THR Mayhip8's recovery thread

[Calgal]

try some gardening. Some folks regard gardening as a chore, but I always found it very therapeutic, even pulling weeds.
The only issue is getting down there.

I've got a plastic kneeler that is like an upside down seat, which means it has 18 inch high handles on each side (what would be the legs) you use to boost yourself up. I haven't tried to use it yet post op but relied on it hugely preop. Have a lookey loo at your garden center or our friend Amazon. . My garden is my happy place. Sort of garden interruptus this summer though due to recovery. Making the most of what I did manage to get planted before my op. Homemade potato salad again tonight with my freshly dug potatoes.

 

[ahipgma]

Yay @ChrissyW a bath! You deserved it after your long week at work!
Googling affogato. Mmmm sounds delightful. My daughters mom in law brought me Indian food when I had my surgery. She dumbs down the fiery spices she uses in her "Delhi" cuisine she calls it.
So refreshing baths and birthday celebrating and planning a real cruise
Your land of reality sounds good too
Enjoy dear hippy sis!

 

[ahipgma]

@Calgal will do! We downsized and at our new home I have just the right of gardening space.
My only "crops" are parsley and basil in pots but I make lots of pesto. Potato salad sounds divine, well ,off to the weeds but the sun will feel nice.

 

[ceezee]

I've got a plastic kneeler that is like an upside down seat, which means it has 18 inch high handles on each side (what would be the legs) you use to boost yourself up. I haven't tried to use it yet post op but relied on it hugely preop. Have a lookey loo at your garden center or our friend Amazon. .

Following you folks from the U.K. is costing me money!

First it was special bath gel by Badedas, then an emollient not available in the US, and now what looks like the perfect garden kneeler that I don’t think I can live without. All very helpful and appreciated.

 

[ahipgma]

Found it @Calgal -i didnt know they existed. On Amazon aka the money pit but its perfect--in the name of comfort and safety... thanks.

 

[Mayhip8]

Well ladies !
What an eventful weekend it's turning out to be !
(Alongside our Maldivian escape which was truley relaxing and enlightening )
At 9 Am this morning I was awoken by my freind from Wales who had planned a surprise visit on their way home from visiting their daughter up north! !!! She and her beautiful family stayed for breakfast before heading home again.
Within 20 mins of them leaving my brother and sister in law from " down south" visited us!
They are here for my nephews Graduation ceremony tommorow - ( he's becoming a Doctor) and so now I'm all giddy and feeling special and loved that they took time to visit and bring gifts
(Apparently my family knew of the surprise and managed to keep it from me!)
I'd planned to go to a nearby large country park for a picnic tea later this afternoon if the weather holds out and so I'll rest for an hour or so before we pick the boy son from his volunteering job on the way.
@ChrissyW - well done for your bathing expedition! How did you get in and out? Did you try without water first - I'd love a bath! Maybe after I've done a bit of gardening @Calgal what a fab piece of gardening kit ! I wonder if I'll be able to kneel down yet? I've done some snipping and pruning but can't get over the steps into my front garden just yet ( sounds like I live in a mansion with cellars and lots of rooms ! I'll be referring to,"The west wing" next!!)
@ahipgma I love a potter around in the garden -I'm not a planning or tidy gardener it has just sort of 'evolved' with memorial rose bushes or gifts of plants - cuttings shared or scatters by birds! It's really bloomed in reaction to my neglect of it this year!
@ Layla it was good you joined us ( without you even knowing!) on our weekend away - Thankyou for your company and all the tips on recovery.
And for now I'm off to rest and consider wether I can get the ingredients together for the Afregotto .. ?( SP ! )
Love and Sunday blessings hip sisters

 

[ahipgma]

A beautiful day here and a good one to you all!
Yes the weekend was eventful and it sounds like yours was wonderful @Mayhip8!
It seems like were in a good place right now, my new hip is strengthening and my soon to be fixed is manageable.
I am doing most everything I usually do, the only thing holding me back is this bad hip, but living in the moment is important too and I finally dont feel like a patient anymore.
We downsized from the house we raised our girls in and this new (to us) house is a 1950s ranch, with less bedrooms and bathrooms all one one floor. Our old house was on a corner with lots of grass and maintenance gardening. This one drops off to woods in the back and a little garden out front, just enough! I hope we can age in place here and manage it when we are old (er)
I'm going to try to transplant some stuff today, daughter #2 is coming for dinner later, pork chops and mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts and peanut butter pie for dessert. Just finished brunch
(Still only eating in an 8 hr time window)
And have to stop eating by 7pm tonight.
The stretching exercises I'm doing are helping me, as is going to the gym.
Is anyone else doing exercises that help?
I feel like any hip/leg pain I get nowadays is muscular so I'm trying to stretch them

We will have to plan our next getaway too
They are SO therapeutic .
Till later!

 

[ChrissyW]

Hello ladies, so after our exciting weekend we are up and about again. I've been choosing clothes for the upcoming holiday and have tried to keep it as light as possible but you think who knows, what if I spill something, what if... Well I do so no doubt I've selected too many tops and as I write I'm thinking of shirts I now need to add rather than just t-shirts!
We had a lovely meal out last night and I've treated myself today to bread, which I normally avoid because I could eat a whole loaf in one go, but I've allowed myself some of the lovely sunflower and pumpkin seed bread toasted for breakfast and then a nice wedge toasted with a nice big green salad for lunch. We are roasting pork for dinner (tea) and I've an abundance of vegetables to go with it.
@Mayhip8 you are right regarding testing the bath without water first. So how it was done...put water in bath but not too much, perch on the edge, hold hubby to balance, lift good leg over in to bath, with support lift other leg and carefully manoeuvre round so both legs are in the bath. Stand and breathe!! Position self in corner and sit carefully on bath edge and slowly, with support from both the bath and hubby lower self in to bath and breathe! Cheer yourself for getting there and relax and enjoy! Not sure if the instructions will work for everyone but that was how I did it and I'd tried a couple of times before and as soon as I felt 'I can't' I stopped and just kept trying until I was confident and comfortable.

@ahipgma i do the basic pt exercises at home and as I used to do yoga I'm doing some basic upper body stretches, again with care, to help my shoulders and I always feel comfortable with moves when I've got 'hands at prayer' and can work the chest and upper arm muscles too. I walk briskly for about 10 mins 3 times a day too. I agree that it's about muscle ache mainly now and I can honestly say it changes position daily. Yesterday it was the back of my thigh that felt tired whereas today it was lower and more to the side. I've ski been trying a bit if 'lying on my side in bed' I can't say it is comfortable enough to sleep, or it may be that subconsciously I'm concerned or apprehensive, but just getting on my side feels like another accomplishment.
Well @Mayhip8 what time are you going for you pic nic tea and what luxuries are you taking? It's a long time since I went on a picnic and I must say food always tastes wonderful alfresco. Unfortunately no affogato for me as I have no ice cream in the house
Enjoy the rest of your day my lovelies, whatever you may be doing.

 

[Mayhip8]

Good afternoon all
I've just watched my nephews graduation via a live stream from Manchester University how amazing is that?!
Sadly couldn't be there in person, but at least there are no crowds to justle with.

The rest of my Sunday was wonderful too! the weather was beautiful and so we went ahead and had a picnic in the park And I managed a good walk around. I do feel as if normality is round the corner - as far as the new hip goes that is!
I've managed to do some light gardening today and general light housework.
My mother-in-law is visiting shortly so we shall have a nice cup of tea and a chat together
@ChrissyW your description of entering the bath was spot on! I could picture how to do it but haven't got the confidence I think with my other hip being weak and Spasmy .. Might leave the bath for a while after all...
I tend to walk for fitness, I've still got a pesky trapped nerve in my right shoulder so that's stopping me from doing upperbody cardio too much and I'm still recovering from the cold virus which knocked me out a bit last week but feel like I'm getting more energy now.
All in all a positive start to the week and long may it continue!

No doubt I'll pop by later to see how everyone is
Happy Monday

 

[Calgal]

a bit if 'lying on my side in bed' I can't say it is comfortable enough to sleep,

I'm still working on this too. Just started trying this week. Got one of those knee pillows from Amazon but it isn't as comfy as a fairly flat but firm pillow. I still worry I am letting my leg tilt inward. I can manage 15 minutes or so but then want to get back in my back. And can't even dream of being on my op side yet!

Hubby wants to reclaim 'his' side of bed. Still holding out to stay on the side where my hip is to outside - overprotective me.

 

[ChrissyW]

@Calgal I'm fortunate enough to sleep on the best side for my operated hip. I didn't Kay on the side at all last night, I just can honestly say I don't like it, not the sensation nor the brain whizzing it causes from overthinking! @Mayhip8 sounds like you had a wonderful day yesterday. Glad you are so much more chipper and the fact you feel normality approaching is good. I'm just waiting for that day when I completely forget I've had hip surgery though I must say the new hip is amazing in itself when I think back to what daily life was like.
I finished preparing the various career sessions for Weds and after really looking forward to getting back to work as I mentioned before thank heavens it's been a phased return because now I'm looking forward to the holidays. Being off during stage 1 of recovery saw me looking at 4 walls most of each day with little normality but now I'll be able to catch up with people and get out and about so I'm on countdown. @Mayhip8 have you had any more news on when hip 2 might be? @ahipgma how are you feeling now compared to how you felt before op 1 psychologically?
Well ladies catch you all later. Hugs

 

[ahipgma]

Happy Monday!
Being the first, hip done of the group I can truly say it keeps getting better!
Even the first few steps in the morning are getting less stiff.
When I walk my new hip could always keep going but my bad one gives out like clockwork in about half mile ---starts to ache and twinge and feels like its giving out --that's how both legs used to feel.
So psychologically since you ask @ChrissyW I know what it was like last time but also know it's got to happen again for me to heal completely and have both legs mobile. I would love to be one and done but that's just not how it is for me, and I'd also like an ironclad guarantee of as good an outcome with no complications,like this last time too but all I can do is do what I'm told and keep moving forward. Feeling positive and waiting for the 21st!
@Mayhip8 , I know what I feel like when I Facetime with my grandaughter -- its wonderful and a miracle to feel like you're there with live streaming! To our grandchildren it'll just be routine. It's great to do all the things you did this past weekend with minimal concern for your hip. My new one feels more a part of me every day, a reliable, stable part!
@Calgal the hard part of laying on a side I find is the unconscious sleep part used to prop myself with 3 or 4 pillows to keep myself from rolling.
I have to laugh because nine times out of ten I wake up on my back, a position I used to hate, but that's how my unop leg feels the least pain and how I feel safest.
But all in all I think were finally reaping the benefits of this surgery, and that's a happy thing!
Till later

 

[Mayhip8]

@ahipgma you have made brilliant progress and will do again I'm sure ( not long to go now ) Working up strength in your recovering leg whilst having weakness in your unoperated leg is a tricky balance ! Staying positive and active will help,this time fly by
I'm still up in the air ( so to speak) regarding the date for my next surgery - I might call the consultants secretary later to see if there are any updates -It feels strange knowing that we may have to inflict pain and imobility so soon whilst still in discomfort - but looking forward to a relatively pain free future outweighs the 'inconvenience! My mind set was to stay in a 'bubble of recovery and planning' the way one focuses on a pregnancy and maternity leave - a strange analagy I know but it was to help me 'numb' the worry I suppose - which is why I think I reacted so disappointed and upset that the plan might not go ahead. The Unknown. I'm a control freak!!!
@ChrissyW not too long before you adventures on the high seas! Are you packed yet? Will you have a capsule wardrobe or pack more than you will ever wear? Will you take a special sheet or blanket to lie on for the bed? I found lying on a silky short fibre throw from my bed helped with the softness against my scar it also helped me to move easier onto my side ( less friction resistance) Handy Tuesday hint there!
@Calgal I found a long flat pillow was better than a knee pillow- in fact I used one under my knee to calf and another mid calf to rest my foot on to prevent it hanging or turning inwards. Though now to honest I wake up in all positions despite pillows!!
I've naturally decreased my pain relief down to paracetamol in the morning and paracetamol and one codiene if needed at night- diazepam if the spam wakes me . Fingers crossed that things continue improving as I slept for a whole uninterrupted 5 & 1/2 hours Last night
So ladies have a good day whatever it brings - I have no plans so will see how it pans out
@ChrissyW Hope your careers convention is manageable - what's the most ambitious request for careers advice you've ever had I wonder?
Have fun hip sisters

 

[Calgal]

a long flat pillow was better than a knee pillow- in fact I used one under my knee to calf and another mid calf to rest my foot on to prevent it hanging or turning inward

Yes yes! Exactly! It's the extra bit in the lower calf and foot that makes me feel more secure. Alas I tried it 5 times last night (which resulted in interrupted sleep)but always ended up going back to my back. Never imagined back sleeping would become comfortable! But my hip didn't ache for longer each attempt, so someday I'm sure I'll be on my side again. Have a great day.

 

[ChrissyW]

Ok @Mayhip8 i shall answer your last question first before I forget. Career question that I had no reply for ...porn star and he was serious!
Regarding packing I'm not packed and as much as I try I always overpack. Norway is always a hard one as it can be glorious sunshine in one place, one day and then cold the next, especially if you go somewhere with altitude. I've put things I think I'm taking in my case but I will no doubt have changed my mind by the end of the week.
My leg has felt strange achy today, a different ache and not necessarily muscular but as it changes every day in respect of where aches and exactly what the ache feels like I'm not letting myself stress. I'm wondering about when to stop pain relief completely. Like you night time is my concern and I take paracetamol before bed but do so not because anything is hurting but to avoid hurt coming on. I suppose it's the fear of having pain again and knowing that once there is pain trying to then take pain relief decreases the impact and with me working and still not sleeping great I don't want to risk affecting the sleep I get. I'll probably try no pain relief at all at some point once I'm not working, during the hols. Interesting regarding cushions and pillows. I love my v shaped pillow at the minute, it has been a real bonus from day one but other than that I've not really used any in novel ways.
Anyone doing anything interesting today? Mine is probably back to near normal in respect of planning, meetings, dealing with the aftermath of an outside school social media instigated fight and getting things ready for a lock down practice. I'm completely ready for the career event, though not looking forward to it really as I prefer post 16 rather than lower school. Anyway, now is time to relax and possibly have a nap so catch you all later xx

 

[ahipgma]

Hi to all
Thanks for the vote of confidence @Mayhip8 I'm doing everything I can to have the second one go as well as the first-- before I know it it'll be time for my preop physical exam and bloodwork.
Meanwhile I am planning some stuff like taking our turn at a rotating dinner party
With 4 other couples on Friday, seeing more of my mom (going to be 88 in September!) Planning a little family cookout for daughter #1s 29th birthday and a few visits from my favorite 19 month old! Living life before it becomes time to become a patient again.
@ChrissyW serious or not that question seems to be asked for its shock value!?
But after jumping back into work with both feet ( and new hip) you surely deserve this vacation! I always pack with layers when the weather is changeable but always forget that one essential item and am faced with going without or buying a overpriced similar one...
Tried to dig up some plants from a steeper hill on my garden and transplant them and I almost lost my balance and fell this morning. But all was well.
Chrissy I face the same question with pain issues except that I still medicate for my waiting hip but still, I worry about the side effects of my NSAIDS (ulcers, kidney issues) I still take Tylenol at night for the same reason you do- sleep is so precious I try to do anything to promote it!
Going to try the gym this afternoon and
Making chicken and pasta with red pepper cream sauce for dinner.
Maybe we'll have time for one more trip as a group before you go on your real one.
Have a good eveningxoxo

 

[ChrissyW]

@ahipgma if our other travelling partners are up for a mini virtual vacation I am. What do you think @Mayhip8 and @Calgal and if so where does anyone fancy? What about a city break? Barcelona, New York or what about the eternal city where we can people watch and enjoy 'la dolce vita'!

 

[Calgal]

Hmm. Since I had to cancel a planned trip to Barcelona earlier this year when my hip got so bad and I got a surgery date so quickly, I'd love to do a virtual visit there. But I'm a sucker for anywhere in Italy... You all decide! Where does @ahipgma want to see before she is a patient again?? @Mayhip8 what kind of holidays do you like?

 

[ahipgma]

I would love it if you would come to my side of the pond.
Have been going to New York since I was 18. its 350 miles from my home town.
There is no other place quite like it.

 

[ahipgma]

Oh PS @Mayhip8 at the gym today I exercised to my favorite workout songs and one I love is "Its not Unusual" by Tom Jones. It's so energizing and thought of you when listening to one of your countrymen. Hmmmm mmmm he was something