THR Merrimay's Hip Replacement Adventure Begins

[Merrimay]

Thank you, djklaugh and Layla. I think staying at a hotel near the surgical center the night before will allow me to not worry about traffic, etc. But I would love to get home asap post-op, so I will take your advice. Lie down in back of the car, then take 2 or 3 brief walks to avoid stiffness.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[subie2021]

Are you sure you'll be able to get into the back of the car? And out of it, if you stiffen up on the ride home? Don't overestimate your leg's ability to maneuver so soon after surgery
I suggest front seat, set all the way back for leg room, and reclined if you're more comfortable that way. Don't forget your seatbelt!
If you have deep bucket seats you might want a folded blanket under your butt so you don't sink in. Use the plastic shopping bag/trashbag trick for easy swiveling.
Maybe go out and practice with a pretend log leg.
Good luck

 

[Merrimay]

Hi subie2021,

Good questions, especially because my thigh and groin pain are so severe now that I can't get in and out of a car without crying out in pain. In fact, if it weren't for my thigh and groin pain I wouldn't know I had a hip problem.

My surgeon said the thigh and groin pain would go away after surgery, but having read some of the post-op posts, I've grown a bit anxious. Sounds to me like it may be even worse for a few months post-op. I've already endured such pain for a year and a half -- and will for 2.5 months more before surgery, that I'm not sure how I'll endure it post-op. Excuse my whining. Today's been a hard one. Couldn't get up from my desk. Took about 15 minutes for the spasms to calm. Ugh

 

[subie2021]

My surgeon said the thigh and groin pain would go away after surgery, but having read some of the post-op posts, I've grown a bit anxious. Sounds to me like it may be even worse for a few months post-op. I've already endured such pain for a year and a half -- and will for 2.5 months more before surgery, that I'm not sure how I'll endure it post-op. Excuse my whining. Today's been a hard one. Couldn't get up from my desk. Took about 15 minutes for the spasms to calm. Ugh

My experience is that any post op pain was nothing compared to the pain my old hip gave me. I'm not saying that there was a total lack of of unpleasant sensation afterwards, but it always was manageable even if annoying. I'm pretty sure your surgeon doesn't mean you'll wake up feeling like you're seven years old again, totally pain free and that you won't have any discomfort for a little while; that's not realistic for any major surgery. I think he means that as healing progresses your thigh and groin will feel better and better until the pain just isn't there any more. Sore and achey might -probably - happen for a few weeks but it's part of healing and totally different from that constant grinding or stabbing pain from a bum hip.
I had outpatient surgery and the ride home wasn't bad. I don't remember any of what I'd call pain. It was more being nervous that something might hurt. I remember that the incision stung, but it wasn't alarming to me, because I know that's what incisions do. I had log leg, but was able to navigate a little bit of lawn to get to the few steps into the house, and the steps were no problem.
Getting to the bathroom then to my recliner was a relief. My leg was stiff and sore from the activity, but my prescribed pain meds took care of that.


So...don't borrow trouble but also have realistic expectations.

I'm almost a year out and was thinking about last summer, waiting for my new hip. This year, we went to a county fair and I walked and walked and walked; last year I couldn't have made it 20 feet from our parking spot. This year we go for nice drives to interesting places; last year a car ride of more than 15 minutes was torture. Last year my yard was neglected; this year it looks pretty and has some great new flower beds that *I* put in myself. Last year was all tears and cussing and frustration; this year is hope and new dreams and celebration.

I wish you, and all our pre op hippies, the very best of outcomes.

 

[Merrimay]

Oh, thank you for the details of your experience. Don't borrow trouble is right. Realistic optimism will be my new mantra because when the pain gets especially bad now I sometimes paint dire scenarios. I don't want to go into surgery depressed and anxious. It was great to hear your reassurances about your yard. Mine looks like a code violation, and I always took such pride in it. To hear that you're out tending to your yard again cheers me up! Thank you

 

[Eman85]

The motel and a nice supper the night before surgery worked for me both times. Don't fret the ride home, immediately post-op they have enough pain killer in your leg you'll be fine if you start the pain pills like you should and stay ahead of any pain. My ride was as long if not longer than yours, you'll be fine. Bring a walker with you so you can get out of the car and walk a little and if you're up to it stop to eat.
We all get anxious and overthink the whole deal. With my first I didn't accept that I was going to go through with it until the night before at the motel. With the second I was waiting for pre-op and considered walking out. The biggest thing for me was once I made the decision I knew I was all in for what it took and wanted the best outcome. I didn't find this site until post-op when I had a lot of time to search the internet for info about THR's. Just be realistic about recovery and be patient.

 

[Merrimay]

The motel and a nice supper the night before surgery worked for me both times. Don't fret the ride home, immediately post-op they have enough pain killer in your leg you'll be fine if you start the pain pills like you should and stay ahead of any pain. My ride was as long if not longer than yours, you'll be fine. Bring a walker with you so you can get out of the car and walk a little and if you're up to it stop to eat.
We all get anxious and overthink the whole deal. With my first I didn't accept that I was going to go through with it until the night before at the motel. With the second I was waiting for pre-op and considered walking out. The biggest thing for me was once I made the decision I knew I was all in for what it took and wanted the best outcome. I didn't find this site until post-op when I had a lot of time to search the internet for info about THR's. Just be realistic about recovery and be patient.

 

[Merrimay]

Very reassuring to know you had an equally long drive, Eman85. To be honest, I'm not sure why I'm so anxious -- my life is so limited now that I can't drive or sit in a chair. I'm forced to lie or simply stand. So its not as if I should be anything but ready, willing, and able to give surgery and rehab my best shot. I think 1.5 years of this pain, fatigue, and rapid disintegration has worn me down. But I have no choice and when that's the case, I need to surrender the fears best I can. Thanks, Eman.

 

[Merrimay]

Wondering if anyone else was diagnosed pre-op with severe bone edema. Hard to tell what additional pain stems from that reality. I live alone and as of a week ago cannot get in and out of a car without searing thigh and groin pain. Two months til surgery and already dependent on friends for groceries. Did anyone else experience this? Very embarrassing to be this "dependent" on others Prior to surgery...

 

[Layla]

I suggest front seat, set all the way back for leg room, and reclined if you're more comfortable that way. Don't forget your seatbelt!

This is what worked for me. My ride home was only about 30-40 minutes, so half of what yours will be and I was perfectly comfortable in the front seat, slightly reclined.

If my ride was as long as yours I'm guessing we would have stopped once about halfway through to get out and stretch and walk for a couple minutes, then get back in and finish the trip home. I know that getting out of the car multiple times may have felt overwhelming to me that day as getting in and out of the car with an injured leg wasn't the easiest / smoothest just after being released for home. It was new, felt awkward and I initially experienced slight anxiety in doing anything new as I protected my hip.

cannot get in and out of a car without searing thigh and groin pain

I dreaded getting out of the car, but not in. I had to manually and slowly lower my leg because if I didn't the pain was excruciating enough that it could make me yelp like a dog! The most awesome thing was the first time I drove post op and got out of the car and it no longer hurt. I wanted to do it again because I couldn't believe that pain was gone. I got teary eyed and gave thanks. I felt so grateful.

As far as groceries I am sure your friends won't mind, but if its making you uncomfortable and feeling dependent, does your local grocery store deliver, or a local Walmart, or Target that has groceries? You'll have the time post op to leisurely create a shopping list Putting them away could take longer initially, but it is possible.

I hope you have a nice day!

 

[Merrimay]

Thank you for such a quick reply! Local groceries do deliver but invariably mess up the order. Everyone complains. I guess I need to suck it up and work with whatever food shows up at my door! Tho my dog loathed the "wrong" chewies they delivered last week...

Any into and out of car with searing thigh and groin pain is really welcome. Two weeks ago I grinned and bore it. Now I cry out like I'm having the leg amputated. People come running and want to call 911, which is the last thing I need. I feel like such a drama queen!

 

[Zoebichon]

I also had great pain while sitting the last year before my surgery. I often ate in the recliner, then spent my down time flat on my back on the sofa, reading.

I had double hip replacement surgery in a hospital, in the orthopedic surgery section, as an outpatient. However, my OS told me a bed would be reserved for me as he did not expect his bilaterals to be discharged same day.

I checked in at noon and they took me back immediately and started the IV, etc. My postop notes say surgery began at 2:15 and ended at five. I did very well and only lost one half of a liter of blood. I was discharged at 8 and home by 9.

The PT, who wheeled me out to our low subcompact Honda Fit looked dismayed and said my car was too low. But I had placed a 5 inch firm foam cushion on the seat, and had the trash bag ready and very easily slid into place. She seemed thrilled!

The ride home was pain free but I was very anxious to get home safely and honestly, I couldn’t imagine eating out! Just before I was discharged, they fed me a turkey sandwich, a yogurt cup and an applesauce cup. I ate it all easily along with ginger ale, which was so delicious as I never drink pop! So I wasn’t hungry.

I was sent home with a wide canvas strap around my waist, like you often see in nursing homes!! It came in handy the first few nights when hubby helped me walk to the bathroom. Just for safety, although I was fine.

My only scare was shortly after getting home, I was sitting at the counter in a high chair with arms, drinking a post surgical recovery protein drink. Then suddenly everything went black and I felt absolutely miserable and felt like I would have fainted if not seated. I was able to walk with hubby’s help to my nest where I lied flat and the horrible dizziness went away. I assume my BP had dropped, but it only happened once. Thankfully!

Outpatient joint replacements have been studied and followed up extensively. There are less infections,and no more complications or readdmissions than for patients who stay overnight. Surgery techniques and protocols have changed. Reading stories on here from 2012, patients were routinely spending several nights in hospital and often sent on to a rehab center. Times have changed and yes, it does save money too.

 

[Merrimay]

Zoebichon, I'm so glad to hear that you did well as an OP! I just purchased a 3-inch flat foam pillow and hope it will make getting in and out of the car easier during these 2 months of pre-op. My car seats are leather so I'm twisting ok. Just can't stand the pain of lifting my left hip to get out and then stand. My OS recommended that I ride on my stationary bike 15 minutes a day, but the thigh motion is unbearable and set off severe inflammation. So my only goal now is to calm down the inflammation enough to get in and out of the car without making things worse. I'll buy a 5-inch pillow because my sedan is low like yours. Thanks very much for your suggestions and details about your experience!

 

[Zoebichon]

When getting out of the car, reverse how you got in. I kept my legs firmly together and slid (with the trash bag still under me) sideways, scooted to the edge, then using the walker, stood up. Since I had both hips done at once, keeping those legs firmly together when getting into and out of the bed and car really helped me. I practiced both for weeks ahead of surgery!

 

[Merrimay]

Legs together! Now that's a good idea. I lift my left leg out (to get out as driver), and then bring right, and I think my swivel is limited, too. One problem is that I have long legs and so have to bend them to get out. My car seat just won't go back far enough. But legs together could really help lessen the groin and thigh pain in the left leg. I'm very inflammed right now, so doing RICE. But as soon as I think things are calmed down enough, I'll give it a try and let you know how it goes. Thank you!

 

[Zorro]

@Merrimay Good attitude with saying "Life is change." You go girl! This perspective will serve you well on this journey. I was startled to realize that I had to sleep on my back the first night at home post-surgery as I have always been a side sleeper. Sleeping on your back is an adjustment, but it can be done. Good for you for "pre-thinking" and 'pre-accepting" this adjustment. This is a small adjustment that others on the BSmart board can also make. Keep up your good work and keep us posted! Your friend, Zorro

 

[Layla]

Tomorrow is your big day...it's finally arrived. All of the planning and pre-op anxiety will soon be behind you and you'll be on your way to a better, pain free life with a shiny new hip.

Please join us on the healing side once you're resting comfortably and feeling up to it. Hope to see you soon.
Best Wishes!
@Merrimay

 

[Merrimay]

Hello all, just a note as I leave for a hotel near the hospital so I can sign in tomorrow at 5:30 am for 7:30 left posterior THR.

I'm quite anxious, which I've learned from you all is to be expected. I'll be in touch when I make it to the post-op side and let you know how I'm doing.

You all have been great. I love bonesmart. Couldn't have gotten to this point without your wisdom, suggestions, and
encouragement!

 

[Woodstockhip]

You'll probably be in recovery by the time I wake up! If you are anything like I was, an eerie sense of calm will come over you once you get to the hospital. It’s a kind of “letting go.” You will be fussed over and kept busy until the “happy juice“ starts flowing and after that, you‘ll be away in lala land. And when you awake, you'll be on the healing side where we will greet you with fireworks, a marching band, and banners. Go get 'em!!

 

[Merrimay]

Layla and Woodstockhip, it's great having you in my corner! Looking forward to that eerie sense of calm, that letting go you describe so well, Woodstockhip. And really looking forward to greeting you all from the Healing Side! xxoo