Good Morning
@RGS I apologize for missing your tag somehow last evening.
I am not doing well at all. I’m so depressed and in pain. I don’t know what to do....
This is sad to read. My heart goes out to you. Pain is exhausting so that needs to be addressed through a call to your surgeons office ASAP. I’d put in a call today, if you haven’t already.
Everyone tells me things will get better, but I am so afraid they won’t... please help...
IT WILL GET BETTER. Know that and hold onto that. You’re only one week into a recovery that lasts up to a year, even longer for some. I’m sure you’re tired, in pain, possibly constipated or have no appetite, the list goes on. The very early days are no fun, but they will pass. Try your best to get enough rest, stay adequately hydrated, keep your diet healthy and if you’re unsure what that looks like, do some online research for suggestions for a healthy diet following major surgery.
I feel like a broken record at times repeating things that worked for me and I apologize if you’ve caught this, or anything I type, elsewhere, but something I found useful in my early recovery was the Activity Progression for THR -
http://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/activity-progression-for-thrs.13187/
Following it loosely kept me active enough, but out of trouble also. Take a peek and see what you think. Don’t allow yourself to look at daily progress, but weekly only. Pick a day of the week and each week, on that day, reflect back at the progress you‘ve made. You’ll notice your improvements better this way. Less pressure on yourself also.
There is a thread on Depression and Post Op Blues that you may want to check on, or post on. You’ll see that you’re not alone in your feelings and may even glean a few pointers in reading through it, or posting your own concerns for some feedback.
It's a known fact that even people with no previous history of depression can succumb to depression - often also called Post op blues. It's nasty when it hits but happily, for most it is only short lived. There are several reasons for it 1. just the emotional, physical and psychological impact...
bonesmart.org
Last but not least and I just typed this elsewhere also, try to keep your mind engaged. I think it’s very important to do so for your mental health since it’s difficult to engage physically right now. Some suggestions - Crossword puzzles, adult coloring books, read a good book, research and plan your next vacation, Pinterest, Houzz...if you have any interest in home decor, start a recipe collection, play online games, page through magazines, call an old friend, catch up on emails, organize a photo album, watch a Netflix series or some uplifting movies. All to help pass the time and occupy your mind.
Also, check out the BoneSmart Social Room here where you'll find a lot of interesting and entertaining threads to read -
https://bonesmart.org/forum/view/social-room.11/
Keep coming back. We are always here, day or night. We understand because we’ve been there. Sending a hug and wishes for brighter days. They’re coming, really they are!