👯‍♀️ Hips and Knees part 7

Day 10 and hip aches this morning, I was rigorous with exercises yesterday, paracetomol taken. On antibiotics now for UTI, probably from catheter.
The worse thing is still sore bum from sitting in ‘hospital chair’.

Welcome BAGY. Have a word about painkillers when you go to the hospital tomorrow. You are nearly 2 weeks post op, probably the worst time. It will slowly start to get better from now on. Try to plan in advance with your son what makes things easier and get them in place before he leaves.
We are always here if you want a bit of support or advice.

I was on my own after both TKRs, and the pain was so bad after the 2nd op that I was prescribed Pethidine or similar. I did not exercise, I was more concerned with getting fluids and food prepared. Unfortunately, this carried on for about 7 weeks, and then one day I woke up almost pain free. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Sounds as though you’re having a horrible time Baggy. I hope they find you better painkillers. When it comes to coping on your own I found it best to do a little, sit down for 20 minutes or so and do a little more. Do the exercises very gently, maybe spreading them out throughout the day. I found the first couple of weeks difficult but after that things improved quite quickly. Meanwhile download here.

TKR nine days ago, discharged after 3 nights. Live alone, son here for a couple of days more. Cannot imagine coping without him but must. I’m only on paracetamol and dihydrocodeine. I have chronic kidney disease so ibruprofen and some others are not allowed. No constipation is a plus. Pain relief not happening. Haven’t experienced a moment without pain and any exercise is excruciatingly impossible, but I can walk around on two crutches. That will have to suffice. Return to hospital on Tuesday for dressing removal. I hope there’s some compatible pain relief out there. Thank you for reading my downbeat post, it helps to share my self centred frustrations!

I used a walking frame when I came out of hospital after the first hip replacement, but found that it made me bend forward, which wasn’t good for the hip. At 5ft11 inches jax it might be hard to find one tall enough for you not to have to bend forward onto it.

Any chance of getting a walking frame from the Red Cross? Much easier to use and have the advantage that they stay put when you’re not holding on to them.

Sadly not Maizie. Not sure why we have them!

Elbows should be at right angles to the stick. I have already mentioned they are more practical and easier to manage. Worth a try.

Jaxjacky

I do have sticks from ages ago, no idea if the right height, I doubt it as I’m 5’ 11’

Are they adjustable?

I was given two very ugly but fully adjustable sticks after my THR.

Have a Google - it's something to do with having your wrists aligned with your waist, I think.

I do have sticks from ages ago, no idea if the right height, I doubt it as I’m 5’ 11’

Maizie’s right, Jax, stick with sticks if you can - but they must be the right height.

It’s a shame they gave you crutches, Jax. Sticks are far less tiring and don’t stress so many muscles. If you lived anywhere near me I’d pass mine on to you😆

That makes sense teabagwoman especially when the "staff" weren't around.

You didn't need that power cut yesterday Jax. You couldn't nip in your car and visit somebody with heating or go to a local cafe for a meal, if there is a cafe available.

Difficult to keep warm when incapacitated.

I solved the drink problem by using a small thermos flask that I could carry in my cross body bag along with a mug.

My appetite is certainly reduced, I’m eating, but no desire to snack. Had a power cut yesterday from 1 - 9, another challenge! So shower delayed to this morning, blissful, but longwinded, it all takes so long and is tiring, I’m not very patient!
MrJ off to pharmacy to get some dressings.

Have to confess to buying another long handled shoe horn today. I think I am addicted to these useful aids. 99 p Ikea. Bargain!

Jax that makes it very difficult because you can't carry a coffee anywhere. I was given a sturdy two-tier trolley which acted as a frame. I was allowed to keep it afterwards, but I doubt if that would happen now.

I have a shedload of items "just in case" and for "later".

I had help for the first three days but after that I managed pretty well on my own. Mind you, thanks to this thread, I was very well prepared. It won’t be too long, Jaxjacky until you can manage with one crutch and that makes life much easier.

The worst will soon be over jax. Go carefully. It is major surgery and pretty brutal at that. It’s no wonder we’re sore in unexpected places post joint replacement. I’ve not needed a new hip - yet - a knee three years ago now. I recall after being home for a couple of days wondering what on earth I had done. It was all upwards after that. Mr C was referred to as the butler for a couple of weeks though!

Crutches Charley

Jax I hadno choice, my attitude being I can take weight on both legs so I will be fine. That would be very different after a THR because I am well aware of what can go wrong so it is something I have put off.

I would have to pay for two weeks convalescence to be safe.

Mr J will enjoy his time off.

Are you using two crutches or two sticks to walk around the house?

Charleygirl those who manage on their own are utter heroes, I am lucky and have arranged cover so he can play bowls tomorrow, he deserves some ‘time off’.

You will enjoy your first shower. My knee was also stuck together, so showering was almost one of the first things I did when I arrived home.

I bought the height-adjustable stool when I broke my ankle, and it has been a trusty friend ever since.

I haven't needed to use it for ages, but it is there if required.

Perhaps try to sit on a pillow for a short while?

You are fortunate to have Mr J in attendance. I muddled along on my own.