THR Merrimay's on the other side now THR

[myglasshalffull]

Merrimay,
Sure he's up for the challenge!!!

 

[Woodstockhip]

I‘ve found that keeping my legs together when getting into or out of bed or a car makes things easier. The wonky leg doesn’t go careening off in the wrong direction that way.

 

[Merrimay]

Woodstockhip, thank you for the legs together tip. I tend to splay them. That was dumb of me!

 

[Woodstockhip]

Woodstockhip, thank you for the legs together tip. I tend to splay them. That was dumb of me!

Just to be clear, this is as you are sitting. So you’ve backed up to the bed or the car, then swivel on your butt with your legs together. Once you’re in bed, you’ll want to remember your pillow between the legs.

 

[Merrimay]

Woodstockhip, gotcha. Thank you!

 

[Merrimay]

I know many of us have experienced an especially painful Day 3. It's now almost 6 pm on Day 3, and I've had stiffness and soreness, but nothing I would describe as heightened pain. Obviously, Day 4 may be a bad one, but I share this to reassure preop bonesmarters or those who are on Day 1 or 2 of recovery that Day 3 can be okay. Ice, ice, ice. Good luck!

 

[Layla]

Obviously, Day 4 may be a bad one, but I share this to reassure preop bonesmarters or those who are on Day 1 or 2 of recovery that Day 3 can be okay. Ice, ice, ice. Good luck!

Day 4 may not be a bad one for you either, Merrimay. Thankfully I didn't experience the Day 3, Day 4 misery some do and I also like to encourage others that you don't need to brace yourself with that expectation. It does not occur for everyone. If you stay on schedule with the meds and dedicate time to icing, as you mentioned, hopefully tomorrow will be no worse than the first several days post op.
May tomorrow be a good day!

 

[Merrimay]

Thank you, Layla. Fingers crossed.

 

[Merrimay]

Hi bonesmarters, today is Day 4, and it's been easier than Day 3, for sure. My sister reports that I walk with more fluidity and my pace has picked up. I can report that this hadn't been hard and my pain is very well managed. I have no swelling to speak of, no bruising, and no redness or signs of infection around my incision. Mt sister told me that my incision is a work of art! Walking more often today with some stiffness, but that's to be expected. So far things continue to go much better than I expected! Ice, ice, ice!

 

[Shadowstar1951!]

Evening Merrimay, it's sounds as though you are making fabulous progress! May it continue...take care..

 

[Elf1]

@Merrimay you sound wonderful! Love that you have embraced the ice, ice concept, its definitely wonderful! Happy that things are going better than expected, just remember to take it slow, easy and listen to your body.

 

[Merrimay]

Hi all, my status as of day 5: I'm still stiff when walking. My speed continues to improve, which pleases me, but i do have thigh pain, which I haven't experienced before. Yesterday (Day 4) I walked more than I did on day 3, so perhaps that is a factor. But my journeys aren't far...on day 2 and 3, four times a day around the 350 foot track i created on the first floor of my house, and on Day 4 five times. I guess what I'm saying is that t the start of day 5, I feel a bit worse than I did on days 3 and 4. I'm assuming the occasional setback is to be expected? Funny thing too...I was one of the preop people who swore she wouldn't be able to sleep on her back. Turns out that's not the issue...instead it's terrible dry-mouth! I can only assume my mouth is hanging open all night and I'm snoring, which I haven't done before! To all fellow postop hipsters, I'm thinking of you and wishing you all well. Remember the motto: ice, ice, ice!

 

[Layla]

Yesterday (Day 4) I walked more than I did on day 3, so perhaps that is a factor.

Yes, I believe so. I did this on about day 12 (?) in an effort to graduate to cane from walker. I enthusiastically overdid it and spent most of the next day in my recliner icing. It doesn't take much to overdo it early on. Rest / ice today and I'll bet tomorrow will be a better day.

I'm assuming the occasional setback is to be expected

Yes, for sure, this recovery does have its ups and downs. I played it safe by trying to follow the Activity Progression for THR found HERE

You've probably seen this little scribble around the forum before, but even so, it's a good reminder of the reality of the healing process. Wishing you comfort and a brighter day tomorrow!

@Merrimay

 

[Eman85]

Sounds like you're doing good. Be wary speed and distance are not what you should strive for, that's what usually gains you membership into the Overdidit club. It sounds like you got a peek inside from your activities. When walking it's all about form, slow and deliberate. I learned the hard way about speed and distance. It sounds like you had the same closure on your incision as I did with clear tape. My incisions are barely noticeable, just a faint pink line. I hope you don't have the itchies I did with the tape. The tape I had was the toughest stuff known to man, I showered everyday and did all I could to get it to come off. My 2 week follow up couldn't come soon enough to get it off. With my second since we knew the trick my wife removed it at exactly 2 weeks.

 

[Merrimay]

Thank you, Eman85 and Layla. I'll follow your advice. As a retired teacher, I have a tendency to push myself! Certainly don't want to become a member of the Overdidit Club!

 

[Merrimay]

Hi all, surgery was on Weds and it's now Sunday evening. I'm still quite dependent on my sister, but she lives in the midwest and will soon need to get home to her husband. Did any of you fend for yourselves after Day 7? If so, do you have any advice or cautions or encouragement to share? Oh, and I took your advice and cut back on my walking, and the bad thigh pain has calmed down. Thank you!

 

[myglasshalffull]

Good morning Merrimay,
I had my partner but he is gone 12 hours a day to tend to his ailing Mom as well as babysit his grandkids, so no I wasn't totally on my own but for 12 hours 3 days a week I had to manage on my own and I was able to do it. Yes, some things would have to wait until he returned home but I was able to cook, make my bed, do breakfast dishes, etc. I wasn't grabbing the vacuum and running through the house!
As time went on I figured out ways to do basic chores like getting the laundry down the stairs in a tied trash bag.
Do you have friends/neighbors that could possibly come over 2-3 hours a day to assist. Even once or twice a week would be a big help. I wouldn't take a shower unless he was here those first few weeks.
Not sure but some insurance will allow you a home helper few hours a day several times per week, look into that,
As far as thigh pain I walked a lot on Thursday (we visited area casinos), and we were gone all day and I'm not a gambler so I decided to get my steps in, boy I logged close to 5 miles and on Friday my thigh was very sore! I'm totally fine now.
Early days I walked around my dining table 5 times, then 10 times.
Good luck, I wish you well.

 

[Layla]

Hi Merrimay,
I think you'll manage well on your own. You may be surprised. Before your sister leaves have things as organized as possible around the home so you're off to a good start. If she's willing, have her help you get caught up on the laundry, tidy up the house, change any bedding that's due for a change, replenish any household goods you're in need of and have enough groceries to prepare easy meals for yourself. If you're not showering daily, you may want to sneak one last one in while you still have someone within earshot. You will quickly be comfortable doing this on your own, if you're not already.

I believe you'll miss her company more than anything, but hopefully you have a network of friends, neighbors, or other family members to call if you need anything, even if only to stop by for a visit. You also have us, I know, not the same, but we're here for company or advice if you're feeling the need. Many have done this on their own from the beginning. Our own, Jamie, from Admin who's less than two months ahead of you has been recovering alone and my mom at age 81, after her THR, insisted she was fine alone after she passed the one week mark, shooing my sisters and myself out the door as we took turns spending the overnight and portions of her day with her.

I have confidence that you'll do just fine as you will grow stronger and steadier on your feet week by week.
Wishing you a lovely Monday as you spend these last few days with your sister before she leaves for home.
@Merrimay

 

[Merrimay]

Layla, thank you for that encouragement. In 2 days, I'll be at the one week mark, and I practiced doing my personal clean up, feeding my dog, letting her put in the yard,making my own breakfast, getting my own meds situated, then getting my fort set back up around me. Can't reach to put on the compression sleeves without breaking the 90 degree rule, so I'm hoping moving more and taking the aspirin will do the job. My neighbor who is so good to bring the mail has covid, so I'll improvise with that. I'd happily walk to the box, but my slate papers are crooked. Anyway, if your mother can do it, I can! She'll be my inspiration. Thank you again for all your help!

 

[Merrimay]

Hi all, I'm preparing for my sister's departure and wonder if you have any advice as to putting on compression sleeves, not socks, without breaking the 90 degree rule? Thanks for the umpteenth time!