Getting Stronger

It is now nearly 5 weeks post surgery and I am improving every day. The hydrotherapy and the gym sessions at the hospital are wonderful. These are supported by the hour of exercises I am doing in two sessions at home each day and any tiny walks or tours of the garden I am doing.

From day 3 post surgery I have been wearing my Fitbit because I wanted to see just how many steps I was doing and thought watching the graph go up would be interesting. Below is my graph for the first 4 weeks.

Prior to surgery, even on painful days I was usually doing 10000 steps each day so I am really pleased with my progress towards that goal now. I am even progressing on my sit-stand fitness measure. I can now do 10 in 22 seconds.

I think the 3xPs of rehab are worth keeping in mind... patience, persistence and patience. I will try.

I have not had any paracetamol this week but find the cold weather is really affecting my muscles and I get very stiff. I wear thermal long johns in front of TV as I am not allowed to bend down far enough to light the heater or turn it off again. I do have some small oil-filled heaters hidden away and tonight I might ask Arianne and Zoe to get them out for me so the front of the house is not quite so icy.

I am now only using a walking stick when I go out and even then it is usually folded in my bag. I really only need it there to tell others that I am slow and sometimes need extra time for moving. I'll probably carry it in my bag for a few weeks yet just in case.

As Arianne and Zoe are both staying tonight they are also on dinner duty so that will be a real treat.

Four weeks post op

Well I am feeling good and progressing well with fewer limitations. Yesterday was my 2nd torture session and today I feel reasonably strong and mobile. I do not use my walking stick much, at least around the house and yard although when I go out I use it to signal to those around me that I might be a bit slow and need help with some things.

I can reach the washing line because I have two hands free but have to be careful not to twist to the peg basket. And I can't pick up any pegs I drop as I still have all hip restrictions which means no bending my hip joint to less than 90 degrees. No picking up, no lighting the heater or oven and no gardening as I still can't kneel.

Thank goodness I ran out of asprin yesterday as last night I had quite a nosebleed that is a side affect of daily asprin (taken to prevent clots). It has been the first one so I should not complain. Today I have not even had any panadol yet so am doing OK on the meds front.

I still can't lift anything significant which means I can't pick up little Heather and have her on my lap or get down to play with Ivy and Heather but that will come soon I guess. Alex and Luke are old enough now to do the bending for me I hope.

Today I measured my fitness level using the sit-stand test that Mosley showed recently. Women over 55 should do 10 stands in less than 19 seconds. I've no idea what my score was prior to my op. but today at 4 weeks post op I was 27 seconds. I think that is quite good considering but I will be aiming to improve with all these strengthening exercises I'm doing. I'm scoring about 5000 steps a day which of course does not count my 2 hours of exercises each day either at home or at rehab gym and hydrotherapy. Again I am happy with this considering  where I am post op. I don't intend to intentionally increase that count for a while but just let it happen.

My outing aim is two daytrips in cars towards the end of next week and then all day in at St Stephens on 9 September to sing in the Service followed by Hymnfest in the afternoon. That will be a big one but will be 6 weeks post op. At least it is something to aim for so I am learning the music.

However, at the moment I am mostly at home catching up on my "broken leg projects".

Shopping online

Last week I had my usual Woolworths online shop delivered but as I do not like buying greengroceries from Woolworths I did a bit of searching for online options at least while I am not allowed to drive.

Most of the companies sell either couples boxes as the smallest or have a $50 minimum order. All too much for a single person, especially one with a vegetable garden.

I found The Market Run offers some mini boxes with no minimum order for delivery in Sydney only. I ordered a Baby Box. As Tuesday is the day for delivery to my area I received my box today.

My box included 2 corn, 1/4 watermelon, 1/4 pumpkin, 1 avo, 2 zucchini, 4 bananas, 2 red apples, 2 green apples, a bunch of 3 beetroot, 1 head of broccoli and 5 carrots. They are beautifully fresh and sourced from Australian farms. All of that for about $20 and free delivery.

I am thrilled and now have to figure out how often I need one of these or another type of box. They also sell other kitchen needs so I'll look into that next time too.

Torture session 1

Yesterday was my first afternoon at day rehab. The session started in the pool which was lovely and warm and floaty. I did all my exercises easily and had a lovely chat to others and the physios. I was able to clarify all sorts of things I should and should not do. However, getting out of the pool was a very slow process and the sense of extreme heaviness (having floated for around 3/4 hour) was slow to overcome. The wonderful thing is that there is help at every turn. Someone was next to me walking to the shower and then available to put my socks and shoes back on, and in fact anything else I needed.

Afternoon tea was followed by exercises in the gym much like the exercises I'd done while in hospital but this time with weights and heavier theraband. More chats about what I should and should not do. This time I found I was not to use my swivel chair in the study at my computer.

Thank goodness Geoff has set me up with a new laptop, which I was using in hospital. I am now sitting at the bench in the back room on a straight chair and my new Google platform echoes the one in the study and vice versa. I can still continue with my 'broken leg' projects that are computer based. Hooray!

Then late last night my wonderful Kim rang me. She was to come today to help me with all sorts of things I am not allowed to do. Unfortunately she is now stuck in hospital recovering from some brain issue. I can't even get there to visit her but Kim I send you all my prayers and thoughts for a swift recovery.

This morning I am aching all over as a result of yesterday's antics so hit the panadol (just one) first thing with my coffee. I have not been taking anything much until today since I left hospital. However, it is all just muscle aches but then of course the hip is not ever going to be painful again as it is metal!

Thanks to all those who keep up with my progress and continue with their best wishes and prayers for me. Now you can add Kim to your list as well.

Visit to Rehab Doctor

Wow! What a difference a day makes...

I am now an Uber rider and have had two great trips and one that just did not turn up.

I saw the rehab doctor who on looking at the before xray said "Ooo it was bad wasn't it" but the after xray just looks perfect. She asked me to stand on each foot with knee at right angles and count to 10 - I passed with flying colours. I have given up the crutch and use a walking stick outdoors only. Thank you Surrey for all the walking sticks.

The dressing has been removed and is all good and I don't have to keep wearing the compression socks. Hooray! She just laughed when I asked her to put them on for me.

I only have to go to day rehab twice a week so have chosen Monday and Thursday. I'll be doing that for 4 weeks.

The doctor said I am really progressing well and was amazed at the tiny amount of pain relief I am using.

Onward and upward from here.

Settling In

Well I've made my decisions re transport and intend to use Uber (or taxis if that does not work). This frees my time to get on with things at home and enjoy visitors rather than spending it going round in circles on the community bus. Today I'll try it for the first time as I have an appointment with the rehab doctor for my assessment for day rehab.

Other things are all working out. Online shopping came yesterday and next Tuesday I have a fruit/vege delivery arriving. I actually found a Sydney based group that does small boxes - MarketRun.com.au . Most companies only do couples boxes as their smallest or have a $50 minimum spend for delivery or expect you to get a box every week. We'll see how it goes.

The only issue to sort is the stockings a few mornings a week. I can get them off but not back on again. Today I have them off and will take them to the doctor to put them back on again.

All other chores just have to wait until someone arrives to visit or family or Arianne come. I am able to load and unload the dishwasher though I have to be really slow and careful with the bottom shelf as it is very low. Cleaners come next Tuesday afternoon so the house will just look dirty until then.

I even did a little bit of handsewing yesterday in front of TV and did a few walks up to the chooks and back. Nola even helped me harvest the snow peas as they are too low for me to bend to. Yum.

Juggling Things at home

My one bit of advice to those considering a hip replacement - don't leave it until after your partner has gone - it takes two people to juggle the commitments for rehab and home duties. Things I can't do at home include getting anything from a high shelf or a low shelf, carrying washing in and out and even pegging it on the line, lifting anything above about 5kg. I only have my free hand to do things with unless I am standing still. Ellen has  insisted I have my mobile on me at all times so it dangles on a lanyard around my neck. Of course I can't sit on the floor to play with kids and I can't have them on my lap which is difficult for them to understand. I can't put on my own compression socks or take them off to have a shower. I might have to stop using them once Arianne goes home.

However, I am quite well at the moment and achieving over 2000 steps each day since my return home. I am sleeping reasonably and eating well from the lovely stash Ellen has stocked in my freezer. Today I'll do an online shop and hope I am here to have it delivered.

Yesterday I was able to do all the booking for rehab over the next few weeks. This Thursday I am visiting my rehab doctor who will assess where I am in my recovery. Friday I will be visiting my GP to show her where I am at. Next week it starts in earnest. I have rehab every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon for as many weeks as it takes. The issue is getting to and from rehab. I have booked with St George Community transport (as I can't drive until September) but this has entailed an in-home assessment by My Aged Care to actually get on the books. I've no idea what the repercussions of that will be. The other glitch is that it could take up to an hour and a half to do the trip each way (it is a 20 minute drive at most) depending on the other pickups and drop offs that have to be made. This means that what should be a 3 hour rehab session ends up a 6 hour event. This privilege will cost $25 return which is half the price of Uber and about 1/3 the price of a Taxi. I could just decide that my time is worth more to me than the community transport. I have until Thursday to work out other options.

I am looking forward to a patchwork day this Saturday. I have not done any sewing since I went into hospital. I will go up the stairs when people arrive and not come down until they leave. And I will do that slowly. Everyone that comes will be on lunch duty and will need to bring food.

I have had people in and out of the house since my return. Family visited at the weekend and Kate was staying here anyway. She left yesterday for northern climes. Arianne arrived back yesterday but will only be here a night or two so after that I will really have to cope on my own. Wish me luck.

Back home again

Well after two weeks post op I am back home. I'm walking with one crutch only and have already visited the chooks and vegie garden.

This morning was a lot of waiting around for discharge details to be finalised. The most painful part of the whole two weeks was having my dressing removed. Ooooh! Ouch! The nurse even took a photo of the wound so I could see it.  It is certainly not key-hole surgery, the cut is at least 6" long. Once the dressing was replaced I was right to go. I am not on any meds except one aspirin a day to prevent blood clots.

Geoff collected me and at home I had Jen and the girls waiting to welcome me. Kate was also there and will be staying until Monday.

This afternoon I am a little shaky but I did have a nanna nap and my bed is oh so comfortable. I can actually sit in my own lounge chair which is great.

The rules I have come home with are
1. Do not bend my operated hip to less than 90 degrees
2. If pain occurs with any exercise then stop
3. Do my exercises regularly but priority one is to walk
4. Always walk without limping.
5. Do not twist my body.

Hopefully I can cope with all this and return to rehab soon on the day program.

I'm happy for visitors any time but bring your own food and be prepared for odd jobs. Just let me know you are coming.

Thanks to you all for your thoughts and prayers, your emails and visits.

My last day at the gym today

Yesterday was a very positive day at the gym. Cheryl and I were commenting last night that after a day of activity interspersed with rest we are both able to do just a little bit more. Then after a very unrest full sleep we can still move a little better. It is really quite amazing to see the improvements in tiny increments.

I did more typing yesterday and had a long visit from Kate who has temporarily returned to Sydney. It was great to hear all about her adventures through the centre and at Chris and Michael's.

Today I expect to receive an exercise sheet for home but Fin says the most important thing is to walk, and do it without limping. If that means pain killers and/or walking aids then so be it.

Another thing that might happen today is have my dressing removed and perhaps replaced. All will be revealed I guess.

Waiting waiting

Now it is just a matter of waiting for Saturday and my return home. Of course there are my two gym sessions each day to strengthen my muscles and teach them to work the way they should and not the way they have been doing for the last eight years.

I fill my time reading my ebooks on my phone, doing some typing I brought from home and learning my way around my new laptop. I discovered yesterday that it has a touch screen!

Luckily my room mate (Cheryl) and I get on well. There are very few single rooms in this ward. There are certainly some people here I am glad I don't have to share with. It is difficult even sharing a ward with them.

So on now to my next day of fun.

Decisions made at last

Yesterday arrangements were put into motion to discharge me on Saturday. Geoff will collect me and Kate will be at home when we get there.

Thanks to everyone who offered alternative arrangements.

It looks as though St George Community Transport does come as far as Kareena so day rehab should work after discharge.

Every day I get a bit more movement and I don't have any pain killers overnight. In fact I don't have what I would call pain, just aches and tightness.

Gym is good and I am left to my own devices most of the time with half an eye on me from Fin.

All good in fact.

Transport issues

It looks as though the issues with community transport can be solved for getting back to Kareena for day rehab. Other issues about needs at home may also not be necessary. What a relief. The OT came to visit my neighbour and actually answered many of my questions.

Where to next

A good day yesterday with a long visit from Geoff, Jen and the girls who were quite excited about their visit to Ma in hospital. We sat out in the courtyard for a while and it was nice to see the Sun and feel it's healing powers on my skin. Heather liked to help Ma walk. Holding my hand she would walk slowly along saying "gently, gently" as we walked.

Ivy and I had some fun in the courtyard singin about elephants balancing and looking at all the leaves that were not green.

Two sessions of gym where I have started putting body weight on my operated leg. The nurses are very pleased with the wound and are amazed at how little the bruising is. They are also quite amazed that I have no previous medical records.

Linda came with the twins and Ellen came after dinner.

There is a chance that I'll be able to transfer to St George private for day rehab which suits me a lot better.

In all I am quite positive at the moment.

Awake for the morning meds

Two sessions at the gym yesterday informed me that I was not supposed to be doing the two movements that I found impossible the day before. Hooray.

For the next few days my biggest job will be to work out the details about getting home, managing at home and managing return trips to and from the rehab centre three times each week, all without being able to drive. If anyone knows anyone who does the drive Carlton to Miranda regularly please let me know. Apparently community transport stops either side of the George's River but I will also look into that on Monday.

Meanwhile life goes on doing more and more for myself and trying to improve my independence before I return home.

Ellen visited yesterday and took home washing for me. Anne came just after Ellen had left.

Thanks to everyone who has visited and helped out in various ways.

Getting used to the new room

My room mate is lovely, a few days behind me in rehab.

However it is really hot down here, I should have brought t-shirts. I must ring someone to bring some.

I hit the wall yesterday at the gym and discovered two movements I can't do. One is a straight leg raise while lying on the bed, the other is clams with my op leg. That leaves me a bit to concentrate on over the weekend.

Food is great and I'm eating more an more.

I have moved

I am now down on the ground level quite near the rehab gym.

After breakfast I went down to a gym session. That went well as usual and I was teamed up with Sandy again. We make a good team.

After the long walk back to my room I found my stuff all on a trolley and I had to walk all the way back down to my new room.

I have now sorted and unpacked all my things and even have stuff packed that can go home already.

The new room is a shared room and I have a new neighbour to meet.

Walking walking

Yesterday I walked down to the gym and back both times and each trip is about one and a half times the length of the hospital. At the gym there are one legged exercises. All these are relatively familiar to my muscles but leave me feeling a bit like jelly. Lots of horizontal resting between my gym trips and a few walks around the wards. They say that today I'll be moving down to the rehab ward. Last night was the first time the rehab boss did not try to bully me into going home.

The food has been great since those first few days so I guess it was just my taste buds early on. I'll now be a bit more adventurous in my choices.

Linda called yesterday and after quite a long chat she has taken my washing home.

I've woken to another day of tapdancing and perhaps a move interspersed with rest opportunities.

Thanks for all the texts, emails, calls and prayers.

A long walk

Another typical day with two hours in the gym.

Food seems much better and I wonder if originally my taste buds were ultra sensitive due to meds. But my favourite meal is breakfast of porridge and toast.

Gail visited during the morning and brought me a jigsaw puzzle but unfortunately there is no table I can spread it on here.

Big effort was walking from the gym back to my room on my crutches with a wheelchair following just in case. Elaine arrived and followed too but detoured to get coffee for us.

At last my bodily functions are working well and I feel much more sane.

The gym boss is still pressuring me to go home tomorrow but I am refusing as I have no one at home to do simple tasks like putting on my pressure socks or putting washing in and out or driving me back here each day to rehab. I would like to stay here as long as it needs to iron out a few more issues  and getting a little less wobbly.

I had a good sleep and woke at my normal time.

Let's see what today brings.

A good night

Yesterday I ended up going for a walk around "the block" i.e. the corridor circuit with the physio instead of going down to the gym - their decision.

Linda visited again and Ellen came with dinner and stayed a few minutes.

Lots of reading and even started doing some of the typing I've brought along to keep me busy.

I had a good sleep overnight but typical me woke before 5 am and it is so long until breakfast that I'm going to go for another corridor promenade. There is even time for a shower before breakfast and application of all the lovely creams to help with the itching from the bedding. In hindsight the itching and rash could be a sensitivity to the palexia.

Thanks for all your well wishes and prayers.