TeeJay's recovery tale

[SheriALS]

Something for inspiration. I am 3.5 weeks and had a busy day yesterday and most of it was without the use of my cane. I was able to stay upright without any noticeable limping until the end of the day when I got tired. I was sore last night but did my exercises took some anti-inflammatories with my usual meds and I feel better this morning. I felt really strong yesterday and needed that REALLY GOOD DAY to inspire even myself.

Have a GREAT DAY!

Sheri

 

[Josephine]

Well, teejay, that's a wonderful report!And thank you for the kudos - I love kudos!

Good for you, Sheri! That's wonderful!

 

[teejay]

Day 5
First shower! I’ll never take showering for granted again (then again, that is what I promised after being stuck in Sinai desert for two weeks), and the same applies to BM.

I’m still on my 2 10mg Oxycontin, ~ 6 Percocet, ~ 1 Vistaril daily pain control regime. I’m hoping no excuse manifests itself that ratchets that up. At times, I feel like a sailor-in-training on rough seas (Horatio Hornblower comes too mind), but … absolutely no pain! I can feel my thigh, and once in a while the right knee is being hit by a lightning, but that’s about it. The issue of becoming dependent on the meds raises its head at times. I think I’m still quite far from the point of no return, and I trust my wife to keep me safe.

My exercise routine feels good; I’m more supple than yesterday and sense less discomfort. The heel slides and abduction-adductions give me the most feedback.

I made an effort to walk without support again, but failed the test miserably. I sure hope it’s the drugs that make me feel wobbly. I can’t wait to get rid off the walker (which is an excellent invention) to start training my body and mind how to walk properly; I mean, this John Wayne fashion is great but …

I walked about 15 minutes in the backyard, the dogs, cats, and squirrels watching me in silence (I’d pay many pennies for their thoughts). I love walking, did I mention that already? Being on the road again still feels funny, but I’m able to exceed the speed limit of the vehicle; more important, my feet are more or less going to the same direction and it does not feel like I’m a duck anymore. The necessity stay focused on the bio-leg is, in spite of other improvements, obvious. Little by little.

To sum up: the healing continues, pain stays absent, flexibility and the range of motion has increased, and I’m able to do more, faster and longer – that sounds like the Olympic motto. Happy me.

 

[teejay]

I’m proud of you, Sheri. How great it must feel to be back? Walking without cane and not limping, good for you. I’m observing you and other people, and you all give me the strength I need. Your REAL GOOD DAY becomes mine. You made my day.
I wonder if you’d be willing to reveal your current pain med situation?

 

[SheriALS]

It is so interesting to hear about your progress...the concerns about the meds, the adductors, abductors, taking little walks in the yard, wanting to get rid of that walker, feeling like a sailor when those oxycontin waves hit... It is all so similar to my experience. You will just be amazed at how your strength and flexibility increase every day. I remember trying to will my leg to lift up straight off the bed and couldn't do it...next day an inch, next day two, next day six...now no problem...straight up. Abductors and adductors still give me a some challenge.
Today I was able to walk a lot without the cane again and felt so strong, considering what my last few years have been like. I pushed it a bit too far though and will take it a bit easier tomorrow.
While I was crippled I really missed a few things and I am measuring my wellness on the return of those things
tying my own shoe...check
clipping my own toenails...check
having a nice long shower without pain or leaning against the wall...not quite there but close
sitting cross legged...check
taking a walk at the river...my goal is for a nice Christmas day walk

Meds...I was sent home with 10 days worth of oxycontin which were slow release and I took them 2x per day. They also sent me home with Vicodin. I think they gave me this over Percoset because I had been on it pre-op. The problem was I can't take Vicodin at night...keeps me awake. So when the oxy ran out I didn't have anything for night so the PA prescribed another 10 nights of oxy. I would have rather something else but she said if that worked for me that we would go with that. Then when those were almost done I called again and was told no more oxy. Different PA prescribed Tramadol which unfortunately caused me the same problem as the Vicodin. So I called again and he wanted to send me a new script for oxy but I suggested percoset and he said that would be easier to wean me off of than the oxy. I haven't tried that yet but I sure hope it works. I need my sleep. Took my last oxy tonight. Won't have anything for nighttime until I get that new script.
During the day... The PA suggested I try Aleve if I wanted to cut back on my vicodin and so a few times I have taken that in the am and then only needed 1 vicodin around 4pm. Other days I am taking 2 and on a really busy day like yesterday or today I take 3 just to stay on top of it.
The nights are still the hardest to manage which the PA said is typical. I notice when the oxy starts to wane in the night I start whining and then the next wave of oxy hits and I feel better.

Every day just gets better and better.

Sheri

 

[teejay]

Sheri, dear Sheri, I’m absolutely so sorry … no, scratch that, I’m fuming that you need to cope a second without the medications you need – your most favorite bad word here – how dare they play god with your life and health!!! The mere idea that you even have to worry about whether your meds last to next appointment is wrong; to force you to beg for medication and feel like a druggie is plain criminal. What’s next? They operate without anesthesia and commence using hammers again for pain management? I feel so bad, Sheri.
</p>
I do comprehend that hippies are being send home with the amount of meds that last to next appointment, I do, but even that pain management plan should be generous rather than old school. Who cares (that counts) if we are left with few pills of Percocet after all this is over? (BTW, I’m awake because one of my cats wanted to go out and decided the best way to get my attention is to sit on my belly and meow. That was about thirty minutes ago – 01:50 teejay time.

Sheri, I had the same problem with Vicodin (I feel like an addict knowing all these drugs, their effects and doses), could not sleep. And, like you, teejay needs his sleep; without sleep I’m not able to run on all chips.


We are individuals, I give them that, but we are human beings and patients and in pain, and; at times, the pain is mental and they – the bad, bad docs, PAs and RNs – do not appear to comprehend that. Sometimes it is more excruciating to have to worry about the meds than experience the pain the meds are [not] prescribed for.


I’m so sorry, Sheri, that you have to go trough this. I’m extremely happy to realize that you’re a fighter, you possess resilience and character, and you will make it regardless of all the hurdles. They’re messing with a wrong hippie. Never forget that I (and the rest of Mother Hen’s flock) am here for you. Hang in there!


You’re so correct, one of the best aspects of the THR is to read other people’s experiences. It’s interesting that even the most insignificant piece of information in the non-hippie world is gold nugget here. I guess we humans need that reassurance. Thank God for BoneSmart –TGFBS.


My wife is an RN in an ICU, and she has gone through this hip problem with me, but she still does not fully comprehend how does it feel to be able to lift the leg a fraction of an inch more, or get up easier – you (and every other hippie) do.


Like I said earlier, I’m eagerly waiting to read the next chapter of Sheri’s recovery; so, when you’re measuring your wellness and reporting back to us, I’m reaping the benefits of your improvement. It does not matter how many times the Other Siders repeat the same steps, it’s always news to those of us fortunate enough to have found this place. That is how we people operate. Otherwise Josephine and Jamie would have composed one “sticky,” and that would have been it. Consequently, we all need those little crumbs of your daily life, the bad and the good. Thank you for shering (pun intended).


Two weeks ago I was in agony, because I was told that I’d not be able to do most of my daily chores ever again – never again! Here I am reading that another carbon-based life form went through the exact same life-changing surgery three weeks ago and is walking without a cane after clipping her toenails and has plans to sit legs crossed the rest of the night. Life is beautiful.


I feel incredibly foolish whining here about my miserable life when others are coping with an aspirin a day. My apology to all.


Now I’ve been writing for two hours, the cat is still meowing on the other side of my bedroom door, but I feel like closing my eyes and dreaming of a catless life.


Sheri, may the powers that be grant you a pleasant Christmas day walk at the river of your choosing. Have a very merry Monday.

 

[JudyS]

TeeJay i love reading your posts. I'm now in a situation of worrying about pain meds every day. it sucks for sure. I'm waiting for thoracic spine surgery and have been on percocet since my hip replacement last june. I weaned myself off morphine that i had been taking after my thoracic fusion surgery in Jan "09(it did not work , it was actually the discs causing the pain)

Everything about my hip replacement was awesome. My surgeon is the best in many ways and i never even had to ask for pain pills, they were always just offered. he told me it hurt to have your hip replaced!!! Imagine that.

I did overdo at 4 weeks with a lot of walking and my hip told me a lot so be careful there.
Hope you keep up the wonderful recovery and the wonderful posts
judy

 

[teejay]

Judy,
The life is really testing you. You have been cut open so many times; all that pain, worry, medications, dealing with unhelpful people, insurance … God knows what, how do you do it? It takes a special person to endure half you’ve been through.

Let me ask you this, you’ve been on Percocet rather long period of time (in my ignorant world), does the same amount still work for you or have you had to increase the dose to obtain the same effect? In my experience the physicians aspire to decrease rather than increase the dose as we travel to the future, which, obviously would create a problem.

It’s good too know that one can find at least one surgeon worth his salt in SoCal. Your experience reminds me of my first visit to ER for rather agonizing kidney stone. I was crying like a monkey and scared to death because I’d no clue what was going on, except I was about to blow up. The wonderful ER people began giving me all kinds of stuff, but nothing seemed to work. Then the doc came and looked me in the eyes and said, Mr. TeeJay, we’ve got more painkillers than you’ve got pain. The pain disappeared.

Thanks, Judy, for your support.

 

[teejay]

Day 6

Started with my … nope, my wife’s cat sitting one me and meowing to get my attention at 01:50 (military time). I persuaded him to remove himself from my bedroom, but he kept on doing the cat (meow, scratch the door) and I finally gave up, got up, walked down the stairs and let him out. (My wife fell asleep in our guest bedroom and I did not want to wake her up. That poor woman is doing harder time than I.)

I thought it a good idea to take a Percocet to keep the pain management effective, and decided to check who’s online. Sheri had written nice post for me about a niggling issue: pain management or the lack of it. I spent the next two hours composing a response for her. By the time I was finished, I was ready for Mr. Sandman.

I woke up around 08:30, and about the same time I heard the dogs making noises that indicate the Alpha female (that would be my wife of 30 years) had opened her eyes. One can tell a lot what is going on in and around the house just by listening the dogs.

I did not feel particularly awful, just a little dehydrated, and a glass of water took care of that. I learned years ago that water really is the best medicine, and I’m hooked on H2O. My wife prepared a breakfast, and I walked the stairs down, through the living room without any help, and sat at the table. (At times I feel like the bioleg is longer than the original one, but we’ll tackle that issue later.)

I took my meds. We had a conversation with my wife whether it would be better to have a stronger dose of slow release Oxycontin ( 20 mg instead of 10) and fewer Percocets during the day? Any suggestions? I’m definitely fine with the amounts I’m taking now – no pain or other problems – but hypothetically speaking … let’s get the dialogue going.

My goal for the day is to stay comfortable, have a long walk around the neighborhood so everybody has the chance to come out and marvel my new leg and tell me how good I look, and continue to stay comfortable. The rest of the day follows the schedule: exercises, meds, food, BoneSmart, book, etc.

As to the new hip … it generates no pain. I can feel it, though. I feel it’s easier to do everything today than yesterday, either because I’m learning the tricks or my body is functioning better, so no complaints from TeeJay. – Here I had a restroom brake and I generated a nausea. -- I have something to complain about!

I finished my home PT. The ten exercises take about 30 minutes to complete, and there was less discomfort, more flexibility, and no noticeable negative repercussion. I guess I’m on the right track.

Being born stubborn, it is hard for me give myself the time or space I need; thus, I’ve been walking without an aid all day. (Well, almost all day. I had to use the walker to take a quick shower, so that does not count.) My legs feel strong, but I’m still a bit wobbly. I’d not venture for a walk outdoors without the walker, just testing my limits. A week ago I still thought that I’d be lying in my bed watching Godfather trilogy over and over again for two weeks. I had no idea that I’d be up and running (maybe not running) in less than a week. This recovery is very confusing for me.

BTW, I was checking out the Badge of Honor thread last night, and now I’m sure I was never operated. My scar is a little, almost insignificant scratch. No staples – nothing to show. I want my money back!!! If you have not yet explored the thread, I suggest you do. People exhibit scars from 10 inches to at least 50 inches, with a hundred staples minimum – I swear.

My wife is nursing me to the extend that any further invasion of my privacy will lead to divorce. She is behaving like a nursing school student stranded on an island with patient. Come on, she really needs take the temp every hour? Anyways, the tiny incision is clean, as are my lungs, and my pulse and the BP stays okay for moment before it goes to hypertension. No human being is able to eat the amount of food that arrives to my table at regular intervals. Thank God for the dogs.

I had my short walk. My wife insisted on the walker, I preferred my victory tour without. Guess who won? Long story short, everybody was real happy to see walking again, most probably because they had made promises to remove snow from my long driveway. How stupid of me, but now it’s too late.

All in all, not a bad day. Six days from a total hip replacement surgery and I’m walking without an aid, taking showers on my own, no pain, the incision is healing well … happy me.

 

[shugaplum]

Teejay...it is so nice to hear that you're doing such a fabulous job recovering! I love checking your updates and I think your contribution here will be very valuable for any newbie. It certainly is amazing how fast the body can heal and what medical science can do for us. I would never say it outloud at the time but I honestly never thought I'd dance again. Part of my pain was the emotional withdrawal I was going through at losing what I love and trying to accept that. Like you said...the agony is in not being able to perform basic chores and functions. Everyday now I wake up joyful and thankful that I can move the way I do. At nine weeks out I'm functioning better than I did nine months out of my first surgery. And feeling about as good as I did nine years ago! Congratulations and thank you for being so positive and level headed through this. As for being stubborn...I am the same way. I was never on a walker but I HATED that cane. I stopped using it around the house within a week or so. Percoset makes me feel loopy and awful so I stopped all narcotics within 24 hours of being home and insisted that Tylenol was enough for me. Us stobborn folk can certainly accomplish a lot can't we? So enjoy the fact that you can afford to be stubborn because that new hip is just so darn good (as long as you don't overpush!)! Best of luck as you continue in your progress!

 

[teejay]

I slept there for 2.5 hours and woke up to an aching thigh pain. All that walking is demanding its dues - on the pain scale a mere 3. Well, that’s what the pain meds are for.

shugaplum,

thank you for your kind words, means a lot to me coming from you. Is there a better way to spend a day than telling a fellow human being s/he'll be okay?

I’m sitting here and thinking how hard the reality of not being able to accomplish even the basic daily tasks ever again affected me, so I can imagine how hard the never-again tsunami hit you. I’m so exited that this time the information was wrong, and both you and I got a new lease on life - I thanks to you and BoneSmart.

I’ve met plenty of dancers, and I know how hard you guys push yourself every day. To grab that away is a horrible idea. I’m so pleased to see you fly again, whole life ahead of you, the universe to conquer.

I’ve been looking at my tiny scar wondering how did my surgeon manage to assemble the spare parts in that space. The modern medicine is spectacular. He will get a hug from me at the post-op appointment, I’ll just enlighten him it’s a special custom of some faraway country.

You stopped taking Percocet in 24 hours! – five minutes pass – I’m speechless. I’m aiming at tapering my meds off as fast as I can, but cold turkey, that I can’t do. As I have mentioned before, I have this problem of high tolerance for painkillers; Tylenol would not do it for me. I did manage to drop one Percocet today, to make it more impressive: I reduced my Percocet dose by 17 %. I also happen to believe in Josephine’s pain/time chart that proves a patient is better off taking his/her meds regardless of the current pain level.

Let me get this straight, shugaplum, you quit your meds in 24 hours, skipped the walker, and are back in dancing? If I were a THR related business, I’d grab you for a spokeswoman.

I’ve been rather active person all my life, trying everything fun under the sun. I had to quit a sport I loved two years ago due to knee pain (yup, my pain was in the knee and lower leg, not in the hip). I’ve been dreaming of all the things I’d start doing again.

What a wonderful world.

Thank you for being there for us all, shugaplum. Have a nice week.

 

[Josephine]

Shuga, I'm afraid I'm far too chicken to try anything like that. I both admire you guys that do and shake my head in dismay!

teejay, you're doing so well. Just take you time. You'll get your life back in full eventually. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise.

 

[teejay]

Josephine,

I’m not going to start doing anything stupid – I can’t, because every time I have a dialogue with myself about the issues, this blue limping teddy bear appears and takes me gently back to reality.

I’m actually rather confused about this recovery thing, because my reality does not match with the picture I painted prior to entering the Other Side. The fault lies within myself, naturally, but it would be nice to have set parameters, which is impossible due to people being different. I just have to navigate the unknown seas of the Other Side and wait for the next turn of events. I can’t wait to turn the page …

I promised to shugaplum (how sweet name is that!!) that I’d be very positive, and I’ll make you the promise that I’ll take my time and avoid anything resembling impetuous. I’ll continue to ask questions, though.

My schedule for the 1 week out celebration is rather busy: INR blood work, Krispy Kreme donuts for the Joint Replacement floor RNs (I’m planning to walk in without an aid), first walk in the park with my dogs, followed by the regular daily programming. Life is good.

I for one appreciate your efforts to keep us all in the safe zone.

 

[teejay]

I tried to edit my previous post, but the machine told me I have think faster. Well, I can't. 15 minutes is not enough for my brain to compose coherent posts.

</p>I wanted to add: Why is this confusing? It’s confusing because some people are still using crutches 2 to 3 months out, and I’m walking without any aid in 5 days. This is not natural. I'm afraid I'm doing something wrong here.

 

[Texas]

Teejay how funny i thought the same thing with my knee oh im 42 2 active kids i will be up in no time...lol...oh boy.......i thought something was wrong with me.......I know knees are a lil more complicated but we all go thru the same pain and recovery...it floored me.....I have learned to go with it.do what i can...and i know ill look back at this is a yr and think this was a god thing i did especially when m out there throwing the football with my kids............) take it easy i think your doing well..........Patients was not my best either............)

 

[SheriALS]

There are just so many factors to the recovery time...age, health, attitude, procedure done, damage to other body parts pre-op, proper pain management, rest...I'm sure among other things. I think it is great that you are where you are at & you will know if you've done too much and then you will rest (or your wife will tie you down to rest)

I was more confused by the emotions & grief I experienced...for what I lost...bone...and the activities and life I lost for years pre-op...for how patient and caring my family has been...mad at myself for not doing something about this sooner when I KNEW something more serious than pulled muscles was going on...the meds probably contributed but I just felt like I needed to spend some time in mourning. Others have not been able to understand this as much. I think they see that 'everything is all better now' but for me every day is still such a process emotionally and physically.

Oh and the Percoset worked pretty good last night. Took it with a couple of Advils and slept quite well. We had a big wind storm so that kept me nervously awake for a while but once I dropped off I was good. No itchies, no insomnia. A little whining but tolerable. Now I can safely go away this weekend with friends.

Have a great day!
Sheri

 

[shugaplum]

Now to clarify!...it was 24 hours after I got home so there was a good 4 days that I was on heavy medication. I just hate being medicated and I think that overrided the need for the meds in my brain! I don't sleep well on percoset and it makes me incredibly loopy. The tylenol worked pretty well as long as I stayed exactly on schedule. I also did what you're doing...try taking one less for a few days...then reduce it a little more. I think I was off Tylenol completely around 4 or 5 weeks. I now only take it occasionally when I work long hours and my body is sore.
They had me on a walker the few 2 days in the hospital until I was functioning well enough to use the cane back and forth to the bathroom. At that point it was nothing but cane.
It truly is miraculous how well the body can heal. I wonder too sometimes how the heck they managed to replace my hip through that one little incision. And I love to tell people I had it done 9 weeks ago. You should see their faces! I'm so young and I look as if I never had a problem walking. I wish I really could be a spokesperson for this surgery so people could see that its not just for the very elderly. Lots of people of all ages have this surgery done and it changes their lives. So many people think that it is this major major surgery...which it is but not to the extent that its overwhelming, dangerous, and with fair results. It is an incredible procedure that immediately relieves pain, quickly has you walking, and has results that forever change your life for the better.

I'm so glad you are doing well...just keep plugging along and staying positive. You have a wonderful support network between of us here and your amazing wife at home. You will feel 150% in no time!

 

[teejay]

Day 7 – One Week

My wife and I had a trip. Because I’m on Coumadin, they need to draw blood twice a week. At the lab we stumbled upon my primary physician, and my wife began demanding exams and test of all sorts. I tried to show off him my new hip and tap danced a little, but wife interrupted and wanted to have a UA done (for the UTI), so the only audience was an old sailor having his blood drawn. He did not applaud, but smiled for some odd reason.

From the lab I walked a several hundred feet tunnel to the hospital; we dropped the prescriptions off and continued to the Joint Replacement unit. I walked to the front desk (this is without an aid) and the RN finally glanced at me, and I smiled. I took her for a second there to recognized me. While she was trying to figure out what to say, I told her, “Thank you.” It was quite an emotional moment. She uttered something about getting the other nurses and began moving towards the other end of the floor, and I followed her. My wife stayed behind and talked with another RN that was not part of the crew taking care of me.

When I approached the other station, nurses came out of rooms and they kind of stopped in their tracks. Lots of hugs, smiles, tears and words followed. They could not believe their eyes, so I had to dance with one RN to prove I’m not a mirage. I’d hard time to keep my emotions in check, thus I thanked them again and said, “You did this.”

On the way back, my wife told me laughing that the nurse she’d stayed behind with had asked which one of us had the surgery done.

I think that excursion was enough exercise for today. The leg does not seem to mind about the sudden trip back to the assembly line. I managed to drop 1 Percocet from the daily schedule today, so I’m hoping my luck does not run out.

Compared to yesterday, my hip and the leg feel and stretch better. The pain, I’d reckon the same even with this extra activity: 2. My wife listened my lungs, took the BP, etc. and told me I’m a healthy man; so much for a three-month 24-hour private care. Tomorrow, I’m certain, she’ll start to insinuate I’d start working again.

 

[teejay]

TX,

I reckon the best thing is to take it easy, but that’s easier said than done – at least with me. I read way too much and my little brain generates questions like a monkey on crack. I need to stop feeding the beast. Thank you for your support, Kim. Two kids, knee replacement and football, there is a combination.


Sheri,

I’m not a very good listener, I must confess. I know the facts: no restrictions on weight bearing, keep the 90 degrees mind, the sky is the limit but pain might follow. Then I read another Other Sider telling how s/he is still on crutches 3 months out, and my mind begins to wonder all kinds of imaginable odds. I distinctly recall reading that it takes about three months for the bone to form around the implant to secure it in position. I’m 7 days post op and walking, and my mind is posing the question: You really think it’s safe for you to walk in 7 days when it takes others three weeks or more - buddy?

Yes, my PT told me that pain is the limit. Today the lady that runs the hip unit told me that as long as feel comfortable without a walker, go for it. I’m thinking too much.

We all must travel our own paths. We make decisions and have to pay the consequences. It is so easy to say, “Everything is better now,” and not to recognize your other needs. I had a friend once upon a time, who always responded to my “problems’ with “who cares in a hundred years.” Perspective is what we all need in this experiment people call the life.

Good to hear that you got some sleep. Those storms can keep a fellow up, no question. I’m so happy to hear that you’ve got plans for the weekend with friends. That sounds like your world is returning to the normal after some hip-generated upheaval. Good for you.


shugaplum,

Don’t worry; I deciphered you post correctly the first time. Still, 24 hours after returning to home, you got spirits, young lady. You made it with your plan; nobody can question your decisions. Good for you. I think Josephine was worried that someone reading our dialogue could potentially come to the wrong conclusion and throw the meds away. You did it your way and that is one of the many stories of the BoneSmart collection, a very good one, though.

As to the walker, I’d the walker with me at the clinic and the hospital, but I walked on my own. I’m going to follow your lead and go with the cane (have to find one first).

I hear you, I just this morning told my wife that nobody, eight years training of not, is able to exchange the parts through that tiny scratch in my hip.

Shugaplum, you’re an excellent spokeswoman for this surgery. You’ll meet thousand upon thousands of people during your long life and there is your audience. They in turn tell others. Do not underestimate your influence. You want to start faster? Make a fifteen second YouTube video: “Hi, my name is shugaplum, and I just had a total hip replacement surgery done.” Then you just slowly lift your foot to the ceiling. I’m certain you have plenty of friends, co-workers or relatives around that know the technical stuff to make the video happen if you don’t. Hundreds of thousands could see it, even the manufacturers of the spare parts. You need to promise me that when you become famous, you’ll still be one of us.

Thank you again for being there for me.

 

[shugaplum]

The video idea is an excellent one! I'm actually going to choreograph something to perform at the competitions my kids compete at that is a recording of my voice telling my story.

I also have a coworker who now has an appointment with my surgeon. She has been in a lot of pain and needs a THR but was unsure. Seeing how well I'm doing has convinced her that she too wants her life back.

Famous or not...I am always a member of the Bonesmart family. Your kind words touch my heart and I look forward to seeing how well your progress is going.