Pushing up date - HSS in NYC anyone?

[toohip]

H @mydog - If he's the best and you feel confident, then that should be good...i called my regular doctor and asked him that question, he told me i am in good hands, so i felt confident with my os, i mean the guy is dept head so isn't a shlub, lol. I didn't wake up during surgery...On the day of surgery, i met the anesthesiologist and asked him about all that...he said, i'd sleep through surgery and they'd wake me up in recovery...the anesthetist had a guy he was sorta training during my surgery, so the two of them were in the operating room as well...I think they're a couple of people there at that time...my OS has a PA and he also had a training doctor...that's all i remember.

 

[toohip]

PS - Glad all went well!

 

[mydog]

Hi Bonesmarties! Thanks for all your replies/help to my questions. I spent xmas with my sister and her partner who will be taking care of me after surgery...and spoke to my other sis who will be there for me during surgery/hospital. We are all on the same page! I have question re post surgery. Should I rent a hospital bed for my sisters or buy a recliner? My sister works from home and I don't want to be too much of a burden to her. I guess I am more concerned with getting up and going to the bathroom in the first two weeks when there seems to be a log leg issue. What would be the easiest in terms of personal mobility? As always...thanks for your help....

 

[susanne]

@mydog. The social worker from the hospital and PT will set you up with what you need: walker, cane ( have the pt measure before you leave hosp ) toilet seat ( it looks like a kids potty) best thing I have. Still using it
You might also need a shower seat
Are you going to rehab after?
As for sleeping ( good luck with that)
You want something high it's easier to get up and down on. Also you might want which I sometimes still use a wedge for your legs. Got mine on Amazon couldn't deal with the pillows. I also bought an ice pack that fits around knee another good investment from Amazon
Good luck if you need anything else pm me I'll give you my phone number
Good luck with everything
Susanne




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[bottomshollow]

@mydog, I would highly recommend buying a recliner over renting a hospital bed. I spent far more time in my recliner than I did in bed. Sleeping normally is almost impossible for several weeks, and I found I was most comfortable in the recliner---did a lot of catnapping there.

You do, however, need the right kind of recliner. Here's a link to our library article regarding this:
Recliner chairs: things you need to know if buying one for your recovery.

 

[toohip]

Hi @mydog - Does your sister have a bed for you? I don't think you'll need a hospital bed...i layed in my bed with a lot of pillows for back of head and leg elevation. I didn't have a recliner, so i really can't comment. It won't be that bad, the log leg (if you get it) lasts about a week or so. You will be able to move, you'll just be achy, tired, etc...but definitely not bed-ridden.

 

[Hoppy Nanny]

I didn't have a hospital bed or re liner (I hadn't found BoneSmart then!). But just used my own bed with pillows and all was great!
I used to get up for toileting & short walks around the block and then back to bed to either sleep or watch telly. I'm sure all will work out well for you. Xxx


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[mydog]

Update - so even though I know I will have to go through pre-op at the hospital I chose, I needed a physical anyway so went to my primary last week. She called today and said everything looked great - with exception for blood pressure, which I knew about. I have been on a very low dose of an older medication that is "cardio" protective and my pressure is now under control at 110/65. I called my OS today to schedule my surgery and am waiting for them to call back. Ideally, I would like the end of Feb. My co-workers know I will be going on leave....truth....they are begging me to go, as they can't stand seeing me like this. I am scared, but also have some excitement/relief that my pain will soon be coming to an end. The past two months have been incredibly difficult for me since I started deteriorating and had scheduled a bathroom renovation! Even though it took me two weeks to clean up the mess, I'm glad I did it as the hot baths at night have helped me to be able to sleep a bit. Once I have a surgery date, I'll plan on trying to do some upper body and leg strengthening as well as try to lose a few more pounds. Question - my os likes his patients to be on vit supplements for 4-6 weeks prior to surgery. I have no problem with this but I believe one of them has iron in it....and I have a terrible reaction to iron - vomit within a few minutes of taking it. Any suggestions?

Tonight I go on Amazon to start to put some of what I will need on my wish list! I'm getting there Bonesmarties! Slowly but surely....

 

[mydog]

Surgery date is 2/27.
It is really hitting me now...before it was surreal. This is Now...

Big family dinner tonight and lots of support.

But I am still so frightened and scared....

 

[mydog]

I go for my pre-op end of the week and as it draws closer, I get more and more nervous. What has made my anxiety so much worse is that a friend of mine passed away after surgery last week. Not only am I devastated that this happened, and while I know her surgery was much riskier than mine, my grief is making me so much more emotional and my anxiety is through the roof. I find myself constantly on the verge of tears - I'm even afraid I'll start crying during one of my pre-op appointments.... Also having a very hard time at work, which has suddenly gotten busy while my commute has gotten longer and my energy because of the worsening pain has diminished. Seriously thinking of telling my boss that I need to work at home or else just quit. Anyone have any ideas to help me put things in perspective? Is my extreme anxiety given the circumstances "normal"...or understandable? I have to have this surgery but feel so on the edge that I'm afraid I will utterly panic and cancel....or not cancel and be a basketcase on my surgery date....which can't be good for my body and recovery.

 

[catdemar]

Take a deep breath... Remember thousands of people get surgery everyday with no issues. I am very sorry to hear about your friend but I'm sure there were underlying issues.
You will be so happy once you are done. I canceled mine twice. But my husband is making me do it this time he wants to see me out of pain and enjoy the things I like to do.
It will be ok. Remember to try to have faith.


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[Redfriz]

I am so very sorry about your friend-
From previous surgeries-I've done both knees-I kept myself busy lining up everything I would needor couldn't do after-haircut, dentist, cat food, pedicure-
I was at hss for both knees and am working with a hip guy there- did you see the pix someone posted of the east river from their hospital room?
I am a couple of months behind you so you have to be my role model! You have to keep me posted so I know what to expect- this is my first hip !
What are you doing for for rehab? In patient? Pt? Did you chat with the social workers on the first floor?
Look for a restaurant near the hospital called the Recovery Room.
Please keep me posted
Do remember that if you are a coffee drinker to bring your own to hss! I usually have coffee at 6 am and didn't get any til 9-I brought instant coffee the second time
-they even have it at Starbucks now-and it made things so much better!
Karen from new York
Rtkr 2/07
Ltkr 2/11

 

[mydog]

Thank you Cat and Karen -

I had my pre-op last Friday and everything seemed to go well. The doc said she would call today if there were any issues. Then, over the weekend, I received a notice that my insurance didn't accept HSS as a facility, and that I would be responsible for those costs. Almost had a heart attack...my leave of absence from work is already schedule and I am working from home because of mobility issues. Really was scared that I would have to start all over. But called up the company and they admitted they made a mistake...WHEW!
Karen - one of my sisters is a doctor so she will be with me during the surgery and then drive me to my other sister (who works at home) after discharge. I am hoping to only stay there 2 weeks and then they will drive me back to my apartment. Trying to get everything done on my list....got my haircut and doing taxes next week. Still have to buy all the "aides" like reacher, toilet seat, etc. I am trying to stay calm....sometime I am terrified when I think of the actual procedure - other times I am more afraid of the recovery - ie recovery not progressing well, medical issues, etc. I just have to keep coming to the forum and reading about other recoveries to tell myself it will all be fine. Thank you bonesmarties!

 

[bottomshollow]

@mydog, you are experiencing the hardest part of the THR process---WAITING for your surgery. Do try to keep busy and do try to think positive thoughts. When you feel the negatives creeping in---STOP---count your blessings and think about all the things you're going to be able to do after recovery.

The surgery itself is the easiest part of the process. They allow you to sleep through it all. When you wake up, it's over and done.

Recovery can be a challenge for the first couple of weeks. However, if you follow the BoneSmart philosophy, you can have the best possible recovery.

Take care and keep us posted. We care.

 

[Redfriz]

My dog
What is your date? I was thinking about you with the snow- I can't believe your problem with the insurance-did you go to the pre-op class at hss? I'm assuming they have one-they do for the knees-I found it pretty helpful-I'm trying to figure out a schedule for me-
Has anyone here gone to inpatient rehab after surgery? In the NYC -westchester area? Suggestions on where to go? Is it necessary? What do you do for physical therapy? How long? How many times a week?
Karen from ny
Ltkr 2/11
Rtkr 2/07

 

[copsham]

@mydog I totally agree with what Bottomhollo said:
The waiting is the worst part - I agree I had to do relaxation/meditation every day to help me survive the wait.
The first two weeks can be a challenge - I agree, at times I felt I would never get better but here I am week 4 and definitely improving day by day. The hardest thing is to go with the flow. As someone on Bonesmart said: The hip decides the pace of your recovery not you!!

@Redfriz - someone of my age called Karen!! The name was very unique in those days. Became "common" 15-20 yrs later! You sound so organised - great. I was to a degree but there kept being the unexpected.
All the best to you both
Karen in UK

 

[mydog]

Hi -

Karen - my date is 2/27. I did think of rehab after surgery but I got nervous re infection. Also, I do have family support and am in good health. And, lots of folks seem to be able to do it on their own.

cop and bottom - yes, you are both right. In my mind, I know it...but I just get so scared when I actually think about what is going to be done to my body. Ironically, since I have been working from home...life has been pretty good. I haven't even had to take aleve for my hip. Still have a limp, but it has lessened. LOL - have been taking this as a reason to cancel. "Hi Boss - let me work from home and I won't have to have surgery"....But, we all know that will come back to bite me on the butt...I mean hip

So yeah...terrified, but know it has to be done. Laughed with my sister today re hospital of special surgery. Reason they have the lowest infection rate in the country....well, they won't even probably let you in the hospital if you are sick....wow...that pre-op!?

 

[mydog]

Recovery can be a challenge for the first couple of weeks.

Bottom -what exactly will be the challenge? Will it be awful? I know about the constipation. I am buying a motorized recliner for sleeping. I guess I thought I would be mostly sleeping....which I happen to love!

 

[alexthecat]

I think the big challenge in early recovery is to resist the urge to do too much. Sleeping through the night may not happen right away but, if you enjoy napping, you'll do great. If I woke up late at night, I would just watch videos or play on the computer until I fell asleep again. I had my laptop on one of those tray tables, so the computer was sort of over my bed.

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[mydog]

Am I missing anything? Did taxes, got haircut, reacher, high cushion, toilet seat riser all sent to my sisters. Have my freezer with enough food when I get back home from sisters. I rented a recliner for her house to sleep on which will be delivered next week and I am dropping off my bag with clothes (sweats, yoga pants, etc) this weekend so that after the hospital I don't have to worry about it. Just ordered a robe for the hospital. Downloaded movies and books onto my kindle....

Why do I feel like I am missing something crucial?