Hip Replacement Complete!
Posted , 17 users are following.
Well everyone, I had my hip replaced yesterday (4/5/2016) and all would seem good. After my last post I kind of dropped off the forum as I was constantly trying to convince myself that I was making a mistake and that I should be trying to delay things until I could no longer walk / function. However I just focused on the reasons I was doing it and my family and friends were great in reminding me how much I have struggled for the last 4 years. What also didn't help was that my pain levels dropped off in the week before surgery. I told my surgeon this on the day and he assured me it was mind over matter... or something to that effect!
The day of surgery wasnt great as I had to be in at 7:30 and surgery was at 13:00 which was a long time to be sat with my thoughts. So much so when my surgeon came round I found myself quite emotional which I didnt expect. Anyway he talked me through things and assured me this was the right course of action as the x-rays showed my hip to be in a terrible state and he actually came in to the recovery area and told me the joint was in a dire state. So I am happy I made the right decision!
I managed to get through the first night with the help of some super strong morphine and, unfortunately, the dreaded catheter was required! Today I have seen a multitude of people. The main shock to the system was being sat up and made to take a few steps with the zimmer frame and finding my leg weak and unresponsive. I can see a long road to recovery ahead of me, but what is life without its challenges?
My aim is to be able to go to Muncih in 4 months time for the Octoberfest and maybe, just maybe, be back on the golf course again!
David.
7 likes, 29 replies
steve86482 David06570
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Chris8968 steve86482
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Keep us posted on your progress.
David06570 Chris8968
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It actually took me until halfway through last night to realise that although they had given me pain meds, if i told them i was sore, they gave me more. Seems like they were holding out on the serious med's. Now I have that sussed I am controlling pain quite well.
The leg compression pumps came off earlier. I'm so glad they have gone!
I'll keep you all updated on my progress
Loral David06570
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bini31328 David06570
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linda38528 David06570
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Just keep in your head that helping your leg and all its connective tissues relearn their jobs (including working together) is your main job for the next while. And ,... a bit like golf, the amount of practice and strengthening you put into it will determine how well you get to play.
4 months would be optimisitic for meto play golf but I am a fair bit older than some of the people responding and I am waiting for my other hip to be done (late summer I hope) and too many of my muscles were quite weak pre-op.
However, at 11 weeks I am walking and doing stairs without a crutch (except when overtired) and walking 2-3 km. So perhaps Steve is not too optimistic.
The first few weeks are the worst for pain and frustrations although the subsequent weeks have their own frustrations as progress does not occur in an altogether straight line. Chris' advice is really good.
Good luck. I am rooting for you to make your goals.
David06570 linda38528
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I think your right, recovery time will be different for everyone depending on muscle strength etc. prior to surgery. I'm certainly just going to listen to my body throughout this process. Plus my left side is going to need done within the next couple of years so like you i'll need to go through this again at some point.
I actually had a bit of an emotional breakdown earlier. I think the emotions of the last 4 weeks and the surgery finaly got the better of me. I feel better now though
David.
linda38528 David06570
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Keep the faith - I want to hear reports from Munich (I will be in full recovery again then and will need it).!!!
sportsw4 David06570
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David06570 sportsw4
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How are you finding things at 6 weeks? Are you walking more or less without aid now? One thing that surprises me is that even in my inactive state, I can notice the lack of arthritic pain. For example there is no way I could have sat up in bed for more than 10 minutes without some sort of ache in my hip, thigh or knee let alone a few hours like I am now..
David..
sportsw4 David06570
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David06570 sportsw4
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They had me up and about on crutches today and I feel like I have run a marathon now. I have a night of lying on my bed watching TV ahead of me! So far I have had a lot of pain but I seem to have been taking less pain meds today. Its really just stiffness and swelling now. The consultant was in earlier and is really pleased with my progress. He expects me to get home tomorrow! I guess thats where the real challenge begins (no raising beds, nurses etc.).
I'll keep you and everyone else posted
David.
sportsw4 David06570
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Lallydye1 David06570
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Take it easy for the first few weeks and alow yourself to heal.
BW
Alison x
David06570 Lallydye1
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I had my first "what have i done to myself" experience at tea time tonight. It also doesn't help that all the nurses etc. (as nice and helpful as they are) keep saying to me that I am so young to have a hip replacement (40yrs old) and what could have caused it. As though I havent wondered that over the last 4 years leading up to this moment.... I just laugh it off though as I know that they dont understand or know my feelings on the situation
David.