THR WAS scared before THR: now it's better!

[Cossor99]

Another Physio session today & made sure I didn't overdo it. My main issue at the moment is worrying something will go wrong - it is a bit irrational because everything has gone pretty well......The hip will dislocate or loosen or I'll get an infection. I have always been fit and sporty and never thought I would have to have a THR so while at an intellectual level I knew it was the best thing to do, emotionally I still have not caught up.

 

[bottomshollow]

and

Cossor99, the things you are stressing over are absolutely not likely to happen. Your new hip is tough and resilient. Yes, you need to be careful and not over do things for several months because healing needs to finish taking place; but the day is coming when you won't think about that hip at all.

I have had my right hip and both my knees replaced---in the past 6 months I have had two falls--one very hard fall flat on my face in my living room (got my feet tangled up between 2 pieces of furniture--and the second because I had on flip flops that had gotten wet and pulled hard on a hose that did not give and was pulled over due to slippery flops. My hip and my knees did not suffer at all. My pride definitely took a hit and with the living room fall I jammed my right thumb badly.

You and your hip are going to be just fine. Just make a conscious effort to replace negative upsetting thoughts and images with those that are positive and uplifting.

Take care and keep us posted. We care.

 

[calikat]

My main issue at the moment is worrying something will go wrong -

This is me too Cossor. I am such a worry wart.

bottomshollow Thanks for your comment. I am very sorry about your falls, :( but it is good to know that these new joints can take it.

 

[Cossor99]

Thanks for the gee up bottomshollow

And what incredible resilience you have - they sound like very nasty falls and that gives me a bit of confidence.

Hi calikat - hope all is going well.

I am thinking of changing my avatar to cyborg!

 

[sharonslp]

I had my first fall just a few weeks ago. I was crossing a street that had a speed bump in it, and I took notice and cautioned myself to step carefully. Then I tripped over the speed bump and was on the ground. Like Judy, pride was the only thing that suffered. It really is good to know we aren't fragile matchsticks.

Sharon

 

[Poppet]

Ouch sharonslp, glad you are ok!

Cossor99, hiya Aussie girl, we all seem to be more cautious about life, moving and activities post surgery - but that is ok really, we deserve it..

 

[Cossor99]

Hi Everyone - Well I am at my 7 weeks anniversary since my TRHR and feel like i have turned a significant corner. My physio says my gait is good, am doing hydrotherapy which I really like and can now even put on my sox (not easily but I can do it and there was one stage when I thought that would never be possible!) My main issue is tiredness which can hit like a brick wall (particularly afternoons) and a lack of concentration. How have others found their concentration ability after the op and when it has returned?

 

[sharonslp]

Oh yes, for me the tiredness continued for about 4 months. I'm not sure concentration has ever fully returned!! However, I think the surgeries are past the statute of limitations for that particular ailment.

Seriously, you are just starting to rebuild stamina. And as you get stronger and can do more, it is very easy to overdo. So honor that tiredness and build in some nap time for as long as you can. Listen to your body....healing will continue for a long time yet, and healing takes a lot of energy.

Sharon

 

[Cossor99]

Hi everyone - at the 8 week post op mark. This whole experience has given me a number of insights about myself- some of which I like and others that aren't that edifying. One issue I have been dealing with is post op blues - today I had an unpleasant exchange with someone working in a cafe. It was partly my fault that led to a misunderstanding. Normally it would have been water off a duck's back back. I burst into tears. My husband isn't great at dealing with emotions and I just feel totally on edge this week. Feeling teary, hypersensitive and down is not my normal state but seems to be now. Is it part of the recovery process?. I feel totally out of control. Also at 5 weeks I had almost cut out pain meds but in the last week have had to go back to a pain med at night - is this ok because I don't want to be a drug addict. Probably have stepped up my exercise but not excessively.

 

[calikat]

Feeling teary, hypersensitive and down is not my normal state

This has been my experience after surgery. There are days when I am not at my best. I think it's a normal part of the process. I had a situation yesterday also dealing with my insurance company. I was given misinformation (telling me I was inactive!) which was later rectified. But I found it extremely upsetting and frustrating. It took me 1 1/2 hours plus of phone calls etc. to get things cleared up. I wish I had not gotten so upset about it. Now I am upset about having gotten upset! LOL

I personally think long term pain makes you a bit crazy...unfortunately. Shortens the fuse.

 

[Cossor99]

Now I am upset about having gotten upset! LOL

 

[Cossor99]

I know exactly what you mean!

 

[sharonslp]

Hi Cossor. No, going back to a pain med at night will not make you an addict. It only makes you someone who stopped the pain meds too soon. Many hippies need them to some degree for many months after surgery.

Sharon

 

[Cossor99]

Thanks @sharonsip your advice re pain relief makes me feel better.