THR Phoebie's recovery THR- left side. Uncemented, minimally invasive posterior.

[msart]

Phoebe-I am sleeping some on my side, non operated side. I did not have staples or stitches, I had a dermobond put in/on top of my incision. Bc I had my surgery out of state & had a 5 hr trip to make back home. It is still not healed, but I also do have RA & am on immune suppressant’s. I just read your thread-we had mainly the same surgery. Interesting to see difference since I’m assuming you are not in US. I am hopeful you can fly Christmas, you may tire still easily & get sore when pushing yourself. Of course, again just my thoughts bc of myself. Keep using ice-keep taking ur meds!! Don’t rush it. Also, if u aren’t sleeping-you aren’t healing!!! Hang in there!!

 

[Phoebie]

I had glue and sterostrips too. (I hope they used super strength). I live ten minutes from the hospital where I had my surgery and that felt like a long journey on winding, country roads full of potholes. I cannot imagine a 5 hour journey. Until my wound check at Day 14 I have no idea if I am healing but, so far it is not bothering me.

I had a good day yesterday but ended with a swollen ankle. I had been icing but elevation is difficult when I am downstairs in my house. I have to rethink my day.

The flight to see my family is the only thing keeping me focused on recovery. Even at six weeks I will use Special Assistance at the airport. I have invested in a First Class ticket (bought in the sale and using many points) so I can move around and I have a bed. There are only 8 seats up front so I should not bother people. At the moment it feels impossible but I am only Day 6.

My surgery was originally planned for 17th September but was cancelled twice, hence the very tight timing for flying. Not ideal but my surgeon was confident I would be able to fly. I need the sign off for my medical insurance to be valid. Also, I really don't want to die yet.

Thanks for the advice. Always welcome.

 

[Phoebie]

I had my first brush with leg swelling. Not pleasant. I have been icing and elevating and much more over the next few weeks. No pain attached, just unpleasant looking.

 

[benne68]

I can so relate! My leg was so swollen and colorful from bruising that it looked like it belonged to the incredible hulk!

Be prepared for it to get worse before it gets better.

 

[Phoebie]

Thank you. Every day is a new challenge. The stiffness eases a little and the leg swells like an elephant's. Can't wait for the next surprise.

 

[Elf1]

@Phoebie welcome to the healing side. You sound like you're doing pretty good so far. And you are correct, everyday is a new challenge or strange symptom. Think of it as a really long roller coaster with lots if ups, downs and all arounds. Nice thing is that its all temporary and will pass.

 

[msart]

I had glue and sterostrips too. (I hope they used super strength). I live ten minutes from the hospital where I had my surgery and that felt like a long journey on winding, country roads full of potholes. I cannot imagine a 5 hour journey. Until my wound check at Day 14 I have no idea if I am healing but, so far it is not bothering me.

I had a good day yesterday but ended with a swollen ankle. I had been icing but elevation is difficult when I am downstairs in my house. I have to rethink my day.

The flight to see my family is the only thing keeping me focused on recovery. Even at six weeks I will use Special Assistance at the airport. I have invested in a First Class ticket (bought in the sale and using many points) so I can move around and I have a bed. There are only 8 seats up front so I should not bother people. At the moment it feels impossible but I am only Day 6.

My surgery was originally planned for 17th September but was cancelled twice, hence the very tight timing for flying. Not ideal but my surgeon was confident I would be able to fly. I need the sign off for my medical insurance to be valid. Also, I really don't want to die yet.

Thanks for the advice. Always welcome.

You can do it!! I did a 5 hr trip-of course they gave me morphine, but I had just had my 2nd surgery a week prior. But it was still hard, but I pushed through.

I did a lot today and my legs are swoll. So I’m elevating & icing. But I’m thankful bc maybe I’m getting stronger!! I hope you had a great day too!!!

 

[Phoebie]

I had glue and sterostrips too. (I hope they used super strength). I live ten minutes from the hospital where I had my surgery and that felt like a long journey on winding, country roads full of potholes. I cannot imagine a 5 hour journey. Until my wound check at Day 14 I have no idea if I am healing but, so far it is not bothering me.

I had a good day yesterday but ended with a swollen ankle. I had been icing but elevation is difficult when I am downstairs in my house. I have to rethink my day.

The flight to see my family is the only thing keeping me focused on recovery. Even at six weeks I will use Special Assistance at the airport. I have invested in a First Class ticket (bought in the sale and using many points) so I can move around and I have a bed. There are only 8 seats up front so I should not bother people. At the moment it feels impossible but I am only Day 6.

My surgery was originally planned for 17th September but was cancelled twice, hence the very tight timing for flying. Not ideal but my surgeon was confident I would be able to fly. I need the sign off for my medical insurance to be valid. Also, I really don't want to die yet.

Thanks for the advice. Always welcome.

You can do it!! I did a 5 hr trip-of course they gave me morphine, but I had just had my 2nd surgery a week prior. But it was still hard, but I pushed through.

I did a lot today and my legs are swoll. So I’m elevating & icing. But I’m thankful bc maybe I’m getting stronger!! I hope you had a great day too!!!

Well done! Yes, the swelling is my enemy at the moment. I fret about it. I may even be a little obsessed. I am doing my exercises and walking around with one crutch now but three times a day I am prone with my legs in the air and icing.
I am not sure what your surgeon recommended but compression stockings are no longer used here. I guess, like everything else, it will eventually improve. I hope soon.

How are your nights now?

We have come a long way already. Still seems impossible I will be on that plane in five weeks.

 

[msart]

I stopped the compression socks after a week or 2, I hated them. They hurt & just were a pain to get on & off. So I quit them-lol. As for swelling, oddly enough I just noticed it yesterday. I mean the first few weeks certainly I did, but I thought ok that’s over. Then yesterday-my feet were burning. That’s when I noticed it, so I elevated.

Nights are better. I am actually sleeping some on my non-surgical side. Maybe an hour bf I wake up. As with everything, it seems-I just have to keep trying & seeing what works or not.

Are u going by yourself on the plane? Will you be gone from home a while?Hydrate, keep moving & listen to your body. Mine just literally screams at me, if it’s tired. I’m listening better now.

This recovery is certainly not anything i expected in my mind. At ALL. It’s a daily struggle.

 

[Phoebie]

I was overjoyed when they said compression stocking are not necessary for same the reason that I could not imagine getting them on and off! I agree they are awful but I will wear them for the flight.

My flight is to see my family for Christmas and the New Year. My family are all living in the U.S., East Coast. I make that journey three or four times a year and stay for around three weeks - sometime more. It is an 8 hour flight but I am in First Class ( a treat ) so will have a bed and can move around every hour. My family will be waiting for me. I DO travel alone but that doesn't phase me. I worked in South America and lived in the UK for over a decade and am used to long solo flights. Full disclosure: I travelled so much for 15 years I despise everything about airports and flying. So dull. But they are the only way I get to see my family and I have not seen them since July. My surgeon PROMISED I would be fit to fly. In fact, he was puzzled that I was even worrying about it.

I don't drink alcohol before or during a flight. I worked out a long time ago that dehydration is just awful and leads to bad headaches. I don't know how people quaff champagne in the lounge and then treat the airplane like an open bar. I drink loads of water and that also makes me get up to use the loo a lot. Win, win.

I agree with your last comment. For some reason I thought I would ace this recovery. Stick to my plan and it would all fall into place. It is not a straight road and my body has its own plan. Mostly I am getting more independent, pain is well controlled and I am less exhausted but each little hurdle I overcome has another surprise waiting for me on the other side. My wound check is on Tuesday so I will get to see it for the first time.

We can struggle on together. What is bothering you most at the moment?

 

[Layla]

We can struggle on together. What is bothering you most at the moment?

Aww...I love this. It's so sweet and thoughtful. I can't imagine my recovery without the friends I made here, who really understood as they were healing in real time right along with me.

Some flying tips for you, you flying veteran , just in case you're interested -

* Pack light. One medium size bag you can check and a carry-on. Make sure the bag has sturdy wheels. Pack any pain medications in your carry on luggage.

* If possible, get a ride to and from the airport, getting dropped off at your terminal gate. Find out which airlines have curbside check in. You might want to book with that airline.

* When you book your flight, you can request handicapped assistance. This involves a wheelchair and a porter to help assist as you sit in the wheelchair. The porter will check your bag and take you to the gate. You'll board before other passengers and can take the wheelchair all the way down the ramp if necessary.

* Try to book an aisle seat so you are able to stretch out into the aisle, if needed.

* Whenever possible, book a direct flight so you don't have to change planes. Otherwise you'll need wheelchair assistance at every airport where you switch planes.

* Once on the plane, ask the flight attendant if they will arrange for a wheelchair to be waiting at the gate when you arrive. Bring some zip lock bags and ask the flight attendant for ice to use in flight if you feel it will make you more comfortable.

In addition to the tips, Jamie, from Admin once shared (above) I've included a few more. Hopefully you'll find some of the suggestions useful. Best Wishes for a safe trip. If you do travel, please consider posting an update in the interest of others upon your return letting us know how navigating the airport and the flight was, also sharing any tips you found helpful.

Check with your doctor for approval before flying.
Wear compression socks to prevent a potential blood clot.
Get up and walk every 30 minutes or so.
Stay hydrated by drinking water and avoiding alcohol and coffee.
Stretch and flex your muscles often while seated. Do calf squeezes and ankle pumps
Check on a bulkhead seat if there are no available isle seats and first class is not an option.

Thanks for sharing your journey with all, Phoebie. I hope you have a lovely weekend!

 

[Phoebie]

Ah, all good stuff.

I have been using Special Assistance for a year before the operation. It works reasonably well though I have had some horror stories. Everyone does. (In fact the government has just opened an enquiry into SA poor service) The funniest was when I was abandoned in a corridor at Dulles. As the pilot came off the plane he was horrified to see me there and started berating ground staff. He then announced he would push me through the airport. The ground staff said he had not been trained to push a wheelchair and he retorted, "Madam, I can land a 747 so I think I can manage a wheelchair". And we set off. SA soon caught us up and took over.

There are only 8 seats in First on my flight and I have my own private booth, so no problem there. Cabin crew always help me with my carry on. Most luggage will be in the hold and SA at Dulles not only collect it from the luggage hall but take it all the way to my waiting car. They like a tip but I am more than happy with that service.

The bags for ice is an excellent idea and one I shall use.

The Fit to Fly letter from my consultant is absolutely essential. Without it my medical insurance would be invalid and no one sane would travel to the U.S. without medical cover. I am a definite worrier about the little details.

Loving all the good advice here.

 

[Layla]

The funniest was when I was abandoned in a corridor at Dulles. As the pilot came off the plane he was horrified to see me there and started berating ground staff. He then announced he would push me through the airport. The ground staff said he had not been trained to push a wheelchair and he retorted, "Madam, I can land a 747 so I think I can manage a wheelchair".

Hahaha! I love it! Thanks for sharing that story. You definitely have it all covered as far as flying goes and just think you'll have two more months of healing under your belt for Christmas. Yay!

 

[msart]

I was overjoyed when they said compression stocking are not necessary for same the reason that I could not imagine getting them on and off! I agree they are awful but I will wear them for the flight.

My flight is to see my family for Christmas and the New Year. My family are all living in the U.S., East Coast. I make that journey three or four times a year and stay for around three weeks - sometime more. It is an 8 hour flight but I am in First Class ( a treat ) so will have a bed and can move around every hour. My family will be waiting for me. I DO travel alone but that doesn't phase me. I worked in South America and lived in the UK for over a decade and am used to long solo flights. Full disclosure: I travelled so much for 15 years I despise everything about airports and flying. So dull. But they are the only way I get to see my family and I have not seen them since July. My surgeon PROMISED I would be fit to fly. In fact, he was puzzled that I was even worrying about it.

I don't drink alcohol before or during a flight. I worked out a long time ago that dehydration is just awful and leads to bad headaches. I don't know how people quaff champagne in the lounge and then treat the airplane like an open bar. I drink loads of water and that also makes me get up to use the loo a lot. Win, win.

I agree with your last comment. For some reason I thought I would ace this recovery. Stick to my plan and it would all fall into place. It is not a straight road and my body has its own plan. Mostly I am getting more independent, pain is well controlled and I am less exhausted but each little hurdle I overcome has another surprise waiting for me on the other side. My wound check is on Tuesday so I will get to see it for the first time.

We can struggle on together. What is bothering you most at the moment?

Right this minute my shoulder is bothering me. It’s crazy-the muscles that have just started to bother me. The only thing I can figure is-I was very fit bf the surgery & not being able to use this muscles-has just infuriated my body. I am currently on a heating pad for that. My hip bothers me but at the moment not as much as my shoulder-lol.

I have had great success with one of the ice packs that you fill up & screw top on. I’ll see if I can find a pic to send. Holds ice very well and you can shape it as you need be.

Sounds like you are just as independent as I am. You are going to do great. As if you don’t know this-make sure you keep meds handy, with such a long flight-maybe you’ll get some sleep.

I am ever so thankful for this group-we are struggling in together. Each day is getting better & better. I rested much of today-did see my 2yr old grand daughter & did some cleaning. Tomorrow I’ll get out & have brunch with my friends. I have completely stayed away from alcohol since this all started. I’m focused on eating right & hydrating this body of mine right now. Bc I want to be all the way better-NOW!!! Obviously, that’s not happening-so I’m trying to be patient.

Attached are ice bags-of course not exactly what I have but they are simply wonderful. Highly recommend for home & travels.

 

[msart]

I was overjoyed when they said compression stocking are not necessary for same the reason that I could not imagine getting them on and off! I agree they are awful but I will wear them for the flight.

My flight is to see my family for Christmas and the New Year. My family are all living in the U.S., East Coast. I make that journey three or four times a year and stay for around three weeks - sometime more. It is an 8 hour flight but I am in First Class ( a treat ) so will have a bed and can move around every hour. My family will be waiting for me. I DO travel alone but that doesn't phase me. I worked in South America and lived in the UK for over a decade and am used to long solo flights. Full disclosure: I travelled so much for 15 years I despise everything about airports and flying. So dull. But they are the only way I get to see my family and I have not seen them since July. My surgeon PROMISED I would be fit to fly. In fact, he was puzzled that I was even worrying about it.

I don't drink alcohol before or during a flight. I worked out a long time ago that dehydration is just awful and leads to bad headaches. I don't know how people quaff champagne in the lounge and then treat the airplane like an open bar. I drink loads of water and that also makes me get up to use the loo a lot. Win, win.

I agree with your last comment. For some reason I thought I would ace this recovery. Stick to my plan and it would all fall into place. It is not a straight road and my body has its own plan. Mostly I am getting more independent, pain is well controlled and I am less exhausted but each little hurdle I overcome has another surprise waiting for me on the other side. My wound check is on Tuesday so I will get to see it for the first time.

We can struggle on together. What is bothering you most at the moment?

Wait-you have not seen your incision yet?? Ohhh this is exciting. We will have to compare battle scars!! I have seen mine I guess past 3 weeks, it is not near as bad as I expected, so I am pleased!!!

 

[Phoebie]

I have my big reveal later today. Wound check and first look at the surgeon's handiwork. This is with the nurse at the GP surgery.

I called the hospital today to make my six week check appointment (I know it is not for ages but I like to be organised). The surgeon's secretary confirmed she had already made the appointment for.............. a telephone consultation. So weird. I asked if he wanted to see me and she seemed surprised at the idea. She asked if I had any concerns and I don't, beyond the expected daily struggles, so she said it wasn't necessary but if I really wanted one I could ask for a face to face nearer the time.

I am not sure if this is good or bad.

 

[benne68]

Well it sounds like you can request that in-person appointment when the date gets a bit closer, @Phoebie.
One step at a time. Let us know how things go today.

 

[Phoebie]

Everything looks clean and healing well. New dressing that will come off next week. Glue was obviously the max strength to hold my rear end together.

I am not so fussed about seeing the surgeon again. If I am fretting I will but if I feel everything is fine it saves another trip. I am pretty keen to distance myself from medical facilities and get my normal life back.

Discussed the swelling with the nurse and she said it was all exactly as expected and that unfortunately she couldn't prescribe me any patience. "It is only 2 weeks", she said with a smile and she thought I was moving well. These little reassurances go a long way.

 

[benne68]

Good report, @Phoebie. Just what you want to hear on your surgical follow-up.

Ah, wouldn't it be great if there was a Patience pill! I'd be first on line for that.

 

[Sparks22]

Pleased the wound check went well I had to have a tiny dressing out back on the bottom end as it was still slightly oozing, took it off 3 days later and all good. Like you I had a load of super glue! It's kinda flaking off now and I have to focus hard not to peel it off