THR Shawnna's Right Hip Recovery

[dianemarie]

Hi Shawnna,

I was just catching up on your posts. I think sometimes I needed to go through two THR to learn patience! And I'm still not there yet, but I do know when I am able to let myself relax and go with the time it takes to heal I do better. When else might we have the time and/or permission to really relax, watch tv, stay up late, work a puzzle, or just do nothing? Glad you got a housekeeper to help. I love mine and wouldn't be without her. So, enjoy some of this special healing time and nurture yourself!

 

[Jamie]

You know, Shawnna...sometimes these life lessons can come with some really wonderful unexpected consequences. Like.....when you learn to slow down and take things easier, you may find out there are some things you notice or enjoy that don't require warp speed multi-taksing. And I'm speaking as one who has definitely been down that road!!! Life is so much more enjoyable when it is savored versus gulped.:secretaea: It will be our secret!!!

 

[Shawnna]

Dianemarie - you are so right! :ccheers:

And Jamie - I'm going to take that as a new daily mantra - 'Life is so much more enjoyable when savored, rather than gulped.'

I've never, ever believed in coincidence and I know everything - including my hip replacement opportunity - happens for a reason.

Well, while in the depths of my depression immediately following surgery, I received an invitation from one of my favorite spiritual teachers to join an online e-course scheduled for the month of January.

Of course now that I'm 57 I know when Life is tapping me on the shoulder so I enrolled.

And along with broken link removed: https://shawnna.wordpress.com/2011/12/28/hip-surgery-recovery-log/, I'm documenting broken link removed: https://shawnna.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/while-im-healing-beyond-recovery-the-twelve-steps-as-spiritual-practice/ as well.

I just love God's sense of humor and am smiling from ear to ear at the synchronicity of all of this.

Thank you all once again for your wisdom, insight and guidance. It has been an invaluable contribution to this particular Life Lesson of mine!

 

[Shawnna]

12:15 AM and I'm in the grips of insomnia and an inability to get comfortable in my bed.

Dull ache in my right leg is also annoying.

Guess I'll do a search for "insomnia" here and see what comes up. I've never really had this before so am very unclear as to the cause. Could it be related to my surgery?

 

[Poppet]

Hi gorgeous, all part of the healing process Shawnna.. I had nights where I just couldn't sleep, so just tried to relax, go with the flow and distract my mind with something.

xx

 

[Josephine]

Oh for sure! How are you managing your pain meds timetable? Are you taking a dose during the night?

Plus that search would be better if you just put in 'sleep'. Can't recall people ever using the term insomnia.

 

[charlie cyborg]

Hey Shawnna,

Sorry to hear you've joined the ranks of the night hawks! Don't worry it's only temporary Sandy and Jo are right with their advice.

I've been there a few times and I've tried to distract myself from those circular thoughts firstly by trying to recite (in my head so as not to wake the missus!!) all 50 states in the US, the trouble is it's become too easy.

I then move on to English counties which is strangely more difficult than US states

Another good one is to go on a journey! Visualise leaving your home and going on a familiar journey, trying to remember every detail of the route.

The purpose of all these is to stop "logical" thought and therefore worries!

Hope it works for you!

Love

Charlie

 

[girlienerd]

Charlie - great tips for the insomniac! I have struggled with insomnia off and on for as long as I can remember. Of course it's been worse since the THR and I usually get to sleep around 4-5 some mornings. Usually the ones I have to leave the house early for and go to therapy. LOL

Shawnna - The insomnia will get better, mine is and from others posts theirs looks to be getting better. It just takes some time and all of us seem to have a problem giving ourselves that "time". If I can skip the afternoon nap I can usually go to bed earlier and get restful sleep.

Your class sounds like a great exercise for you! :biggrin: I wanted to document the process through the pre/post surgery but just did not make pen to paper.

Take care,
Buffi

 

[Shawnna]

Oh for sure! How are you managing your pain meds timetable? Are you taking a dose during the night?

Plus that search would be better if you just put in 'sleep'. Can't recall people ever using the term insomnia.

Hi Jo,

I know I've fallen off the pain meds timetable, primarily because my quantity of meds is low (OS is sending me new script so should have that any day now).

Last night I took two of my 5 mg oxycodones around 1:45 AM and promptly fell fast asleep.

Hi Buffi,

I've been trying really hard not to nap during the day today - hoping to get a good night's sleep tonight.

(((hugs))) Charlie and Sandy - I love the idea of distracting my mind and visualizing a journey! I've always loved road trips so if for some reason I find myself wide awake again, I'm going to try that!

 

[Poppet]

Hi there Shawnna

So pleased you eventually were able to get some sleep. Rest today, be kind to yourself

I read through your links and particularly liked the saying on the poster on your wall... I have copied the words down and will print it and put a copy on the fridge... loved it, thank you xxx

 

[Shawnna]

Hi there Shawnna

So pleased you eventually were able to get some sleep. Rest today, be kind to yourself

I read through your links and particularly liked the saying on the poster on your wall... I have copied the words down and will print it and put a copy on the fridge... loved it, thank you xxx

So very glad you found it useful!

 

[Josephine]

Shawnna, two things
1. you absolutely must nap during the day, your body needs it Energy drain for TKRs
2. if your surgeon won't let you have any more prescriptions and you still have a need for them, ask your GP. From what I've heard they are usually more accommodating.

 

[Shawnna]

Shawnna, two things
1. you absolutely must nap during the day, your body needs it Energy drain for TKRs
2. if your surgeon won't let you have any more prescriptions and you still have a need for them, ask your GP. From what I've heard they are usually more accommodating.

Hi Jo,

Ok - I will nap as needed.

And got my refill prescription today and will pick up the pain meds tomorrow so I think I'll be fine for a few more weeks as far as that goes.

And thank YOU so much for all you do! I'd have been totally and completely lost without the wonderful information here and the incredibly caring support from everyone.

 

[Poppet]

Hi Shawnna,

Take those pain Meds and nap away, so much healing is occurring during those restful times, lol xx

 

[lisanewmc]

I found the games room extremely helpful to fill those early hours........and reading all the threads on here of course.

Happy napping :sleepz:

 

[Shawnna]

Help please,

While I believe the THR is healing well, I now have some significant pain in my right groin area. It appears to get worse when I get in and out of my vehicle.'

Is there any specific exercises I can do to relieve this?

Any insight you have would be most welcome as I'm slated to start back to work on a phased in basis next Monday.

Thanks in advance for any insight anyone has, it hurts. :cry4:

 

[girlienerd]

Hi Shawnna - I had the same thing happen to me. Terrible tightness in my groin area a couple of weeks after surgery. During my first PT appt they told me it was my psoas and worked using some trigger point therapy to get it worked out. Are you going in for PT anytime soon? If not you may want to try some heat on it to try and relax the area. I know there is some information in the library on the psoas but can't find it. You may have better luck than me but I think this could be what is ailing you.

Keep your chin up sweetie!!

Buffi

 

[forbesy]

Hi Shawnna

I echo everyones sentiments about napping the best place is your bed not the couch as I felt better after a nap in my bed.
Hope you get your meds soon as well if not chase them up.

Billy

 

[Jamie]

Take a look at this thread and see if it describes what you are feeling. There are some stretches provided in the link.

 

[dianemarie]

Hi Shawnna,

I, too, have had insomnia after my hip replacements. I use the time to organize drawers, closets, start laundry, pick up kitchen, etc. as long as I don't OVER DO it. I look forward to this quiet time to get some things done. And I have found that it doesn't matter if I nap or not, I don't sleep any better or worse so I figure go with the naps. It is healing to rest and they do feel lovely most of the time. Good luck with the groin pain, it will work itself out, just will take time, (haven't we heard that before!) All the best to you!