Perceptions

on Saturday I was told I was walking very well.

someone else told me I had improved my walking gait etc as I coped with an uneven lawn, tent pegs etc quite happily. I felt good

yesterday at work , I was asked by a colleague why I was limping. This was just after I had stood after a session sitting at a computer. I fully realise that she, being a pathologist, was looking at me with a clinical eye, but I did not feel so good. 

Whilst I am reasonably happy with progress it is interesting to note how others can make you momentarily feel

Hi Maggie

only you know exactly how things are feeling so take positivity from good comments and don't let other comments drag you down.  Having said that after sitting down for a while and then getting up I also limp a bit but once I get going, no limp!  I'm around the same stage as you I think, surgery was 28th April.  It's all part of the recovery and healing process. Just think what you were like 4,6,8,10 weeks ago!

My response to 'why are you limping?' Would probably be something like watch the surgery on you tube, then you will know why!

happy thoughts 😃

Hi Maggie ...

Ouch ... we all have that experience ... feeling good and then, whammo, someone says something and down you go - is a very human  reaction to think the worst ..unless she is a spitefull and miserable person, she probably noticed and didn't mean anything bad ... that is all .. 

as you so beautifully put it : Momentarily 

warm hug 

renee

 

What got me to some extent was the fact that she being medically qualified, ought to have known that the first few steps are the worst. What amused me, thinking about it, was that another pathologist who had a knee done the week after me is still limping badly when using a stick!

mind you my husband , who had his done five years ago and works in the operating theatres, was continuously told  by all the orthopaedic surgeons, including the one who did his op not to limp, but held up as a good example by the physios on the ward who pointed out that the person bringing them back from theatre after their replacement had made a model recovery. Maybe the medical eye is perfectionist, mind you hubby does not limp now

As a medic she ought to have known what the surgery involves. My own boss casually remarked that he always found assisting at hip operations a blood bath!

 

Hi Maggie,

Greetings from Exeter!

Sounds like you'd had mixed feedback, which yes is confusing.

Though, i kept asking for fedback as I healed, even now at 5 months, and the odd comment on limping does ironically help me keep my posture fluid and relaxed as I walk

Good luck!

Mic

x

Maggie, I have an awful sense of humour but have found that the limping is really useful.

In town yesterday I signed a petition led by a well meaning canvasser who looked like Les Dawson in drag. I filled out the petition that involved putting my occupation and as I walked away she said "Pirate?". I gave her a wink. "Arrr"

I was in a queue in the bank the other when I saw someone who I hadn't seen for ages. "Oh my goodness what have you done"  remarking on my magnificent limp.

I mouthed "Amputation"

We both looked down at my sandal clad feet and I wiggled my painted toe nails "You'd never know, would you?" I said.

Maggie, people don't know you, or your battle to health. Be loud, be proud and if you limp every now and again it's just to remind you what a fantasically brave human being you are. Oh and have a creative story to pull out when you need one!!!

 

Unfortunately this person did know all about it, both as a "friend", colleague and medically qualified doctor!

Yes I do use it, front of the queue when required, and a seat at the boarding gate

Dear Maggie,

unfortunately people in general come up with such drivel all the time...I could write a book about the comments I have received in various occasion thorough my life: funerals, divorce, small children, eating habits of foreign people, teachers, airline emploees, etc. and now hip replacement! I have learnt it's not worth getting uptight...sometimes I don't even answer, or I say "I don't want to talk about it" this usually shuts them up. It' s a good way to note who is bright/sensitive/ and who is not.

Best wishes , enjoy your new life without pain!

Ella

Not up tight as such, just scientifically making note on what people say and the momentary effect on morale. I know there is a way to go but I also know that there is still a way to go. Interesting to note that I am having to do all butt clenching exercises on both sides as I was beginning to notice a discrepancy, the unoperated side appearing weaker

That's annoying coming from a professional . And yes it does bring you down a bit. I love it tho when someone mentions bum clenching because then I clench!! It should be made a rule that it is mentioned in bold in every post. CLENCH That BUM.!!!!

 love it !!!!  that's all she saying ....

Maggie, when all else fails and stupidity opens its mouth, poke it in the eye with a blunt spoon and run/limp off shouting "My limp will get better, you'll be ugly forever hahaha"

Sorry Attractac........CLENCH