Hi all, had a horrible first night home, very little sleep, mostly because I needed the loo so often. Takes me so long to get there, perform and get back that it was practically time to start again right away. Was lovely to get in shower and wash hair this morning, made me feel almost human. I am lucky in that I have a wet room that was put in for my husband when he was alive. Did my exercises, ouchie ouchie ouch, had some lunch, then was informed by eldest dear daughter that I was being put down for a nap! When did that role reversal take place?? Slept like the dead for two and a half hours and felt much better for it, more exercises, it's all go isn't it? How long is it roughly, and I know everyone is different, before getting in and out of bed stops feeling as if your leg is being torn off?
margaret
The main thing is that the op is over Margaret.
It will take you a while I am afraid . I am 13 weeks tis week and still don't sleep well and get muscle ache .
I joint school we were told not to look at progress day to day but week to week . Don't think , I am no better today than I was yesterday but how much better I am this week than I was last week . I found it very helpful .
you are very lucky to have your daughter to look after you , make the most of her , she will soon get fed up I am sure ha ha .
It is very important to listen to your body and rest as well as exercise .
You have the summer in front of you and will soon be fine I am sure .
All the best
Mary
Margaret, try and be careful in the early days, particularly getting in and out of bed. Sometimes I found it easier to stay up after I had a few hours sleep. Also remember to keep taking your painkillers regularly and before pain takes hold. Keep positive and use all the aids you were given and accept all offers of help you receive. Things get easier.
I think we all had a horrible first night home and a few more before it settles down. It will get better as you heal. Take all the rest you can during the day and just give it time. Soon you will be able to get in and out of bed easier. Exercises are not my fav thing and tend to neglect them. I know that is a no no. I am glad you are doing yours. I am 5 weeks post op today and am feeling so much better, I still have soreness at wound site but no pain. Keep up the good work, so glad you have your daughter to help you. The only good thing to say about the horrible first night is that at least you are home in your own bed
Am now 10 days and the getting in and out of bed is still difficult. My operated leg is getting stronger and will I soon be able to hold it just off the sheet whilst I pivot round.
I think the role reversal takes place after they get married. They always think they are right even when they are not, but if you agree with them it saves a row and they usually realise you were right in the first place! Regarding getting in and out of bed, we are all different. I was about 6 weeks before It began to feel a lot easier getting into bed and after that it suddenly got much easier and now at 20 weeks I can swing both my legs across together with a flourish, just because I can. I am also sleeping well without pillows, or cushion or rolled up towel under my knees and its wonderful. Look after yourself, you will get there at your own pace, don't rush it. Best wishes
Glad to hear you are home and getting used to the night time wanderings. I too had to make loo trips every 2 hours while I had the swelling but now only 2 trips per night at 4 weeks in. You were so lucky to get a shower I had to wait till my stitiches came out on day 14. Ouchie ouchie gets better and sometimes it returns for no reason as is my case this weekend. Much improved tonight and appetite better. Maybe tonight I will sleep through. Getting in and ut of bed no longer a pronblem for me but the leg still feels heavy at times, I am convinced he used builders cement and some rubble. Keep smiling and enjoy the afternoon naps - I do enjoy my little sleep around 2pm
Ann I do know the feeling, builders cement and rubble indeed!! If that is what one leg feels like I am on a diet as soon as possible.
Hi poor you! Hope sleeping will get easier! Do you have a warm bed time drink? I am just over 6 weeks and have too see consultant on Thursday. I am still bruised! But not surprised as I am my Hubby's carer,and its not easy at times! Hubby also has oa of lumbar spine,hips and knees and deaf and severely sighted. Luckily we have a wet room so having a wonderful shower and hairwash is bliss! Regards Amanda
Hello Margaret and welcome home.
I think the first 2 weeks were the worst and then things seemed to improve, so stick with it.
I remember those nights of going to loo with difficulty walking and no sooner do you get back to bed and you want to go again lol ! I think they give you water tablets, just to make you walk ha ha.
It will all be in the far and distant pass and you'll be whizzing around again.
You are doing a remarkable job if you are your husbands carer and only six weeks on. I cared for my late husband for roughly five years, he had Lewy Body Dementia, which brings with it Parkinson's symptoms and severe hallucinations, it's no job for weaklings is it? Power to your elbow as the saying is.
Hi margaret08277
Yes, it will get easier. I am 13 weeks post hip. I couldn't even slide or lift my legs out of bed by myself for several weeks. My husband had to do that which meant he got to enjoy getting up also at night several times. Now I may go once during the night but mostly don't have to now. I did ask for some sleep aids at the beginning as I was not sleeping much at all. It did help. And keep up on pain meds too. Now I feel like I'm as good as new even better because no pain! Just saw Dr. for followup today and said everything looked great but keep doing precautions for 6 months. So I guess I'm not polishing my own toenails for the summer just yet!
Margaret I am worried how I am going to cut my toe nails its been around 8 weeks post op now, I dont want to risk dislocating : (
Hi Dawn , I am 13 weeks this week and cut my own toenails on bed , they are not that tidy but ok ,
I ws told NOT to cut nails until about 6 months of precautions. You can ask the Dr. office nurse to do it, or a dear friend or relative. They will understand. Or go and splurge and have your toes done at a salon! THat is my plans. Everyone will understand.
I think it is safer till at least 6 months to go and splurge in a salon or get someone else to do it. During the wait for my op I could not do my own nails even with a long handled nail scissor. Luckily hubbie helped
Hello Dawn
I treated myself to a pedicure and foot massage, gave me a boost and intend to book another this week. Let's face it not going out much to spend money so a real treat. Might become a habit and a monthly treat
I have not yet managed to get in and out of bed in the night without waking my husband.. Luckily he usually falls back to sleep after he has settled me in! I do not, so have started doing a few of the lying in bed small movement excercices, it is beginning to work as well as counting sheep
Dawn I think the District Nurse would do this for you at your GP's surgery. They must be used to such requests, it's not as if it is an unusual op. I have found the nurses at mine very friendly and helpful.