THR Recovery thread - starting at week three!

[wowfabgroovy]

Maybe I should have phased out the painkillers instead of just stopping them. I'll probably take a couple this morning as I have a bit of discomfort. I emailed my consultant to ask about the driving and he said it was fine as I had an automatic car and it was my left hip that was operated on. Insurance company said all was fine as long as I'd got the OK from the doctor. Still can't master socks! I bought this aid on Amazon which was worse than useless and went straight into the bin! https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00742YIMI?tag=ate362da-21

 

[Josephine]

It was the first night that I didn't take painkillers as I didn't need them, but I just couldn't get comfortable.

Therein lies a bit of a contradiction! I thought I didn't need painkillers and went to be without - had the worst night of my life! Take painkillers on retiring not for the pain you have at that time but for pain that will rear its ugly head during the night! It always does that and it's worse than during the day. And that was the reason for your discomfort.

 

[wowfabgroovy]

Thanks Josephine, but no, I didn't have any pain during the night. I just couldn't get comfortable. Kept waking up etc. Still, I've taken some tonight so if things go better I'll rethink!

 

[wowfabgroovy]

Having good nights now that I have decided to sleep on my (non-operated) side against my consultant's advice! Seeing him for my six-week check-up on Monday so will see what he says. Can walk inside and outside with no aid but am using a stick (cane) for looks and to get a seat on public transport!

 

[copsham]

Hi ... good progress BUT are you walking without a limp? My physio says to use a stick until 6 weeks just so I do not go back to old habits ie limping. Apparently it is really important in first few weeks to change old habits!

I was amazed the difference a stick makes on public transport. I loved it and hated it at the same time. Very convenient for a seat but hated being given respect as an old person - me old never! Hope Mondays appt goes well. Mine is the following Friday. Like you I have got flexible re how I sleep. I start off on my back but at some point roll over to "normal". It just has to be!

Regards
Karen

 

[wowfabgroovy]

Yes, walking without a limp and have been using one crutch up until now but going over to a stick from today. The only annoying issue I have is the operated leg/foot is still quite swollen, but I think that will go with time. Best of luck for your Friday appointment. Ian.

 

[wowfabgroovy]

Well, the consultant was very pleased with me. He said I had recovered extremely well, and that he knew I would by my attitude when I was in hospital. Apparently, some less resilient people take much longer. I can go back to semi-normal now.

No x-ray today but he wants to see me in another six weeks and do one then. So, to tide you over, here's one we did earlier - the day after the surgery.

 

[copsham]

I find it amazing that we have that great big hip in our bodies and hardly know it is there!! Will be interesting to see your follow up X-ray.

You have been impressive in your recovery and it is good that it is recorded so that people that are first looking do not only see the complexities.

Karen

 

[wowfabgroovy]

I'm just about to have a bath for the first time since the op! Fed up with the bath-board/shower combination and have been missing a soak. A tad apprehensive, but I'm sure I'll be fine.

 

[craftdee]

Enjoy that bath Ian @wowfabgroovy ... though no doubt you don't need ME to tell you to do THAT

Donna :cool:

 

[wowfabgroovy]

I'm afraid it never happened! I bottled it at the last minute and had a shower. I think I'll leave it another week or so when I'll hopefully feel more confident.

 

[wowfabgroovy]

Finally did it - yesterday! All went well.

Just about to look elsewhere on the forum to get some guidance as to how much exercise I should be doing at this stage. It's hard to know what to do without over-doing it!

 

[wowfabgroovy]

Ten weeks tomorrow and all is well except for still having a very swollen foot and leg. Consultant recommended diuretic medication which I started yesterday so I am hoping that will help. Have joined a fitness club and starting to swim, and am starting WeightWatchers tomorrow! Need to lose around 40 pounds!

 

[Michegon]

@wowfabgroovy Hi looks like you are doing well. Swimming is good for the rehab but stay away from the hot tub as it will contribute to your edema in your leg and foot. ICE,ICE,ICE. Good luck!