👯‍♀️ Hips and Knees part 7

I found sticks I was given were easier to use than crutches I already had.
Glad you are home, you need to rest a lot with a regular, but gentle exercise . Don’t rush, it is a common but major operation and it needs time.
Well done. 👍

Glad to hear you’re home Jaxjacky. Definitely take it very steady, the fall gave your body an extra shock to cope with. Little and often is the best way to exercise in the early days and don’t expect too much of yourself.

Many moons ago you would have been in hospital for two weeks and possibly two weeks convalescence to follow. Now you are out of the door within days.

You have done so well. Rest and enjoy your time off. There is nothing like your own bed and being able to make coffee or whatever when you want.

Don’t be an impatient patient Jax - and that’s much harder than it sounds as I know to my cost! Welcome home, and listen to the sound advice of others!

Thanks all, just had nurse check up at surgery, she’s happy and unless there’s problems, doesn’t need to see me again.
Wound is stuck, not stitched or stapled, I can shower!! That’ll be later today with MrJ in attendance.
My worst problem, albeit minor, is getting a literal numb bum from sitting in this upright chair, I do get up every 45 minutes or so for a trot. Best thing, slipper socks from the hospital and mote bought, they give me confidence.

jax Glad things are going along ok. My wound was stuck too, much to the nurses surprise when I was called back to have ( non existent) stitches removed. The other thing they forgot to mention was was that I could shower, so I waited however many weeks until I saw the consultant who confurjed it was ok.

Having a trauma requiring a hip op is more serious than a planned op so am glad all has gone well, but like all of us, do take care not to over do things.

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.

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’.

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?

Crutches Charley

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!

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.

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".

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

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.

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

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.

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😆

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

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

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

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.

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

Sadly not Maizie. Not sure why we have them!

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.