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2 weeks and counting!

Posted , 6 users are following.

kristen888
kristen888

Good evening my fellow hippies!

I am 2 weeks out from my scheduled Left THR. I'm starting to get a bit anxious, but I am so ready for the constant pain to subside.

I am blessed to live in California and have excellent insurance. In today's mail I received appointment cards for March 6th for my 1st post-open x-rays and appointment with my Surgeon. It seemed a bit odd to mark those on the calendar when I haven't even had my surgery.

My biggest anxiety is allowing myself the necessary time for recuperation. After reading the many posts, it almost seems that it is best to keep our successes a bit quiet from everyone in our day- to-day life and share them here in the forum. My concern is that the expectations of constant improvement vs the minor setbacks/fatigue aren't worth it.

Any suggestions?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • beth2509
    beth2509 kristen888

    Posted

    I too had all my meetings scheduled before the op. I think that is common.

    I didn't feel any need to keep successes - or issues -  a bit quiet. I don't know anybody who expected it all to be plain  sailing, although I will admit it has been sort of plainer than we all expected - me included! People have asked how I am and I tell them the truth. If they come to think it's all easy, or all hard, then we aren't doing them any favors, and nor are we doing ourselves any either. It's like anything else in life. It is what it is. If people can't deal with that, then perhaps they shouldn't be asking how you are doing! 

  • ray14428
    ray14428 kristen888

    Posted

    Hi Kristen.  You really will be in the safe hands of professionals who will look after you well during surgery and afterwards too.  Recovery is a journey and it isn't a competition.  We all heal differently because we are all different.  I fully remember the relief when after the spinal had worn off, I was completely free from the bone on bone pain.  yes, you will have post surgery pain but the horrible bone on bone pain will be gone.  Just look at your recovery as being on a journey.  Listen to what your body is telling you.  Take the meds prescribed for you, go to the physio sessions & do your daily walks & exercises.  Let your family & friends pamper you & look after you.  Best wishes for a great surgery & recovery.  Ray

  • renee01952
    renee01952 kristen888

    Posted

    hi kristen, 

    so exciting !!!!  

    I am very happy for you that you have excellent health insurance ...

    I wouldn't worry too much about the recuperation time right now -

    Did you decide to get the anterior approach?   I understand that this approach is less invasive that the posterior one (no cutting of muscles, tendons etc.) and less repairs are necessary  .. of course you still will need to deal with post-op surgery discomfort and learning to walk ... the fun stuff ... 

    I am not sure what to tell you about the day-to-day - sharing ... no need to keep quiet though, but unless they have been through it themselves, there is not much understanding --- you won't look sick, you have no cast or anything showing except a neat scar ...

    soooo, just come here and share to your heart's content ...

    you are not alone ...

    is your home post-op THR ready?

    big warm hug

    renee

    yes, you are blessed living in California

     

  • erin1956
    erin1956 kristen888

    Posted

    kristen8888:

    I am about 9 weeks post op (Nov 14) for my LTHR using the anterior approach. I am very pleased with the outcome. The ~ 4" scar on my upper thigh near my groin, is healing nicely. I started  my weekly PT appts this past Wednesday. Prior to that I was doing home PT exercises. Yes, they will schedule you out to, at least, 3-6 months post-op.

    The key mantra is "less is more" in the first 4 weeks. Use a cain, walker for assistance and follow the guidelines your orthopedic doc has provided.

    The thing that I had to do was to practice restraint and patience. I really had a miniumum of pain and discomfort and felt very good right from the start of post op. My surgery was out patient, meaning I didn't stay one night in the hospital!

    I have some back pain but that is due to another issue, not the LTHR. I had the left knee arthroscopic surgery just prior to the LTHR. I had a torn miniscus and OA which was cleaned out as best as possible. This was a good move. As my orthopedic surgeon consulted, it will improve the outcome for your LTHR. The knee feels pretty good and has improved the recovery outcome tremondously.

    I know everyone is different and outcomes will be different. But, I had a very positive mental appraoch going into the surgery educating myself on the process, selecting the correct surgeon and choosing the direct anterior approach which set myself up for as much success as possible.

    Today I focus on the strenghtening exercises and rehab. I am confident of continued improvemtn and plan to resume my tour biking this spring- fall.

    You are making the correct decision for a better quality of life you do not currently have with the bone on bone pain. You will be fine. Think positive thoughts and your chances for a positive outcome improve. Do not underestimate your mental contribution.

    Take care,

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