Hi
SeaSiren !!!! So glad you're ok, although it's a bummer about the bursitis! I had it pre-op and it's still there post-op, as with many OA people, unfortunately. Mine isn't too bad, thank god. There's some info in the library here about it, and Josephine said that moist heat has really helped her. I use either moist heat or ice, and both do feel good, I like the heat best - it's so soothing. I've also started using Arnica gel from Rite Aid - lots of THR people here use it. Poppet recommended it for inflammation and healing. At least you can get some cortisone for the bursitis in a few weeks- that's good news, only too bad you have to suffer til then. Yes, go easy with the PT, as bursitis gets aggravated by activity. You'll get to where you need to be, even if you don't push PT.
So sorry to hear about your family issues. That puts an extra unneeded stress on your recovery. And poor hubby, shuttling back and forth. And poor M-I-L, with her multiple issues. My goodness, the woman has been through a lot. Can't they put her in touch with a pain clinic and give her some long acting meds that will help the pain? Gee, cancer pain and shingles pain, too? What a lot to deal with. Very rough for all of you, that's for sure.
But you have to take care of youself right now SeaSiren. You're only 3 weeks post-op, and it's a big surgery and big recovery you're going through. I'm glad you don't need your narcotics anymore, and that you're getting around well. The blues are sooo common post-op. I think we all got them at one point or another. I still have a cry once in a while. Try not to let it get you too down, though. It'll pass. It's all the stress your body has suffered, and everything you're still going through. Please don't be afraid to keep talking about it here - everyone can relate to just what you feel like, and lots of others will be happy to give you encouragement.
Oh yes, there's info on that in the library, too! Not surprising, since it seems to happen to all of us.
Keep us posted on what's happening, OK? We're all here for you! Oh, I need to ask you about TENS - quickly - but, do you find yours helpful? I don't have a chiropractor or anyone to refer to about it, but I can get the same machine TennisNut has on-line. Will I know how to use it on my own? Do you find it helpful? There's no way I can hurt myself if I read the instructions and use it cautiously, is there? How long have you had one? Thanks for any info you can provide! Talk to you later, and take good care or yourself. I've been thinking of you a lot and I'm so glad you finally posted, bilateral friend!