THR Rhiannon89's recovery thread

[Rhiannon89]

@Layla thank you! I feel so happy right now, it's amazing what getting out and getting some fresh air can do for you!

Those jeans are a size too big so seem to sit very well around my incision, I take them off when I'm home but they have caused me no discomfort at all which surprised me!
This was my wound this morning

I believe it's glued, the bruising is already going down so much and looks better every day!

 

[Layla]

It looks like it's healing well. Have you posted in the Hippie scars? Below is a link, post it if you haven't.

Getting out is important. It took me 12-13 days as it was extremely hot outside after I had my THR. I was getting depressed and a guy on the forum who was in recovery at the same time is me asked me if I'd been out to smell the roses. And I Hadn't! Got out and it made a world of difference.

Here is the link - https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads...-of-honor-here-no-chit-chat-here-please.2457/

Hugs
@Rhiannon89

 

[Carriemay60]

You look so happy seeing your boy! I am sure he was very happy to see you as well In a few weeks you might feel up to walking him in the ring or giving him a brush.

Your scar looks great! My last one looked similar at your stage and despite being 54 at the time has faded to hardly noticeable in 5 years. I guess others might notice it in a bathing suit to be honest, but it's not ugly.

 

[Mojo333]

So glad to see you are doing well!
Hope this week is sweet!
Onward and upward, for sure

 

[Rhiannon89]

Thought I would pop on with a question, I've had a headache almost constantly the last few days. It had been on and off since I came home but now it's there the whole time I'm awake! My painkillers aren't touching it but it's more an annoying pain than a migraine style pain.

Is it something i should be concerned about? I read about headaches after spinal injections but those are apparently a lot more severe than this.

 

[Jaycey]

@Rhiannon89 What medication are you taking at the moment? Headache could be a side effect. Any kind of reaction to a spinal would have developed just post op.

 

[Rhiannon89]

@Jaycey I take paracetamol, ibuprofen and omeprazole but that's all!

I had a nap after I wrote my last post and it eased, maybe it's tiredness, although I am sleeping through the night it is very broken sleep so maybe that's it

 

[Layla]

I'm sorry, headaches can be miserable.
This sounds simple but are you staying well hydrated?

In a quick online search, headache is a common side effect of omeprazole and also can be a side effect of ibuprofen. If it continues, talk to the office of your OS about adjusting meds.
Wishing you comfort and hope it eases soon.
@Rhiannon89

 

[Jaycey]

Paracetamol also causes headaches. But you are probably right - your sleep pattern is all off. Nap during the day as much as you can. I hope these eases for you.

 

[Rhiannon89]

Thankfully I have woken up today headache free! Trying to drink as much as possible and just rest when needed.

Not ideal when the drugs they give you to get rid of pain then give you pain!

 

[Mojo333]

Glad you are feeling better.
Could be meds, very likely it can be slight dehydration.
Your body is trying to make up blood loss, and heal soft tissue...lots going on!

I don't think I drank enough because subconsciously didn't want the additional bathroom trips as I had two injured legs
Hubby would bring me lots of grapes and even watermelon to snack on. Lots of water in those, and easier to nibble as my appetite was lacking.

All temporary and you are doing beautifully! Hugs, @Rhiannon89

 

[Layla]

Hi,
With any luck the headache is gone for good. Recovery is enough in itself. I can't imagine dealing with an ongoing headache in addition to everything else.
Hopefully youre having a relaxing weekend so far and getting outdoors for bit.
Have a great Sunday!
@Rhiannon89

 

[Rhiannon89]

Headaches seem to have stopped now thankfully! Hope they don't come back!

Over 2 weeks out now and doing pretty good, walked around town a little yesterday on one crutch and the only issue was pain in my back, we've raised my crutch up a notch and that has helped.

Did have my first little breakdown on Thursday after a day of just constant nagging pain in my glutes, it meant I was in agony every time I got up and I just got very overwhelmed, suddenly realised I had a major operation and that my body has changed forever! My boyfriend was very good though, he reminded me that in 2 weeks I had not moaned about hip pain once, and that was something i did every day so that made me feel much more positive!

I no longer use a crutch around the flat, I can walk comfortably but my gait needs work, I am half an inch out on my right side so I bop... hoping this sorts itself out!

Seeing my surgeon on Wednesday so will update again then

 

[hbl]

Re seating, this was a real problem for me as standard chairs even at the right height gave me tremendous lower back ache. Answer was to hire a recliner which not only means you have that support but of course can raise and lower your legs and lie pretty much prone or in any position really. A life saver. I see you're from the UK like me so if you google 'mobility recliners' lots come up and they are at the right height re the 90 degree rule.

 

[Rhiannon89]

Went for my check up today, 3 weeks post op tomorrow! Didn't see my surgeon (although did see him walking around...) it was the quickest appointment ever which left me a bit deflated but I should see it as a positive as nothing is wrong! X-ray looks fine, I'm doing well, wound looks great, I can now drive and swim which is what I wanted the most. I feel like walking in a pool will help me with my gait. I can walk with 0 pain but my right knee bends in as it is weak and i waddle like a penguin so I use a crutch when I'm outside.

I was more worried about the left hip but I was assured all is in hand to get that done asap, my surgeon is leaving soon so a different surgeon will be doing it but I really am not bothered, I just want to know it's being done!

All in all, things are going well and I hope this continues!

 

[Layla]

Hi there, @Rhiannon89
Not the first time I've heard of rushed appts. I've experienced this myself.
I've learned that you have to go in armed and be ready to fire off questions if you have concerns.
Best if you have an extra set of ears with you also for recall.

It sounds like you're doing well...progressing nicely. Happy Three Week Anniversary!
Thanks for the update. Enjoy the rest of the week!

 

[Mojo333]

Rhiannon
I hope all is still going well with you.
You sounds as if you are doing great at less than a month out from getting your shiny new hip!
It was at this point in recovery that I got antsy and wanted to "work" toward a faster recovery. All that accomplished was bringing on some unnecessary aches and pains.
Keep it slow and steady as you have been...and you will get there!
Hope your weekend is sweet!

 

[Fit4Family]

Pretty impressive recovery Rhiannon! Swimming and driving sounds fabulous! Sorry about the short appointment. I’m sure you were looking forward to it and getting answers and reassurance. Hope you have a great weekend!

 

[beachlily]

Rhiannon89... wow! You’re my role model! I’m 2 days out and looking forward to having your recovery!

 

[Rhiannon89]

Aww @beachlily that made me smile! I hope you're doing okay! I actually sat and read through this thread the other day and it's amazing to see how far I've come in only 3 weeks so make sure you keep things updated on here as it really helps!

Yesterday I drove to see my horse, walked across the field (with a crutch) and held my horse whilst he had his feet trimmed and then drove home. I feel like he is being extra well behaved at the moment as he knows mummy can't do a lot! I planned on swimming today but I am exhausted, no pain but just very tired so my plan is to relax. I've got a good rhythm going of doing stuff when I feel like I have energy and then resting the day after. Driving makes me so happy, it doesn't hurt at all and I feel like I've regained some independence

Only bad thing today was I got an email from the scheduler from my hospital informing me that as my surgeon is leaving I will need to see a new consultant before they can do my left hip, now this has really got me down as he had always said they needed to be done roughly 6 weeks apart and every professional I've seen since my op has said I need that left one done ASAP. I'm worried I'm going to get lost in a sea of NHS patients waiting to see an orthopaedic consultant :( especially as I've heard nothing! I feel a bit panicked now that I'm going to be stuck with a sore left hip and half an inch longer on the right for a long time all because my surgeon is leaving (which sucks as I really like him!)