THR Mayhip8's recovery thread

[Mayhip8]

@ChrissyW i think the moon phases can affect us sometimes - apparently it was a strawberry moon on 17th and its waning at the present - however that might be interpreted!!!
Well done for driving to docs - how did it feel? Will that make your thigh more sensitive?
Yes I'm into learning photography -it's something I always wanted to do and finally managed to get some kit together- there's so much to learn- I hope all goes well for your sons new venture
I ve just seen the weather forecast and they are promising sun for the weekend - we live in hope!
@ahipgma I do too have a problem usually when rising from a chair - when ve overdone things I get a feeling of 'hip /groin sort of sticking and a sharp pain in my groin on operated side but after I've rested or iced it it has settled . My ye olde hip sort of seizes up and is painful - I suppose people were used to me having a strange gait in the office or if I was out anywhere I'd shrug it off ( with a wince and an ouch!)I massage my groin and thigh area and carry on regardless. I feel like I'm bending forward less now and making an effort to stand straight .
I think things will settle down in time once the muscles are stretched and malleable again?
I've had a physically lazily ish day but a few frustrations that have bothered me ( all resolved now thankfully so I'm hoping for a calmer night ) and I wish you both a more comfortable and calmer night.
Sweet dreams

 

[Mayhip8]

Sunny solstace
Have you ever been to Stonehenge or pentre Ifan or other Neolithic settlements?
There's an air of mystical calm around them. The energy from the bluestone is visible too - hug that stone!
It's the Celtic Druid in me coming out today.
In other news...
Slept off and on - thigh pain is gnawing but manageable
How is your pain / discomfort today?
Having my haircut at lunch time. Yey!
Will henna my hair this afternoon
Family all out tonight so I'm going to pick a good film to watch and have a Chinese take away!
I had tickets for a pop concert that's on tonight for a band I've loved since the 80's but alas I'm not up to standing on a concert ground for 6+ hours - my son is taking my place and he'll go with my hubby and eldest daughter . Youngest daughter is off into town with her buddies for tea at PIzza Hut!
Are you having any ideas about planning on going back to work? @ChrissyW @ahipgma
I'm in two minds at the moment .
If everyone is virtually free we could discuss it over lassi at the BestExoticHotel later after we visited the Taj Mahal . I've picked out a hand tailored silk dress for the occasion - your son may have photographed it at some time@ChrissyW its the same designer that Gwynetth uses
for now have a spiritual Longest day

 

[ChrissyW]

Good morning and happy summer solstice day to you too
Glad you got done sleep and looking forward to seeing the sun set over the Taj Mahal with us sat in gorgeous silk suits. Not sure if I'm going for white or blush and I might consider some kitten heels if I'm up for a challenge!
I slept but the thigh pain had intensified so I'll pose a question in my Original thread (told off if I post in wrong area). It's no longer a niggle and hurts with all movement. In respect of work I'm waiting for someone to ring back (spoke briefly yesterday) about a possible phased return next week as I need to do more than watch the four walls as that seems to be getting me down and the blues are adding to the sleep issue according to the doc! What is your pain like?
My plans for the day so far are breakfast (choice of coco pops as I love kiddy cereal, porridge or seeded toast), wash my hair (do I venture on the shower that doesn't really work or do it over the sink? I'd love a proper bath but there's not a cat in hells chance I'm going near it!), dress and then sit down, wait for work to ring and feel sorry for myself as I then don't know what to do. I may pop out later if I feel up to it but I really don't know.
Feeling 'blagh' today and also feel cold! Are we going for a jug of lassi this afternoon while we plan our next venture? I do like mango lassi,mthough I don't think I've ever had different!
@Mayhip8 are you still staying on your back in bed? I know @ahipgma said she's managing some side sleeping. As much as I was mainly a back sleeper I do remember curling in to ghd feotus position, snuggled up like a cat, to get to sleep, though that feels like a very distant past based on what sleep has been like for a long time.
I'm waiting for this soltice sun to appear, bring its positive energy and fill us full if exactly what we need!
Happy day my lovelies

 

[Mayhip8]

@ChrissyW awww love I'm sorry your feeling down.
I'm sure sleep depravation doesn't help,alongside permanent pain - are you still taking regular pain relief ? I'm mindful that somebody said week six and week seven has the worst acute pain . Have you gone back to ice and rest?

I managed to sleep on my operated side with a pillow between my legs and a pillow in front of me so I don't roll out of bed - it was slightly uncomfortable on the scar but I managed to get over that because I can't sleep on my back .
I can manage it for about 20-30" minutes or so but do manage to actually doze off during this time. I've tried on my unoperated side a couple of times and can't relax - not because it hurts but because everyone has told me not to do it and I do listen to everyone!

Be kind to yourself- it still is very early days
I hope you've negotiated something that's useful for yourself to pass the time but not put yourself at risk of reducing your recovery by going actually into work too soon." This too shall pass " as they say
Big hugs and a few cats

 

[ChrissyW]

@Mayhip8 starting to feel unwanted!! Work haven't rung back and I've now left 2 messages. School closes at 2.30 and my line manager, although the vice principal leaves more or less straight away on a Friday, as do many of the staff! Looks like I might not be in on Monday! Not done any pt exercises today, just the Laos of downstairs for walking purposes. How about your day?

 

[ahipgma]

Good afternoon ladies!
I actually woke up and read your updates as it was 830 am in the States.
I look forward to it so much every day, except we're still in pain to some degree and I thought for our India trip we'd be up for some Bollywood dancing or something. Not yet for any of us
huh?
I've realized i get a little more limber after i get up and walk around a little I guess the muscles stiffen while sleeping .
On my non OP side with a pillow between my legs was my first position i dared postop, @Mayhip8! I remember I slept like the dead for about 4 hrs the first time I did it because I was in a sleep position natural to me.
@ChrissyW maybe a phased return to work would help.
I went to a committee meeting yesterday, took some cookies I baked and for 2 1/2 hours felt almost no pain chatting with these women I know well. You are obviously a devoted teacher and maybe the tiredness you may feel will be offset by your return to something interesting and stimulating. If its phased ,that is!
I get the feeling that this recovery just wont be rushed.
I on the other hand am considering retirement from bedside hospital nursing.
At 63 I could so and maybe find another kind of nursing job. My kids are grown and gone and self sufficient, my husband is 4 years younger than me and employed making enough for us to live on.
It feels weird not working , I miss the collegiality,and my fellow employees but physically right now I just couldn't do it.
There are other nursing jobs less taxing or I could retire and rest on my laurels-- or whatever hip hurts less!
A dear friend is coming to dinner tonight and I am making his favorite, crab cakes, and roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts with bacon and a store bought birthday cake as he is 76 this month.
The summer solstice means that now all the days get a little bit shorter, leading to winter, also before you know it I will be trudging along getting my preop clearances for #2 hip
For now I am going to enjoy my weekend, and I see a little sun peeping out! Wishing you some sunshine too especially you Chrissy, may your spirits lighten.

 

[Mayhip8]

@Mayhip8 starting to feel unwanted!! Work haven't rung back and I've now left 2 messages. School closes at 2.30 and my line manager, although the vice principal leaves more or less straight away on a Friday, as do many of the staff! Looks like I might not be in on Monday! Not done any pt exercises today, just the Laos of downstairs for walking purposes. How about your day?

@ChrissyW So... If I were HR or managing your absence I would arrange a back to work chat before I'd even expect you back to work- and then we'd negotiate and plan acceptable return hours - it should be in a proper managed way . I'd be so,surprised If you just returned on Monday without a formal occupational health or workplace assessment - for your safety and provision of equipment . Eg chairs at correct height, raised toilet seats, proper rest periods etc.( This is in an ideal world BTW).. So rather than feel unwanted I want you to feel looked after and cared for!
More cats xxxxxxxxxx

 

[Mayhip8]

@ahipgma mmmm crab cakes .... And sprouts with bacon ...two delicious foods I love . Your guest is a very lucky man indeed.
@ChrissyW I think we should have a fabulous relaxed family and friend orientated weekend and put thoughts of work to one side - let off some stream and see if we can divert our attention from the trauma and massive process we have all been through to grasp some sense of normality .
The sun is out here - which bodes well for the outdoor concert my family are leaving for soon( sad disappointed eyes from me)
Now where is that take away menu .......

 

[ChrissyW]

Well had computer issues but now things are working I thought I'd just say night night @Mayhip8 and @ahipgma . @Mayhip8 my line manager did ring and like you said I'm going for a meeting on Monday to disvuss phased return hours etc.

 

[Mayhip8]

Yes Finally some sun
Pleased to say I had a better night
My knee was very painful though! @ahipgma I thought of you - has your knee pain settled now? I've had to go back to using two crutches for support .. On hobble forward two hobbles back !
A mobile hair dresser came yesterday- oh ! It's just not my best haircut ever - Still - it I'll grow out . I dont even suit hats!!!
Im tearful and fed up
And that's not fair because it's gorgeous outside!
@ChrissyW Im pleased you have a plan for Monday
I'm going to count my blessings and have a bacon and lettuce barm for brunch ..
Food again!!!
Happy Saturday Salutations

 

[Mojo333]

Hope today is a better day @Mayhip8

This recovery business can be quite a tangle!
However...Well worth it in the long run!

 

[ChrissyW]

@Mayhip8 sorry to hear you are feeling 'blargh' today. The image sent by @Mojo333 is just do true and as you say one step forward two back. I'm still asking myself what has happened with my thigh and I'm having to man handle my leg to lift it! I do hope you enjoyed your barn butty. I treated myself to some 70%dark chocolate. I love chocolate and genuinely believe it is, alongside cake, the food of cheerfulness! Don't worry about your hairdo, just tell anyone who dares query it that it is the latest catwalk trend and as we've been globe trotting we should know! Anyway whether you are a hat person or not get a big floppy brimmed one on, some big sunniest and everyone will think you are a famous celebrity!
Sending a massive hug your way. We will conquer every aspect of this!

 

[Mayhip8]

Thankyou @ChrissyW @Mojo333
I'm smiling glistening smiles . I appreciate your kind and uplifting thoughts and words xxx

 

[ahipgma]

Wow. Where is it rainy?
I have gorgeous sun today, too, so maybe the rained on ones need the water today and we need the sun for sure.
@Mayhip8 and @ChrissyW , this is a weird thought, this must be recovery because how could 3 surgeons in 3 different parts of the world have got it wrong. My xray looked fine and I think yours did too? Chrissy, and I'll bet on Tuesday yours will be a thing of beauty too @Mayhip8.
My knee has subsided some but it still aches intermittently, I've looked on YouTube for some more gentle stretches to hurry these muscles along because I wont go back to the contortions of PT!
Patience is a virtue they say. .
Well today I'm going to pick up my mum and bring her out to my house for hot dogs on the grill and potato salad and watermelon--real picnic food.
My daughter and husband are going to a baseball game--our team not doing well but at least they'll get some vitamin D!
My achy hip can just darn well go along for the ride. Hope the sun seeps into your soul my dear hippy sisters. On this twisty path we need it.
and !

 

[ChrissyW]

@ahipgma well said!

 

[ChrissyW]

Happy Sunday hippy sisters. I've had a lovely weekend catching up with my boys and for ghd first tine in a long time they both managed to coordinate being here together and we all went for a lively family meal on Saturday evening. The sun was also out in the afternoon so we had the opportunity to sit in it in a local beer garden as well (I will just add no beer was had by me!) not sure about where you 2 are but here it has definetly turned cold again today! Did you sleep well? I was very tired last night as yesterday felt like an almost normal day in respect of what we did, just at a slower, steadier rate and that has raised my spirits . I did sleep around my 2 wake ups, once for the loo and once as my thigh hurt. Today has been quiet and I just watching F1 with the hubby having had a nice sandwich for lunch. Hope you've had a cheerful day xx

 

[ahipgma]

Happy Sunday to all--
We still have beautiful sun and low humidity weather here, for one more day according to the weathermen and ladies then warmer temps and storms and humidity come again. Soooo-- thinking I will buy a few more plants and actually get down on my knees in my garden-- with my garden cart to haul myself up and down parked close by!
Glad you're sleeping better, @ChrissyW, are you trying out new positions for sleeping on a regular basis? Non OP site works well, back, if I can get comfortable, but operative side, the scar and tissues still hurt. What will I do with hip#2?
Hmmm.
Do you have all male children? I have 2 daughters, It sounds like @Mayhip8 has just daughters? But whatever, it is so nice to relax with family. I remember fresh postop days where just a loo trip was such a project. Maybe we're more advanced than we think!
It will be exciting to plan your cruise too.
We are driving to Boston, Massachusetts at the end of this week to visit extended family. It's about 12 hours by car so we'll drive 6 hrs. and stay overnight halfway and do the next part the next day. It's a very cosmopolitan city so if course I had to buy a new new outfits to wear-- hobbling around the shops was fun.
Big week coming up!@mayhips OS appointment and your work meeting.
Hoping for a less painful sleep filled week for us all. Love from across the pond!!!

 

[ChrissyW]

O@ahipgma i do just have 2 boys, the eldest is 30 tomorrow and the younger is 26. How old are your girls? @Mayhip8 how many children do you have, I'm thinking 3? It does sound like we are on an upwards trajectory and I think it's just when we have a bad time we start feeling concerned, sorry for ourselves and also impatient. I don't know about you 2 but I do feel my body tiring more but I'm putting it down to doing more. My thigh is still as was and I've cut out the pt exercises that made it hurt. I've no garden though I do love flowers . Are you a gardener at all @Mayhip8 ?
I'm just about to have roast chicken with a mountain of veg fir dinner do I may pop back later to see what you're up to and what luxuries you've had to eat. Hugs my friends

 

[Mayhip8]

Hello - it's a late posting for me this evening. I don't know where today went to at all!

I slept not too badly, had a lie-in then got up made breakfast and pottered around a while - Managing just with one crutch or no crutch again today inside the house and I feel a lot more positive.
I have some aches but no pain as such and haven't needed analgesia till just now
My son and daughter went out with their nanny, auntie and cousin for Sunday lunch, hubby was mending his Landy, And I caught up with some reading and piano practice. ( am determined to fulfill my goal!) I went out for a walk around my neighbourhood on my own as it was a bright afternoon.
I then got some dinner prepared - having a bit of a binge on cauliflower cheese with cabbage and chorizo at the moment and now I'm back in my nest
I'm watching the Sky programme ' Chernobyl " ..I won't say anything about it in case you've not watched it.

@ChrissyW yes I do like gardening -I like pottering around I rarely get time to do it and because of my back and hips haven't managed much since last summer however for some weird reason my front garden has bloomed this spring and everything is looking very colourful ! A bit of neglect maybe doesn't do any harm ! -there's plenty of bees and insects around !

I have three children a daughter who is 32 and lives with her partner, I was a single mum with her for 14 years. I was already a nurse when I had her then went on to train in counselling, teaching adults,assessing NVQ then went back to Uni to study more nursing !! Bit of a lifelong learner
I then met my husband and we have two children a boy 15 And a girl 13.
And I'm only 28 !!!
It's like having two different lives with having more children later and I am truly blessed with three gorgeous children who are a joy to spend time with ( mostly!)
And I wonder why I'm tired
Well there reads my CV!!
I do feel again that another corner has been turned re Hip surgery and recovery
I'm looking forward to my six week chat with the Doc on Tuesday and wait with baited breath to see if they will confirm my date for second hip ( hip hooray) and feel positive about trying a phased return
So @ ChrissyW it sounds like we've all had a lovely family orientated and relaxed ( yet busy!) week end. Congratulations on becoming the mum of a 30 year old tomorrow- doesn't time fly!?!
@ahipgma you have a busy week ahead with that long journey! It's so encouraging to have seen and been part of each other's recovery and progress- these last few weeks seem to have flown by ! I'm so grateful for the ongoing support from you both and this forum . I tell everyone who will listen what a fab site this is!
Well I think that's enough wittering on from me for now.
Have a serene Sunday evening ladies , sit back relax and enjoy those positive memories from a weekend well spent

 

[ChrissyW]

@Mayhip8 and @ahipgma i too am so grateful for having met (virtually!!) the pair of you on here and I too tell everyone how great the site is. As I'm not sure what time I will catch up with you tomorrow I wanted to say sleep well and blissful dreams. I'm feeling a tad nervous going in to work tomorrow, a bit like first day nerves at the start of term. I will catch up with you both at done point and if I forget to say it tomorrow @Mayhip8 all the best on Tuesday. Come on girlies we are super strong as we make this progress. Oh and by the way may hip your CV is fab xx