THR Mayhip8's recovery thread

[ChrissyW]

Happy Sunday ladies and hip hip (!!!) hurray @Mayhip8 thats another thing to tick off the accomplishments list and spot on rewarding yourself with a scone. All of a sudden I just had memories of sound svones that I used to have years ago, can't remember where my mum used to buy them but they were date scones and were divine. Ok I want one now!! Do you think if I stamp my feet (obviously very carefully ) someone will bring me warm scones ( or buns, cake or cookies?) Anyway @Mayhip8 im very proud that you got out there and did it (despite bumping your head and then becoming forgetful as a passenger) it's weird as every time I get in the car I feel like a novice and am very conscious of everything, amazing what you take for granted, however pre op driving was difficult and I was pretty much having to get I and out of the car exactly as I'm doing now as my mobility and pain made everything unnatural. How is your right leg and driving? Are you (not personally!) manual or automatic?
It's our village gala today and as every year the weather is threatening and the wind is blowing. I've selected F1rather than go wandering around a field (hip replacement good excuse me thinks!)
I feel like baking but I know the feeling will soon pass as I've told you before I'm definetly no nigella or Mary berry in the kitchen. I put it down to Sunday 'boredom' so I might just do some online virtual shopping. I regularly put loads in my basket then just walk away, something I've yet to perfect in real life where I have to buy it if I pick it up at all!!
Anyone having anything sublime for dinner? It ham on coke chez moi should anyone fancy a virtual visit however there is only fruit salad to follow and a range of vegetables to accompany the ham so if anyone has anything more exciting I can get my shoes on!

 

[Mayhip8]

@ChrissyW Thankyou lovely
I do like the sound of a date scone - is it 'scone or scone?'
Or... My kids favourite joke ." What's the fastest Cake in the world?......"S'con
Or their other favourite joke they used to tell complete strangers -in a comedy duo type way..
" I met a man walking his dog yesterday . He had no nose! "
" How did he smell?!"
" Awful"

I'm driving a manual car - it's an old fiesta - I had trouble getting in and out pre- op but had to buy a quick affordable car in a hurry as a drunk drugged up imbecile stole someone's else's car and drove into my (higher newer) car at around 4am one weekend - the insurance was a pittance and I couldn't save up in time to get a better model ..( long story very annoying -Luckily no one in my family was harmed )
I am saving for a better car and hadn't expected to drive until after my second op - however as it might be delayed I thought I'd have to start again!
My right hip is "arthritic sore" and I did wonder about it going into spasm but it only tends to do that when I'm lying flat in bed ..my bloomin shoulder afterwards is achy
I'm falling apart ladies!! Yet mending so well!
So
Let's blast out Glasto and have a virtual impromptu meet up?
Prawn and egg salad for tea here eaten outside or with the windows open
Home made beetroot pickle..... Mmmmmmm
Home made coleslaw......mmmmmmm
Will go well with coke ham...mmmmmmmmm
You coming too @Calgal ?


BTW is any one able to climb stairs with two legs yet?
Has anyone been for a swim or cycle?
What about getting into a bath?
Just wondering xxx

 

[Calgal]

Dinner sounds fab @Mayhip8! I love coleslaw and coke ham reminds me of my mom. After last night's bash, I'm having sweet chili turkey burgers like @ChrissyW did last night. Although of course hubby wants the biggest beefiest fattiest ones available. We also share a love of beetroot. So ladies, no gourmet bbq tonight here in Worcestershire but I'll be virtually with you all. And WHO mentioned magnum bars?!

Hope your shoulder is getting better. I've developed a sore left palm - from overuse of one crutch methinks?. Wish I could drive. Encouraged by your post of attempt. Had to beg hubby to take me to a local clothes shop this morning on the search for soft loose comfy shorts, preferably with no sideseams, which irritate my still very sensitive incision scar. Success, much to my bank account dismay...of course needed new tops to go with said shorts. . Enjoy the cooler weather ladies! Here's to a super week of more milestones.

 

[ChrissyW]

Just thought id add to the shoulder brigade I've been having to massage muscle gel in every so often. It started playing up after a few weeks if heaving myself around, up the bed etc and now occasionally aches.
@Mayhip8 I've not swum or cycled ( but I didn't do those pre op either!) and as much as the pt said short baths could be had there's no way I'm getting in. It was clear from her instructions on how to get in to the bath she hadn't tried it with a new, recovering hip!! (Balance on the side, lean back, like getting in to bed... REALLY!!)
On my way for virtual Glastonbury! We are hippy sisters anyway so we will look so authentic. I might even paint a flower on my face! The ham will be ready soon so with all the sides we have, and maybe a of magnums or even ice cream van soft serve we shall be good to go. Rock on and peace man!

 

[ahipgma]

6 hrs from home and settled into the hotel.
Thought I'd check in and see how everyone is.
How rest rooms are arranged in the UK I am not sure but here there is always one "handicapped" higher toilet in every ladies room and they have become my best friend! Nice and high with handrails to haul myself up on.
So while you were trying to solve your seat height dilemma (ha! I caught your girlish joke about having a go-- what you refer to is yet another dilemna I haven't EVEN given much thought or effort to, poor hub) I was hoping for higher toilets at every rest stop. Such is the life of a post hippy.
Mostly I am pleased with my new hip and more and more displeased with the old one. There is a quite a difference in the type of pain from one to the other.
So, hopefully after last week of highs and lows this week will be better. Hope your shoulder is feeling better and you're enjoying your binge watching. As you rest in"old" England, tomorrow I'll arrive in the section of our country we call "New England"!, @Mayhip8! Till tomorrow

 

[ahipgma]

Whoops some posts were not there and I saw only one of @Mayhip8 so I'll add on.
I remember the real hippies with flowers in their hair, etc, I was about 12, @ChrissyW
What is coke ham? We pour ginger ale on a baked ham, is that similar?
I have a walk in shower and have showered since May 3rd and an automatic transmission and I drove at about 2 weeks post op. But walking up stairs with 2 feet! I still sometimes can't do it! The first time I did it by accident it was so weird it felt like my leg wasn't going to hold me! Lessons learned for next time.

 

[Mayhip8]

Ice ice baby!
Lay here in my nest like a freshly caught fish! Resting on a bed of ice to groin, thigh and shoulder - fan whirring to freshen the muggy room . Windows open and family scooting about the house getting ready for school and work.
I'm meant to be going out for lunch with a friend today -but I'm worried about Seating and getting in the car - I'm in discomfort after yesterday's car driving outing (then shopping,moving around the house, late evening walk) I know i haven't damaged myself because I still work - but am feeling pain in new areas- mainly ones I probably used yesterday ! My pesky Unoperated leg was seizing and spasming like mad during the night hence the ice this morning-and I slept really badly ( was up till gone midnight watching The Cure at Glasto though!!! )I've been up,since 5.30"am and so have decided to return to my nest for sleep,part deux .
I sometimes use voltarol gel on muscle/ arthritis pain but sparingly and not very often @ChrissyW and @Calgal I Prefer a gel I got from my physio - private not NHS - called BIOFREEZE in a big pump,it's less expensive than small tubes . It's not got any drugs in so can be used if you take NSAIDS.
It's good to hear you've landed at your rest stop @ahipgma and I hope you have had a comfortable time there before your next journey -A Kirsty Mcoll song springs to mind when I hear ' New England'
@ChrissyW have a good day with your lovely funny students and take care
Happy Monday
Post Glastonbury music theme today !!

 

[Calgal]

Thanks for the tip @Mayhip8 - I looked into biofreeze, sounds like good stuff. Where /how often are you using it? On the operated leg or... ? I used to swear by voltarol for the preop osteoarthritis. I also use arnica gel on occasion. Does this smell strongly? Have you had any skin irritation? I found it available on Amazon, with good reviews.

I just had a good 5 1/2 week PT appointment. She's ecstatic with my progress (having done NO specific exercises but I didn't tell her that!) However I have some tightness in the muscle on outer thigh she wants me to work on. She said keep icing, but this biofreeze may also be helpful. Cheers!

 

[Mayhip8]

Hi @Calgal I wouldn't use it anywhere near the scar as it is quite strong in both smell and the way it warms and cools the skin- I should imagine it would be quite an irritant to open or healing wounds .
I use it on my shoulders /back/ Unoperated hip or where I feel tension or muscular pain. It warms initially and then it cools- it's a very strange sensation! I haven't had any irritation and I've got quite sensitive skin . It is a very strong menthol minty smell which I don't mind but does make you smell like a mint imperials. You must wash your hands well after applying it especially if you're going to touch your eyes . Or indeed to go to the bathroom.
I'm a big fan of icing for post op leg and groin pain - it really works ! And I can only do limited physio because of other arthritis so I was really impressed with the info and finding this site
Hope this helps
Well done for your progress at 5 1/2 weeks - will you have more physio ?
Well my friend visited and we ended up having lunch at home as I don't feel up to going out and getting in cars today and sitting in low chairs
I'm on the verge ODIC so I'm back in my nest to rest
I have an appointment early in the morning so don't want to be in too much pain for that- it's up-and-down isn't it with this mobilising and pain relief?
I'll pop by later after a post lunch snooze

 

[Layla]

Hello and Happy Monday I hope your day is going well so far.
Best of luck with your appointment tomorrow. Let us know how it goes, if you care to share.
Enjoy your snooze and have a relaxing evening!
@Mayhip8

 

[ahipgma]

Hello all!
Hope all your ice has eased your pains @Mayhip8. I'll have to look into biofreeze.
I too like voltarol gel but here it is so very expensive and as you say it is a topical NSAID.
We are about to leave on the second leg of our journey but I took a walk around the outside of the hotel. A few laps because i will be sitting a long time in the car.
I was surprised and a little sad to note how out of breath i got when trying to speed up . And really concentrated on making my gait look normal as i could.
I believe it is my unop hip paining me that throws my gait off. I've got a lot of rehabbing to do.
Will check in later, my dears!

 

[ChrissyW]

Hello everyone. So many posts and you all sound like busy bees today. Work was uneventful, no funny questions as the majority are on work placements this week so it's very much a planning and prep week with meetings slotted in while I'm in.
@Mayhip8 you did right to stay home with your friend if you feel close to the ODIC. You most definetly want to stay out of that! Rest that body, I do when I get home. This weekend I could tell I'd been back to work, be it reduced hours as my body definetly felt like I'd done a marathon of lots of workouts, achy and tired and I struggled to get off to sleep Fri and Sat so I'm definetly glad they e allowed a phased return!@ahipgma keep us updated on your road trip. Just getting out of the car and walking about will probably feel great. At this stage we are clearly happy with small blessings! Our disabled toilets don't have raised seats as ghd norm at least none that I have found do but I'm getting quite good at a very slow, gentle lowering to an ordinary seat. This too feels le an accomplishment.
I must admit as a Yorkshire girl I use generic ibuprofen gel from a discounter for my shoulder and I'm just using bio oil on my scar and massaging my thigh at the same time. Below my scar I have a strange indent, not deep but I can see the shape in the mirror. I'm presuming its muscle beneath the surface so I keep giving it a good old massage.
@Calgal glad you got a positive feedback from the pt and @Mayhip8 hoping you have a good appointment in the morning. I'm hoping it's not too early as I must say moving at my own speed is definetly something I enjoy and I do find everything, especially getting dressed still takes longer. I'm great with knickers, trousers and helping hand grabbers but still haven't worn socks or tights since surgery. Though I must say I did manage to top up my toe nail polish with the grabber!! @Mayhip8 i remember way back you talking about shaving your legs, I think mine will need it soon and the skin is getting quite dry on my legs and tops of my feet. Hmm what can I use to rub in lotion? Enjoy the rest of the day y'all

 

[Calgal]

@ChrissyW I use a 'lotion applicator' on a long wooden stick. The stick is similar to like you find with loofas or those mesh thingies for the shower, but the head is sort of like a fairly dense white foam pad, at a slight angle. I used to use it to put lotion on my back,but it's come in very handy to put lotion/oil on my horribly dry lower legs post THR - they were disgusting after I stopped those dreaded TED socks! Try Amazon search. I think I got mine in the states.... I also taped my razor to another shower stick (loofa head removed) to reach the lower bits. Happy grooming!

 

[Mayhip8]

@ChrissyW kudos !!!
Painting nails with a hand grabber - totes impressed!!!
I think the indent below the scar is where the muscles and fat layer were exposed. In the absence of signs of infection I reckon it's normal.
I tried to scratch an itch on my shin before with the hand grabber - far too harsh!!!
@Calgal how creative and inventive ! Also,totes impressed !!
At the moment my hubby or daughter help apply cream to my lower legs in fact I was just reflecting on the lotions and potions I've been using over the last few weeks at different times !:-
From my head to my toes
Hair - Henna powder made into a paste with water and coconut oil
Face - Organic Aloe vera gel, organic coconut oil, Rose oil
Neck and shoulders - Biofreeze gel, Voltarol gel, Lavender Aromatherapy cream
Arms - Rose aromatherapy cream
Abdomen - Aloe vera gel, coconut oil on rash caused by theatre drape tape
Scar - coconut oil to massage scar, Aloe vera gel to retained stitch area ( now fallen out and healed )
Right hip - BIOFREEZE menthol cryogenic gel, Voltarol gel
Legs - avoiding scar - Muscle pain relief aromatherapy cream ( Rosemary,Lavender, ginger and black pepper)
Feet - coconut cream applied lovingly by my daughter after drying my feet and toes ( she deserves a pay rise ! )
Pillow spray - Lavender, chamomile, and valerian
Shower using goats milk Kefir aromatherapy cleansing bars ( Lavender, Rosemary or Thyme ) or Aveeno oat shower oil .
Ice in various places
It looks like a set of herbal cake ingredients!!!
But I smell divine!!

@ahipgma I was surprised too how out of breath I felt on short walks ! I have tried to address that issue by doing simple upper-body cardio excercises while sitting in my nest/chair . I'll have to have a break at the moment because of my shoulder but am eager to get the old circulation back .. Open that sunroof and reach high and wiggle those arms ( imagine what the drivers behind you might think you are doing)
Well I am going to continue resting this evening and wish you all a relaxing and enjoyable rest of the day

 

[ahipgma]

Hi from Boston,Mass--
Made it here and got a lovely welcome from family
Dined al fresco last night and caught up.
Niece is off to college in the fall and nephew is in his senior year come fall.
My sis in law is a doc so we talked alot about my surgery. Shes a geriatric doc so shes right up my alley!
Trying to figure out some sights to see here that aren't too much walking. On the way here,as I can read in the car without getting queasy and my my hub can't, we read and planned about our trip to Italy next april.
I can't imagine doing what we plan on in April now, with my kind of in limbo state with one hip done and one not. But by next year I pray I'm all rehabbed and ready to go.
While we're here I wont be doing any cooking but hopefully will have some great meal experiences!
It's fun to be in Boston for the 4rth of July though, in the hub of things. Going to the art museum today, which I love, so I'll hobble around and get lost in the artwork!
Hope all are well,@Mayhip8 you certainly have some fragrant remedies for things
Hope your shoulder is feeling better, and you have sorted out your driving.
I collect old fragrances and the one I have on today is from the 60s-- L'Aimant from
Coty. If you buy carefully they smell just like they did when fresh!
Hope all have a lovely day and will check in later!

 

[ChrissyW]

Hello everyone. Nice to hear what you are all up to. @ahipgma glad you have arrived and had a lovely evening. I shall be eagerly waiting to hear what glorious foodstuff you indulge in. I'm definetly a foodie and live trying new things. I was in a meeting today and obviously when a group of females get together the end of the meeting turned in to a nice chat that involved a discussion of what one colleague enjoys on a Friday...a crisp cocktail, so one bowl with a mix up of flavoured nuts, crispy, potato snacks etc so it's a surprise what you pull out. Sounds interesting! We also discussed raspberry Jaffa cakes, we had a pack in the office, I was of the opinion they could not be called Jaffa cakes as Jaffa is a type of orange. Anyway they tasted nice but I refuse to buy them on principle!
@ahipgma i think l'aimant is available in lots of places in the uk as I'm sure I've seen it about. My mum used to wear it. I remember lots of the fragrances from the 70s and 80s and I'm pleased to see my grands favourite is back 'en vogue' 4711 if you've seen it.
How's the shoulder today @Mayhip8. I impressed by your range of aromatherapy goods. Do you mix your own lotions and essential oils? I have a calming rollerball I pop in my handbag and rub on my wrists occasionally and I took it with me when in hospital. Hope you will give your daughter that pay rise you mention for her lotion duty too. I keep getting my husband to do mine but I think I might look for the applicator @Calgal mentions. @Calgal i thought I was innovative but I think you win that award and if you have any other tips please share.
Well ladies, I shall probably pop by later to see what everyone has been doing but enjoy and hugs to all xxx

 

[ChrissyW]

@ahipgma forgot to add coke ham is a joint of ham cooked slowly in cola. Gives a very moist, sweet tasting ham. On special occasions (Christmas being one) once cooked in the cola I then pop it in the oven to finish roasting and the sugars in the cola caramelise.

 

[Mayhip8]

@ahipgma to be in Boston on 4th July must be amazing ! And to be pampered in addition to seeing all the sights must be a real treat- one you deserve I love mooching around art galleries and museums - I hope they have some comfy seats for you. I look forward to a vicarious holiday with you sharing your experiences with us Thankyou
My mum used to wear coty l'aimant too - and " evening in Paris" one sniff can take you back years to lovely
memories . @ChrissyW I used to wear 4711 - I bought it in Germany as a sophisticated 18 year old - my best friend and I drove from here to Germany in an original VW Beetle !! & travelled round visiting her family and friends - oh it was fab!
I do mix my own oils for various things but on this occasion have treated myself to some ready made products as part of Xmas and Mother's Day gift from my family - it's a fab brand but very expensive and we are worth every penny ladies!!! I did some basic courses in aromatherapy and reflexology years back just for myself and friends really, I do a great indian head massage and could ' feel 'auras at one stage ..not done it for a while as life changed direction. I'm a great believer in supportive therapy but not so obsessed that I think you can do a hip replacement by homeopathy and hypnotherapy alone ( drugs!!! Give me drugs!!!)
I carry a roller ball for energising and a separate one for calming - I also use Bach rescue remedy if I feel overwhelmed or anxious . Can't wait till I can just have a G&T again!
I like all food stories and try most things - I like the idea of ' snack roulette' but like you @ChrissyW draw the line at raspberry JAFFA cakes - the clue is in the description!! Though I Would consider a Lime one if they made them
Well I had an early start as I had a meeting to attend - sadly no chairs I could sit on but the nurse was efficient and helpful so I didn't have too long to be uncomfortable standing up .
My shoulder is setting though I couldn't sleep last night and needed more codiene - it really is up and down with this mobilising analgesia thing! I'm going to try for an evening walk later as I couldn't yesterday because I feel I need to get physically tired ( in addition to healing) I'm happy to stay off work this week as its so hit and miss .
Well ladies and gents I'll leave it there for now
Have a cheerful Tuesday and no doubt I'll pop by later lovelies

 

[ChrissyW]

@Mayhip8 someone else familiar with 4711. When I saw it in Boots recently I was so surprised as it used to be relatively unknown and quite hard to come by but it brings back amazing memories of my amazing, role model gran!
I totally agree that alternate therapies are great and I use both crystals and reiki but like you acknowledge when surgery and good old fashioned medicine is needed. Strange but something you said made me think about tiredness. I'd hoped that going back to work would make sleep better but my body was so tired on Friday and Sat it was actually the opposite. In fact this morning I mentioned hubby that I'm reverting back to 2 herbal nytols as I'd tried 1 for the last 2 nights. Now mentioning things more important, biscuits that is, I'm sure once they did lime Jaffa cakes so that might be a research topic for mr Google. Glad your meeting sounds a tad more positive than last week's and hopefully that shoulder will ease off soon, I can't work out why mine is still niggling me as I'm not using my stick much at all and I'm not constantly heaving myself up and down continuously so I've no idea why. Perhaps it has decided that as hippy sisters it's going to come out in sympathy. Hopefully @ahipgma is having a wonderful time in Boston and we are ready for our vicarious vacation. I really should learn something about it but naively the only thing that automatically pops in to my head is tea and party and that then makes me think if the mad hatter!!
Enjoy the evening and sleep well xx

 

[Calgal]

Has anyone been for a swim or cycle?

Not yet, but rumor has it if we use Tampax we can do both! But that's long ago and far away for me!

I'm still doing stairs toddler style, but just one crutch now. I had to master 15 steps with a quarter turn before the last 2 in our 50's house right away once I got home. So they've never held me back. It will be a triumph to do them normally, because with the OA for the past 3 years I've been doing them toddler style. Now I can't remember ever doing them one leg on each step!

@Mayhip8 you sound like a true 'natural woman'! (Did Carole King ever do glasto?) I love hearing about your natural remedies. Agree that complementary medicine and western traditional medicine can live side by side with good results. Nice that we can choose to utilize both! Wishing your shoulder and other hip behave for you tonight.