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THR Merrimay's on the other side now THR

My surgeon said they no longer recommend ted hose. I was very happy. For those of you who have to wear them there are different levels of compression. I used to work in wound therapy and some patients couldn't wear the heavy duty ones and the doc said the lighter ones are better than none. Most ted hose are 30% compression but the compression socks come all the way down to 15%. Dr Scholls has a diabetic compression sock that is 15% as diabetics need to wear less. It is very comfortable.
 
Thank you, lanstan. The whole compression sleeve/sock recommendations vary from OS to OS, and I freaked when I later realized I couldn't adhere to my doctor's advice to stick with them for 10 days. You all really calmed my fears. Happiest day of my life was when I tossed mine in the trash!

Thanks. Stay well!
 
Day 9: well, I thought I'd been spared the post op blues, but they hit me hard today. Maybe it's more accurate to say the postop fears. The fact is that by living alone I'm simply having to overdo. It's got me thinking about my future as a single woman without children. I have dear friends, but many have moved away to be nearer to children and several hAve passed away. So what I have experienced today is fear, if not the blues. I always felt so young (I'm 68 soon), and always been active and independent, so this is an experience that's thrown me for a loop. Anyone else experienced this post op?
 
Aaah, I'm so sorry. Sending a warm hug your way. :console2: Please don't fear.
Life will work itself out, it always does. Try not to linger on these thoughts too long because who knows what your future holds as far as friendships, old and new, you or another family member relocating, maybe even a new romance. :eyebrows:
Life may have some great surprises in store for you. :wink:
Chin up and dreams that brighter days are on the way!
@Merrimay
 
I think that anyone having this surgery will by default be feeling vulnerable and fragile afterwards. I know I did. I called it "existential dread" because I couldn't exactly pinpoint what that fear was. It happened after both of my surgeries. I suspect that fears that are bubbling under the surface come up when we are in this vulnerable state -- for me, it seemed to end up being fears about my heart. I suspect that this will soon pass and, if anything, you'll marvel at how well you are coping on your own.
 
Not being able to function totally normally makes us all a bit anxious. It's very early days for you. But don't forget - all this is temporary. You will get back to being active and independent. Just give that hip time to heal.
 
Thank you for some needed perspective, Jaycey. It is early on, and I will get stronger. I've surprised myself by feeling anxious and tearful. All I wanted was this surgery, and I'm grateful such technology exists. I thought I'd be a happy girl on this side. But bonesmart warned me. Postop newbies, keep reviewing the Postop Blues link!
 
I had many tearful moments after my hip replacement. Mine resulted from a fall so it wasn't on my "to do" list. Also very active and independent even though I have an amazing man in my life and children and grandchildren. But just because you have kids doesn't mean they will be there every minute.
I grieved the loss of my independence but in time you will come to realize it's only a temporary loss and soon you will be able to be back to your normal lifestyle.
The blues are to be expected, unfortunately most doctors don't forewarn you so thank goodness for this site.
Stopped having crying jags around 3 months post op. I was crying because I couldn't clean my glass shower doors the way I wanted. Silly now but at the time it was a big deal. I texted my daughter in law and asked for help. And next day or so she was here and cleaned entire bathroom top to bottom! I kept telling her it was just the walk in shower and the glass doors I needed the help with but she insisted on doing entire room.
You will look back on these first few months and realize it was all part of the process and then you will help another newbie get through the post op blues.
I wish you well.
 
Myglasshalffull, I'm sorry to laugh at your meltdown over your glass shower doors, but I relate totally. I ordered groceries yesterday, and asked the delivery girl to bring the bags to the kitchen. Then I burst into tears and said, "You'll have to overlook the filth. I apologize for the squalor!" It really and truly felt like the biggest tragedy I'd ever endured. I hope I gave that poor girl a big enough tip to reimburse her for my drama!
 
Day 12: I just looked down and my "operative ankle" is swollen like a zeppelin. I haven't really had any swelling that's been worth writing about. I've put ice on it. Is swelling this late in the game to be expected? I'd call my OS's nurse, but she's snippy. Should I worry?


I do have some good news. My PT was here today and said I'm "ahead of the curve." Not sure what curve, but I'm ahead of it. And now all swollen!
 
Have you had a busy day and been standing a lot today??
I wouldn't be too worried, elevate it and ice.
 
It didn't seem like a busier day, myglasshalffull, but now that I think about it, I may have shown off a bit when my PT was here. Being "ahead of the curve" is great in horse racing, but with hip replacement, it might be an indication that I pushed self more today than I should have. It also occurs to me now that I ate a small bag of almonds. Perhaps too much salt? I'll rest up tomorrow and see if I can report back to you all a reduction in swelling. It's iced and elevated as I write this. But I sure panicked when my ankle and foot suddenly looked like a loaf of bread!
 
This may be way silly and inappropriate for our forum, but has anyone else dealt with a dog that's terrified of your walker? My poor little dog is having a nervous breakdown. I've tried playing ball with my grabber, but she hates the grabber as much as she hates the walker!
 
Merrimay said:
Is swelling this late in the game to be expected?
Click to expand...
Hi Merrimay,
It's not late in the game at only twelve days post op and, yes, many have swelling, some for months, my surgeon said some do for up to a year! Ice and elevation should help.

During my time here I've read of other's dogs acting apprehensive when it comes to walkers. So consider that normal also. I'm sure the clunky walker they're not used to seeing you using is confusing to them. My grabber was squeaky as I engaged it, wonder if yours is also and she's bothered by the sound?
A peaceful evening to you!
 
Hi Layla, thanks for the heads up on the potential for swelling as I proceed. I expected it in the immediate aftermath of surgery, but because I didn't really encounter it until now, I became fearful I'd "done something wrong." Ice, ice, elevate.

And my grabber is squeaky!! I'll try some WD40 and get back to you! Thanks again!
 
@Merrimay, regarding your swelling seemingly out of the blue…be sure you’re still staying hydrated with plenty of water. Also, forego the salt until maybe your sixth week mark and then just gradually increase it as necessary. Also, if you’re having a glass of wine or a mixed drink, you may want to postpone that for a bit, too. I think you probably overdid it and if you’ll ice and rest more over the next couple of days, it should be better.

Pup hates my cane. I was off my wallet by the time I got home but her enthusiastic welcoming me back was immediately passed over with one look at that stick! Once she climbed into bed with me for a nap, I introduced it to her slowly and by the time they made friends, I didn’t need it any longer.

Thinking of you and your “blues” and I know you’ll feel much differently once you get a little further into recovery. If anything, this surgery will assure your independence much longer into your aging years. You’re going to feel great!
 
Thank you for your encouragement and care, beachgal. I think I just plain overdid it, which is pretty inevitable as I try entertaining a dog who is used to being active. Ive decided to up the number of visits from her dog walker for awhile.

Question: about how high do you think my swollen leg needs to be elevated? I'm only using one pillow that I lay vertically from the calf to the foot. Should the knee be propped as well?
Thank you. You're all the best!
 
Hi @Merrimay :wave:
The ebbs and flows physically, and ups and downs emotionally can make THR recovery a real test of patience for sure.
When I think back about my pre-op pain and the journey back...I do think it was well worth it.
All just a snapshot in time.:friends:

When the swelling from my thighs began to abate, and I was up and about more...I did notice more puffiness in my ankles - Gravity at work.
Regarding elevation...They say toes above nose is best. Not sure I achieved that very often but I did have a recliner that raised my legs up quite high.
You may want to take another look at the elevation article (click on the blue) for some examples.

You are doing just fine so keep the faith, hippy pal.
 
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