THR DesertDiva's Recovery Thread

Hang in there @DesertDiva, hopefully things will get better soon. Try giving the scheduler a call first thing in the morning, kind of the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Don't be mean but just try to impress that the pain is really getting to be too much and you need help.

Realize there's not a lot that actually works on that pre op pain but if you haven't already tried ice or gel packs, elevate. If that doesn't work try heat, I know there are some of us that used it. While it didn't necessarily help it gave your mind something else to focus on. A goofy movie, deep breathing, again, something to try to take your mind off the pain. I know it's hard but some things to try, hopefully something helps. Will keep you in my prayers for a quick surgery date. :angel:
 
You are handling so much and doing a great job. I hope you got some news about an actual date from the scheduler today. Surgeons are so bad at knowing their own schedules so should not offer false dates to patients. I am sorry he raised your hopes. Keep posting and getting some of those feelings out. You are not alone, we are here for you though not close by.
 
@DesertDiva

I don't blame you for being overwhelmed ...facing your recovery, dental problems, handling this all on your own and another hip surgery.

This Wed I am facing hip# 2 THR, 6 months after hip#1 THR and I have had difficulty accepting this second THR after such a short time. It sounds like you are too. Feel like I'm going thru the 5 degrees of grief. I was very angry that this happened , really feeling sorry for myself, a lot of crying over everything and finally just over the weekend, I've accepted that this has to be done because I had a horrible week of pain.

Keep "venting" your feelings here. We all will listen and encourage you to just take one day at a time. I actually cross off each day on my calendar to make me feel good.

I check all these posts a few times a day and write responses to keep myself occupied.

I intend to watch movies on Netflix all the time during recovery or HGTV, anything to keep my mind off off myself.
 
Hello @DesertDiva
With any luck you were able to connect with your OS's office today and get a date scheduled. I'm sorry for the pain you're experiencing, especially as you are healing from your Left THR. I can imagine the pain and discomfort you've endured as Lefty is healing and Righty continues to decline.

I purchased a foot scrubber from Amazon on the recommendation of someone on the forum early on in my own recovery. It has suction cups that stick to the bottom of the tub or shower. It works really well. See below.


I hope today feels brighter and your week is a peaceful one!
 
Hi @DesertDiva
You are going through some tough times.
Keep your hopes up...
Everything is going to be okay. :SUNsmile:

Aw thanks @RinTinTin - I just feel like I'm in "limbo" and the added frustration of being in pain through the holidays is not what I would have chosen. Messages like yours help me to know I'm not all alone in this process.
 
@DesertDiva

Thank you for taking the time to respond in the midst of your own pain @ritabell

I don't blame you for being overwhelmed ...facing your recovery, dental problems, handling this all on your own and another hip surgery.

I've always found if I can compartmentalize "issues" and handle them one at a time, I can handle them. However, I find myself depressed and tired these days...

This Wed I am facing hip# 2 THR, 6 months after hip#1 THR and I have had difficulty accepting this second THR after such a short time. It sounds like you are too. Feel like I'm going thru the 5 degrees of grief. I was very angry that this happened , really feeling sorry for myself, a lot of crying over everything and finally just over the weekend, I've accepted that this has to be done because I had a horrible week of pain.

I'm so sorry that you have to have both hips replaced as I wouldn't with that on my "worst enemy." For me, I know the ball is collapsing (AVN) and that's why I'm in pain. I fear a total collapse before I can be scheduled for surgery.

Keep "venting" your feelings here. We all will listen and encourage you to just take one day at a time. I actually cross off each day on my calendar to make me feel good.

I check all these posts a few times a day and write responses to keep myself occupied. I

Thank you so very much for caring and taking the time when you're having pain to respond.

I intend to watch movies on Netflix all the time during recovery or HGTV, anything to keep my mind off off myself.

As for Netflix, I highly recommend "The Crown" with the third season coming on November 17th. 'll be thinking about you on Wednesday for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery...
 
Hang in there @DesertDiva, hopefully things will get better soon. Try giving the scheduler a call first thing in the morning, kind of the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Don't be mean but just try to impress that the pain is really getting to be too much and you need help.

I tried to call today @Elf1 but "no bueno" as the office must have been closed due to Veteran's Day.

Realize there's not a lot that actually works on that pre op pain but if you haven't already tried ice or gel packs, elevate. If that doesn't work try heat, I know there are some of us that used it. While it didn't necessarily help it gave your mind something else to focus on. A goofy movie, deep breathing, again, something to try to take your mind off the pain. I know it's hard but some things to try, hopefully something helps. Will keep you in my prayers for a quick surgery date. :angel:

I've tried just about everything and have been in pain to some degree since mid-March. I try to keep busy and do things around the house and/or outings since I was cleared to drive at six week post op. However, I walk too much and the payback in night-time pain. Thanks for keeping me in your prayers for a quick surgery date.
 
One Week Later...

Today marks my seven week "anniversary" since my left hip replacement and one week since I saw my OS for my six week follow-up (and was told by him "early in December") for my second hip.

I actually waited 1/2 hour to 45 minutes after seeing my OS to see the "surgery scheduler." She spent very little time with me and basically told me I know what to expect after the first hip. It's now been a week without a surgery date. I live in Southern New Mexico and there are basically two hospitals. My hospital is in the process of enlarging and renovating surgical suites. The surgery scheduler told me she would get back to me the next day with an answer, as they're trying to get "surgery time."

Assertive vs. Aggressive

I think I've called twice now (and told that the person I'm trying to reach has 24-48 hours to return my call). I actually drove to the office Friday and now the office manager (who spoke with me) said she'll mark my message as "urgent." Today, I called the joint replacement coordinator (who gives the classes) and told her about my "problem." She promised to contact the surgery coordinator and get back to me. In the way I think a quick phone call to explain the situation and give an update is the right thing to do. Just don't leave me "flapping in the wind."

Trust Me...

Actually, I'm terrified to have a second surgery. However, walking puts me in significant pain and sometimes I awake in the middle of the night. My operative leg is "significantly" longer that the other and I'm walking with a limp. I'm sure the unbalance is causing pain in my knee and lower back, as well as the trauma to the hip ball. The OS says that during the second hip surgery he'll compensate for the leg length.

I know myself and my limits. I'm afraid if too much time passes, it will make returning to surgery more difficult. I feel like I'm totally alone, and no one at the hospital really cares one way or the other. Basically, a few minutes ago I told the joint replacement coordinator that the office needs to manage my pain until they can schedule me or schedule me for the second hip replacement.

Dentist Tomorrow...

I'm going to the dentist tomorrow for a cleaning (have to take antibiotics before) and have a core build-up on the anchor tooth that broke off when my bridge broke and a new zirconia bridge. I saw the old dentist (the one who put the bridge in a year ago) for a recommendation (why did I even bother?) and decided that my current dentist is the one to trust with his treatment plan.

It's ironic that I have severe osteoporosis and worried about dental work and osteocronosis of the jaw because of taking Fosamax years ago (couldn't tolerate it), and was diagnosed with idiopathic AVN which is basically osteocrononsis of the hips.

Thanks for Listening...

I'm so sorry about ranting. However, I just want to be treated like a human being and not a "number on the list." Obviously, it may be too much to ask...
 
You sound very frustrated, deservedly so. I can't believe the surgical coordinator is being so difficult but keep trying. Don't give up. It sounds like you are caught in this hospital renovation which is making things even more difficult than need be. Plead with this joint replacement coordinator if you have to. She seems like the right person to contact. You should be an easy schedule because they already have the info on you. After all, you're not a "new" patient. This isn't too much to ask.

I am also terrified of this second surgery, much more so than the first one, I guess because I didn't know what I was in for. #1. I arrived at the hospital in a stupor with pain. BUT, you have to address the leg discrepancy and limping before it takes a toll on your back and who knows what else. My hip#1 is shorter and it has cause me a lot of difficulty. I don't walk correctly and this is a big concern going for hip#2 which I discussed thoroughly with the OS. You are right that allowing too much time to pass will make the recovery for #2 more difficult especially since you are still recovering from hip# 1. My surgery is tomorrow, 11/13 which is 6 months after hip#1. Right now, I am very nervous and don't know how I will sleep but I have to do this and do you.

I completely understand how you feel. My granddaughter who is 2.5 just called me and said "be Brave, GG" which is what she calls me. I have a mantra that I adopted when I am emotionally challenged which is "I can do this, I can do this.." I keep repeating this over and over again.
 
Hi DesertDiva,
So sorry you are having a difficult time getting scheduled for your second hip. Even in very large metropolitan hospitals they can give you the run around about a surgical date. Like you, I was right there, and told to call tomorrow after I read the 30 page packet. Next day I call, now the doctor is at a conference for more than a week and they will not schedule without him. Then you leave a message a week and a half later and wait to be called.
I am sorry the new hip has not yet settled into a more manageable length.
Just wanted to let you know you are not alone in being frustrated by a surgical coordinator. It happens in densely populated places, too.
I hope you have a better night tonight.
 
So sorry you're still having to deal with pain, leg discrepancy and trying to get that next surgery date.
:angel:
 
Hello @DesertDiva
Hopefully your appointment with the dentist went well and you're not in any pain. With any luck, things are looking a bit brighter for you today.

I feel like I'm totally alone, and no one at the hospital really cares one way or the other.

We're here and we care. I understand it's not the same as having someone to vent to in person, but feel free to come here, lights never go out and there is usually always someone online to engage with.

Basically, a few minutes ago I told the joint replacement coordinator that the office needs to manage my pain until they can schedule me or schedule me for the second hip replacement.

Let's hope your pain from Lefty continues to ease and any pain from your non op hip is tolerable.

Wishing you comfort and a peaceful Thursday.
 
Just checking in to see how you are doing and if that scheduler got back to you.

I had my surgery this morning and for all my worry and tension so far doing well. Relieved is my overwhelming feeling as you willbe.

Sending hugs and positive vibes.
 
Just checking in to see how you are doing and if that scheduler got back to you.

I can't believe you took the time to reply after just having your hip surgery - I hope it all went well. The scheduler finally called with a date of 12/30/19. However, I have an appointment next week to talk to the OS.

I had my surgery this morning and for all my worry and tension so far doing well. Relieved is my overwhelming feeling as you will be.

So very glad to hear you're doing well!

Sending hugs and positive vibes.

Aw, thank you - the very same to you...
 
:what::what::what::what::what: I'm Not Quite Sure What To Do - SUGGESTIONS PLEASE! :what::what::what::what::what:

Preface:
First of all, I spent my career in education in various positions. However, I spent ten years in my school district as an Assistive Technology Specialist for the Special Education Department. The most stressful part of my job was trying to keep peace between two areas - administration (who gave me a limited budget) and parents (who always wanted the "Cadillac" of equipment for their child).

However, I understood both sides and even though often caught in the middle was never disrespectful or rude. I preface this because IMO the orthopedic clinic (which is connected to the hospital) "seems" to be unconcerned regarding my needs as a patient. Even though I use the moniker of "Desert Diva" I don't consider myself "a Diva" and expect special treatment.

However, I "do" expect my interactions to be compassionate and helpful with a genuine concern for my recovery. Needless to say, I'm not getting that "vibe."

The Road to HIp Replacement:
I had spent the winter in my RV in Puerto Penasco, but coming back to the states in mid-March I noticed pain in my groin area that progressively got worse. I didn't worry too much at first, and even took Zumba Gold classes at the Escapees Escapade (and paid for it by increased pain later).

However, when the pain didn't go away I saw my Internist in mid-April who sent me for a hip x-ray (normal) and prescribed Meloxicam (7 mg). When the pain didn't subside and I started walking with my right foot splayed out I called back and he sent me to Physical Therapy.

I actually went to Physical Therapy from May 1st until about August 15th. The PT kept trying different "exercises" with me (she was McKenzie trained), used various heel lifts, did water therapy with ankle weights, but nothing helped and just increased my pain.

Finally, I tried a few sessions with a chiropractor that really increased the pain. I made an appointment with an orthopedic spine specialist (one month to get in) who told me he thought the issue was in my hips and referred me to a physiatrist at the hospital orthopedic facility who was caring and gentle. He ordered an MRI of both hips and diagnosed the AVN. He then referred me to my current OS within the same office.

Hip Replacements:
I actually knew NOTHING about my OS. He's relatively young, but ultra conservative. (He goes by "the book" so to speak.) When you get a diagnosis that you're not prepared for you're somewhat "wary" of the person you're trusting to do your surgery. I had a "classical" posterior approach replacement that was MAKO robotic assisted.

The OS is friendly and always answers my questions, but my gut feeling is that I'm just a number or statistic to him - not a patient or a real person. I suppose that's OK if he's competent, but having a life-time fear of doctors ups the level of my anxiety.

I was born with a condition that isn't life threatening, but the way it has handled (born in the fifties) was much different then than it is today. I had an exploratory surgery at twelve that my parents didn't know how to tell me so they lied. When I was in my early twenties I had a corrective surgery with no family support. Life happens and I don't blame anyone - however, I do take issue when I'm not being treated with courtesy, kindness, and respect.

To be honest, I suppose I'm angry because "this happened to me." I suppose with the added side effect of developing early osteoporosis I stupidly thought I'd get a "pass card" for any added medical drama. Apparently not...

Surgery Coordinator:
OK, I don't like the surgery coordinator. There, I've said it. She "dismisses" me and doesn't answer my phone calls.
She "did" finally call the other day and say that she was offering me a surgery date of 12/30/19. (Happy New Year!) She had previously told me that she was shooting for 12/16/19. However, she scheduled four surgeries on that day and obviously I wasn't one of them. Her "excuse" was that the OS wanted to wait "exactly" three months after the first hip replacement. She also asked how long was my hospital stay as the OS "wouldn't be available" after 12/31/19.

IMO the "three month rule" is total BS, as surgery should be scheduled not on a timetable but on how the actual patient is doing.

Her actual words that really upset me was when I challenged her on not meeting and spending time with me for a surgery date that my "dial-a-ride" was picking me up. I had waited 45 minutes after the OS to speak with her. It's not my fault that the OS hadn't cleared me to drive on my own, but next time I'll take that responsibility into my own hands.

Meeting with the OS Again:

I'm meeting with the OS again next Wednesday (11/20/19) to discuss all of this. The Surgery Scheduler asked if I wanted to meet with the OS and I said "yes." I seriously doubt if it will make a difference in the actual surgery date, but I "am" going to tell him about my concerns. (i.e. - The office sitting on my Dial-A-Ride application for three weeks and not sending it in until I contacted them.) Please - if you have suggestions on what to say and how to approach the conversation, please do. I'm in pain with the right hip more and limping due to leg length. I don't want the hip to totally collapse before surgery (like the left was doing).

Sanity:
I feel "invisible" and that I'm just a "number." My goal isn't only to get through two hip replacements, but to do so with my sanity intact. I'm struggling.

If I'm in pain, I "will" resort to "alternative" pain control if the OS doesn't come through. My "person" that I see for a psychological med check twice a year filled out the form for me in New Mexico and it's good for three years. I've never done anything like that in my life, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Ironically, the hospital "does" require a drug screen pre-surgery. I'll "do what I have to do."
 
I'm so sorry you are in pain, @DesertDiva .
My pain got very severe the last 16 months prior to my BTHR and because the diagnosis was elusive (???), I became anxious, sleepdeprived, distressed and distraught.

Please - if you have suggestions on what to say and how to approach the conversation, please do.
The only thing I can say is to make sure you can get him to look you in the eye and use your own words...
I'm in pain with the right hip more and limping due to leg length. I don't want the hip to totally collapse before surgery (like the left was doing).

I need this done, doctor and I am truly looking for you to find a way to make it happen...sooner than later because I'm sleep deprived, distressed, desperate, and distraught.

If I'm in pain, I "will" resort to "alternative" pain control if this doesn't doesn't come through. My "person" that I see for a psychological med check twice a year filled out the form for me in New Mexico and it's good for three years. I've never done anything like that in my life, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Ironically, the hospital "does" require a drug screen pre-surgery. I'll "do what I have to do."
I know that you see many patients, and this is your " business"...but this is my LIFE...and I need you to help me get it back.
 
My suggestion would be to write out questions or what you want to say ahead of time and take a friend or relative with you to help you advocate for yourself.
 
Thank you @Mojo333 and @Jaime for responding. It's just that this has been such a long process and I feel like a "number" more than a patient or a person at the the orthopedic office connected to the hospital.

December 30th (the current date they gave me) is six weeks from next Monday. In a way that date is actually better because my friend from Mexico who stayed with me for hip #1 will be able to come on January 2nd, and my other friend from Deming will be able to stay with me until then.

It's just that my right leg with the un-operated hip is "significantly" shorter that my left leg, and I think the leg length discrepancy is causing pain while walking to my right knee as well as the groin area hip pain. I have a very pronounced "limp" while walking and I can't see any effect the Meloxicam 15 mg has on the discomfort and pain. I bought an adjustable heel lift that I'm waiting on to be delivered and hope that helps until the surgery.

I'm a little nervous about meeting the OS next week as I don't want to alienate or offend him, but it's important for me not to be "dismissed" and ignored. When the OS prescribed Meloxicam before surgery he said it might help and it might not. I think in retrospect I wanted more of an explanation of what the actual surgery would entail. I was surprised after surgery that I had a two to three inch scar on the side of my waist. When asked, the OS said that was the incision for the MAKO robotic device.

When the surgery scheduler finally called me back and said December 30th (as opposed to "probably" December 16th, she wanted to know how many days I spent post op in the hospital (2, but I was actually freaked out and asked to stay an extra night so it would really have been only 1). The OS wants to know as he won't be "available" after 12/31 for a time. Gee, there are other orthopedic surgeons in that practice.

Also, when I was there for my six week check I told him I was surprised by the minimal pain that I experienced with my hip replacement. His response was that don't expect the right hip will be the same. The OS is patient and answers my questions, but doesn't offer a lot of info unless I ask. I guess I wish his demeanor was a bit more caring...

The bottom line is that if he's going to make me wait he needs to address my pain issues in a compassionate, responsible manner.

OK, I suppose that's enough whining for today.
 
I hate you are so frustrated.
I just looked and saw that agree I put might be confusing.
I agree you should be treated with respect ..not necessarily referring to last line.:heehee:
Try not to let it go around in your head too much.
I want you to have a good day
 

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