RTHR scheduled for May 5, 2014

[Jaycey]

@moms4tne , please don't get worried about any restrictions. I was very worried pre-op and they really were not that difficult to follow. Ask about that recliner restriction. If you sit reclined correctly you should not violate the 90 degree restriction. Another option for relieving back pain (yes, I too have major back issues) is to put a pillow under your knees when you are sleeping. Takes the pressure off your lower back.

If you have straight back chairs in the house - dining or kitchen table chairs - you will find them more comfortable at first. Low, soft furniture is just impossible to use and stay within restrictions.

 

[moms4tne]

@moms4tne , just wanted to add my welcome, here. The waiting is the worst part, you are among friends who know exactly what you are feeling- which is what makes this forum so helpful to all of us. Hang in there, won't be long now!

This morning when I woke up, for the first time - instead of xx days until my surgery - I thought, three weeks from right now I will already be home again and "on the other side". That really put things in perspective, in a sorta scary way! LOL


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[Jaycey]

Yup, three weeks to a new beginning. No more planning your life around the pain. Scary - yes but we will be here for you every step of the way!

 

[moms4tne]

I've been reading around in the post-op thread - wanting to get some encouragement. Some horror stories, but all in all things go well for most. I hope I will be one of those. After reading one thread about teary outbursts, I just had to warn hubby, "Be prepared! You think menopause was a freight train? Apparently you ain't seen nothin' yet!" Wise as he is, and having endured several surgeries of his own on his knees (as opposed to hips) since he was 17, he assured me he knows just what to expect! Glad I have assurance that he'll stick with me!


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[MsFit1]

We'll be here for each other, @moms4tne ! We're going to land on "the other side" at the same time and we can then together rejoice or commiserate (whatever the case may be)! And there are so many hippies here that will give support and wisdom from their experiences. As far as restrictions go, although I haven't been to the hip replacement class at the hospital yet, I did watch part of it online, and they tell you all about the 90-degree rule and all the other usual restrictions. However, my surgeon told me that I would not have any restrictions. He also said I wouldn't need an elevated toilet seat or reachers, but I'll use a walker for a few weeks. I guess it's best to go along with the surgeon's recommendations.

 

[Vetgirl]

Hi @moms4tne please don't stress too much....this is why the waiting is the worst part.

As for the recliner....my husband hired me one and when I got home it was too low. He simply rang the OT at the hospital and they said to put a pillow on it. And like magic ....it didn't break the restrictions!!!!

As for sleeping on our backs...pretty much all of us don't naturally sleep in our backs...but after surgery you can't move the 'log' leg without difficulty and so it becomes naturally the only way you can sleep....ask for a light sleeping tablet...that can help too especially in hospital.

Restrictions are mainly for the posterior approach and sound difficult but aren't really after the surgery is done...believe us !!!!

Glad your husband is on board...lol

Take a deep breath and we will get you there

 

[moms4tne]

Hi Guys. Thanks so much for the input! I think part of my problem is that I didn't know there were differences in surgical approaches, restrictions after, etc. All of a sudden I feel like I really don't know what's going to happen. I didn't even know that my "pre-op appointment" was going to take 5 1/2 hours and involve a class, etc., and since most of you are in the States and I'm having mine done in Canada, I don't even know if some/any/all of the options and outcomes you describe will be available to me. Even the drugs are different here than at home. Vicodin was wonderful when I had a lump removed from my breast (thankfully benign) back in 2001. They don't have Vicodin in Canada. Anything with codeine (they routinely prescribe hydrocodone here) makes me sick. I can also get oxycodone, but don't want it because my son got addicted to it. I know that doesn't mean I will - it's more that it's just a trigger.

Anyway, in some ways I'm suddenly feeling like this is just happening to me. Typically, I tend to trust that things will just go ok - and I've spent so long waiting to get this far along that I wouldn't dare rock the boat now. But I think Canadians, in general, are just not as inclined to ask the questions and expect the options that we Americans are accustomed to expect. I have received very little info from my surgeon - met him twice. I might end up being unpopular, but I think I'm just going to have to make some calls this week and be a pesky American


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[Jaycey]

@moms4tne take a list of questions and ask them all. I'm the same way - I need to know. There is nothing wrong with having a good conversation with your surgeon. Learning things hear give you the knowledge you need to ask all the questions. You are not pesky - just informed!

 

[Vetgirl]

No harm in asking. all the experts here recommend that you go with a Dr you trust and the procedure he is the expert in.

At least you know what Vicodin is!!! here in Oz we have totally different drugs!!!!

I'm sure it will work out in the end!

 

[teakea66]

@moms4tne Please don't worry about being pesky. You have every right to be informed about what you will be experiencing so ask away. I'm sure your surgeon or someone in the OS office will be happy to answer any questions you have.


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[moms4tne]

I did send an email today to the Patient Navigator with some specific questions. Don't know if she can answer everything, but she's the "go to" resource according to what we were told at the pre-op meeting. So I'll let you know what I find out.


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[Me2]

Pesky Americans can be good. here's hoping you get lots if good answers!


Sheryl from Pittsburgh
LTHR on 4/2/2014
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[Butterfly]

@moms4tne A belated welcome to you. I've been so involved in helping my sister get ready for her hip replacement surgery (she doesn't drive, so I"m the designated driver to all her medical appointments and she's had to have a bunch more pre-op stuff than I did, so I've been out of pocket this last couple weeks. Still not done, have something every day this week!

Anyway, you mentioned a leg length problem -- I've had one all my life and I've had to use a big heel lift, built up shoes, etc. and I just assumed it would be all the rest of my life. It didn't really much interfere with my life and being active and all, but I hated the fact that I was so limited in shoes. BUT, my OS evened up my leg lengths (shortened one a a bit and lengthened the other a bit) while he was at the hip replacement stuff and now, NO lifts. I will be able to wear SANDALS this summer for the first time in my life. And my back problems have improved hugely -- what you said about the stresses on your back, etc. with a leg length discrepancy are so true! I've wondered if the discrepancy contributed to the deterioration of my hips over time.

I don't understand the prohibition you mentioned about recliners. I LIVED in my recliner after my surgeries. Even slept in it for a while. My OS said no problem as long as you can get in and out without violating the 90 degree rule. Mine was a bit too low, so my son made a little platform for it to sit on, and we put a cinder block under the two front corners of the chair so it didn't rock forward when I was trying to get out of it. Worked great! Also, if you aren't getting enough leg elevation in the recliner, put a pillow or one of those leg wedge foam things on the foot rest.

Give me a holler if I can answer any questions. (PS: I had the posterior-lateral approach because my hips were such a mess) You'll be SOO glad you did this for yourself!

Peace and love to you.

 

[moms4tne]

Hey Everybody - Got some info back after my email yesterday to the Patient Navigator at the hospital. First thing: all of their surgeons (including mine) do a "lateral" approach - didn't specify direct-lateral or antero-lateral. I guess I'm okay with that - I didn't really know much about the differences - so if anybody else has had that approach and can offer some "after surgery" info, please fill me in. She also said that I'll have to sleep on my back for at least 4 weeks! I guess I'll be on drugs, so maybe I'll be able to get some sleep in spite of the fact that I have never been able to fall asleep on my back. Any ideas how to keep me on my back - assuming I actually manage to fall asleep that way? As far as my recliner - it's a LaZBoy and I will admit that my knee is higher that my backside when I sit here, and I won't be able to sit down or get up without breaking the 90 degree rule - so I really think this recliner, at least, is out of the question. I am looking into some other options for "loungers" where I might be able to sit and relax, or even sleep without being in bed. We also have some nice patio chairs out on our deck that would work - high back, slightly reclines, swivels for easier access. Not suggesting I can sleep in it, but might be okay for watching TV, etc.

She said the Dr selects the prosthesis that works best for the patient, and he makes the final decision during surgery after they test for best range of motion. She also told me they prescribe hydromorphone for going home - not sure what the US equivalent is, but I can find out - but said that a small dose is usually quite effective for most people, usually 1-2 mg tablets/day.

Physical therapist will come to our home once I'm out of the hospital - it's covered under our healthcare. I'm getting more nervous about all of this.

 

[teakea66]

@moms4tne I'm so happy that you got answers to your questions so quickly. My surgery was posterior-lateral. I did sleep on my back for a few nights but the PT showed me how to put a pillow between my knees and roll onto my non-op side. There are pads you can buy to sit on that will raise you along with raising the recliner on a platform as @Butterfly mentioned. I know everything sounds daunting but it is easier to live with than to imagine beforehand


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[Vetgirl]

Hi @moms4tne I too am glad you got some answers...it does calm you a little knowing things (or I hope it does for you)

I'm still confused about the recliner....is it a manual or electric controlled one? With your knee above your bottom doesn't necessarily break the 90 degree rule if you are laying back. I find as my legs get lifted the chair back goes a little back so as it never breaks the rule. Also a pillow on a chair fixes most issues.

In regards to rolling in your sleep onto your side....in the early days 2 things limit this....the inability to move your 'log' leg without help and ...pain. As your log leg lessens and the pain is easier you can do the pillow between the legs. Oh and when I say pain I really mean discomfort!!!!

The other things you will need is an over toilet aid, shower stool/ chair, a grabber and if you like you can hire a high back chair (like the ones in hospital) and I got this tray trolley which you could push like a walker. I love it. It allows you to get things like a cup of tea or lunch while using it as a mobility aid. Great side table too. Ring your hospital and see if they organise the hire of aids. Mine did and I got everything except the recliner and grabber for $50 for 3 months

Hope that helps

 

[grandma chris]

Hi @moms4tne As you can see I'm in Kelowna. The Red Cross has a great program here that loans you almost all the aids you'll need including a walker, crutches, commode or raised toilet seat, bath bench, side bar for your bed etc. It's free and there is a box for you to make a donation. I expect the Barrie chapter must have something similar? I'm about 10 weeks out and feeling great. I still use a cane because I have a very slight limp without. I was told not to walk with a limp - use my cane until it's better and that's what I'm doing. Restrictions are lifted, I can tie my shoes, cross my legs although I'm a little wary of crossing right over left at the knee. I can touch the floor with my hands. I also have a lateral incision - that's what all the docs do here in Kelowna too. It's good and when I have a bathing suit on, only a couple of inches show (if that matters!). I had my right side done and could lie on my left side within a few days of my surgery. A physiotherapist came to my house and showed me how my husband could place a couple of pillows between my legs and one behind my back. I was able to sleep comfortably on my left side from then on. Last night I slept most of the night on my operated side. I was able to lie on it for a few minutes about 6 weeks out. I was very fortunate to have a really good recovery. I hope you do too!

 

[moms4tne]

Hi Again, Guys. So far I have a wedge cushion and the "frame" that encircles the toilet for help getting up and down. Will buy an elevated toilet seat, and will have to rent an extended bench for getting in and out of the tub/shower. Will also purchase a "grabber" because I know my mom-in-law still uses hers 30+ years after a broken hip replacement. I don't know about a walker yet - we already own both crutches and a cane, so I'm hoping to get away with that. Money's tight and I don't know yet what will or won't be covered at this point. I'm not going to worry too much about a sock aid because I've needed hubby to help me with shoes and socks for several years now. Besides, over the summer I don't wear socks here - way too humid/hot. Honestly, my main concern is a comfortable place to sit and relax, and being able to sleep. I don't do well when I get overtired. And I don't want to be confined to my bed/bedroom. I want to recover as normally as possible. I just keep wondering how ppl who fall and break their hip ( like both my mom and my mom-in-law) adhere to all these required restrictions when there's no prep time. I just want to stay as normal as I can - my life has been limited already for far too long and this seems like it's going to be just more things I can't do. Sorry to be whiney, but I guess that's what this is for. Oh, and I did schedule my last pre-op chiro appt for the Thurs before surgery. Want to be as much in alignment as possible before I'm out of commission for awhile.


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[moms4tne]

@grandma chris Thanks so much for the specific info from BC. I know healthcare is Provincial, but other services like Red Cross (whether in the US or Canada) should be similar. So I will contact them tomorrow. Thank you SO much for the info about side sleeping. Half the time I have to wonder whether these ppl are just cautioning for "worst case scenario" because they're not the surgeon and it's what they're told to say. I think it would be a lot less risky to get settled, like you say, in a side sleep position (I'm also having right hip done) with pillows and such to have a good, sound sleep than to start out on my back and then roll in my sleep to a 50+ yrs familiar position.

I'm going to forget to reply to everything because I can't see any of the other posts whilst replying on my phone, but all of you are amazingly helpful and I can't begin to express my appreciation. Will keep reading for as much info as possible, and help others as I can moving forward. Blessings to all of you.


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[Butterfly]

Like @Vetgirl, I don't understand what you're saying about the recliner. If you mean that your knees are above hips when you are sitting in it without the foot part raised, then that just means the chair is too low. If you put some kind of platform under it (my son made one out of scrap wood) to raise the whole chair up off the floor, then it won't be too low. If it's a rocker also, be sure to put something under the front corners to keep it from rocking forward when you get up, because that rocking forward will also make it too low.

Let me know if this doesn't make sense -- I have a Lazyboy, too, and it worked out just fine with the platform and the blocks under the front corners. The platform doesn't have to be a thing of beauty, just some wood (or even blocks) to raise it up so you don't break the restrictions getting out. You can make it work, and the recliner will be a great help in the early days.