Hi, I have been following all of your experiences for a few weeks now and have found it very helpful. I'm 4 weeks post op now and feel like I'm not progressing very well. The first 2 weeks I seemed to do really well but have now come to a halt. I am using one crutch, but I'm having some pain still. I have cut down on my painkillers but wondered if I should have. My husband thinks I'm trying to run before I can walk. I think that because I did well in the first 2 weeks, I'm just disappointed that my progress seems to have slowed down. I wondered if anyone else has felt like this. Is this normal? I'm feeling quite low just now.
Be gentle with yourself. It takes time to heal!
Thanks Sam. Sounds like good advise.
I felt the same , good for first 3 weeks then dreadful again . 8 weeks post op now take a stick if I go out in case .
Still have some pain in buttock and thigh and have a slight limp at times which I didn't have before . Starting physio next week so hope that helps .
when you think what we went thro it's not surprising it takes time .
Dont do too much and rest whenever you feel like .
Chin up
mary
south wales
Hi Mary, I'm relieved to hear it's not just me, although I'm sorry you went through it too. I think you get it into your head that it's all going to go one way and then it's a shock when it doesn't. Good luck with your physio next week. Mine starts on Friday so hopefully it will help. Thanks for your reply. It's good to know we're not on our own isn't it.
Have you ever cut your finger, or had an open wound on any part of your body? If so, think about how long it took for it to totally heal. On the outside, these incisions look great, and it might leave the thought that it's the same on the inside, but it's not. Think of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that need to heal...there are layers and layers of muscles, and it just takes time.
Hi Denise, I felt the same as you at 4 or 5 weeks post op. this is totally normal so try not to worry, I think oce the op is over we all expect far too much from ourselves !! I complained to my specialist at my six week check thinking I should be much further ahead and his reply was to remind me that my body had been through severe trauma, and not to try and run before I could walk literally !!! We must remember that although outwardly the scar is healed it takes a long time to heal inside. I guess that we are so relieved that the op is over we then expect to bounce back very quickly. Take things one day at a time and keep doing the exercises and it will all come good. Wishing you all the best with your recovery. Maggie xx
I hear what your saying Sam. I just need to be more patient. Thank you.
Hi Maggie, what you say makes so much sense. Sounds like I expected too much too soon. I feel more confident going forward now knowing its normal to feel like I do. One day at a time, good advice. Thank you. Good luck with your recovery too.
Totally agree with everything that's already been said. I think 4 weeks post op is a bit of a landmark for a lot of people. We achieve in that time from when we get up after the op to walking with two then one crutch. So progress at that point seems to slown down. I started to cut my painkillers down at 4 weeks but as has been said before listen to your body don't reduce them too much if you get pain doing your exercises as that defeats the object.
Take care
Linnet x
Oops that should have been ....
We achieve a lot in that time ....!
☺️
Hi,
I am now 15 days post op and hit a brick wall in terms of speed of recovery and nw taking the advice of others in having patience, easy as it goes, no rushing and stick to the exercise plan, plus treat yourself from time to time with some chocs. My left leg is still partially swollen but getting better and muscle stiffness and sore in areas, but, am determined not to rush and ruin things as I believe the operation went well.
You take it easy and no rushing or pushin it. Well done.
Hi Denise,
i am 4 weeks and 3 days post-op and doing good. I had a few days set back when I tried to do too much. I have been in therapy since in the hospital and am doing Aqua therapy now. I just got down to one crutch last Saturday. I do a little around the house without crutches, but that is what set me back before so I limit that. I am a very impatient person when it comes to recovery, but I know you have to follow what the doctor says. I am ready to scream most of the time because I am bored and stuck in the house (except my husband gets me out some evenings and on his days off). I am sure I'll get released to drive when I see my doctor again on the 31st.....it just isn't soon enough for me!!!
Hang in there, it'll definitely get better.
I am also planning our vacation trip to the US in June so that is helping me get through each day.
Hello Denise I was a bit impatient and thought I could walk with no sticks at 4weeks post op but had to take a step back and try to be patient I am now 6weeks post op and still have one stick but can walk much better with no pain .i think the key word is patience which we all need a,lot of! I am sure you will feel better soon as no need to rush. I got a jigsaw puzzle to do because I was getting bored with tv .
Hi Linnet, I think I am being too harsh on myself by not taking the painkillers. I need to listen to all the good advice I've been given and stop expecting miracles. Thank you for your kind advice.
Hi Kevin. You speak wise words. I'm going to take a leaf from your book, especially the chocolates and take it a day at a time. Good luck with your recovery. We'll get there.
Hi Denise. Don't forget you have had major trauma surgery and it takes time. I think the progress you have made appears speedy after the initial op but then you plateau. I was advised by my physio that there will be times when you don't appear to improve but internally you are. If in pain rest !! Best wishes
Hi Regi. Your story sounds identical to mine. It's nice to know I'm not feeling like I do on my own. I start physio tomorrow so hope that will help. I see my surgeon on 30th and hope I get the go ahead to drive again. I think the lack of independence is one of the hardest things so I'm looking forward to getting some back. Your right, things can only get better. Good luck on 31st.
Hi Denise
I can totally empathise with what you say. My recovery could be charted day on day and then suddenly I hit a plateau - how depressing! I'm now 9 weeks post op and the improvements are tiny steps. I'm back at work (mainly because I'm self employed!) and I'm driving (which gives you back your freedom) but I still use a stick when walking outside and I still have a limp because I still have some pain. A big turning point for me was yesterday - someone on this forum mentioned a YouTube video of the operation. If you can I suggest you watch it, it was 11 minutes long and, after that, I no longer felt frustrated at my progress. What our bodies have gone through is monumental trauma with the insides being .... well, watch the video and you'll see what I mean.
Time, gentle exercises, pain killers if needed are all the order of the day.
All the best and lots of love, Martha, Peak District x
Thnx...so looking forward to each goal to be reached. Good luck for you on the 30th!!!!