'm writing to report in on my progress since I'm officially at the end of Week 5 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. I have one more week of medical leave.
Meds: I'm taking Tylenol 100 mg, maybe twice a day. I find I don't need the meds during the day, but at night I do. In addition, I'm taking aspirin twice a day for blood clot prevention, calcium with Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12. I haven't found a need to ice in the past week, although I didn't do that much walking.
Walking aids: I went shopping at Lord & Taylor and Home Goods yesterday and did not bring the cane. I'm still walking a little funny, but I should straighten out over time. I will definitely use the cane on any exercise walks.
Rehab: I have the exercises from the hospital but haven't been doing them the past week. I didn't do any real exercise walking since I was tired.
Swelling: Swelling is virtually gone, and my hips are about the same size as they were pre-op.
State of Mind: Hip is fine, but I had stress stomach. Thinking about going back to work is making my stomach jumpy. It's a subconscious thing.
Stamina: I went to work on Monday for four hours -- a mistake -- and then only worked three hours from home on Wednesday and 3 1/2 hours on Friday. At this point, I think I am good for four hours, which is progress, but get tired and cranky. Still trying to lay low. This week I will be at work for a few hours here and there, before I go back to full time next week.
Driving: I was cleared to drive this past week, and it was fine.
Weight: I lost five pounds after the surgery and am trying to watch my portions.
United Kingdom
