My recovery has entered the "doldrums" period. For the first couple of weeks after hip resurfacing surgery, I was pretty upbeat while becoming acclimated to life as a semi-invalid. The healing process was going fairly quickly and I could see results almost on a daily basis.
Then after I had the staples removed at two weeks, progress appeared to have bogged down. Don't get me wrong – I still see improvements nearly on a daily basis. It's just that they seem to be more subtle.
Plus, there's the knowledge that I'll continue having to wear my support hose and to beg for rides until my next visit to the doctor at Week 6. Recommendations are to wear the hose all day every day, except for removal twice daily for about an hour each.
That's not something I can do on my own. Someone has to strip them off, wait one hour, then tug and strain to get them back on while I'm lying there hoping my hip isn't pulled out of joint.
Another symptom I've had to deal with is the inability to sleep at night. Even though there's very little pain now and I can lie in just about any position, I still toss and turn all night waiting for the Sandman to work his wonders.
Searching for answers, I've been surfing the Internet to see if I'm any different from others who've had hip resurfacing. I finally found the Web site of Dr. Hugh Blackley that addresses just about all my concerns. There I found this, under the question, "Why do I have trouble sleeping at night after hip surgery?:
"Sleeping trouble is the most common question. You need patience. Surgical healing takes approximately six to eight weeks. Therefore you may be slightly uncomfortable for this time. When you sleep, your own natural body-produced pain killers (endorphins) reduces so the leg and hip can ache. Taking prescribed medication at night (Paracetamol, Tramadol and Gabapentin) will help and heat packs can also help. Also getting out of bed and moving the joint sometimes helps. Keep active during the day and avoid napping during the day as this makes night sleep more difficult. Normal sleep will return as the hip heals. This can take six to 12 weeks."
OK, so I'm back to six weeks of basic healing time. It'll be over before I know it, right?
In the meantime, I'm having to work on my attitude. At least, some folks who have to spend lots of time around me think so.
I've been walking without aid of walker or crutches for the past week or so. Then I read somewhere that I should use crutches for five weeks. Then somewhere else I read that it's according to how I feel.
I'm not sure how I feel. It doesn't hurt to walk, but the joint is still weak and rubbery. Does that mean I should use crutches? Or that I just need more exercise?
The information I've found tells me that the bones and soft tissues are all healing. Once that process is over then my joint should begin to feel strong and tight again. And my mental doldrums will fade away.
