I am just about 4 weeks post LTHR. This forum has been invaluable and I thank everyone that has honestly contributed to it. There is nothing better then hearing of real peoples experiences.
My husband had the first 10 days off work to support me which was a godsend. If you are managing on your own I salute you. He's back at work now but I feel much more confident and am progressing quite quickly.
I swam quite a bit pre op to get in shape Ha ha just had a bit of a giggle to myself I am at least 4 stone overweight! I did swim at 2-3 miles a week and can't wait to get back into the water.
I have had a few down days when I became completely overwhelmed. I came on here to realise that many feel the same and it was such a help to me as usually I am so upbeat, to know that it is normal to have these feelings after such a big op.
I am walking well with one crutch ( got rid of one after just 5 days), and am showering, sleeping on my good side, op side still a bit sore. Trying to get out and about as much as poss. even if it's just around the block. Been living in my village for 19 years and have just met an chatted to neighbours I've never really seen before!
Just wanted to introduce myself. I check on here most days and find it so interesting following everyones experience.
I agree its a fantastic forum, speaking and reading what people have put and realising that it is part of the op eg. being tearful, if it hadn't been for this group I would have thought I was losing the plot lol .
this forum is great, it would be so isolating to not know other peoples experiences and the humour which gets us through what is proving to be quite a major force in our lives. take care xx
Are you beginning to think no crutches round the home? And like me are u hoping to get back in the pool after the magic six weeks? My weight has gone up 6lbs since the op, tho someone said 2lbs was the weight of the hip. Either way I need more exercise!
Hi Ferrets wife,, what a lovely positive comment about your recovery... I am still waiting for my date to come through for my HR I cant wait until the operations over, the pains getting worse the longer I wait so it was good to read your comments. This forum is brilliant, and you do get helpful tips and comments on it. You sound like youre doing really well.. keep it up,
I have been tearful a few times, it just comes over you when you least expect it. The first time was post op day 11 when my dressing came off and I got to see the wound for the first time. It completely freaked me out! Now though a couple of weeks further on and after massaging bio oil in it looks quite neat really. Just wish I got myself ready for it beforehand.
Looking forward to seeing my consultant at 6wks (2weeks tomorrow), as I am missing the use of my car for visiting my Dad, not long now though.
Yes, you're right Valerie this forum is great, don't know where I'd be without it. The humour is lovely and I have been very moved that people are willing to share, even when things don't quite go the right way.
Hi Mic, I must admit I have been hobbling around the house a bit without the one crutch, although always use it on the stairs. My husband has come home and caught me a few times and tells me off! Not sure if it's a good thing or not, I probably shouldn't be doing without any aid, only day 26 post op. Like I shouldn't be putting my socks on, or picking stuff up off the floor, but I do, cautiously. Guess we are all different and I'll only have myself to blame if I hurt myself. I am 57 and quite active despite my extra load! Can't wait to get back to the swimming but will wait until I've spoken to my Consultant.
Hi, yes I totally agree. This forum is a godsend, no matter what you are feeling or experiencing, there is always someone to offer advice or is going through the same. I am just over 5 weeks post op. got my consultant appointment on Friday. Fingers crossed for driving! Well done on your progress, keep it up. X
So glad you have found this forum pre op as I did. It really helped me prepare for the op when people came up with such useful suggestions. A couple I found helped and that I hadn't thought of myself were to buy an extra grabber and leave it upstairs (only cost £3 online but so useful), and cut your toenails night before!
Every little helps as they say.
Keep posting on here and let us know how you go on. I have had a very positive experience so far.
Cheers Trevor, Thanks for that, you must have a crystal ball as I feel I have done too much today and am absolutely shattered. It's just great to feel the mobility coming back and I am optomistic but my husband worries I try to do too much too soon. You are right rest is as important as exercise. Bit of a guily pleasure sneaking off to bed every afternoon with a good book. Mind you I only read a few pages and I'm away with the fairies!
Hope you get the ok to drive when you get your 6 week check up. It's a bit of a testing point isn't it, but one thing I've learned by reading other posts on here is we are all different and not to worry if we lag behind a bit. Still, if you are like me bet you're hoping to get your wings back on Friday!
Hi - I had my op 1st Dec and recvovery has been remarkable but even now, I know when I have done too much as my body aches so I have to haul myself in a little.I like the idea of sneaking off to bed in the afternoon though - I trust you take a glass of Moet Chandon with you to ensure total relaxation !!!!
Hi, I am a swimmer too. I really missed my swimming for a few eeeks, but I waited until about 10 weeks post op I think before going back, just in case I slipped or anything but am ding fine now and building up the amount of lengths I do, as I took it fairly easy at first. Don't overdo it and take care. All the best.
Hello again ferretswife, a sudden thought occurred to me, your husband isn't by any chance called Paul is he? Did he ever work at Hams Hall? If so, he has got to know my husband Bob and has spent happy hours with him at Silverstone some years ago.
Time will soon past and you will be able to drive again.
I was very excited and looking forward to my 6 week appointment, I started to feel normal again then.
It probably wasn't just your dressing that made you tearful, it happens when you least expect it and things you took for granted before and never gave a second thought about really stress you out and panic you but its all part if the recovery process.
I'm back to work on Monday so another step forwards for me.
Ha ha like the idea of the Moet Chandon Trevor, haven't tried it but I did sit propped up in bed eating a box of mothers day chocs the other afternoon. We all deserve a bit of pampering after our op. Don't feel one bit guilty though. This is my time for ME so I'm afraid the rest of the family will have to manage without the usual wife, mother, daughter, sister.........Selfish I know, but we've got to put ourselves first just for a while anyway!
What stroke do you use for swimming? I have always swum breaststroke even with my dodgy hip pre op I could swim miles but couldn't walk around Tesco's! Am not attempting the pool until I've spoken to the Consultant at 6wk check in 2wks time.
No, my husband is not called Paul. Ferret is obviously a nickname and one that causes amusement if I have to call for him across a crowded room! In these situations I call out his real name Frank, but it doesn't sound right somehow when he's been my ferret for over 20 years.
Keep building up those lengths, it's the best exercise in the world, I love it.
