Now that I am home and able to type on my computer (instead of trying to write on my phone) I am going to add some details from my THR experience.
First off, a big THANK YOU to BoneSmart for this forum. I have learned over the years to face fears with information and connection and this forum provides exactly that. You, gentle reader, apply the action necessary gleaned from this site to make your own experience one of comfort and clarity.
My surgeon’s name came to me via direct results. Quite a while ago a woman in front of me in the store was sharing with the clerk that she had just had a THR the week before. I stood behind her in disbelief. Here she was, out, using a cane and shopping! Whoa! I simply
had to know who did her surgery. I asked and mentally jotted down the name.
As I have mentioned before I feared this procedure and tried to delay a total hip. Two years ago I saw this doctor. As I relayed my fears he said we could do a scope instead which could delay a THR by about 5 years. Hindsight being 20/20, I could have easily done a total back then and saved myself physical pain and finances. This procedure went well and I was up on my feet in no time but the results sadly did not last. Bone spurs returned quickly and I was back to limping and pain again. Two years later….
So back to this surgery. My surgeon is not one for hand holding and speaks it like it is. While this trait may make him off putting to some I found it refreshing and encouraging. After all, what I need in a surgeon is for him to be the best he can be in surgery where it counts in my opinion. I came here to this forum for any encouragement I needed.
My doc is a pioneer in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) and teaches others this craft. Pre-OP physical therapy is just as important as post op therapy. This proactive approach keeps everyone on their toes from patient to staff. Warning signs are easily identified and plans of action put in place. What I especially liked about doing the pre-op exercises was that I found myself easily doing them in the recovery room right after surgery since I had been doing them beforehand …. there was no learning curve.
I also knew what hip precautions to take, 90 degree rule etc and what was expected of me. My only complaint came from not being able to get a room in the hospital. Although my surgery was 9 in the morning, at 8 pm I was still in recovery. At 9 that evening I was transported to my room and began to get settled. This was the most difficult night, little rest with constant checks.
One of the team of physicians saw me the next morning and told me that their office grades each surgery. Parameters include mistakes they make, time, efficiency etc and my surgery was scored a 10 on a 1-10 scale with 10 being the best grade possible. Also the prosthesis was chosen especially for me for my age and activity level and I was quite surprised to see how small it really is.
Between PT/OT, meds, vitals it is hard to get any good sleep in the hospital. I thought I may go home the day after surgery but I stayed one more day. I am glad I did. I was able to get up and use the bathroom, sponge bath myself and walk down the hall before heading home.
One of the perks I used was having the hospital pharmacy deliver meds before going home. This meant no stops and the ability to get home without delay. I am glad this is offered. I also had a bedside commode delivered to my room as well to go home with me. (Using over the toilet for hand rail support is excellent!) Once home I initially did a great deal of sleeping. My body and mind needed it. Since then family and friends have visited and are simply amazed at how fast I am on the mend.
Now I am at the point where I am getting along well and had my first day by myself today. I can fix my own cereal in the morning and with my walker and reacher can manage. I still need help putting on my TED stockings, but I can get dressed alone now. I see my surgeon on Monday (10 days post op) for a check up and staple removal and hopefully will get cleared to drive. I’ll post more after that. Until then, thanks for being in my heart and pocket!
Hugzzz and love
Coral
United States
Your experience brings to mind an episode of M*A*S*H where Hawkeye and the gang invent a delicate clamp to preserve blood vessels and save limbs. When we stop to really think about it...each of us is far more connected than we give credit...(I for one missed many connections and find myself still learning!)
