THR Merrimay's Hip Replacement Adventure Begins

[Merrimay]

Hi Beachgal, my surgeon only does posterior as well. He swears by it. I liked him immediately and his reputation is stellar, so I've lost my fear of the posterior approach.

Good luck with hip 2! So glad you're happy with hip 1. I'll have a 2nd procedure in 23..

 

[Merrimay]

Eman85,

You didn't go to Knoxville Orthopedic Center, did you?

 

[Eman85]

@Merrimay Yes I did, Dr. Sherrell

 

[Merrimay]

Dr. Nadaud is doing my hip. I was impressed with him, the facility, and his team.

 

[Eman85]

The whole practice did a great job for me. Great communication and I went to the hospital and spent the night both times. Stayed in a motel the night before so I didn't have to rush to get there early.

 

[Merrimay]

I'm doing outpatient! The notion terrified me at first, but I've read up on it, and it seems to speed up recovery and lower the chances of infection. They have you fill out a questionnaire to determine if you're a good candidate. A week or so before the surgery, you take a class at the facility. Then post-op (spinal block and sedation), they have you up and walking, climbing a few stairs, and reviewing the skills and guidelines. Assuming they don't see a problem, you go home. My sister will be escorting me and staying for 10 days, and I've made arrangements for home health assistance after she leaves. So it will be interesting. When he said I was a good candidate for outpatient, I said, "You must have a low bar." I think my being otherwise healthy and under 70 played a factor. Before all this hit, I was very active. But I must admit the notion of outpatient does cause trepidation. What's next? Drive-thru joint replacement, where we just stick our leg out of the car?

 

[Layla]

The notion terrified me at first,

My surgery was not out patient, but a 23 hr stay. That terrified me as the thought of hubs as my nursemaid was not comforting at all. I will add that he surprised me and did a fantastic job.

Rest assured and take comfort in the fact that if your vitals are off they'll keep you. They will teach you stairs, getting in and out of bed and car. Consider packing a big trash bag for the car ride home to place on the seat before sitting and it will make it easier for you to swivel forward, windshield facing. I did it and it worked like a charm. Also makes it easier to move toward the center of the bed as it removes the friction.

What's next? Drive-thru joint replacement

I call what your'e doing drive-thru. Hey...almost, right?!! You will be amazed at the routine you will have comfortably settled into by the time your sister leaves. I'm excited for you. You are going to love the result this surgery brings. Wishing you comfort as you wait.

 

[Eman85]

With my first it wasn't offered to me to be outpatient, OS even told me if I want to stay a couple of days it's fine with him. With my 2nd the outpatient thing became popular and it would be done at the surgical center instead of the hospital. I passed on that even though it was offered, seemed easier on me and my wife to do the one night in the hospital and a relaxed drive home. With both we stopped for lunch on the way home.

 

[Merrimay]

Layla, the trash bag is a great idea! Even now, getting my left hip and leg out of the car is excruciating. As for getting to the center of the bed, I use a lifter and struggle about on my elbows to get situated. The trash bag protocol begins now!

Really grateful for your words of encouragement!

 

[subie2021]

My surgeon didn't offer OP to me, but he was more than happy about it when I asked.
The whole thing was easy peasy. In by 7:00, surgery at 10:30, and home for supper.
My surgeon told me that if he scheduled for an overnight or more at the hospital, insurance wouldn't allow an early release, but if he scheduled OP, an overnight or more would be covered if I needed to stay.
I didn't have a hip class, but the OS office has a person who went over all sorts of info with me, one on one. There was also a prehab session where the therapist did an assessment and set my mobility aids to the right height.
I'd go the OP route again in a heartbeat.

Good luck with yours!

 

[Merrimay]

Eman85,
Frankly, if I had my choice, I'd do it your way. I'm wondering if you had the more conservative treatment because you were pre-Covid. By March 2020, few "elective" surgeries were being done, and those deemed "necessary" were done with the intent to use as few inpatient beds as possible and get replacement patients out of the hospital ( and away from its MRSA, Staph, and Covid) ASAP. From what I'm reading, orthopedists were not excited about this, but then the results came in: patients who went home immediately had fewer infections and were less stressed overall, and they generally healed more quickly. At least that's their story, and they're sticking with it.

My sister and I are planning to spend the night at a hotel in Kville so we don't have to angst over the early surgical center check-in time. I love the idea of having a nice meal on our way home like you and your wife did!

 

[Merrimay]

Subie2021, Wow, thank you for sharing your great OP experience. The mother of a neighbor had OP hip replacement in early 2022, and she's back on the golf course. Of course, she's one of those super-human people anyway. . . and I don't play twisty-turny sports, so hopefully I'll come through fine on the other end.

Thanks again.

 

[Eman85]

Where are you having the surgery done? We went early and had supper near the motel so we had time to settle in. My first was done downtown Knoxville off of Broadway at the old hospital. For hospital stays it was a great experience, unfortunately that hospital is gone now. Second one was done right off of I-75 near KOC and the motel was right next door. Yes mine was pre-Covid and I'm thankful for that. Both hospitals were great especially as far as prevention of any infection.

 

[Merrimay]

At the KOC surgical center at Fort Sanders. Not sure why they're doing the surgeries there now. The hospital on Emery Rd near I-75 in Powell is so much closer to me. Your experience is one I wish I could duplicate

 

[Eman85]

I was offered the Ft. Sanders location for outpatient, I opted for the I-75 Emory Rd. with the overnight stay. I also didn't have to go back to Knoxville for follow-ups as my OS came to Jefferson City Hospital offices.

 

[Merrimay]

You lucked out! I was given no choice. Hoping post-op I can go back to the office on Emery Rd. The trip to Fort Sanders is l-o-n-g

 

[Eman85]

I went to Ft Sanders for one pre-op visit for my second when I was considering a cortisone shot to get me through the summer. That's a ride for me too. I was disappointed when they closed the old hospital downtown and I had to go to Emery Rd. Downtown was where I went to hip class and it sounds crazy but it was the nicest hospital experience I've ever had. They were so professional competent and courteous the place was spotless and they treated my wife great as she stayed the night in my room with me.
A long ride in a car post-op can be a challenge. Planning stops along the way to get out and walk a little is a must.

 

[Merrimay]

My sister just sent me an email asking if we planned to spend the night before surgery at a hotel, and then at one halfway home post-op. The trip post-op will be about 80 minutes. Do you think that's too long to ride, without a long rest a long the way, or will taking brief walks be enough? Thank you for all your advice? Huge help.

 

[djklaugh]

@Merrimay Will it be possible for you to lay down on the back seat of your car when you go home? If yes you should be OK to drive straight home with one or two brief stops to get out and walk a bit. Sitting up in the car for 80 minutes or so would probably be very uncomfortable. Stops along the way don't need to be lengthy ... just long enough to walk around for a few minutes and maybe use the facilities and/or get something cold to drink.

 

[Layla]

Personally, I think the ride home is doable. You may want to take a break to stretch in the middle of the 80 minute drive, that's all you'll need and you will feel much more comfortable and rest easier at home. I don't see anything wrong with spending the night before surgery in a hotel IF your surgery is early and IF it's in the budget.
@Merrimay