THR Mayhip8's recovery thread

[ChrissyW]

Good morning lovelies. Glad you slept relatively well @Mayhip8, me too I did a full run of 4 hrs after a loo visit and just over an hour before it so felt pretty much refreshed by comparison to other mornings. I've just got back from the hairdressers so feel nice and glam again with shiny straight hair that isn't in a pony tail as it has been fir the last 6 weeks, though I'm pleased it will go in to my version of a pony tail as my goal has been to be able to have it up and I've just snout hir it in to an accrotable pony tail (OK pony with a slightly deformed tail). I dois my nails too last night so I've decided today is going to be a good day for us all. Ladies make sure you do something to make you happy today whether it is eating a magnum ice cream, cake or a walk in the sunshine ( or anything else you fancy @ahipgma now you've had the all clear ). Massive hugs and love hippy sisters

 

[ahipgma]

Hi across the pond
Just trying to give some little used emojis some love.
I developed a terrible head cold on top of my limp so now I'm limping and coughing both. (Sigh)
Had a bad night up and down coughing
So slept later this AM.
@ChrissyW nothing like a fresh new hairstyle to perk you up. I know how glad I am that for 6 weeks my gray roots are beaten back into submission.
@Mayhip8, I hope your day goes well! I had a some bad moments this morning telling my hub that I see him running around with his busy life and I am grateful for getting just on and off the toilet with less hip pain ( sometimes)
Reading the thread of Mikeycat here who had both hers done at the same time-- I honestly dont know how that would have gone-- the nurse in me agreed with my surgeon that it was too much trauma all at once and being under anesthesia all that time. But I have a firm date for # 2 and just knowing that helps.
My granddaughter is coming back Sunday evening for a 3 day stay- both her parents working the night shift for 3 days.
Tomorrows Fathers Day so going out later to try to buy some steaks to grill.
So hope you enjoy the weekend and feel better and sleep better, my sisters.
Till later, and

 

[ChrissyW]

Good afternoon one and all. Hope you manage to get your steaks, I'm not the biggest steak lover though hubby is. I fact I never order them in Restaurants for fear of upsetting the chef as I like my steak well done ( really well done with crispy bits actually) . We are having roasted pork tomorrow. It's Father's Day here tomorrow too so we will be going to see my father in law and youngest son is over for the day too. We are having what we call our 'chill out' dinner tonight, hot dogs with caramelised onions and ribs with potato wedges and salad and I'm looking forward to it. How about you ladies @Mayhip8 and @ahipgma ? How lovely that you'll have your grand daughter for a few days, you will be able to spoil her and she'll keep your mind actively engaged on everything and anything other than your hip. Hope your cough goes quickly. If @Mayhip8 is having similar weather to me it's cold and wet and my nose doesn't want to stop running! I managed shopping fine again and haven't done anything stressful however my thigh muscle is still tender on lifting, felt it more getting in and out of the car today, I'm convinced it is that Psoas ( no idea how you say it) just based on the comments other have made and the anatomy drawing that people have used to indicate where they feel it. It's not constant so I'm not worrying, it's all part of healing and I'll mention it to the OS on Monday. @Mayhip8 hiws your day going with family doing their things ? Have you been up to anything?
Enjoy the rest of the day my lovelies

 

[Mayhip8]

Hello lovelies
@ahipgma I hope your head cold clears soon It can't feel very comfortable alongside everything else!
Rest, honey and lemon, fluids and more rest! And then you can enjoy family time on Father's Day and with your cutie of a granddaughter .
@ChrissyW a haircut is so therapeutic and anything that makes you feel good is really worth the effort.
I really must make the effort !
I've had an up and down day really
I Kept busy mooching and pottering about but have such a tight and painful groin that also rested and took pain relief and ICE - I started to watch a BBC drama on Iplayer called THIRTEEN with Jodie comer in ( From killing EVE ) it's very good - will finish it after watching Casualty ( through - out which I shall critique IV lines ECG pad placement Drips per min in IV fluids drug regimes prescribed etc ) Occupational hazard ...
My wound is bothering me - there's a tiny area at the end where the suture was trimmed that is not healing - I'm keeping an eye on it ( and photographing it daily!) but am obviously concerned in case a sinus develops - I don't know! I'm too careful but my imagination runs away with the worse case scenario
My sister came round with my 6 year old great niece this afternoon so we did some colouring and fun chats!
I made a delicious Moroccan based mince and couscous dinner with yoghurt and harisa dressing
And now after a comforting shower I'm back in my nest and reflection suggests that on reading this back it hasn't been such a bad day after all!!
For Father's Day my children have done their shopping and card writing - but will all be out for the day. So nothing special planned for dinner. The children and I like a steak ( medium rare ) but hubby doesn't - He's quite happy with beans on toast !
I guess we'll celebrate a little different this year .
So ladies
Have a calm and collected Saturday evening
After the busyness of the past week healing and recovering and travelling to far flung casinos and the such I'd say a quiet night is In order ( for me at least)

 

[ChrissyW]

Good morning lovelies. My nights have definetly changed. The nytol is working and good, deep sleep is happening in longer phases however my thigh is aching more and did through the night. How deep in to the groin is your pain @Mayhip8 ? I'd not class mine as groin exactly but it is right at the top of the thigh, just below the crease line at the front and I feel it down my thigh itself. I found this morning I had to assist moving my leg more too but I'm sure I haven't done anything I can class as 'overdoing' it. The mince dish sounds really good, I love Moroccan flavours and spice. Suppose as it is Father's Day I may find my way to the grill and make toast for him later! If he wants snitching fancier he will have to magic it up himself ( I don't do bacon, sausage or eggs)
Beautiful sunny morning at the minute and I really hope it stays this way. Catch you later

 

[Mayhip8]

Good afternoon - I did write a post this morning but it's got lost in the ether I think ?!
It's a sort of overcast day here but at least it's not raining
@ahipgma how are you today -hope your cough/cold not too bothersome ?
@ChrissyW send some sunshine our way will you please? I'm glad your'e sleeping better -your supper last night sounds yummy - might use that combo as my kids would love it!
My family have gone out to do their various hobbies /volunteering today
I've been up and about but I'm back in my nest and have snoozed a few times this morning already.
I too slept for longer periods last night but was woken by vague funny pain in my thigh - it's like a golf ball feeling in the groin( though nothing to see or feel by touch - it was sharp and bone pain stabby if I moved my leg to bend upwards or sit on the side of the bed - like it was catching something - that feeling mostly has settled now ( thankfully)
I've looked at some anatomy books this morning and have deduced that it's probably a mixture of overuse and healing taking place so I've stepped back again today .
Goodness only knows how people are reported to have returned to work at six weeks as I have previously read ! I am either taking longer than them to recover or they were super speedy - it's hard not to compare yourself with others if this is your only knowledge base from a patient's perspective.

If the family are back In time this afternoon I've Asked to borrow nannies car (which has higher seats than mine ) I will go to Waitrose and treat us all to some special "Ding meals " for Father's Day dinner -as I overdid things again yesterday so will not be cooking today - if he's lucky hubby can pick anything off the top shelf
And we may have a special dessert too!
Love and hippy happy hugs to all
Will pop by later

 

[ChrissyW]

And good afternoon to you too @Mayhip8 . We've just got back from the in laws and have had coffee and cake so you know I'll be happy at this point!
I too have no idea where the people claiming to be doing everything as normal, completely pain free and ready to bungee jump are from. They sound unworldly to me and I know what my body is saying and I've definetly adopted the tortoise approach and we know who is the winner in that fable! Hope you manage to get out yo waitrose and let's see what hubby picks 'from the top shelf' (chicken again!). It's a roast pork dinner today but nothing that needs fancy cooking, just sticking in the oven and vegetables on the hob. If Yorkshire appear they will be courtesy of aunt Bessie no doubt as there are some in the freezer.
What is it with this thigh pain. I'm so glad we've got your nursing experience and anatomy books to help as well as our friends on this site because otherwise I'd constantly be thinking I'd done something wrong!
Enjoy the rest of the day and I hope the sun has come out with you, it's been out all day here, it us cold but at least not grey and the sun is definetly there!

 

[ahipgma]

Happy Sunday!
Did a little running around this AM and after checking in will do some more, getting ready for Fathers Day dinner and my granddaughters arrival around 5 pm.
Cold is better, thank goodness, went off and slept in the guest room last night with the hot tea and lemon, cough drops,
Cool water, ice for the hip and the humidifier blowing cool steam in my face, so I wouldn't disturb my husband.
I, too am sleeping stretches,@ChrissyW, I think because I am allowed to sleep on either side now as well as my back, as my incision will let me on that side. But I have been a stomach sleeper all my life and that is still frowned upon...
When I saw my surgeon and he asked ( a little tentatively I thought) are you glad you had it done--- I'm sure he gets an earful of complaints from folks who thought that they'd be doing the Olympics or the Iditarod or a triathalon by now
(6 weeks).
I dont know who the folks are either who pop out of bed pain free a few days after surgery--- it was not and is not I.
I get impatient for all this pain with new hip to be gone, it migrates and changes all around, but I think of the real disasters that could befall this recovery, infection, dislocation overdoing it so badly there is a new injury (I quit PT because they were hurting me and I was afraid of that.)
I honestly dont believe it's any of that so what's left? One 63 year old body trying to regroup. I told the PA at my appointment about all my pain and twinges and she said but youre only 6 weeks out! Didn't seem surprised by any of it.
So press on I guess dear sisters and I'm just one more tortoise till August 21 rolls around and then I'll be a groundhog ( as in Groundhog Day movie.
I love to read your posts regarding food, I'm sorting things out, like I think a Costa is like our Starbucks and Waitrose is a grocery store? I bought steaks but I bought some pre made side dishes so im not cooking everything from the ground up we have ice cream and hot fudge so im thinking sundaes for dessert?
Happy Fathers Day to our dear husbands who nurtured us too through our surgeries and recoveries.
What a blessing they are!
Love and hugs and a better week ahead!!!

 

[Mayhip8]

@ChrissyW - We love aunt Bessie! Hubster had some of her yorkshires with his chosen " bangers and mash "ding meal.. What a treat ! And we're having apple strudel with custard and squirty cream( well, it's Father's Day !! )
I had a chicken curry it was delish! I do like a cheaty meal every now and again!
I managed a good walk round the shop - luckily it's never too busy in there so less likliehiod of being banged into ( I'm 5ft 8 and a bit overweight but you'd be surprised how many people don't see me and bump into me!!! I suppose I'm more aware because I'm in pain!)
Anyway...........
I'm less Emosh tonight than I was last night and feel more comfortable so we'll hope that a calm night is in order .
I hope your follow up appointment goes well tommorow - I'd be interested to hear how the Doc explains the cause and what they recommend
Let's see if the sun makes an appearance tomorrow !
@aphipgma I do hope your not feeling too unwell and you've had a good Sunday so far

 

[Mayhip8]

@ahipgma your post came as I was writing mine so we overcrossed there !
Your day sounds like it's going well- it always amuses/ amazes me that somewhere in the world someone has had/or is waiting for the day I've just lived or are about to live ( in terms of time)
I perhaps forgot I'm writing in dialect/colloquialism - you know it's just a guise to keep you occupied and encourage detective work of the words I use ?!
Good luck with the paragraph above this post - I was quite lazy with my English
Enjoy Sunday Hipster Sisters

 

[ChrissyW]

So I'm up, thigh bugged me through the night but still got some decent stints in between having to move around and stretch that darn muscle! It will be good to see the OS's take on things. @Mayhip8 glad you enjoyed your 'ding' curry, I'm a massive curry fan in any form and love it when students occasionally bring in the food their mums have made, so unbelievably good! Funny you mentioned squirts cream. I'm presuming from the rest of that post your husband loves it, mine does too, I'm more of a pouring cream, or better still ice cream, fan!
@ahipgma hope the rest of your Sunday went well and you are sleeping soundly as I type" you are spot on with the Costa. We do have Starbucks but I prefer Costa, it always feels more 'homely' to me and less chain line (though it is). I discovered coconut milk a year ago and love a coconut cappuccino. Give one a try if you haven't. Strange how we create images of people @Mayhip8 , I'd put you around my height, you too @ahipgma at just over 5ft 4 (OK I'm short!) but @Mayhip8 you are not vertically challenged like me!
Let's see what our day brings each one of us. I managed to find the exam timetable yesterday evening and it is the last law paper today for my students so I sent a long message for them and my colleague will read it to them before the exam. Have a good one hippy sisters and I'll update you with the OS feedback later.

 

[Mayhip8]

@ChrissyW Ahhhhhhh what a lovely teacher you are your students will be so motivated and want to do well for them and for you- I love the idea you sent them a message prior to their exam today.
Good teachers - in my experience and eyes - are up there with the highest of the high as far as I'm concerned.
We always remember significant teachers don't we ?- I know I have some fond memories of teachers/ trainers/ lecturers through out life. I take my hat off to you and curtesy with gratitude and admiration

And I too love curries - I'l make them,buy them, take away them and try all sorts!!! I'm within a drive distance of Rusholme curry mile - though it's changed over the years we used to love a frequent visit there . I've not been for a while - perhaps a goal is in order ?!
I love a fresh ground coffee- I treat myself to one everyday ( I'm lucky to have a machine) - and I'm intrigued about coconut milk - is all hot milk with a shot of coffee ?
Have a lovely Monday girlies
I'm just watching Andy Murray talking about his recovery from hip replacement!!!
LOOK AT HIM GO !!!!!!
And if he can WE WILL!!!
(Brushes off tennis whites for next season ).......

 

[ChrissyW]

Well ladies. Just got back from my 6 week check up and the OS is happy with everything. Really interesting to look at the X-rays before and after and have him talk through it all. Only restrictions that remain are no bending to floor or twisting for at least another few months but otherwise I can do almost anything within reason, including a holiday as long as it would have nothing more than a short flight if over the summer. He just said remember to be sensible, listen to your body and remember that there will still be peaks and troughs because at the end of the day I'm only 6 weeks in. We spoke about the thigh pain and when I explained it, he did the move I really struggle with (bending knee and lifting my leg) and explained it was all elements of the muscle that are mending. He said all the things I've read on here about the hip feeling far better before the rest of the leg because of what that poor thing has gone through. Really positive visit overall. He's suggested that before I try drive myself anywhere I go somewhere quiet with hubby and practice an emergency stop and see how comfy I am driving too. Legally I can't drive if I can't do an emergency stop. He also said if work were prepared to look at a phased return that would be good but as a teacher he stressed no bending/ crouching down to speak to students or pick things up and to look at this from next week, just to see if I could manage a few hrs a day in total. We were happy so went for a cheeky Costa on the way home and hubby told ne he could breathe a sigh of relief as he'd actually gone ahead and booked the cruise holiday for the end of July.
You were the first people @Mayhip8 and @ahipgma that I wanted to update. Have a good day my lovelies

 

[Mayhip8]

@ChrissyW I'm so pleased for you! What a positive day you're having - and what a lovely surprise about your cruise - clever husband - Thankyou so much for the update
Enjoy the glow and I'll pop by later

 

[ahipgma]

Oh @ChrissyW !!!! That is wonderful.
Was looking since I got up this am ( its 1030am here) for a possible OS update.
Sounds similar to what I heard and it was good to hear it!!!
It's easier to tolerate the ups and downs of recovery if you know everything's OK.
You lucky! Your hub really did book the cruise and now you can go with a happy heart.
Driving will really make you feel like you're part of the world again, too.
Far out as you are with recovery I bet that emergency stop will be no trouble
I couldn't sleep last night for left leg hurting, @Mayhip8 so I broke down and took a Tramadol at 2 am and now am feeling a little spacey but better. My granddaughter is running around tearing the house apart but its wonderful to have her here. As you may remember she is half Indian so when I had my surgery her other Grandma brought me-- a curry!
But very dumbed down spice wise. Can't do spicy!
Will be back later . But just wanted to say Chrissy, way to go and every emoji that applies!

 

[Mayhip8]

@ahipgma @ChrissyW two down one to go!! It's my follow up next Tuesday at 6+5days .
I almost feel reassured by your progress that mine will go well too ( despite a wobbly worrying weekend - which has subsided now thank goodness)
Does it feel like you've turned a corner? Even though it's documented that the pain might be more acute these next two weeks - does the reassurance and explanation of origin of pain make it more manageable do you think?
On a similar note - what are your wounds like ? Are they fully healed and numb/tender or is there any areas of redness /sensitivity ?
I think the theme of this weeks messages is positivity and recovery and curry
What could be better than a visit " virtual " to somewhere exotic and Aisian?
I hope we all manage a restful night sleep ladies
Love and hugs

 

[ChrissyW]

Well good evening my lovelies. Have you had any issues with the site today? I kept struggling to get on then got distracted by food! Over spiced my chicken at tea time but that then meant ice cream was needed afterwards!
In answer to the questions @Mayhip8 it does make me feel more positive. It's as if by the surgeon saying everything is as should be my subconscious has said fine just keep going and you've got through so much. It feels like it's all been worth it and up to now there was my reassurance that things had gone well so the pain and all the issues we've each encountered had nothing to balance off against, there was no 'reward' so to say but now it feels like there is.
In respect of the incision/wound site my scar is just over 10inchs based on my sewing tape! It is very neat and has heeled really well. I've had issues in the past with stitches do I had dissolvable ones and it is the best wound out of any I've had (2 X c sections and a radical hysterectomy scar too!) I'm massaging it daily with bio oil. Parts of it feel tender, slightly numb, more towards the mid se tuon, the part on my bottom has sensation and feels 'normal' . We most definitely will get 3 from 3 when you have yours next week. Will your surgeon give you a date for the other one do you think @Mayhip8 .
@ahipgma glad you are having a happily energetic (so to say and within reason) with your beautiful granddaughter. And see, we've found yet another thing in common, a love of curry! I agree with @Mayhip8 that our next virtual visit should be somewhere exotic. What about visiting the Taj Mahal? Have you both seen the best exotic marigold hotel? There's a posh place or club they go to and maybe we could go somewhere similar too?
By the way, I got distracted scribbling away to you and completely forgot I'd put a tortilla wrap in the oven. I'd sprinkled it with chilli flakes, salt, pepper and a little olive oil and it was going to be lovely. Unfortunately it now looks just like a charcoal coloured slate tile. If either of you fancy an exceptionally well done tortilla chip I have one going spare!

 

[Marvin L]

Anybody have constipation, if so what have you done for relief?

 

[Mayhip8]

@

Anybody have constipation, if so what have you done for relief?

Hi @Marvin L
There are varying degrees of constipation and without asking you personal/clinical questions on this thread I'd be inclined to search through the site for possible causes and recommended treatment- the first thing would be to increase fluids and fibre in your diet and take med prescribed by medics however -
I'm in the UK and the first port of call here would be to talk to a pharmacist or General Practitioner / nurse etc . (I have to declare that I am a nurse but on this forum I'm a patient and cannot offer centred clinical advice) - I hope you find some relief soon .
Best wishes

 

[ahipgma]

Hey @Marvin L I got thru 2 pregnancies where I took a lot of constipating iron and this 1st hip replacement with prunes, prune juice and colace ( docusate) from over the counter. Not harsh and works great also fruit ,veggies and high fiber bread.