THR Allahere_recovery

[Zebra]

@toohip, I haven't had an appt. yet at HSS, but I am going soon. I love their online pre-op booklet, how they have two whole pages devoted to what you should eat a few days beforehand.

Which OS doc are you seeing there? How did you choose?

LLD refers to leg length difference. One leg can feel shorter (or is actually shorter) than the other.

 

[Zebra]

too had log leg for about 8 days. It felt like a concrete log! Seriously....
I went home the next day at about the 26th hour.
I needed help to get in and out of bed for at least the first 4-5 days after getting home

OK @MajorHeidi , my optimistic thoughts about being able to do the recovery solo are fading. I live alone and don't have anyone who is going to come over and do this stuff for me. BTW, I too thought that having a commode right by the bed at first would be the best choice. But I don't have anyone to change it.

Even if I hired a home health aide how would I get out of bed to answer the door if I'm stuck in bed with the log leg? Geeez. Plus, home health aide visits count against PT visits for my insurance (30 total) so not the best idea.

Not really wanting to go to in-patient rehab. I'm a very independent person usually (until the hips began to
go). It also seems better to me to do the rehab on your own, rest, ice, relax, etc. than possibly be pushed by over zealous PTs at a rehab facility. What to do?

 

[toohip]

I am seeing Dr. Padgett. I only met him for one appt...I was told he is an expert with LLD though...he said it could take months for your body to adjust and your muscles to stretch out so that both legs become even...I also have very limited range of motion, but that should be corrected after the surgery...I believe he uses robotic calibration, but I am unsure about the surgical approach (posterior or anterior)...I guess i should ask him...but he's the expert, so whichever he's more comfortable with and best for me, he'll do.

 

[MajorHeidi]

@Zebra I would seriously consider a rehab facility for maybe 5 days.....
If you are able to prolong the initial hospital stay, then maybe for 3 days....after
But, please.. don't try to do it alone initially........Many people get 'log leg'; and you don't want to be a
betting man. At any rate, that only lasts about 7-8 days. You may not have that, but still you just
aren't that functional with pain/meds etx.
Its not really as scary as you think, but I would have been afraid to be alone during the first week.

 

[toohip]

Just to let you know, HSS specifically wants to know who will be home with you during recovery and also who will be taking you home from the hospital. My doctor asked about spouse, kids, house set-up, stairs, etc. I don't think they will even let you leave the hospital alone or be home alone without a caregiver. I believe they are extremely careful about this aspect of your release and recovery.

 

[Jamie]

my optimistic thoughts about being able to do the recovery solo are fading. I live alone and don't have anyone who is going to come over and do this stuff for me. BTW, I too thought that having a commode right by the bed at first would be the best choice. But I don't have anyone to change it.

Please try no to let this worry you! You don't have to decide about going to a rehab facility now. You can do it after surgery and get a feel for how well you're doing. I think you're going to find yourself much more capable than you think. In fact, they will not allow you to leave the hospital until you are able to get up and go to the bathroom, do a little walking, and negotiate stairs. It comes quickly in those first days after surgery. Sure, it's nice to have someone there to help. But many BoneSmarties have done just fine alone. Or....if you find it seems a bit much for you, you can always opt for a few days in a rehab facility.

One thing is for sure....you are NOT going to be bed bound!!! You will be able to get up and move around your home. You'll be answering the door when home health arrives and able to get to the bathroom and prepare simple meals.

 

[LoyalD]

OK @MajorHeidi , my optimistic thoughts about being able to do the recovery solo are fading. I live alone and don't have anyone who is going to come over and do this stuff for me. BTW, I too thought that having a commode right by the bed at first would be the best choice. But I don't have anyone to change it.

Even if I hired a home health aide how would I get out of bed to answer the door if I'm stuck in bed with the log leg? Geeez. Plus, home health aide visits count against PT visits for my insurance (30 total) so not the best idea.

Not really wanting to go to in-patient rehab. I'm a very independent person usually (until the hips began to
go). It also seems better to me to do the rehab on your own, rest, ice, relax, etc. than possibly be pushed by over zealous PTs at a rehab facility. What to do?

I was having such a hard time at the e hospital from a Tuesday surgery, I called my 70 year old mom to come over early right when I got home on Thursday afternoon, instead of waiting a week. Log leg for 6 days. But you will be able to answer the door. I had solid help for two weeks but could have probably done it by myself at Day 10 as long as someone checked on me once per day.

 

[allahere]

I didn't post here for awhile: was busy with work, family etc. But I just wanted to state here that my LLD is settled, at about 3 months post op: all of a sudden, one day it was just easy to walk, I don't limp, it doesn't feel uncomfortable at all, I just walk as normal as I wish, I can't believe it, I got so happy. Finally. Of course I was doing PT all these weeks, 2X per week - stretching, strength, ROM etc. - and I did go for a second follow up with the OS. Whatever helped, I'm not sure, but at 3 months I walk as I please, I can bent (carefully), I removed all the support devices like an elevated toilet, cushions on chairs. Two things are still a bit difficult: putting socks on and getting up after sitting for too long or being in bed. Hope, with time, it'll go away as well. I feel blessed, really.

@Zebra, how are you doing?

 

[frieds]

Great news! Happy to hear!! With 3.5 months under my belt I have totally forgotten what it used to be like. All has been normal for 1.5 months so I can relate to your happiness!!


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[allahere]

@frieds - I'm truly glad to hear that people can walk again

I was at the beach recently and freaked out when I've kind of badly cut my right foot (on my operated leg). I've put antibiotic ointment and a bandaid. The wound healed quickly, and I hope it's all fine. Do you Frieds intend to take antibiotics for, say, every dental procedure, indefinitely? Or just a couple of years? What's your opinion?

 

[Zebra]

But I just wanted to state here that my LLD is settled, at about 3 months post op: all of a sudden, one day it was just easy to walk, I don't limp, it doesn't feel uncomfortable at all, I just walk as normal as I wish, I can't believe it, I got so happy. Finally

@allahere, congratulations on your victory over the LLD! You must be so relieved and delighted!
I'm sure your hard work doing the PT and your determination to succeed had a lot to do with it.

That is really good news to know it worked out the best for you.

Best wishes and Be Well.

 

[Jamie]

Great news!!!! Thanks for taking time to post about your success!!!

 

[frieds]

Alla - my OS said to take four antibiotics which he prescribed before all dental cleanings etc for at least a few years. The reality is that you don't want bone infection as the new bone takes long time to completely grow in. I think flesh wounds are different from that which your body absorbs. For me, little precaution for few years is worth to keep all this pain free life going. I'm back to gym doing three miles a day, five days a week and feeling good - sleeping - enjoying walks and activities and being normal!!! Yay!!!


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[MajorHeidi]

@allahere Good recovery post! So glad to hear you are well and happy.
I still have some stiffness, too. Hope it leaves soon.