THR Two down, none to go!

[Jaycey]

she didn't actually say apparatus, but my husband translated and she meant the prosthesis

Well that's a load of rubbish. The prosthesis is very deep so maybe her comment was lost in translation? Could be the opening is from the drain they use just post op. But I would not worry about it. As Jamie says - keep it clean and dry. You will be fine!

 

[DebraR]

The nurse put a bunch of polysporin on it, so that's why I am worried! Cannot keep it dry... But of course I won't get it wet. Hope that is what you meant.


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[sunbunny]

@DebraR checking in with you. Perhaps a phone call to your OS office for piece of mind. I too used a step stool to get in the bed for awhile. Hope this finds you stronger and able to catch some sleep. Hugs!

 

[Legin]

Hope you are sleping. All good advise here but its also about you and peace of mind. A settled mind equals good recovery, tense equals good recovery and not constant peeking at wound and dressing.

Legin THR Sep 14

 

[DebraR]

Thanks @sunbunny and @Legin! I was thinking that I would call the surgeon's office today.
Still having a hard time sleeping and last night of course I was obsessing about my incision. Every little pain had me worried. Kind of sore today too as the PT was moving my leg out to the side for me (that's one of my restrictions, I cannot do that myself) so groin muscle a little sore. Other than that, intestinal issues are ongoing. Geez, I sound a mess, don't I? On top of that, no shower until probably Tuesday earliest, so going to wash my hair at the sink today and sponge myself down a bit. Have a great day/evening depending on the tone of day where you are.


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[Legin]

This period will pass in no time just feels like it won't. Been years since I had a hair wash for obvious reasons...... Have a grand weekend

Legin THR Sep 14

 

[DebraR]

@Legin You are very wise! Things have been happening. I took a half dose of ZzzQuil last night and slept from 10:30pm till 6:30am!!!!! Also made a deal to switch out the other recliner for one that is so much cushier and actually goes all the way down to sleeping position! I am now looking forward to sleeping tonight. Still anxious about the incision but all seems well-no fevers or hot spots, so thinking all is good, will see on Monday.


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[wcgirl]

@DebraR I am so glad to see that you had rented the recliner and were able to replace it! Phew! I found that lying flat made all the difference in my pain level. Early on I only sat for meals 30 minutes at a time. I remember that things change fast those first 4-6 weeks, so I'm glad you were able to adjust quickly. Getting out of my recliners were difficult at best and as you said you sink too low.
In regard to flying; I just traveled yesterday with 2 hrs on a bus and 3 hours on the plane (Apr 27, 2015 LTHR). I hope you will be able to get up and move around for as long as you can on your flight. I had plenty of leg room but sitting was still not great. The only thing I noticed was swollen ankles and they cleared up right away. Taking Claritin (allergies) just after the trip may have helped. This was my first trip with my new hip! When I announced it to TSA agent a bit loudly as I'd totally forgotten about it (Ha!) the gentleman ahead of me said he had one too "11 years old". I went through a separate scanner then was patted down the outside of the operated hip and my back(?). It was very low key and efficient. This afternoon I will be in the pool doing my Burdenko method exercises stretching and working things out.
This recovery is still a process and you seem to be working things out nicely.

 

[DebraR]

@wcgirl thanks for your post. Yes this chair is making such a difference! Just on tylenol for the last week, tomorrow I am 2 weeks post op. I will be 10 months post op right hip and 3 1/2 months post op left hip by the time we get on the plane to Florida. Will be nice to feel the sun on my body-such as it is - lol. I remember when I had my son, I was so proud that I didn't get any stretch marks, but then wouldn't you know it, I had to have an emergency Caesarian. There went my scarless body! But I got a beautiful son. And now more scars, but beautiful new hips. Badges of honour, all three. Hey, I checked out the Burdenko exercises online because I had no idea what you meant. I am excited as I found a place near my home that actually teaches that method. As soon as I'm able to do it I am going to contact them. Thanks for that!


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[DebraR]

When will my energy return? I went for my first walk outside today, it wasn't more than 15 minutes. Can't even remember what it feels like to have energy. Was going to have my first shower today, but was tuckered out from the short walk. All in time I suppose...


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[Granny Di]

Hi @Debra - Talking about bodies - I figure if we gave birth to healthy kids we have/had good bodies no matter what scars or whatever we ended up with. We can't be photoshopped like the magazine women. Soon you will be enjoying the sunshine. The energy depletion still gets to me but I am getting better -almost 7 months post op.
You are doing very well considering two surgeries since March -I still think you are very brave.
Diane

 

[Legin]

It will before you know it. With go flow the lass. Before ya know it you will be doing the can can

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[DebraR]

@Granny Di so nice of you to say that I am very brave, but honestly just couldn't live the way I was living. Pain and limitations are no fun (as I'm sure you well know) and I tried not to think about the decision too much as there was no alternative decision to make. I figure by spring I should be pretty well back to normal, that will be nice. Take good care of yourself!!!


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[DebraR]

@Legin the can can, haha! When I was a kid, I always wanted to be one of the June Taylor dancers, who were on, I believe, the Jackie Gleason Show.


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[Jaycey]

When will my energy return?

It can take awhile - especially since you have had 2 major surgeries in a short space of time. You'll get there!

 

[Granny Di]

I am just feeling like my old self energy wise at almost 7 months. So psyched now for skiing this winter. Bring on the snow!

 

[Plum Perfect]

@Granny Di you made my day with your excitement about skiing this winter. I am so happy that you are looking forward to skiing and remind us all what is possible after THR

 

[DebraR]

Went for a walk outside today with hubby and walker. Went up the street 10 houses, so 20 round trip. Lower back very stiff and achey. Both hips got very stiff and sore, thinking I overdid it! 3 weeks post op on left side, 7 months post op right side. A little discouraging, this has been a long road, dealing with these hips for 2 years since diagnosis and a few years before that just wondering why I was always soooo stiff. I want to feel normal again and I know I will, patience has never been my forte, but I have learned to be more patient as the years go by. I have so much to be thankful for, these new hips for one! Just need to give the muscles time to get strong again. I am blessed with so many good things in my life.


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[wcgirl]

@DebraR -- Good for you for going for a walk! I just checked back on my thread and I read about the dreaded Energy Drain. (My PT told me to grab some protein then lie down.) I was still taking Tylenol before PT to help with the aches and pains. And then between 4-6 weeks I was amazed at the advances in my recovery.
Read Poppet's Healing Phases & Nutrition in the Library section. His info was spot on for me as far as what to expect each week.
Don't forget to reread Jayme's post here on page 15 on what to expect as well. When I got a little down I'd read those through and realize that I was absolutely fine. Sounds like you are too. Sending healing hugs
Maybe I got carried away with the emoticons?

 

[Jaycey]

Just need to give the muscles time to get strong again.

Yup! Two major surgeries in a short space of time. Lots of muscle atrophy as you had to limp around for so long. Keep your walks to those 10 houses until you feel totally confident about increasing the distance. Slow and steady!