First Week

Well it hasn't been quite a week, but it seems like a lot has happened and I don't want to lose track.
Before I had the surgery, I was very curious about what to expect immediately after. I searched the web for personal accounts, hopefully positive and encouraging, to give me strength and comfort. I found a few and I am here adding my own to hopefully help anyone else facing a total hip replacement.
The evening of surgery I was helped into a sitting position at the edge of my bed and allowed to dangle my feet. I was really hoping to get up and walk, but my leg was still very numb from the epideral, so I don't think there would have been much point. The worst part about the first night was the desire to sleep on my side and the inability to do so. The nurses tried to prop me over a bit, but it just didn't do it. Oh, and the interuptions, just to make sure I was still breathing.
The morning after surgery my P.T. was a few simple, yet difficult, leg movements and up out of bed with a walker, out into the hall and back. My leg still felt very numb to the knee. The afternoon P.T. was more leg movements, and a longer walk down the hall with a walker. I was brought back to a chair to sit for a half hour or so, and before long felt a little ill. Not sure what happened, but I nearly passed out, blood pressure took a dive. Once they got me back in bed, I instantly felt fine. This was a bit discouraging.
Day two after surgery went very well. Morning walk was uneventful and by afternoon I was on crutches going up and down stairs. The crutches were a much better fit for me. They allowed me to walk with more normal movement and yet still have support. I was now able to get in and out of bed on my own, take myself to the bathroom, and conquered the stairs. Let me go Home.
Friday morning I'm ready to go. I have all my exercises done before the therapist arrives, except for the walking. The therapist goes through my exercise plan and adds a couple more to take home. The nurse brings me my clothes and I can completely dress myself except for socks and shoes. Getting in and out of the car is fairly uneventful and making it up the stairs to the house went pretty smooth. All the critters are happy to see me and there is a bit of wrangling to get me in the house amongst the excitement.
Saturday I can get around pretty good with the crutches and even get my own slippers on (a pull on bootie type). I'm already getting a bit stir crazy, so I head down to the barn. Dr. says I can fully weight bear, so with the crutches for support, I feel like I'm really just walking. The horses look great, smell great, and feel great. Hubby followed me back up to the house to make sure I was o.k., but I am thrilled with this amount of freedom, and fresh air already.
I had a home P.T. assesment today and had a rave review. She said I looked nearly ready to go to one crutch.
I am wearing a circle in the flooring and pacing at the sliding glass window has begun. I can totally relate to stall vices. As long as the weather doesn't get too bad, I should be able to get out for some walks though.