New to the forum

[Cat197]

Hi, guys.

Thought I would introduce myself after reading all your wonderful comments following researching answers to my ever-growing list of concerns...ha ha.

My name is Cat and I'm presently 9 weeks out from a complex, total hip replacement. I have lived most of my life with arthritis of the hip and survived chronic pain for nearly 30 years. I have had multiple surgeries on my leg (s) to correct and aid my hip dysplasia and whilst these have helped to keep me mobile, the pain has gradually increased over the years, this leading me down the path of joint replacement at the grand old age of 39!

I would like to say that the procedure was a success but alas, I experienced a number of complications. This includes; 2 inch leg length difference, severe nerve damage, chronic insomnia, severe coccyx discomfort and anaemia. My procedure took 7hrs in total and I lost over half of my blood supply.

I'm now 9 weeks in to my journey and still heavily rely on a walking aid for mobility. I'm also trying to adapt to wearing a shoe raise and essentially, having to learn how to walk again due to a different hair and straight pelvis. I'm also tapering off morphine at the moment due to the added effects this was having on my psychological well-being and I suspect, my sleep. My days are literally surrounded by pain meds, heat and cryotherapy, bed exercises and walking. It is a far cry from my previous life of walking 10miles a day, extensive travel, working 60 hr weeks and basically, making the most out of life within the remit of my abilities.

Despite the above, I remain positive. Positivity and seeking the silver lining in all situations (regardless of how thin) keeps me grounded and prevents mental deterioration. Some days are difficult (I will probably post my rants at some stage, ha ha) but I remind myself...I have a family that love me and I will not overtaken by my pain and disability.

I hope everyone is well and 'comfortable' and I look forward to chatting soon.

[Hidden]

Hello Cat,

That a lot to put up with but you seem very positive about it all which is amazing 😁

Did the hip replacement help with the pain in any way?

[Cat197 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, Jimmy. Thank you for your message.

The hip pain itself has reduced. I still get very stiff in a morning and more so now in an evening. However, I have more pain in my thigh and knee as a result of the procedure and the nerve damage (my sciatic and femoral nerves were stretched to accommdate the proshetic). It is this that I am finding the most troublesome and whilst I have been reassured that this should resolve within 2 years (the majority of my leg is numb, particularly the knee), it does make mobilisation that much more difficult).

Today has been a bit of a down day given that I've overdone the exercises and mobilising. I've spent late afternoon and evening with my legs elevated and ice-packs insitu. I was also unable to do any exercises this evening, barring a short walk. I forget that given I am 9 weeks out from surgery, I am still very early days into MY recovery as it was a complex procedure. It's hard not to compare your recovery to others, particularly as I am very young in contrast to the arthroplasry population. I am looking at least a year before I will feel any benefit, in comparison to the 3 months that is expected from a straight forward THA.

Still...the weather has been beautiful today and I whilst I have been holed up indoors for the afternoon, I did surprise myself with how far I can now walk! So not a bad day after all :-).

Hope your day has been good too x

[Hidden in reply to Cat197]

So it is early days yet and you still have a bit of recovery to go.

Can I ask what exercises you do?

I have trapped nerves in my neck that can sometimes interfere with my day to day, but in saying that I usually manage to get on with things.

It looks like it could be a good day today, no rain so far and I am off work so, happy days!!! 😁

[Cat197 in reply to Hidden]

Huge way to go, Jimmy!

My exercises at this stage are still pretty basic as I've had to accommdate hip precautions into my schedule - no bending beyond 90 degrees, no twisting, crossing legs, leg to chest, bending forward (6 weeks for normal THA but 12 weeks for me).

My exercises: Heat therapy for 20mins

30 straight leg raises

30 knee bends on the bed

30 knee raises with pillow under the knee

30 side leg raises

30 heel slides on the bed (for adduction)

5 sets of hamstring stretches (pulling leg into a bent position whilst lying on my front on the bed)

I also do standing exercises which include raising knee up to hip level, balance exercises and so forth. I've not been shown any particular exercises for my nerves as I was told that moving the area and gentle massage should help.

I don't have the greatest phy sio's or aftercare come to think of it. I was given a list of exercises and sent on my way for 4 weeks. I've researched youtube videos and incorporated some of the exercises into my schedule based within the remit of my restrictions. I'm hoping this will improve when I see them on Friday as I'm struggling to bend my knee as my thigh muscle has been stretched.

Are you having any PT, Jimmy?

[Cat197 in reply to Cat197]

Forgot to mention, I also ice and elevate after exercising for around 30mins as my thigh has started swelling again.

I do these exercises x3 daily and I try to walk as much as possible as this is the greatest form of exercise after THA. I'm hoping to make it to a swimming pool at some point this week but I don't feel safe to go on my own as I'm still using a walking aid x

[Hidden in reply to Cat197]

You are doing quite a bit there, have you noticed any improvement from doing it.

Will your stretched thigh muscle go down to a normal size eventually?

I wasnt given much advice by any of the medical staff that have felt with me.. I'm a qualified fitness instructor so I knew basically what I need to do. I did have to stop the exercises that I used to do ( weight training) and start to do things differently. I found some stretch and flex exercise that deal with any pain pretty well. I have also been using resistance bands and recently I started to use suspension bands. It's more about being flexible now but also keeping the muscle strong, plus keeping a decent bodyweight.

I hope Friday goes well for you..

[rabbits65]

Hi,

Your a brilliant inspiration to us all,

Wishing you well. Xx

[Cat197 in reply to rabbits65]

Thank you so much, Rabbit.

My mental agility comes from years of pain and surgical procedures. Likewise, I've grown up with people wrapping me up in cotton wool and being told that I cannot do things others can do. It's amazing the strength you can gain from this, particularly when you love life and the people in it. Likewise, the mind has an amazing way of adapting, accommodating and basically, not allowing yourself to sink when you accept the situation you are in. It is this acceptance that allows us to think beyond our conditions and to look at things as; 'How am I going to do this', as opposed to; 'I can't do that'.

Normality is key to my recovery and is what keeps me pushing forward. I seek to try and do things as normal as possible every day. We may never get back the life we used to have, however, this should not stop us from creating a new (and possibly) a better existence.

Hope you've had a lovely day.

Cat x

[rabbits65]

I would love to chat with you sometime, you sound amazing.

I also agree with you and your philosophy in life to help us

Get through so many things in the course of a day,

Goodnight to you,

Love Penny. (Rabbit)

[Cat197 in reply to rabbits65]

Hi, Penny. So sorry for the late response.

I'm free to chat most of the time. I do my little walks and I'm renowned for suddenly exercising my leg when I get an opportunity to sit (normally with a cig hanging out of my mouth - my very bad...ha ha).

However, I'm taking the opportunity to meet and engage with like minded folk as I know collectively, we can help one another through times of crisis. I also love people (which always helps) 😊

Please feel free to message me anytime.

Cat xxxx

[Markc012]

Welcome, and you are an inspiration to us all. 'Normality is key to my recovery' That gave me a good slap around the face and got me thinking. Thank you and looking forward to your future posts.

[Cat197 in reply to Markc012]

Hi, Mark.

Thank you for the lovely comment! Hope you'e well and the sun is shining as much as it is here. 😊

My morphine withdrawals have been a little intense this morning and I've managed around 4 hrs sleep in the last 3 days. However, the weather has kept me smiling and eating a fat, slab of cake has kept my energy levels up.

What more could a girl ask for?

Ditch the morphine and fill up on tea and cake. It won't help with the insomnia but it definitely helps with the low mood and tearfulness 😉 x

[Hidden]

Welcome! It's lovely to see a positive attitude in a person who is suffering like this. I do believe that your thinking will change your body. I think you will be walking again in no time. It's vital to leave what used to be....in the past. It's a downer to go back to what if. Your life has changed but you will find a new path full of wonderful things. I'm 44 and never thought I would loose my looks over night because of pain meds! I have skull eyes and wear shades all the time but it's ok. I would rather be out of pain than still be handsome. Sending you hugs.

[Cat197]

Thank you for the lovely comment, Jake! It is very much appreciated

I know positivity does not come easy for persons in our situation and believe you and me, I've had virtually all of my life to learn new ways of thinking and being. However, I've been in similar situations like this before and despite the pain, anguish and fear of never walking again, I've got there in the end.

As you will probably know, our mental well being plays a large role in how we cope and deal with our pain and essentially, how we function on a day to day basis. Even on a 'not as good as I would like but hey ho' kind of day, I will still put my make up on in a morning, style my hair and put my day clothes on. These little things give me a sense of normality, even if I'm virtually stuck to my recliner chair for the day...ha ha.

Never hide behind glasses because you fear your looks have altered. Once you finally find relief and your body starts to settle, your 'skull eyes' will soon settle down. Handsome men always stay handsome, particularly with age. Take James Bond for example...ha ha.

Big hugs to you, Jake. Hope you'e having a nice, comfortable evening xx