Hi fellow hippies. Are there any keen gardeners out there? If so how are you getting on post op? I really want to get on with sorting the weeds out - have one of those kneeling things with arms to help you up and down - do others find kneeling o.k? Not planning on any heavy digging or anything - just want to get down to ground level with a trowel really.
Hi Shirley,
I am also a keen gardener and have just managed to take out the spring bulbs and prepare the pots for summer bedding plants. I am only just going into my third week post op and know that I couldn't possibly get down to ground level - how far are you along recovery path? The physio advised me that if I felt I could manage tasks and it didn't hurt then to go for it ..... Always mindful of any restrictions which are still in place ! Happy gardening.
Hello Shirley I find kneeling ok if I go down on operated first and reverse order coming up. Squatting for me not allowed
Re gardening, I was told only to do things at waist level for 6 weeks post op. After the magic 6 weeks (or check up), I was told I could now kneel down. If I was you I would leave it a bit longer before you start getting too close to the ground. If you are past the 6 weeks, then you should be okay to do some light stuff but take it easy.
I'm a very keen gardener and for a year before my op I was finding it harder and harder and couldn't kneel at all so am hoping for much improvement. I'm 3 weeks post op and can manage the greenhouse getting low by bending my good leg to tie up tomatoes. I've done a tiny bit of pruning at high level. I have invested in some wolfgarten tools so I've got hand trowel and fork and hoe on different length poles so I will be able to sit or stand and do a bit of work. I used these when I was having difficulty before my op and am really pleased with them. Though I think it is too early yet to do much post op. I've had a friend do the lawn as that's like hoovering and you can't do it for 6-8 weeks. My brother came round and planted some sweet peas for me.
Luckily I had my garden virtually weed free before my op.
I wouldn't be tempted to get on my knees for ages yet.
I am actually 11 weeks post op. Didn't want to try to do anything before my check up at 7 weeks, and then going back to work totally wiped me out and I didn't feel capable of trying to do anything. I am waiting for my other hip to be done, so still struggling and to be honest getting into a bit of an apathetic mood - so decided that as I obviously will have a wait to get the other hip done, I need to get on with things. Moved at the end of October to a lovely, established, but very overgrown garden, and want to start knocking it into shape.
Hi Shirley
You should be ok to kneel down to garden, just go down on operated leg first. I've forgotten a couple of times but the pain is a quick reminder.
Just take it easy, try doing a few minutes & see how you feel. Be careful not to twist & reach too far. Gently does it.
Hi Shirley, Hippies,
Gardening is kinda fun: at 10 weeks I can easily kneel, but find it hard to go low to squat and plant thing, as I'd prefer to do: I may report back at 20 weeks I can do this, but not yet.
Garden getting a makeover as sadly too shady for grass, so green gravel, stepping stones, water feature, and lots of flower beds. must learn to plan big plants at the back, small ones in front!
Mic
x
Hi Shirley at 16 weeks I can weed my garden, cut the lawn etc. I have a low stool, I drag around with me but I found lying down sideways, the best way. I need to weed between the slabs and along the side of the path and I am psyching myself up for that one next.