My Hip Blog: Going into week 10 of my hip replacement recovery and I really believe I have been blessed with an excellent recovery. It has not been a easy one, you have to take charge of your own recovery, keep positive and absolutely motivated. The surgeon is just that a surgeon, he knows how to perform the procedure but I have to be the one to do the homework. Those days when I don't feel like getting up, doing exercises, taking those 4 daily walks a day, understanding and accepting that I am going to have good days and bad days, I have to be the one to do my due diliigence, the good days I'm having now far outweigh the bad ones. Looking back on how I was prior to the surgery, barely able to walk without a limp, constant pain, wondering if I was going to end up in one of those ride around scooters, what my quality of life would have been if I didn't get over the fear of the surgery ( it took 3 miserable long years before taking the plunge) I know I made the right decision and have absolutely no regrets. Keeping a blog was a good thing for me to do, going back to the early weeks and reading each little accomplishment has been a real eye opener on this crazy hip replacement recovery.
I have mine on Thursday Diana and it is so inspiring to read how others have coped. Thank you for the inspiration and what a good idea to keep a blog. I do keep a diary every day just as a reminder and will be doing this I think for my hip recovery .
Sorry Susan don't know where I got Diana from
Yes Susan I heartily agree. I have taken control of my recovery and performed all the exercises daily. At week eight I walk comfortably for 3-5 miles without support unless on uneven terrain
Just had my letter with my next review in 4 months
Keep up the good work
Well done Susan, I totally agree and feel the same as you, much better than before op and our recovery is in our own hands. Be positive and look forwards but enjoy every moment of every day, that's my motto. I too feel I have been fortunate in my recovery which has been good, but have listened to my body and gone with it. I have come a long way but I know I have a lot further to go.
I'm 3 weeks post op and although this time the recovery is a lot slower and more painful than my previous replacement I can still see gradual improvement. Today I just walked to the corner shop with crutches and that feels great. I know its not far but still an achievement. A blog is a brilliant idea so you can remember the improvements. Hope you continue to progress well!
Thank you Susan for taking the time to write here...It really helps us still awaiting the op...I agree on everything you say. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Susan, I've known since 2008 that I would need a thr, but it wasn't too painful until the last couple of months, now it's deteriorated greatly. I have no choice now but to take the plunge, but I'm petrified!! I don't know how I'll get into the Hosp and then into theatre without being knocked out, don't know why I'm so frightened as I've have three kids and that was not that painful. I wish there was a surgeon who could knock me out in my flat and then take me to Hosp and do the op. OMG I've just re read what I've written! What a coward!!
your not being a coward at all, my op is on Thursday next week (I hope) and I am not too bothered about going in for the op as long as I don't hear see or feel anything lol. I am more bothered about trying to give myself injections, but hey ho anything is better than what I have at the moment ...... you will be fine, I'm sure there are a lot more people like you and me, after all everyone has their hang-ups. x
Sorry Susan I was replying to Veronica and trying to make her feel a bit better. xxx
Hi Veronica,i,m sorry to say ive just sat here having a laugh to myself as you sound exactly like me.I kept saying "if only they could knock me out at home,cos they,ll never get me through the hospital doors "as i was like you,sooo scared.I think it is knowing you cant go on as you are that somehow keeps you calm on the day.The only tears i had was with the anaesthatist,making him promise me i would not see,hear or feel anything,he held my hand and promised just that.I had spinal and strong sedation and it was absolutely brilliant .I,m having my 7 week check up on monday just cant believe how quick it has all gone.There was nothing at all to be so afraid of,i think its just normal when you are going into the unknown.You really will be just fine,but you will need lots of help forvthe first few weeks. x
Hi Susan,
what a brilliant idea to keep a blog. It is a great way to look back on things and see just how much improvement has been made, especially if, in your mind you don't think so. Even if the improvement is small, and maybe had a few set backs, it's nice to read that a few weeks down the line there is a difference. What you have written is really encouraging and makes so much sense. It's true, once the surgeon has done his job, apart from physio and analgesia, the rest is up to us! Scary, but true. And I guess there will be many times where it's hard to get motivated, and it seems like the impossible, but it's important to stay focused and remain positive and think of how things will be in the future.
My op is on Thursday and I'm very anxious, but trying to remain calm and positive. I've never had an op before, and the thought of an anaesthetic terrifies me! I'm an ex- nurse, having worked in Orthopaedics for several years, so I should know better, but in a way it's worse! Back in the 80s all T.H.R patients stayed in hospital for around 9 to 10 days until sutures were removed. Things have come a long way since then! 😃😃😃
Hi Veronica,
you are not a coward at all. It's totally natural to feel that way. I'm exactly the same as you. I've put my op off for ages, until it's developed into severe arthritis with bone on bone. I'm having my op on Thursday. I'm really anxious, but keeping myself busy to help take my mind off things.
Do you have a date for your op? This forum is great for keeping in touch with people that are going through the same experiences and very reassuring. Also to hear from those who have had the op and come through the other side and hearing about their recovery. Take care and try not to worry too much - keep yourself busy! 😃😃😃
Hi Heather
what you've written is very reassuring, and nice to hear that all is well with you. A lot of this is the absolute fear of the unknown. I keep telling myself this time next week I will hopefully be back home and starting my recovery. My op is on Thursday!
take care 😃😃😃
Hi Cornish, my op is on Thursday too having my LTHR done which is also bone on bone. I am now getting anxcious but also can't wait to be rid of this pain if that makes sense. Good luck to your see you on here afterwards. xx
Hi Gill!
I know, we are both on the same day, same hip, bone on bone! Totally understand about the pain and anxiety. Keep busy and good luck! We will keep in touch. Xx😃😃
Hi Susan well done you sound a little like me. I was determined to go into theatre smiling and will happy thoughts I truly belive this helps with the start of the recovery. If you fixate on waking up in pain you can bring it on.
I exercise when I can and if I have a bed day I don't neither do I beat myself up about it. When you have had your life put on hold and gone through the pain we have this is just one big smiling blessing. I send you best wishes, I have my left hip done in about August and I know what it will entail no more pain! take care hugs from Co Durham
Hi Veronica I had a total hip replaced 19th April this year it was my first time in hospital and my first op. Anxiety is understandable we all go through it. I hope my experience helps. My brother took me to hospital. I got changed taken down to anasthesia. Tell them you are worried about hearing the op with the sedation, I can hand on heart tell you I knew nothing till a lovely nurse was saying my name I heard nothing.
I had no sickness and was eating a meal very shortly after waking gulping my first cup of tea down with delight. More importantly I woke with no pain!!!! Can you imagine your life without that gut draining soul destroying pain it is wonderful. Replaced with mild discomfort, I tood paracetamol and ibuprophen nothing stronger.
You are not a coward I went into a tail spin when I was told, but not given a date. Once I read a bit, planned a bit and got things in place ready for my op I calmed down, the pain will get worse during your wait and by the time your date comes round you will be glad to get it over with. I send you hugs contact me anytime xxxx M