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@hopefulm I also liked the care they give me in the hospital ( no,they did not pay me ) This is major surgery so don't be so quick to go home. I went in on weds, and left on Friday. What that did was give me the confidence to go home worry free.
 
@hopefulm re your trip to AZ-- at 14 weeks or so we drove from southern coastal VA to Cape Cod. I did my share of the driving, too! We stopped every couple of hours and I would walk, sometimes 20 minutes, but all was good. And we were just in my old Volvo wagon, and the ice packs didn't last long in the cooler. You will be in the lap of luxury, so it may be ok!


My phone sent this using BoneSmart Forum, clever phone!
 
Thanks for all the feedback. I am in full agreement that staying overnight in the hospital might be a good idea. I think the pressure is on the surgeons these days to get patients out early for cost savings. . .however, I also know all too well the increased risk of infection with longer stays, so it is all a balance. We will insist the my husband stay with me at all times in my room, and will be clear about meeting (our) criteria for discharge. Hopefully it will be a clear consensus with the surgical team.
 
I'm watching Oregon State football with one eye ( oldest grandson starts his freshman year this week @OSU!), while I catch up on this terrific forum. I was reading my own comments on this thread, & wanted all of you who offered suggestions to know how much you have helped me. . .I had a very ambitious schedule of activities planned for this fall. After a period of adjustment to the reality of how badly my hip has deteriorated, & thinking about what was posted by several of you, I cancelled my much anticipated kayaking trip, have cut back on some of the more strenuous exercising, am staying off my feet as much as possible, and (surprise, surprise) I have been sleeping a bit better, and having less pain. I have made some budget adjustments, and will have a housecleaning service starting in 2 weeks. ( Huge move for me - hated not being able to manage basic chores, but vacuuming and mopping floors is torture.)
I'm still having moments of panic about the prospect of surgery in general - history of complications after several previous surgeries - but am generally feeling pretty optimistic.
Is has been interesting to hear friends & family consistently remark how relieved they are to know what is wrong, & that I can have surgery. I've heard over & over how concerned everyone was watching my horrible limp - apparently much more obvious than I realized.
 
What good news. It sounds like you've really got a handle on things right now. You're going to do just fine with all this.
 
@Jamie, thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm having a perfectly horrible day or 2, & just wish 6 weeks could pass more quickly. Like many of us, it's a challenge to be unable to do basic chores without punishing pain. . .I did what I considered to be very light work in the yard yesterday, & subsequently was awakened after 2 hours last night, crying out in pain, despite oxycodone, tramadol, & APAP. . My house is dirty, & the script in my head says there's no excuse for a retired woman to have a dirty house. . . Yes, I know I need to get over it, but sometimes it helps just to vent. - as I lay here on my ice pack, hating myself for my pity party!
I visited a dear friend recently, and went to a little gallery of local artists, found a sweet necklace with several small charms, one of which is a silver disc embossed with the word "Be". I bought it, & wear it every day to try to remind myself that my lifelong self worth defining mantra of "Do", needs to be replaced by happiness in just BEING.
Thanks to everyone for all the support. . . You are terrific!!
 
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Hopefulm, I'm so sorry you had a bad day. I was thinking about you today, and tried to send you a PM, but I haven't posted enough to have access to that feature.

My house also needs a good cleaning. Let's make a pact to just agree that it's okay! :friends: I do plan to get it clean before I go to the hospital on Nov. 11.

I haven't been experiencing the pain you have, but I am having terrible anxiety. I detest the unknown and not being in control. I'm just going to have to trust that God has this! So glad that we are going through this together!

(By the way, I'm the one leaning to the right in my avatar. My twin sister is the one in the forefront.)
 
I love the idea of just "Be." What a simply and yet beautiful thought. Easier said than done for us "doers" of the world but definitely something to strive for.
 
Thanks, @AnnieABC & @Jamie. I'm doing OK today - backed off on house work. Annie, I'm also very anxious. I had a near death experience after gall bladder surgery about 10 years ago, horrible complications with prolonged hospital stay, so I'm frankly afraid of any surgery.
I'm fortunate to have a wonderful husband who will take impeccable care of me, and loving friends & children for support. All that said, I know that I still am struggling with the adjustment to not being the "doer" who takes care of every one else. . . Trying to "BE".

Love your avatar. . Twin!!
Mary
 
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@hopefulm Just to let you know I removed your email address from your post. It's never a good idea to post personal addresses on a public forum.

If you want to communicate with a member use our PM (personal message) function here in your profile. Although we would prefer you stay and share your experiences here as it can help others as well.
 
@hopefulm. That is truly one of the hardest things to deal with during pre op and post op....letting go of the control & letting others look after you & the house. We are hard wired to do the caregiving and its so difficult to hand over. However, you will be surprised at how quickly you can start taking back the reins after your op. It's much harder pre op because of that awful pain.
We are the lucky ones having supportive hubbys to help us...I so feel for those that have to 'go it alone'.
Of course you are anxious about the surgery...we all were/are...for various reasons. My hubby always says it would be abnormal not to be anxious. I've previously suffered a pulmonary embolism so was terrified of blood clots but I was fine and so will you be.
I'm so glad you found BoneSmart before your op.....it's invaluable. Hoping you can still enjoy some of your plans before your op...you will so love your new hip! Take care...Chrissie xxx


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Thank you, @Hoppy Nanny! I know I am lucky to have a wonderful spouse. . .can't imagine facing this alone. And my sweet dog jumps on my lap for kisses when I'm sad, so life is good!
I hired a housecleaning service to start soon, so I won't fret so much while recovering.
It's been so good to share feelings and anxiety with this group, and to receive all the support and assurances of a positive outcome. I tend to put on a "strong front" with my friends & children, because I've always been that person who cares for everyone else. . .my husband knows how anxious I am, but I hate burdening him with my worries.
It's good to hear from someone else who understands the fear around previous surgical complications. . .
I am focusing on the perfect fall weather here in Portland, and plan to enjoy my trip to New Orleans later this month to visit with close friends. . We have a hotel on Bourbon Street, and I'll be happy if all I can do is eat well, sit on the balcony, and laugh!
Thank you again, Chrissie (and all of BoneSmart)! Mary xxxx
 
[Bonesmart.org] Greetings - So glad I found you!
Had to add a picture of my sweet Havanese, Brody. He cuddles with me on the couch at night when I'm up with my ice pack!
 
He is just adorable! Cuddles with Brody would make anything better! X


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Brody is a handsome fellow! Nothing is better than dog kisses when we're feeling down!
 
Hi @hopefulm - I have a havanese also (a boy) and a shitzu mix (a girl)...both cuddled with me when i was in recovery-mode...your havanese is beautiful and has nice long hair. Mine is all boy and needs to be kept trimmed most of the time.
 
Hi, @toohip! Another Havanese lover!!! My Brody is all boy, too, but I've kept him full coated because I love his look. . .it takes regular combing & bathing, for sure. One thing I had to do in preparation for surgery in November was to arrange for my groomer to bathe him every 2 weeks during my recovery! (My husband loves his coat, but somehow has never done any grooming. . Lol.) Good to hear from you, hope all is well with your hip.
Mary
 
I think this wait for surgery has been the longest 8 weeks of my life! It's now 4 weeks, so I know this will pass. . .just want to get it over & done. . .
 
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