3 weeks after my THR would love some moral support
Posted , 20 users are following.
Hi guys .. I had my op just over 3 weeks and I'm really struggling now with anxiety I'm so frustrated because I can't do things I'd normally do.
I'm 49yrs old I only stopped working a week before my op so know obviously I'm not at work but I feel like a failure at home.. I need my garden done... can't. . I need to decorate.. can't...
I do have 3 daughters but they are all out at work my friends have been popping around to see me.
Everyone thinks I'm doing fine but I'm not used to be just sitting around. .
I'm I on track?
I'm walking around the house on one stick take the odd paracetamol.
I'm not doing to bad up and downstairs. .
What really gets me I can't sleep on my side it really stresses me out 😢
2 likes, 46 replies
april264 beverley36063
Posted
Know how you're feeling. It was 3 weeks ago today I had a right THR and am thinking this time 3 weeks ago, a lovely nurse made me some buttery toast that first night round midnight!
Im 62 but a young 62, still working. I'm not what you'd call active in the exercising sense but am very hyper and can't stand being out of action.
It's doing my head in not being able to get out the house...my partner doesn't drive and is doing my head in too. He hasn't worked for years
All I want to do is get some sort of routine going so I can focus on me. I could be the same as you - can walk with one crutch and forget to take the paracetamol I've set up in one of those tablet organisers.
HATE the sleeping on my back
HATE the compression stockings
HATE doing the injections
HATE feeling sorry for myself most of all!
Im going to start having a regular time to do exercises
I'm going to go for a lie down rest elevate and ice be as my scar area needs it I think.
Im going to get some clear routines sorted so my day feels busy and I feel in control of each day
Im going to wait until I'm much more recovered before I start tackling my partner
Now yet again I came up to bed early, checked my THR forums and 90 mins later, off to loo again then try to organise myself to sleep
Check in again soon but know you're not alone. Think I may do a log of how I feel each morning and then again at the end of each day.
sandra67350 april264
Posted
Hi April. I just love that despite what you're feeling you are still taking control. I just know that in a couple of months we will look back on this time and feel it was all worth while. The wonders of medical science are amazing and it's great to be able to benefit from it x
renee01952 april264
Posted
That hurts me !!!!
Why so angry and harsh at your self ???
3 weeks ago your body went through some major trauma ... invasive, brutal procedure where muscles, tendons, were cut --- joint forcefully dislocated, bone sawed , sanding, reaming and what not to have steel hardware banged in --- and then everything neatly put back so that healing can take place ---
Have you seen this surgery on youtube ???
Your body is working so hard to repair and heal these damages - please allow her, give her time to do so -
Come on, darling --- give your self a big hug, pat on the shoulder, and a pity party once in a while .. totally justified -- and when you feel lonely, come here okay ...
big warm hug
renee
beverley36063 sandra67350
Posted
Thank you April264 you were lucky getting toast. .my hospital experience was a nightmare. I am sure we will get through this and it will benefit us in the end can't wait for that day! Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thank you
april264 renee01952
Posted
Thank you for these kind words. Each day brings a different pain or twinge or ache but it replaces the previous day's. Before, the arthritis pain just got worse and worse.
I think it's about acknowledging what's happened to your body.
Have found a way to step in to the bath for a shower I think. That should make me feel better. Not breaking 90 degree rule...step in with un operated. Bend operated at right angles and rest on bath edge. Rebalance and take operated leg into bath. Standing straight at all times to keep precautions. NB have put a very very grippy bath mat in and have partner standing nearby.
Will let you know how it goes.
april264 beverley36063
Posted
Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Birmingham. Ward 3. Staff nurse Amy. Have a look on their website for their exercise regime. It's not over the top but they tell you to follow it to the letter. They have one of the highest ratings in the country.
renee01952 april264
Posted
enjoy and please, love to hear how you did ...
angelblessings
RichardKen renee01952
Posted
Could be a lot of fun <BG> Cheers
Richard
april264 renee01952
Posted
The water was cut off in our area so couldn't do until today. Having said that..ooooh just had shower and it felt SO good. Fresh and properly clean and did manage it without breaking precautions.
Hadn't bothered putting socks back on yesterday and legs felt 'wibbly wobbly' when I got up. I'm showing about 2000 steps on my Fitbit on average now. Wondering about leaving them off? I've got 6 more injections to do now.
amanda1827h beverley36063
Posted
Hi Beverley, Poor you.Please take a day at a time.I was exactly the same & my anxiety went straight through the roof.please remember that you have had a major op. Things will get better.Dont be scared to ask for help.Listen to your body.Are you having blood thinner injections? Also what about Ted stockings? How about you treat your self to reflexology at home? Regards Amanda
aetl beverley36063
Posted
Hi beverley 36063,
I hear you loud and clear. It is frustrating not to be able to do the things you're used to doing.
My questions are what will happen if you don't decorate? What will happen to your garden if you can't tend it? What will happen to you if you can't come to terms with where you are now.
I've just had my 2 hips replaced. The first time seemed a lot easier but this time during the first 4 weeks I was frustrated with all the things I couldn't do. I finally just gave in to the realization that this is not forever. For the things, you can't do try to do them in a creative way. I don't know what decorating entails in your life but if it means you will suffer from it later than let it be. Take the time that it takes. Everyone is different. I read about people who were up and about at 3 weeks and others were struggling after 2 months. If your mind is not relaxed and accepting of your situation those feelings and thoughts can reflect how you heal. If your mind is tense your muscles will be too.
I hated sleeping on my back. I put a pillow between my legs and leaned towards my good side 3 days after my operation. If you have a physiotherapist he/she should have some good tips. Also whatever question you might have just "google" the question. For example: "sleeping positions after hip replacement surgery". I just did it and then pressed "images". There it was, pictures of people using the pillow method I use.
Good luck beverley36063. Patience will be your best friend.
The most important part of your life is your body. Let it rest. It needs you to love it more than you love your garden and decorating.
hipster101 beverley36063
Posted
Hey hugs :-)
I will read all these comments in a little bit but i just wanted to say i am also officially 3 weeks post op today and it can be tough old road! i slept like a log the first week and a half but woke up abotu 6am bright as a button i now cant sleep at all... im desperate to star fish on my front and my back is killing me from having to sleep on my back.
Im doing really well, im not as lucky as you im stuck with two crutches outside the house, one inside but i keep walking off without "steve" my leg had badly rotated inwards so the physio is making me stick to it. 4 - 5 hours of physio a day plus two walks which are the largest iv done in years is amazing.
I think your doing brilliantly, i think your taking less drugs than me but im the old "keep topped up dont let it get sore type of person from my type of work" i have been staying at my parents for the last 3 weeks (im 28) which has been such a help i went home for a shower and saw the state of the garden.. so i truly understand the need and want to do things! the way i look at it tho is if i behave now... its a fresh start i can get on a horse or garden all i like soon. so just hang in there :D we can hang in together. if you ever need a winge or a moan or a virtual hug just find me :-)
x
april264 hipster101
Posted
I'm 3 weeks back home today so 3 weeks of walking on two crutches. I do the keep topped up too. My biggest niggle pain is in left neck and right arm and I'm guessing this is from sleeping position.
Thinking back to three weeks ago (this was two days post op), I'm satisfied I'm making progress. Wishing I could see a physio because I want some feedback about the way I'm doing my exercises plus my range of movement. My priority as I recover is to do it well rather than quickly.
Treetee4 beverley36063
Posted
Hi beverly36063, I am 4 days post op from my 2nd ATHR here in the state of Virginia. My surgeon was the best. The whole staff at Sentara Orthopedic Hospital in Hampton were incredible. My physical therapy will be at TideWater Orthopedics. Every one there was professional and honest my 1st surgery so I know what to expect going in this time around. My 1st surgery was May 15th and the 2nd August 28th .I feel very blessed to have the support and love of my family and church. I am having problems sleeping I can't get comfortable. I don't want to take too many pain meds because of the constipation. That was the worst! Every day is different and I am being patient with myself something I didn't do my 1st surgery. It will take time and I will give it my all. I have a 2 yr.old grandson that lives with me full of life and energy. It will get better!i have tremendous faith. Blessings to all my fellow hippies!