I got a new hip

[DonQuixote]

That sounds about right.

 

[Kulindahr]

Whether they're staples or sutures, I think the main concern with them getting wet is infection more than anything. The nurses were regularly checking my incision for infection. There was never any indication. Here's hoping you have the same luck.

The rate of infection is far less with the sutures that get absorbed by the wound, they tell me. There's no pulling them out and leaving a tiny passage in; when the wound is healed enough they could be pulled out, there's no need to.

 

[LeicsDom]

I had staples and they were removed after 7 days. 30 odd if I remember rightly. Once they were out I was allowed to shower

 

[Kulindahr]

Yesterday I did that 200m block in 740 seconds -- a substantial improvement. I'm shooting for 620 seconds today.

Stationary bike time over ten minutes, no problem.

Also today I walked to the kitchen and back with no crutches and little pain. Balance with the new hip is still tricky, though, so I'm only going without the assistance where I have things to grab for balance or falling down won't hurt (e.g. the yard).

 

[Kulindahr]

Blast -- 646 seconds to get around the block.

OTOH, that's still a minute and a half faster than yesterday, so I shouldn't whine.

 

[gsdx]

Your progress is putting mine to shame. Then again, when you started talking about the surgery a few weeks ago, you cleared up a few things for me and I realised that our operations were not the same. Here you are, walking without crutches or support and taking hikes around the block. It was weeks before I was even allowed to walk without a walker and with a cane instead. I certainly couldn't have made it even to the grocery store let alone take a hike around the block.

Well done!

 

[DonQuixote]

We need to get the two of you together for group [STRIKE]grope[/STRIKE], I mean, Therapy sessions.

 

[Kulindahr]

Your progress is putting mine to shame. Then again, when you started talking about the surgery a few weeks ago, you cleared up a few things for me and I realised that our operations were not the same. Here you are, walking without crutches or support and taking hikes around the block. It was weeks before I was even allowed to walk without a walker and with a cane instead. I certainly couldn't have made it even to the grocery store let alone take a hike around the block.

Well done!

Tanks!


I'd be in serious trouble with the doc if I tried to go anywhere without the crutches, even out on the property without telling a "helper" and having my phone to holler with just in case.

So far, every time I've gone around the block, or as just now, to the courthouse and back, my body demands a nap.

I think it helps that my surgeon is actually a leader in developing less intrusive ways to do the operation. Of course, I'm also compulsive about being active!

 

[Kulindahr]

We need to get the two of you together for group [STRIKE]grope[/STRIKE], I mean, Therapy sessions.

Heh.

That reminds me of a question I had for other "veterans":

The sharp pain is essentially gone; what remains is a deep, deep ache sort of thing that seems really resistant even to the oxies. Did you guys have the same issue?

I expected some because of how the assistant to my doc described how the muscles would get twisted and strained in order to avoid all but minimal cutting, but there are moments I just want to whimper and pass out.

 

[gsdx]

In my case, there was so much damage to the muscles that it took weeks to mend and for physio to build up strength again. It was weeks before I could even move my leg without lifting it behind the knee, and I had to lift it into and out of bed. I think it was 6 weeks after the surgery that I was allowed to abandon the walker and use a cane.

The other major hold-back was the amount of snow and ice on the walks. I went out only when necessary (i.e. doctor's appointments). Even then, my roommate had to clear the walks and snow banks and and salt and sand the entire path to the car. That meant that I was limited to walking around the apartment.

I'm just glad your recovery is so swift.

 

[LeicsDom]

Heh.

That reminds me of a question I had for other "veterans":

The sharp pain is essentially gone; what remains is a deep, deep ache sort of thing that seems really resistant even to the oxies. Did you guys have the same issue?

I expected some because of how the assistant to my doc described how the muscles would get twisted and strained in order to avoid all but minimal cutting, but there are moments I just want to whimper and pass out.

Yep, that is consistent.
You will have some sort of very low level occasional pain for a couple of years but the more you move around, do physio etc the quicker the main ache will dissipate
Be prepared to take pain relief on an as-and-when basis for several months

 

[Kulindahr]

In my case, there was so much damage to the muscles that it took weeks to mend and for physio to build up strength again. It was weeks before I could even move my leg without lifting it behind the knee, and I had to lift it into and out of bed. I think it was 6 weeks after the surgery that I was allowed to abandon the walker and use a cane.

The other major hold-back was the amount of snow and ice on the walks. I went out only when necessary (i.e. doctor's appointments). Even then, my roommate had to clear the walks and snow banks and and salt and sand the entire path to the car. That meant that I was limited to walking around the apartment.

I'm just glad your recovery is so swift.

I still have to lift my leg to get it into bed, and into the truck, and about half the time to get it up on the stool in front of my recliner. My biggest leap forward on that came the day after I mowed. But in general I've had to do that anyway for over a month, because the joint was so bad, so my muscle strength there is crappy.

 

[Kulindahr]

Yep, that is consistent.
You will have some sort of very low level occasional pain for a couple of years but the more you move around, do physio etc the quicker the main ache will dissipate
Be prepared to take pain relief on an as-and-when basis for several months

A couple of years? That I don't understand.

 

[LeicsDom]

A couple of years? That I don't understand.

Yeah, you will get occasional problems with discomfort rather than pain
I find it isn't enough for medication and comes and goes depending what I am doing. Sitting down for long periods I get an ache, like a cramp, around the wound. It goes as soon as I start to move around again.
Driving especially sets it off
It is all very minor and I am very happy to trade it for the pre-op pain

 

[DonQuixote]

Given how active Kuli is with his conservation projects, he might not have to worry too much about pain from being "static".

 

[LeicsDom]

Given how active Kuli is with his conservation projects, he might not have to worry too much about pain from being "static".

No matter how active we are we all need to rest from time to time LOL

 

[Kulindahr]

Yeah, you will get occasional problems with discomfort rather than pain
I find it isn't enough for medication and comes and goes depending what I am doing. Sitting down for long periods I get an ache, like a cramp, around the wound. It goes as soon as I start to move around again.
Driving especially sets it off
It is all very minor and I am very happy to trade it for the pre-op pain

I've known for a long time that sitting in a right-angle position is a bad idea. Indoors, I'm generally in a recliner, and shifting position every few minutes anyway.

BTW, yesterday I got around the block in 626 seconds, and today in 614.

Also yesterday I did a bunch of yard work, and increased the amount of weight I carry. The trick is balanced loads; I can carry fifteen pounds on each hand far more easily than five pounds in just one.

- - - Updated - - -

No matter how active we are we all need to rest from time to time LOL

I have to be reminded of that on occasion when out in the dunes.

 

[DonQuixote]

You are doing amazingly well, Kuli.

 

[LeicsDom]

I've known for a long time that sitting in a right-angle position is a bad idea. Indoors, I'm generally in a recliner, and shifting position every few minutes anyway.

Even now, 5 years on from the first op, I still get cramps when I sit in the car driving for too long

 

[Limenade]

Kuli, glad to hear you are doing better.