Hi All,
Had my
4-week checkup yesterday. Long day! Visit was a 2-hour wait! I think something was amiss with the new computer system they received a few months ago. I know everyone is complaining about it and there seems to be a few kinks yet to be worked out. I had a 1pm appt and talked to the office manager the day before to confirm the time and retrieve my op report. A few hours later, I received a newly generated message from the hospital saying my appointment was at 2pm. Called back, talked to someone else and she confirmed 2pm. So I had X-rays scheduled at 1:30 with office visit at 2pm.
Well, we got there and the waiting room was just brimming with patients. This surgeon always has a full waiting room and the wait can be up to 1 hour as he only sees patients one day a week. So I was prepared for a 1 hour wait, but not 2 hours! In these situations I come prepared. I had my book with me (All The Light We Cannot See - excellent book!), and I tend to 'people watch' and then start up conversations. I was sitting up front so was in earshot of patient coming in and signing in with the front desk. There were so many coming in stating they had a 2pm appt. We all started looking at each other and without hesitation began announcing our own appt. times - 2pm! Computer scheduling issues confirmed!
Finally got in to see the surgeon! First met with his PA, then my surgeon. He looked exhausted! It was 4pm and he still had a full waiting room! He pulled out my folder and we all commented on how
FAT it was! Too many surgeries over a six year period! He was attentive to my questions, X-rays look perfect, ROM - very good, amazed by how much I could rotate the leg. I've always been flexible so this wasn't a complete revelation. We discussed the surgery - everything was 'clean' when they were inside. No infections spotted. Everything looked healthy - tissues, bone, etc.
We tested my weight bearing walking ability. No weight has been on this leg in four months, so when I gently walked, with crutches, putting weight on the leg, it felt good. No pain. He gave me the green light to slowly begin to walk with the aid of crutches over a 2-week period. I should expect some discomfort in the thigh due to the huge rod down my femur. This is partially because the device I received is the dual mobility device which is a very stable prosthesis for people with revisions. I was happy and relieved knowing I have this device. Less chance of dislocations down the road.
I still have precautions but can gradually work away from that over the next two weeks. I can drive! That's great, just not sure where I can go with a purpose. I can't food shop yet and will not have the energy to shop for awhile, but it's nice to know I can if a I want to!
I know some people take a low dose of antibiotics for the rest of their lives after treatment of joint infections but it was not recommended for me. I am satisfied with this. I would rather my immune system kick in full speed to begin to take care of things naturally! I'm lucky I have had no side effects from two years of antibiotics. I understand the test will be when I do need them for an infection of some sort down the road and will it be effective. So, I file this thought away not to look at it until needed. I am taking a quality probiotic and hope this will help.
I had to go back on Gababentin, 300 mg. in the evening as I found when I went off, I had problems falling asleep due to an extremely restless leg. I explained to the surgeon I think this is because my muscles have atrophied so much and they're 'screaming' to be released! Once I put myself back on in the evening, everything calmed down. He liked my assumption and was fine with the continued use until I got back on my feet.
A nurse came in to draw blood for testing. She was new, a revolving nurse, goes around where she is needed. She commented that she's never seen the waiting wait so full! It's been a long day for her! I went out to say hi to the office manager. I know she has been battling her own health issues. One look at her and I went speechless for a moment. She looked awful! We chatted for a few minutes then we left. I wish I had brought flowers or something for her but made a note to bring something at my next visit. My thoughts were on her, not myself as I left the office.
It was a beautiful day yesterday, and another beautiful day in store today. I'm enjoying the moments of calm while I have it. Today a friend is picking up a few things a the food store and will stop by for a visit. She, too, has a lot on her plate. It will be nice to sit outside and talk with her for a few hours.
Have a wonderful day folks!