Following new regime was up and dressed etc by 8.30 and took pills with breakfast rather than before on empty stomach as I think this was making me nauseous. I took a couple of paracetamol and 2 naproxen, which are my NSAIDS from before the operation.
Spent the morning doing light housework and feel better for being up and about. Had an after lunch feet up session with the frozen pea treatment on the bruised areas - actually I would need a freezer-full of veg to simultaneously apply it to all of my bruising!
Spent some time on line researching exercises for post hip op patients. As I was doing the standing up exercises on the landing alongside the banisters realised that if I had both feet on the floor, as you do, I could actually turn it into a bit more of a routine and exercise the above waist bits as well, so I spent some time on the internet to see if there was a dvd aimed at post hip op people. Again found plenty of items from US but nothing quite what I was looking for! I'll keep looking and do a link if and when I find one.
I did find Arthritis UK though and that was brilliant I think that right at the beginning when I was first informed I had osteoarthritis I had a look around the site. For me, in my early fifties I just said 'I've got a problem with my hip' I really thought arthritis was for old people and I didn't see myself like that. Now at 60 it is relevant! And certainly on this site there is an expectation that physiotherapy will play a large part in the short term (first 6 weeks) and long term recovery. Hydroptherapy was mentioned as well, so I felt confident that there should be more help available for me and everyone else who has just had this major operation. So I tried to call the surgery to book a telephone conversation appointment with my doctor but it was always engaged and I gave up for today.
The bruising is spreading down my leg, really painful behind my knee where the top of the sock cuts into the swollen area - sound lovely doesn't it! I measured the knee and the thigh and it is actually only about an inch bigger than the other leg, but it looks huge to me.
Have called OT and arranged to collect a longer length grabber cost £7.00. It seems sturdy and more exact than mine and far less expensive than anything on Amazon.
It was a lovely evening so we set off for a short circular walk which ended up taking around 30 minutes, half the time with both crutches and then with just the one and Nick's arm. It was painfree, really, though there is a stiffness which sometimes feels like pain. I did feel a little light headed once but it passed. We had supper then I climbed on to my elevated 3 seater sofa, stretched out and raised my leg on cushions, glass of wine, blissfully comfortable!
Friday, 18 May 2012
Thursday, 17 May 2012
DAY 7
Good night's sleep and woke feeling really full of energy! Had morning tea and did some deep thinking about now my first week of 6 off work is complete and how best to handle the structure of the next 5!
I decided that I had been too reliant on the pills I came home with - without advice I had taken 2 paracetamol and 2 codeine 4 times a day - I mean without advise on when to take and whether to take both - and found myself feeling sleepy and unmotivated. At first I put this down to my body adjusting to the trauma of the operation, but once I thought about it, my custom had been to wake up at 6 and immediately take both painkillers, just as I thought I had been given in hospital. Then,instead of getting up as planned and getting myself a nicely thought out breakfast, I just fell back to sleep again and dozed till late morning. The other problem was looking forward to a meal (I do love food!) I would take a timed dose of painkillers and then feel nauseous and not want anything. This happened particularly before breakfast when I had obviously taken the paracetamol etc on an empty stomach.
It had taken 4 days of being home to work out the above I am afraid!!
So today I took nothing until I had eaten and it worked perfectly. Also decided just to take what was needed in terms of pain instead of medicating at regular intervals all day as I thought I was supposed to. I think the nurse who handed over the bag of pills to me assumed I would know to do that - she was wrong. A printed out do and don't sheet would have been so good to refer to.
My New Daily Plan also involves getting ready for the day just as if I was going to work, although about an hour later. So I have to be up washed, dressed, make up on and hair done and be downstairs between 8 and 8.30 for breakfast. I will report on how this works, but I feel a schedule will be a million times better than just wafting around in PJ bottoms and a T shirt! Plus, I am leaning heavily on my partner for all the stuff I cant do whilst trying not to nag about housework, so the least I can do is look fragrant at breakfast for him! Especially as we are not even sleeping together due to bed height issues. He really does not like doing the feet washing and stocking application activity, bless him! I read today that sexual intercourse can be resumed after 6 weeks, carefully! We shall see, although I dont think that is an area I will cover in my blog!
After breakfast I plan some light pottering, I can vacuum with one crutch, I can iron, and I can mop (if someone else sorts out the bucket) and I can dust. So I will do these things and not just sit about looking at them as I was doing. We dont have a cleaner as we cant afford one, if we did it would be a godsend as a couple of hours a day would keep everything just perfect. But on the other hand I would then have Nothing To Do at all, so may be not so good! This way I can be on my feet, strengthening my muscles and occupying myself and burning calories as well. Win Win!
I also suspect the beginnings of a pressure sore on the heel of the operated leg and think that is due to slothful lolling around, so the more time spent out of bed the better really
I will have a feet up rest late morning with a skinny latte, but not sleep. Maybe make calls or lists or read. Then lunch, then a walk out with both crutches, gradually extending the distance each day. Plan supper, make shopping list and then put feet up and watch Rosemary and Thyme from 4 till 5. Then go for a walk together, first with two crutches and then with just the LH one and his arm for support. No pain, not tired, really good.
So all in all a successful day and a positive mindset! Summary of pill taking: 2 paracetamol with breakfast, 2 codeine at 2pm and 2 paracetamol at bedtime. Not in any noticeable pain. Took other medication as prescribed for bowels and blood clots. But I think in view of the reduced codeine intake the senokot pills could probably be dropped unless indications show otherwise! (Nurses are always obsessed with bowel opening I found.)
I decided that I had been too reliant on the pills I came home with - without advice I had taken 2 paracetamol and 2 codeine 4 times a day - I mean without advise on when to take and whether to take both - and found myself feeling sleepy and unmotivated. At first I put this down to my body adjusting to the trauma of the operation, but once I thought about it, my custom had been to wake up at 6 and immediately take both painkillers, just as I thought I had been given in hospital. Then,instead of getting up as planned and getting myself a nicely thought out breakfast, I just fell back to sleep again and dozed till late morning. The other problem was looking forward to a meal (I do love food!) I would take a timed dose of painkillers and then feel nauseous and not want anything. This happened particularly before breakfast when I had obviously taken the paracetamol etc on an empty stomach.
It had taken 4 days of being home to work out the above I am afraid!!
So today I took nothing until I had eaten and it worked perfectly. Also decided just to take what was needed in terms of pain instead of medicating at regular intervals all day as I thought I was supposed to. I think the nurse who handed over the bag of pills to me assumed I would know to do that - she was wrong. A printed out do and don't sheet would have been so good to refer to.
My New Daily Plan also involves getting ready for the day just as if I was going to work, although about an hour later. So I have to be up washed, dressed, make up on and hair done and be downstairs between 8 and 8.30 for breakfast. I will report on how this works, but I feel a schedule will be a million times better than just wafting around in PJ bottoms and a T shirt! Plus, I am leaning heavily on my partner for all the stuff I cant do whilst trying not to nag about housework, so the least I can do is look fragrant at breakfast for him! Especially as we are not even sleeping together due to bed height issues. He really does not like doing the feet washing and stocking application activity, bless him! I read today that sexual intercourse can be resumed after 6 weeks, carefully! We shall see, although I dont think that is an area I will cover in my blog!
After breakfast I plan some light pottering, I can vacuum with one crutch, I can iron, and I can mop (if someone else sorts out the bucket) and I can dust. So I will do these things and not just sit about looking at them as I was doing. We dont have a cleaner as we cant afford one, if we did it would be a godsend as a couple of hours a day would keep everything just perfect. But on the other hand I would then have Nothing To Do at all, so may be not so good! This way I can be on my feet, strengthening my muscles and occupying myself and burning calories as well. Win Win!
I also suspect the beginnings of a pressure sore on the heel of the operated leg and think that is due to slothful lolling around, so the more time spent out of bed the better really
I will have a feet up rest late morning with a skinny latte, but not sleep. Maybe make calls or lists or read. Then lunch, then a walk out with both crutches, gradually extending the distance each day. Plan supper, make shopping list and then put feet up and watch Rosemary and Thyme from 4 till 5. Then go for a walk together, first with two crutches and then with just the LH one and his arm for support. No pain, not tired, really good.
So all in all a successful day and a positive mindset! Summary of pill taking: 2 paracetamol with breakfast, 2 codeine at 2pm and 2 paracetamol at bedtime. Not in any noticeable pain. Took other medication as prescribed for bowels and blood clots. But I think in view of the reduced codeine intake the senokot pills could probably be dropped unless indications show otherwise! (Nurses are always obsessed with bowel opening I found.)
DAY 6
Woke up a couple of times - now have 8 pillows of varying density to arrange and actually semi propped up suits be best rather than lying down. I don't think I snore that way either which is a Good Thing, not that anyone would notice as N is in our bedroom!
Am now comfortably pottering with only left arm crutch, and even no crutch at all whilst standing tidying the airing cupboard or doing stuff in the kitchen. I wouldn't go into space - that is cross the kitchen - without one crutch, but I can happily 'cruise' along the 3 sides of worktop. I have been planning my shower later - there are a lot of elements to consider. I decided that as our shower does not have any shelf in it for products, that hair washing was out due to no bending down to pick stuff up. So I washed my hair in the kitchen, as that is at a good height, and quite manageable along. Then carefully assembled on the required items and made sure they were all reachable. You must have a non slip mat or use an old towel to stand on to guard against slippiness. I even took the crutch in the shower with me, it makes me feel more secure that way - the shower, along with stairs, is the place where people most frequently damage their new hips - so I was ultra careful.
Apart from getting in and out of bed, I am not in any actual pain, and in fact the pain I feel is mainly down to the bruising on my inner thigh and behind my knee. For this reason, and to make exercising as pleasant as possible, it is a good idea to take the paracetamol, even if I don't think I need it, I think.
Felt actually quite exhausted with the day's activities and took myself early to bed.
Am now comfortably pottering with only left arm crutch, and even no crutch at all whilst standing tidying the airing cupboard or doing stuff in the kitchen. I wouldn't go into space - that is cross the kitchen - without one crutch, but I can happily 'cruise' along the 3 sides of worktop. I have been planning my shower later - there are a lot of elements to consider. I decided that as our shower does not have any shelf in it for products, that hair washing was out due to no bending down to pick stuff up. So I washed my hair in the kitchen, as that is at a good height, and quite manageable along. Then carefully assembled on the required items and made sure they were all reachable. You must have a non slip mat or use an old towel to stand on to guard against slippiness. I even took the crutch in the shower with me, it makes me feel more secure that way - the shower, along with stairs, is the place where people most frequently damage their new hips - so I was ultra careful.
Apart from getting in and out of bed, I am not in any actual pain, and in fact the pain I feel is mainly down to the bruising on my inner thigh and behind my knee. For this reason, and to make exercising as pleasant as possible, it is a good idea to take the paracetamol, even if I don't think I need it, I think.
Felt actually quite exhausted with the day's activities and took myself early to bed.
DAY 5
This morning feel a lot better than yesterday when I really did feel uncomfortable and depressed, Still not much appetite, but that is Good Thing!
Spoke to dear brother who had just had really good hydrotherapy session on a one to one basis with his physio. Similar moves to the out of water ones but with the resistance and support of the warm water more effective. Decided I must research to see if I can find somewhere locally. His therapist charges £48 for 30 min session (which he doesn't pay personally as it is covered by his health insurance). Jealous. He says that also 4 hip recoverants have got together to share the cost between them, and turn the session into a bit of a social event with lunch afterwards! - that sounds perfect, I will see what I can discover around here.
Had long chat with SWATT lady on phone and asked about sleep positions as I so hate being on my back. But she said I must stay on my back for 6 weeks because of the danger of displacement. She said in her experience, if it happens once then it happens again and is only corrected by a revision in the end. She said after 6 weeks could lie on operated side; she didn't know about lying on the front but couldn't see it would be a problem as long as you didn't twist the hip getting into position. I just don't want to risk it - I will stay on my back. Asked about hydrotherapy - she hadn't got a clue about that and said she would ask one of the physios. They called me back later and said no-one had any information about that at all! What???
Dear daughter2 came this afternoon with cream tea ingredients and we sunned in the garden for an hour or so. She has also brought me a long handled brush as my first shower is imminent and I thought I could reach feet with it (as it turned out, it was not long enough, so Nick did an extension and it turned out perfect!) Then the best bit, we adjourned to the boudoir and she re-painted my toes a delicious crushed strawberry! One of the many irritating things about the whole hip problem is that for the last 18 months I have not been able to cut my own toe nails. It is such a simple thing, and not a job that one can really delegate to the man in one's life without a sense that some of the romance is leaking out of the relationship! He struggled manfully with them once, but I think we both knew it wasn't working! - so I resigned myself to an all the year round pedicure done professionally, instead of just during the summer months when toes are on show.
It may sound trivial, but when,folding back the toes of the horrid support socks, I see my ten beautifully pinked toenails, I do feel immensely cheered up! We also took a photo of my tree trunk leg which at some point I will add on here, just so you know what to expect! The bruising is spreading across my lower back and round the inner thigh and has even appeared around my heel - incredible - what on earth did they do to me while I was unconscious? Someone suggested there is a lot of tugging and manipulating going on to get it all in place, and may be to get the legs the same length - for which I am eternally grateful. Limping around with my right leg half an inch shorter than my left was not at all where I wanted to be. I was looking forwarded to re-creating my elegant languid hip sway of yore!
After she left I had my feet up for a rest, then we had a takeaway at 8 and watched the Bridge at 9 - really struggled to keep eyes open.
Spoke to dear brother who had just had really good hydrotherapy session on a one to one basis with his physio. Similar moves to the out of water ones but with the resistance and support of the warm water more effective. Decided I must research to see if I can find somewhere locally. His therapist charges £48 for 30 min session (which he doesn't pay personally as it is covered by his health insurance). Jealous. He says that also 4 hip recoverants have got together to share the cost between them, and turn the session into a bit of a social event with lunch afterwards! - that sounds perfect, I will see what I can discover around here.
Had long chat with SWATT lady on phone and asked about sleep positions as I so hate being on my back. But she said I must stay on my back for 6 weeks because of the danger of displacement. She said in her experience, if it happens once then it happens again and is only corrected by a revision in the end. She said after 6 weeks could lie on operated side; she didn't know about lying on the front but couldn't see it would be a problem as long as you didn't twist the hip getting into position. I just don't want to risk it - I will stay on my back. Asked about hydrotherapy - she hadn't got a clue about that and said she would ask one of the physios. They called me back later and said no-one had any information about that at all! What???
Dear daughter2 came this afternoon with cream tea ingredients and we sunned in the garden for an hour or so. She has also brought me a long handled brush as my first shower is imminent and I thought I could reach feet with it (as it turned out, it was not long enough, so Nick did an extension and it turned out perfect!) Then the best bit, we adjourned to the boudoir and she re-painted my toes a delicious crushed strawberry! One of the many irritating things about the whole hip problem is that for the last 18 months I have not been able to cut my own toe nails. It is such a simple thing, and not a job that one can really delegate to the man in one's life without a sense that some of the romance is leaking out of the relationship! He struggled manfully with them once, but I think we both knew it wasn't working! - so I resigned myself to an all the year round pedicure done professionally, instead of just during the summer months when toes are on show.
It may sound trivial, but when,folding back the toes of the horrid support socks, I see my ten beautifully pinked toenails, I do feel immensely cheered up! We also took a photo of my tree trunk leg which at some point I will add on here, just so you know what to expect! The bruising is spreading across my lower back and round the inner thigh and has even appeared around my heel - incredible - what on earth did they do to me while I was unconscious? Someone suggested there is a lot of tugging and manipulating going on to get it all in place, and may be to get the legs the same length - for which I am eternally grateful. Limping around with my right leg half an inch shorter than my left was not at all where I wanted to be. I was looking forwarded to re-creating my elegant languid hip sway of yore!
After she left I had my feet up for a rest, then we had a takeaway at 8 and watched the Bridge at 9 - really struggled to keep eyes open.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
DAY 4 HOME
I woke up feeling really uncomfortable. The wound itself doesn't really hurt in any significant way, its ok even if with light pressure when sitting. I think the pain is in the area around the new joint and there is a particular burning sensation which I remember getting with my own old joint which is even more so right now. I conclude its in the tendons around the joint and it happens most on waking and moving first thing. Getting out of bed and standing up with the help of the crutches is virtually painless - as long as you discount the process of getting the lying down legs round and on to the floor to stand up in the first place! Standing up from bed in the morning used to be the most agonizing movement and I would have to count slowly to ten before I could walk - none of that now, once up I'm off painfree!!
I feel tearful today, and small things are making me feel down. It feels like depression - maybe there's a post operative depression thing which happens Day 4? I feel its medical in its origin rather than emotional as I'm not a depressed type of personality. I think its all the stuff like having to ask for help, being irritated that my home is not being kept as clean and tidy as I would like and I just have to put up with it; everything always not being where I need it. I strongly recomment duplicating on frequently needed items, or at least organising a soft cross body bag in which to collect and transport items as you move around. Have discovered that I can put phone in bra so that I dont keep leaving it in the wrong place and then rushing - on crutches not good - to get to it, as that was causing me problems; my clothes dont have pockets and I knew if I dropped it: 1. I couldn't pick it up and 2. I could damage it!
I feel unsupported. There are numbers I can call, but I have looked on line and there seems in other parts of the UK with more support certainly in terms of physio and OT (Occupational Therapy) than I have received. My initial information pack told me an OT person would come to the house to help me with adjusting to my new hip and advising on the basic movements and what to do and not do. I think that they have actually economised by 1. Covering this information on that Pre Op day 2 months ago, and (2) by sending an OT person to the bedside as I hazily remember someone appearing waving a packet of compression stockings and a grabber to see if I wanted to buy either of them. And I had only one session with the physio and as I did stairs on Day 2 they said that's fine you can go home as far as we're concerned! So what that means in our area is that once you are home you are left to sort it all out for yourself. If I did not have access to the internet and had not watched various YouTube vids - mostly american in origin - then I would not have even a fraction of the information I have. I really did not get what they meant about 90 degrees until I watched a YouTube film with a chap on a chair demonstrating when a position was risky.
My brother (several days ahead of me with his op in Dorset) says he is advised to rest with legs elevated twice a day, but level at night with pillow between calves. Luckily SWATT nurse arrived at 11am, she took blood pressure and temperature, both ok. Went through my four lying down exercises and showed me some standing up ones holding on the the banisters. She took off the dressing, which turns out to be a thick and rubbery version of a giant elastoplast, which sticks to the skin with a very heavy duty gel type adhesive - and its apparently waterproof!! - which means that .... I can take have a shower!! Hurrah!! Hospital did not give me any guidance on that at all and I supposed I had to wait till it comes off which is Day16. She also said my scar was shorter than normal and as it has stitches not staples they will dissolve by themselves. My brother sent me a photo of his scar which looked scarily huge and I counted over 30 staples in it! She said that as I am doing so well she wont need to visit again and will just call me tomorrow and then if all is fine, sign me off to the care of my GP. Another economy. I know it sounds awful, but I almost wish I was in worse shape so that I didn't just get signed off all the time and then left to myself!
I feel tearful today, and small things are making me feel down. It feels like depression - maybe there's a post operative depression thing which happens Day 4? I feel its medical in its origin rather than emotional as I'm not a depressed type of personality. I think its all the stuff like having to ask for help, being irritated that my home is not being kept as clean and tidy as I would like and I just have to put up with it; everything always not being where I need it. I strongly recomment duplicating on frequently needed items, or at least organising a soft cross body bag in which to collect and transport items as you move around. Have discovered that I can put phone in bra so that I dont keep leaving it in the wrong place and then rushing - on crutches not good - to get to it, as that was causing me problems; my clothes dont have pockets and I knew if I dropped it: 1. I couldn't pick it up and 2. I could damage it!
I feel unsupported. There are numbers I can call, but I have looked on line and there seems in other parts of the UK with more support certainly in terms of physio and OT (Occupational Therapy) than I have received. My initial information pack told me an OT person would come to the house to help me with adjusting to my new hip and advising on the basic movements and what to do and not do. I think that they have actually economised by 1. Covering this information on that Pre Op day 2 months ago, and (2) by sending an OT person to the bedside as I hazily remember someone appearing waving a packet of compression stockings and a grabber to see if I wanted to buy either of them. And I had only one session with the physio and as I did stairs on Day 2 they said that's fine you can go home as far as we're concerned! So what that means in our area is that once you are home you are left to sort it all out for yourself. If I did not have access to the internet and had not watched various YouTube vids - mostly american in origin - then I would not have even a fraction of the information I have. I really did not get what they meant about 90 degrees until I watched a YouTube film with a chap on a chair demonstrating when a position was risky.
My brother (several days ahead of me with his op in Dorset) says he is advised to rest with legs elevated twice a day, but level at night with pillow between calves. Luckily SWATT nurse arrived at 11am, she took blood pressure and temperature, both ok. Went through my four lying down exercises and showed me some standing up ones holding on the the banisters. She took off the dressing, which turns out to be a thick and rubbery version of a giant elastoplast, which sticks to the skin with a very heavy duty gel type adhesive - and its apparently waterproof!! - which means that .... I can take have a shower!! Hurrah!! Hospital did not give me any guidance on that at all and I supposed I had to wait till it comes off which is Day16. She also said my scar was shorter than normal and as it has stitches not staples they will dissolve by themselves. My brother sent me a photo of his scar which looked scarily huge and I counted over 30 staples in it! She said that as I am doing so well she wont need to visit again and will just call me tomorrow and then if all is fine, sign me off to the care of my GP. Another economy. I know it sounds awful, but I almost wish I was in worse shape so that I didn't just get signed off all the time and then left to myself!
DAY 3 HOSPITAL AND HOME
Woke around 6 and got myself up to visit bathroom. Drugs came round and observations done, all ok. Breakfast arrived: cereal, croissant, juice and tea.
Teams of physios arrived and got everyone up . The two older ladies seemed to be in a lot of pain and struggling with their frames - no hope at all of progressing on to crutches. Another lady has had her knee done and is now managing on crutches with a lot of groaning. Sue opposite has had the same hip as me and today has got onto crutches, but not stairs. She is feeling a lot better - and says seeing me flying around on the crutches yesterday really motivated her to get on too! Apparently my achievement with up and down stairs yesterday meant they could sign me off and I could go home today if all else was fine, so no one came to talk to me from the physio dept. I wanted more attention!
A doctor arrived and said I was definitely going home today and could I confirm that I would be collected asap. They wanted to put me in a chair while I waited as there was a new lady already there and waiting for my bed!! Apparently if I had not been ok to leave, she would have been sent home. I would totally have hated that if it had happened to me - you get yourself all mentally geared up for it and then just to be told to go home would be awful.
I got myself dressed easily by dropping my elastic waisted skirt over my head and not bothering about knickers, and pulled on a long sleeved top, wrapped my scarf around me and there I was in the wheel chair waiting for N to arrive! All packed up! I was brought a bag from the pharmacy containing:
Paracetamol (2 x 4 times a day)
Codeine (as above)
Senokot (2 at night)
Lactulose - bowel softener (15ml x 2 a day)
Dabigatran - anti blood clot (2 x 110mg at 6pm)
Also a doctors note for 6 weeks.
I was surprised that there was nothing stronger in the bag, after all we take paracetamol for a headache and I have just had major surgery so I thought I should have had some morphine! I will ask my brother what he is taking (the result of that is he has got Tramadol which is an opiate based painkiller, but he was prescribed this to help with bad pain before his op so it is ok for him to carry on with that, but not for me to start with it unless my pain becomes really bad. He is also taking his Dicloflenac as before.)
Nick arrived and wheeled me to the car. I had left my cushion in a slippy Gap bag on the passenger seat and got in bum first and swung in my legs and felt fine. We used my Focus as the seat seems higher and easier for me to access than his car. I have had to get into a car this way for about 3 years now so I am used to this action. Its also a very ladylike way of getting in and out of cars, particularly when wearing no knickers (!) as the knees can stay together. Stopped at Waitrose, I waited in car, and bought sandwiches for lunch and few bits for later.
Once home, carefully made my way upstairs - so glad I had the rail fitted as there is no way I could have done it without. Remember good to heaven (meaning lead with non operated leg) then follow onto same step with operated leg and crutch. Going down: bad to hell (lead with operated leg and follow with good leg. Into bed and served a very delicious sandwich and fruit lunch!
I had prepared a few basic meals for the freezer, bolognese sauce, ratatouille, fish pie, beef in red wine, and plenty of assorted frozen veg, so that Nick could sort out meals for us easily for the first few days, and this has worked well.
Nick has done battle with two raised loo seats and one stool - all wrapped up in tubes and tape and then needing height adjustments - I read that Occupational Therapists came to your home and sorted all this out for you whilst helping you with chairs and getting in and out of bed but they just delivered the stuff and left. More NHS economising. The loo seats also have arms and make a huge difference, you could not possibly cope with a normal height loo. I am wondering if disabled loos in restaurants will be this high. If not you couldn't risk it because you would dislocate the hip in struggling to stand up from a below 18 in height - if indeed you could stand up at all. Do not go anywhere without a tall loo. You could inadvertently sit down before realising you could not get up again. How dreadful! This could be limiting - I will have to give this some more consideration.
I have been doing my 5 lying down exercises:
Clench buttocks, hold for 5. 10 repeats
Bath towel rolled up placed under knee. Lift leg hold for 5. 10 repeats
Pull foot up towards ceiling, press down with knee. Hold for 5. 10 repeats
Plastic bag under foot slide up to bend knee. Hold and repeat as above
Plastic bag under foot and slide outwards. Hold and repeat as above. This is the most painful of all!
On Day 2 I could barely move my foot at all for the last exercise, but it gets easier each time you do it, as you'd expect! I just breathe deeply through the pain and make it work!
It's been lovely getting lots of cards, texts and messages from friends and family, so I am occupied replying or telephone everyone! I am however finding it hugely problematic getting around with the crutches as I dont have a free hand to carry anything with. I keep leaving some essential item in the wrong place and feel like crying with frustration when I have manoeuvred myself onto the loo, only to find my trousers have fallen on the floor, and the grabber I need to pull them up is in another room! If the crutch falls on the floor, and they do have a life of their own when not on your arm, then you cant pick that up either! In feel very dependent and its not a good feeling. I am taking the pills to the hospital routine and feel quite sleepy, so I will sleep!
Teams of physios arrived and got everyone up . The two older ladies seemed to be in a lot of pain and struggling with their frames - no hope at all of progressing on to crutches. Another lady has had her knee done and is now managing on crutches with a lot of groaning. Sue opposite has had the same hip as me and today has got onto crutches, but not stairs. She is feeling a lot better - and says seeing me flying around on the crutches yesterday really motivated her to get on too! Apparently my achievement with up and down stairs yesterday meant they could sign me off and I could go home today if all else was fine, so no one came to talk to me from the physio dept. I wanted more attention!
A doctor arrived and said I was definitely going home today and could I confirm that I would be collected asap. They wanted to put me in a chair while I waited as there was a new lady already there and waiting for my bed!! Apparently if I had not been ok to leave, she would have been sent home. I would totally have hated that if it had happened to me - you get yourself all mentally geared up for it and then just to be told to go home would be awful.
I got myself dressed easily by dropping my elastic waisted skirt over my head and not bothering about knickers, and pulled on a long sleeved top, wrapped my scarf around me and there I was in the wheel chair waiting for N to arrive! All packed up! I was brought a bag from the pharmacy containing:
Paracetamol (2 x 4 times a day)
Codeine (as above)
Senokot (2 at night)
Lactulose - bowel softener (15ml x 2 a day)
Dabigatran - anti blood clot (2 x 110mg at 6pm)
Also a doctors note for 6 weeks.
I was surprised that there was nothing stronger in the bag, after all we take paracetamol for a headache and I have just had major surgery so I thought I should have had some morphine! I will ask my brother what he is taking (the result of that is he has got Tramadol which is an opiate based painkiller, but he was prescribed this to help with bad pain before his op so it is ok for him to carry on with that, but not for me to start with it unless my pain becomes really bad. He is also taking his Dicloflenac as before.)
Nick arrived and wheeled me to the car. I had left my cushion in a slippy Gap bag on the passenger seat and got in bum first and swung in my legs and felt fine. We used my Focus as the seat seems higher and easier for me to access than his car. I have had to get into a car this way for about 3 years now so I am used to this action. Its also a very ladylike way of getting in and out of cars, particularly when wearing no knickers (!) as the knees can stay together. Stopped at Waitrose, I waited in car, and bought sandwiches for lunch and few bits for later.
Once home, carefully made my way upstairs - so glad I had the rail fitted as there is no way I could have done it without. Remember good to heaven (meaning lead with non operated leg) then follow onto same step with operated leg and crutch. Going down: bad to hell (lead with operated leg and follow with good leg. Into bed and served a very delicious sandwich and fruit lunch!
I had prepared a few basic meals for the freezer, bolognese sauce, ratatouille, fish pie, beef in red wine, and plenty of assorted frozen veg, so that Nick could sort out meals for us easily for the first few days, and this has worked well.
Nick has done battle with two raised loo seats and one stool - all wrapped up in tubes and tape and then needing height adjustments - I read that Occupational Therapists came to your home and sorted all this out for you whilst helping you with chairs and getting in and out of bed but they just delivered the stuff and left. More NHS economising. The loo seats also have arms and make a huge difference, you could not possibly cope with a normal height loo. I am wondering if disabled loos in restaurants will be this high. If not you couldn't risk it because you would dislocate the hip in struggling to stand up from a below 18 in height - if indeed you could stand up at all. Do not go anywhere without a tall loo. You could inadvertently sit down before realising you could not get up again. How dreadful! This could be limiting - I will have to give this some more consideration.
I have been doing my 5 lying down exercises:
Clench buttocks, hold for 5. 10 repeats
Bath towel rolled up placed under knee. Lift leg hold for 5. 10 repeats
Pull foot up towards ceiling, press down with knee. Hold for 5. 10 repeats
Plastic bag under foot slide up to bend knee. Hold and repeat as above
Plastic bag under foot and slide outwards. Hold and repeat as above. This is the most painful of all!
On Day 2 I could barely move my foot at all for the last exercise, but it gets easier each time you do it, as you'd expect! I just breathe deeply through the pain and make it work!
It's been lovely getting lots of cards, texts and messages from friends and family, so I am occupied replying or telephone everyone! I am however finding it hugely problematic getting around with the crutches as I dont have a free hand to carry anything with. I keep leaving some essential item in the wrong place and feel like crying with frustration when I have manoeuvred myself onto the loo, only to find my trousers have fallen on the floor, and the grabber I need to pull them up is in another room! If the crutch falls on the floor, and they do have a life of their own when not on your arm, then you cant pick that up either! In feel very dependent and its not a good feeling. I am taking the pills to the hospital routine and feel quite sleepy, so I will sleep!
DAY 2 HOSPITAL
Had no sleep at all really, too much groaning by others (TIP take eyeshades and earplugs )! Really wanted to visit the loo but still had catheter and drip so bed bound. 6am nurse came and took catheter away, hurrah I thought, bathroom here I come, but no, I was not to get out of bed until physio arrived to tell me how to do so, but I could have a bed pan. Great. Curtains drawn, bed pan arrived, but so did a new lady to occupy the bed across from me with a very vocal and attentive husband. No bed pan action under those circumstances so I resigned myself to wait for physio and just lie there, waiting, in discomfort!
Physios arrived with frames and crutches and everyone was shown how to get out of bed and transport themselves a short distance from their bed. I transported myself straight to the bathroom with enormous relief! They decided that as I was a 5* pupil on the frame, I could go to the top of the class and have the crutches, which were much better. Wasn't aware of any major pain that prevented me from doing what they asked. The staff explained that it is important to take the pain relief regularly to keep pain at bay all the time rather than just take it when the pain appears as then it is not as quickly effective, and prevents you from doing the strengthening exercises.
It was bliss being able to stand up and move off with none of the awful pain from before! The physios went through the four or five bed exercises they wanted us to do three times a day. The abductor where you attempt to swing the operated leg out to the side was a killer, I could hardly move it an inch. It was suggested I put a slippy carrier bag under the foot at home and that would make it easier in the beginning. It became evident that none of the other ladies could get anywhere near me in terms of hot crutch action! I was the star of the ward, and revelled in my fame as word spread along corridors! Well, not quite, but I was keen, and took off a couple of times myself, just as a change from bed, and to get away from the inane conversations going on around me. When in bed I took to putting the tv on radio 4 and putting on the headphones and pretending I couldn't hear anyone speaking to me! I didn't mind chatting to the lady next door to me, but had no intention of broadcasting conversations across the entire ward, as were the others!
Lunch and supper were both hot and delicious and plenty of cups of tea, really whenever you wanted one.
I was advised by a friend to take in a bag of Tesco fruit and nut mix, as a healthy, easy to store snack for hungry moments, but I never felt like I needed them. I thought the water might be awful and took in large bottle of Evian, but the water jug and glass were changed and filled frequently (TIP drink as much water as you can as it keeps your temperature down and helps with blood pressure apparently and thus aided a swift exit home). The new incumbent in the bed opposite appeared to have come stocked up with rations to withstand a siege. Packets of jaffa cakes and biscuits, huge amounts of fruit and god knows what. Not needed at all I would say. Apart from the fact that your appetite goes down anyway, you really dont want to be lying around eating unhealthy snacks all day. Probably a couple of bananas and some washed grapes in a tupperware box is all that's needed. Some fruit cordial to help with the water if you dont like the taste could be nice.
Physio returned after lunch and wheelchaired me to a staircase with my crutches. I went up twice and down twice - that was it she said - well done Jill, that's all we ask you to do here!!
I will make a few points here on how the smart hip replacement patient might be kitted out for frame/crutch activies: I thought a lot about what to take in with me, in the end, too much, but I do like a choice! If there are any men reading this, I do apologise, but I can only put the female angle!
What would have been ideal would have been something along the lines of the M&S striped nightshirt. This is pastel in colour, so blends nicely with all the blue and white around you; its a decent length, it looks smart when you are sitting up in bed and you can receive visitors without worrying about them seeing bits of you, that you normally keep covered up, in my case armpits and upper arms as I hate them. When you get out of bed it's knee length so quite decent. So why didn't I buy it? Hmmm, because I am 5'8" it is shorter on me than I would like, I thought the long sleeves might be too hot and would have liked a short sleeved version. Also I thought I might find something better, but having scoured all obvious sources of nightwear: Debenhams, House of Fraser, John Lewis, The White House on line, I found nothing suitable at all. Left it too late and in the end just took a light weight silky cobalt blue dressing gown, some pj bottoms and vest tops with coordinating cardies to act as a bedjacket type garment.
Because while you are in hospital they want to come and look at the dressing of your wound several times a day, a nightshirt can be easily pulled up to reveal. So can a nightie, but trust me, those in nighties looked so awful hunched over their frames shambling around in furry slippers that I was just so relieved I had given it some thought.
After my first go on the crutches I went off to the bathroom with my own nightwear and washing items. I was glad of my dressing gown to cover up my back view as the hospital gown does not do up! It felt fantastic to be clean and fresh and in my own clothes. I thought I looked very together in my planned bedwear. Some people might think 'what on earth is she on about' here, but I put a lot of thought into what I wear every day anyway, so it is second nature for me to plan ahead not to look an eyesore. At some point in this blog I will go through my own personal grooming preparation for the hospital stay, that would also see me through the first weeks convalescing at home.
By the end of this day, they had told me that if all my observations were ok the following day, then I could go home! Eldest daughter came to visit which was lovely. Cleaning was going on while she was there - I was surprised to have the same cloth smeared around the frame of the bed as they used on the floor and the table I eat from! I wonder who I should tell about that? Given that they are all wearing latex gloves, and when not, using the gel at the end of the bed, why then use one cloth for all these areas???
Physios arrived with frames and crutches and everyone was shown how to get out of bed and transport themselves a short distance from their bed. I transported myself straight to the bathroom with enormous relief! They decided that as I was a 5* pupil on the frame, I could go to the top of the class and have the crutches, which were much better. Wasn't aware of any major pain that prevented me from doing what they asked. The staff explained that it is important to take the pain relief regularly to keep pain at bay all the time rather than just take it when the pain appears as then it is not as quickly effective, and prevents you from doing the strengthening exercises.
It was bliss being able to stand up and move off with none of the awful pain from before! The physios went through the four or five bed exercises they wanted us to do three times a day. The abductor where you attempt to swing the operated leg out to the side was a killer, I could hardly move it an inch. It was suggested I put a slippy carrier bag under the foot at home and that would make it easier in the beginning. It became evident that none of the other ladies could get anywhere near me in terms of hot crutch action! I was the star of the ward, and revelled in my fame as word spread along corridors! Well, not quite, but I was keen, and took off a couple of times myself, just as a change from bed, and to get away from the inane conversations going on around me. When in bed I took to putting the tv on radio 4 and putting on the headphones and pretending I couldn't hear anyone speaking to me! I didn't mind chatting to the lady next door to me, but had no intention of broadcasting conversations across the entire ward, as were the others!
Lunch and supper were both hot and delicious and plenty of cups of tea, really whenever you wanted one.
I was advised by a friend to take in a bag of Tesco fruit and nut mix, as a healthy, easy to store snack for hungry moments, but I never felt like I needed them. I thought the water might be awful and took in large bottle of Evian, but the water jug and glass were changed and filled frequently (TIP drink as much water as you can as it keeps your temperature down and helps with blood pressure apparently and thus aided a swift exit home). The new incumbent in the bed opposite appeared to have come stocked up with rations to withstand a siege. Packets of jaffa cakes and biscuits, huge amounts of fruit and god knows what. Not needed at all I would say. Apart from the fact that your appetite goes down anyway, you really dont want to be lying around eating unhealthy snacks all day. Probably a couple of bananas and some washed grapes in a tupperware box is all that's needed. Some fruit cordial to help with the water if you dont like the taste could be nice.
Physio returned after lunch and wheelchaired me to a staircase with my crutches. I went up twice and down twice - that was it she said - well done Jill, that's all we ask you to do here!!
I will make a few points here on how the smart hip replacement patient might be kitted out for frame/crutch activies: I thought a lot about what to take in with me, in the end, too much, but I do like a choice! If there are any men reading this, I do apologise, but I can only put the female angle!
What would have been ideal would have been something along the lines of the M&S striped nightshirt. This is pastel in colour, so blends nicely with all the blue and white around you; its a decent length, it looks smart when you are sitting up in bed and you can receive visitors without worrying about them seeing bits of you, that you normally keep covered up, in my case armpits and upper arms as I hate them. When you get out of bed it's knee length so quite decent. So why didn't I buy it? Hmmm, because I am 5'8" it is shorter on me than I would like, I thought the long sleeves might be too hot and would have liked a short sleeved version. Also I thought I might find something better, but having scoured all obvious sources of nightwear: Debenhams, House of Fraser, John Lewis, The White House on line, I found nothing suitable at all. Left it too late and in the end just took a light weight silky cobalt blue dressing gown, some pj bottoms and vest tops with coordinating cardies to act as a bedjacket type garment.
Because while you are in hospital they want to come and look at the dressing of your wound several times a day, a nightshirt can be easily pulled up to reveal. So can a nightie, but trust me, those in nighties looked so awful hunched over their frames shambling around in furry slippers that I was just so relieved I had given it some thought.
After my first go on the crutches I went off to the bathroom with my own nightwear and washing items. I was glad of my dressing gown to cover up my back view as the hospital gown does not do up! It felt fantastic to be clean and fresh and in my own clothes. I thought I looked very together in my planned bedwear. Some people might think 'what on earth is she on about' here, but I put a lot of thought into what I wear every day anyway, so it is second nature for me to plan ahead not to look an eyesore. At some point in this blog I will go through my own personal grooming preparation for the hospital stay, that would also see me through the first weeks convalescing at home.
By the end of this day, they had told me that if all my observations were ok the following day, then I could go home! Eldest daughter came to visit which was lovely. Cleaning was going on while she was there - I was surprised to have the same cloth smeared around the frame of the bed as they used on the floor and the table I eat from! I wonder who I should tell about that? Given that they are all wearing latex gloves, and when not, using the gel at the end of the bed, why then use one cloth for all these areas???
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