"He Didn't Think It Would Hurt This Much"

[MsCat62]

Well actually his quote is, "I didn't think it would hurt this much". That's what Jim just said to me on the phone. Then as soon as we hung up, I was back on the phone to his nurse. She's going to go have a "talk" with him about speaking up.

But today has not been good on many fronts. Emotions have been high for both of us (mostly worried and scared about this surgery). And neither of us slept at all last night.

According to his Dr. the surgery was perfect! He said there were no surprises and it went exactly the way he expected it to. In fact it went so well, he was done in just about 1 hour! :-o

But then I had to make the 100 mile drive back home, hating the entire time that I had to leave, that the hospital was so far away, etc. and I called him as soon as I got home. He still sounded a bit groggy, but nothing too bad. However before I had left him, they had not been able to get him in a room (and didn't expect too, due to some other emergencies that caused a bed shortage until late afternoon), so they let me go to recovery to see him briefly. He said he itched. I asked if he'd told the nurse? He said no, they said to expect that with O2. I said, and they told you to tell them as well. So I told the nurse and they took care of it. Oh and when I got home, and called, he was in a room. I knew that would happen.

Then when I spoke to him a few hours later, he sounded a lot worse. I again spoke to his nurse and found out he'd had a reaction to the anesthesia. His B/P had dropped to 72/53 and he'd had trouble breathing! :-o But they got right on it with IV fluids and something else I'm too tired to remember and he was improving. I filled the nurse in on a lot of stuff about him that helped her and told her to feel free to call me if you don't think he's giving you enough info cause he doesn't always speak up.
Then he called me again and made the comment I started this post with. And as I said, the nurse is now going to have a talk with him about tell her when something.....anything is wrong!


But for my info. I never thought this THR wouldn't hurt, but I was given the impression that the pain, while bad, wasn't all that bad? Was I (were we) wrong? On the scale from 1-10, how bad was the pain first day....first week? I know everyone is different, but I'm now even more worried and being so far away doesn't help!

 

[ano]

Is there any reason why you are not staying in the hospital room, especially considering your distance to the hospital? Most I have seen allow it. Having my wife with me those three days after surgery was the best decision we made. Yes, she did have to take off work, but she was better than any nurse, and better yet, she was my patient advocate when I didn't know what was going on. I can't tell you how many nurse/doctor flubs she caught and she has no training in medicine. After this experience, I don't think I would ever want to be in the hospital without a loved one staying there as well. At least for the first few days.

 

[JoanneC]

I dont know a great deal but I know whenever I have had an anaesthetic (about 30 times) I have felt like I was on my last legs till at least the day after. I think the pain straight after the hip op is a bit like when you have a child. You feel so good in a couple of weeks you forget how bad it actually was at the time!! I do remember thinking that it wasnt what I expected and it hurt a lot afterwards but then I couldnt take the morpheine because it made me sick. In the end though after a good chat with the pain relief nurse ( I remember crying like a baby) it was all down to me not shouting in time. I was shouting when I was in pain but the idea was supposed to be to take the tablets at the first twinges so that it cant take hold. Im sure he will definitely be fine. I remember my husband and mum panicking about how white I was because my blood pressure had dropped, but the following day I was laughing, sniling and wanting to get up!! It didnt last all day but I felt loads better when the blood pressure was under control.

Good luck and my best wishes


Jox

 

[newwheels08]

Well actually his quote is, "I didn't think it would hurt this much". I never thought this THR wouldn't hurt, but I was given the impression that the pain, while bad, wasn't all that bad? Was I (were we) wrong? On the scale from 1-10, how bad was the pain first day....first week? I know everyone is different, but I'm now even more worried and being so far away doesn't help!

Sorry to hear about the pain! My experience was similar regarding very low BP after THR, lack of available beds for over 2 hours...I even found out I had "apnea" in recovery (I am a snorer) . When the spinal finally block wore off, I did feel some surgery pain. it felt like 2 elephants were sitting on my hips...mostly a harsh pressure that made me signal the nurse. They had an IV going by then, with some mixture of pain medication, and within 20 minutes it was gone and stayed gone until I was released. Hope your situation improves. The stuff they gave me was great.

 

[MsCat62]

Thanks for the replies, I wish I could be there with him. I've spent my life taking care of family until they passed on and know how important it can be. But that was when the hospitals were a lot closer. With this one being so far it creates a lot of issue.
I could stay in his room, but he and I both know I wouldn't get any sleep and then would be no good for him anyway. And the hotel that family can stay in, though reasonable in price, would still be hard financially. I know I can take it off on taxes but that wouldn't help enough right now.
Another issue is our pets. One has his own health issues and almost died about a month ago. I have a friend who came in to feed them while I was gone, but as much as I love her, I don't think I can depend on her enough to fully care for them for a longer period.
Lastly is my job, I will risk losing it if I take off that much time. I work at home so the normal work place environment and rules don't necessarily apply. If I don't log in a certain amount of hours each month, I'll lose my job.

I've been holding on to the fact that I'm sure this will improve and like was said here, he'll forget how much pain he's in now as he makes progress.

But please keep posting feedback on this, cause reading these post helps.

 

[westexas]

I am exactly 12 weeks out from my left THR and remember the hospital stay well. After surgery I was in quite a state of in and out but I did have some pain. They were great at keeping it under control. It was the combination of meds that made me ill for three long days. Once you get nauseated, it is hard to get back to normalcy. So between the moderate discomfort and nausea, I finally saw the light on day three. I had to thank God for my husband during the day and he did try everything to help me but in all honesty, the nurses did a great job a majority of the time in keeping me comfortable pain wise and otherwise. I just had to be very agressive when I needed something. I ended up staying until day five. But, with no regrets and I needed that extra day living five hours away. It will get better, I promise. Just tell him to hang in there. Westexas

 

[MsCat62]

westexas, Thank you for your post. Jim also has stomach problems. In fact I made sure that everyone (doctor, nurses, etc.) knew that it takes very little with him I usually say, "All you have to do is look at him and his stomach acts up". And when I talked to him today, he said his stomach was doing ok. But yesterday was another story. I'm hoping they've found what works now and will be able to keep his stomach under control.
However the pain is still worse than I think was expected and according to the nurse I talked to last night, you can't even touch his leg cause it hurts too much.
He did say they were going to try to get him up later to see exactly what he can do and I'm praying for any positive news.
At least he's been dozing a lot cause I know the rest will help.

And I also thank God that the nurses have been great. Cause since I can't be there, I'm trying to make up for it via phone. And more than one nurse has told me that they appreciate it. They also know to call me anytime with any questions.

 

[YoungGuy]

Alright, i hope this helps.

I am only 20, and i had a total left hip replacement 6 weeks ago on wednesday.

I experienced every "Crappy" thing someone could experience, if it makes you feel better...It is all expected. The doctor still might have had a perfect surgery, but there are cautions after, it seems he is feeling them, as i did.

I have no regrets on my surgery, and like i said...I am very young to have it, but it was inevitable.

The first day, i was so knocked out i didn't really have a grip on reality, i puked many times that day. Second day, i still could not eat, for i was still puking...Even if i had nothing to puke out, i still dry heaved...Violently. Third day, i started feeling mass dizziness, that could not be cured by a drug...I was told my Hemoglobin level was dangerously low...I recieved 2 blood transfusions and also a Iron transfusion. Day 4, i still was not eating...Due to the fact nothing could keep down (Of course i tried...Did no good). It took till day 4 to finnally get me out of the bed, since i almost blacked out the first few times they tried. The pain...Was undescribable, i had trust in my surgeon so i kept telling myself everything would be good in the end. Day 5, I finnally was able to make a bowel movement (This was a big problem, they were getting worried about it). I started then walking with a walker.

Day 7, i came home (Which is 2 hours from the hospital)..I was pretty much in pain and agony for 2 weeks following the surgery, i was on NO medication what so ever (My choice). I was not puking anymore, and my BM's were normal. My hamstrings and Quads were ruined, they hurt more then the hip...Sleeping was difficult, still did not eat much.

Week 4, it was awesome....Tossed away the Walker and the crutch's...Started walking full weight bearing...Of course, painful...But i am stubburn. Left the house only for physiotheropy (MAKE SURE YOU GET A VERY GOOD PHYSIOTHEROPIST!!!)...I was eating normally, sleeping normally...The pain was still pulsing, but it was nothing i had not experienced before.

Now, i am feeling better than ever since 5 years ago...I have 5X as much flex then i had before, and it actually is started to feel good in the Hip area.

What can be percieved as the worst possible scenario...Really isn't the worst possible scenario it is only felt that way because emotions are sky rocketing. I thought i went through hell and back...But now i look back at it and notice that even though it was pain and stress...It got me to where i am now, and i am happier than ever.

Things will get better, trust me...It is a strenuous cycle, but one that cannout be skipped. Listen to everything the nurse tells you, research methods to help relieve pain naturally, food idea's (He will need alot of Fruits)..I had smoothies alot of the time during the first few weeks...Great treat, and very good for you...Especially when you can't keep solid food down.

Like the saying, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. When it comes down to a hip replacement, your in a very slow moving train in this tunnel....You move slowly day by day trying to get into the light. I, myself am not in this light yet.....But i can sure see it (And feel it).

My appologies for the extensive reply, i hope his recovery gets better.

 

[MsCat62]

YoungGuy, Please DO NOT apologize for the long post! Though I'm not sure I'll relay everything you posted to Jim......just yet (time frame mostly), it does give me hope that we will get through this and actually be glad we did.

I just talked to him since the last call 3 hrs ago and the first words he said were, "Remind me never to do this again". That's be cause they did get him up today and plan on doing it again later. So I guess in that respect, he's doing better than you did. At least he was able to get up and not pass out (he has done that in the past with pain). And of course they're telling him tomorrow will be better....and so on. I told him that a lot of posters here say the same. I explained that his muscles have to get stronger and that he probably has some that forgot their job entirely from lack of use. He did say that he knows he has to do this. But I'm not sure if he said that because he's fighting, or realizes he can't turn back the clock and has no choice but to go forward.

As for the physiotherapy, I've not heard anything about the Dr ordering that after. In fact I got the impression they would not order any therapy after he's home. But I already have a call in to the Dr (before reading your post) to make it clear that when he does come home, there will only be me here for him. There is no one else and I was going to ask flat out if they were going to order this. If not, I'd planned on throwing a fit about it and demand it. Cause if he's having a harder time than is usual, I do not want all the pain and suffering to be for nothing just because a ball got dropped and he didn't get the "professional" care he needed after leaving the hospital.

 

[wendy]

Hi. I know first hand what Jim was feeling.
I'm 37 and had THR on my right side in March , My Dr. did not give me a nerve block,
So by time I came out of the recovery room,I was in soo much pian that it made my B/P drop.They ended up putting me on a pain pump to help and it did.I pray that his phical therpy has what is called a pain sucker it's helps you work during therpy. IT WONDERFUL.
I go back in June to have my left hip THR. And the pain of the first one is still on my mind but so is the recovery of my right hip. I was unable to walk by my self before the THR and now I only have to use a cane. Loog luck with your recovery
Wen

 

[Josephine]

MsCat, don't worry - people always look totally knocked out and pale after a general anaesthetic and a major op. Goes with the territory. And having morphine also makes a person pale and reduces their respiration and blood-pressure. I think the nurses should have been more on the ball for that one. Bad call there.

However, do encourage him to ask for pain killers the very minute he feels a twinge or any discomfort. There is absolutely NO need for anyone to suffer to that extreme.



And YoungGuy - whatever possessed you to refuse pain killers! Didn't they tell you that all your nausea, vomiting and dizziness were at least 85% due to the extreme pain you suffered?

Still - your choice. For me, I have everything and anything on offer. But then, I'm just a wimp!

 

[JoanneC]

I read on the blogs a lot about physios and excercises I wasnt offered or given Physiotherapy after I went home either. I kept asking and I was told that there was no physiotherapy nescessary . Apparently you dont get physio unless something is wrong. I dont know if thats the same in America or not. I was told just do the short walks and the few excercises the physio gave me in hospital. I think it would have helped as I was left at home for two months not having a clue what to do. I kept in telephone contact with the physio but wasnt told much else. When I questioned what excercises she just advised no squats and no swimming breast stroke. Ever. Other than that dont do any excercises that mean I bend more than 90 degrees and dont do anything too strenuous.. She told me it can take about a year to fully bed in. Im doing fine I think - im walking more - using two legs to go upstairs but do people think the physio would help me more?? Is this normal??

 

[westexas]

First of all, I feel the pain for all of you. Joanne, I had in home therapy for the first three weeks, three times a week and that was only to do exercises to strenghthen my leg. After that, I was pretty much on my own. Was told to do lots of walking. At about 9 weeks, I got back into physical therapy on my own. A friend of mine has her own PT group and I went back on a maintenance program that they had suggested paying monthly to use their facilities. I swim in the pool. ALL hip friendly exercises and go into the gym also ALL hip friendly exercises. I am just lucky I have a lot of Physical Therapists around me if I need them. At twelve weeks I am getting lots of strength back and without cane for two weeks. If I had not done this, I would still be sitting around doing very little. And, at 50 after so many years of pain, I am better. I go back in July for a followup and then we discuss my right arthritic hip. MsCat62, I know they will discuss in home care or should for the first couple of weeks, which Jim will need. And Wendy, I cannot believe you will be going so soon for the next hip. Just keep us posted. Bless you.
And then there is YOUNG GUY>>>You told it like it really was and we ALL appreciate that. Those first two weeks are a nightmare and yes, I could not go without the PAIN KILLERS but we ALL get through it somehow. Just reading these blogs, has helped better than any Physiotherapy. Patty

 

[YoungGuy]

First of all, I feel the pain for all of you. Joanne, I had in home therapy for the first three weeks, three times a week and that was only to do exercises to strenghthen my leg. After that, I was pretty much on my own. Was told to do lots of walking. At about 9 weeks, I got back into physical therapy on my own. A friend of mine has her own PT group and I went back on a maintenance program that they had suggested paying monthly to use their facilities. I swim in the pool. ALL hip friendly exercises and go into the gym also ALL hip friendly exercises. I am just lucky I have a lot of Physical Therapists around me if I need them. At twelve weeks I am getting lots of strength back and without cane for two weeks. If I had not done this, I would still be sitting around doing very little. And, at 50 after so many years of pain, I am better. I go back in July for a followup and then we discuss my right arthritic hip. MsCat62, I know they will discuss in home care or should for the first couple of weeks, which Jim will need. And Wendy, I cannot believe you will be going so soon for the next hip. Just keep us posted. Bless you.
And then there is YOUNG GUY>>>You told it like it really was and we ALL appreciate that. Those first two weeks are a nightmare and yes, I could not go without the PAIN KILLERS but we ALL get through it somehow. Just reading these blogs, has helped better than any Physiotherapy. Patty

When i went in, i got alot of what i expected, and did not expect. I take everything as a lesson learned when it comes to a painful experience. Pain sucks, but it is not the worst thing that can happen...I remember when i was 15 getting my third surgery in 31 days on my hip due to the staph infection that had occured violently I was complaining so much, like i was the last person on earth. My surgeon looked at me and told me, "There are children here, under 13 who have cancer...And will never leave their rooms until the cancer takes over the body". Right there i quit arguing about the pain i have endured over the years...Since in reality, it is only pain...Not death.

This has helped me more than i can explain going through all of this, and you guys should be lucky!! Remember, im going to need at least 2 more hip replacements in my lifetime!! Haha, but if i take away one thing i learnt from the first hip replacement......Ill be getting a Spinal next time :D

And P.S, MsCat: Get physiotheropy...Trust me, i do not know why your doctor would not recommend it...It has been a godsend!

And Josephine: Reason i refused medication when i got home was due to the fact it was killing my body...I know there is no reason to deal with pain, but in my case the pain was easier to deal with then the after effects of medication, so this is the reason i did it...And it did get alot better .

 

[westexas]

Young Guy,
You are right about the pain. Some of us can handle it better than others but when you see someone as young as you going through what you have gone through, it makes all of us stronger. And yes, I am very fortunate in many ways to be healthy. You hang in there and keep up the good words of encouragement to all of us. Patty

 

[JudyS]

Young Guy,

Thank you , thank you for that last post.
I have been reading this one where people are honestly describing their experiences and getting really aprehensive. I have 2 weeks to go to my right hip replacement.
I have always looked at any hardship in the eyes of someone (many millions) who is in worse shape than me.
I have some endocrine disorders which have reaked havoc on joints and muscles.
Recently after arthroscopic hip surgery, I was called in and fired from my job as an itinerant vision teacher, knew I would need replacement surgery within a year, found out do to husband's negligence we owe the IRS about $30,000. trying to deal with 4 children. When I went to find a friend in the district office and told her they had basically fired me for advocating for a child, I was crying, but said it is really not that bad.....people are just finding out their child or other loved on has terminal cancer, so many are living below poverty level, I have nothing to complain about.
Hope that stays with me when I wake up on June 6th!!!!!!
Judy

 

[JudyS]

MsCat,
Thank you for keeping us updated, I was feeling pretty nauseated myself after reading these, but am glad I know what to expect. I have 2 weeks to go!! I also have stomach issues!!! Last summer after spine surgery I could not pee!!! I'm expecting more of the same!!
Another adventure in life
Judy

 

[*gmac*]

The previous post just reminded me of something regarding peeing. One of my fears was the catheter. Wasn't bad putting it in (I was knocked out at the time), But let Jim know when they remove it and tell you to "take a deep breath" that really doesn't help. How is he doing? Did they give you any indication of when they will cut him loose?

 

[westexas]

GMAC, I had to respond to the catheter issue. I too have a fear of the catheter. I had four C-Sections and begged for the epidural before the catheter. I too asked the surgeon to be sure I was well into la la land before he inserted it this time for my hip replacement. But over the years when my mom who is now 82 has been in the hospital, that is the first thing she asks for. Does not bother her in the least. Putting in or taking out.... Mine stems from having a few bladder infections when I was young and having the doctor insert the catheter to check me. OUCH is all I ever remembered after that. And yes, I did hold my breath when they removed it this time. OUCH....But once again, remember my mom. NO BIG DEAL....

 

[JoanneC]

I have had a lot of operations in my time! having chronic hip displaysia in both hips I was undiagnisosed until 6 and been in and out of hospital since then! I cannot tell you how helpful reading about people in the same situation has been to me! I always held the mantra that I was luckier than most but I DONT THINK I EVER TRULY BELIEVED IT TILL READING THESE BLOGS!! But having said that I dont think any of us is unlucky as what doesnt kill us makes us stronger and I think thats true of any of us on these blogs!! I am a little bit drunk having consumed two bottles of wine with a neighbour but I like to think that just gives me the courage to write how I truly feel! Good luck to all of you!

PS MScats please tell me he feels better
Youngun! You are an inspiration
and Westexas I think youve kept me going!!

take care all of us

JO c