Hip Replacement Arlena's Story: July 17th 25 days!!

Introduction

Hip Replacement My new HIP: June 22nd 2009, I received a new hip. 13 years ago I was diagnosed with degernerative arthritis of my Rt hip. Back then I was sure that the hip pain I was having was due to the epidural I received during labor of my 2nd child. It really shocked me that at age 38 I had a form of arthritis. The last 3 years I had 2 procedures to help with the pain. They were steroid injections right into the hip.The first one was like a miracle. I almost felt normal, minimal pain. It lasted for about 6 months. The 2nd one had no effect. So now my only option was surgery. So at age 51 I had the surgery using the Posterior approach. As a single parent and caring for a mentally disabled 13 yr old (Samantha) I had to relay on my oldest daughter (Jessica) age 31 to care for her sister while I was in the hospital and to assist me with my recovery. Samantha and I would stay with Jessica and her family (Hubby & my 2 grandsons) for the recovery. Jessica would be the one to drive me every where. Jessica planned to have me stay with her for 3 to 4 weeks. I planned on only 1 week. The excitement of getting back to my pre-hip NO PAIN days of going out dancing, play a round of golf, go to the Zoo, or something as simple as shopping for an hour or more was overwhelming as was the fear.

Friday, July 17

July 17th 25 days!!

My Journal: Well it is my 25th day since the surgery, this coming Monday it will be 4 weeks. I had my last appointment for monitoring blood clots. They had to up the dose for blood to thick. Boy, Edward would like that!!!! Just read the book "Twilight" Any way Feeling a little better, but still having the low body temperature, Probably not eating right? I don't know, but Docs don't seem to be concerned. I made a call today to my Dr. for a little more pain meds. Had to leave a message. So hopefully they will give at least enough for 5 more days. I did some more Internet surfing today, Why is it that at least 90% of the people out there that had THR also went to physical therapy? Is it to do with what insurance covers? or what. I wasn't informed of going to PT. I drove myself to my Thursday Dr. appt. It went very good. Once i got my car seat adjusted to accommodate then all was good. Was i to get the ok first??? don't know, complete lack of communication with my DR. To bad. I really think more contact and information should be provided... OH well I think I am figuring it out pretty good on my own. I guess that's what they think too. So then what if not?? What if, what if.?? Since they have not made any short term game plane with me for my recovery, then this makes it easier for them for me not to hold them liable for any mishaps???? Read some good story on the Internet, where sounds like a lot of folks get great post care..... Yesterday I went to the lake with Jessica and kids. I even got in the lake for a little while. We were there for about 2 hrs. Boy did it take its toll on me. I took an Oxycodone that was left over from my dental work. helped some but not as good as the other. Today I was very surprised that I did not wake up as stiff and sore as I thought I would be. So that is very good. I guess I need to grin and bare it!!! and just keep pushing myself.. Would be nice if rich and I had a personnel trainer!! How nice that would be.. and of course must be male and handsome LOL... Just about done with the short term recovery period, Lets hope the long term goes much better and faster. Here is a good site I found: http://www.totallyhip.org/.

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THE 3 CARDNIAL RULES

1. DO NOT CROSS YOUR LEGS 2. DO NOT ROTATE YOUR OPERATED LEG INWARD. 3. DO NOT BEND YOUR HIP PAST 90 DEGREES.

Jessica and I did a lot of research prior to the surgery, We realy felt that we were very well prepared. NOT!! But you do figure it out. It took me a while to not understand why no one could tell me how much I can do in a day, You know like how many feet should I be walking by the 5th day? All I would hear was " Every one is different just do your best" Finally on or around the 9th day after my surgery it was finally put to me in a way that I could except. I was told, "walk as far and long as you want as long as you
"DO NOT BREAK ANY ONE OF THE 3 RULES"

My Learned Tips

I wished I could of found some of these tips prior to my surgery.
1. Walk your house with a walker piror to surgery
2. Check out your setting prior to surgery (to know if high or low enough. to do this, back up to the chair if the back of your knees are at the same height or lower as the set then good to go or I should say set in)
3. Use FROZEN PEA'S 2lb bags for icing your hip. Get at least 3 to trade of with.
4. Have at least 2 reacher/grabber bars. Try different ones out first. Not all work very well.
5. Sleep when ever you can.
6. Have lots of different size pillows and get some cylinder one.
7. Have a small pillow when in the car.
8. Have prune juice on hand
9. Except and ask for help.
10. Put some padding on your walker bars.
11. Have something you can do sitting up as well as laying in bed.
12. Be sure to have comfy adjustable shoes just in case your foot swells up.

My Top 5 Needs

I got very lucky I am so greatfull that Jessica was able to care for me and Samantha in her home. At first we both worried about living together again. We are just to much alike.
1. She had extream patients with me and the grandkids were great. And I have the best son in law.
2. She did not houver over me. "Once I told her not to" LOL
3. She prepared the guest room for me that was so comfy and relaxing.
4. She cooked my meals, did our laundry and cared for Samantha.
5. She monitored my meds. Which was good cause I would forget.

Introduction

Friday, July 17

July 17th 25 days!!

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My Journal

How did they do that?

And Then What

And ??

Shared links

THE 3 CARDNIAL RULES

My Learned Tips

My Do's And Donts

My Top 5 Needs

Good Prices!

Blog Archive

PHASE 1: My Short Term Recovery