I've been hesitating to post any updates because I'm doing so well. I don't want to jinx my recovery, and I don't want anyone else to compare and think they are behind just because I can do things they can't yet. I have theories about why my THR recoveries are so easy....I'll list them in a moment.
First, the actual update: it's 18 days post-op today. I am sleeping well...a good 7 hours every night, even on my back. I am walking well...using the cane outside. In my apartment, I try to use the cane, I really do, but I often forget it. I'll be halfway to the bathroom or the kitchen when I realize, and it seems silly to go back for it. I still limp a bit without the cane; for that matter, I still limp a bit with the cane, but another week or two of PT should help me eliminate that. I started driving very short distances after the first week, and continue to do so with a bit more comfort. I could increase my distance if I had to, but I'm still very aware of the hip every time I turn, so I'm avoiding trips longer than 1 mile. That should change over the next week, I think. We'll see.
I have PT three times a week, and I'm enjoying it. Last time, my therapist did some stretches on both legs that helped enormously with the muscle tightness in my quads and hamstrings. I came home from PT, and I was so incredibly relaxed....it was just as good as having a massage. I'm getting in several short daily walks...the longest so far was about half a mile...coincidentally the same day as that wonderful PT session. I've been getting out for some of my knitting groups, and dinner out with friends. I tried grocery shopping one time....that was a strain.
In between any activity, I am back on the couch....napping, reading, TV, whatever. My brain is still reluctant to focus on anything long-term, but I am making good progress on an easy project. I am taking my book lists from the last twenty years, and turning it into a sortable database that I can access on my iPad wherever I am. No more buying a book only to come home and realize I already read it. And didn't even like it!! I am feeling quite well enough that the long stretches of inactivity are feeling like boredom, so I'm trying now to plan one fun thing each day to look forward to. Dinner with friends tonight....cards with friends tomorrow night....seeing my granddaughters on Sunday. Monday is my 3 week checkup with the PA....pretty routine.
So....I've given a lot of thought as to why my recovery is so easy. In no particular order, here's what I'm thinking:
1. I have no other health issues at all. And the reason for my THRs is simple osteoarthritis. I reallize OA is not necessarily simple. But it does seem like people with different issues....AVN, dysplasia, accidents, etc.....suffered a lot more before their THR, and take a longer time for the initial recovery from surgery itself..
2. I went into both THRs still in pretty good shape as far as mobility. I limped two years longer than I should have for the first, and learned that lesson for the second. But even at my worst, I could still walk a mile daily and I still had a lot of flexibility and range of motion.
3. I am not stinting myself on pain meds. I think this is really important. With my first THR, I was also doing quite well two weeks out. So I thought I should start weening off the pain meds. By four weeks out, I was in a lot more pain, and I had to regroup and start over. Stupid me. This time, I have no intention of making dramatic changes to my med routine anytime soon. I take two Vicodin before bed....I am sure this is why I am sleeping so well. In the morning, I take two Tramadol. Midday...around 1-ish....I take two more Tramadol if it's a PT day, and I sub out 2 Tylenol on non-PT days. Around 6-ish, I take two Tylenol. There you have it; round the clock pain meds. I look forward to being drug-free several months from now. I am fortunate that so far the worst side effect has been constipation. That has been fairly easy to remedy since the first bout.
4. I am not stinting myself on rest. Even though I am physically able to be more active now, I am holding myself back. I am fortunate that I don't have to worry about getting back to work. I do start classes at the end of August, but that is nothing like being at work. My inner sloth is having a heyday, and I don't feel guilty in the least. Bored yes, but not guilty.
5. My surgeon...I got lucky....he seems to be a master at getting the job done with as much muscle-sparing as possible.
If anyone reading this is struggling with pain (stiff, sore, aching, throbbing, burning, tightness, restless, etc) after recovery I urge you to take a realistic look at your medications and your activities. I see so many posts where fellow hippies say they are doing fine, but.... But it hurts at night. But it hurts to walk. But I can't sleep. But I'm still limping. But my butt hurts. A little pain....sure. This was major big surgery. But debilitating pain? There comes a point down the road where the pain meds have to be tapered off. But in the first two to three months....they are just as important as the walker, cane, or crutch. In many cases, even longer....I ended up needing pain med for five months after the first THR. So be it.
We play the hand we're dealt. I've been lucky to get good cards.
Sharon
United States
