How do you cope with restrictions after the op

Hi Toto...it's interesting you ask how to not get lonely and depressed following the surgery. Before my op I had made if my business to understand what the operation consisted off and the physical elements of recovery...I was well prepared for the surgery together with the physical discomforts and the need to keep up the exercise programme etc. I'm 4 weeks in today and the physical side of things are pretty much as I envisaged and I think I am on track in this regard. I am generally pleased with my recovery progress. 

However just to share with you that what I hadn't even thought about or considered enough was the emotional affect such surgery is having on me!

I am a 63 year old man who is not normally given to negativity or depression yet I find my self a bit of an emotional wreck these past weeks! I am really surprised how easily I get down and am fighting the destructive "I will never get well again" thoughts that creep into the mind! I don't know the reason making me feel this way? Perhaps medication? too much time to think? Impatience, Feeling sorry for myself?....I don't know?

But one thing for sure I do know....it's incredibly important is that you have good loving support around you as much as you can. Without the support of my dear wife and other family members I don't think I could have coped as well as I am. It's good you are comfortable in your own company which will also help you through. 

My advice is ( although I haven't followed it well enough myself) is to talk yourself  positive, don't let the negativity or doubt creep in....keep yourself busy with whatever you can, read, watch TV, relax, don't feel rushed, do your exercises, get some fresh air as often as you can, thank god it's only your hip causing you problems and just let the healing process take it's natural course. 

Yesterday the first time in 3 years I can lay fiat on my back without hip/ groin pain and I can already feel my mood improving!...I know good health times are just around the corner again )))

Best wishes for a successful surgery and a very merry Christmas to you x

Philip

 

dear toto. 

what wonderful and practical comments - you will feel much more capable of doing things than what you think right now - maybe not the bend over so much, but the grabbers are really so helpful and you will get so handy and creative with them - 

I live alone and had 2 THR surgeries within 6 months - also live out in the country in Holland where I ended up after living in Los Angeles for 34 years - No  friends or family close by - I was not looking forward and sort of scared having to deal with post-op by myself, however as I said, was able to do more than I thought possible - 

I had a 4 wheeled walker/trolley with a seat so I could put my stuff on it - the darn thing was too wide to get close to my bed, or in the little bathroom but I managed - I read a lot, and yes being part of this forum made all the difference - 

You have your husband around to keep you company and help you ... 

you will be fine and surprise your self, really -

Happy Holidays

big warm hug

renee

 

You simply manage and the pain you had will have gone!  You will have surgical pain but the groin pain goes.  You bite the bullet and lie flat when in bed - don't cross your mid-line with your operated leg and do the exercises.  You won't look back.  I only had my husband to look after me - and he did.  I was walking outside in under a week and went on a caravanning holiday the week after!  Do be vigilant for the first six weeks and really take care of yourself - but this op is the beginning not the end.

You won't care very much about seeing friends the first two weeks, by week three you will be ready for a lunch with friends and in between most of us watch films and TV. You may not feel like reading the first week but after that you will, but nothing too heavy. Listening to music is therapeutic too. Crafts and baking, flower arranging and anything sitting down is more than possible by two and a bit weeks - then you will steadily get your life back from there!

Have goals each day no matter how small to ward off down moments, some tasty treats in the cupboard and rejoice the fact you will soon be completely well and socialising again in a matter of weeks! Good luck and come back with any other questions

So many great recommendations here. Wishing you all the best with your upcoming HR!

Yes, the grabbers are essential. I also used a sock aid every single day for putting on fresh socks. Didn't think I'd need it, but was glad I had it so I wouldn't have to bother my loved-ones for yet another chore. Having big, stretchy socks made it easier.

You'll most likely be required to wear compression stockings or TED hose for a couple of weeks after the surgery. They have a handy little plastic bag type contraption for helping you get the hose on and off (very difficult without the contraption) that they provided at my hospital. You'll have to have help from others to do this, but the key thing is, make sure you bring home the thingie to help get them on with!

The other thing I could not have done without was a rollator walker, the kind with wheels on one side and a seat. Since I haven't recovered fully yet, I still use it all the time, every day when inside my house. I use the seat to put things on that I need to move from room to room, which is all the time. Even put my food items when transferring from sink to oven or kitchen to dining room. I put my soup in a very large bowl so it doesn't slop over the edges and spill.

Regarding crutches, some people never use them at all, going from a walker to nothing. If you do use them, you may find that you go fairly quickly to the use of one crutch (on the opposite side of your surgical leg). Then you can use your free arm to carry things. Or you can use a small daypack on your back to carry things in. 

You'll find a ways to deal with the restrictions. For me, the worst one was that I was not allowed to sleep on my side for 6 weeks. I had to sleep sitting up because of sleep apnea, so needed LOTS of pillows around me in the bed to keep me propped up. Did not sleep well for those first 6 weeks at all.

Best of luck on your upcoming surgery!

The first week you dont feel much like doing anything, rest sleep watch tv you will feel down you cry alot, but honest come week 2 wow all that changes, you get to move around a bit and as each week goes by, you will get stronger and stronger.  Best advice i got was listen to your body, if it wants to rest or sleep do it, take your pain killers regularly, i set an alarm in my fone every 4 hours.  Honest i am 6 weeks gone and its gone by so quick.  Hope you can relax over christmas, just think if the new you for 2016.

sue xx

Thank you everyone for all your helpful replies and the wonderful tips you have given me.  I have to say you all seem much braver than me.  Last night I had a full on christmas panic attack at the thought of the operation and the possiblilty of complications.  There are fears etiher way as the hip collapsing and having to wait once again for surgery is probably an even worse scenario.  I think because I am fortunate enough to have some good days when I tell myself I can manage without surgery.  The good days consist of lying on the sofa reading, when any pain is minimal.  I know many of you suffer just as badly from sitting or lying and that makes me wonder if I could put off the surgery.  Oh to be such a scaredy cat.