Today I had my one year check up and despite recently slipping on slush while walking down a ramp, and running accidentally, both of my hips are perfect! It has been a long haul with three THR's, but I have arrived!
For those who have already "Graduated", you know what I mean. For those who are just starting out or in the middle somewhere, just know that your day will come too. Walking normally again and without excruciating pain is an amazing gift. All the struggles to arrive at this place were worth it.
"This too shall pass" You only have ONE chance to heal right, so make the best of it and give it all the inner strength you have. Never give up. Cry if you need to, take your pain medications because they are a very important part of your recovery, rest and exercise.
Well said dawn l am almost there to 6 weeks post 2nd hip replacement on monday l have my last appointment at begining of april to be signed off. Its been a long hard journey and its still not over yet but l am happy to say l have made it through the worst of it and the only way is up from now on. There is quite a few off us at this stage at the moment.
Congratulations Dawn, I'm 4 weeks at the moment and although a year check seems a long way off, I bet it soon comes round. I feel great at the moment and knowing that you have got there is an inspiration for me and others who have taken this journey.
Goodness, one year .. I just had my one year anniversary of 1st THR (March 16 2015) - How are your kids (grand kids?) - that was a tough road you traveled there for a moment -
Hello Dawn Dedee, Your post really inspired me as well as given me new hopes of a recovery. I am 4 months post TRH and it has been quite a journey with more downs than ups. I continue to work hard with PT 3 times a week and on my home exercise program. Thanks so much !!
Thank you for this lovely post - its a new dawn, a new day!
Congratulations! I am beginning to understand the full measure of work needed to reach this goal. And yes, the inner work that inner strength to persevere.
I am 4 weeks and I have made some excellent gains, but still struggle with the nights and regaining a better rhythm to my days that does not seem so 'slothlike'.
With my next hip ahead in three-four months, it is really wonderful to hear that it is worth it and the goal we imagined is indeed achievable.
Dawn, I was just thinking of you the other day and hoping that all was going well for you and your family.
I'm having my 2 year anniversary in August and STILL waiting for my left hip (can you believe that??? - there is no where to complain and you are their mercy here believe it or not)
On the bright side my right hip is like NEW, honestly until you have had the operation and on the road to recovery you can't believe what a miracle this surgery is...you literally get your life back, how wonderful is that!!!
I still check into this site from time to time, as you never know what tips you can pick up as no two surgeries are alike.
You certainly were given a second chance at life with your second doctor and it is just a shame that the first doctor is still around (let's hope another patient is not put through what you were).
Well here's to a great summer, all the best to you and your family,
HI Renee, thank you. I could not have survived without this site and all you wonderful kind people. My granddaughters are glad to have me back up on my feet. All the hip trauma I went through was also very hard on them. They lost their "Gandy" and had to learn how to cook and clean. Well, the cooking is going better than the cleaning. They still have yet to make that connection that if you do not leave your messes laying around, then you will not have messes to clean up! I have long since stopped cleaning up their messes and hold them accountable for them instead, even if it means that I have to live in a messy house.
So glad to know you! And I love your big warm embraces and hugs!
Karen, how great it is that you had your first drive and swimming! Life does piece itself back together and for many of us, because of the amount of suffering prior to the surgery and however long it was, we tend to forget how life was. The re-awakening is marvelous! I made out my first "To Do" list and it felt good to believe that I can finally get some things done that I could not do for so long.
Thank you Dawn. Yes, "This too shall pass" has helped me through a great many ups and downs also. It is one of those bits of wisdom and encouragement that I like to keep in the forefront of my mind.