THR On the other side of surgery

[Jamie]

Maybe funny, but they work really well. It’s a great option.

 

[mendogal]

Yep, if a sterile ABD pad isn't needed, it's a lot less expensive too!

 

[barbloki]

I cut back on the pain meds last night and woke up FEELING IT so I guess for me it is too early. I have to stop comparing myself to others who get off pain meds in 1 week. I've always had a low tolerance to pain.

I'm starting to feel impatient and frustrated that I can't do the things I should be doing like laundry and housework. I want to be able to cook and bake again. I miss being able to drive to the senior center for activities or go to the library to get a book. I miss my Tuesday Bible study and luncheon with the ladies. I guess I need to remind myself to be content where I am. It's just so hard.

Oh, and last night my husband took the compression socks off and my leg was bruised. My knee is bruised too and it hurts. I seem to remember that when I had my right hip done in 2022 that my knee hurt worse than my hip. Surgeon said he had to manipulate my leg/knee to get the stem into my bone so.... that's probably it this time too. I still have the bruise on my arm where the IV was inserted. All reminders that my body has been through a rough time and not to expect instant healing.

Today is shower day and I'm looking forward to it. Hubby is changing my sheets today too. Right now he's vacuuming the house and doing laundry while I sit here drinking coffee. Feeling a little guilty. Oh well.

 

[myglasshalffull]

Happy to see you had your bandage changed & doctor took a look too.
Recovery is unfortunately a slow process for some of us & you are only 10-11 days into it. I wouldn’t beat myself up yet.
I know I was able to do some easy cooking as well as make a pot of coffee in the morning standing at the kitchen counter with my walker close by. I think I made a pot of chicken soup 7-10 days after I was home with a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
You will get there.

 

[mendogal]

@barbloki the unchangeable truth is that on a cellular and metabolic level our healing bodies simply don't care about our other goals, wants, or priorities. Literally surrendering to it's needs in terms of rest, nutrition, and carefully scaled activity is our best path in the initial months post op.

Here's a reminder of activity progression!

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) include:
~ Personal hygiene and grooming
~ Dressing and undressing
~ Functional transfers, e.g. Getting out of bed
~ Voluntarily controlling bladder and bowel elimination
~ Ambulation (Walking or using a wheelchair)
~ Housework
~ Meal Preparation
~ Care of pets
~ Meal preparation and cleanup

Walking and other activity
Walking is about the best exercise you can do but again, you need to moderate your time and distance.
Always use your walker, crutches or canes as appropriate, only moving from one to the other as you gain confidence. Actually, hips really don't need all that much exercising and have a perfectly good way of sorting things out for themselves if given half a chance.

Week 1
A little walking around the house. Trips to the bathroom and kitchen are included!
Being up on your feet several times a day as you need to but don't get obsessive about it.
A 5 minute walk every couple of hours is plenty.

Activity: for the first week nothing but rest, occasional trips to the kitchen to get a snack or a drink and to the bathroom for potty and showers!

Week 2
Start on a plan of walks around the house lasting longer than 5-10 minutes but don't a) get into too much pain and b) get too tired. Stop before you get to that point.

Activity: do some tidying up, a little bit of meal prep and maybe some washing up so long as someone else dries and puts it away!

Week 3
Lengthen the walks to about 15-20 minutes once a day, maybe twice a day if it doesn't cause your hip to be painful.

Activity: prepare yourself a meal or help prepare a family meal but not all of it. A little bit of laundry but not all of it.


Weeks 4 and 5
Increase walks around, to 30mins, longer if you feel up to it.

Activity: now you can do some dusting and push a vacuum round the middle of the living room; do a little meal prep (for yourself not the family!), maybe fill and empty the washing machine

Weeks 6 and 7
Start taking car trips to the shops but keep them short and sweet at the start, no longer than 15-20 minutes
Take at least one 5 minute rest while you are out.

Activity: ironing, washing, meal prep but get someone else to clear up after, wash up but someone else clears the table, brings you the dirty dishes, dries and puts them away after, not you!!

Weeks 8 and onward
Bed making and changing sheets, cleaning bedrooms etc., can wait until about now by which time, all things being well, you should pretty much start getting back to normal.

But if it takes a bit longer, don''t worry about it.

And a reminder
Hips actually don't need much exercise to get better. They do a pretty good job of it all on their own if given half a chance. Trouble is, people don't give them a chance and end up with all sorts of aches and pains and sore spots. All they need is the best therapy which is walking and even then not to excess.

Returning to work
It's becoming the norm for hip patients to be pressured back to work after 6 weeks or so. This can be done but it is even more important one needs to try and negotiate a "Phased return to work" because going straight back to full time work can be very hard on the new hip and cause tendinitis in various places.

 

[barbloki]

Insomnia won't quit. It's 4:50am and I'm still awake. I've been up walking the house, back to bed, up walking, back to bed, up walking, back to bed. Over and over and over. As soon as I get into bed my legs start fidgeting. I guess it's restless leg syndrome. I even took 1/2 of a sleeping pill but nothing. I am wired and awake. Even sitting here at the computer desk my legs want to move. My left knee, lower leg, and ankle are swollen but my hip feels pretty good. What a strange time this is.

 

[Layla]

I had to laugh when the nurse said if I run out of the bandages that I can use a maxipad to cover it.

Hey...take it as a compliment! Possibly she felt you looked young enough still.
Great news that your surgeon thought the wound looked okay.

I miss my Tuesday Bible study and luncheon with the ladies.

A Bible quote for the day - Romans 12:12
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

I realize I suggested this before, but if the restless legs and sleeplessness continues, do consider Magnesium. It does work for some and may help with falling asleep and staying asleep also.
Happy Monday! I wish you a good week.

 

[barbloki]

I realize I suggested this before, but if the restless legs and sleeplessness continues, do consider Magnesium.

I just put Magnesium on the grocery list for this week. It's times like this that I wish I could drive. It was magnesium citrate, correct?

 

[mendogal]

@barbloki taking 1/2 of a sleeping pill is likely not going to give you a therapeutic dose.

Insomnia is a real bummer for many of us in the initial weeks after surgery. It's generally not the meds, it's... everything about the trauma, discomfort, energy drain!

Definitely sleep whenever (and wherever it's safe and comfy!) - many of us sleep and/or nap in a recliner, or surround ouselves with soft pillows.

Icing, elevating, napping.... All help, but you might also consider some nonprescription remedies....

If you're lactose tolerant, a glass of warm milk! If you're not diabetic, a teeny bit of honey makes it even more comforting... plus milk is high in magnesium! Helps us relax!

If you aren't a milk drinker, or want an easier way to, an evening magnesium supplement has been very helpful for some members.

OTC diphenhydramine, an antihistamine also used as a sleep aid (Benadryl) because it makes you drowsy; it's also included in some cold, flu, etc "nighttime" combination meds.

Low dose melatonin, sustained release - not for long term use but I have used for a week at a time without ill effect. It should be taken an hour to hour and a half before going to bed, and during that time stay in a dimly lit area to allow this hormone to activate.

Valerian root - an herbal remedy, it can be taken in capsule form but that dose might be high compared to my preference, herbal "sleep" blends that include a smaller dose of valerian and make me pleasantly drowsy. Plus the other tea flavorings make it nice tasting! Celestial Seasonings and Traditional Medicinals sell teabags by the box. Their sleep blends without valerian have never ever made me sleepy.

What finally worked for me: a mug of sleep tea with valerian followed by a 3 mg sustained release melatonin, immediately going into a dimly lit room and relaxing. When I got sleepy, turning off the light and lying down with my legs up on the Lounge Doctor. After a few hours I would wake, move the Lounge Doctor away, and sleep more.

Be aware: even benign herbals and supplements can interact with your routine or post op prescription meds, either making their effects weaker or stronger. If you're on meds you may want to check with your doctor or pharmacist, or even check online for interactions.

 

[barbloki]

Definitely sleep whenever (and wherever it's safe and comfy!) - many of us sleep and/or nap in a recliner, or surround ouselves with soft pillows.

I keep forgetting to ask, how do you all get out of the recliner? I haven't dared to get in yet because I don't think I could get out. It's hard enough struggling to get into and out of the bed. I sit in a hard back chair with handles for meals on a TV tray. My surgeon told me to avoid couches and recliners with sinky seats that put my hip lower than my knees. And I'm not suppose to lean forward past 90 degrees. If I remember correctly, these restrictions are for 6 months but I need to ask him when I go in on Nov 12.

 

[Layla]

I can only speak to Magnesium Glycinate, which I take, and through research found to be the best for overall absorption, is gentle on the stomach, less likely to cause diarrhea as other forms of Magnesium

I am sorry you're finding it difficult to get the restorative rest we all want post op.
Have you tried laying on your side with a lengthy pillow between your legs? That's where an inexpensive Body Pillow (about $10 from Target) came in handy for me initially. Actually, still to this day, over seven years post joint replacement.

Pillows do help me get comfortable in bed, making it easier to fall asleep. You can experiment with different arrangements to find what works for you. I surrounded myself with them so I could rest a leg, or arm easily enough, whatever felt comfortable. It can make you feel swaddled and anything that feels soothing may certainly help you drift off. Doing whatever you can to basically "set the scene" for sleep may be worthwhile. I suggest making up the bed with your most comfortable bedding / blankets along with a few extra bed pillows of different degrees of firmness. Try to block out the light if it's daytime. Minimize noise unless you feel listening to calming relaxation music, a fan, or white noise may help lull you to sleep. Make sure the room temperature is not too hot or too cold. Try to disconnect from the devices at least an hour before the targeted nap or bed time, so it's easier to wind down. Limit caffeine throughout the day and consider natural sleep aids such as Valerian, Chamomile or, Magnesium, my personal favorite, which can assist in muscle relaxation and nerves and promote healthy sleep (falling asleep and staying asleep)

Apply ice for a time before bed to reduce swelling and numb the discomfort. Try some relaxation techniques if you feel they may work for you such as deep breathing, prayer or meditation or even some gentle stretching may help relax your body and mind.

Time will also help, but that takes patience, especially when you're restless and tossing and turning all night.
Wishing you many nights of peaceful sleep soon!
.

As far as th recliner goes, maybe it's too soon for you. If you're able to use your arms to help yourself scoot toward the edge of the chair, it will be easier. You can try adding a firm cushion if the recliner is deep to keep from sinking into the cushion to far making it more difficult to get up. OR wait until your OS confirms it's okay for you to try using the recliner.

While a recliner isn't a necessary recovery item, many are unable to imagine their recovery without one. Not only are they loved for comfort and convenience, but for the assistance they offer at a time when getting out of a chair can feel like a challenge. While your mobility is limited, a lift recliner makes it easier to sit or stand without straining or pain. Recliners provide a wide range of positions for you to relax, keeping you comfortable while you're healing. You may need to make the recliner sit a bit higher if it doesn't have lift capability, but that can easily be done with a simple wood platform or blocks. Reclining with your feet above heart level (“toes above the nose”) allows gravity to naturally reduce swelling and inflammation, boosting circulation and aiding your recovery. Be sure to ice anywhere that hurts when you’re elevating.

 

[barbloki]

I had to laugh when the nurse said if I run out of the bandages that I can use a maxipad to cover it.

Hey...take it as a compliment! Possibly she felt you looked young enough still.
Great news that your surgeon thought the wound looked okay.

I miss my Tuesday Bible study and luncheon with the ladies.

A Bible quote for the day - Romans 12:12
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

I realize I suggested this before, but if the restless legs and sleeplessness continues, do consider Magnesium. It does work for some and may help with falling asleep and staying asleep also.
Happy Monday! I wish you a good week.

I ordered some Magnesium Glycinate and it arrived yesterday. I got the gummies so I ate 2 of them and didn't have restless legs last night. Thank you for telling me about it @Layla

 

[Jamie]

This is great. Please continue to let us know if this works for you.

 

[barbloki]

I wonder how long it will be before I can get out of a chair without arms. I stare at my recliner but am afraid to sit there because I won't be able to get out.

 

[Jamie]

Recliners can be wonderful, but you are right that some can be a bit of a problem to get out of to stand back up. They are not all created equal. Many recliners are constructed with a seat that tilts backwards even when the chair is fully upright. The seats themselves can be very deep, placing you back farther in the chair when seated and try to get up. Obviously, a chair with these characteristics will be tougher to use during the first, say 6 months of recovery than one made in a more upright configuration and with a shorter, flatter seat. So, the answer to your question depends on how your chair is made.

You’re only a few weeks out from surgery, so it may be a while before you have the leg strength to use your recliner as it sits. But there are things you can try that may help.

1. Elevate the chair off the flor with a base you can purchase or have someone construct for you so that the seat height is about the level of a dining room or kitchen chair that you can use pretty easily.

2. Use firm foam to elevate the seat of the chair to get more height. You can also use foam or pillows to ensure that your seated body stays forward in the chair when seated.

3. Experiment and practice with someone there to assist you if needed when sitting down and then trying to stand back up. It may be easier to place a plastic trash bag on the seat so you can slide more easily. When attempting to stand back up, you’ll need to have the chair fully upright and move as far forward as possible in the seat as you can. Your feet should touch the floor when standing so you can position yourself to use the arms of the recliner to help you rise from the chair. For a while, you may need some assistance to use your particular recliner.

If you aren’t able to use your recliner just yet, try and create a good reclining position on a couch that you can easily get up from. Use a good foam support like the Lounge Doctor to create a similar body position that is achieved in a recliner. Or you can put together pillows to make a supportive wedge like we show in our elevation article in the BoneSmart Library. This same thing can be duplicated in your bed for sleep as well. Something like this can help get you through these first months when you need a comfortable position to rest and elevate your legs. As you work through this, ask any questions you may have. We’ll help you.

 

[barbloki]

I tried getting in the recliner tonight with my husband right there, just in case. It was further down than it looked and I plopped down but it was comfortable after I got reclined. Then I couldn't get out of the chair. I just didn't have the leg strength so my husband had to help. I don't think even an extra cushion would have helped me get out of it. We have a wooden chair with arms that I sit in for meals. If it were not for the arms on that chair, I wouldn't be able to get up. I tried several times today and I just can't do it. Yet.

They are having a halloween party on Friday at the senior center. My husband is going to drop me off so I can get out the house for a while. They have a handicapped ramp entrance so that won't be an issue but the chairs will be an issue. I'll have to bring my chair cushion and probably need help to get out of the chair when it's time to leave. I'm so looking forward to getting out of the house and being around people.

 

[Jamie]

Please have several options for attending this event so early in your recovery. Make contingency plans for anything that may happen such as you needing to go home quickly. What’s the plan for you to get food or something to drink? How will you get to the bathroom and negotiate what may be a difficult toilet with no arms? Even in senior centers the toilets are often not good handicapped ones. Remember that a little over 2 weeks ago you were lying on a surgery table in a major operation. Your body still has not recovered yet from that trauma.

I know you’re eager to be normal again and get out of the house, but something like this party can really tire you out in a very short time. Ideally your husband would stay there with you, but it doesn’t sound like that’s the plan. Can he do that just to be sure he could help you while there and take you home if you needed to leave on short notice? You are only 2 weeks out from surgery and this will be quite an undertaking for you, even if you are primarily just sitting in a chair. I would suggest you not plan on staying there longer than an hour at most even if your hubby is with you.

 

[mendogal]

I didn't like leaving the house for required medical appointments at four weeks post op, much less social.events...and my in home mobility certainly was better than what you're describing! Please reconsider this outing.

 

[myglasshalffull]

I had difficulty even being in the car for more than an hour in early days. Never mind attending a social event.
Think about renting a recliner from your local medical store for a month. They are electric and can raise you to almost a standing position when you want to get up. They deliver them & pick them up & might be a good solution to your current situation.
I couldn’t sit on my couch for months it’s just too soft & low but I had a very nice over sized chair in the living room I could use. Most of my early days were spent lying down cause that was my most comfortable position, that & being up & moving. Sitting for any length of time in early days is a challenge especially if you’ve had posterior surgery. Even now I can’t sit for long periods of time. I just get too stiff.

 

[Layla]

I love that you're feeling the desire to socialize and hope you enjoy your time out today, barblocki. It shows you're in good spirits! Hopefully hubs can pick you up when you're at your limit, and there are conscientious people there willing to extend a hand if you're in need. You'll likely tire easily and be happy to be back in your recovery nest after a few hours. Please let us know how it goes. It's good for those following behind to read updates on topics such as this.
Have fun!
@barbloki