Just a Little Hiccup

[clwhit]

Things with my hip are going great! No pain - I haven't had to take a Vicodin or even a Motrin for seven days now! I am now allowed 100% weight bearing with my walker and will be able to use a cane in two weeks! Today was my last day of PT. The therapist said I was doing well and to continue my exercises working up to 25 repetitions on each.

Previously I shared, however, that I have a small opening in my incision. It doesn't seem to be healing so they took a culture this week. There does not seem to be any signs of infection but they want to make sure. Additionally, I have been having some intestinal problems the past two weeks. At first, the nurses thought I had picked up "a bug." It has not gotten any better. They spoke with my OS and he wanted me to see my PCP so some tests could be ordered. I did that this afternoon. It appears they are concerned that I might have the antibiotic-induced colitis, Pseudomembranous colitis, caused by the C. diff bacterium. Joy. We'll take this one day at a time. I could, of course, worry myself sick about the possibility of my having an infection. I just need to wait and see.

Hope all is well with you all. Thanks for the continued support. Will keep you posted.

-Carol

 

[sunshine]

Carol, I sure hope the test come back negative I know you do to. You have been recovering so nicely. Prayers for you...Let us know

 

[westexas]

Carol,
I too hope things turn out GOOD for you. Just hang in there...Patty

 

[ceci1957]

Carol, I've been concerned about infection, too. It was always in the back of my mind after surgery because my OS said if I get an infection, the replacement would have to come out. I had my surgery on June 16. On June 24, my aunt was to have another replacement (long story) and they found her full of infection. The idea was now at the forefront. She is 77 and still in hospital getting antibiotics and being cared for. A couple of weeks ago I found I had a bladder infection. I was put on Levaquin for seven days. I returned for a recheck and found I still had fever. They gave me an antibiotic injection and was put on Levaquin for another five days. They also drew blood to check my white blood cells. The blood work ultimately showed no infection, but I think about it everyday. Once my doc returns from vacation we will look into why I am still running fever. I know I shouldn't worry and just let God handle it and keep me well, but easier said than done. I hope all goes well for you and everyone in this forum. I'm sure my aunt wouldn't wish her troubles on anyone. I really feel bad for her.

 

[westexas]

Ceci,
I am thinking about you too...and your Aunt...This is not an easy operation and I was so thankful my OS and hospital went above and beyond to prevent any infection. That could be devastating. Especially after all we have been through....Patty

 

[Josephine]

There's a good discussion here on this subject Be careful of any signs of infection. It's a problem to be sure and a scary one. I don't blame you for worrying at all. But do try to keep it in perspective. Infections such as these are a RISK not an inevitability and are, in fact, extremely rare. Most of the things to be aware of are in that thread so I'll not repeat them here. Just get yourselves covered with antibiotics and you should be just fine.


And, Carol, you could help restore your gut's natural state by taking acidophilus which contains lactobacillus. These encourage the growth of the normal bacterial flora in the gut which have been diminished by the antibiotics. Another thing I found useful when it happened to me was Actimel or Yakault, those little pro-biotic yoghurt drinks.

 

[clwhit]

Josephine:

Thanks for the information. You're right. There's no use in worrying about it. I feel I've been in good hands and can't fault anyone for what has happened. The visiting nurses' last day was supposed to be yesterday. I was informed, however, that they will stay with me until my wound is healed.

~Carol

 

[Josephine]

Well, that's good - I should think so, however.

 

[Traceyleth]

Dear Carol

Hope you don't have to wait too long for your answers and that the news is good. You are in my thoughts

Tracey

 

[rejoyce318]

Jo, how might a JR avoid MRSA & other infections @ the gym? I belong to my local YMCA, & they keep a constant supply of paper towels & spray bottles of stuff to use on the machines. Is that enough? I did read the "infection" thread you re-posted, btw, but didn't see that issue mentioned. Thanks.

Joyce

 

[Josephine]

The majority of such infections are spread by hand contact, Joyce. In various studies, the overwhelming evidence has been that hand washing will reduce the cross infection by a substantial amount.

Having said that, remember that MRSA stands for Multi-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. Now Staph is a normal commensal of the human gut. We all have it all the time. The only time it gets to be a problem is when it gets into a place it shouldn't be, like an open wound. Therefore, providing you don't have any such open wounds, or if you do that they are well covered with a sterile dressing, there should be no problem.

Hand washing is always a good idea in public places, MRSA notwithstanding.

 

[JudyS]

Carol,
Any news on your infection or possibility of one?
Judy

 

[clwhit]

No, not yet. I ran a fever of 101.3 yesterday evening. Called the visiting nurse. She said I needed to call my doctor today. I've done that and will see him this afternoon. I asked if they'd gotten back the results yet regarding whether or not I had c. diff. The nurse told me that the doctor would go over all of that when I saw him this afternoon.

Thanks for asking, Judy. I'll let you know the results when I get back from the doctor.

~Carol

 

[rejoyce318]

Carol, I hope you're feeling better ASAP.

Jo, thanks for the information. I'll be sure to keep the top of my incision covered till it's all healed.

Joyce

 

[clwhit]

Saw my PCP yesterday. He said the test results revealed I do not have C. diff. Yes! He further shared that the results showed no other signs of infection. So that's the good news. He gave me medications to deal with the intestinal problems and pain. Said if it's not cleared up by Monday then I need to have further tests. Yuck! One thing I'm baffled by is that my doctor says it looks as though this problem is not related to my THR. This started two weeks post op and has continued for three weeks straight. I personally don't feel this is a coincidence.

I still have a slight opening in my incision. It does seem to be getting better - very slowly. The visiting nurse took a culture of it last Tuesday so I should be getting the results of that this coming Tuesday.

As far as my recovery from the hip is going - it's great! I continue to walk without a limp. Next Tuesday, I'll begin using a cane and will be able to drive on my own. Wednesday will mark my 6 weeks post op. Time has gone by so quickly. I'm supposed to return to work on Thursday. I know I won't be able to do so, however, if I don't get this intestinal thing under control.

Hope all is well with everyone. Happy Friday!

~Carol

 

[JudyS]

Carole

I am so glad you do not have that infection.
My gastro issues started a few years ago with a positive occult blood test. Blood in the stool. I had to have a colonoscopy. Well after I had that test I started having heartburn every day, all day. I called the nurse and she said it was the result of the colonoscopy and would clear up, I believed her. Well it was not and then I had an upper endoscopy and every GI test known to man !!!!
If you have to go through any of these, I'll be here for you!!! I don't know what caused it all to happen, I also have a brother who had colon cancer and my other brother had stomach cancer so I get watched pretty closely.

Keep healing
JUdy

 

[*gmac*]

Carol-
Sorry to hear about the illness. It's not going back to school butterflies? Didn't think so. As far as the hip goes. You are doing fantastic. Keep up the good work.
-Gary.

 

[ceci1957]

Carol, I hope you are better soon. It's hard recovering from surgery, but then to have something else thrown in is a bit overwhelming. I'm on antibiotic again, this time for an awful hang nail. I just wonder if our immune systems are slightly compromised due to surgery. I know this is nothing compared to your problems, it's just interesting that I have never had one and I get pedicures all the time. Josephine will let us know!

 

[Josephine]

Yes, the surgery will lower your immune system somewhat. Any profound stress with do that. I found this list

1. Death of a spouse: 100 Points
2. Divorce: 73 Points
3. Marital Separation: 65 Points
4. Jail Term: 63 Points
5. Death of Close Family Member: 63 Points
6. Personal Injury or Illness: 53 Points
7. Marriage: 50 Points
8. Job Firing: 47 Points
9. Marital Reconciliation: 45 Points
10. Retirement: 45 Points
11. Change in Health Of A Family Member: 44 Points

41. Vacation: 13 Points
42. Christmas: 12 Points


Couldn't actually find major surgery in there but I think 11 would cover it. Added 41 and 42 for fun. I also found this for more fun!

If you feel like this cat looks,
you are too stressed!
Scroll down to learn ways of de-stressing.
​

Here are some simple ways to relieve stress.​

Watch a sunset
Go to the beach
Be positive
Sing a song
Pet a dog
Tell a joke
Listen to music
Blow bubbles
Take a nap
Write a letter
Have a cup of tea
Ask for help Smile
Take a break
Do it now! Stretch
Keep a journal
Hum a tune
Practice patience
Get up early
Meditate
Play a drum
Prioritize
Give a hug
Throw a ball
Play with a child
See a movie
Plant a flower
Say "No"
Set Limits
Eat a snack
Read a book
Practice kindness
Light a candle
Laugh out loud
Lie in the sun
Walk in the rain
Talk to a friend
Take a bubble bath
Avoid negative people
Take a deep breath
Ask for what you need
Go to bed on time
Give a compliment
Clean a closet
Go barefoot
Give a blessing
Watch a sunrise
Say a prayer​

 

[JudyS]

Thanks Jo

I really needed that. It will soon be on the fridge

Judy