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Don't be like me and wait too long!

@mainegirl1 so sorry the wait is so hard. The lack of sleep and constant pain takes a toll, we can only out a happy face on for so long. Wish there was something I could do to make it better or to make the time move quicker. Since I don't have a magic wand and can't wiggle my nose guess the best I can do is offer a sympathetic ear, virtual shoulder to lean on and cyber hugs.
:console2:
 
It all changes so much day to day, at least for me, @mainegirl1 - and that’s driving me batty! On my “Well, this is a whole new low” days, it’s discouraging beyond words. And it eats away at my self-confidence, because obviously the wheels have come off! And just when I am ready to concede that it might be time to lower my expectations (settle into my recliner for the duration and put away these silly fantasies of getting a life), I wake up somewhat rested in a temporarily pain free and limber body, and I am shocked to remember who I really am and what I am truly capable of doing.

When that steady drumbeat of “I am so exhausted” is pounding in your head and body, just rest. And then rest some more. You have more good days ahead and you’ll do your cheerleading then. When you’re regrouping, someone else will take a turn. We’re all in this together and there’s so much to be gained by giving and receiving. We got you.
 
I had both knees done and as much as they hurt with activities, I feel the pre op hip time is a lot worse and more painful. The hips seem to be harder to settle down at night or during the day and just seem to hurt more and drag us down. The hips are just nasty and seem to affect the whole leg more and our spirit. I know the knee recoveries were more complex with trying to get the bend back and motion, but like you I do not remember it being that difficult. The hip recovery was even simpler in getting movement and motion back.

I cannot imagine having to go through chemo - that is one of the hardest things to deal with. I have had acquaintances who have had chemo but not anyone close. Working in the hospital I have seen people dealing with it and it always amazed me at the courage and perseverance they exhibited as you did.

Are you back home or are you still camping. I am hoping you are back home so there are more spots to try to get comfortable in and from everything you have stated there are beautiful views from your house. I am in the country where I live with some nice scenery around me and I try very hard to focus on the birds and trees and beauty around me and not move when the hip is extra cranky. Of course petting my puppy who is actually 7yo also helps. There is comfort in our four footed friends.

Hoping you get some sleep tonite and have a better day tomorrow.
 
Aww, I'm so sorry. Hang on tight...you're getting closer.
Don't worry about supporting anyone right now. If it bothers you, you can make up for it later.
There is no shortage of people around here to encourage and offer support, so just take care of yourself and do whatever it is you need to do to get you through. You're under a month now. Hopefully time flies and you have some good days while you wait. Try a heating pad in these final weeks, if you haven't already. It doesn't take away pain but it can be somewhat soothing.
Wishing you comfort :console2:
@mainegirl1
 
I'm sorry to read about your struggles. It's crazy scary just how quickly a hip can go bad, isn't it? That's why many of us opt to have the second hip done as soon as it starts to squawk!
I just wanted to mention that my surgeon, 4 years ago agreed to give me medication to help get me to my surgery date so please don't hesitate to bring it up to your Dr or nurse tomorrow at your pre op appt.
I hope you get some sleep tonight.
 
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I'm off to see the wizard.. er surgeon.. Med pre op is on the list of questions. I got Tramadol for my knee pre op and it took the edge off. And I did get some sleep @CricketHip ! Funny.. all those nights of no sleep and bam I slept pretty well.
 
good about the better sleep, it will keep you alert and able to focus better, today at your pre op. good luck!
 
Interesting that the surgeon seems to adhere to Bone Smart:
Insists on icing several times a day for 45 minutes or more
Elevation toes above knees above nose

No PT at all for 6 weeks and only then will he reevaluate the need or lack of need for it.

Restrictions ( anterolateral). None save spinning on the operated leg.
But if doing any specific movement hurts, don't do it.

hmm.. for those of you that have been here it seems a familiar refrain..

He did say for pre op pain they do not like to use strong pain meds as that results in a tolerance post op for those strong meds and they need to use more meds to reduce post op pain. i.e. narcotics are lovely lets not go into surgery already having built a tolerance to a certain level and needing more.. He does do a 24 hour pain block.. ( maybe so the pain hits when you are at home??.. no he will rx something.)

And advocated trying taking acetominopen and ibuprofen at the same time pre op.
 
What a nice report back from your appointment @mainegirl1
Ironic, isn't it? That BoneSmart has similar advice and views?? :loll:
Icing during my pre op stages helped me tremendously. Enough so that there were days when I wondered (a lot!) if a THR was really needed. (it was!)
I think I like your OS. :roseshwr:
 
I would find that appointment very reassuring! It certainly sounds as though you are in great hands, @mainegirl1 .

I have had great success adding ibuprofen to my daily Tylenol in this pre-op phase to respond to a sharp uptick in pain. I was very surprised how well they worked together. My uptick was temporary, so I stopped the ibuprofen, but I wouldn’t hesitate to use it again - particularly if it made a significant difference to my sleep. I have OS directions about discontinuing it prior to surgery -would guess you do, too - but until the cut off date, I am glad to have it as an option.

And I am using ice more and more as time goes by - I agree with @CricketHip . Numb is just better. And I am stepping up the hydration. What I mean by that is, since I am just plain bad at drinking enough water, I have asked DH and DD to “help” me step up my game. Hydration really helps reduce the misery quotient - wish it came easier to me.

I am so glad today was full of forward for you.
 
Wonderful that your surgeon is on the same page as Bonesmart. Makes it much easier. My surgeon does not use TEDs either and that is awesome. I am on Celebrex regularly since I have bad thumb joints and it helps keep the pain to a minimum. I thought I would be able to stop it after my knees and hip but the thumbs were waking me up. I am also taking Tylenol arthritis 1300mg 3x a day. I feel a difference in the morning after I take the Celebrex and Tylenol in the morning and wait about 30-60m. Does not take it all away but does mute it a bit most of the time. Can you ask your primary care about the Celebrex or even contact your surgeon. It will not cut all the pain but every little bit helps and if I remember correctly the Celebrex does not need to be stopped pre surgery like the Ibuprofen.
 
@Leeja I have to take one Celebrex the night before surgery and one the morning of. I do believe it is on the med regimen post op for a while as is Eliquis for 30 days post op. I did take it pre TKR and ran into surgery stating that I thought I no longer needed a TKR even after scrubbing the kitchen floor that morning on my hands and knees( you get the idea.. Celebrex worked)
I have a track record of ONE Tylenol dose (1000 mg) and one Advil so far it is working.. But thank you as options are always nice to know.. I have a computer chart communicator so I can always contact the OS office if that combo does not work.

You have this waiting down to a science! If I had a Nov date I would be a mad woman.

I forgot more than one thing
As I have a hand held shower I can shower anytime as long as the dressing stays dry!
 
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Oh, @mainegirl1, you have been and will continue to be a support and cheerleader for so many on this forum! It’s okay to take a back seat and let others support you. I feel so lucky that prior to my surgery I really wasn’t struggling but these first few days post surgery have been hard, harder than what I remember from the first time around. So sorry you are feeling so tired and miserable. I don’t know what can be done beforehand to ease things, but you can always ask. And while four weeks must seem so very long, you are going to get there. Hang in there, try to relax and rest as you’re able and take the longer view. Relief is going to be achieved with surgery after recovery. You can do this! Cyber hugs coming your way!
 
When I had my surgery scheduled I was offered my birthday as a date for surgery. I declined as we had booked a three day getaway to a remote Maine island.
Today they called again.. They have a cancellation on my birthday :rotfl:.. I declined.. Gee I hope I don't pay for it with pain.. Tylenol and Aleve are working wonders so far..
 
Glad to read that Aleve and Tylenol are working for you right now, @mainegirl1 And I have to say I can understand why you didn't take the cancellation if you've already booked a nice getaway. I turned down one cancellation because my husband's office had planned a surprise party for him and while I was willing to deep six my own personal plans, I felt I couldn't throw a monkey wrench into the plans of others. But, then I got offered a second cancellation, which I did take, so here I am, chugging along in week two of recovery. Glad that--knock on wood--all is going better right now.
 
Isn’t that great, that you found the combination Tylenol/Aleve will let you enjoy your much-anticipated birthday trip and give you the confidence to follow through with your original plans? So happy for you!
 
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