THR Spring and summer here I come

[nanal]

Been a very good week. Almost 3 wks post op (will be on Tues). Go for first post op visit to OS on Wednesday. I am excited to hear what he has to say. Finished PT and got an excellent final report from them. Walking with a cane just touch control but usually don't use anything in the house. Hip feels fine with muscle strain/tighten in thigh when walking. Trying to get my gait back to normal but not as easy as I thought. Still having a hitch in my giddy-up. Taking on tylenol for discomfort and that just comes from be up and active. Stamina is still a little low but I may just be lazy after doing much of nothing. Appetite is still somewhat low which will help with the lackof activity. Sleeping is still not great but able to sleep on side with pillows which helps some. Sleep was a problem for me prior so stillwith me. Still working on the patience side of this recovery.

 

[nanal]

3 week post op visit today/ Took x rays and everything looks good. Go back in 2 months. No new instructions just keep up with the walking and exercises to strenghten the muscles. Can't go back to the gym which was the most disappointing. Would like to do treadmill and elipitcal but not yet. That was a little disappointing but sort of expected the answer. Only a couple of more days on coumadin= woo hoo! Just taking tylenol if I feel any discomfort. Somewhat disappointed that there wasn't something new for me today. I have been so blessed with a great recovery that this was a very uneventful visit. Time, patience and exercises with walking will be my best friend. Wish the weather was more cooperative so we could get outside for sunshine and fresh air for walks. Thanks to each one that gave me words of encouragement prior to my surgery and hugs of comfort in those first few days post op. This is a terrific forum for joint replacement folks.

 

[hip-hip-hooray-in-seattle]

Wow it sounds like you are doing great ... only a cane when you go out.
I still use the walker around the house and crutches when I am out. Can't wait to see how the next few weeks unfold!

 

[nanal]

I am 7 weeks and 2 days post op. I have been extremely fortunate in my recovery. I started back working at about 2 1/2 weeks for just a hour or two about 3 days a week. Still very tired at that point but at least I was getting out of the house. I have gradually increased the hours little by little so that I am almost at full days now. My pain has been so manageable from the beginning that pain meds were used only slightly in the first couple of weeks. I use tylenol or advil now and that is only after a long day of activity. I have some slight swelling after being up and active but no real pain. I stil feel a slight leg length difference when standing with feet side to side but nothing that causes any real issues. Sometimes I feel as if I am sitting on my implant as it feels strange sometimes. Have another month to maintain all the restrictions. Will be so glad when I can sleep normal without the pillows. I am truly blessed and sometimes forget that I had surgery and then I freak out over a slight movment that I almost attempted. I feel as if I have a very slight limp but I must remember to bend my knee when I walk. I had only in-home PT for two weeks so been mostly on my own for most of my recovery.

 

[bottomshollow]

A really terrific update, nanal. It's good to hear how well things are going and that a lot of PT is not really necessary to have a good outcome. All I had was in-home, after that life was my PT. And you don't need to freak over slight moves. I know that I broke restrictions from the beginning---not deliberately, but because I didn't really have a choice---never had a problem--you won't either. Keep us updated---success is always good for all of us to hear about.

Take care----we care.

 

[SmittyD]

It's been four months for me, nanal, and I still find myself slightly limping sometimes. I figure it's just habit, because when I pay attention to my gait there is no limp. I'm glad your recovery is going so well. Keep it up!

 

[Weezi]

Hi Nanal!
It's so good to hear from you! I have thought about you often and hoped you were doing well! I am still on a walker and going to out-patient PT but not very pleased with it. However, I haven't had any problems with the new hip and like you, I feel very blessed that my recovery is going well. It seems like just yesterday when we were all reassuring one another that we would get through this. It's amazing how fast time flies. I go back for 6 week follow-up on the 27th and hope that OS gives me the Ok to wean off walker. Like Bottomshollow, I have accidentally broken my restriction on occasion but nothing serious. I'm glad to hear you are progressing well and that your back at work. That's awesome!

 

[nanal]

Eight weeks today and so thankful. Walking is very easy but don't get me wrong I still can feel something is different but no pain. I still have a little swelling after working all day. Am so looking forward to no longer having these restrictions. I sometimes stretch my limitations but all in all, I am very cautious. Gone too far to mess anything up at this point. Have my follow up with OS in 3 weeks and hope to be released at that time. I have made it this long so there is a light at the end of this tunnel. All in all I am very pleased with my recovery as I must admit I did have some days that I certainly questioned had I made the right choice. So all of those who are in the early days, stay positive and listen to your body.

 

[nanal]

Have been thinking about my January hip buddies lately. I am certain they are all doing extremely wonderful and probably don't get on website often. If you are hiding out there folks, let us know your status. Would love to keep in touch with those that helped me through those first days, weeks and now months. Love to all.

 

[Poppet]

nanal

Hi there I have merged your two threads as we prefer to keep the post op posts together in one thread on the recovery side.

Have you checked out the 'Class of 2012 Hippies' at the top of the Recovery list, this is a central thread for members who are starting to drift off and are moving on with life, to just pop by and catch up..

You sound as though you are progressing very well for 8 weeks.. It gets easier every week from now on

 

[nanal]

Okay girls, need some help. Although it is still very cool here in NC, spring is just a few weeks away. Worked in my closet this morning, and reality has hit me square in the face. Spring clothes no longer fit. Knew I gained some weight but OMG this is a total disaster. Have not been to gym since Jan and you would think it had been years not months. Hope to get released to go back in a couple of weeks but any really good diet ideas out there for a desperate one.

 

[sandybeach]

Yikes....don't even want to think about the weight gain. I haven't been able to exercise since last winter. I actually think I may have lost some weight since the surgery, just haven't been that hungry. After surgeries are over I am going to walk as much as I can. I think if you go up in the social room there is a thread with others on that supporting weight loss. Good to hear you are doing so well.

 

[nanal]

Good Morning friends- I will hopefully be getting restrictions lifted in a couple of weeks. I have realized this past weekend that my leg is weaker than I anticipated. Is there any exercises that I can begin doing that will strengthen these muscles? What can I expect after restrictions with flexibility and how to get myself back into my comfort zone of back to normal?

 

[ilovefall]

Hi Nanal,

I just finished my six week PT. They did a lot of leg lifts with a weight around my ankle. It was uncomfortable, but I feel it REALLY helped. With the weight, I did straight leg raises (good leg bent for support - operated leg lifts to the knee of the bent leg and hold for three seconds - two sets of 10), side leg lifts - lifting and holding for three seconds - two sets of 15!!.

I hope this helped! Good luck on your continued progress. Take care!!

 

[nanal]

@ilovefall- Hi Diane, it is so good to hear from you. Thanks for the info on PT. I only had PT for two weeks post op and it was just basic stuff. I have decided that I still over protect my hip and that is causing some weakness. I am trying to use them as equal if that makes sense to anyone. I do believe that muscle strength is getting a tad bit better and will improve. Hubs and I actually took a walk outside on our local greenway this week with the warmer day. It was not a power walk but much steadier and faster then just a stroll. Trying to get back to gym soon but have so much going on with grands, it is tough. I am putting on socks and shoes though very cautious still. Got in the floor with granddaughter this week for first time. I dont see my OS until the end of month. He postponed my earlier appt so I guess he is taking a vacation on my insurance money. Take care and keep up the good work.

 

[nanal]

11 weeks today- Can't believe the journey I have just experienced. I would never have thought 11 weeks ago as I lay being prepped for surgery that I would have done so amazing. I have pretty much thrown the restrictions to the wayside. Actually got in the tub last night and oh how amazing a feat for me. I love my evening soaks and could even shave my legs. Don't get me wrong my operated leg is still very stiff as some of those muscles have not been stretched for 3 months. Hubs and I went to the gym and I did 35 min on treadmill at lower than normal speed and did some bike work but no tension as of yet. Felt awesome and invigorating to say the least. I have a way to go to get that leg strengthened and back to pre-op shape but again one day at a time. Threw away the pillow for sleeping and slept very well. Thanks to all those that helped me through this adventure.

 

[nessiepie]

Great news Nanal !
I am right behind you but not quite at the the same recovery level, but grateful nonetheless. Keep up the good work !

 

[Giraffe44]

Welcome to your recovery! Remember that it's marathon, not a sprint. It is frustrating, but eventually you will get better on your own schedule.

 

[bottomshollow]

nanal!!!! What a great adventure for you---with a very successful ending---and things will continue to get better and better. And one day you'll realize that you haven't even thought about your hip at all.

Take care and keep us updated. We care.