Good news - it DOES get better
Posted , 12 users are following.
Hippies, some good news for those of you following in the footsteps of so many of us with new hip joints.
Back-story: Had my THR Oct 2015, 4 weeks later was told it had been put in wrong and it was missed at X-Ray too. Revision January 2016, which failed to get the bits out to reseat them 
. Now with new surgeon and hospital, legal case pending.
So I have done all the sleeping on my back, blood thinners, 90 degree rule, zimmer frames, walking sticks and physio etc TWICE ....
I recovered enough to go back to work about 12 weeks post revision, and promptly found that I had forgotten most of my technical expertise due to memory loss!!!
Having done all that physio, walking, cycling etc. at about 18 months finally I felt just about 'back to normal'. Then I retired 
.
But now I can cycle even faster than my wife. This week I have started a project to rebuild a pond/waterfall/rockery, and had over 2 tons of timber delivered, which I have just moved to the end of the garden (250 feet or so over gravel and grass) using a one man-power (me) hand-cart. And no problens with the hip at all.
There is NO WAY that I could have done that 2 years ago, so, this hip has transformed my life. To those preparing for a THR, and those who are recovering, keep up your exercises. I am sure that my hips and leg muscles are now so much stronger than before due to the physio exercise I have had and walking / cycling daily.
Finally, see my website for hints and tips amassed from hippies on this forum, the address is in my personal info here ...
https://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025
and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147
Best wishes to everyone
Graham - 🚀💃 🤸
8 likes, 37 replies
RichardKen Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
Excellent stuff. I hope that your success spurs others on!
Cheers Richard
Rocketman_SG6UK RichardKen
Posted
That's the message I wanted to get out there - we all have a good chance of an excellent outcome.
RichardKen Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
Absolutely, and a positive determined outlook can increase the likelihood of a good result.
Cheers Richard
AnnieK Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
Love reading about how good things are for you these days, Graham! I've been following you through your whole journey. I wonder if you will make it the rest of your life without having a failure of your ceramic cup or having to have another revision. Hope so!
Thanks much for making your website. I am sure it has helped many people, and will continue to help more.
merelina89971 AnnieK
Posted
Don't understand as none of my comments appear on this website! Perhaps I'm pressing the wrong button'
Courage to all!!
Rocketman_SG6UK merelina89971
Posted
renee01952 Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
dear Graham,
hear, hear ....
can't believe how much time has gone by - great to hear how well you are doing ...
now, don't get too cocky and overdo things okay ? you have plenty of time, no need to rush and do ask for help with lifing and pushing, pulling etc -
The website is brilliant - I am happy that I was there at conception ..
You are such a trooper, graham - and i am one of your groupies
big warm hug, also for the Missus
renee
Rocketman_SG6UK renee01952
Posted
Yes, I will be taking it a little easier now, I just needed to get the wood off my driveway so we could get the cars back in.
Hugs
Graham
brenda92532 Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
Hi Graham
Im so glad you are feeling great you're an inspiration to others. I had my hip replacement January 20th 2016, the hip pain has gone but I'm still having problems with the damage nerves in my foot. I went to see a country and western singer last night and still don't feel confident to get up and dance. I get frustrated but am learning to except it. I can't believe it when they say there's nothing that can be done. I'll keep trying.
Your success story keeps me sane and thinking there's light at the end of the tunnel. Your webpage is the best thing that happened to me. I can't believe my luck when I came across it just after my op. It has helped having someone in the same position to talk to. All the best.
Thank you
Brenda
Rocketman_SG6UK brenda92532
Posted
So sorry you are having nerve problems, I believe that is one thing that is quite common (it was included on the form I signed for permission to operate), and not easy to solve. I believe that in time the nerves can rejoin or find alternative conduction paths, but there is no easy cure once they have been cut. Keep walking as well as you are able, with lots of positive thoughts.
I am glad the website was helpful, it really was just a collection of ideas and information from many other hippies on this forum.
Best wishes
Graham
brenda92532 Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
Hi Graham
Thanks for your reply. I'm aware of the consent form we sign but I'm not giving up. The orthopaedic surgeon I saw regarding my foot seemed to think it was from the old injury I had to the broken tibia after the accident 55 years ago. That is the reason he sent me for a nerve conduction test.
Ive tried everything, including things in my diet, creams, tablets and alternative therapy. You name it I've done it but nothing seems to work. I'm doing short walks but keep having to stop. I managed 2-3 miles a day in total. I just keep thinking about my biggest achievement with the ramblers of 25 mile round walk.
I have never been an active person, running, swimming or cycling. That is why it was such an achievement. I've been to swimming lessons and managed a length but I don't relax and feel a dead weight. I'm not very confident and even find trying to balance on a cycle difficult. That is why I think what you do is great.
My my life revolved around walking, dancing and socialising. That is the reason I feel frustrated not being able to do the things I could achieve. My life now revolves around driving, doing short walks and finding different cafes with family and friends.
I agree with you on how caring and inspirational Renee has been. I wish her and yourself a good future.
All the best
Brenda
Rocketman_SG6UK brenda92532
Posted
Brenda, We all seem to have some form of 'mountain' to climb, and yours is the nerve damage you have suffered. I am sure that with your positive outlook that you will overcome it and get a good outcome.
I found that keeping a blog/diary helped me see the small amounts of progress I was making. Looking back at previous entries as you go on to remind you that you have indeed improved can give you such a boost.
Healing hugs
Graham
brenda92532 Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
Hi Graham
Thanks for your reply, I'll try keeping a diary because as you say every little progress gives you a boost.
After your setbacks at the beginning I bet you was wondering when things would look up.
I bet it was a great feeling doing a 10 mile cycle ride with your wife.
My last setback on April 30th has made me wary about gardening. I'm only small but bending taking heads of dandelions caused my hip to dislocate in abig way. I think about this every time I try some gardening. I've got a Gardner now to help me and I'm going to have some slate on the rockeries and pots to cut down on the weeding. My husband cuts the lawns but he isn't interested in the garden.
I know you and your wife will enjoy your retirement, I'm trying to enjoy mine but it's one step forward two steps back. That is the title of a line dance I used to do and hope to do again.
Best of luck for the future Brenda
Loral Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
Glad to hear you are doing great!!! Enjoy your retirement.
linda81469 Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
Hey Rocketman 🚀 Glad you're doing so well after all you have been through. I'm a year out now and still struggling. Worst year of my life..... I keep hoping one day I'll start feeling better but nothing yet....I'm beginning to lose hope. It's just exhausting to feel this way every day. Still limping, still have that lump feeling in my backside when I sit. Now dealing with nerve pain and sensitivity in my thigh. but it's great that you are doing better. God's blessings to you for continued healing. Hugs,🤗 Linda
Rocketman_SG6UK linda81469
Posted
I still have the 'golf ball in the rear' most days ... I have just learned to accept it and move on, but I know just how exhausting it all feels. It all really started to feel better for me at about 18 months.
Same goes for the stiff feeling as I get up of a comfy chair, and the occasional wonky walk
.
Had a lovely sunny cycle ride today with my wife for lunch, about 10 miles in all.
Hugs 🤗
Graham
merelina89971 Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
I,m now 10 weeks since op on right hip. Left one..bone on bone..due on October 6th.
In some ways things are good. I certainly dont have the screaming pain I had for months before the op! My left one is shouting!! but not like the first one.
I wake up after a quite resless night..adjusting pillows and tossing and turning...but not actually in pain...but then I get up and ow ow!! cant put weight on unoperated leg,and legs painful and stiff...need 2 sticks to get about. feed the dog...have some breakfast and get back to bed!Whew!
half an hour later have a bath....possibly with epsom salts...then things are manageable!
Thank God I can drive...drove me bananas having to ask for lifts all the time.
I am trying to go to the pool every other day to do exercises....always sore afterwards....but cranial osteopath says I'm doing well! how does one know?
Went to our local John Lewis...paced myself...only there for half an hour...coffee in the middle...and I was shattered for the rest of the day!
So this forum is helpful as it shows..we have had a major op! all of us are different... and recovery is not a steady climb!!
Thanks everybody!
I'm 79 and have plans for an all night party for my 80th next June!
Courage!!! (spoken with a french pronounciation sounds better)
Merelina
Rocketman_SG6UK merelina89971
Posted
Merelina, Such a positive attitude - wonderful. You may be a little older and wiser than me, but I envy your style
. You are doing all the right things, and I can imagine the pain from a second hip that is complaining too. Pain is very wearing, no wonder you are exhausted, and the operation you went through is brutal, and your body is still recovering from that as well.
I'll be raising a glass to you in June 2018 to celebrate your milestone birthday.
I found that keeping a blog/diary helped me see the small amounts of progress I was making. you can look back at previous entries as you go on to remind you that you have indeed improved which can give you such a boost.
As you say (French accent), Courage
Graham
merelina89971 Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
Thanks for your great reply! I do keep a journal too.
Just had an interview for a very small TV part in a new, Terry Pratchett series. She has 4 lines and is watering her plants! Just up my street at the moment! Cross fingers for me!!!
And that the dates don't interfere with !next op!
judith12644 merelina89971
Posted
Hi Merelina, you sound as though you are doing great, and as Graham says, having a positive attitude certainly helps. Good to get out and about, and you can't beat a stroll around John Lewis! (In fact I'll be there on Wednesday with a friend. We were both students in Reading many years ago. When I met her last July, just before my hip op I was limping along....)
Hope that after your next surgery you'll feel like a new woman, and ready for that all night party!
Onwards and upwards, love Judith
Rocketman_SG6UK merelina89971
Posted
Oh let's hope you get the part, sounds like a very interesting thing to do.