Happy Hippy Birthday

Can you believe it, it’s 2 years today since I had my Hip replacement in Right leg.

And it was the BEST thing I ever did.

I LOVE my replacement and I certainly have no doubts heading for a second one, I can only hope it’s as successful as this one.

I’ve even managed to walk on snow and ice, something I’ve not done without intense fear for over a decade, This time it was just a normal level of caution. And I honestly enjoyed it.

Imagine how confident I can be with 2 Hip Replacements!!

For those that are heading for a replacement, my advice is, don’t look at ridiculous claims of running up mountains after 5 weeks, they are unhelpful and depressing. But celebrate the small victories each time you hit one, like dressing yourself, taking less meds, having a bath etc… I knew at 3months that this surgery was the BEST one yet.

MRI day

It’s here, it was touch and go, as I thought it may have been cancelled once Lockdown 3 was announced on the 4th Jan.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.

MRI scanner is a large tube that contains powerful magnets. They position you to lie inside the tube during the scan. Quite Claustrophobic for me I’ll be honest.

An MRI scan can be used to examine almost any part of the body, including the:

• brain and spinal cord
• bones and joints (always my hips for me!)
• breasts
• heart and blood vessels
• internal organs, such as the liver, womb or prostate gland

The results of an MRI scan can be used to help diagnose conditions, plan treatments and assess how effective previous treatment has been. So this is to help my surgeon see if it’s small tissue issues or bone, and cartilage problems. Hopefully we will discuss the results in our telephone appointment on the 22nd Jan all being well.

What Happens During The Scan?

During an MRI scan, you will lie on a flat bed (like an xray) but one that’s moved into the scanner.

Depending on the part of your body being scanned, you’ll be moved into the scanner either head first or feet first. I’m always a feet first as it’s hips they want off me.

The radiographer will control the scanner using a computer, which is in a different room, to keep it away from the magnetic field generated by the scanner.

However you’ll be able to talk to the radiographer through an intercom and they’ll be able to see you on a television monitor throughout the scan. Quite reassuring really.

At certain times during the scan, the scanner will make loud tapping noises. (Think jackhammers on concrete) This is the electric current in the scanner coils being turned on and off. It’s immensely loud.

You’ll be given earplugs or headphones to wear.

It’s very important to keep as still as possible during your MRI scan. My biggest issue is staying still, who knew it could be so hard!

The scan lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are taken. Let’s hope they tie the feet up, and its done quite quickly.

Hip Failure

Now I know I need another hip replacement surgery, and New Year is here, I decided to set a goal of getting into a routine of Physio again.

I’d really let it slide as I was walking more, but since the hip crack I’ve simply existed and barely moved at all.

Time to change this, as last pre hip surgery I was in a good routine, and although basic and simple it actually was highly affective in helping me recover.

Starting with the Bosu Ball

I do 10 step ups x 2 (left foot first)

10 step ups x 2 (right foot first)

10 lunges x 2 (left foot first)

10 lunges x 2 (right foot first)

Hip flexion 10 reps x 2 (left foot first)

Hip flexion 10 reps x 2 (right foot first)

Hip abduction 10 reps x 2 (left foot first)

Hip abduction 10 reps x 2 (right foot first)

Hip extension 10 reps x 2 (left foot first)

Hip extension 10 reps x 2 (right foot first)

Left Hip is awful, needed a crutch to keep me steady, zero balance on board and in abduction exercises. Thankfully Right Hip is fairing better, though does fatigue rather quickly so will benefit greatly from regular physio exercises.

And so starts our 3rd Lockdown can only hope my Mri isn’t cancelled.

#Blogmas Games Night

Do you still play board games at Christmas? We do as now it’s only 2 of us at home, you usually need at least 1 extra person to play a game, so when Mini Moon comes home, they soon get whipped out.

Game of life what a classic, We don’t have the newer version. So we still need a proper banker. Though we have tried the newer one, and that’s cool too.

My favourite game of all time, seen as I like crime so so much. Cluedo. You’d think I’d be good at it, but I was beat!! The Moons are too good at it.

What is your family tradition at Christmas?