Sorry for the delay in my update since my 2 week post-op appointment with my surgeon. I have been feeling so good, I have been able to be out and shopping and feeling like I can get back to a semi-normal life!
My appointment with my surgeon went great! He is truly amazed at my progress. My incisions healing nicely. Able to use Mederma and do some scar massage to help with the healing. My left side scar is about 4" and my right is about 4.5".
I am able to walk without a cane for the most part. When walking longer distances, or getting up and down a lot, I use the cane. I am able to do my exercises very well with no discomfort. I still ice and elevate at least 2 times daily. Feels so good. I can't encourage folks to keep icing after surgery.
I am taking Tramadol every 8 hours during the day and 1 Percocet just before bed. (I may try to use the Tramadol at night too soon.) I made the switch because my surgeon told me I can drive next week if I am not taking the narcotics during the day. PT tested my strength and reactions and thought I was ready. My husband will take me in a parking lot this weekend to make sure I feel comfortable before hitting the road. VERY excited to drive.
I have been doing some work on the computer at home, really ever since a few days after surgery. Popped in the office a few times just to say hi and to get a few things done. Mostly because I can't stay still and wanted to stay busy. I will go back to working a few hours a day next week. Will increase hours thereafter according to how I am feeling.
I will do PT 2x a week to start increasing my stamina and start to safely get back to my active lifestyle. I am anxious so start teaching my spin and other group fitness classes. Will listen to PT and surgeon when they say it is safe to do so. Trying to think of PT as my exercise, and that seems to be ok for now.
Putting around the house doing vacuuming, laundry, cooking, and other light housework is not only very doable, but quite enjoyable. I find that it really makes me feel like myself. And frankly, these things easier NOW than before surgery! YEAH!!
I spent 3 nights in a recliner after surgery and have been sleeping in my upstairs bed since then. (I was able to go up the 15 steps in my house after 1 day home.) The first few nights I woke once to go to the bathroom. Now, I sleep from about 10:30/11:00 until about 6:30/7:00 without waking. I got permission from the surgeon to sleep in any position, including on my belly. I still keep a big pillow under my knees when on my back and between my legs when I am on my side. I can comfortably change from one position to another.
I have been blessed to have my parents here for 2 weeks after my surgery. They leave tomorrow. My husband and girls will continue to help out more than usual for the next few weeks and months (and maybe forever!)
I also have been showered by friends and other family with meals, cards, visitors, text messages, emails, Facebook messages, messages from people at Bonesmart. It has helped immensely with my successful, and rapid recovery. My life has already been changed without having to deal with daily pain that came with everyday life. So happy to continue to get stronger and back to doing the things I love pain free!
I know that reading about other members and their experiences was very helpful to me in preparing myself for my surgery and recovery. So, I have tried to be as detailed as possible to help others who are at various points in their hip replacement journeys. But if I missed talking about anything, or if anyone has specific questions, please don't hesitate to post or message me. I would be happy to respond.
United States
