THR Long, Long Wait - Rhonda K's Recovery

[beachgal]

@ RhondaK, I hated the TEDs, too, but made peace with the fact that I had to wear them per OS's instructions. The one on my op leg was to be worn for four weeks, the other one for two weeks. Hubby or sister would take them off for me for up to three hours each day but they also had to be there to out them back on so there were days when I kept them on with no break. Mine came up to over my thigh. Hated that they rolled down. Just part of it. I will admit, I only wore the one on my op leg for three weeks. Try to keep your legs lotioned up when you change them. I'm still fighting dry skin from those things. Are you taking blood thinners? Sorry, I don't remember if you've answered this before. Have you had DVT issues in the past? A lot of how long and how careful you need to be with TEDs depends on this. Also, the more active you become, the less likely you'll have DVT issues so that may give you some guidance for wearing them.

Glad the nausea is gone. I hated the Percocet for so many reasons. Glad Tylenol is doing the trick. Keep icing. That will help, too.

You're doing great. PT is so important just to have the encouragement and know that you are being observed in the beginning. Do your exercises faithfully and add additional reps as you feel you can. Little pushes forward go a long way. Just one or two extras will add up!! You've got this !!


Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[Rhonda K]

Thanks for answering @beachgal. Must be getting late in your neck of the woods. Yes it's sad but true, we just have to somehow deal with the TED's. I have to wear on both legs for 4 weeks. I tried to switch to knee highs but nurse said "nothing doing" or words to that effect. So back to original one's. No history of DVT and taking Warfarin, but have a very conservative Dr. The nurse told me the blood thinners and stockings virtually guarantee no blood clots, so will of course try my best to cope. Because right now I'm not very active for sure!

Getting restless. What would I do without Bone Smart to occupy my time? Entertaining and informative. Good deal........


Sent from my iPad using BoneSmart Forum

 

[Carriemay60]

@Rhonda K Sounds like you are really doing well for the most part! I didn't get Teds for this surgery but have had them in the past and know they are more than awful. Recently a woman here took hers off because they were bugging her so much but her doctor put them right back on so I guess it's something it's have to live with. I wonder if putting something soft around your leg under the top (thigh) band would help at all? I certainly hope you can find some relief.

 

[beachgal]

@RhondaK, we were up late watching football but I turned in shortly after my post. I think the TEDs didn't bug me so much after a while. Like everything else re this surgery, you have to get your head straight and make up your mind that you are going to follow orders to the letter to have a successful outcome. I had read about TEDs here pre - op so I knew it was likely that I would wear them. My OS is pretty conservative. I asked to take aspirin rather than the Lovenox shots he prescribed and he said ok. I originally was to take one a day for. 60 days but he took me off of them at six week check-up. Like I said , I quit wearing the stocking on my op leg at three weeks (a week earlier than he wanted) but I was driving then, going to outside PT, shopping a bit, etc and frankly I didn't want to look stupid with it on in public. I know, I'm so vain. Haha

Anyway, as you become more active, you'll know if not wearing it anymore is something you're willing to try. I started with taking it off for half a day , then overnight, then going a full 24 hours, and with no swelling, I just left them off. It also made it easier for me to shower and dress independently without needing help to put them back on.

It's still early in your recovery so mull this over and incorporate it when you are more mobile. Take no chances. Be calculating and methodical in your choice of actions. Err on the side of caution. But DO push a bit every day!!


Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[Rhonda K]

Good morning all, hope we all got at least decent sleep. I did pretty well but of course blocks of awake times off and on, but added up to ok amount. Can't ask for more. Pulled and tugged and folded and straightened those TED's until I finally positioned them where the squeeze was the least. Lol. I've been wearing cheap, loose knitted Capri pants, so pull the top band over them and it gives me a little cushion. Will make peace with them one way or another.....now incision is itchy now. Guess that is a good sign, but makes it hard to sit still and not squirm.....like I said earlier it is the little things for me that can be a pain. But all in all not even Tylenol yet and not much pain. Feel good this morning.


Sent from my iPad using BoneSmart Forum

 

[beachgal]

Try a little Vitamin E oil to ease the itching on your incision. It helps!


Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[Rhonda K]

Hi everyone,

Two week visit with PA today. Says everything looks very good. He wants me to try Tylenol 3 along with anti-nausea meds. Tried one, seem to not make me sick but really don't feel any difference in how hip feels. It was sooo tight when I got home today. Guess the extra activity. Get staples out in one week (just a little nervous about that). Best news is tomorrow can take a shower! Yay! I'm picturing it taking an hour and a half because I am so slow with everything, but looking forward to that. Hope not too tiring, have out patient PT tomorrow afternoon. Not looking forward to that so much. Noticed I felt rather paranoid and venerable today being around lots of people. Just pictured someone bumping my leg and out it goes........can't wait till I feel stronger and more in control. Just need time. Half way through with TED's. Counting the days there. Don't know who will be more happy when I get rid of those, me or hubby.

My friends and family have been so great, pampering me, and bringing us dinner. I'm a lucky girl! Hope everyone else is doing as well as I am and hope we all keep moving forward........


Sent from my iPad using BoneSmart Forum

 

[beachgal]

@RhondaK, all perfectly normal feelings. Excited to shower, nervous around people, scared to get staples out, been there so I know! One word of caution -- have your hubby get into shower with you or be very nearby. I got light- headed in the warm water and a little shaky. Nothing drastic but it helped me feel more secure with him there. Take your time but don't draw it out unless you are sitting on a shower chair. It will wear you out so don't be surprised. Baby steps but good ones!! Proud of you, girl!!

Agree about family and friends. They were priceless. So blessed are we.


Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[Rhonda K]

@beach gal, I know you speak the truth. Kind of expecting I will get tired out because I get that feeling a lot. And shaky too. In a small way, kind of scares me so hubby will be right there. Sure is nice to know what is going to happen, so can be prepared. Not many surprises.


Sent from my iPad using BoneSmart Forum

 

[Carriemay60]

@Rhonda K Great report! I had that precarious feeling getting myself through the hospital yesterday for my appointment as well. Granted, I have a real fear of falling now but I feel like I am in some kind of pinball machine with all kinds of stuff going on around me, lol

If you don't use a shower chair, I would strongly suggest a chair right outside the shower so you can sit down as soon as you've showered to dry off and get your bearings. And as beachgal suggests, don't linger in the shower because the first 2 or 3 showers will really wipe you out. I remember just slipping on a nightie and collapsing in my recliner for a rest. But, you will also feel beyond wonderful to be clean and get your hair washed properly!!

 

[beachgal]

@Carriemay60 is absolutely spot on. I was smothered in towels after my first shower, in bed, dripping wet, but oh, so happy! It took me four or five showers to really feel like I was ok doing it unobserved. I will say, however, it was worth every minute to be able to stand there with the warm water and soapy suds washing off all the hospital cooties and sick stuff that you imagine is everywhere on your person! Oh, my, yes, a feeling I shall always remember.

 

[Carriemay60]

@Rhonda K @beachgal There is even a smell of anesthetic and the stuff they paint you with. Took ages for all the pink "paint" to come off from between my toes. Those smells are nauseating!

 

[beachgal]

@ RhondaK, are you still in the shower?? Do we need to send over a search party??

Hope it was a good day for you!!


Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[Rhonda K]

Hey guys! My internet was down all day, had withdrawals for bone smart! Lol
Shower was heaven! I have a shower bench due to fact our tub is higher than normal, so knew in advance I would have a little trouble getting in. So glad I have it. Just sat on edge and scooted my way in. Then a way to sit instead of stand. First one was a little awkward with water spraying everywhere, must of used half a dozen towels.......but so worth it! Feel almost human now. Even did some make up and a little hair styling. Whoo hoo!
Think I did get all the cooties too. Did get some shaky feelings. The muscles in my arms get shaky. I suppose from walker

Then went to PT appt. my thought when he hit me with all the exercises that are expected was "really?" I see some pain in days ahead. Right now just the thought of moving my legs in some of those directions makes me cringe, but will get going tomorrow. Some of it is mental. Just have to prove to my head I can do those clam shells and butterflies. Need to practice real steps instead of wedding march. But wedding march feels better...

It was a good day actually. A little less pain, no nausea, got pretty good sleep. Those are the things that make me happy! Hope the same for you all too!


Sent from my iPad using BoneSmart Forum

 

[Carriemay60]

@Rhonda K Congratulations on your shower! It sounds like you managed very well.

Some PT's can be pretty aggressive, don't let them convince you to do anything that will hurt you. Walking does a good job of healing a hip without subjecting you to contortions.

 

[Rhonda K]

My sentiments exactly Carriemay!


Sent from my iPad using BoneSmart Forum

 

[beachgal]

@RhondaK, great report on shower! @Carriemay60 is absolutely correct about PT. I was into my fifth week before I could do clamshells. Just pace yourself. Baby steps!

 

[Jaycey]

Just have to prove to my head I can do those clam shells and butterflies.

Early days for you! Don't be discouraged if these are difficult now. Just ease off and try again in a few days. I found clam shells really difficult at first! You are doing well!

 

[whatthe2]

@Rhonda K glad your recovery is going well. After all the shower talk, I think I'm going to have to take my first one. Ready to get the hospital grime off me.

 

[Rhonda K]

I will surely listen to you Jaycey. Gave them a half hearted try this morning, no gold star for me! But slow and easy is what my body says and it knows better than any therapist. I know I have some paranoia about breaking restrictions, some seem so close to me, but probably aren't , just me.

Whatthe2 , you will feel tons better after a shower, just gotta take that slow and easy too. Glad you don't have to wait so long. Be ready to feel tired but sooo good.


Sent from my iPad using BoneSmart Forum