So thank you again

So today I am (somewhat) happy to report that I rolled onto my side (the non-surgical side) for the FIRST TIME in bed. Not perfect, but what a relief! I didn't stay that way, but still it was a comfort even temporarily for me. AND -- the knee is less swollen. I hope, hope, hope to take a shower today. I'll let y'all know if I did. 🙂 It's the morning and I just finally got up, ambled into the kitchen with my walker, of course, made my cup of coffee, growled slightly at the helper (we pay her, but she's good), and my husband who is sadly handicapped himself. So the good thing is that I could roll over on my side last night. Yayyy!!

@cindiwass. I think anxiety is normal. I would be anxious about pain I might feel doing normal daily activities. It’s awesome you took a shower. I know how hard that is as a first step!

Yes, @bustrbrwn22 , it was something I had to push myself and pray about to get the gumption to do. But I did it. I am walking somewhat (not much) with a walker, the dear nurse practitioner called me before from my general doctor's office and kindly encouraged me to keep walking. I am seeing the surgeon's office next week and I'll let you know what he says.
Today the physical therapist came, spent about 15 minutes exercising me, watched me walk, and did some leg lifts with me. It's getting better.
The pain is a lot around my knee, I'm worried I will need surgery there after this is all over, it's not something I look forward to but I'll see as time goes on.
I couldn't avoid the hip surgery any more, life was getting very difficult with the pain in the hip area so it pushed me to get it done whether I liked it or not.
Thank you and take care.

I remember the first time that I could *finally* roll over on my side to go to sleep!!! It was such a relief!!! (The little things that we all take for granted!!!). Once I was able to do that, I got some sleep!! Sleeping on your back after knee surgery, night after night, is just brutal! I am truly so happy for you that you were able to do that, even for just a few hours!! Wishing you continued healing for a very rough surgery!!!
MaryAnn from Boston

@cindiwass Great work! You accomplished a lot. Please continue to keep us posted. It’s always ice to have people cheer you in during difficult times.

I'll trade you your HIPS for my SCIATICA!

I can understand. This has taught me a lot about pain. Not that I wanted to learn but I did. I hope you can find some relief. I saw at least five doctors until this last one. I never saw so many 5 star reviews for one doctor in my life. I prayed a lot because the last surgeon I saw before the one that did the surgery seemed ok but I said something that must have annoyed him and he threw me out. He said, you need to see another doctor. When I got to the hallway I laughed and laughed, probably out of hysteria and relief. I was glad I checked again on healthgrades. I hope both of us feel better.

Yes, what a beautiful relief even if for a little while to sleep on one side. Ah, heavenly even if for 15 minutes. Amazing isn't it the things we take for granted! I can't sleep on the surgical side yet though and do keep a foam wedge between legs when on my side.

P.S. I'm walking more now a little bit.

I have several doctors, but no two in the same field. And have only had to ask for 'someone else' on one of them - an orthopedic dr.

My GP referred me to a neurologist about the crud in my neck.

The neurologist referred me to a pain specialist. Who offered me shots. Which I declined. I asked him about PT, and he said ABSOLUTELY.

My GP and I are handling my sciatica issue. She offered me PT.

So my therapist is working on BOTH orders, neck problems and sciatica. The neck hasn't been too hurting for a while, but it is the neuropathy/neuralgia/radiculopathy that is causing continued disfunction elsewhere - like in my left arm and hand. (I was driving once an took a corner, and it instantly felt like my whole hand had been plunged into a bucket ice water filled with forks. The next time was lying down, and it was the WHOLE ARM.)

I passed on the GP's offer for a TIA test, as it was a suggestion from someone out of the blue. GP didn't press it.

Medicare cut me off once already, but I petitioned and got sessions. I do what I can as far as 'gym' exercises here at home. When I run out again, I will still be able to get treatment, bit on my own nickel, which means maybe once a month 'adjustment' instead of twice a week.

'First we crawl.
Then we walk.
Pretty soon
We learn to talk.
After a while
We start to stoop.
Getting old is
Pigeon poop!
--Anon