THR Mayhip8's recovery thread

[Mayhip8]

So much love in the room today- Thankyou for lifting my spirits
I spoke to my GP and have had diazepam prescribed to see if it dampens the spasm - just a short burst for the shortest time.
I am resting again between mooching about this afternoon -I'm about to watch the film "Christopher Robin' .. Ahh.
@ChrissyW I think I'd advise you not to even think about returning to work just yet!( I feel the pressure ) are you ok ? I don't think you have to justify your recovery to anyone and am concerned if your feeling tearful all the time - (I'm grumpy and frustrated and can cry at a bloomin sofa advert -) its OK to not be ok- are you feeling that your coping? Your'e doing so well at this stage of recovery .
@SurreyGirl I agree -even on The RoyalCollege of Surgeons website their time frame for recovery is fairly speedy- I think what I forget is that everyone has been at a different staring point and therefore the level of fitness prior to surgery and level of fitness in recovery are a direct correlation.. I was fairly immobile for a while and had a recent back injury so it stands to reason I won't be jumping about ( though in my head I still climb hills and cycle and swim!)! I think it's me pressuring me - knowing I need my second hip done in August I want to 'normalise 'before I'm out of action again.. I'm learning more every day and will go with the flow
@ahipgma you sound like you've got a full week ahead planned!! I feel exhausted at the thought! Take it easy won't you? And if you don't mind I think we'll send your president back when he's had his visit !-
Well the sun is still shining here and I think it's time for a cuppa so I'll have a slice of Bara Brith with lashings of butter ( full of healing vitamins and apparently no calories if you eat it in your nest whist healing ) and hope this film is cheery!
Healing thoughts to all this Monday afternoon

 

[Layla]

Aww, I loved Christopher Robin. I saw it with my granddaughter last Summer.
Enjoy ithe movie along with your Bara Brith and lashings of butter. Haha! Love that Brit speak.
Hope you have a great rest of the day!
@Mayhip8

 

[ChrissyW]

@ahipgma and @Mayhip8 if we do plan another fantasy night out how about sending our hips to Dubai and we could go elsewhere, in fact we could go and recoup in a fantasy version of the blue lagoon in Iceland as I e never felt as relaxed and reinvigorated at the same time as when I was there ( and they do keep reminding us of the importance of ice!)
@ahipgma what a week you have ahead (make sure you let me know what shoes you get as I love shoes!) I wish I had something exciting to do but I'm not sure how many reruns of old tv shows I can keep watching and I'm struggling to get in to my current book. I think it's a lack of motivation full stop really! Struggling to shake the teariness and find anything makes me cry. It's that reliance on others and feeling I have no control over anything really at the minute.
I got a message back from my work today and they have asked me to send a copy of my discharge letter that shows I am not fit to work. I've calmed down now and having spoken to my husband have decided it's just procedure but in my weepy state earlier I felt it a challenge, as if I needed to prove what I have said.
@Mayhip8 we need to make sure no one, not even us ourselves, tries to rush us back to work. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither were our new, fully recovered hips!! We are strong women and need to remind ourselves we come first every so often, it's hard I know but I'm working on my warrior spirit too!
@Carriemay60 let us know how your baking goes and eat a slice for me once you make the bara brith
Hugs to all

 

[Mayhip8]

@ChrissyW oh the blue lagoon sounds wonderful -let's book a virtual visit ?! I'll leave you to sort out the itinerary and if you tell me what to bring I'll do some virtual shopping!
I think I understand what you mean about feeling you have no control- having a temporary loss of independence when you're used to doing things for yourself and your way is alien .- I'm sick of the sound of my own voice as I seem to be " issuing orders" to my family about this that and the other - things I'd usually do without thinking - I have tried to ' let it go' but don't like the chaotic results ( see I'm a total control freak- because I've been a mum and nurse for 30+ years so I obviously know best!) in truth I must be a total nightmare to live
Sometimes places of work seem to forget the humans behind the procedures- my boss phoned me the afternoon I was in theatre!!! Human error and accepted but I wasn't chuffed at the time!!
We will get better it just takes time - passing time when you're used to being busy is a challenge . I can't get the concentration to read much or watch long bits of telly - tiredness is to blame for a lot I'm sure.
I hope you manage some rest later - it's been an eventful day in terms of realisation and seeing things in perspective for me and I'm hoping to feel more relaxed later . I wish for you a comfortable and relaxing evening
Stay positive -you got this

 

[ChrissyW]

You can always raise my spirit @Mayhip8 just because you understand. My husband is now trying to cheer me up and book a holiday in July but I don't know if it's worth the risk booking now. I'd love to have something positive to look forward to (I'm a big fan of Scandinavia so he's found a 6 day cruise of the fjords) but would I be tempting fate. I'm never good at decisions and at the minute with mush for brains he made me cry because he clearly just wants to cheer me up and it's a harder decision than planning our virtual blue lagoon trip!
do you have any ideas on travel timescales, cruises etc after THR @Mayhip8, @ahipgma , @Layla or anyone else who may drop by?

 

[ahipgma]

I hope as I write this my UK hippie sisters are in a sound painless sleep.
It is 930pm here.
Suffice it to say I way overdid it today
But it's ok, I'll mend and I learned my lesson .
Well @ChrissyW I got a pair of cute sandals, straw color and a pair of grey slip ons with bows, kind of sporty, and the nicest taupe espadrilles that will go with anything. All fit well with nice non skid soles, a brand called skechers, are you familiar? They all have cushy memory foam inside to cushion the tired old legs.
Just right for a trip to a blue lagoon.
What a wonderful hubby you have!
A cruise would be wonderful balance between relaxing on deck with some light sightseeing? And with another month gone by your hip may be up for it.
Being older than both you and @Mayhip8 I was down to just 2 days a week anyway and my hub and I are crunching numbers to see if I can retire---i am 63 and he is 58 and he plans to work for years yet but we will have a fair amt less income.
But I have such a lost feeling and a guilty feeling, I've been working since I was 16, its something to wrap your head around for sure. It's hard to be dependent for a little while as you recover, but you would do it for your husband if things were reversed. And with the spotty sleep we've been getting, and the pain management, it's a lot.
@Mayhip8, when you think of all the situations the people you cared for over the years dealt with because of their health and how you tried to be reassuring as you rushed around being the well- in control one--its hard to be the one struggling to recover-- what would you say to them if they had their hip replaced? They need to be patient and follow the course and take care till they recover. Hopefully you rest well and feel better tomorrow.

 

[ChrissyW]

It's probably role reverse time as I expect as it is morning here it's midnight with you so I'm hoping you are the one asleep now @ahipgma . We do get sketchers over here, are they as comfy as the ads say? Are the espadrilles completely flat or with a small wedge and if so how did it feel to be slightly raised? You sound to have had a successful shopping trip so make sure you get that rest in today and keep us updated as to how you feel after a longer trip getting out and about.
@Mayhip8 hope your night was a little better, I did quite a bit of clock watching but did manage to get some reading done and I'm getting more involved in my book now so as much as sleep was poor again it wasn't as mind numbing( I did 2x10 laps of the bedroom and 4 trips to the loo for a change of scenery!) Not sure about you ladies but as those muscles and nerves are repairing my thigh feels worse, not really more pain but more spasmy (I'm inventing words again). I'm considering ringing the doctor but that would mean numerous attempts to start ringing at 8am to a constantly engaged tone to get the short straw and have the rude recetioniship challenge me so let's see how I feel in an hour
I'm going to settle in to my granny chair now with a frothy coffee and see if there are any retro, possibly black and white movies on. It was an old Cary grant yesterday morning. @ahipgma Trump looked like he enjoyed his tea last night (why oh why is there a photo that looks like he was fist pumping with the queen!) let's see if he enjoys the protesters today!
Catch you later no doubt and let's see what our days bring while we dream of our blue lagoon virtual visit (we could have a chuckle at each other as you have to wear a swim cap if you want to protect your hair due to the minerals in the lagoon. I looked hilarious with swim cap, white mineral mask and steam riding around me! Feel free to create the picture and have a good old laugh to bring you some cheer, like they say sharing is caring )

 

[Yogigirl]

@ChrissyW yes Skechers are as comfortable as they say. Not that supportive though and very addictive so I had to force myself to get rid of mine as I wore them daily! Although that’s the trainers. Their shoes are pretty good too
With the nerve spasm bits is that not just things joining back up and reconnecting? I tell myself it’s all just making sure it’s in the right place and working fine. Although it hurts :(

 

[Mayhip8]

Good afternoon beautiful people

Well I'm a little bit ' drug ' hung over I think! I took some diazepam last night and it managed to make me feel sedated ,alongside my usual paracetamol and codeine, and it did reduce the spasms, I was still awake a lot but felt like I didn't care.
I've done some meditation and relaxation this morning in between stripping the duvet covers and popping them in the wash , making me some toast and coffee and I feel more positive.
My best friend is coming round again shortly and bringing me Percy pigs from M&S which is enough to cheer anybody up !
I'm still having pain and I'm pondering how much pain we should be putting up with at this stage - like I think that if pain is a warning then it's going to stop me doing things, but if I think pain is because things are mending and it's normal - then after resting should I just push through the pain again? I know I should listen to my body but should I listen before during or after the pain comes? ( it's obviously a "Thinking Tuesday")
@ahipgma your'e probably sleeping now and I hope it's restful. Again I've been thinking that when we sleep our body heals and all of the things that generally happen like the biochemical actions during deep sleep in mopping up damaged cells and setting down new cells - well that's got to be interrupted if we're not sleeping deeply ?
So I guess that reinforces the need for extra rest and naps during the day and maybe that influences why everyone heals at different rates?
I think it's fabulous that you went on the shopping trip and bought new shoes. I thought about sketchers but not tried any on as I have big feet and need to wear quite flat shoes and can't put them on myself even if I went into a real live store! Although I think I will pack a pair of sparkly ballerina pumps for the blue lagoon.

In the big scheme of things nowadays 63 is quite young to retire if you feel well and are fit, there is no doubt that we are meant to be sociable by nature and if we are able to continue the job we love then that's a win-win situation for everybody involved. But in a another way that's for the future and we need to focus on our recovery. If I ever retired from nursing (and I did take a year out a few years ago and lasted only eight months)!! then I would probably do voluntary work in some form . And sleep - and cycle up long steep hills

@ChrissyW I like your word inventions - you are in good company Roald Dahl and Mr Shakespeare are two of my favourite wordsmiths . I also love local dialect and colloquialisms. So Spasmy is now in my dictionary -which is also good as it scores high in scrabble if my opponent allows it
Did you manage to speak to your GP? To get past the receptionist - if it's difficult- just say You've been advised by a nurse to speak to a GP ( it's true!!!)
I saw a beautiful B&W film the other day- brief encounter- had me in bits!!! Oh! Just Oh!
Have you had any response re if you'd manage a cruise in July? It sounds a lovely thing to look forward to
Rightio
I'd better go now - Percy has arrived!
Catch you later lovelies
Have a "cheerful Tuesday afternoon

 

[ChrissyW]

Do you know @Mayhip8 ive heard lots about m&s Percy pigs but have never had any. What exactly are they? I can't remember the last time I was in an m&s food hall. Still pondering the cruise, I would love something to look forward to but also I'm worried that if the os says it wouldn't be advisable when I see him in a couple of weeks we'd lose all the money! I suppose I will just leave it to my husband as he's simply trying to do the right think so I'll trust his decision making over mine at the minute anyway.
Unfortunately I didn't ring the doctor. Nap time must have hit me as it was nearly 9 when I suddenly remembered what I had planned to do. Told you, brains, mush, me!
i do hope @ahipgma is having a good sleep. I might try some meditation, I've tried dome self reiki but haven't really done a full, focused session as my heart and energies just haven't been there, I'm still feeling somewhat 'blah' and in my past life I'd have done some yoga to calm my being
Enough moaning, back to positive thoughts and I'm going to get some dinner and do something productive (what I don't know but I'll think of something). @Mayhip8 hope you've had a good catch up with your friend and @ahipgma good morning

 

[ahipgma]

Good morning!
Couldn't get comfortable last night but did get a decent amount of sleep, desperately trying side sleeping but I really feel muscle pulling in my op leg, put a fluffy pillow between the legs and tried to shift around so I was comfortable. I almost get a panic attack at the thought of back sleeping but it's how both Bad Leg and Postop Leg feel the most comfortable.
@Mayhip8 years ago I was put on Flexeril for back spasms and boy it relaxed everything and it's sort of in the Valium
Class and @ChrissyW I added spasmy to my vocabulary for sure!! This feeling isn't as much pain as spasm and cramping
Not the bone on bone pain anymore. I think we are experiencing the same thing.
I do quite a lot of volunteering with my church so if I were to retire I would do more of that.
But with both my hips in different stages I just dont know how I would be at the bedside. I agree it's more time to concentrate on the healing right now.
I just wish I could rush it.
My dream is to get up out of a chair with grace and no pain And not to hobble and twinge for 3 minutes first.
Maybe we could imagine who we'd be swimming in the blue lagoon with.
My first choice along with our lively little group would be Hugh Jackman.
My husband got me tickets to see his one man show in Oct.
I would also love to swim with Cary Grant, Gregory Peck. Or Fred Astaire but if I were swimming with them I'd be in a different realm--- one I'm not ready to visit yet!
Hang in there dear ladies but oh @ mayhip, please tell me what is a percy pig and did you enjoy yours?

 

[Carriemay60]

I'm still having pain and I'm pondering how much pain we should be putting up with at this stage - like I think that if pain is a warning then it's going to stop me doing things, but if I think pain is because things are mending and it's normal - then after resting should I just push through the pain again? I know I should listen to my body but should I listen before during or after the pain comes?

I think this is the million dollar question and one we all struggle with. I think we all need to find our own happy medium.

 

[ahipgma]

Popping in again for @ChrissyW
For your cruise sometimes if you pay a little extra up front it will allow you the ability to cancel without losing anything?
Your real life cruise sounds so lovely and sometimes something like that makes you feel so well mentally, especially with your nice hub. So you could plan a trip with peace of mind.
My mom is 87 so we plan all our trips with the provision that we can back out if we need to in case she would take a turn and need ne as she still lives alone
in the family home.

 

[Mayhip8]

Percy pigs! Other farmyard animals are available... Soft squidgy sweet yet juicy sharp soft melty yummy totally Moreish treats! ... Perfect to bring out the 5year old in you!! Great for sharing ...

 

[ChrissyW]

@ahipgma i think he's going to book in the next couple of days as he's had his head in the computer ( not literally) since coming home and keeps talking about it so I'm going to play dizzy blonde like I have no idea and if he does it will be lovely and if he doesn't then nothing lost. I like your thoughts re Hugh on our blue lagoon trip but your other icons well, those were the days, as for who I'd pick I have no idea ( brain mush maybe!)
@Mayhip8 i love squidgy sweets and gummy ones like hearing, in fact any sweet that makes me feel like a should be at primary school so I may have to sample a Percy next time I pass an m&s.
On a positive I am pleased you all like my word creation- I might have a new goal, create a word a day! I did give one to my students earlier this year telling them some had 'ostrichitus' I'd they bury their heads in the sand hoping everything around them will be fine!
Have a lovely remainder of the day ladies xx

 

[Mayhip8]

@ahipgma I think the mineral water in the blue lagoon may give us magical properties so we may rise from sitting like graceful swans gliding along . Is this right @ChrissyW .? I think I'll choose a cheeky little One piece decorated in shimmering tiny replacement hips made from sequins and a skull hat shaped like a surgeons cap? I'm not sure the guests would want to sit by me though? Though I believe Michael Búble has a good sense of humour ...
And I'll pack some Extra Percy Pigs to share !
I do hope your hubby books something lovely to look forward to @ChrissyW in the meantime I'd love to hear some new words and meanings -
Have a fabby evening

 

[ChrissyW]

@Mayhip8 and @ahipgma i think I want sequins and possibly a swim cap that makes me look like a unicorn because it appears that nowadays everyone wants to be a unicorn! Oh and if we are having Hugh and micheal for company I think I might have decided - what about a bit of Idris Elba, im sure laughter will come from somewhere.
The waters of the lagoon will most definetly give us magical properties and we will glow like the glamorous, super women we are! Oh and the sharing Percy pigs sound good, anything special I should bring (chocolate is often a good choice and dark, intense chocolate is renowned for being very good for you- well that's what I keep telling myself as I always have a bar in the fridge, my guilty secret is out!) oh and maybe we could stop at an ice bar on the way home (like I said before it is all about ice, rest and elevate and that's what the virtual visit will bring)

 

[ahipgma]

Good afternoon ladies---
Ha! I'm getting the hang of the time difference. Its 1030 am here.
Hope everyone is getting some quality sleep and spirits are good.
Went to Physical therapy yesterday and after that session decided to stop.
I have gentle exercises to do at home and I'm trying to walk which they say is good.
I was twisted around a little too much-- looked at the "beware if PT s do this to you" on Bonesmart and OUCH! everything he did to me was on there. Woke up more sore this morning---so going rogue and DIYing it from now on. They even had it on my chart to vigorously exercise my unoperated hip that has no range of motion and I flat out told them no they weren't touching it.
The news is full of Trump visiting your fair country. Argh! I guess eventually we will have to take him back....
Today I am having an old friend over for dinner. She used to love a certain soup my mom made when we were kids and my moms chocolate chip cookies so I'm serving both. Hub is not home tonight so it'll be just the ladies so we can talk about anything and everything.
Bought a virtual bathing suit to wear to the blue lagoon. It's very modest and covers my scar but I bought it in black with sequins to make up for it.
I think maybe our lagoon has a swim up bar where we can get guess what? More Cosmos. We can toast Hugh and Michael and they can serenade us with show tunes! Have a lovely day!

 

[ChrissyW]

Good day to you too @ahipgma. I have done absolutely nothing exciting today except my laps of the foe stairs, my gentle standing pt exercises and a very short stroll outside ( it was so cold I decided I wouldn't bother as I wasn't dressed for winter!) I expect you are being a busy bee baking chocolate chip cookies, oh so good when warm and chewy! For some reason I feel hungry today and just keep thinking cake! Even if I could bake I don't think I have any ingredients that could combine to make anything resembling a cake! This morning I thought I'd see if I had gained any weight in this sedentary life I'm living so thoughts I'd try one of my fitted work dresses on and it fits perfectly so clearly nothing gained. Husband still at work so I'm currently watching yet another black and white film called as young as you feel (which in my case varies both daily and dependant on when you ask me during the day as I can guarantee that if asked at 3am while paving the bedroom unable to sleep would be absolutely ancient!). The film is meant to be a comedy with a very young Marilyn Monroe in s bit part but I've not laughed yet!
I like the idea of cosmos but we might have to get them while virtually visiting the ice bar because if my memory serves me right there is only a restaurant that overlooks the lagoon however I expect it serves champagne so perhaps Hugh and Micheal could treat us to a bottle (or 2). We'd be exceptionally glamorous in our glitzy costumes with fluffy cover ups to keep us warm. These virtual trips are wonderful, no hang overs, no weight gain regardless of what we pick off the menu and always in the best of company.
Oh and let's not forget @Mayhip8 your supply of Percy pigs to nibble on!

 

[ahipgma]

Whenever I need to feel I inspired to fight on I watch Aragorns coronation scene from "Lord of the Rings--Return of the King" on YouTube.after all the horrors of the story-- all three movies, really, Aragorn is crowned with his dear friends there, he gets the girl and plants one on her, the little Hobbits are honored by all.
I also own and love the Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers movies and
the music and heavenly dancing of those two transports me to another place.
I know you are vigilant about your weight after taking so much off @ChrissyW so I'm glad to hear no harm done.
I on the other hand know by the way my clothes are fitting I'd better watch it.
Oh well, my black bathing suit will be flattering if I'm a little pudgy!