Days 2 and 3

[bashbago]

Day 2 passed a lot better than day 1. No silly accidents. Sorry to say that I did not sleep well, wakened at 1 am and stayed awake dozing occassionallly until 10:30 pm.
OT and PT went very well. Yes, the PT does hurt, but not as much as that accident yesterday. The therapist are very encouraging and seem pleased with my accomplishment. Yesterday they mentioned my having to go to a rehab center after discharge, but today is sounds as if I will go home with therapy at home.
I was on a roller coaster emotionallly and physically on day three. My primary physician wanted me to go to a rehab center due to several medical concerns. I agreed with her reasoning. I was very happy to hear my OS convinced her that I would be better at home with home therapy. He seems to think it results in fewer infections as well as quicker improvemnt. Such relief, for I really wanted to go home.
Whoops, what now? Tennessee BCBS will no longer pay for both physical therapy and home care. Fortunately, my insurance is still in Michigan. it took some time but they everyone has now agreed that I could have both and I was discharged. Just to set things straight, I would have had home PT but would have to make two trips a week to a lab for blood tests if this had not come through. This is a recent change in benefits, so all of you should check with your insurance or your case mangers so that all is taken care of.
Thank goodness for case managers. I would have been worn to a frazzle doing this myself and certainly would not have known the steps to take to get it resolved.
Tonight, I m sitting at home, knowing that tomorrow my homecare worker will be here. I am ready for it to hurt some more knowing that the hurt will help with progress.
Good luck to all of you beginning the process as I am. Onward !!
Shirley

 

[mvo]

Hi Shirley,

I agree there is no place like home I am amazed at you people who can lucidly compose and post so soon after surgery - well done. My brain couldn't face opening my laptop until about a week afterwards.

All the best,
Monica

 

[edk]

I think you will do fine in the long run but this lack of sleep thing is something you should get used to --- you won't sleep well for 3 weeks, but after that you're home free.

 

[Josephine]

You sound like a good'n, Shirley! You got the hutzpa to get it done!

 

[Rowdy66]

I have to agree with Monica, the last thing I thought about for at least a week was posting on the WWW. And I agree with Jo, you certainly have the hutzpa to get it done. I have no doubt you are going to do wonderfully and applaud your spirit. You go girl! Keep posting, I am sure you are a huge inspiration to those waiting for thier surgery date to get here. Good job. Rowdy

 

[Sandy R]

Shirley... good to be home, isn't it. Were you able to get a CPM machine at home? It really helped me when my leg stiffened up. Good luck with the home therapy. I did the home therapy religiously... it really made a difference in my recovery and helped me once I started the PT office visits. I'm 7 weeks now so I still remember those first few weeks. Those were the hardest. Stick with it, it does get better!
Sandy

 

[shutterbug]

Shirley
I am 3 weeks( tomorrow) on the other side. Sleep is still an issue. Go to bed
at 9:00 sleep until 12:00 Take pain pill,sleep at 1:00 until 4-4:30. I had the option to go to rehab or home. I chose home.....Had pain issue 2nd week .
no pt or cpm.OS only wanted me to do bending exercises. Well pain is under control and start pt tomorrow again.I am not looking forward to it. I am getting better everyday though. Stay positive!! The dark days willbe over soon.

chuck

 

[bashbago]

It has been a week since my surgery. I am trying to keep up with the home exercises a nd walking. I came home Thursday afternnoon, Friday my home care PT and nurse came by for evals and first checks. I will be haivng PT three days a week, and the nurse will be here twice a week for blood tests and general check of the wound.
I asked about the CPM for home use, but could not get it. Knee stiffens up a lot at night.
I started having stomach problems on Saturday. It started with nausea and advanced. We think it may be the Vicodin and I am trying to use it only with meals or food.
Thanks for your replys and encouragement. I think I may be ahead of the game. Everyone I have seen has been surprised at my movement.
Shirley

 

[JudyS]

Shirley
Glad you are ahead of the game. I have been having stomach problems for a while too. I am off pain meds for my hip, but the back is not happy and requires a fair share of meds. Between that and stool softeners, I can not get the mix just right. I'm either one way or the other!!!
Judy