I'm not missing out on summer, I'm just having a different summer." Not sure I could say that with confidence this year.

 

[Elf1]

@gertie / Lynn you sound like you're coming along wonderfully, little bumps along the way. Sorry it's taking a but more effort emotionally, hopefully things will start looking up soon. Hugs!

 

[gertie]

Thanks @Elf1. I think once I can drive my mood will pick up. How are you doing?

 

[CricketHip]

@gertie hello! Gosh, Im sorry you are feeling a bit blue.. and with good reason, you need to get out a little more! I got out a bit over the past two days and I was like euphoric! oNe trip was just to the post office

Your hip sounds like it's progressing right along, though! I am three weeks on Tuesday and I see my OS that day, too. Well, I will see his P.A. I still take the occasional one half dose of Oxycodone.. I'm impressed you haven't taken any opioids since leaving the hospital!! wow!!

I'm not feeling too secure yet about driving either.. so different with it being the right hip this time!

 

[leejaa]

@gertie , you are doing so well with the hip. I understand the emotional bit even though I do not live alone. I was single for a long time (till I was 39) and at one point when still driving a standard car I tore a right calf muscle and was on crutches and not able to drive for 6wks. I also live in the country so no next door neighbors. It was wearing even for someone like me who normally likes being home alone. I think it was the fact that I couldn't even if I wanted to. I hate when I can't do things. Also, you have had so many surgeries and recoveries in the last few years that you get a little worn down with the recoveries.

You are still my inspiration. I am amazed you did not need any heavy pain killers once you were home. Already you are figuring out how to get in and out of the driver's seat which is pretty awesome at this stage. I am sure within a week you will be able to go for a short drive. Nothing like a bit of freedom to get perked up and feel more alive and healthy and not a sick person.

Glad to read that you are taking rest breaks in between chores. I have to do that now while I wait for my new hip because it gets extra cranky when I am doing things and moving about.

Take care and keep us posted.

 

[gertie]

I have to do that now while I wait for my new hip because it gets extra cranky when I am doing things and moving about.

Yes! I was doing this myself pre-op trying to keep the bad hip from getting too cranky.

I too usually like--crave--alone time but there's something about not being able to leave on my own--as you note--that makes it hard.

I hope I am doing short drives by next week!

 

[gertie]

I'm impressed you haven't taken any opioids since leaving the hospital!!

One of the supposed benefits of the approach my OS uses--Direct Superior--is that it minimizes tissue damage and generally is a less painful recovery. He doesn't dislocate the joint (as I understand it) so there's less trauma. It hurt a lot when I first came to after surgery but they pretty quickly got me set up with a PCA, which I had for the first 24 hours, then pain meds on request--and I did request them--for the remainder of my stay but then I was OK.

 

[Layla]

You're doing great! I'm sorry you're feeling down. It's understandable since you're alone and not getting out as much as you'd like.

Is there a way you can plan a couple outings with family or friends before you begin driving again? Or invite someone over for coffee as a way to pass time. I'll bet once you're driving it will help lighten your mood.

Not sure if you like the holidays, but if you do, maybe focusing on how well you'll be doing by then, or planning something special for that time of year, will help take your mind off what you feel you're missing out on now. As you know from prior surgeries, you're getting stronger week by week and will soon be living life as you desire. Hang in there, you'll get there. Hugs
@gertie

 

[gertie]

We all know that joint replacements are commonplace, right? A committee I'm on just met at my house this morning. Of the five of us sitting on my back porch, 3 had hip replacements (2 of us have 2 new hips) and 1 had a shoulder replacement.

 

[ceezee]

We all know that joint replacements are commonplace, right? A committee I'm on just met at my house this morning. Of the five of us sitting on my back porch, 3 had hip replacements (2 of us have 2 new hips) and 1 had a shoulder replacement.

You should see the count at my garden club. I was nearly the last person standing, so to speak.

 

[Barbaraj]

Hi, @gertie, sorry about the depression but I hope it will ebb away, particularly as you're more active. That energy drain is a killer, as I recall, and adding a bit of depression on top of that must be hard. But, it does sound like you're doing great--how positive it must feel to hear that you're on course if not a little bit ahead--hurray for you! I agree that this "slow and steady" pace is wearying but hang in there, it WILL get better!

 

[gertie]

Thanks @Barbaraj You're about to go for #2 right? How are you doing in the lead up?

 

[Barbaraj]

Hey, @gertie, yup, round 2 begins at the crack of dawn tomorrow (5:30 AM hospital check in). Feeling nervous and slightly queasy but I have a good idea what to expect so, while not thrilled at the prospect, I'm resigned.

 

[Layla]

I hope you're having a brighter day, gertie. I'll bet sharing some conversation and laughs with your fellow committee members was a mood booster for you. While we wouldn't wish deteriorating joints on anyone, it can be comforting to realize we're not the only one. Wishing you a relaxing night and evening.
Big hugs
@gertie

 

[gertie]

I tested out how it felt to drive today--just around the block and with a friend in the passenger seat ready to switch places if I felt I couldn't manage. I made it without needing to switch--wouldn't want to go far at this point and I'm still slow getting in and out of the driver's seat but there's relief in knowing I can do it if I have to. I didn't try slamming on the brakes--didn't want to give us whiplash But I did try making a quick shift from accelerator to brakes and was able to do it.

 

[CricketHip]

I am going to drive today,, just as you did, a short little jaunt around the cemetery nearby.
Good for you Gertie! Another great progression...