So my 6 weeks of care is up1 Iam only 34 and have a 2 year old and a 3 years old. I am only 6.5 weeks post op and i am so nervous! As soon as I tell any of my family, they just say " you will be alright now." Everything has gone really well with the operation and i am using just one crutch but i am so worried about messing it up as I don't want to go back to the start again! Doing my exercises last night, my hip made a "popping" sound, everything seems fine this morning has anyone else experienced this?
I'm sorry but I can't comment on the popping as I haven't had mine done yet but, I totally understand about the recovery. That's one of my big worries. The whole having to rely on people to help and the fact that people's patience will run out when they think you should be ok now. My husband will be working from home when I get mine done for 2 weeks but also having to go to the office during that time. I'm not sure 2 weeks is enough but what can you do.
I'm not qualified to answer really as still pre-op, but you seem nervous and worried and I'm sure that will make you all the more aware of any noises or unusual feelings. I would suggest that as everything seems fine this morning you have nothing to worry about.
Easy for me to say I know. I'll be 'flying solo' after my op so I'll probably be on here all night and day with my worries
Hello Rachael, difficult to know how you will cope with the children as your recovery may be faster than mine at 66. The popping sound I have been told is the tendons and yes I have experienced this. Think it went on for a couple of weeks. You will experience all sorts of aches and pains along the way as internal healing takes a long time to complete. Have you had your post op assessment yet?
Take it as slowly as possible and ignore things that are not important, housework can wait
Hiya Rachel. As long as your careful, keep within the restrictions given & do your exercises you will be fine. Im 39 and had my THR in january and have 2 girls age 5 and 2 so completely understand your fears. Its hard work between doing what you can at home, looking after kids, trying to fit in exercise & not overdo it. Ive had few weird sensations/noises from hip & had instant panic but all settled with no pain so all ok. Ur past the initial 6 week safety period but my consultant said just be careful for first 12 weeks. Its a long process but ull get there and ull be running about with your kids before hou know it. Keep your chin up. xxx
Hi Rachel, What kind of care did you have? how are you doing with the children? At 6 weeks you might still need help to care for them -
It seems that you are doing great - I am not sure of the popping hip sound as I have not experienced that - No wonder that we all are worried about messing it up at some point ... They scared the hell out of me pre-op with all the things I cannot do and how easy it is to dislocate the new hip -
then I found this forum and it was/is a Godsend - I also watched the surgery on YouTube and didn;t realize that it is major surgery (don;t watch it yet Rachel!!!) - also that the hardware is placed in the socket and cannot just pop out - more the tendons and the muscles around the wound that needs healing and that takes time - I know, the asking for help is so difficult - I know ... but you have young ones and they need to be takenc are of ...but don't be a hero okay? you won't mess up but might have some set backs when you do too much ... take care ...warm hug
Hello again Rachel. Theres another really useful forum on Facebook..its called Young Hip Replacements (uk). Its a closed group so its private and although it appears on ur facebook page nobody else can see it. I find both sites really helpful. x
I am a Veterinary Nurse so the blood and watching the operation fortunately doesn't bother me too much! I'm also part of the young hip replacement group on Facebook. I am sure that I will be fine, I am just so frustrated -the washing machine is full but I can't carry it out to hang it out, the dishwasher needs emptying. Silly things that all need doing but I am unable to do them! My husband was off for 2 weeks, then my mum, then my mother in law but their annual leave is exhausted. Thanks for all of your support. X
Rachel I am not surprised you are worried. Two year olds are difficult enough to care for even without the major surgery, and a five year old although older can often need a lot of care too. Oh Rachel, I don't think you sound ready to me at all ~ is there anyone who could continue for another week or so? I may be saying something controvesial here, but the children are not 'your' children, and just your responsibility ~ they are the responsibility of your husband, and your extended family too. It seems a little harsh just to simply say 'you will be alright' perhaps you could see how you go in the mornings and have someone there in the afternoon? To slowly ease you in? So you can get used to it gradually.
I think you also need to question whether it is actually safe for you to care for the two year old alone, as we all know they are very quick to climb, run, put themselves in danger, and I am not surprised that you do not want to risk your operation going badly wrong with a few incidents trying to manage. Caring for toddlers is so physical too. My heart really goes out to you. Possibly with a little more support you would feel much more confident...and can safely return to looking after them full time.
Personally I think you may need to insist you need more time, and that your concerns are listened to. It is one thing looking after yourself, which is very easy relatively speaking, it is another thing entirely being in charge of such young children....speak to all of your family now and tell them quite clearly that you are worried for the children. They may want to rush off to their own lives, but they should really be there to support you as well.
It's a very long time since I looked after kids of 2 and 3 - my grandchildren are well past that stage now. Obviously I don't know your family circumstances and I'm not sure what you mean by "six weeks of care". Are you a single parent or have you a husband/partner to help with the children? Have you friends/grandparents/extended family around who could look after your toddlers? Do they go to pre-school or nursery? Are you back to driving ?
Unless you are wealthy enough to afford a live-in nanny or an au pair I suggest you pack the kids off to stay with granny for a couple of weeks - or get granny to stay with you so you can recover properly. No point in trying to go it alone and perhaps putting your kids or yourself at risk.
Have the people who say you'll be alright ever had a major operation?
Thank you for all of your concerns, it's very kind. My husband had 2 weeks off work and then my mum was off work for 2 weeks and then my mother in law. So that was my 6 weeks. It's not so bad as I can cope with the girls, it's just hard work. I can drive, so that's a bonus too. I have also been shown by the physio how to lift the 2 year old safely so it really isn't that bad but it's just a bit scarey doing it all alone for the first day! My husband will have lots to do when he gets home from work!!!
Re the popping. I've had both hips done (ceramic on ceramic). I've experienced popping while doing a certain exercise but it stopped after a few days. I've also experienced the ligaments / muscles moving around (yucky but not painful) . I asked both the surgeon and physio about it and both said not to worry it's just everything settling back into place.
I have been signed off for 12 weeks due to the nature of my job! But I work nights so it might not be so bad for you. I also have to have the other one done! Good luck with your recover. X
I see, your husband and family have actually taken a lot of time off to support you already, it is tricky. It is certainly hard work with little ones, I can see why you would feel concerned on your own. Do you have some friends whom could take care of your little tot for a few hours every day, as I am guessing your eldest is at school? This would give you some time to rest. How about local playgroup, church group or even your neighbours. A timetable of things for your little one to do, movie hour / drawing hour (so you can sit down) perhaps ask your husband to prepare lunch and supper for you both before he leaves. Indoor camping etc could be fun ideas. As you say forget the housework and washing, your husband can help when he gets home, maybe your entire focus should simply be caring for your child, looking after yourseld and making up games where you can do lots of sitting down! Doctors and nurses is a good one!! I hope it goes well for you.