It’s just been a few months following a total left hip replacement and things have been going quite well, with a few exceptions.
Being rather young, I’m in my mid ’50’s, I was quite surprised to be diagnosed with severe arthritis and avascular necrosis, in my left hip. According to my orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Gregory Golladay of Grand Rapids, avascular necrosis is a loss of blood supply resulting in bone deterioration and loss. I have always been very active and arthritis was the last thing I expected. When Dr. Golladay recommended a total hip replacement I was shocked. However, it’s been seven weeks, and the surgery was a big success. Even to the point of dancing at my nephew’s wedding last week!
However, this week, not so much. All that jumping and hopping around, yes I did the twist, for all of you who can remember that from the ’60’s, I realized I have my limitations. I have found that I still need to go up and down the stairs using the old adage – up with the good and down with the bad. For those who need an interpretation – you use your good leg (my right leg) to begin going up the stair and your bad leg (my left leg) to begin going down.
I can’t and am not supposed to put my bad leg out to the side at an angle or pull it up tight to my body forming a less than 90 degree angle. Being unable to do this makes it difficult to get dressed. I still need to hook my pant leg or sock on the foot of my bad leg using the curved handle of my walking cane. Or if that contorts me too much and my husband can no longer tolerate my moaning and groaning, I get his assistance to start the sock on my toes. There’s nothing like needing help to dress yourself when you’re an adult.
Getting up and down and on and off the toilet is also still challenging. Since I’ve packed away the toilet riser I used initially, I sometimes get the feeling that I’m sitting on the floor with my standard toilet. You need upper body strength to be able to hoist yourself to a sitting and standing position. Developing your arm muscles prior to having hip surgery is highly recommended.
As far as going up and down a ladder to clean, forget about it. I think I’ll just wait until next year to dust my hanging light fixtures.
As always, follow your doctor’s instructions. Each person is different and there are varying degrees of recuperation. It is also important to educate yourself. So it is advisable to go to source online that is reliable and reputable. Knowing some strategies on how ton cope up with your recovery will help you alleviate the pain and get recovered as soon as possible.
