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So pleased to have the op

Posted , 11 users are following.

lynn66084
lynn66084

I'm 16 weeks now and I can't believe how great I feel.

  I tried to put off having the op but the pain and mobility was really difficult.  I was worried about my job because I'm on my feet all the time and it's a physical job.But  I can do it, getting better at getting up from kneeling, I can carry something that's heavy (not massive heavy) to the end of the aisle, I couldn't do it before my op. I can work my 7 hour shift no problem and could work longer, also go for a 5-6mile walk after it.

I got another milestone today, I walked upstairs properly, don't know if I can do it tomorrow but I know I did it, and the steep hils are getting easier too.

I can fasten my laces if I stand up,not sitting but still struggle with socks, I pulled my back a little this morningrolleyes trying to get them on.

But what I'm trying to say is the first weeks are awful, but when things start moving forward it's such a good feeling, and you will get there. It does not matter if you can get yourself into bed straight away or two weeks later like me, or if your off your pain meds, walking aids early or late, most of us get through it, though some have extra problems and theirs will take a bit longer.

If your thinking of getting it done, do it,to be out of painand have more mobility is fantastic.

Keep going everyone and take care.xx

7 likes, 35 replies

35 Replies

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  • julia77343
    julia77343 lynn66084

    Posted

    Hello Lynn, I'm 3.5 weeks and am still needing my one crutch, I feel like I've hit a wall in my recovery. I am still in quite a lot of pain, in both hips, especially at night and in the morning. I was expecting to be able to ditch the crutch by now, especially as I went to one crutch after the first week. It's great to hear how well you are doing. Do you have any advice as to how I can build up strength in my new hip, other than the usual exercises that we are given. Warmest wishes. Julia. Xx
    • kath_22892
      kath_22892 julia77343

      Posted

      Hello julia

      I have just read your message. I think you are doing fabulously for 3.5 weeks, and only using one crutch! I'm still on 2 and some days could do with more lol x

      my motto for exercise is do it when I feel good and leave it when I dont, I am improving but age makes a difference, I am 63 years, since the op feel 10 years older

      I had my operation on 24th may so we are about the same post op

      best wishes for a good recovery Kath x

    • julia77343
      julia77343 kath_22892

      Posted

      Hello kath, what a lovely message, thank you. I know what you mean about feeling 10 years older, I'm 55 and have always been a keep fit nut, but oh my word, what a come down. Your right about the exercise, if I try to push it I suffer in the long run, so I think I'll take your advice and take each day as it comes. I'm 5 days ahead of you chick, and 5 days can make so much difference. You've got such a good attitude, stay positive chick. Let me know how your getting on. Warmest wishes, for a speedy recovery. Julia. Xx
    • Msky
      Msky julia77343

      Posted

      Hi Julia.Im Msky and had my surgery May 18 th.I was doing well until I picked up a bag of laundry and am now back to square 1.I go to the OS Monday . My sister works for OS in Arizona and said to do nothing until I see the Dr..This morning I could see swelling at the top of the thigh and feel it tot ward the incision but that has gone down quite a bit.Im relieved to see improvement.You sound as if you are doing so well. Be proud.Take it easy.I unfortunately am learning the hard way. Be well
    • julia77343
      julia77343 Msky

      Posted

      Hello msky, what bad luck chick.  On days when we feel a bit better, its so easy to push ourselves that one step too far, and ouch. I've also learned the hard way with swelling and pain, two steps forward one step back.  As your sister says, you need to rest up for a couple of days, that is what I've had to do, and start again. I do hope you're recovery is still on track, and your feeling great again in no time. Warmest wishes Julia. Xx
    • lynn66084
      lynn66084 julia77343

      Posted

      Hi Julia,

      I only had my basic exercises from hospital and a call at 3 weeks, no more physio.  But I did my exercises religiously and was told to walk, which I did in the hospital and from second day home.  Just little walks and build up slowly, that really helps. Be careful you don't do too much, remember when you walk somewhere you have to get back as well.

      I over did it twice, the walking, once I couldn't walk for a couple of days, and once I couldn't sit down for a few minutes, that scared me thought I had done some real damage.

      Don't try and rush  your walking aids.  I was told if I limp, use them, I can't remember when I stopped using two sticks,it was over 6 weeks and I ditched the last one at 10.5 weeks, but everyone is different.

      Hope you have a speedy recovery. xx

    • Msky
      Msky julia77343

      Posted

      Hi Julia.Its a little better today.your right,ups and down are definitely part of this journey
  • linda38528
    linda38528 lynn66084

    Posted

    Great post Lynn!

    You are so right ... our recovery paths are very distinct even if we share certain milestones and challenges.

    I am one week ahead of you and in many ways we are at similar stages (walking and range of activities). But kneeling and getting back up remain a struggle and although I've had a bath since my surgery, I am not yet able to have on at ome ... it is too deep for me to get back out! Most days I can do my socks and shoes, but if I skip my morning and night exercises, I still have problems with these tasks. And stairs - I am great going up but plain outright suck at going down them if I don't have a railing on the proper side for my hip.

    I met an 84 year old man tonight - the father of a friend. He had a THR 14 years ago and a revision after. As we compared notes, we agreed that regular exercises were the key for us and .... water, lots and lots of water to flush out the meds. We both deeply appreciate having had the operation and the renewed quality of life.

    Thank you for your post. Go forth and have a great life.

    L

    • Msky
      Msky linda38528

      Posted

      Hi Linda.Good morning.I am still having a lot of discomfort at 3 weeks out but I do believe it will get better.I definitely hear more positives than negatives out there.We are so lucky to born at a time where medicine can surgically correct bad hips and knees.Have a great day,be wellsmile
    • lynn66084
      lynn66084 linda38528

      Posted

      Hi Linda,

      I stopped my exercises a couple of weeks before I got back to work, never thought about keep doing them, figured I get enough exercise now.  But I wonder if it might help a bit more doing them again, they seem to be helping you. But I did manage better this morning by leaning on the bedrom wall and putting a foot on the bed, even got my toenails cut lol

      I so want to go in my bath but it's small, I can only sit in it with my knees up, so don't know if it's risky or if I would be able to get out.

      My friends brother had his done a few month before me and he said he regreted it, but now he has healed up he has had a change of heart and has just done a 5k run, though he was dissappointed his friend got in 12 seconds earlier lol, but he admitted he would never of been able to do it before the op.  So it is good to hear.

      Keep going forwards biggrin

       

    • Msky
      Msky lynn66084

      Posted

      How awesome to even think you could do a 5k run when it's painful to walk down a hall before you get the new hip.He has got to be happy about that
    • lynn66084
      lynn66084 Msky

      Posted

      Yeah, he was, apart fom his friend beat him by 12 secs, I think he is very competitive.lol
  • CelsB
    CelsB lynn66084

    Posted

    You're two weeks in front of me Lynne, but I'm feeling pretty good too.  I still have a tiny bit of stiffness from time to time but no pain.  I'm walking well and I still marvel at how smoothly my hip joint moves now.  I echo your sentiments - if you're at that stage where you need a hip replacement, get it done.  

     

    • lynn66084
      lynn66084 CelsB

      Posted

      Hi Cels,

      I still get stiff after I have been sitting and waddle a couple of steps till things get moving again,but I think we can cope with that. We have done really well, as everyone.

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