THR One down, one to go
- Thread starter Redd
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Redd
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Hi All,
Update: saw my consultant today for my six week post-op review. It’s fortunate that I’m back to driving myself distances again!
He was very pleased with the wound. Quick discussion about my haematoma drama and current meds. He showed my x-ray. My bionic bits are very shiny! He commented that the op was very complicated and I caused him a lot of stress! My reply was that I felt very sorry for his stress whilst my blood pressure was crashing post surgery
Anyway, the real update is that my next surgery, to replace the left hip, is booked for 24th February. That will be exactly 13 weeks after the first one.
Feeling positive about that. So it’s game on!
Missions in the meantime to do what I can to help the right one gain strength, work out how to sleep and start counting down!
Update: saw my consultant today for my six week post-op review. It’s fortunate that I’m back to driving myself distances again!
He was very pleased with the wound. Quick discussion about my haematoma drama and current meds. He showed my x-ray. My bionic bits are very shiny! He commented that the op was very complicated and I caused him a lot of stress! My reply was that I felt very sorry for his stress whilst my blood pressure was crashing post surgery
Anyway, the real update is that my next surgery, to replace the left hip, is booked for 24th February. That will be exactly 13 weeks after the first one.
Feeling positive about that. So it’s game on!
Missions in the meantime to do what I can to help the right one gain strength, work out how to sleep and start counting down!
Mojo333
Former BoneSmart Staff Member
Hope you are doing well.
Glad you will be finishing the year well into recovery on both hips.
Of course it's all in our own experience, but I'm glad mine were one and done ...I think you are very brave and smart to get number two sorted so quickly.
Hope today is a Good Day.
OP
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Redd
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Hi @Mojo333,
Thank you!
Today definitely a good day! Physio appointment today (which has the added benefit of meaning I can work from home). He is really amazed at how far the operated leg has come in just over six weeks. Me too, actually. Says a lot about a great surgeon and the power of a robotic arm assistant!
Sent away with instructions to carry on with the same exercises and then we will get together again when number two is done and we can do some real work.
I felt very smug when he checked my ‘standing on one leg’ balance on operated leg (I practice that when I’m brushing my teeth!); then he asked me to do it with my eyes closed....
So that’s a new mission to add!
I admit it feels slightly daunting to know I’m only six weeks away from going through it all over again. But mainly, I’m just eager to get on with it and be able to ditch the crutch, sleep again and start my recovery properly!
Thank you!
Today definitely a good day! Physio appointment today (which has the added benefit of meaning I can work from home). He is really amazed at how far the operated leg has come in just over six weeks. Me too, actually. Says a lot about a great surgeon and the power of a robotic arm assistant!
Sent away with instructions to carry on with the same exercises and then we will get together again when number two is done and we can do some real work.
I felt very smug when he checked my ‘standing on one leg’ balance on operated leg (I practice that when I’m brushing my teeth!); then he asked me to do it with my eyes closed....
So that’s a new mission to add!I admit it feels slightly daunting to know I’m only six weeks away from going through it all over again. But mainly, I’m just eager to get on with it and be able to ditch the crutch, sleep again and start my recovery properly!
VSlowLife
post-grad
Great idea!I practice that when I’m brushing my teeth!); then he asked me to do it with my eyes closed....
jenTjenT
junior member
@Redd
The double hippy club is definitely where it’s at. The second hip will most likely be easier as you will know what to expect and you will have one good (right) leg to stand on. I had my first hip replacement in 1998, while I don't remember a whole lot about it, I know that I was much more calm going into surgery this time. I think it's like having a baby, the first one is really hard, each one afterwards is a little easier. I think that knowing how long each phase of recovery lasts is comforting, while there are a few rough spots, they really don't last long.
I was all over the heating pad pre-op, but had I been here I may have switched to ice instead!
Now I'm all about ICE.
The double hippy club is definitely where it’s at. The second hip will most likely be easier as you will know what to expect and you will have one good (right) leg to stand on. I had my first hip replacement in 1998, while I don't remember a whole lot about it, I know that I was much more calm going into surgery this time. I think it's like having a baby, the first one is really hard, each one afterwards is a little easier. I think that knowing how long each phase of recovery lasts is comforting, while there are a few rough spots, they really don't last long.
I was all over the heating pad pre-op, but had I been here I may have switched to ice instead!
Now I'm all about ICE.
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Happy Sunday @Redd in your red dress on your cute avatar.
You're doing so well and while the thought of going through it all over again in six weeks feels daunting, it will be like one recovery rolling into another. Look at 2020 as a year of healing and getting your life back on track. Think of the possibilities to come.
You're on to a beautiful and brighter future. I'm excited for you.
A great week to you as you continue on the journey.
You're doing so well and while the thought of going through it all over again in six weeks feels daunting, it will be like one recovery rolling into another. Look at 2020 as a year of healing and getting your life back on track. Think of the possibilities to come.
You're on to a beautiful and brighter future. I'm excited for you.A great week to you as you continue on the journey.
OP
OP
Redd
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Happy Sunday @Layla!
Thank you so much for your lovely encouraging words. The red dress photo was from my 50th birthday! I was already struggling hugely with my arthritis, but was determined to not let it beat me. So I gifted myself my first ever photo session. I’ve always had body image issues, so it was a huge leap for me. The photo therefore reminds me I can be determined, take ownership and smile through! Mission is to wear the dress again on my next birthday, complete with heels (albeit briefly!)
2020 definitely a year of healing. And reclaiming part of myself again. Enough of this defining me.
Hope you have a wonderful week ahead!
Thank you so much for your lovely encouraging words. The red dress photo was from my 50th birthday! I was already struggling hugely with my arthritis, but was determined to not let it beat me. So I gifted myself my first ever photo session. I’ve always had body image issues, so it was a huge leap for me. The photo therefore reminds me I can be determined, take ownership and smile through! Mission is to wear the dress again on my next birthday, complete with heels (albeit briefly!)
2020 definitely a year of healing. And reclaiming part of myself again. Enough of this defining me.
Hope you have a wonderful week ahead!
DesertDiva
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@Redd - Your journey is much like mine with my left hip being done on 09/24/19 and my right just completed on 12/30/19 with Mako Robotic Assisted Surgery. It sounds like you're doing fantastic - keep up the good work!
OP
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Redd
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I am just catching up on your thread, so happy to find you're scheduled in February for your other hip.
It's understandable to be nervous about facing the surgery again so soon, maybe if you can keep in mind how well you are recovering, it will keep the nervousness down to a low hum?
You really are doing very well, congratulations!
It's understandable to be nervous about facing the surgery again so soon, maybe if you can keep in mind how well you are recovering, it will keep the nervousness down to a low hum?
You really are doing very well, congratulations!
OP
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Redd
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Thanks @CricketHip
Nervousness took a little jump up today. CT scan booked in for next Monday. Which will then mark five weeks to the operation.
Plus meeting with my boss today to plan various things and the two weeks I will be out of action again. (Phased back in week three this time round. Planning the same for next time, but I admit it was pretty exhausting! So doesn’t fill me with joy to do it again!)
Process starting all over again...
But yes; generally keeping myself focused firmly on the positive aspects of this recovery and the shiny prize ahead of two working hips. Wrote myself a little list in my personal ‘hip blog’ about all the things my right leg can already do and the milestones already reached. A matching pair can only be a good thing! Just need this next push.
Nervousness took a little jump up today. CT scan booked in for next Monday. Which will then mark five weeks to the operation.
Plus meeting with my boss today to plan various things and the two weeks I will be out of action again. (Phased back in week three this time round. Planning the same for next time, but I admit it was pretty exhausting! So doesn’t fill me with joy to do it again!)
Process starting all over again...
But yes; generally keeping myself focused firmly on the positive aspects of this recovery and the shiny prize ahead of two working hips. Wrote myself a little list in my personal ‘hip blog’ about all the things my right leg can already do and the milestones already reached. A matching pair can only be a good thing! Just need this next push.
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Hi @Redd
I hope you're having a good day so far.
Can you possibly have a longer break from work after next months surgery?
I think you may find yourself more tired after February's surgery since it's only two months in between two surgeries and it's still very early into your recovery from the first surgery. I hate to see you commit to something that becomes exhausting for you. Sadly, work colleagues often expect that when you're back...you're back! They may assume you're ready to perform as though you haven't just experienced a second major surgery.
I'm not sure if you've read the Phased Return To Work from the BoneSmart Library, but I'll leave a copy -
bonesmart.org
Ten to twelve weeks off is what's recommended, but it's also understandable that amount of time off isn't feasible for everyone. If you have no option but to return three weeks post op, hopefully you wont have to do much more than crash in your favorite chair or bed, once done working and back home for the evening. Just something to ponder...
A peaceful evening to you.
I hope you're having a good day so far.
Can you possibly have a longer break from work after next months surgery?
I think you may find yourself more tired after February's surgery since it's only two months in between two surgeries and it's still very early into your recovery from the first surgery. I hate to see you commit to something that becomes exhausting for you. Sadly, work colleagues often expect that when you're back...you're back! They may assume you're ready to perform as though you haven't just experienced a second major surgery.
I'm not sure if you've read the Phased Return To Work from the BoneSmart Library, but I'll leave a copy -
Phased return to work
For return to work at 10-12 weeks as patient feels able, the following schedules are suggested week 1: Tues, Thurs 5hrs week 2: Mon, Wed, Fri 5hrs week 3: Tues, Thurs 8-9hrs week 4: Mon, Wed, Fri 8-9hrs week 5: normal duties The thing to remember really is that so often when people think of...
bonesmart.org
Ten to twelve weeks off is what's recommended, but it's also understandable that amount of time off isn't feasible for everyone. If you have no option but to return three weeks post op, hopefully you wont have to do much more than crash in your favorite chair or bed, once done working and back home for the evening. Just something to ponder...
A peaceful evening to you.
OP
OP
Redd
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Hi @Layla ,
Thanks for your thoughts and the phased return information. I admit, it was very much on my mind yesterday. I know when I took time off for the first one, my boss was okay (if a bit panicked about the work that needed doing), but did go very pale when I pointed out the actual recommended time off!
It’s a very good point that I might be even more tired after the next operation. That is definitely something to ponder...
It’s tricky because I have some key work dates (board presentations, so pretty major) in my diary in March, which mean that taking any time off at the moment is the last thing I would do under normal circumstances.
On the upside, with a phased return, I am able to vary going into the office (I have a long commute) with working from home sometimes. That was a godsend last time as I could keep getting away from my desk at home to either stretch or lie down!
I will keep your wise counsel in mind though. I do know that nobody is indispensable at work. It’s just rather alien to me to not keep all plates spinning myself!
Thanks for your thoughts and the phased return information. I admit, it was very much on my mind yesterday. I know when I took time off for the first one, my boss was okay (if a bit panicked about the work that needed doing), but did go very pale when I pointed out the actual recommended time off!
It’s a very good point that I might be even more tired after the next operation. That is definitely something to ponder...
It’s tricky because I have some key work dates (board presentations, so pretty major) in my diary in March, which mean that taking any time off at the moment is the last thing I would do under normal circumstances.
On the upside, with a phased return, I am able to vary going into the office (I have a long commute) with working from home sometimes. That was a godsend last time as I could keep getting away from my desk at home to either stretch or lie down!
I will keep your wise counsel in mind though. I do know that nobody is indispensable at work. It’s just rather alien to me to not keep all plates spinning myself!
