THR Mayhip8's recovery thread

[ahipgma]

Happy Friday to all
@Calgal Australia sounds wonderful!
This past Tuesday that horrible weather system blew away in a matter of an hour. It was kind of bizarre really. We were in the grip of this system that gave 100 degree heat index with the heat and humidity and sometimes after a storm it will be markedly cool but it just changed in the late afternoon to cool and dry.
Yes we are lucky to have whole house air conditioning but it was wonderful to open the windows and let in the outside air and hear all the birds etc. Though I wont deny it makes sleeping easier. When I was very young I slept in the attic and I remember flipping my pillow repeatedly to the " cool side" Homes here for years are built with whole house air, so we are lucky.
@Mayhip8 my new hip still gives me what I think is soft tissue and muscle pain every day. I take naproxen every day in the morning and 1 gram of Tylenol every night. It is a different kind of pain than my old hip, and i think I push it every day
Probably a little too much. I am anxious to enjoy near normalcy before I plod along with the second one again
My daughter called to firm up plans for the weekend. They live an hour and 20 minute drive from us. Her hub is staying the weekend working at the hospital. So she will visit with us and so will Ari. Her mom taught her all the animal sounds so we hear how the cow goes, and and bird, dog, cat etc. Its fun to hear her over the phone but I can't wait to see her!! But for our Austrailian trip I guess I pack winter things? I would love to see New Zealand too, not ever forgetting the gorgeous scenery in "Lord of the Rings"
@Calgal we had a little poodle mix for 17 years who would always sleep on the ceramic tile floor when it was hot and we'd always kept his water in his bowl iced. We are dogless now but I still miss him. He was the best.
Well, off to pack. Stay cool dear friends!

 

[Calgal]

@ahipgma I think New Zealand is fabulous. Have been there so we must include it on our itinerary! Hope our Yorkshire lass @ChrissyW will be up for some cold weather!

 

[Mayhip8]

Ohhhhh Australia and New Zealand ... Sounds like a plan!
It's a big place - are we hiring our own jet ? I wonder how adventurous we'll be ?! Shall we climb Sydney opera house ? Or shall we attend an evening concert in our finery ? Shall we surf down in Brisbane or shall we sail the gold coast whale watching? Is Melbuorne the place to hang out with the "Housewives"and bling up our grabbers ( yes ! I still use mine!) Shall we party in Perth ? I'd love to explore the aboriginal and Maori culture - where in New Zealand shall we visit? @Calgal ?
@ahipgma I shall pack the Percy pigs!

We don't have any dogs to look after however nannie has a cute coackapoo who is the most gorgeous doggy ever.Both Nannie and the dog have been staying away from the oppressive heat in the past few days - luckily it's cooling down and fresher today
I'm going to visit freinds and family today so I'll pack up my perching stool and look forward to catching up later
Have a good day Ladies be good! And if you can't be good be careful!!

 

[ahipgma]

@Mayhip8 that's what we had for 17 years--a cockapoo. He was a little guy at about 18 lbs. I v e heard of the Sydney opera house, would love to go and use my lorgnette? A Mozart opera, something light and frothy. A delicious dinner, something exotic only eaten in Australia?
Ari is here for the weekend so we blew up her little inflatable pool and sat and visited with our feet in the water while she played.
Have fun visiting family and glad your weather is better. Summer at its finest.
Check y'all out later!

 

[Mayhip8]

Oh!! I'm soo soooooooo tired!
Yesterday I felt exhausted after visiting so was resting more - then I spotted a bookcase for sale on a house sale Internet site I felt compelled to buy it it was such a bargain ! we jumped in the car and drove a few miles to pick it up -it was absolutely chucking it down with rain so it was a very stressful journey as a passenger. I forgot to put my cushion under my bum and I was quite tense because of the road conditions .I realised that I hadnt measured the bookcase properly which meant that I couldn't sit in my passenger seat as comfortably on the way back.
When I came home I felt compelled to clean it down and polish it -it's a beautiful piece of wood .
I have no idea why I wanted it or even where it would go initially ! however I have found a place for it now.
How strange!
I don't know if it's lack of sleep catching up with me or the fact I've done lots over the last few days but I feel physically exhausted and achy. I'm not sure whether to plod through this one or give in for the day- however I have got a lot of shopping to do as the freezer is empty and the fridge is empty
my right hip is really grinding and inflamed at the moment so I'm sure that's not helping
Here endeth my Sunday Whinge

 

[Jaycey]

Sounds like it's time to slow down my friend. All this activity and no sleep. How about a day to just rest and relax? Order those groceries online and have them delivered.

 

[Calgal]

Sunday rest!!! Order shopping online. Have an ice cream. Get a takeaway for dinner. Put your feet up.

The energy drain is still very real even months out, I've found.

 

[ChrissyW]

Hello hippy sisters I've just got home! Weird having no internet access all week but a wonderful cruise. I so love the Norwegian fjords. We did the flam railway trip and the waterfalls and seeing snow on the mountain peaks was beautiful. I've been as good as I could and have managed to advance to getting up and down stairs normally most of the time. I had to use my stick just twice and once was while we were wandering around Bergen and suddenly realised (well my leg demanded I listen to it) that we'd walked longer and further than planned as the weather was so glorious, though a big hot for walking around in. I've now discovered toilets cons in Ll heights and I found one this afternoon in a service station that felt so low I felt like I was virtually on the floor. Anyway I'll be popping out to pick the cat up soon (I'm counting down the time to be honest but their hours on. Sunday are from 4) so ladies have you decided where your going on the next trip? I've skimmed through the many posts and noticed thunderstorms seemed to have occurred, @Mayhip8 I also noted you've managed the bath so well done and I've made the most of being able to walk in to a shower whenever I wanted and it felt so lovely!
I'll tell you more about the cruise later but I've missed our chats so hugs to you all xxx

 

[ahipgma]

We should delay our next trip till @ChrissyW gets settled from her trip and gets her kitty back. Can't wait to hear the details!!
This week i start up with my surgical clearance physical and bloodwork. @Mayhip8 you have an appointment tomorrow, yes?
I was up till 3 am this morning, not so much pain but mind spinning, positively dreading my next surgery. I'm sure when the time comes I'll be fine but this time I know what I'm in for. Now if someone cancelled it on me I would be quite upset.hows that for ambivalence ?
Absolutely agree with @Calgal about energy drain-- still occurs and I am the furthest out date wise.
@Mayhip8 I have had the compulsion like you did with the furniture, and other items too, so much " wood " furniture sold in the US as new is such junk. You have a treasure and when others admire it you can be proud of your find even though it meant hip aggravation.
My 2 daughters here with me right now. The night nurse is passed out in the recliner. The other daughter is watching a YouTube video on chest tube insertion, because she will be learning to put them in. Granddaughter is napping. Guess I better take my hip and my four hour sleep mind and start getting the party ready. All together and not talking to each other. Reminds me of when they were teens living at home. JK! Love having them here.
Hope a good is week coming!
Later, lovelies

 

[Mayhip8]

@ ChrissyW welcome home ! I've missed you and can't wait to hear of your adventures
@Calgal @Jaycey Thanks for your advice - I did end up doing a big shop with 'Team family ' ( Teamwork makes the dream work!!) And it was a speedy put away too as we planned a movie afternoon at home . Popcorn, choccies, and Bohemian Rhapsody on the screen - fab way to be together and relax I'm now back in my nest for the night and plan to chill out and sleeeeeeeep

@ahipgma your domestic scene sounds so homely - chest drains! Night shifts! Ouch!! Both equally painful! - I remember them well - wish both your medics well from me won't you?
Yes I have my appt with surgeon tommorow afternoon so hope to get an indication of a date - I know it won't be this week as I've an insect bite to my knee ( I react badly to insect bites- pesky things ) I'll heal this and then smother myself in menthol to keep them at bay . When I think of having the op I momentarily flutter- I wonder if having a GA might help as I has a spinal last time and do remember lots of the op- no pain and no worry so not worrying as such - just want it to be done and dusted I suppose . I know my hip is very sticky and crunchy and sore today so it will be so much better when a new one is popped in - my left hip is so good in that there's none of this awful arthritis pain which is unpredictable - knowing now what I know about recovery and the support you have all given me makes me feel less vulnerable ( you wait till I get a date see if I feel the same)
I send you big comforting reassuring hugs @ahipgma you'll be fine and in a few months time this will all be a dim and distant memory so for tonight Party and enjoy your evening
Love to all

 

[ChrissyW]

So @ahipgma and @Mayhip8 ive decided my role over the next couple of weeks will be to keep you both upbeat and strong and to try cast away any of those fluttery butterflies in your tummy as I have so much to thank you both for through this recovery journey. I totally agree with @Calgal too with how tiredness hits you (I've decided it sneaks up from behind just when you think you're raring to go then bam! All you want to do is sleep.
I slept so well last night, the longest sleep I've actually had since the op.
Well the first memory of my holiday I'd like to share is seeing the 'huldra' in kjosfossen waterfall on the flam railway. Actually it's put on for tourists, she's a Nordic nymph or mythical spirit but it was amazing to see. If you google it there are lots of videos people have posted and the music that plays on the train while she dances in the distance leaves you goosebumpy. I love seeing waterfalls which is obviously why I have a thing for Norway because they appear all over. Later I may share some culinary stories of what I've eaten (and drunk!) as I know we regularly share meal plans but I can honestly say I have no idea how I will manage today when there is no one to fill my glass with water and wait on me hand and foot! Actually just one food share, breakfast has been either overnight soaked oats with fruit and chia seeds or granola, yoghurt and fruit for starter then a smoked salmon, avocado and cream cheese bagel for the main part of breakfast! My porridge is going to be so boring this morning but it's back to the diet me thinks.
Well that's enough about me so @mayhip I'll be thinking of you with fingers crossed this afternoon. Keep us updated. Also I like the sound of your new book case. I love wood furniture, especially where the wood has age, and just think it feels so good to touch and imagine what life it has lived. Did you enjoy bohemian raphsody? I loved it but think I enjoyed a star is born more, which I only saw recently but as far as I remember they were out around the same time.
@ahipgma family time is great isn't it. It makes me laugh how just having them around, even when everyone is silently doing their own thing, is still great. My youngest has been coming home more recently as he was suffering after his girlfriend left so I went to mum mode and it has been so good being able to redevelop our closeness.@Calgal i may have missed it in any previous posts do you have children?
Other than @Mayhip8 's appointment what is everyone up too? I hope this weather improves and at least the sun makes an appearance (or the greyness goes away) . I'm now going to put my iPad on charge, make a coffee, watch some catch up to and chill with the cat (who I think has now forgiven me for leaving her in the cattery where they did say she behaved like a fussy princess!)

 

[Calgal]

@ChrissyW glad you're back and had a great experience! My husband has 2 grown up sons and I've now got 2 lovely grandchildren. But don't think I'll ever have the bond that natural parents have.

I agree that we need to be here 100% to support @ahipgma and @Mayhip8 as they embark on their second hip recoveries! .

 

[ahipgma]

Happy Monday everyone! Woke up with more optimism this morning. What would I do without you all? Had my momentary panic but better now.
@Mayhip8, like you, I know this other hip needs to go. I understood the need to space them apart. So what to do but go forward.
So thanks @ChrissyW and @Calgal for being our cheerleaders in advance!
We had a great picnic yesterday grilled salmon, corn on the cob , fresh melon and tortellini with home made pesto
Basil is my one " crop" I grow in a pot!
And delicious chocolate cake with chocolate frosting (birthday daughters fave). The weather cooperated and the bugs stayed away (mostly) and to watch my 88 year old mom playing with her great grandaughter was the best.
Plans for the week? We have plans for an outdoor jazz concert Wednesday, we're watching Ari till Tuesday evening, a physical exam and bloodwork, and just as important, getting hair cut and colored!
Can't have a hip replacement without getting my roots done!
Waiting anxiously to hear how your appointment goes @Mayhip8!
How is everyone's weather this week? Pretty nice here. Maybe we'll inflate the pool today!

 

[Mayhip8]

Hi everyone

Well my hospital appointment went well,
I saw the clinician who originally looked after me, I didn't see the consultant as I was led to believe would happen - however the clinician did apologise and express her understanding of my frustrations given the misinformation I have received. She has emailed the admissions department to see if I am listed and if not to put me on the list for right hip replacement. The waiting list is 12 weeks but has indicated that I am able to fill in for cancellations at short notice. I started some pre-op measurements today swabs, height and weight( yes I am taller again) x-ray for calibration and left hip review.
It was interesting to see the result of my x-rays and I was could see that they had screwed the Cap into the acetabulum (It was cementless surgery and the cap had some movement ) my husband was quite impressed at seeing the images mainly from an engineering /mechanics point of view, not because of that deep love that he could actually see inside me to love me that little bit more (Oh my goodness! I'm such a romantic (not.)) ..I've got to call hospital tomorrow to arrange blood tests .
The clinician gave me the go-ahead to swim and return to normal activity being careful that if it hurts not to do it and to build up muscle strength to protect the hip from damage, tomorrow might find me in the swimming pool, luckily she told me how to get out of it as well!

So now I have to find the Headspace to be prepared for surgery and protect my leg from insect bites and scratches and generally be relaxed about the whole thing -as I will breeze through it without a second thought!! (if only ) We certainly are in a similar situation now @ahipgma! knowing that you've got our corner @Calgal & @ChrissyW is very reassuring
I'm looking forward to hearing more of your adventures Chrissy - I looked at the waterfalls you mentioned they are stunning! The folklore is something that interests me too ,in fact something you said about the wood in the bookcase made me smile, as I am a bit of a tree hugger, and often literally touch old wood and wonder what it has seen in its lifetime and what memories and spirits it carries with it. Must be a bit of the Celtic druid in me !
I loved watching Bohemian Rhapsody - I haven't yet seen the new' A star is born '- that and 'rocket man' are on my list. @ahipgma my new list also includes a pedicure., A decent haircut (my last one was awful) and more Henna to colour my Dull and sad looking hair!

I popped in to see my friends on the way home from hospital and they're doing okay although he is recovering from another bout of sepsis luckily caught early and treated.
I have no other definite plans for this week I loosely thought I'd spend it catching up with friends and family and getting out and about more generally so let's see what happens!


Once more thank you for your support ladies

 

[Calgal]

12 weeks?! hope you can get worked in earlier. I don't want anyone in pain anymore!! Especially lovely, positive co-bonesmarties like you!! Fingers crossed the hip behaves till it goes bionic.

 

[ChrissyW]

So pleased things are moving forward @Mayhip8 . I just wondered if hip no1 is may hip will hip no 2 need a different name!?im glad I'm not the only strange one who 'feels' natural wood. Who knows what we were in past lives and maybe we had encountered that wood somewhere else. I love the power of nature. So if you are taller now how much taller might you end up after hip#2 I wonder? @ahipgma are you any different in height? I'm the same height just straighter now!
I'm very impressed you all seem eager to swim. As we are now on the resume normal activities carefully etc swimming isn't a normal activity. I love walking on a sea shore but swimming has never been my thing, in fact when my boys were little I had nightmares about them at the side of water (though I love cruising and looking at the ocean doesn't bother me, it's more about public pools, head submerged...no thank you) I'm also a fan of trolls in Nordic folklore (preferably small cave trolls ...much friendlier!) I like pretending big rocks in Norwegian mountains are trolls waiting for the sun to set.
Food was so good on the cruise and on the whole I was a good girl because you can go to a meeting on day 1 with special dietary requirements then get the menu a day ahead so a team prepare modified meals for you (I always go low fat low calorie and my food is always yummy) though I must say the occasional scone for afternoon tea did pass my lips (no cream though!)
@ahipgma did you mention you needed dental work a while back? I had to postpone having a crown fitted and should really look at going back but it's the hassle of antibiotics, which I've heard we will need that bothers me. Do you know if this is a forever thing? @Calgal i think we should start perfecting our cheer leader role. Perhaps we need to purchase Pom poms. I was wondering whether, with your Californian background you had any cheer experience. We will need to maintain hip precaution and moves will be limited but I'm sure we can shake those Pom poms for our hippy sisters @Mayhip8 and @ahipgma. It would make them laugh if nothing else!

 

[Mayhip8]

@ChrissyW Toooooo funny not to respond re swimming . Gotta dash but back later X

 

[ahipgma]

@ChrissyW
Watching Ari make a mess at breakfast but I'm popping in to say-- the idea of you and @Calgal shaking hips after surgery with pompoms is worth the price of surgery!
Later

 

[Calgal]

What should our team colours be? Black and blue perhaps.

I do remember a cheer.... It goes 'lean to the left, lean to the right, stand up, sit down, fight fight fight!!'. I think that is a good one for recovering hipsters, don't you?

@ChrissyW get ready to cheer!

 

[ahipgma]

Yes!!! Like the colors!
It could be " we fight to sit down and stand up" in honor of the first 2 weeks! Could we incorporate the walkers, canes and grabbers into the cheer routines? If the oxy doesn't do it for me I need to be entertained!