I am getting my hip replaced in early July. And if you’re thinking, “Hey, she’s way too young for that!” I’ll blush and say thank you. But yeah…at almost 57, I’m WAY too young for a hip replacement, in my opinion.
Age aside, the reality is that I have Osteoarthritis in my left hip, which is causing fluid to gather, (benign) cysts to form, and bone spurs to develop, despite – or maybe exacerbated by – my active lifestyle. I am in intermittent pain every day, and while I’m no fan of the idea of surgery, it can’t come fast enough. July 1 is the big day!
I figured that I can’t be alone in dealing with an injury and impending surgery, so I wanted to share some of the products that are making my life more enjoyable.
TopJob AnyDesk Fold ($209, value $299, Tobjob.co)
Sitting for long periods of time is not good for any of us, and right now, it makes my hip tighten up like crazy. I know that using a standing desk throughout the day would have myriad benefits, so I was excited to find this stylish desk. It quickly converts from a sitting to a standing desk – 28” to 45”– with the press of a button, thanks to its pneumatic lift function. Now I can switch between sitting and standing in seconds.
The desk also tilts to any angle, so it does double duty as a laptop stand when I do virtual TV segments. It’s made with high-density engineered wood and eco-friendly, waterproof powdered coating, so it’s easy to clean and looks brand new. It’s easy to assemble, and you can choose between lockable casters or fixed feet. Available in four colors.
Silver Jeans Highly Desirable High Rise Trouser Leg Jeans ($94, Silverjeans.com)
Jeans in an article about injury and an impending surgery? Yep.
In the weeks leading up to my surgery, these jeans allowed me to look and feel stylish while providing the amount of stretch and comfort I needed.
These jeans look chic, with a flattering high waist, ample length, and trouser leg (similar to a boot cut, IMHO), but I swear they are as comfortable as joggers.
OKA Active Recovery Slide Sandals ($49.95, Okarecovery.com)
I discovered these unisex slides at a recent press preview, and I’ve been wearing them around the house every day since. They are designed for all sorts of folks; those experiencing plantar fasciitis and other foot issues, athletes recovering from a tough workout or game, people who stand for many hours at a time, and anyone preparing for and recovering from surgery.
The slides are made with 34C Durometer Recovery Foam, which is 30 percent softer than the foam in most running shoes. They have a textured footbed to promote circulation and prevent slipping or tipping, a supportive deep heel cup, a wide toe box, and a comfortable arch contour. The slides can be worn with or without socks, indoors and outdoors, and are available in several colors. They are also 100 percent recyclable, and the brand uses a HEYLO zero-waste, closed-loop manufacturing system that upcycles your old shoes.
OmegaXL Joint Support Supplement ($48.99, Amazon)
I’ve taken Turmeric supplements for many years to help with menopausal joint pain, but lately it hasn’t been offering any relief. I thought there was nothing to lose by trying something new, so about 12 weeks ago, I switched to OmegaXL after reading that omega-3s can be helpful for joint aches.
It’s supposed to take several weeks to offer any benefit, but I started feeling significantly less achy in a few days. Today, those aches and pains I would feel when getting off the couch or out of bed are virtually gone. If it weren’t for the pain in my hip. I would feel spectacular right now.
OmegaXL offers the EPA and DHA that other omega-3 supplements do, but this sustainably farmed New Zealand green-lipped mussel oil provides an additional 28 free fatty acids. AND no fishy aftertaste that fish oils often have. The supplements are free from gluten, allergenic levels of shellfish protein, artificial ingredients, milk, yeast, and corn.
supregear Collapsible Portable Travel Cane with Wrist Strap ($12.97, Amazon)
A cane? Yes, it’s come to that. I first used one when my husband, daughter, and I were in Mexico City in April and walking 8+ miles a day. My hip felt terrible, and I knew a cane could help, so we bought a folding one at Walmart. My daughter covered it in stickers, and we laughed about the fact that I needed a cane. Laughs aside, it was a lifesaver. And then, just like that, I left it on the plane at the end of our trip.
I got the black floral one on Amazon as a replacement. I like it better because it folds up small enough to fit in my purse and only take it out when my hip bothers me. The height is adjustable, and while it can support up to 198 lbs, it weighs only 0.5 lbs. I hope that after a brief recovery period post-surgery, I won’t need it anymore, but the $13 (plus the $14 I spent in Mexico), was well-spent.
ComfySure Store Wedge Car Height Booster Seat Cushion ($32.99, Amazon)
When I relayed to the physical therapist that I experienced hip pain after sitting for long periods, he recommended this cushion. He also recommended standing periodically, hence the aforementioned standing desk.
The cushion is quite comfortable and supportive, and I became accustomed to it quickly (although it felt a bit silly at first). The purpose of it is to tip the pelvis forward a bit, vs. tipping backwards, as it might when you slump in your chair. It also helps me maintain better posture as I sit, which has been good all around.
The velvety cushion cover has a nonslip surface on the bottom, which means you can use it pretty much anywhere, from the office to the couch to the car. The cover is also machine washable.
