Hip Replacement Arlena's Story: 07/13/09

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.

Monday, July 13

3 Weeks!!! July 13th Monday

My Journal: 5 Days have gone by, I wished I could say fast.. Last Thurs the 9th : had blood draw for checking blood thinner medication. all good. Will need to take the Warfrin 2 more weeks. Also I got up to fast balancing myself with my right wrist and twisted it pretty good. I couldn't move it at all, couldn't even pick up a cup. So I iced it and put on a wrist brace. the rest of the day and through Friday. Sat July 11th. My wrist is much better and barley any swelling in my foot or leg. My calf still hurts but not as bad and mostly in the morning when i wake up and then towards the end off the day. Of course the Pain meds help. Which I am almost out of. I still dont sleep to well at night. Its hard to get comfy I can lay on my good side a little longer now. Sun. 12th: Alot of pain today more then usual maybe not walking around enough?? or not taking as much pain med?? I still think it would be good idea to see PT. Make sure i am progressing like i should. Today Monday 13th 6pm: I took my last Dilaudid just now. I had 2 this morning at 8am. I was ready for 2 but only the one left. I have 6 Oxycodone left over from my dental work. But they are not as potent as the Dilaudid. I will see how it goes tomorrow and if by noon I cant stand it I will call the Doc for a refill on the Dilaudid. I'm sure they will only give me a very small amount? I tried to drive this afternoon just around the block. I cant it hurts to move the operated (rt) leg over to the break peddle. I can just use my Left leg for braking, but that was awkward. so i guess i will have to wait a few more days. I Hate it I am really getting depressed now.

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

Monday, July 13

3 Weeks!!! July 13th Monday

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