My 1st anniversary

Bones, joints and muscles
1

21st May 2015

It's now 12 months since I had my lthr done. I thought I would try and update you as to how it's been.

I had a spinal with sedation - never saw, heard or felt anything.

Stayed in hospital for 4 days, learnt how to use crutches and to walk again.

I slept, did excersies twice a day. Rested in the afternoons.

After a coouple of weeks I started walking outside, it was wonderful but very slow. I had 6 weeks physiotherapy and 2 x 6 week sessions in the hydrotherapy facility. These were great expecially the hydrotherapy.

We had some ups and downs. Alan had a blood clot on his lungs 3 weeks after my op, that was a difficult time for both of us. Neither of us could drive which made it difficult.

I have atrial fibrulation and have had a flare up of that which knocked me back a lot and bought me to a standstill.

We did however have a lovely holiday on the Norfolk Broads, and are looking forward to a holiday again this year without restrictions.

Glad to say Alan is thriving again and so am I, don't know what I would have done without him, he is my rock and keeps me going just pushing me a little further yet making me rest when I should do, calling me stubborn most of the time cos I won't give in.

I have done some silly things too during the last 12 months. Climbed a hill in a wood and couldn't get back down again, had to shout for help. Climbed a hundred steps just because I could and hadn't done it for years. Went to Banham Zoo and forgot to take my walking stick () but they did have a wheelchair for hire

Things I can do now

1. Walk miles without pain

2. Garden (haven't done that for over 12 months.)

3. Mow the Lawns (not done that for 2 years.)

4. I can drive again long distances. (Treated myself to a new automatic Car)

5. Can get onto my knees (and back up again)!!

6. I can do pretty much do anything I want to do but like to push the boundaries, just to see what it's like.

I have done so much knitting it's unreal, but many benefits for our grandson and neice lol.

I have also learned to have patience, boy that was hard because I want to do everthing yesterday, not have to wait until tomorrow.

Both of us have learned to take each day as it comes and enjoy what we do together to the best and fullest of our abilities.

I apologise for this lengthy post, but to all you who have just had your op, take your time it will happen, you will be able to do things you didn't know you could or had forgotten you ever did. For those of you waiting, I hope you have your op done soon and return to doing the things you had to give up because of the pain. For each and everyone of you on this forum I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there helping, guiding, and sending the love and hope as and when needed.

It was the best decision I have made, it has given me my life back.

Love and best wishes to all

Gill xxxx

2

Wow Gill, I can't believe it's been a year since your op ! I remember your early days and you being an inspiration to everyone waiting for their ops, you were always upbeat and positive. You have done amazing! Thank you for posting your update, so nice to read how well you're doing & it gives everyone hope that the future is bright.

X

3

That's just great to hear, gillcat! Thanks for this update - it gives hope!

4

Lovely post Gill. A great inspiration for those at the beginning of the hip op journey 😄

5

So happy to hear you have recovered well. Mine was done 4 weeks back after a bad fall. Feeling positive and I am determined to get better. It can be frustrating not being able to drive as I am very independent but it is just one of those things right now, have to accept it!

6

I had tears in my eyes reading your post - you sounded so like my Mom! She died recently from Alzheimer’s but she was also an indomitable spirit all through her life until the last year.

Reading what you and your husband have survived since your operation put all of my aches and pains into proper perspective. Bravo to you and your husband both. And … oh how I love the Norfolk Broads which we have enjoyed with British friends on occasion - it was very nice to picture your holiday.

Thank you for your list of accomplishments and ‘learnings’ – you remind us of just how lucky we are and you redoubled my commitment to my current recovery from a LTHR and preparation for my RTHR in late summer.

With thanks and much admiration,

 Linda

  

7

Congrats and many happy healthy years ahead to you and your husband...My year was May 5th, and yes it's nice to be able to do as we please....

8

What a lovely post and so encouraging !  I go for my op 2 weeks tomorrow.  I will take on board everything you've said.  Thank you and well done to you.    

9

Wow, what a fantstic post gillcat, especially what you can do and no doubt will be adding things to that regularly.Well done, I'm 13 weeks and feel great now, so looking forward to that one year mark, to feeling even better.

10

What an amazing, beautiful and inspiring post. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

11

Great post Gill, gives us new hippies a view of what we can achieve keep telling myself give it a year..............

12

What an inspirational lady you are Gill and thank you for taking the time to write this post.  Gives people like myself who are just 2 weeks in, real hope.  Also agree with your scentiment about re-evaluating life.  Aged 55 (next week) and working flat out with my fitness business up till now, I am just about to do the same.

Thank you lovely lady.

Freda x

13

Brillian Gill know what you mean about getting your life back. I am only just on 7 weeks post op but after 2 years I have no pain anymore and able to do things like walk my dog pot up hanging baskets I know I have a bit more to go but as you say its the best thing I could have ever had - good luck for the future xx

14

Congratulations Gill! You are the Hippy Veteran Survivor - or one of - the forum. I think you just might be able to do more than son & I put together! My husband is our rock, too.

15

dearest gill, 

amazing, isn't it - congratulations and thank you for sharing - what a journey !!

what great and lovely support you gave me - and oh, the cakes you bake (it was you, right?) 

I am so happy for both of you -

embracing you both

renee

 

16

Everyone needs to know it's a long journey but you can get there suddenly everything clicks into place and you feel better. I hope you are doing well too Love Gillxx

17

Have you started your journey yet Donna? It is a long journey but a worthwhile one Love Gillxx

18

It won't be for long Patricia, possibly another two weeks before you can drive. I think that was one of the positive points it gives you back your independance Stay positive you will get there Love Gill xx

19

Oh Linda I'm sorry about your Mum, I lost mine and my sister 3 years ago.

I certainly couldn't have done it without him, we have laughed and cried shouted and screamed at times. But also have had a lot of fun during it too.

One of the hardest lessons I learned was when to give in to my body. Listen to it will tell you when to stop.

The holiday was fun, a bit restricted getting on and off the boat but manageable too.

The moral of the hip story is "don't give in, just try again tomorrow" Love Gillxx

20

Congratulations to you too, it's a long but fulfilling journey and yes nivce to be able to do as we please.

Love Gillxx