panicking about recovery!!

Hi deedee

Its not the pain threshold thats the problem.....its the possibility of a dislocation if you dont follow physio/doctors instructions.

In fact if you do go more than the 90 degree angle that you arent supposed to do within the first 6 weeks.....I found it doesnt hurt at all...I did it a few times by mistake because its automatic  So for that first 6 weeks you have to stick strictly to this.....are you in the UK?  I got a booklet beforehand showing me what exercises I should do to strengthen muscles pre op and what ones to do post op.

Also a list of "do's" and dont's

You are talking about your children at the moment? Not the minded ones?

I was a childminder and know how strenous it can be.

After 10 days if you are planning to walk your children to school I would say you couldnt manage that far so soon.

What about friends that are taking their children to school....could they help out for a while?

As for breakfasting...that should be no problem if everything is at a level where you dont have to bend {certainly not for 6 weeks} This is the sort of thing that needs sorting before you go in.....I dont know what breakfast is but keep cereal at eye level, milk.......use a pan of cold water to put it in rather than the fridge if you have to bend to the fridge.

Going back to work in 6 weeks should be OK BUT I dont think you should lift any kids, you'll not be able to bend completely down {in a sudden movement}

Have you had your pre assessment? I suppose you have.....thats the place to ask your questions beforehand.

You'll cope with yourown children but I think you need to sit down and work out what you do each day with them and for them and think of different ways to do things

The four older ones should be able to help you so teach them beforehand what needs doing.

Even the 6 year old might be able to do little things

Sorry that sounds a bit downbeat......any specific questions just ask and I'll see if i can answer them

You'll be fine

Love

Eileen             UK

 

Good advice from Eileen.  Get yourself a grabber so that if anything does fall on the floor you can pick it up, very useful tool. Do not pick up anything heavy even if it is waist level.  As long as you remember not to bend over 90 degrees at first, it does become a habit in the end.  I was given a booklet too and found it very useful and informative.  Be wary and be careful and you will be okay.

Hi DeeDee I am just as worried as you are, I am just starting the whole process as was diognosed last friday and need the operation yesterday, I only have 10 weeks sick pay too and live in a first floor flat, but I am a stron 54yr old man, and my legs are not wasting yet, I will be following your progress with interest

You should be able to breakfast you children by then easily.because standing walking in the house doesn't hurt. But going to standing or sitting position does hurt for me a lot. But invert in my feet I felt better. You will probably have quite not of swelling at first.

Honestly I don't know how you will mind all the other children though.especial since you won't be able to bend over or break a90° plane.

Hopefully you will have a loo riser..b/c getting off the loo is difficult.Sending you hugs.

Hi Dee Dee,

Lots of wonderful advice from the great people on this site. That walk to take your young ones to school will prove very beneficial to you. My worst was the first 2 to 3 weeks and after that it moves upward. You are like me in that I would rather pull my own teeth than to ask for help, but one thing about this surgery is that it makes it easier to ask for help.

I wish the best outcome for you and remember some of the more worrisome things that can go wrong, do not happen to everyone.

Dawn

Hi, I had total hip replacement first one nov 1993 I was 26 . Last year i had to have revision Oct 2013 My doctor told me its going to be harder recover because you are older now , but i didnt hear that went right over my head YOU know what he was right very hard recovery . I would think you would need at least 12 weeks before going back to work everybody different and recovers differently . My first hip replacement I had 2 small girls to take care of my family helped out alot . Anyways good luck im sure you will be ok .

Hang in there

Jackie

Hi Deedee

I was on two crutches for first week and one for second with none after that. No limp after third ! Back at work 8 days after the op

Be positive and I am sure you will be the same

Thank you everyone for all your support and tips. Feeling very nervous with a week to go!