I wish I had found this site sooner in my hip replacement journey which started roughly 18 months ago (what?! Exactly my OS reaction.) I was treated off and on by my PCP for arthritis, various muscle syndromes with various drugs and exercises which helped to various degrees until they didn’t. I sort of gave up thinking there was nothing left to try. I was definitely an orthopedic virgin. Lol. This January, when it looked like I wasn’t going to be able to work (3 shifts of 12 hours on my feet as a respiratory therapist) I became desperate and went back to my PCP.
“Did we ever take an X-ray?” No. There it was in plain black and white. I could see it from across the room. The source of my agony and the vision of my future.
My doc scheduled an ortho consult (a highly recommended OS at our local medical center) but it wouldn’t be until April. I started to cry. There was no way I could make it until then. My husband told me not to give up just yet. I was blessed that he works with many physicians at the medical center. He personally contacted an OS who graciously arranged to see me sooner: the following week and my right THR surgery was scheduled and performed Feb. 28, 2019. The 2 biggest issues I’ve had are a lot of swelling in my thigh made worse by compression stockings (resolved by POD 6 but maybe sooner if I had known about this site) and ongoing insomnia. The one thing I was looking forward to was finally getting a decent night’s sleep without agonizing pain. No one mentioned that pre or post op. Well, the pain/discomfort is better but sleep can still be elusive. I think it is finally starting to get better as for 2 nights I haven’t had to retreat to the living room so hubby can sleep.
This forum has helped me with so much information and support from a professional and personal perspective especially post op blues/depression and being patient with your recovery- it takes as long as YOUR hip takes. I had to call my boss yesterday and tell her to push back my return date. She’s the best and with a new tentative date and starting me back at half shifts (another invaluable tip from this site.) I will see the OS next Tuesday for my 6week check. I’ll keep you posted (good pun!) Thanks for “listening.”
“Did we ever take an X-ray?” No. There it was in plain black and white. I could see it from across the room. The source of my agony and the vision of my future.
My doc scheduled an ortho consult (a highly recommended OS at our local medical center) but it wouldn’t be until April. I started to cry. There was no way I could make it until then. My husband told me not to give up just yet. I was blessed that he works with many physicians at the medical center. He personally contacted an OS who graciously arranged to see me sooner: the following week and my right THR surgery was scheduled and performed Feb. 28, 2019. The 2 biggest issues I’ve had are a lot of swelling in my thigh made worse by compression stockings (resolved by POD 6 but maybe sooner if I had known about this site) and ongoing insomnia. The one thing I was looking forward to was finally getting a decent night’s sleep without agonizing pain. No one mentioned that pre or post op. Well, the pain/discomfort is better but sleep can still be elusive. I think it is finally starting to get better as for 2 nights I haven’t had to retreat to the living room so hubby can sleep.
This forum has helped me with so much information and support from a professional and personal perspective especially post op blues/depression and being patient with your recovery- it takes as long as YOUR hip takes. I had to call my boss yesterday and tell her to push back my return date. She’s the best and with a new tentative date and starting me back at half shifts (another invaluable tip from this site.) I will see the OS next Tuesday for my 6week check. I’ll keep you posted (good pun!) Thanks for “listening.”