THR On road to recovery

[Mbone]

Out to dinner was pretty successful... But oh am I tired!

 

[Poppet]

Welcome mybone ... You will be truly bionic.. However, get over your hip first, rest and recover.

 

[Mbone]

I agree, I just worry that all these other issues will stand in the way of my hip recovery!

 

[Mbone]

3 weeks post op.... Getting around a little better. I went to look for wedding dresses with my daughter today! It was great to spend this time outside of my home! I long for the day that I will no longer need the walker! I sometime doubt this will ever happen!

 

[Mbone]

I'm a little over 3 weeks post op! I'm struggling to use the cane instead of the walker. How long does it usually seem to take for the hip replacement leg to get strong enough to support body weight? What is the average length of time to be off work?

 

[bellaroma]

Hi Mbone, everyone heals at different rates and it takes a while for the muscles to come back especially if you were unable to move much prior to the surgery. AND A BIG REMEMBER is you are only 3 Weeks out from major surgery. You will get rid of the walker, but remember slow and steady wins the race, and you have a lifetime to enjoy the new hip, but only one time to heal. Sending postive vibes and rainbows your way. I was 8 weeks due to a fracture during the surgery on 2 crutches, the walker for me was worse and I could follow the weight bearign restrictions better on crutches, but today the only cane I use is for my other hip which will be replaced in March,

 

[Mbone]

Thanks for your words of encouragement!

 

[Mbone]

4 weeks post op and I'm doing pretty good! I use the cane 95% of the time. I've been out and about and even driving! I started out patient PT. I need to build up my stamina! Tomorrow I might try to venture out alone for a short store visit!

 

[bottomshollow]

The stamina will come in its own time---when the majority of the healing is done. Everything may look all healed and done on the outside----but it's what's going on on the inside that counts---and it's going to take several more months for that. As you are able to do more without hitting the wall, you will know that what you can't see is getting better and better. You can't rush it--it's going to take as long as it's going to take.

Take care and keep us posted. We care.

 

[Mbone]

4 weeks post op and I'm doing pretty well! I started out patient PT and a, a little sore from it. I'm walking with the cane instead of the walker! I started to drive agsin! I'm getting a sense of independence again! I just don't have the concentration like I did! I seem to get distracted easily! I'm also still having sleep issues! But basically each day is getting better!

 

[Mbone]

Hi All, This is my 5th week post op. I have been doing great! I am walking only with a cane and even take some gimpy steps without it. I have been going out and about. I'm driving and loving my independence. My daughter and I have been wedding dress and venue shopping. I am no longer tired all day, however, I still have problems sleeping at night. This has always been a problem! Anyone know any good remedies???

I go to PT 3times a week and they say I am doing great! Some exercises hurt a little, especially the one where she has me walk up a step backwards. Those muscles do not seem to be working yet. I am noticing that my ankle and knees do not seem to hurt so much either. I can't wait to see the OS in March!

I am hardly taking any pain meds other than over the counter, and even those are infrequent.
Thank you bonesmart for helping me through this time.

 

[bottomshollow]

Mbone, for being a BoneSmartie and following the mantra and being such a success! You're living proof that THR changes your life for the better.

Take care and keep us posted. We care.

 

[BarbaraR]

Mbone, I've found that taking one Benadryl just before bed helps me sleep.

 

[Mbone]

I will try that...thank you.

 

[Mbone]

Monday, I will be 6 weeks post - op. I still have a week and a half to go before I see the OS. I am doing better...leg is getting stronger....BUT will I ever walk without the cane???? I'm feeling a little low and discouraged! Had a terrible day yesterday...knocked off my side view mirror....debit card was compromised and in the hands of the fraud department! AND I still cannot sleep. At night, I get this funny felling, like the need to take deep breaths. I think like a panic attack, and cannot sleep! Nothing helps! I have always had sleep issues so I have prescription sleep medicine which I have not taken for about 4 months due to taking pain meds.I have had to resort to it or I am up all night tossing and turning. I have stopped my pain meds (no longer need them). Someone posted here somewhere, that the sleepless nights could be a result of not taking the norco. Is this true? Im feeling quite sad and discouraged lately!!!

 

[Mbone]

Is it normal to feel depressed 6 weeks post op!

 

[bottomshollow]

Why, oh why, is this happening to me!!!!! What did I ever do to deserve any of this!!!! My life just stinks!!!!!!!

I feel your pain, Mary. Sometimes it feels like life is just ganging up on us when we are most vulnerable and unable to cope. I'm so sorry about your debit card---that is a total bummer and will be a pain until all the illegal charges come through and are taken care of. I had a checkbook stolen once and I know how much trouble these things are.

Now about that limp. How long were you limping before you had your THR? Bet is was a lot longer than 6 weeks. I know you'd like for it to be gone right now---but the reality is that your body has a lot of healing still going on. The incision area probably looks great---but deep down inside it's still things happening. And you've got muscles, tendons, ligaments that are trying to readjust to a whole new way of moving. You've got to give them TIME to adjust. Get your PT to help you determine what you need to do to help it along a bit faster. But you're going to have to have PATIENCE with these body parts.

So there it is again---TIME & PATIENCE. You have to find the PATIENCE to give your body TIME to get where your mind wants it to be. YOU CAN DO THIS! I BELIEVE IN YOU!

Take care and keep us posted. We care.

 

[Mbone]

@bottomshollo Thanks for the words of encouragement...Your little lady screaming "Why Me!" is exactly how I feel. Just kind of feeling sorry for myself...and I have no reason to be.....I am much better than before the surgery!!!

 

[Firebrand]

I think we're all allowed to have 'why me' moments at points along the road to recovery. As long as we keep moving forward (in a straight-ish line!) on that road. Don't be too hard on yourself.

 

[djklaugh]

YES! It is very normal to have days when you feel down and depressed after any surgery. It will pass - and why not put this question on your regular post op thread? You'd be more apt to get lots of support over there Do something nice for yourself today - you deserve a treat!