Dear Mike,
This is a great place to be. I had my RTHR on June 16th, which means I am 8 weeks post op tomorrow. Your friend is lucky to have a "coach" such as you. The first two days will be a bit rough. Surgery day, depending on the time she has her surgery, will be groggy and lots of pain medication. She may also get out of bed the first time. She may be dizzy and sick to her stomach, not to mention feeling like someone put a ton of weight on her ankle because her leg doesn't want to move. Be there to remind her that it will pass quickly.
Around the end of day 2 and into day 3 PT will work closely with her to help learn her hip restrictions (if she has them, which I did not), how to get in and out of bed, and in some cases they may work with her to go up and down the stairs. If she is not going to rehab, then she will likely be discharged by day 3 or 4.
The first days in rehab or at home will be filled with taking pain medicine every 4 hours, and make sure she does, even if she thinks she doesn't need it. It's better to stay ahead of pain, then it is to chase it... believe me I know of which I speak. Also, her appetite may not be very good, but you have to make sure she eats plenty of protein, fruits and veggies. I found EAS Advantedge protein shakes a real blessing when I came home because I didn't feel like eating much, and protein is essential for healing. I even had my hubby bring them to the hospital and rehab (I only spent 4 days in rehab) for me.
She will likely also be on some kind anticoagulant, likely coumadin or shots. These are important to take at the same time every day, and rides to the lab for blood work will be absolutely necessary. These are usually stopped at around 4-5 weeks. Also make sure she uses the hip kit, grabber, sock helper, shoe horn. These all make getting dressed so much easier.
Just being there to support her is so important. She will have really good days and really tough days and in the beginning you feel like you take 5 steps forward and 3 back. But as the days and weeks progress the bad days become less and less. She will need your encouragement when she feels like it's not getting better quick enough. Celebrate the successes with her. Like the first time she step into the tub without the seat, or being able to go up the stairs one foot in front of the other. I was so excited at 6 weeks when I could reach to put my sock over my toes!
Also, encourage her to come online with you to this site. She will know there are others going through the same thing she is.
Let us all know if we can help!
Thanks for being such a good friend, and post here with any questions. There are so many wonderful people here and I don't know what I would have done in the last 8 weeks if were not for the kindness and support I received from my husband, family, friends, and my friends here at BoneSmart!
Debra
so I always made sure there were two rolls handy. Don't let her overdo it. I felt so good when I went for my two week doctor visit, that I suggested we go to a bookstore. I was on my feet for a good thirty minutes and I paid for it later. But maybe she's in great shape and this wouldn't bother her. Holy cow, this is all I can think of. If I think of anything else, I will send another reply. She will be appreciative of your help, kindness, patience and support.
United Kingdom
