Not the Trailblazer this time – RTHR 30 Sept!

[Jaycey]

I take a blood thinner called Xarelto as I have had two DVT's and a PE.

Xarelto is the blood thinner I had the problem with during my first THR recovery. I was also taking Diclofenac and it REALLY caused me major problems. I kept pointing this issue out to my GP and he waved it off at the time as well. I was so dizzy from the first day. Passed out at about week 4 and had to go for an echocardiogram in week 5. I finally read the patient information leaflet and realised I should not be taking both drugs.

Unfortunately my surgeon's office and indeed the place where I am having my op are really not at all approachable. Numbers they give you to ring with questions are not answered. I spent hours researching where I should call to inquire whether I could take my NSAID up to the day of surgery. In the end, I know it is not right to combine these 2 drugs. If they are silly enough to wave this off post op I will make the decision to do what I think is right.

@Peaches hope you are right my friend. I just want to get this behind me and get on with real life!

 

[Jaycey]

So all my post surgery items are bought or found from the last time. Ice packs in the freezer. Two reachers (one to pick up the one I drop), step and grab for getting in and out of the bath. Netbook and phone all set for login and reporting. Let's see, what's missing. Courage - hmmm, must have misplaced that one somewhere! T-5 days and counting.

 

[Rhonda K]

Know the feeling so well Jaycey, at some point close to my surgery, I just had to turn my mind to other things and try the best I could to occupy myself with thoughts of anything other than what was coming. Didn't work sometimes, but helped some. I love my IPad with it's games and things to read and do. Hope the next days go by fast and a sense of calm will come for you. I was so surprised when I actually calmed down to a certain extent. As you know the best feeling comes when you wake up and feel so relieved it's over and done with. Sending best wishes on Sept. 30th.


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[Jaycey]

@Rhonda K , you are right - keeping busy does help. And yes, I remember how jazzed I was when it was all over.

I just read through my LTHR recover thread. The beauty of recording my recovery on BoneSmart is that you can refer back to what you quickly forget. The good news is that despite being in absolutely horrid condition going into that op, I had a fairly successful recovery. Sure, I have back issues and they will most likely rear their ugly head again. But at 4 weeks out I was doing far more than I remembered. Of course every hip is different. But since my right hip is not in such a bad state I am hoping for the best. Feeling just a tiny bit more positive after reading that!

 

[forbesy]

Hi Jacey

Just checked in to see how everyone was doing. If anyone should know about hip recovery then you should be a Pro [ excuse the pun ]. You have given support to so many you are such a wee angel. Big hugs all the way from Scotland and hope your op is a great success.

Billy xx

 

[Carriemay60]

@Jaycey I agree about logging the recovery - it will be so interesting to compare notes if I get the other one down the road or a revision. In my case with healing my leg at the same time, a second op has to have a smoother recovery than this one so I would imagine it would serve as real boost

 

[LeeApril26]

@Jaycey. I'm sure you know this but just in case: I was told to stop NSAIDS a week before surgery because they are blood thinners. I could take Tylenol or a prescription pain killer up to the day before.
The HR office at you workplace sounds awful-is the company from the States? Sounds like our health care situation, not yours. A surgeon just told a 71 year old friend of mine that she can expect to be back at work two weeks after he BI-lateral THR-anterior incision. I know that it an easier recovery, but really?
Hope this last few days passes quickly.

 

[Jaycey]

@forbesy So nice to see you back here. Thanks for your encouragement Billy!

I was told to stop NSAIDS a week before surgery because they are blood thinners.

Yup, I called the hospital last week and queried this exact issue. They said take my NSAIDS up to the day of surgery. As you will see elsewhere on this thread, I have also queried taking extra blood thinners post op but they are ignorring my questions. I will be asking that this be put in big red letters on my notes as I will not be taking blood thinners with NSAIDS!

 

[Poppet]

Sending all my love and healing vibes your way dearest @Jaycey - I will watch for your first post op update xxx

 

[beachgal]

@Jaycey, we're starting the countdown for your surgery!! I know it's been a dread for you but your time is almost here and the old pain will be gone. You know the drill and how important it is to make your recovery the priority. I'm depending on you to follow all the rules and adhere to the BS mantra.

You have been such a good buddy and helpful to so many of us. Prayers for your calm spirit, an easy surgery, and an uneventful recovery.


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[Hoppy Nanny]

Thinking of you @Jaycey and hoping that hospital of yours gets their act together with the blood thinning issue.....Jesus...it's just not good enough that you have to chase all that up!! (Is it an NHS hospital?)
It must be good to go through your last recovery thread & realise that recovery is not as bad as your mind can have you envisage....it does feel like forever at the time but the reality is different.
Will be thinking of you on Tuesday and wishing you an uneventful surgery and a steady Bonesmartie recovery! You've helped so many of us through our own recovery....let's hope we can all do the same for you....Chrissie xxxx


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[Jaycey]

@Poppet @beachgal thanks you two. I am really hurting today so it's definitely time to get this done. I tried not taking my Naproxen this morning and wow - the back does not like that one bit. But the hospital called today to confirm my surgery time (be there at 10:30, surgery around noon) and the nurse said take the pain med until the morning of my surgery. Had to agree - as I basically can not move without at least my morning dose.

I am a bit relieved about the blood thinners as well. I discussed my bad reaction to them last time and the fact that I did indeed need my back pain meds. She was totally understanding and made a note in my file. I'll discuss this before my op as well.

Now it's just a busy weekend getting things in order and one more work day (from home) on Monday. I keep reminding myself - this time next week I'll be on the other side!

 

[Jaycey]

@Hoppy Nanny yes it's an NHS hospital - centre of excellence in elective orthopaedic procedures supposedly. Don't get me started on the issue of putting every patient through the same treadmill journey. I presented to a room full of surgeons 2 weeks ago on avoiding the "one size fits all" for patients. I know areas are stretched and staff are trying to get as many patients treated as possible. But just waving off things that could indeed be an issues if just dangerous.

 

[Hoppy Nanny]

Good job you know what you are doing @Jaycey....I just worry for those that don't have access to info & BoneSmart!! One thing though....your hospital & the surgeons sound great.........It's the surgeons doing their job...it's the back up crew that let the system down....thinking of you...xxx


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[NoraJ]

Best of luck @Jaycey...I am sorry you've the added pressure of needing to manage your medication issues instead of feeling you're in competent hands.

RTHR May 27th 2014

 

[Jaycey]

Didn't sleep well last night and when I did - major nightmares about waking up during my op. Added this to my list to discuss with the anaesthetist since it did happen during my LTHR.

 

[NoraJ]

Ouch that must have awful for you...Both experiences! I was very clear with my OS and anaesthetist that I did want to know anything about what they were. Thankfully I was well out of it. Surely they can check your records to make sure they alter the drugs or dose. You've had such a battle trying to heard as an individual rather than one of the herd. It does make me feel sorry for those who can't advocate for themselves. It sounds like you definitely can which should avoid any further problems!

RTHR May 27th 2014

 

[beachgal]

@ Jaycey, just a couple more days now and you'll be on your way to a better life! Try not to fret over bad dreams. Just your mind's way of dealing with the pressure. All normal. You've got this!!


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[Jaycey]

@NoraJ waking up was not painful - just a bit unsettling and not something I would want to experience again. I made the mistake of not asking for a sedative pre-op. Certainly will this time!

@beachgal being very tired makes everything a bit harder to deal with. Trying to keep busy and deal with more positive things. Looking forward to getting some sleep once this is all over!

 

[Pumpkin]

Knowing you woke up the last time, I am sure they will not let it happen again.
2 more days and it will be all behind you and you will be on your way to healing.