Okay not my final. post...thought I'd pop back in and give anyone who comes along a bit of an update.
Pain? - None really - some minor discomfort in my groin area of the hip. My other hip is tickedyboo as they say. I get some greater discomfort from replacement-leftie regularly when i really use the heck out of it, but I have to remember to stretch it. I will get the odd tweak outside my knee based on tightness of the groin muscles. But its all related. I'm fine. As I sit and write this I can feel a general sense of tightness or whatever, but all in all its no biggy.
Activity? - I walk, pole walk, ride bikes, play bball once a week during fall and winter though not consistently, hockey once a week consistently, played fairly competitive tennis regularly last winter, play masters lacrosse 2x per year (not a good idea with 2 good legs and hips!!), golf and walk the course extensively, but I don't jog anymore, at all actually. I can run in bursts when I get warmed up.
Side effects? - Well, my right knee buggered up a bit last year - could not run on it at all. I figure it was from all of support work it did during my pain years and the post suffering getting back to balance thing (and the fact that I played 3 lacrosse games in 3 days at 54 years old - not smart) . All is good now. Cartilage stuff - sign of aging process I'm told. That's something to watch for. My left (replacement leg and all that it encompasses) is not totally a 100% of what it was but its pretty damn close (97%??) and its pain free. Balance is overall pretty strong. No social issues as a result of my losing out on not being able to run.
Do it all over again? - Yes. Crazy question. And I may one day have to go get my right one done but all is lubricated and good right now.
Final Note- I really recommend pole-walking. I took it up pre-xmas '15 and made a huge difference to my joints, particularly my right knee. It was really giving me trouble. All is well now. The workout I get from the poles is huge - shoulders, forearms, core,... everything. Very good thing to do. So, yes recommend grabbing some.
I figure this is all a state of mind in how you want to go about living your life with the replacement. You've overcome the biggest obstacle - suffering with osteoarthritis - and you got the thing done, now go on out and find things you can still do and things you shouldn't do. Its all part of the deal. Life's good.
Cheers
How I live with Osteoarthritis
My Life, My Left Hip, and Osteoarthritis
Final Post
I hope that the intention of this blog will be useful to those who are contemplating hip replacement or who are in the throws of recovery.
Cheers
Bumhip
Cheers
Bumhip
Hip Joint Update: Why I Have a Metal-Poly Hip
Time to get philosophical (kind of) on the type of new hip joint I actually received. Way back in this blog I spoke quite loudly and boldly on why I wanted a metal on metal hip. My doc stated his preference was a metal-poly hip. For a number of weeks and days prior to my surgery I was not certain just which device I was to receive as I had no opportunity to clearly and succinctly tell him my preference. We went through some telephone tag, and in the end we never did end up speaking until just before my actual surgery.
Part of my angst was based on a temporal issue, and perhaps my simple thinking - don't they need time to make the correct sized pieces? If they need more time to make a metal-metal replacement then my surgery will be delayed. Perhaps I can switch with someone who is going to have theirs after mine? Such were the pre-surgery thoughts looking at a worst case scenario. To be sure, one might assume this scenario to be the case. Well, in actual fact, as to the different sized pieces, the only piece that was to change if it were metal-metal is the cap that is impregnated/smashed/placed (your call) into the pelvis.The titanium piece that is inserted into the femur with the ball attached has already been made or prepared. The ball has to fit into the cap correctly, so I would assume that just like an auto garage has multiple tires on hand, so too does the orthopedic hip surgeon have multiple sizes of caps. No?
The key question that drove this angst was the type of replacement device I was going to receive. Separate from the details above, philosophically and physiologically speaking I really began to consider my stated desire for two pieces of metal inserted in a key joint in my body - did I really want that? What about the metal ion issues that my own surgeon had actually researched and published on? Also, I am now 50, and if the life span of these things are 13-17 years, then I will have to get another one anyway. And at my age, how much more pounding or impact sports can my body take? Do I really love lacrosse that much? Perhaps the answer to this question is based on my ego in that I am able to outrun (or I could) a lot the players my age or a bit younger. Do I really want to keep playing basketball until I am 65 or so? Well, actually I do. I think the highest we jump is 6 inches off the ground. Its low impact basketball at best. So, I might be able to hang in there until 60-something with whichever hip I get, especially if I have to get a new one. In the end, its funny how final answers to questions come to us in times like these.....
...After Wednesday night hockey, at the pub of course, and about two weeks prior to my surgery, a lengthy discussion on body wounds and reparations ensued with a friend who has had his share of repairs. He began talking about the troubles he has had with his jaw joint replacement (imagine that!). He told me about his troubles; case in point, his need to have it re-done, and finally ending up with a metal-poly type jaw joint. After going through the gruesome details and experiences, he then asked me a timely question, "do you really want a metal on metal joint?" Then he took a sip of beer and smiled in a side-ways kind of way that he does (now I know why). Perhaps I knew before we talked, but thinking about what he said, and the question he asked nailed home my answer - a metal poly is just fine thank you.
One other thing - try rubbing two pieces of metal together. Throw a bit of lube goop in there and there you have the kind of environment that would be my hip joint if I were to have this metal-metal thing. Would the joint not heat up with friction from hockey or whatever? Yes, naturally occurring body fluids would be passing through the joint. What happens in this case to the surrounding tissue? And what about cold weather high up on Whistler when I am skiing? Will it not get cold, and thus radiate through my hip area and thigh? The last consideration is the amount of pressure that the femur would have to withstand from the impact of running when the cap is not able to absorb the pressure that a poly cap can. Worst case scenario is a weakening of the attachment area where the ball piece is inserted into the femur. Enough said.
Since the surgery I have been receiving mixed signals about can and can't do's - a medical practitioner states, "once you are strong enough you can start running again, though not in a marathon right away." What? I thought I could not run? I know I can cycle, golf, ski, swim, walk, hike, play hockey etc etc.... Who knows. maybe I can get back into rowing. There seem to be enough clubs around Vancouver for me to join.
Importantly, I am at peace with this decision. There's no second guessing, concern or wavering. I am fine with this. While not using the future as an excuse to abuse the new joint, I will no doubt be through this process of replacement, recovery and rehabilitation again. This new hip is a "change" not an "alteration" of my lifestyle. I can live with that.
-fin-
Part of my angst was based on a temporal issue, and perhaps my simple thinking - don't they need time to make the correct sized pieces? If they need more time to make a metal-metal replacement then my surgery will be delayed. Perhaps I can switch with someone who is going to have theirs after mine? Such were the pre-surgery thoughts looking at a worst case scenario. To be sure, one might assume this scenario to be the case. Well, in actual fact, as to the different sized pieces, the only piece that was to change if it were metal-metal is the cap that is impregnated/smashed/placed (your call) into the pelvis.The titanium piece that is inserted into the femur with the ball attached has already been made or prepared. The ball has to fit into the cap correctly, so I would assume that just like an auto garage has multiple tires on hand, so too does the orthopedic hip surgeon have multiple sizes of caps. No?
The key question that drove this angst was the type of replacement device I was going to receive. Separate from the details above, philosophically and physiologically speaking I really began to consider my stated desire for two pieces of metal inserted in a key joint in my body - did I really want that? What about the metal ion issues that my own surgeon had actually researched and published on? Also, I am now 50, and if the life span of these things are 13-17 years, then I will have to get another one anyway. And at my age, how much more pounding or impact sports can my body take? Do I really love lacrosse that much? Perhaps the answer to this question is based on my ego in that I am able to outrun (or I could) a lot the players my age or a bit younger. Do I really want to keep playing basketball until I am 65 or so? Well, actually I do. I think the highest we jump is 6 inches off the ground. Its low impact basketball at best. So, I might be able to hang in there until 60-something with whichever hip I get, especially if I have to get a new one. In the end, its funny how final answers to questions come to us in times like these.....
...After Wednesday night hockey, at the pub of course, and about two weeks prior to my surgery, a lengthy discussion on body wounds and reparations ensued with a friend who has had his share of repairs. He began talking about the troubles he has had with his jaw joint replacement (imagine that!). He told me about his troubles; case in point, his need to have it re-done, and finally ending up with a metal-poly type jaw joint. After going through the gruesome details and experiences, he then asked me a timely question, "do you really want a metal on metal joint?" Then he took a sip of beer and smiled in a side-ways kind of way that he does (now I know why). Perhaps I knew before we talked, but thinking about what he said, and the question he asked nailed home my answer - a metal poly is just fine thank you.
One other thing - try rubbing two pieces of metal together. Throw a bit of lube goop in there and there you have the kind of environment that would be my hip joint if I were to have this metal-metal thing. Would the joint not heat up with friction from hockey or whatever? Yes, naturally occurring body fluids would be passing through the joint. What happens in this case to the surrounding tissue? And what about cold weather high up on Whistler when I am skiing? Will it not get cold, and thus radiate through my hip area and thigh? The last consideration is the amount of pressure that the femur would have to withstand from the impact of running when the cap is not able to absorb the pressure that a poly cap can. Worst case scenario is a weakening of the attachment area where the ball piece is inserted into the femur. Enough said.
Since the surgery I have been receiving mixed signals about can and can't do's - a medical practitioner states, "once you are strong enough you can start running again, though not in a marathon right away." What? I thought I could not run? I know I can cycle, golf, ski, swim, walk, hike, play hockey etc etc.... Who knows. maybe I can get back into rowing. There seem to be enough clubs around Vancouver for me to join.
Importantly, I am at peace with this decision. There's no second guessing, concern or wavering. I am fine with this. While not using the future as an excuse to abuse the new joint, I will no doubt be through this process of replacement, recovery and rehabilitation again. This new hip is a "change" not an "alteration" of my lifestyle. I can live with that.
-fin-
How I am Rehabbing from Hip Replacement Surgery
Yesterday marked the 4th week since my Hip Replacement Surgery. My last entry discussed my recovery and the feeling that I was rehabbing, not recovering. The distinction was clear to me: no more drugs, a desire to move about, an overall with-it feeling mentally and physically, and a need to rebuild my hip and leg. I was surprised but I had lost 10 pounds during the recovery phase - no beer or wine, and not a strong desire to do a lot of eating in general.
My routine consists of:
1. exercises
- core work (difficult to explain but the activities emphasize the deeper muscles of the stomach and the back)
- wall squats 3x15
- standing sideways to a wall, short squats with a ball pressed against the wall mid-thigh on the good leg with the foot off the ground - 3x10 (these are tough as my new hip is bearing all of my body weight and I do a mini-squat)
- clams - 3x15 - lying on my non-surgery side bent at the knees and move my left leg up as high as possible - this rebuilds the strap muscles on my atrophy-like left glute
- hallway controlled walks - delayed heel - toe steps emphasizing weight on my left leg.
2. daily walk - getting longer each day (or I try)
- started out small distances then progressed to about 1.5 km. Now walking to and fro the physiotherapist in my town. About 20 minutes each way.
- As I walk to ensure my posture and core is as tight as possible - 1 minute of this, then regular walking, then back to core work etc....
3. a lot of sitting around - not lying around!!
- I do gravity influenced stretches on the "new" hip while lying down
- sitting I do straight back exercises
4. pool workout (started yesterday)
- a series of exercises at 30 reps per
- 15 reps of walking the width of the pool
- the pool offers huge benefits as the friction combined with the subtle currents move the leg slightly that doubles the emphasis and stress (all good) on the hip and leg.
- I can kick straight legged with a swim board - no frog legged breast stroke kicks
I try to do all of the above everyday. The first pool exercise day knocked me flat - physically my stamina is improving, but it remains quite low.
____________________________
I believe I am quite far along on the whole rehab thing, according to my physiotherapist, home care worker and others. I was an athletic freak - not in any ultimate shape or prowess - who played almost anything. At one point in my mid-teens I was playing three sports at once - track and field, lacrosse, and football. This whole "investment" lasted for the next two decades - well into my thirties. Things wound down somewhat, but it resurged when opportunity came knocking in my mid-forties. Why is this related? I feel that my core, the basic make-up of my body allowed me to go into the surgery well prepared for recovery and rehab.
My future is such that the cartilage in my remaining good hip is apparently on its way, though at this point no issues or pain. And with my new hip, its life-span is about 15 years. I am now 50, so I am looking at another one at about 65 or so.... Who knows? By then there may be a magic technique that does not require it to be replaced. Then again, maybe not. The long and short of all this is I can expect 2 or 3 more hip operations in my lifetime should it go as long as I plan given the current techniques.
fin
My routine consists of:
1. exercises
- core work (difficult to explain but the activities emphasize the deeper muscles of the stomach and the back)
- wall squats 3x15
- standing sideways to a wall, short squats with a ball pressed against the wall mid-thigh on the good leg with the foot off the ground - 3x10 (these are tough as my new hip is bearing all of my body weight and I do a mini-squat)
- clams - 3x15 - lying on my non-surgery side bent at the knees and move my left leg up as high as possible - this rebuilds the strap muscles on my atrophy-like left glute
- hallway controlled walks - delayed heel - toe steps emphasizing weight on my left leg.
2. daily walk - getting longer each day (or I try)
- started out small distances then progressed to about 1.5 km. Now walking to and fro the physiotherapist in my town. About 20 minutes each way.
- As I walk to ensure my posture and core is as tight as possible - 1 minute of this, then regular walking, then back to core work etc....
3. a lot of sitting around - not lying around!!
- I do gravity influenced stretches on the "new" hip while lying down
- sitting I do straight back exercises
4. pool workout (started yesterday)
- a series of exercises at 30 reps per
- 15 reps of walking the width of the pool
- the pool offers huge benefits as the friction combined with the subtle currents move the leg slightly that doubles the emphasis and stress (all good) on the hip and leg.
- I can kick straight legged with a swim board - no frog legged breast stroke kicks
I try to do all of the above everyday. The first pool exercise day knocked me flat - physically my stamina is improving, but it remains quite low.
____________________________
I believe I am quite far along on the whole rehab thing, according to my physiotherapist, home care worker and others. I was an athletic freak - not in any ultimate shape or prowess - who played almost anything. At one point in my mid-teens I was playing three sports at once - track and field, lacrosse, and football. This whole "investment" lasted for the next two decades - well into my thirties. Things wound down somewhat, but it resurged when opportunity came knocking in my mid-forties. Why is this related? I feel that my core, the basic make-up of my body allowed me to go into the surgery well prepared for recovery and rehab.
My future is such that the cartilage in my remaining good hip is apparently on its way, though at this point no issues or pain. And with my new hip, its life-span is about 15 years. I am now 50, so I am looking at another one at about 65 or so.... Who knows? By then there may be a magic technique that does not require it to be replaced. Then again, maybe not. The long and short of all this is I can expect 2 or 3 more hip operations in my lifetime should it go as long as I plan given the current techniques.
fin
My Osteoarthritis Blog Will be Taken Offline Effective May 22nd, 2011 (but...)
After my next updates on my rehab, I am going to shut the blog down. However, I will collate and send out the recorded musings to any and all who feel it may be of help. Send me a note and we can communicate offline.
So effective, May 22nd, 2011, three months to the day after my hip replacement surgery I will take this Blog offline. It has been therapeutic for me - in a sense I suppose this was the main goal. Not sure how useful its been for others, but I have appreciated those who have commented.
So effective, May 22nd, 2011, three months to the day after my hip replacement surgery I will take this Blog offline. It has been therapeutic for me - in a sense I suppose this was the main goal. Not sure how useful its been for others, but I have appreciated those who have commented.
How I Experienced The Recovery Phase of Hip Replacement Surgery at Home
Yesterday marked two weeks since my hip replacement surgery, and now might be an appropriate time to update my recovery. This period of time was spent mostly recovering from the surgery and preparing the body for rehab. Yesterday was also significant in that I feel I am now on my way to rehabbing my hip.
The most significant thing for recovery was to have home support, and have the environment set up correctly. I'll start with the latter first.
How the Bed(s) were Prepped
Upon my return home, I happily, and necessarily, spent most of my time in bed. To be honest, I still spend a bit of time there, though as the days proceed, I am standing and sitting more and more. The bed is essential that it be set up correctly ahead of time.
- Prior to my surgery, I had raised the bed so that it was above my knee, and thus I would not be breaking the 90 degree threshold of knee to hip. Still, I struggled getting into bed that first day, and for a few days afterward. The difficulty was having the strength and confidence to bring the leg up over the edge of the bed once I had swung my body to the right.
- I definitely had the trusty slippery plastic bag on the bed so it was easier to slide around. Eventually a sleeping bag sufficed very effectively as the shell is slippery and has a much larger surface area.
- My grabber was always handy. When it fell on the floor it was difficult to get it, let alone anything else that I needed. So I hung it up within my reach.
- One thing I had trouble with is the bedside light and the radio, as they are located next to my head. I would have to twist. So I moved them slightly.
- when my support team left for work for the day I was supplied with a cooler full of lunch food and fluids for me. Outstanding!
- for the less complex of mother nature's call, which was often those first few days, a hospital-like receptacle did fine. I didn't have to leave the bed. (I was told that the body is ridding itself of all of the anesthesia and trying to cope with the drugs, so the kidneys worked very hard.) I always had water on hand
I did mention beds as sub-heading:
- We have a fold-down couch in the family room, and we used a huge air mattress to make the elevation more appropriate.
- same issue for the first few days -getting in the bed. I needed help, so I did not use it too frequently.
How the Bathroom was Prepped
- when it seemed it was time I tried to use the adapter toilet seat extension we picked up at the Red Cross, but it was unstable and seemed to pierce my suture and wound. So, we had to pick up another much more robust unit with handles, and a padded seat. Should have thought of it the first time.
- for the shower, we have a step over type tub/shower unit. This is not a good arrangement for hip surgery. A special made shower seat that extended over the edge of the tub worked perfectly. I sit on the edge, following my precautions of course, and can slide over and use the shower. The first few times I did not do this alone. The first time I felt like Bambi on ice.
How my Mobility was Prepped
- while I have a walker, the crutches are the most effective for movement around the house.
- there are 15 stairs that turn 90 degrees to the left half-way up. Crutches under the right arm and leading with the good leg going up, and the reverse going down, one step at a time. To be sure I am holding fast and hard to the railing both ways.
How I was Equipped
- a grabber
- crutches
- a long shoehorn
- a sock-aid
- a walker
- a toilet seat
- a shower chair
- a cell phone
- a slippery sheet or sheet blanket for the bed
- extra pillows for the legs
- pills, pills and more pills
- 4 re-freezable ice packs - a must have!!!!
- a home support team:
What I Did Wrong
One step forward, two steps back.
Starting on the Friday of my return home (three days after the operation), I tried to ween myself of over reliance on the Hydromorphone pills. I was supposed to take 1-3 1mg tablets 4 times daily or as needed. I cut it back right away to 1 per 4 hours 4 times daily. At the same time, I took 2 Extra-Strength Tylenol pills 4 times daily. By Sunday, I was in misery both physically and mentally. Monday was just as bad. So I went back on the prescribed program until such time I could feel I was progressing. During this whole period of time, I was exercising, and going for short (emphasis on short) crutch enabled walks in my neighbourhood. Sunday I shut down, and did nothing.
What I Did Right
Tried not be a hero (other than the above).
I long ago accepted that this recovery was going to be an inactive period, and had to be a process. Maybe its wisdom, but during this recovery phase I accepted the whole process and let my body talk to me - go ahead or don't go ahead depending on the stress or non-stress I experience. Those 2 bad days described above I think set me back, but I learned quickly. In the end, little by little my confidence increased to a point that I am now in the rehab phase.
Iced my Hip Area
I was constantly using the ice packs: after exercise, after a short walk, in the morning, and late in the day. I always had ice on hand. It was left in the cooler when everyone left for the day. It has really helped reduce my swelling. In fact by my 5th day at home the swelling was noticeably reduced.
Did the Exercises
The potential of delaying recovery and the possibility, however slight, of a blood clot, scared me into action. As best I could I did my my exercises during recovery. I go for two short walks a day, with plenty of rests.
____________________________
Today
The hip hurts even when walking with support, that being said, I can deal with the pain. However, I am now off the hydromorhone. Is it for good? Well I hope so. I notice the atrophy of my thigh and the left glute. It is quite striking how much muscle mass I have lost. I have a long way to go before I can say I am close to back to normal, but I do feel I have progressed from recovery.
The most significant thing for recovery was to have home support, and have the environment set up correctly. I'll start with the latter first.
How the Bed(s) were Prepped
Upon my return home, I happily, and necessarily, spent most of my time in bed. To be honest, I still spend a bit of time there, though as the days proceed, I am standing and sitting more and more. The bed is essential that it be set up correctly ahead of time.
- Prior to my surgery, I had raised the bed so that it was above my knee, and thus I would not be breaking the 90 degree threshold of knee to hip. Still, I struggled getting into bed that first day, and for a few days afterward. The difficulty was having the strength and confidence to bring the leg up over the edge of the bed once I had swung my body to the right.
- I definitely had the trusty slippery plastic bag on the bed so it was easier to slide around. Eventually a sleeping bag sufficed very effectively as the shell is slippery and has a much larger surface area.
- My grabber was always handy. When it fell on the floor it was difficult to get it, let alone anything else that I needed. So I hung it up within my reach.
- One thing I had trouble with is the bedside light and the radio, as they are located next to my head. I would have to twist. So I moved them slightly.
- when my support team left for work for the day I was supplied with a cooler full of lunch food and fluids for me. Outstanding!
- for the less complex of mother nature's call, which was often those first few days, a hospital-like receptacle did fine. I didn't have to leave the bed. (I was told that the body is ridding itself of all of the anesthesia and trying to cope with the drugs, so the kidneys worked very hard.) I always had water on hand
I did mention beds as sub-heading:
- We have a fold-down couch in the family room, and we used a huge air mattress to make the elevation more appropriate.
- same issue for the first few days -getting in the bed. I needed help, so I did not use it too frequently.
How the Bathroom was Prepped
- when it seemed it was time I tried to use the adapter toilet seat extension we picked up at the Red Cross, but it was unstable and seemed to pierce my suture and wound. So, we had to pick up another much more robust unit with handles, and a padded seat. Should have thought of it the first time.
- for the shower, we have a step over type tub/shower unit. This is not a good arrangement for hip surgery. A special made shower seat that extended over the edge of the tub worked perfectly. I sit on the edge, following my precautions of course, and can slide over and use the shower. The first few times I did not do this alone. The first time I felt like Bambi on ice.
How my Mobility was Prepped
- while I have a walker, the crutches are the most effective for movement around the house.
- there are 15 stairs that turn 90 degrees to the left half-way up. Crutches under the right arm and leading with the good leg going up, and the reverse going down, one step at a time. To be sure I am holding fast and hard to the railing both ways.
How I was Equipped
- a grabber
- crutches
- a long shoehorn
- a sock-aid
- a walker
- a toilet seat
- a shower chair
- a cell phone
- a slippery sheet or sheet blanket for the bed
- extra pillows for the legs
- pills, pills and more pills
- 4 re-freezable ice packs - a must have!!!!
- a home support team:
my family. During the day they had school and work. But their absence was prepared for by having everything I needed on hand, literally. Breakfast was brought upstairs in the morning, my lunch was prepared and handy in a cooler.All of my medications were in a basket within arms reach. There's much more I could say here, but I'll leave it at the following: without this support I cannot imagine how I would have experienced my recovery. The fact that I am now rehabbing is due to their attention, patience and support.
_______________________________What I Did Wrong
One step forward, two steps back.
Starting on the Friday of my return home (three days after the operation), I tried to ween myself of over reliance on the Hydromorphone pills. I was supposed to take 1-3 1mg tablets 4 times daily or as needed. I cut it back right away to 1 per 4 hours 4 times daily. At the same time, I took 2 Extra-Strength Tylenol pills 4 times daily. By Sunday, I was in misery both physically and mentally. Monday was just as bad. So I went back on the prescribed program until such time I could feel I was progressing. During this whole period of time, I was exercising, and going for short (emphasis on short) crutch enabled walks in my neighbourhood. Sunday I shut down, and did nothing.
What I Did Right
Tried not be a hero (other than the above).
I long ago accepted that this recovery was going to be an inactive period, and had to be a process. Maybe its wisdom, but during this recovery phase I accepted the whole process and let my body talk to me - go ahead or don't go ahead depending on the stress or non-stress I experience. Those 2 bad days described above I think set me back, but I learned quickly. In the end, little by little my confidence increased to a point that I am now in the rehab phase.
Iced my Hip Area
I was constantly using the ice packs: after exercise, after a short walk, in the morning, and late in the day. I always had ice on hand. It was left in the cooler when everyone left for the day. It has really helped reduce my swelling. In fact by my 5th day at home the swelling was noticeably reduced.
Did the Exercises
The potential of delaying recovery and the possibility, however slight, of a blood clot, scared me into action. As best I could I did my my exercises during recovery. I go for two short walks a day, with plenty of rests.
____________________________
Today
The hip hurts even when walking with support, that being said, I can deal with the pain. However, I am now off the hydromorhone. Is it for good? Well I hope so. I notice the atrophy of my thigh and the left glute. It is quite striking how much muscle mass I have lost. I have a long way to go before I can say I am close to back to normal, but I do feel I have progressed from recovery.
Hip Replacement Surgery: Hospitalization and Recovery
My Hospitalization and Recovery
The details described below purposely get thinner as the days go by. My intention is to relate the main events or unique aspects of the day, good or bad. There is much more to say but I'll save that for another post.
_____________________________
Surgery Day
"...he's about 200 lbs. 1-2-3..." That's what woke me up.
They were moving me from the surgery bed/table to my home for the next few days, my bed. I was immediately wide awake. It was uncanny - one second I was in a deep dreamless sleep, the next I was awake. The time was 11:20 am. Turns out my surgery took 1 hour and 10 minutes.
After being parked in my stall in the post-op room, the first thing I noticed was I could not feel or move my legs. Was that ever weird. As hard as I tried I was unable to move a muscle. Made me consider the lives of those who are permanently paralyzed - very profound and impossible to imagine. For the next 2 1/2 hours I was chatty, wide awake and feeling no pain. Eventually the feeling and movement in the right leg returned, just as the dentist's freezing leaves our jaw and mouth area. They loaded up my left with anestesia, thankfully.
Then it was off to the Surgical Observation Unit - a 4 bed ward that is attended by at least 2 nurses full-time. I have to say I was blown away by the attention and quality of care!! Nurses, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and this is a public hospital, not private. From my bed I had a very Vancouver-ish view - mountains and trees! And I was immediately hooked up to the morphine machine - I could get 2mg blasts by the push of a button every 6 minutes if I wished. Life, on the whole was just fine.
The nurse popped by to begin the repeated message of the three DONTS!!
1. don't bend past 90 degrees at the waist
2. don't cross your legs
3. don't twist at the waist
"Sure, ok." "For how long?" was my innocent question. For at least three months. I received this messgae repeatedly by all staff. It got so we patients were repeating it with one aother.
Met the across-the-way-guy (still texting each other). "What'd you get done?", I asked. "Knee replacement. Second one since June." We went from there. I am in good company here. Turns out the woman beside me had her same shoulder done a third time, 2nd since christmas! I realized at the time that this ward was way better than a private room - I have people to talk with and we are all in the same boat. Besides I brought ear plugs from home, and they came in handy, though on the whole it was not too noisy.
Dinner time. Soup, jello, water, juice etc... But in order to eat it I had to sit up, so the nurse kindly showed me which button on the bed to push. So up I went. At this point I was full of anesthetic, full of morphine, had not eaten in about 15 hours, so weak but a bit hungry. I promptly sipped and spooned my way through a bit of the food. I said to myself, "take it easy, you are all goofed up." I did, I really did go slowly. Still, the next thing I knew I was searching for a receptacle to receive my return volley. Well done, no spillage and all was well. I pushed the down button.
That evening I did two things: I kept up to date on my girls basketball team I coach through text messaging - we won that playoff game and ended up coming second in Vancouver! I was tickled. At the same time I listened to the Canucks lose to the Canadians, and as per the ward's wishes, I reported constant updates to all. It was quite a social space, this ward. And then I tried to sleep. Good luck, I was wired.
_______________________________________
Day 2 (Actually Day 1 blended into Day 2)
Key activities this day were:
- breakfast, and a return volley once again.
- took my first blood thinner pill. I have to take these for 35 days to avoid potential blood clots or embolisms. I was extremely pleased to find out I did not have to jab myself in my stomach with a needle as is tradition, it seems. The pill version was new - a new level of admiration for my Doc ensued. It was only when I went to to the drugstore I found out it why its not so common, $300 for 35 pills! My insurance covers it.
- got a new fancy gauze bandage on my wound. I can keep it on for a week, and have a shower with it. Perfect! As it was being changed I asked my nurse for a couple of candid photos with my BB - I have them for posterity. I thought all in all it looked perfect - a great stapler was at work there! I have 27 of them.
- physio time: less than 24 hours after the surgery I used my leg. I learned 4 or 5 exercises in bed, 4 or 5 standing up, and out to the hallway we went for a short walker enabled walk. Thing about standing up for the first time was the dizziness and nauseousness. After my walk about I came back and had a seat for 5 minutes. More than enough - I was beginning to break out in a cold sweat. Then I had to learn how to get into bed - not easy, at first. . All in all, I was quite pleased with myself.
- lunch was tasty - I ate it all and it stayed where it was supposed to.Things are moving forward!
- it was about this point that I weaned myself from the morphine drip and opted for tablets given 4 times per day. Enough was enough - I took 2 kinds of anti-nausea IV so I could use the morphine drip, but while they worked, the Morphine was knocking me flat. The pills were perfect. They controlled the pain and I was able to focus...somewhat.
- I then crashed for 3 hours.
- Dinner and then a visit with my family. First thing I wanted to do was go for a walk. Bit of a show off and probably still juiced with all the drugs. So we went down the hall even further this time.
- my wife chuckled at the slipping eye lids. "what, I'm fine."
- so another flurry of texts and basketball game updates, and another attempt at sleep.
_______________________________________
Day 3 (only the major things)
- new room first thing in the morning. Just like that I was out of one ward and in another one - huge and empty. I thought I had it made!!
- more physio, more walking. But this time I got to go the "gym" for physio on steps - our house has stairs. I learned how to do the steps with crutches. Again, these guys are impressive. Feeling rather confident, I said "lets walk back." We did. Still more instruction on the way back, "How much weight are you putting on your leg? Remember heel toe." Seems my arms were bearing more of the weight than my leg was.
- snoozed and had a weird dream - I dreamt I felt the needles being inserted into my spine, just as I did prior to surgery. I flinched and in doing so moved my leg more aggressively than usual. A twinge of pain shot through the groin mucles, but it subsided.
- the occupational therapist taught me how to put on my underwear, socks and pants. I have to use my trusty grabber device, kind of like a spear gun with a clamp at the end - squeeze the trigger the clamp closes. Not easy! I have a sock-aid, and a shoe horn.
- got a new roommate, his knee half replaced.
- After dinner I rented a TV to watch the hockey game and had my bed curtains opened so my new roommate, Mr. Half Knee, could watch, had my old roommate, Mr. Full Knee, hobbled into my room. So there we were, three 50+ old men with varying levels of wounds and drugs running through our veins, drinking water with straws, wearing gowns, groaning and laughing, while watching a hockey game on a 7" TV screen. The Canucks won, but by games end, two of us were almost asleep and Mr. Full Knee had returned to his room. He texted me the next day, "who scored the winner?" "I forgot", was my reply.
_____________________________________
Day 4
- after breakfast, physio, a walk about and I quickly packed up to go home
- got my prescriptions, my last instructions, my first physio appointment set up, details this and that. Amazingly I remember it all!!
- finally my IV, which had not been used since the morning of day 3, was removed.
- one more lesson - getting into the car. We have a Honda CRV. I wondered, ok do I sit in the back? Nope. I get into passenger seat of the car almost the same way I get into bed. I back in. While ensuring my three donts it turned out not to be too difficult. The trick is to put down a slippery plastic bag or sheet on the seat so it makes sliding easier!! I think that kind of sheet should be a required piece of equipment to bring to the hospital.
- and one more pill - for motion sickness during the car ride home. Good idea.
Now it was on to home for rest, recovery and rehab.
The details described below purposely get thinner as the days go by. My intention is to relate the main events or unique aspects of the day, good or bad. There is much more to say but I'll save that for another post.
_____________________________
Surgery Day
"...he's about 200 lbs. 1-2-3..." That's what woke me up.
They were moving me from the surgery bed/table to my home for the next few days, my bed. I was immediately wide awake. It was uncanny - one second I was in a deep dreamless sleep, the next I was awake. The time was 11:20 am. Turns out my surgery took 1 hour and 10 minutes.
After being parked in my stall in the post-op room, the first thing I noticed was I could not feel or move my legs. Was that ever weird. As hard as I tried I was unable to move a muscle. Made me consider the lives of those who are permanently paralyzed - very profound and impossible to imagine. For the next 2 1/2 hours I was chatty, wide awake and feeling no pain. Eventually the feeling and movement in the right leg returned, just as the dentist's freezing leaves our jaw and mouth area. They loaded up my left with anestesia, thankfully.
Then it was off to the Surgical Observation Unit - a 4 bed ward that is attended by at least 2 nurses full-time. I have to say I was blown away by the attention and quality of care!! Nurses, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and this is a public hospital, not private. From my bed I had a very Vancouver-ish view - mountains and trees! And I was immediately hooked up to the morphine machine - I could get 2mg blasts by the push of a button every 6 minutes if I wished. Life, on the whole was just fine.
The nurse popped by to begin the repeated message of the three DONTS!!
1. don't bend past 90 degrees at the waist
2. don't cross your legs
3. don't twist at the waist
"Sure, ok." "For how long?" was my innocent question. For at least three months. I received this messgae repeatedly by all staff. It got so we patients were repeating it with one aother.
Met the across-the-way-guy (still texting each other). "What'd you get done?", I asked. "Knee replacement. Second one since June." We went from there. I am in good company here. Turns out the woman beside me had her same shoulder done a third time, 2nd since christmas! I realized at the time that this ward was way better than a private room - I have people to talk with and we are all in the same boat. Besides I brought ear plugs from home, and they came in handy, though on the whole it was not too noisy.
Dinner time. Soup, jello, water, juice etc... But in order to eat it I had to sit up, so the nurse kindly showed me which button on the bed to push. So up I went. At this point I was full of anesthetic, full of morphine, had not eaten in about 15 hours, so weak but a bit hungry. I promptly sipped and spooned my way through a bit of the food. I said to myself, "take it easy, you are all goofed up." I did, I really did go slowly. Still, the next thing I knew I was searching for a receptacle to receive my return volley. Well done, no spillage and all was well. I pushed the down button.
That evening I did two things: I kept up to date on my girls basketball team I coach through text messaging - we won that playoff game and ended up coming second in Vancouver! I was tickled. At the same time I listened to the Canucks lose to the Canadians, and as per the ward's wishes, I reported constant updates to all. It was quite a social space, this ward. And then I tried to sleep. Good luck, I was wired.
_______________________________________
Day 2 (Actually Day 1 blended into Day 2)
Key activities this day were:
- breakfast, and a return volley once again.
- took my first blood thinner pill. I have to take these for 35 days to avoid potential blood clots or embolisms. I was extremely pleased to find out I did not have to jab myself in my stomach with a needle as is tradition, it seems. The pill version was new - a new level of admiration for my Doc ensued. It was only when I went to to the drugstore I found out it why its not so common, $300 for 35 pills! My insurance covers it.
- got a new fancy gauze bandage on my wound. I can keep it on for a week, and have a shower with it. Perfect! As it was being changed I asked my nurse for a couple of candid photos with my BB - I have them for posterity. I thought all in all it looked perfect - a great stapler was at work there! I have 27 of them.
- physio time: less than 24 hours after the surgery I used my leg. I learned 4 or 5 exercises in bed, 4 or 5 standing up, and out to the hallway we went for a short walker enabled walk. Thing about standing up for the first time was the dizziness and nauseousness. After my walk about I came back and had a seat for 5 minutes. More than enough - I was beginning to break out in a cold sweat. Then I had to learn how to get into bed - not easy, at first. . All in all, I was quite pleased with myself.
- lunch was tasty - I ate it all and it stayed where it was supposed to.Things are moving forward!
- it was about this point that I weaned myself from the morphine drip and opted for tablets given 4 times per day. Enough was enough - I took 2 kinds of anti-nausea IV so I could use the morphine drip, but while they worked, the Morphine was knocking me flat. The pills were perfect. They controlled the pain and I was able to focus...somewhat.
- I then crashed for 3 hours.
- Dinner and then a visit with my family. First thing I wanted to do was go for a walk. Bit of a show off and probably still juiced with all the drugs. So we went down the hall even further this time.
- my wife chuckled at the slipping eye lids. "what, I'm fine."
- so another flurry of texts and basketball game updates, and another attempt at sleep.
_______________________________________
Day 3 (only the major things)
- new room first thing in the morning. Just like that I was out of one ward and in another one - huge and empty. I thought I had it made!!
- more physio, more walking. But this time I got to go the "gym" for physio on steps - our house has stairs. I learned how to do the steps with crutches. Again, these guys are impressive. Feeling rather confident, I said "lets walk back." We did. Still more instruction on the way back, "How much weight are you putting on your leg? Remember heel toe." Seems my arms were bearing more of the weight than my leg was.
- snoozed and had a weird dream - I dreamt I felt the needles being inserted into my spine, just as I did prior to surgery. I flinched and in doing so moved my leg more aggressively than usual. A twinge of pain shot through the groin mucles, but it subsided.
- the occupational therapist taught me how to put on my underwear, socks and pants. I have to use my trusty grabber device, kind of like a spear gun with a clamp at the end - squeeze the trigger the clamp closes. Not easy! I have a sock-aid, and a shoe horn.
- got a new roommate, his knee half replaced.
- After dinner I rented a TV to watch the hockey game and had my bed curtains opened so my new roommate, Mr. Half Knee, could watch, had my old roommate, Mr. Full Knee, hobbled into my room. So there we were, three 50+ old men with varying levels of wounds and drugs running through our veins, drinking water with straws, wearing gowns, groaning and laughing, while watching a hockey game on a 7" TV screen. The Canucks won, but by games end, two of us were almost asleep and Mr. Full Knee had returned to his room. He texted me the next day, "who scored the winner?" "I forgot", was my reply.
_____________________________________
Day 4
- after breakfast, physio, a walk about and I quickly packed up to go home
- got my prescriptions, my last instructions, my first physio appointment set up, details this and that. Amazingly I remember it all!!
- finally my IV, which had not been used since the morning of day 3, was removed.
- one more lesson - getting into the car. We have a Honda CRV. I wondered, ok do I sit in the back? Nope. I get into passenger seat of the car almost the same way I get into bed. I back in. While ensuring my three donts it turned out not to be too difficult. The trick is to put down a slippery plastic bag or sheet on the seat so it makes sliding easier!! I think that kind of sheet should be a required piece of equipment to bring to the hospital.
- and one more pill - for motion sickness during the car ride home. Good idea.
Now it was on to home for rest, recovery and rehab.
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