Hi Lidia,
I also had my THR at the Cleveland Clinic (9/11/08), though you must have had a different OS since you got better pain meds ; ) From reading your blog, it sounds as though you also experienced the nursing shortage and had to rely on loved ones to assist with your care. It's a shame, isn't it?
When I read your earlier post about not wanting to be "awake" and aware of all the ghastly things they do to you during a THR, I remembered feeling exactly the same way. I did not want to have general anesthesia (which my OS strongly prefers, though he couldn't give any rationale). I insisted on a spinal, but I certainly did not want to hear or feel anything going on during the actual surgery. I wasn't entirely convinced when they told me they'd give me something to make me "out of it". Happy to say, I remember going into the OR and then, thankfully, not another thing until recovery. I just hope whatever they gave me didn't cause me to lose all inhibitions and say ridiculous things in the OR that will bring shame and humiliation to the family name for generations to come : )
The spinal I had was called DuraMorph, and I was very happy with it, as it allows a good bit or morphine to stay in your system hours after surgery. Good thing for me, since they were so stingy with pain meds.
I'm curious as to why the doc has you on toe-touch only for six weeks. I was surprised when I left the hospital after 3 days at 50% weight-bearing, and was cleared for 100% at my 3 week check-up. Not bragging, just wondered if it was because of the prosthesis used or the surgical approach? I'm not as knowledgeable as most folks on here!
The post-op muscle pain certainly was daunting, but after 2-3 weeks, it was gone. I had knee pain similar to what you described after surgery too, especially when I did my PT exercises. Not sure what that was about, but it resolved quickly, maybe 2 weeks.
You will be so very glad you didn't chicken out. Consider it a badge of courage - we've endured one of the most major surgeries there is! Hang in there, the worst is behind you. I'm looking forward to following your progress! Best of luck to you, and don't forget to take it easy still, even once you begin feeling better. It's very easy to over-do it.
P.S. And a big high five to your husband for taking such wonderful care of you!
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