A 2hr flight back home post THR - any advice?

[Great Aunt Janet]

APRIL... sorry to scare you!!

 

[Great Aunt Janet]

oing into your final days "work to do" (? at home...not like a job, right...from us chatting don't recall if you have that going on too).

- I have lovely job working in a museum-park type heritage centre, lots of old buildings with exhibitions in them all set round a billabong and gardens. I do anything, dust, clean, sell tickets, tell tall stories to visitors, sell nice clothes and jewellery and souvenirs in our shop, scoop icecream, put up flags, welcome dogs (of course) etc. The people I work with are all about the same age and we 'get' each other! Not full time, so plenty of hours to spoil my man/dog/self. How lucky am I? And my new hip will be just the thing at lock up time - takes half an hour to put out the lights and lock all the doors - a great way to keep fit when you can move properly.

 

[Joydancer]

-yes, I can take paracetamol, but really it does nothing for me, so I will see whether I take that or not. Nurofen is a anti-inflammatory - it has been the only thing to help for a while.

The amazing thing is, I don't really feel that much worse (maybe the Nurofen was useless too!) so far, and have been walking doggies, not far - and working as usual. I think I am walking more awkwardly but I have been managing to sleep, so bliss.

Janet, are there any meds that you could work out on to take and rely on for your travel to the hospital (to airport, flight and getting to the hospital), concerned with how I know those type of experiences & physical stress and how the neuromuscular (nerve pain especially) gets revin up with stress? Iboprofen, liquid capsules really help me along with the gabapentin (used for nerve pain especially). Are you in touch with your GP and he / you could discuss that part pre-op + travel. With post-op you can work with your surgeon on that part and your return home with your hubby.

re: Surgery - April 1

<I can't believe how quickly your date is coming up now, I am thinking of you (so organised!) and imagining just floaty about sort of fun coffee/cake days (pre-teeny-weeny-blitzen-supermodelhips days) as there is nothing left to do! >

Ha! <"coffee/cake days"> !!

Been busy - busy -- this week pre-op appt. surgeons office; pre-op admittance hospital surgery appt., visit to Palm Gardens rehab center...

<"Organized...."> pretty much I guess ~ did some shopping with new active wear, skirts, tops, nightgowns - - for hospital and when I go to Palm Gardens rehab center....things are separated and folded in bedroom, planned for a little different clothes of first days dressed in hospital and therapy there; and also rehab...

~ things for hospital: clothing (stretchy active-wear pants with tops), leisure wear long lounger, nightgowns, robe, cosmetic/toiletries, slipper socks, slip-on clogs/tennis shoes, soft-comfy throw, cell phone, I-pad, case, chargers.

~ things for rehab: clothing (same as hospital, with knit & loose casual dressing)+ long casual knit skirts with tops, dress knit pants with tops)

Packing/Luggage: Carry-on 22" w/wheels; 1 for hospital; 1 for rehab = I'll probably be packing Mon/Tues

Get the call from Hospital - Ortho Surgery on Tues. 3/31 between 12-5 pm the time of my surgery - - Hoping it's not early or first surgery; they have you come/arrive at hospital admitting 2 hrs before surgery time; first surgery is 8:00 so you could be a 6:00 arrival; alarm get-up at 5:00 am ! much prefer to be surgery #2 or #3 !!

Re: Pre-op & Pre-Surgery Saw that you had an appt. "with radiographer" was that to get additional x-rays on hip or for surgery screening, they sometimes do the lung x-rays?

I had all mine this week ~ Wed & Friday = everything went well = "all systems go" greenlight for surgery !! (had some posts on my experience)

Chat with ya more later, have a couple errands to run, bank, drug store...

 

[Great Aunt Janet]

Hi @Joydancer - well, you are definitely running around like a blue-arsed fly (as the expression goes)!

So far I'm still not suffering too much from stopping the anti-inflammatories (can't believe it, maybe my pre-op Xray has magically mended the hip, wouldn't that be nice?) and so I think I will be OK for my flight to the city. I think they tell you to stop the nurofen (which is ibuprofen I realise) because of the possible effects on anticlotting drugs if you need them - don't know whether I do, but I am being very obedient!

I am definitely stressed though, quite right! I always think of myself as being able to control these things - but hey, we are at the mercy of, n'est pas? Never mind. You will be a great example to me and all!!!!


Hope your errands are nearly complete, and you have some flunky buffing your toenails and stacking up the peeled grapes so that everything matches your veryshinyblitzenhipsagogo! Every wonderful wish to you, Jan xxx

 

[torment]

Hey Janet, it took about 5-7 days after stopping the Mobic for my hip to really start flaring up. Even once it did it was the same kind of pain and issues as when I was on the Mobic, just more pronounced. General pain level was noticeably higher but still liveable. The incidents of flash pain while moving increased and the attendant dread that accompanies that as well.

I do hope you fair better off your meds than I have, but I just didn't want you to get too excited about the seeming lack of deterioration in just a few days off your meds. Opt for cautious optimism. Either was we'll both be on the road to recovery in a week and change!

 

[Maggie94]

Hi Janet - just read your thread - I'm a kneesie not a hippie but I am an Ozzie. Sounds like you have things sorted out for your new hip and your trip home.
I did both knees together and then went to a rehab hospital post op - there were a lot of hippies there doing physio and hydro therapies along side the kneesies.
My advice if you are going home is to take a note book with you and write down the physio exercises and any other advice they give you each time you go to physio. I found that post op my "morphine mind" was like a sieve - didn't retain anything - couldn't even play Jewel on my phone - totally pathetic. Initially each session was like the first one as I could not remember the names of the exercises - LOL
Best of luck to you. This forum is a godsend and has been absolutely fabulous both pre and post op for me. Cheers Maggie x

 

[Great Aunt Janet]

Cheers @Maggie94! Yes, I really like this forum, such a lot of support and information. Good advice about the book - my sweet boss gave me one yesterday as a get well present (well, get well QUICK) as she thinks I should collect good jokes from the hospital staff to cheer my recovery. ha! I will make sure I jot down all instructions though, my mind is definitely wandery lately, so yes - need to write it all down.

The flight back means I need a big strong man to help little old me, so my husband has booked time off to be with me for a week post op in 'town' and then back, so I didn't ask about rehab, just difficult with trying to time it (and it is Easter school hols in QLD so had to get flights booked) - however, like you, others have recommended it, so I will take heed of what the doc says pre-post-op and make any changes I need to.

LOVE your dancing penguin in your signature! Is that how you feel with your new knees? Can't wait!

 

[Maggie94]

Janet new knees are getting there - not yet at the dancing penguin level. I am lucky cause I have not had any real issues save lack of sleep and loss of stamina - I believe that with any major surgery time to get back to 100% is usually around 6 months although most feel well on the way at 3 months. - I am 9.5 weeks so looking forward to turning the corner. I've put your thread on my watch list to keep tabs on you ... kinda cyber stalking - LOL

cheers Maggie x

 

[FiFi]

Hi how many Panadol osteo do you take I find if I take 6 per day regular it helps you can't only take a couple you find after a few days at 6 per day it builds up I take Mobil to but I have to stop them 1week before opp but they didn't say anything about the Panadol osteo Fi xx

 

[webbie73]

Hi Janet, I want to wish you the very best! I see you fly out on on Sunday! Your count down is nearly over. I can concentrate a little more on myself soon. Hubby only has one more chemo treatment today!!! Then a CT scan so basically it is my turn LOL.

I have to say I have enjoyed all your posts. Your great sense of humor has made me smile many, many times. The staff at the hospital are going to love having you as a patient! You will have that ward rocking and rolling! Check back in who you get home. Hugs.

 

[Great Aunt Janet]

ow many Panadol osteo do you take

Hi Princess @FiFi! I'm taking Panadol osteo 2 x 3 a day, and they do take the edge off (at first I tried not to take anything, but blimey I was miserable) - and I understand they are fine pre-op. Just over a week for you now too, I do hope all falls into place - and I'll be looking out for you post-op. Big hugs for your last week of waiting

I can concentrate a little more on myself soon.

- sheesh, @webbie73, you have a lot to contend with and sound like you are a masterful coper! - and no slouch in the humour stakes either! All the best to you and yours, and yes lots of pampering for you this spring!


Thanks all on this beautiful forum for all the kindnesses and I will make contact (sounds like I'm headed for outer space) when home and hosed! xxxxx

 

[Maggie94]

Hey Janet - wishing you all the very best for tomorrow and your new hip on the 7th. Another tip...start your post op thread now - even if it is: bags are packed see you on the other side. AND post the name of the recovery thread here so that we can all pick it up easily.

Enough instruction - yadda yadda yadda - talk the leg off an iron pot - catch up on the other side - Maggie x

 

[Great Aunt Janet]

Thanks @Maggie94 - will do, good advice - and thanks for all the funny chat too - so uplifting! Horrid day at work today (hurting, sad to be stopping and NO customers as everyone was at the Races or out at the lake), so it was great to get home and find my clever old man had managed to remove the malware I got from somewhere last night - hurrah - and I could log on and get some good craic from you here!

' the other side' ??? ha ha ha! No, I know what you mean - that is exactly how I feel xxx

 

[Maggie94]

Your sense of humor will be important in recovery - have to laugh at your self. Other advice is to take the little positives out of each day of your recovery and focus on these - it is a long haul (well for knees) and if you focus on anything negative it can become consuming. Silly little things... I remember the first post op fluff... yea the guts are working - LOL

On a serious note stay positive, speak up if you feel something is not right or you hurt and look after you - Maggie x

 

[Great Aunt Janet]

https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/rainbow-recovery-for-great-aunt-janet.28704/

I've taken @Maggie94 's excellent advice and started recovery thread - as at above (hope that's how to do it) - hey, that means I will definitely have to get home in one piece! Task oriented woman, I am going to hold on that thought to the hospital
Now, I'm off to watch the Brisbane Lions slaughter Collingwood (for a change), and pat that nice man of mine. Take care, and see you on-the-other-side xxx

 

[webbie73]

Janet, you go girl!! Hugs.

 

[FiFi]

Hi @Great Aunt Janet wishing you lots of hugs I'm thinking of you good luck on tues , the last few days have flown by I hope all goes well I will look out for your post on the other side I will be glad to get there to I think it's worse the waiting Fiona xxx

 

[Joydancer]

Twin Janet, plz know I am sending ((((hugs)))) for your journey to hospital and that there are many angels supporting you and watching over you.

Many here are watching out for you to the other side dear friend.

p.s. Sorry with delay in posting my surgery was successful...just got home 4-6(more on that later I will be able to be on-line & watch for you now, came home after 4 nights in hospital. So glad you will know the other side now soon

(((Prayers & luv))))

 

[FiFi]

Hi @Great Aunt Janet im thinking of you today I hope all goes quick and well and your home soon sending hugs your way hope to see your new post soon princess Fi xxx

 

[Maggie94]

Go Janet - all over before you know it - Maggie x