THR Mayhip8's recovery thread

You have a right to your journey and the feelings that come with it @Mayhip8. I'm trying to reach back and remember all the lessons my patients have taught me- have you ever had a patient with an ingrown toenail that carries on high and a patient with cancer who handles it with grace --so so many lessons I have learned from those dear people.
BTW everytime I saw in someone's history at work that they had a hip replacement I would ask them about it
They always said it was the easiest of their surgeries and a game changer for them.
I even cared for an OS and when I asked his advice he said "dont wait. Dont live in pain". He said the arthritic hips most often when he did one hip right after they would say "when can you do the other one!" Theres one for us @Mayhip8 !
Chrissy I could never ever teach. I can't stand up in front of young people and find it so intimidating!
But give me an enema bag and send me to a stranger.....:heehee:
 
Chrissy I could never ever teach. I can't stand up in front of young people and find it so intimidating! But give me an enema bag and send me to a stranger.....:heehee:


That is hysterical! I'm glad you three have one another @Mayhip8 You, @ChrissyW and @ahipgma. I'll be eavesdropping over the fence and enjoying your conversations. Your surgeries were so close together. You each seem to be doing well. Wishing you all a wonderful week!
 
A Glam Plan! I like this idea! I have a mobile hairdresser which is fab because I can't sit in standard hairdresser chairs in salons - plus she's a great hairdresser- she just happens to be about to have a baby but I've offered to hold it as she does my next cut :heehee::loll::heehee:.
I too will look what's on offer in my area in terms of a pedicure and I'm going to treat myself to some delicious oil to use in the shower ( careful not to slip!)! If there's ever a time to pamper ourselves it must be now?
@ChrissyW is teaching a rewarding yet stressful job with that age range ? I love the teen years and their take and views on the world ( I have a 32 year old daughter too so survived the teenage years, as a I remind my two teenagers when they act to type!) though to be fair they are amusing helpful and entertaining in general. Do you teach any particular subject?
@ahipgma That visual image of enema and approaching nurse had me in giggles!!
I hope we all have a Top Tuesday and I'm pleased that I feel brighter today - so onwards and upwards !
My freind sent me a get well card which amused me so much I'm trying to find a way to post a photo of it on here as I think it would amuse others too! I need to check that it's allowed so I wonder if a moderator would advise me?
:spin::dancy::flwrysmile:
 
Good morning @Mayhip8 . My actual teaching specialism is law and I've also been teaching sociology for about 8 years. Post 16 is really rewarding as I am responsible for the career guidance and deal with all the university and aapprenticeship applications (I'm head of post 16 so look after all their needs really) the fab thing about that age group is sharing their journey to adulthood, listening to their stories and remembering what we all had as worries at that age. It is also really eye opening at times just because of the catchment area and I'm missing them at the minute as I've never not been around during the exam period but I keep sending messages to them, for the start of exams, via a colleague (though it is half term at the minute so I'd like to think they are all engrossed in revision and I may also catch a glimpse of that flying pig at the same time!!)
I haven't got round to looking at local mobile treatments yet as I had forgotten to charge my iPad last night and had to do it (all by myself)this morning- it's amazing what you can do with a plug, a walking stick and a helping hand grabber!)
I'm rubbish with time zones so as much as I know it's coming up to mid day here so I can say have a great afternoon to you @Mayhip8 I've no idea what time it is in the States so have a good day from start to finish @ahipgma . As the sun is shining I'm feeling positive today, less ready than last couple of days and looking forward to a walk in the sunshine when my hubby gets home this afternoon (crossing fingers that it will still be out) @ahipgma i keep thinking about your enema comment and chuckling as (and you know I'm partial to sharing) pre surgery I'd been on codeine and naproxen for many years and we all know one of the side effects of codeine so your comment and the song memories keep filling my head!!!
Also @Hip4life how are you doing, we've not heard from you recently?
Have a wonderful day ladies and let's see what we all decide on to glamourise ourselves (although I'm presuming we are all gorgeously glamorous all the time) xx
 
Hi friends, it's great to browse through your threads and see you supporting each other. I know all recoveries are different, but there is so much in common too. The impossible dream of a decent night's sleep, the thrill of small milestones that mean so much, the joy of an outing and the blues that suddenly come from nowhere... The anxious search through the forum to find someone else with the same weird symptoms, the posts that make you snort with laughter, the wisdom of the advisors who always seem to find the right words... it all takes me back to my first month and reminds me how far I've come. It all seems so slow at first, but then it really picks up.
 
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Hello @Mayhip8 , @ChrissyW and all and sundry--
Its 930pm here so hopefully you all are getting some well deserved quality sleep
As I am 6 hrs behind you.
Went to PT today and felt a little human pretzel-ish but was ready to stop things if I felt pain, but really it was Ok.
Saw 2 acquaintances of mine at the PT place both there for shoulder issues and we exchanged pleasantries.
I texted my husband after and said you used to run into friends at a dance place or at a sporting event or at a bar.
Now I'm running in to them at PT!!
Sheesh.
Today was not so bad it's just that I dont have much stamina.
Off all pain meds but Tylenol and Celebrex. Incision looks good. So not bad for my one month anniversary, and you are right behind me! It's good to drive, but it takes me forever to maneuver in and out if the car and my errands are short!
@Mayhip8 , hope your blues have subsided some. At therapy today my undone leg was giving me fits.
How is yours, it will be a long summer my friend but soon we'll have a matched set then LOOK OUT.
Chrissy, your love and enthusiasm for what you do is evident. Those young people are lucky to have you.
I am contemplating retirement, though I would miss my colleagues at 63 bedside nursing is so stressful and physically taxing-- maybe some other type of nursing at a slower pace.
Hope a good day is ahead!!
 
Good morning all
@ChrissyW ita great to hear the passion for teaching and care you have for your students. Exam season is trying for all involved I hope your messages are getting through, past those airborne porcines ! I pictured you using your grabber and walking stick as arm extensions when plugging in your iPad! I felt looked like one of those robotic remote surgeons when using the same equipment to manipulate and organise stuff to get me showered the first time - a bit like Edward scissor hands with no blades and a blunt hand?!

@Klassy you described our situation down to a T ! I can't explain the relief I felt when I discovered this site and the fact it has such an informative supportive forum community is a blessing! It certainly helps that transition from hospital care to self care at home. I m learning more every day both about hips and navigating the site.

@ahipgma youmsound like you're doing so well for day 28. I'm day 21 and feel like I took a massive step back yesterday evening. To explain- I had a busy day ( in comparison to the past 4 ) it's half term here so I spent a fair amount of time in the morning up and about doing "stuff"(as my daughter is at home -she's 13-) sometimes on one crutch sometimes without for a few steps . I then went for the longest walk since my op, on my own with two crutches . It's like I forgot I have arthritis in my Unoperated hip! - probably masked by my enthusiasm and analgesia- I spent a few hours in my nest with girl child as we watched a film and ate popcorn/ chocolate (crumbs on hubbies side - oops!!)
I then got up and prepared a simple dinner for us all- with help. I went for a shower Then bang! In came the pain .. In my operated hip incision area- it feels like I've torn something ( in reality probably micro tears of healing tissue?) it feels sore like day three,tight and needs stronger analgesia. I can walk but not weight bear too much . My Unoperated hip is jolly stiff and sore and reduced ROM today. I'm so annoyed with myself! I'm going to stay in bed this morning and do gentle VERY gentle stretches . And drink tea. I slept rubbish but that's normal I'm learning.It will be a long summer but the lessons I'm learning are immense! Next time I shall be a perfect patient patient :loll::heehee:.
Does anyone have any lovely plans for today?
I'm going to catch the last few episodes of Russian Doll on Netflix I think
Hope you feel comfy and loved and safe - take care :flwrysmile::flwrysmile::loveshwr:
 
@Mayhip8 Sounds like you joined the ODIC (over did it club) group! Easy to do but please learn from it. Listen to that new hip. Still very early days for you to be packing in so much activity. Please let all that soreness ease before getting back to activities.
 
Just woke up from a rubbishy night myself, tossing and turning (very carefully with hip precautions) MY unoperated hip is so sore too.
I actually dreamt about my OS, I kept trying to find him to ask when I could schedule my next hip and he was very elusive-- i was following him all over
His office trying to speak to him
:thud: @Mayhip8 , so sorry to hear about your setback. A lot to learn about being on the patient side. This is good information to keep in mind going forward it's just so hard not to take a good day and run with it, then we pay for it later. So glad you got to do something fun with your daughter. Both of mine are grown and gone.
One is a nurse who does postpartum work and the other is a physician assistant who works in neuro ICU
--she has my only granddaughter and they live about 1 1/2 hrs away. I miss them but we see each other here and there.
The days with kids at home are the best!
Rest those hips and drink that tea!
A better day to you!
 
:wave:Oh ladies what has been going on! @Mayhip8 behave yourself today and be that perfect patient, take things easy and close your eyes, picture yourself somewhere warm, luxurious and imagine you are there (OK darn hard I know, I tried and it didn't work much but you have a go who knows !!) seriously though I think that as we are all at a similar point we are getting those stir crazy feelings and also points in the day where we feel pretty good so then forget to take it easy. @ahipgma those nights just feel like they are sent to challenge don't they! I wonder what someone would interpret the dream to mean ( what does your os look like- I've taught a bit of Psychology in my past and we all know what Freud said everything was about!)
I've felt down on and off for a few days so as my hubby has the day off he took me to TK Max but I could only do a brief wander and got nothing, it just felt weird for some reason but I shouldn't moan as he knows I love shopping normally. I'm now back home enjoying a frothy coffee but other than that I think the only excitement I will have this afternoon will be a nap. I'm really missing the basic things and like you have said @Mayhip8 i would love a bath with a nice smelling bath bomb to just relax in but that is way off. Not actually sure when I'll be able to get in to the bath anyway, even when I'm given the go ahead because it's a stupid oval, deep bath with really high sides (and to add insult to injury my shower isn't working so it's stand up washes from top to bottom resulting in a very wet bathroom floor).
Have a great day lovely ladies and any of the other visitors who stop by our posts. :loveshwr::flwrysmile:
 
Love you guys, it's like reading a new chapter of a book each day catching up with the three of you.
Enjoy your frothy coffee and nap. You'll soon be back doing all the things you're dreaming of.
Happy Wednesday, Chrissy!
@ChrissyW
 
Oh LOL, @ChrissyW , my OS is a handsome man in his mid forties, his wife was my girls pediatrician years ago.
Only reason to chase him is for his surgical skills for me or to adopt him he's almost young enough to be my son!
I am going to try to pull the trigger on that pedicure today I cannot stand to look at my feet anymore.
Not asking Hub to trim my toenails
A hip replacement is enough with a couple of amputated toes.
 
@Mayhip8
Not trying to be a Debbie Downer here, ladies. I'd be remiss in not sharing so here goes...

I'll share a bit if info I read on the subject of pedicures below - I apologize beforehand that I don't recall where I read this. I took a screen shot of the article and saved it when I was researching this topic, myself, after my THR. Personally, I decided it's not worth the risk to me. I would however consider the option (at the bottom) that didn't involve a drainage system. It's an individual choice. Each person should do their own research and then make an educated decision.

Following is what I read -
The basins of pedicure chairs can be drained out after each client, and even sprayed with disinfectant.
However, the real hidden issue has to do with what goes down the drain. In fact, the screens and tubes of foot spas often harbor biofilm, which is basically layers of cells and proteins which can be hard to remove and more importantly, cultivate bacterial growth from other peoples skin or the water supply (in certain areas).
So what this means is, even a little wipe down isn't doing much since it's all the stuff you can't see in the filtration and drain systems which is the real problem. You have to ensure that the basins and inner workings are disinfected after each use and cleaned nightly. Many cities regulate the cleaning procedures and require salons to keep cleaning logs.

You can also opt for a salon or spa which does their pedicures in basins without drains; they'll use very large bowls instead which simply have to be cleaned and disinfected after each use. @ahipgma
@ChrissyW
 
@Layla and I wondered why I'd never had a pedicure before!! :yikes: @ahipgma I'm glad I did my toes before surgery and they allowed me to keep my polish on so I'm going to put up with them as they are and if needs must I'll brave the hubby painting them. Shame our helping hand grabbers don't cut nails. Having had a nosey at what's available locally in mobile form I think I may just get my nails painted but I'm not fancying any of the other treatments- eyelash extensions, micro blading (whatever that is), filler ( no thank you!) etc. In fact I might treat myself to a new nail varnish, do my own nails and enjoy a bottle of bubbly (don't panic as I won't be mixing alcohol with my meds but I found some alcohol free bubbly that was in the supermarket to celebrate in the eid and Ramadan goods section) if I get chance to go out at all tomorrow. @Mayhip8 did you find anything mobile in your area or have you had a rethink too? Perhaps your daughter could be given free reign on your nails? :angel:
 
I'm currently in my nest with leg elevated ( supported on cushions and a fleece) zoning out by listening to Clannad and deep breathing- anyone walking past my room might be concerned I'm having a freud type dream about my OS :heehee:..(. I'm not )
I tried some more online shopping @ChrissyW and couldn't be bothered buying anything so well done you for visiting an actual live store!! I'm not a shopper by nature - much to the disappointment of my daughters - I like a long ramble up steep hills and walking barefoot down rivers and streams- so that where my imagery takes me - it's not hard to imagine that this afternoon as the rain lashes down outside!
I feel for you with your stand up washes! When I did mine I felt like an 85 year old lady on a caravan holiday on a
Remote farm with no shower block! Despite the fact I had hot water it just felt so "camping out" and I left an almighty mess for my hubster to tidy up!! ( still do as I manage to drop the bloomin soap and sponge AND grabber in the shower- oh! The language that comes forth from my mouth! ) If you lived nearer I'd invite you to use my shower - which sounds quite weird but isn't intended to be . I could hold a sociable party in my bathroom in fact! I have a perching stool by the window for sink washes, a raised toilet seat frame for the loo, a shower stool in the walk in shower and a massive long deep bath to fill with ice and put the prosecco ( I'll take the kids out first)
And it's echoey enough in the bathroom to be able to sound like a recording studio for when we sing karaoke :martini:
I'm sorry your having up and down days - as long as you keep talking and sharing how you feel and be kind to yourself. I often use the phrase" This too shall pass" and frequently remind my patients that soon all of this will be a dim and distant memory.Thank goodness for this forum and everyone's support for helping me get through these early days ( and in the big scheme I keep forgetting it is early days as I compere myself to others forgetting I have severe arthritis in my Unoperated hip!
@ahipgma i hope you manage to feel rested today . You have daughters who are nurses too! Do you often talk"shop" . I have a theory that nurses need nurses to talk to , women need other women to talk to because we 'get'' it . I'm not saying that it's exclusive and I don't talk with others - it just helps to not to have to explain everything all the time - my husbands a mechanic and a man(!) and lovely though he is I have to start from scratch if I'm relaying a story -( I'm not sure if he even listens to be fair)
Look at me rambling!
Thanks for checking back in and I'll leave it there - only to say hope all is manageable and calm for us this afternoon and I truely appreciate your advice and support :loveshwr::flwrysmile:
 
Would love to visit your "spa" @Mayhip8 because no matter what the circumstances or even the country of origin, women love to have a comfy talk and your spa would be as good a place as any!
I'm sitting at the nail place letting my toenails dry--a beautiful soft pink and had my legs massaged and all rough skin removed--was heavenly
The person who did my feet was very gentle and did nothing to scratch or puncture my skin. The first thing we learned in nursing school is that intact skin is the first defence against infection so bacteria can't get in unless skin is broken. So I think I'll be ok.
I hope your " day of rest" was restorative!
Unlike you I love to shop but lose energy very quickly these days just one or 2 stops and I'm home resting.
Yes my daughters and I talk shop add to that my daughters husband who is an ICU pulmonary doc-- my hub is a computer programmer! But we all fuss over our beautiful little granddaughter, then we speak the same language!:loveshwr:
 
Boo hoo. Thought I was going to have a good night as I got myself comfortable and fell asleep lying down however awoke 2 hours later and couldn't get back to sleep as my operated leg hurt and my hip ached. I don't think I did anything exceptional to have overdone it yesterday but feel grumpy and frustrated this morning as a result. :beg:Oh well back to cheering myself up with some internet shopping. I'm on a mission to get more harem pants as I love them in summer and they've been a godsend post surgery as they are so comfy. I have to confess I did shop yesterday evening and treated myself to a pair of shoes but they won't arrive for a while but they are cute, flatties because I'm going to have to get flat shoes having been a heels girl until now. Pre surgery was weird actually as my hip hurt more in flat shoes and I spent the last year playing with various heel heights to get comfy (or perhaps it was just an excuse to buy more shoes). Anyway I'm rambling now just to pass time and probably avoid spending money! :yawn::idea:
 
Good morning beautiful people :SUNsmile:
Well I survived!
I spent most of yesterday as previously described prone, leg in air, drinking tea and taking increased analgesia.
And worrying. I worried myself onto every website that could reassure me I hadn't broken me ( I hadn't and I wasn't reassured) I kept coming back on here and I think I wanted a thread that said " mayhip8 get an air ambulance straight to theatre and have a new pair of hips fitted- be sedated and get someone else to recover for you so you don't have to have any of this for the next12 weeks... '" couldnt find advice like that at all!!!
So I jolly well got on with it... And cried like a bloomin hip replacement patient who'd hurt herself by doing too much too soon! And Oh my ! I hurt like post op day 3 type pain.
Couldn't weight bare. Needed two crutches again. Couldn't sit. Didn't even try going downstairs! Proper worried !
If anyone could take anything from my thread it's. PLEASE BE KIND TO YOURSELF AND DONT DO TOO MUCH TOO SOON ( and if you do - seek help and talk!)
So I settled down and rested - Pain was manageable overnight and I did get some sleep from 4am onwards.
I've been up and walked with two crutches and pain is tight rather than bone pain sharp so I'll treat today as if I've just come home and pace myself. Hubby has taken the day off ( I think I worried him:unsure:)
@ahipgma what a lovely treat to get your feet done . I'm sure all due care was taken - that's perhaps one reason I won't let my youngest daughter do my tootsies as she would need to cut my nails and I'd not want her to feel nervous about slashing one of my toes off! My eldest daughter may visit over the weekend so I ll see if she's happy to do them - I've not had much luck finding a mobile pedicurist and I won't be going out for a few days yet.
How old Is your granddaughter?
Thanks @Layla for the link on pedicures - ewwwwwwwww- I've a thing about other people's dead skin cells- it's the hyper- clean bacteria avoiding nurse in me- I once went to a salon for a pedicure and they wanted me to put my feet in a foot spa type full of bubbly warm water . Underneath I could see the scum of a thousand feet Clinging to the sides -ewwwwwwwwww. She was so unhappy when I asked her to wash the foot spa! Never did finish the treatment!
@ChrissyW aww - I'm sorry you didn t get much sleep - it's so frustrating isn't it ? Still as long as it's in recovery time then I tell myself at least I don't have to go to work this tired - as that's what recovery time is designated for- rest- recovery- gentle mobilisation- internet shopping- shoes and lovely hareem pants!
I found a new discount site for oils and pamper stuff yesterday and so might mooch around that .
Does anyone massage their scars yet? I wondered about using organic coconut oil? I've got really rubbish allergy prone skin and can only use pure stuff ( T'was fun in hospital avoiding types of dressings and tapes!)

So ! I send love and positive thoughts to all today. I hope lovely things happen and we find a little bit of respite from our worries/pain/frustration/tiredness at some point .
Here's that card I was sent ( I hope it doesn't offend)
image.jpeg
:heehee::heehee::heehee::heehee::flwrysmile::flwrysmile:
 

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