Home alone ...

[tracymacey]

Hi all,
I'm new to all of this, have just got home from hospital after THP (ceramic - Im only 34).

I have to say, it was horrible for the first 3 days but now onto day 4 and feeling a lot better - I can walk with crutches, but the after effects of the meds have been rough - so feelin sick and groggy.
Nurses asked me every day ''have you openede your bowels'' - I felt like shouting ''I've had a general anaesthetic, im pumped full of coedine and morphine and I havent eaten in 36 hours, what do you think???!!'' but I politely said 'no' and dutifully took whatever pills were pushed my way......
Is there anyone else there just recovering? How are you doing? Feeling a bit alone, have my husband here for the next week then alone with a 4 year old type 1 diabetic and an 8 year old - arrghh!!!

 

[tracymacey]

Anyone just got out of hospital?

Hi I'm new to this site (wish I'd found it before I went in!) just came home, had my op Wednesday afternoon under spinal block and sedation (scary stuff, all went ok!)

Im 34 and was born with hip dysplasia so mine wore out really fast - I now have both legs same length, which feels weird and a nice new ceramic hip. All v painful but getting better each day and now walking on crutches - anyone else out there at same stage as me? xx:pzld:

 

[mdakota]

Re: Anyone just got out of hospital?

ok, good you got your own thread. i was born with bilat dysplasia and both wore out . i had22 surgeries. 1st replacement done june 22nd. i had 1 1/2 inch leg length discrepency that was corrected. there are many people on here that are young with small children and there is lots of activity so you can always get some feedback. you have found the right place. we have jo and jamie that are fantastic with anything technical and a fantastic family for support. i'm 36 and there are a few here even younger and quite a few the same age
welcome
monique

 

[Texas]

Re: Anyone just got out of hospital?

Welcome Tracy. There are a few people I believe in your same situation. You can read all threads by MDakota. I think she is one that pops in my head. I'm a knee so I wouldnt want to try to help with that. But thats a start...Be careful. Join in we will all be happy to help. Knee , hip we have all had recovery.....Good Luck to you, post anytime...There ya go she posted right with me...lol

 

[Josephine]

Hello, Tracey. Welcome to BoneSmart. I moved your post into a thread of it's own so you would get answers of your own and also you wouldn't derail Tony's thread. (And then I merged these two threads that's why you have two posts at the top!:hehe: )

Well, the first few days are somewhat trying! But you're going to be home alone with two kids? No help whatsoever? That's a bit much. Have you no family or neighbours that can pop in to help because you're going to need it, my dear. You'll be on 90 degree restrictions for 6 weeks as well as not feeling top bright. You shouldn't be expected to be looking after little ones, making them meals and all. I'm worried about you now. :pnc:

 

[Texas]

Hi Tracy, Welcome. I agree is there anyone can help !!! That might be tough for awhile. Are those your kids...I hope your not watching someone else's children that would not be fair.....I know its tough come on here and vent anytime. We have all been thru it. Some people dont understand but we certainly do.....Please post anytime. I can tell you at about 2 weeks you will see a difference....Hang in there.....Best wishes....

 

[Judles]

Welcome, Tracey! Girl.....you MUST find help as you are going to definitely NEED it!! Please donlt even think you'll be able to cope....these first few days and even weeks. Realistically, that's just NOT happening! Do you have neighbors, family, church members that can help with childcare and meals? I hope you get support!:shk:

Good luck and let us know how you are doing!

 

[tracie]

hi tracey im also a tracie and also from the uk i cant even begin to think how you will cope can your husband not take at least another week off.i know its hard when you have young children to look after. i also have a three year old and im on the waiting list at present for a rthr. where are from in the uk im from kent. wishing you a fast recovery and hope you get some well deserved help xxx

 

[ronhall51]

Hi all,
I'm new to all of this, have just got home from hospital after THP (ceramic - Im only 34).

I have to say, it was horrible for the first 3 days but now onto day 4 and feeling a lot better - I can walk with crutches, but the after effects of the meds have been rough - so feelin sick and groggy.
Nurses asked me every day ''have you openede your bowels'' - I felt like shouting ''I've had a general anaesthetic, im pumped full of coedine and morphine and I havent eaten in 36 hours, what do you think???!!'' but I politely said 'no' and dutifully took whatever pills were pushed my way......
Is there anyone else there just recovering? How are you doing? Feeling a bit alone, have my husband here for the next week then alone with a 4 year old type 1 diabetic and an 8 year old - arrghh!!!

hi tracy im about the same as you day 6 for me.Everyone was surprised i was released from the hospital before i had bowel movement mine came day five second day at home as my poor wife can contest.that unpleasantry aside im on a cane and also contemplating how to handle the next few weeks at home.my wife is willing to stay home but im wondering from the others is this needed??If you need to complain just reach out where at the same point and its probably fresher on our minds!!! good luck do well:wub:

 

[loggon]

Tracy do try if possible to get someone to come in and help.
You will need it. I am a knee but only restricted to 90 degree,
how are you going to do it.

But good luck and we will be here for you

 

[loghaula]

Welcome Tracey,
Looks like you are on track. Have just had both hips replaced separately, one with epidural, one with nerve block. Definitely much more pain and grogginess with the nerve block. Eat lots of ironclad foods, prune juice, lots of fluids to get the bulk moving. Like with the recovery, different speeds for different folks.
You definitely need help, especially as you have youngsters. Besides the normal stuff such as getting around, there is always something just out of reach that you have just got to have, and overextending is a no-no.
When showering, it is wise to have someone handy just in case; no fun being stuck on the floor while your shower runs out of hot water:shk::shk:.
Temper tantrums and hissy fits are part of the norm, as we are all anxious to get up and go. As you check through the threads, you will notice that we all suffer from trying to do too much too soon. This is a serious op. and your body needs time to heal, inside and out.
You have picked a most excellent site; I didn't find it until after my first op and am now hooked on it, with hardly a day going by that I am not on here.
I ran into trouble with getting home physio, but luckily, had found another website, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, which has a Total Hip Replacement Exercise Guide. I printed these off, and showed them to my OS when I went for my post op. He said they were all I needed, and as I was already up and walking without any aid, they definitely did work. You may want to check it out. Can't have enough help. And the advisors on here are awesome, filling in the blanks with their sage advice.
Each day is a step forward, and I have now been home a week since my last op, and have good days and some where I don't feel like doing much. I don't push it, as I know it takes time, and now I have to exercise both hips.
But do see if you can get some help if hubby has to leave; you are going to need it. Those babies are going to want a lap to climb in, and yours is definitely out of action for now.
Don't hesitate to jump in and write. We are all here for each other:thmb::thmb:.

Glenys
LHR 5/28/09
RHR 7/23/09

 

[tracymacey]

Hi all - wow! you have all been so kind and supportive, but now Im panicking!! my Mum works full time and is not very mobile herself, my Mum-in-law is brilliant, but she isn't in the best of health either, so Im going to pretty much be alone. I will ask friends if they are able to help me out a bit, but Im getting worried now. I think I underestimated the recovery - when my Mum had hers done she boasted that she was back at work within 3 weeks, but she has no kids to look after, and had a desk job.....
I feel sick today, but Im thinking thats the worry setting in...my husband starts a new job in September, so he says he cant take any more time off or he'll lose money. Im feeling low but I guess thats the anaesthetic etc.

Tracie - I'm in Wimborne, Dorset so not a million miles from you! any idea when you're getting yours? I guess during school time would be better for you? x

Thankyou everyone for your kind support, I feel a bit less alone now )
Does anyone have trouble sleeping? my leg has been aching all night, right through my pelvis and down my knee...

 

[tracie]

hi tracey shame im not closer i would have come to see you and given you a helping hand.i know myself how hard it is coping with little ones let alone you having to keep on track with your childs diabetic condition and try to look after yourself.i was hoping my op would be in the summer hols but they have estimated end of sep/oct i would go tommorow if they offered i so horrible just waiting for them to call. keep in touch let us all know how your doing xx

 

[kangaroo]

Hi Tracey,
I'm wondering if you are in a financial position to get some childcare for the 4 year old. I presume the 8 yr old is at school?
Or if you can get some home help, so that you can get a sleep and the carer can cook dinner and look after the little ones, in the knowledge that you are nearby if the kids REALLY need you....
It may cost a little (or a lot) but surely that is better than being depressed , anxious, resentful...or struggling with your hips recovery.....

Your husband needs to get enough meals cooked for the next few weeks at the least whilst he is at home, so that you are not needing to cook, he needs to have things to occupy the kids ready for when he goes back to work. He needs to be doing all of the housework....and I mean ALL of it.....no lifting washing, hanging it out etc....he may have to go back to work, but he'll be the one looking after the kids if you have a dislocation!!!and what will happen with the kids then..... I don't want to sound paranoid, but you have to look after you now and allow yourself to recover....

Rachel
Incidentally I am a THR who had hip dysplasia, perthes disease and I have 5 children, I'm 43.
R

 

[Judles]

And who could ever argue with a Kangaroo?????

 

[ronhall51]

Hi all - wow! you have all been so kind and supportive, but now Im panicking!! my Mum works full time and is not very mobile herself, my Mum-in-law is brilliant, but she isn't in the best of health either, so Im going to pretty much be alone. I will ask friends if they are able to help me out a bit, but Im getting worried now. I think I underestimated the recovery - when my Mum had hers done she boasted that she was back at work within 3 weeks, but she has no kids to look after, and had a desk job.....
I feel sick today, but Im thinking thats the worry setting in...my husband starts a new job in September, so he says he cant take any more time off or he'll lose money. Im feeling low but I guess thats the anaesthetic etc.

Tracie - I'm in Wimborne, Dorset so not a million miles from you! any idea when you're getting yours? I guess during school time would be better for you? x

Thankyou everyone for your kind support, I feel a bit less alone now )
Does anyone have trouble sleeping? my leg has been aching all night, right through my pelvis and down my knee...

hi tracy Sleeping for me at 7 days is a battlefield and most here say they experienced varied amount of trouble.What i did is switch my evening tylenol with tylenol pm works a bit.Do they have that product where you live???

 

[Judles]

Hi Ron! How are you doing? Wonder what you're having for lunch today!!!!

 

[loghaula]

Tracym,
Feeling down is all part of the process. I was home a week yesterday, and ended up spending most of the day in bed as I just didn't feel like doing much. Today, I am on top of the world, ready to kick butt :D:evil:. When I had my first surgery, I never did feel down. And it does take a while for the body to recupe from all the drugs pumped into it.
Getting your friends to help is fine; in fact the more the better as they won't feel so "put upon". And make lists of the stuff you need help with.
It appears someone neglected in informing you and hubby of all what is involved in your rehabor you wouldn't have this dilemma looming over you when you need to be laying back and "enjoying" your confinement.
I have weird pains in my leg, along with annoying twitches. I put it down to nerves and flesh mending, as well as all that hammering from the OS driving that piece down into the thighbone. Fortunately, I have not had any itching at the incisions. My first leg has now settled down, but the other is still having its fits:p.
Best of luck, and we are all here for you to vent. Keep us up to date.

Glenys
LHR 5/28/09 Age 60
RHR 7/23/09 Age 61

 

[ronhall51]

Hi Ron! How are you doing? Wonder what you're having for lunch today!!!!

just my luck i get home can eat anytime i want and have no appetite!!

 

[Judles]

Oh no, RON!! That sucks! Just feel better! its the meds!