THR New Hip - On My Way Now to a Better Life

[Juliep]

Glad to hear things are going well for you. Enjoy getting on your side to sleep. I did the pillow for quite some time and then all of a sudden, it didn't feel right anymore and away it went. It's nice now to sleep on whatever side I want to. The things in life that makes us happy, right?

 

[gizmo]

I am impressed by all those exercises, especially the bike riding. Sleep is so elusive these days- for most or even all of us it seems. Some days I wonder how its possible to exist on so little. My scar was stinging a few days ago when I over did my walk, it is better now. I guess its not surprising we've all been through a lot. Happy to hear all is well and keep up the good work.
Gizmo

 

[C Mac]

Hi Chef,

Wow! It sounds like you are doing great, that is fantastic!!

I didn't get onto the bike until something like 12 weeks...

Keep up the good work,
Cardie

 

[ChefHuber]

On Thursday, after my doctor appointment and before my PT, I decided to make an appointment to get my hair cut today. Welllll, I've been really sore, all over, but mostly calf and lower back, since therapy and I don't think I can drive to my hair cut appointment. So I woke my wife up and she will take me. it is only 10 minutes away and about 10 minutes to cut so I should be back resting within 1/2 hour or so. Quite the disappointment.

 

[Jaycey]

Just a minor setback Chef. Recovery is like that - a roller coaster.

Did you do too much at PT? Please don't worry. Just rest and ice a bit today. Tomorrow is another chance!

 

[DaveL]

Hi Chief, been following your post and see you making amazing progress. Just to echo Jaycey, don't get disappointed by little set backs. That is something we all experience, as it is part of the process. Be a patient patient, you'll get there.

 

[ChefHuber]

DaveL and Jaycey

I know. No big deal. But I feel as if I should be MUCH further along than I am. Most of the time I feel really good - provided I keep up with the Percocet. My recent PT visit has shown me how much muscle tone loss I've had over the past several months. I told Hubert (my PT) that I am really looking forward to working my knee again because I feel I can improve upon that joint as well. I actually feel now that I will be able to golf and bowl again - something I have not felt in a couple years. I even went on line and started to look for a new bowling ball. Nothing I need, but something to do. When I did bowl several years ago I maintained almost a 200 average.

I also am dreading going back to work. 45+ minutes drive each direction on clear days. Much longer in the winter. I leave my house about 6:00 to avoid massive traffic and leave the office at 4:00. So I'm gone for 11 hours which isn't any big deal but I clearly see now that I'm a ways away from being able to do that on a daily basis. I really don't like winter, cold, snow, driving, etc. Shoveling snow:hissyfit:

What I really need is a fun event. Something to cheer me up. But at the moment I just want to lay down and do nothing. But I appreciate your posts.

 

[forbesy]

Hi Chef

Recovery can be very annoying and boring at times you are desperate to do loads but your brain should be saying don't be so silly.Chef.
Golfing and Bowling :skeptical: I would think twice about them at this present moment in time and focus on the work one as going back to work doing bowling and attempting golf might just be a bit to much.
I hate to sound like the dull one but it is vital you take things slowly as you have said most of the time I feel really good.
So why set yourself back.
Hang in there Chef.

Billy

 

[nannyles]

Hey Chef, Better get started on the prunes, prunejuice, linseeds and lots of fresh veggies, fruit and salad. This is my daily staple diet at the moment while i'm on strong codeine. Eye of a needle springs to mind

 

[Poppet]

Hey Chef

Remember our mantra buddy

Patience....

Don't you just hate it.

I know how much you hate winter and all that goes with it, and I feel your pain.

Not going to sugar coat the message, just hang in ther friend, one day at a time.. Don't forget to keep an eye on your rear view mirror, I am a comin !!

 

[ChefHuber]

Nannyles

Thanks for the advice. I am a Percocet veteran - I've been on it for over a year. A little fruit and docusate sodium and I'm good to go:hysterical:

 

[ChefHuber]

I'm looking for some opinions from other "hippies" or those with experience!

I need to go back into the office by Dec. 5. It is a little over 30 miles and about 50 minutes drive on a good day (winter is rapidly approaching and this will turn into an average 1 hour each way - and I have not attempted to drive yet although I have been cleared by my OS). I start work at 7:00 and can leave at 4:00 to avoid substantial traffic. My problems are that I can't sit in a chair (I have a desk job) for more than a couple hours and I just can't get going in the morning. Until I get my muscle relaxer and Percocet in me I really struggle to move (stiffness and pain, tired too!). I feel that both items are something that I need to build up to - or rest up to - an endurance issue.

So -
Would I be best to work propped up in bed with my legs forward (which I can do all day long) "resting" or work from my cushioned chair upright for as long as possible then revert back to the bed? Regardless by 4:00 I feel pretty beat up either way. I also need to fit in at least a 1/2 hour for physical therapy.

This is the second time this year that I have worked from home for 2 months so Dec. 5 is really when I need to return to the office.

I've thought about trying to go into the office a couple times next week for half days to see how it goes (10-2) but that seems like it will just set me back.


What do you think? Thanking you in advance!

 

[Juliep]

Good morning Pete,

I'm sure those winter drives are not going to be a pleasant thing for you and the length of the drive as well.

These things are such a hard call. I know here in the US we have it different with the amount of time off than others do. I am very fortunate unlike a lot of others that I get to build my sick bank up through out the years and I've been working here for 14 years so that sure did help.

Like you, I've been out twice this year for surgeries and before that time I was out with my back leading up to the diagnosis that it was my hips. Work has been very good about it and thankfully, like you, I was able to remotely work from home and still do the payroll and accounts payable.

I worked at home in the recliner for the most part. I did have to come back right to full time after the 6 week mark with the first and 7 week mark with the second op and it was tough. I work from 7:00 - 4:30 with 1/2 hour lunch. It was very exhausting and everyone can tell you all day and back that "get up every hour and take a walk". That's all great and sounds great, however, I found it and still do not practical. I'm engrossed at the computer doing my work and it's not just that easy to get up and take a walk, so needless to say, still to this day when I do get up from my desk I'm very stiff.

I really think you should try the 4 hours for a couple of days to see how it feels. I know regardless like you, I just had to come back and deal with it no matter what. I had really no more time I could take and I need to bank all the rest of the time I can for my knees to be done next. It's not easy being in this position now is it?

I'm sorry I had nothing good in advise to offer you, I'm just speaking honestly about how I've experienced it.

 

[Jaycey]

I agree with Julie. A phased return to work is the only way you are going to get an idea of just how long you can endure steady work. Typically most hippies have that stamina issue. Starting part time and working up to full time will allow you some rest in between the days. But bottom line is you are going to be tired.

As far as sitting - that's an issue that can take some time to resolve. Sitting propped up in bed is not necessarily good either - bad for your back. You will need to be good about getting up and walking around when you start to feel discomfort.

Not easy answers I know Chef. But as always easing into new activity is the best approach.

 

[ChefHuber]

Hi Julie:

I asked for opinions and appreciate your honesty. No apologies necessary!

I am the VP of the company (25 employees), and have worked there for 20 years, so technically I could take more time, but there is also the example that needs to be set. I REALLY pushed myself with my knee replacement earlier this year to get back to the office. I'm finding that no matter how hard I push, I just don't have it in me. I also have a guy out with a partial knee replacement and know employees are comparing our progress. Unfortunately for him he recently developed a serious staph infection and will be out for a couple more weeks.

And, I'm only 51. I should be able to rebound better than I am:biggrin:.

 

[Jaycey]

And, I'm only 51. I should be able to rebound better than I am:biggrin:.

There are no "shoulds" attached to this recovery Chef. Depending on how long you limped around it may take more time for you to recovey. Please don't compare any other recovery with yours. Everyone it different.

 

[DaveGM]

Chef

Our situations are quite similar in some ways.

Second time off this year and a long commute and trying to recognise when we are ready for a full time return to work.

Earlier this year ater the first hip, I returned to work after seven weeks but on a phased basis of working 10.00 AM to 4.00PM for the first two weeks. I normally work 9.00 AM to 5.30PM.

My commute is 50 miles each way by car and takes about one hour on a clear run. However, at my normal work times it is rarely a clear run and at his time of year when the mornings and evenings are dark the traffic is worse and it can take up to 1.5 hours each journey.

My work is mainly office based but I also go out of the office visiting clients and projects on site.

I can say the first time around that phased return was surely nescessary.

I would recommend you also do reduced hours or a limited mumber of days a week to begin with.

I recall after the first few days I was reguarly falling asleep in the chair following my evening meal.

I have a relatively senior position in the company so have a good degree of flexibility with regards taking a break etc ( in other words I am not glued to the computer all day).

I have to say my company has been very good and this time will include working from home for some days in the week.

Perhaps having been with the same company for almost 25 years has advantages in this respect.

In this part of the UK we rarely get much snow but last year was an exception. Although this was before my first op commuting was a nightmare so I am keeping my fingers crossed this year will not be a repeat.

I think as Jacey has said the recovery rate is not necessarily age related.

We have to give it time even if work is calling. Health is more important than work - they may have to wait for once!

Regards

Dave

 

[Josephine]

Pete, you also have to remember that you have had TWO major surgeries in less than 9 months which has repercussions all of its own! You might 'only' be 51 but trust me, anno domini is catching up regardless. You might have been able to bounce back in your twenties but you're not twenty any more! :wink1:

Now you may have seen these before but please check them out again
Chart representation of TKR recovery
Energy drain for TKRs

Chart representation of THR recovery
Energy Drain for THRs

You will note that the TKR recovery is only just reaching it's zenith at 7 months but then you had a THR which is only just 8 weeks old! By my estimation, you are about a mere two thirds of the way through your primary recovery period. And your energy drain is still pretty significant too.

Julie and Dave have both given you excellent first hand experience and I'm speaking from a professional point of view (as in occupational health) but of course, in the end it's your decision.

 

[gizmo]

What difficult decisions Chef!! When you have such high expectations for your recovery (timewise) it must make it harder for you to appreciate how you are doing. You need to be able to give yourself a pat on the back for all you have achieved. Its a lot of driving hours. Is there any way you could phase back between Dec 5th and New Year ? You may find its counterproductive otherwise. Any possibility of doing two or three days for a while but getting accomodation nearer so cutting down that driving time? Not an easy suggestion but it is a lot of driving otherwise. Phasing your return and not overdoing it would be a great message to send your staff. If you talk to them they may have suggestions of making it work (or for making you not work yet- even better_heeheeA few extra weeks resting now may have a positive feedback in the future. You must look after yourself. 50miles is a long long drive so soon I would have thought.
Take care of yourself !!!
Gizmo

 

[ChefHuber]

Gizmo

It is a double edge sword being VP of a small company. Needing to set an example v. looking after yourself. I think I am leaning towards working 5-6 hour days the first week and depending upon weather work from home if necessary.

Thanks for the suggestions.