Other hip replaced!

[Jaycey]

Catherine, you are doing exceptionally well for so early out of surgery! Well done!

Sorry you are feeling a bit lonely. Don't forget - there is always someone here on BoneSmart!

 

[Suzieslips]

Hi Catherine,
You have a lot more positives than not so positives there, which is great!

And getting in the car and heading North for some light walking sounds like just the ticket.

On the 'not so positives'....
After a relationship break up things can get real lonely, especially when you are going through the upheaval of two very major ops in a short space of time.
Even when we break up for all the right reasons, the loneliness still creeps up on us, especially when we are feeling a bit low anyway.
You will get through this. It just takes time.

The weight....
I'm a person who loses weight easily and have to watch that I don't lose too much weight, so I know about the worry attached to this.

I hardly ever weigh myself. I just know when I'm a bit on the too thin side, because my clothes hang on me (and my daughters nag me...).
After my op, my clothes were hanging on me like sacks in just that short space of time and even though I stuffed myself with all the right food, I am only just at the stage where my clothes almost 'fit right' again.
If your metabolism goes into overdrive during stressful situations like mine does, putting the weight back on can take quite a long time, but it does happen eventually.

Sometimes it's hard to think positive when things are going on at the back of your mind, but you do have a lot going for you Catherine, including your strength of character.
And your rate of recovery shows that your body is strong.

Enjoy your gardening and your excursion next week.

 

[nanamac]

Oh Catherine, post anytime you are lonely. Gosh, the BoneSmart Community sure got me thru some terrible lonely times, still does! I still can't do many of the things that I'd like.

I love to go boating and fishing, and I am alone here on the weekends while Bill goes with our friends. It does get lonely. Hopefully I'll be joining them before the end of summer.

No matter though. I find ways to keep busy. But seriously, write anytime! There is usually someone around, day or night!

 

[Jamie]

Catherine......I've been thinking about you and wondering how you're doing. Don't hesitate to post here if you need someone to talk with!

I think you are doing really well with your recovery! So many wonderful things lie ahead for you.

 

[Catherine]

6 week update

The past couple of weeks have seen a major 'leap' forwards in my recovery. I did manage a few days away last week and headed north. I found a great place to stay which had a wide range of characters staying, not to mention the hosts! I walked, sensibly, on a number of routes, which I have to say were chosen carefully to ensure that as tourist destinations, as if I had any problems I was bound to meet someone. The place was abandoned! I had the most beautiful beaches and forests all to myself. It must be the weather, you could tell how quiet it had been because the wild raspberry and blaeberry bushes were hanging with fruit, all the more for me! Although it was overcast, it stayed dry and was a very good trip. I ate well and was educated in the art of tasting whiskies in the bar at night! I also managed to put on a couple of lbs! Sadly gone since getting home!

I spent the weekend gardening and managed all the major jobs, although I'm going to hang fire with the spade and fork work for a couple more weeks.

My newest hip is feeling very good and the swelling and bruising have gone now. I still feel a little stiff when getting up and down, but there is no pain - a wonderful feeling after about 12 years of ever increasing pain. Last night I went back to the gym for the first time in 6 weeks and did 25 mins each on the cross trainer and recumbent bike with resistance, along with some standard floor work (sit-ups, plank, press-ups etc). I have no adverse reaction today and have booked for a circuit class on Wednesday.

It has been very unusual being on my own for the school summer break and quite difficult to fill the time, but I have learnt that there are times when you have to slow down a little and take more time over things. I have been very lucky with the physical aspect of my recovery and I'm sure my surgeon will be very pleased with his handiwork when I see him on the 5th. After that I will head down to Devon to see my parents for the first time in a couple of years!

I can hear the car calling for a wash - it seems to have picked up an awful lot of wildlife during its recent tour! Best wishes to all :flowerysmile:

 

[Jaycey]

Catherine - what wonderful report! So glad you are doing so well. Sounds like a delightful trip!

 

[nanamac]

WOW! You are dong fantastic Catherine! Sounds like you had a delightful time. I have a funny feeling that you won't be alone forever, you have to much to offer! Just hang in ther for the time being...

Kudos for all that you are able to do. Keeping busy is a good thing, but don't over do. So glad you had a good vaction, though I must admit I missed you :wink1:.

Keep updating as you go, I LOVE reading your posts. Be well my friend

 

[Jamie]

Boy, your vacation does sound like fun!!! Relaxing too.....so glad you were able to go.

 

[Renate]

Hi Catherine, what a wonderful recovery. May it continue. It sounds like you had a great getaway too. It's nice to be on your own at times and enjoy the sounds and smell of nature, good for the body and soul.

 

[sharonann]

Catherine, you're doing so well, I'm jealous!
Your trip sounded great, I bet the scenery was stunning. Think of all the lovely walks you'll get to do in Devon, haven't been to Devon/Cornwall for about 8 years so really must think about planning a visit.
Tuck in to all those wonderful cream teas they do so so well down there & you'll soon put those pounds back on! And it'll be great to see your parents again, I bet they'll be pleased as punch with your progress.

 

[Catherine]

8 week update

Well that's it really! Saw my Consultant on Friday, he signed me fit for work and said I can do anything I want as it's my body and my life! I asked about skiing and he said 'fine', obviously with care, and he had no concerns with me continuing hill walking and training for India next summer. I also had my colonoscopy on Wednesday and they found a polyp which had been causing the bleeding, which was duly removed and sent for biopsy. Now it's removed I should have no more problems, just regular check-ups. Since Friday I been feeling very positive about all things and have spent most evenings out for dinner with friends and walking and exploring the area where I live during the day. Next week I'm off to see my parents in Devon and then back to work the week after - yipee!

After such a ........ few months, life is certainly looking a lot better! I wish all my fellow 'bone smarties' good health and speedy recoveries.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and hugs!

 

[DaveGM]

Hello Catherine

I have been following your thread and Julie's as both of you have recently had both hips replaced.

You seem to have progressed remarkably well and it seems that you have really got a fresh start. Hill walking, skiiing etc. Fantastic, an inspiration!

Yesterday I committed to having my second hip done. I do hope your experience is more typical than poor Julie.

Regards

Dave

 

[Juliep]

What a wonderful report Catherine, so glad to hear that you have had such a great recovery and you are back to doing things you want to do. Congratulations !!! So much for you to look forward to.

Dave - yours will go fine as well. Like you said, mine wasn't typical but I WILL be there along with all the other 2 hippy's !!!

Best of luck Catherine !!

 

[Jamie]

Wonderful, Catherine!!! I can tell you are eager to get back to all the things you enjoy. Just remember you will always be part of the BoneSmart family. Stop back in and visit now and then when you can. We will always enjoy hearing what you are up to!!!

And.....don't be in a hurry to race off now. Of course we'd like to keep you around as long as possible to offer your experiences to those who are following you in surgery.

 

[nanamac]

Amen to that! I don't want to see you rush off :cry4:. I surely would miss you! New beginnings Catherine! And I've a sneaking suspicion that what lies ahead for you is going to be wonderful and exciting!

You are a lovely young woman and now that you are healthy, the sky's the limit ! You go girl, but not too far. You will always have friends here at BoneSmart. I wish you all the best Catherine. You deserve it :wink1: ...

 

[Catherine]

Without the guidance, advice and geniuine good sentiments of all of those here, I think I might have gone a little mad, particularly after the second hip and all the other stuff that accompanied this difficult time, so NO I won't disappear!
Dave: I really wish you all the best with the second hip, the only advice I would give is have no expectations based on your first experience - doesn't mean you can't be positive though - it might be even better!
julie: although you have had a hard time with the second replacement and it wasn't a typical experience, you have done so well to get through this so far and in the not too distant future it will be a fading memory.I know that my experience hasn't been typical either as the recovery has been so rapid - either ends of the spectrum!
Jamie: Not rushing off! Will pop in often to see if I can be of help to anyone, although I still feel such a 'junior' after only 6 months here! But as you say, I have another family now.
Janet: You are an absolute inspiration, always taking time to support and advise people who really do need it - me included. I will keep in touch as I'm hopeful for a much more interesting and full life now and will send you details of all the 'nitty gritty' . May you stay pain-free! X

 

[Jaycey]

Catherine you are truly an inspiration! So happy you are able to get on with life. Enjoy your new found freedom - you deserve it!

 

[Jamie]