Hip Infection On the healing side

[Shine533]

An update on my dad's LTHR (anterior) on 10/1... I'm happy to say he came through the surgery with no complications or problems. He was able to have the spinal + sedation, which is the preferred method for someone my dad's age because of the chance of mental confusion. He woke up clear headed--and surprised he made it through! Overjoyed he was able to stand the first day (not walk yet) with none of that horrid arthritis pain--I think he was worried the operation wouldn't fix that. (We know better!)
The initial euphoria wore off pretty quickly, though, and now the routine of being in the hospital has set in as we wait for his transfer to a PT facility for a few weeks. He's not able to move around on his own just yet. But he's been showing steady improvement working with the hospital PT. Now we just need to work on his mood.
Thanks for the good wishes. Hip surgery IS possible in your 90s!

 

[CricketHip]

Yay! So glad to see your update! Bless his heart, he was glad to wake up after surgery..
Hopefully his mood lifts when he gets to move to the PT facility. Regardless of our age, this surgery definitely has it's highs and lows.
Best wishes for his speedy recovery.

 

[Mojo333]

So glad to hear!!!

 

[Layla]

Great news! I'm happy to hear your dad is doing so well.
Hopefully as he regains strength and moves from transitional care he'll feel more like his old self. What a trooper he is. Please keep us updated, we'd love to follow his progress.
A lovely weekend to you both!
@Shine533

 

[Debru4]

Great update! Sorry he is feeling cranky----but it's perfectly understandable. People his age have been through so much over their lifetimes, and while their spirit and minds remain strong, those darn bodies falling apart have to get discouraging. The pain of a replacement, coupled with changes in routine by having to be in rehab have to be confusing/aggravating, etc. I was in the surgery center less than a day, and at a friend's house for a couple following my surgery, and I was a mess. Not until I got home (and got the pain meds figured out) did I settle in and start doing better. Hopefully he will adjust to the new routines as he starts seeing a pay off from the replacement. It must be challenging for you to try to keep his spirits up, knowing that recovery is not a short term process, but takes time. Hang in there!

 

[Layla]

Stopping by to say Hi and check on your dad.
Wondering how the weekend went and whether he's made it to transitional care, or checked into the PT facility where he's scheduled to spend a couple weeks? Hoping all continues to go well and he's in good spirits.
Would love to follow his progress. It's rather fascinating given his age.
Wishing him only the best!
@Shine533

 

[Shine533]

Thanks for the good wishes, everyone.
Update on my dad: He was transferred to the rehab place yesterday and settled into his room. His first PT was this morning. His mood has not improved. I understand--he's upset because he needs help doing everything from rising from a chair to using the bathroom. He is so used to being independent and is very stubborn, to boot. He just wants to go home but he can't yet (he lives alone). It's been hard on him--and us--but he's working with some good folks at the center, and hopefully they will be able to impress upon him the importance of driving his own recovery so that he can return home. We didn't anticipate the emotional side of the surgery and its aftermath, but I've been told by a social worker I spoke with today at the center that it's very common, especially in elderly folks.

 

[Layla]

Hello @Shine533 Thanks for sharing an update.
Good to hear your dad made it safely to rehab and has settled in.
My heart goes out to him with his frustration in needing assistance when he's fiercely independent. I'm sure it's only temporary and hope he understands that. But when you're in the midst of an undesirable situation it's difficult to feel hopeful and I'm sure that's where he is.

While his mood is unpleasant for him to experience and you to watch as you stand by his side, hopefully as he makes weekly progress his spirits will lighten also. Please stay in touch. We'd love to follow his journey and cheer with you as he makes progress.
Happy Wednesday to you.