Little things please little minds!

Posted , 7 users are following.

13 weeks post op and have almost forgotten the hard work of the first couple of weeks. I have discovered a new joy in being able to wash on own feet, cut my own toe nails and sit on a normal height loo without feeling as though I may fall into it. As I say ........little things!

Good luck everyone who is at the beginning of this journey. It's worth it!!

5 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Posted

    Hiya Marion, 😊

    Happy to see all is going well, I'm at 5 weeks post op today, know just what ya mean about the Loo seat 😀

    One of the best things I've ever done, was to get myself in that hospital 5 weeks ago. Guess I've got the washing of feet and nail cutting to look forward too....😁

    it's always nice to read a good positive post, all the best with your continued recovery.

    Stay Safe & Stay Happy

    Pete..😊

  • Posted

    Hi Marion,

    How long have you been cutting your toe nails? At 7 months I cannot do that or put sock on very easily.

    • Posted

      Since about 6 weeks. Not very easy at first. I still sit on the edge on the bed and lift my leg so that my foot is resting on the bed, than reach forward VERY CAREFULLY!! Couldn't quite get there at first and didn't push further than my body wanted to go. I think 2 things helped me. Although I'm now 66, I was a gymnast in my teens and so started out very fit and flexible. Also, every time I told my physio I couldn't do something at any stage, he always immediately made me try to do it! All a bit scary but I figured that he wouldn't make me try if it wasn't safe and if something did go wrong at least I was in the hospital for help straight away. I think we have it so drilled into us that we have to guard against dislocation for the first 6-8 weeks that we probably are more cautious than we need to be but I think that's a good thing. Better to wait a bit longer to do something than do some damage to our new joints.

    • Posted

      I never had any physio, maybe that is the difference, we were not offered it. Whenever I rang them to ask a question they were no help. Standard answer "if it hurts don't do it"

    • Posted

      If you look online you will find post hip op exercises. Done in conjunction with walking as much as you can, it really helps to strengthen the butt and thigh muscles.

    • Posted

      I walk the dog everyday, do two pilates classes, step aerobics and a zumba class. I also use my elliptical walker most days, along with floor exercises, I am pretty active over the week. since I have returned to my exercise classes I am noticing a difference in flexibility. When I asked the surgeon if I would be able to cut my toenails and put my socks on he said no!

    • Posted

      I would be very surprised if you don't get to manage socks and toe nails. You sound very active at, at 7 months, I bet you could do it. When did you last try? Sit of the bed and lift you leg as I do - all very gently, and see how far you can go. Don't push further than your body wants to go though. I found I could get a little further each time until, after a couple of weeks, I could reach far enough without straining and pulling my hip. Good luck.

    • Posted

      I try everyday Marion to put my socks on, I am desperate to cut my own toe nails, hubby has been doing it and he is not the most gentle ouch!

    • Posted

      I didn't let my husband get near my toe nails. My daughter did it until I could manage. I do hope you get there soon. Keep trying gently and I wish you luck.

    • Posted

      Hi Marion,

      Friday I sat on the stairs and cut my toe nails, hooray. slightly difficult, but by sitting on the stairs I actually managed something I have not been able to do for a very long time. 😁

  • Posted

    Yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel - we quickly forget the pain, and slowly do more things as we recover.

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