THR Celebrating one at a time, encore!

[Alitm]

@Layla and @Mojo333 Hubby was determined that I wouldn't have any pain last night, so we did the extra strength Tylenol every six hours and two 2mg tablets of Dilauded every 4 hours through the night. I'm going to try the 1 Dilauded tablet later today, still keeping up with the Tylenol extra strength on schedule. When would it be reasonable to thing I could go down to the Tramadol (from the Dilauded) and Extra Strength Tylenol? My biggest fear is I cut back too soon, and end up feeling too much pain. I'm thinking to listen to my body, but I don't want to flirt with the ODIC's door person! All comments welcome.
I laughed (to myself) when I got the exercises from the PT yesterday! They are so short staffed she said that if I have extended care insurance (which I do) that I go and see my physio instead of coming to the hospital. He doesn't want to see me for at least two weeks, so no physio other than walking. OS just wants physio. I am using the BoneSmart level of activities for my guide.
I do have to share for general knowledge what the hospital PT wants me to work on prior to seeing her or my regular guy in two weeks, just so you know!
1. Transversus Abdominis in Lying. Didn't give me numbers, said do what feels comfortable and do 2x/day.
2. Flexion heel slides, using aid to get leg up. 10 times 2x/day
3.Hip abductions lying down 10 times 2x/day....are we in pain yet?!
4. Hip extensions and static gluts/quads hold 10 seconds 2x/day.
There were another six strengthening exercises that I can do, but why would I?! My body is trying to heal! I wouldn't do this to my horses post surgery! I'm going to slowly build up my walking, using the BS guide, and see the OS in 10 days....who also says just walk for now.

 

[Jaycey]

There were another six strengthening exercises that I can do, but why would I?! My body is trying to heal! I wouldn't do this to my horses post surgery!

Exactly! You are not in training. Your body needs time to get over the significant trauma of the procedure. Listen to that hip and rest, ice and elevate. There is plenty of time for activity later.

 

[Mojo333]

I think you should keep on your meds for a bit longer.
The Dilaudid keep me comfortable and more mobile..I couldn't sleep in bed for more than few hours but I was a good dozer in recliner.

I'm thinking to listen to my body,

Good idea.

There were another six strengthening exercises that I can do, but why would I?!

Exactly!

 

[Bionic]

I agree about keeping on your meds for the moment too.
For the first week I stuck to my meds schedule, even setting the alarm to wake me (Not that I needed waking as didn't sleep much) then it just felt right to reduce them. They were always on hand if I needed them but luckily I never had to go back.
Don't be in a rush to reduce them. Being as pain free as possible really helps your recovery

 

[1stSurgery]

Just dropping in to congratulate you again on a nice start to your recovery @Alitm. It sounds like you've taken to post-op like a pro and will soon be galloping to the finish line smoothly. My post op party is in FIVE DAYS, but I'm not really paying much attention to the count.... The Sapphires are on a roll.

Remember...as we used to say in the venerable halls of the disbanded overly cautious club ..

REST IS GOOD!!!

 

[Alitm]

@Mojo333 I am getting a bit itchy, and I think it was from the 4 mgs of Dilaudid (did I finally spell it correctly?!) I had twice during the night. I'm kicking that back to 2 mg every four hours through tonight and see what that does for the pain vs. itching. It does make me quite dooly la la though, but I sleep with it! My hour in my recliner today has turned into four...I may stay here forever! Ice machine on, all good.
Oh, and yes I've started the wretched prune juice! UGH!
Sorry that your Stepmother is in hospital.

 

[Mojo333]

Thank you...she has been moved to a rehab facility, a very good one but unfortunately an hour a way so have taken father down yesterday as he isn't driving long distances much anymore.
Gracious...hate you are having the itching. I didn't have that experience with that particular medication and as I am very sensitive to codeine, it was effective for my pain.

Could be that you are having some side effects and if you are finding that is the case, you're doctor may prefer you go to the Tramadol/Tylenol.
I did transition to that and it was also very helpful for pain.
I am guessing you have seem Josephine's chart.
Glad you have been able to rest some though...and iit was so helpful for me to know this was temporary pain leading to life with no hip pain.
Your positive attitude will carry you far on this journey!

Hope today is a Good Day!

 

[luvsibes]

Hoping you are resting, icing, and feeling better each day!

 

[Alitm]

@Mojo333 Super that the rehab facility is a good one for SM, but such a long drive for you with your Dad, after work etc. Not easy and I feel for you on that.

I think the itching is a side effect. I had asked about Jo's chart, and a couple of folks put it up for me, but then poof, it disappeared again! Hubs looked at how many meds I had been given, and I have more of the Dilauded than the Tramadol. I'm trying one Dilauded with two regular tylenol every four hours....but I'm starting to itch again. Had weird dreams last night too. I'm not sure how to proceed with moving myself over to the Tramadol. Do I just replace the Dilauded with the Tramadol pretty much and see how that goes? Perhaps best to ask the OS's office how to do that. Have to make an appointment today for ten day check, so will ask the question.
Went to my bed last night and I have to say, I think I'm going to stay in the recliner tonight!! It is SO comfy. Best investment thus far for THR!
Yesterday I think I walked in the house more than I planned for this week, as it is further to the bathroom from the recliner than from the bed. I felt more sore this AM. Could also be that I'm just not super comfy in my bed! Anyhow, rest, bathroom walks and icing continue! All good.

Don't know if anyone else has had trite and uninformed comments made to them about the pain meds we need to take to be able to walk around with our aids and rehab post op. I have some dear friends, who have never nursed a sick parent in pain, or had any major surgery themselves, make some really foolish comments about the pain meds I'm taking. I basically said that I didn't have the patience for their comments right now! I felt badly on one hand, but also really annoyed that they had no knowledge of what they spoke about, other than what is in the media about the opiod crisis. I find it really difficult to deal with that while trying to manage pain post op major ortho surgery!

 

[Alitm]

@luvsibes Hi and thanks for checking in. Yep, doing well here. Trying to get rid of the itching and dreams from the Dilauded and switch over to the Tramadol. That will be my task today. Will speak to OS office when I call to make my ten day check up appointment. LOVING my recliner and ice machine. Really encourages me to chill out in every way . How are your walks going with your pup? Our rescue Pit and our locally bred Rhodesian are being extra careful with me. I was a bit worried about that and DH locked them in their crates until I got settle when I came home.
Still waiting for "things" to move internally! That will be another celebration I tell ya !

 

[JoeKnows]

@Alitm I think that's about the only response you can give to people who decide they know more about pain meds than, you know, your doctor. Can't say I've experienced it personally though - the only person who has made any comment is my father in law, who said, "only 50 mg of tramadol?!" He claims he was taking 300 mg at a time after his knee, but I think he must be exaggerating.

Sounds like everything's going smoothly so far - if getting the meds dialed in is the biggest problem, I'd call that a win!

 

[Alitm]

@JoeKnows I would say that is an exaggeration, but what do I know about your FIL and his pain levels! I'm getting the comments re: taking opiods period, and how they "mess up your head" and do this that and the other thing to you....as if I had no idea! I find it really obnoxious!

I was thrilled to come home a day after surgery and be able to relax in my own home....but my youngest is 17, almost 18, and as good as a reacher, bless him! Hope you are managing to contain yourself, are maintaining comfort and staying away from the ODIC

 

[Jaycey]

Tell your so called "friends" to watch a video of the procedure. That should shut them up. THR is carpentry and you do indeed need your meds to gain mobility. You are taking your medication for a reason and you will not become addicted. Geez - these people just don't have a clue!

 

[Layla]

Hi @Alitm
I just posted this accidentally on another's thread, then deleted. My brain is mush. Barely slept last night and had jury duty today. So here goes again, on your thread....
It seems you're doing well. You wondered if I'd repeat my surgeon's advice upon discharge...
I didn't have any restrictions. I was advised to move slowly and thoughtfully and if anything hurt, STOP.
The approach my surgeon used was posterior. I'm thinking yours was also? I was an icing fanatic, was cautious and had a good recovery. I can't complain. Try not to overdo just because you're feeling better than the day before. I did that on the day I first started practicing with the cane and was sore the next day. Icing quickly helped though.
Hope you have a good night!

 

[Alitm]

@Layla I found it in my alerts the first time, thank you! So sorry you are on jury duty. Stressful to say the least. Hope you have a better sleep tonight

 

[Layla]

Thank you, you're kind!
Hugs

 

[Alitm]

@Jaycey Thanks for your comments. I needed to hear that! I think the opiod crisis has taken normal folks sensibilities away from them sometimes. I guess hip replacement surgery is so frequent these days that folks feel it is easy, until they go through it. A bit like giving birth....a woman's body is designed to give birth, but that doesn't make it easy!!

 

[Alitm]

@Josephine Please could I have your advice please on pain meds!

I am getting itchy and having nasty dreams (knew they were coming as had them previously when on morphine pump post op for ectopic) on the Dilaudid 2mgs every four hours. OS also sent me home with Tramadol/acetaminophen 37.5mg/325mg and has said as of today to change over to the Tram/Acet 1 - 2 tablets every four hours.

The discharge nurse suggested I take additional acetaminophen when on Tramadol but to stay within the 4,000 mgs per day dosing. I have started with the two Tramadol tablets every four hours at my last dosing time, which gives me 75 mg of Tramadol and 650 acetaminophen per dose. That will fulfill my acetaminophen for twenty-four hours if I take that dose every four hours.

I'm going to try that for a couple of days and see how I feel. If that goes well then I'll go down to one Tramadol tablet per dose, 4 times a day and add more acetaminophen back in to get it up to the total 4,000 mgs acetaminophen per day. I was having 3,000 - 4,000 mgs acet per day pre-op and will certainly need to stay on something for the left hip until that THR in eight weeks. I welcome any advice you are able to give.

My surgery was on Friday, I came home on Saturday. I am walking with walker from my bed, to the bathroom, out to the living room and sitting on the recliner with ice and legs elevated. I go to the bathroom several times a day and then back to the recliner. Nothing more. I am pain free when in the recliner with hip iced and legs elevated, although I can feel the tightness creeping in towards the next dose.

I am not very swollen and bruising hasn't come out yet. Am on baby aspirin and no sexy stockings after all! I don't find bed sleeping comfortable, so probably will stay in the recliner tonight. When I wake up in the morning in the bed, I am stiff. Gets better as I move around. Am taking the meds every four hours around the clock.

Thank you very much for any advice, Ali.

 

[Josephine]

I suggest you try one of my routines that I used for my knees. It worked well for me!

 

[Alitm]

@Josephine Thank you!