'm writing to report in on my progress since I'm officially at the end of Week 4 of hip replacement #2, posterior approach. My legs lengths were the same before surgery. I was in okay shape, and my first hip replacement is stable and reliable.
Meds: I've been off the prescription pain meds (Nycunta) for over a week. As of now, I'm taking Tylenol 100 mg, 2-3 times a day, along with Piroxicam which was my arthritis med (using this instead of ibuprofen). The time is spacing out between the Tylenols, as I notice I don't need it as much. In addition, I'm taking aspirin twice a day for blood clot prevention, calcium with Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12. No need for a laxative or stool softener since my system is back to normal.
Walking aids: I can walk unassisted in the house, including up and down stairs and out around the house. I actually gardened today with no cane. No bending over, so my weeding job wasn't that good. It was a milestone in any case. If I go for walks or outside the house on errands, I definitely bring the cane to keep my gait straight
Rehab: I do the exercises they gave me from the hospital (one set of ten), and I do them 3-4 times a day at different times. I have only done one mile plus walk this week, as I was tired. I ice after every walking. I did cross 7K steps on my Fitbit today, from gardening and walking, so that's a new record.
Swelling: I didn't have bad swelling, so I'm virtually back to normal. I can roll over and rest on the operated side without an issue.
State of Mind: I think I was getting or at least acting a little stressed this week. I start phasing into work tomorrow, so I think it's at the back of my mind.
Stamina: Stamina wasn't as good this week as in Week 3. I don't have to rest or sleep during the day. I just started doing light housework and cooking. But I was fatigued -- not enough to nap but enough not to do walking every day.
Driving: I started driving this week. Not the best idea, I found, as it was uncomfortable and driving and doing errands was too tiring.
Weight: I lost five pounds after the surgery and am trying to watch my portions. Definitely my appetite is back though!
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Oh hun, I feel so bad for you! You are definitely being told to take things a little easier and slower. You are exactly a week ahead of me and I am still napping or at least laying down once or twice a day and nothing more than a bit of physio and house laps. I am off work indefinitely because of my duties and liabilities and other than really wanting my paycheck back am so grateful to not have that pressure. My old physio gal stopped by today by chance not knowing about my hip and the minute I saw her I was in pool of tears, like huh? In hindsight, I think they came from feelings of being overwhelmed with all that has happened with the last 3 weeks and this chronic fatique that major surgery leaves behind. Do try expecting less of yourself in the short term. I am of the mind that nurses and caregivers know often more than the doctors and really think Josephine and the others are preaching the truth when they say to take it easy ~ a couple of months now to heal slow and steady is nothing in the big picture if it brings you a really meaningful recovery. I hope you have managed a nap and are resting for the remainder for the day.
