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THS on Moday--I'm already so weak and tired from the arthritis--NEED HOPE!

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pkuznets

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Hi, Hippie-Hipsters,
It's Patrikya again...I've been in such radical pain in my right hip that I can't sleep in ANY position or sit or stand or anything without the kind of pain that just about makes me blackout. Plus, I'm a stress non-eater...have lost over 20 pounds in a year from muscle atrophy and plain old lack of appetite. I'm really weak emotionally and especially physically. Now that winter has arrived (if you can call it that here in California near the coast), and the flus and colds are circulating, I conjoured up a whole new set of worries for the next few days--namely, WHAT IF I'M TOO WEAK TO RECOVER or WHAT IF I COME DOWN WITH THE FLU IN THE NEXT DAY OR SO??? Postponing my surgery would mean postponing it until summer :shk:, and that would be the worst news I could ever hear in my life right now!

Am I just getting sucked into the pre-surgery blues? I've been so excited and "up" for the procedure...until this a.m. Greeting yet another day in absolute agony is so depressing! My docs have been very frugal with pain meds over the months as they insisted two things: A) we need the narcotic meds for break-through pain after the surgery and (B) don't want an addiction to occur. So....I've been "allowed" 2 vicodin 5/500 per day, which I snap in half and take 4 times a day (vicodin seems to keep me awake at night). Also, tramadol and gabapentin at night (the duo from which I can't see ANY relief). This past week, my docs took me off of the ibuprofen as well.

I'm so SO worn-down from pain and lack of sleep; will I "rally" after the surgery with some new-found energy? I know a positive attitude is imperative to a solid recovery, but I'm wearing thin in every respect.:sigh:

Please, hippies or knee-peeps, were any of you feeling pre-surgery the way I feel right now? Is is "normal" to feel uniquely wiped-out from the arthritis pain and lack of sleep? Did any of you LOSE weight rather than gain it during your radical decline just prior to surgery?

I'm sorry to sound like a repetitive downer of a person--I'm normally such a can-do person that even the feelings of a quitter make me start to cry and wonder how I will make it through the next month or so. I cry because I'm so frustrated and helpless feeling. I'm not usually a fussy wimp! :rant: HELP!

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom or inspiration....
Patrikya in California
 
Patrikya, hon....I'm so sorry to hear about all the pain and general discomfort you are in. I'm sending you a ((((HUG)))) although I'm sure that isn't going to instantly make things better.

I think you are worrying needlessly about the chance of getting a cold or flu between now and Monday. For one thing, you don't feel well and your chances of going somewhere to be infected are probably pretty slim. Do continue to practice hand washing though.....just in case.

But I am concerned about your pain. Geeze, these doctors!!! Call the office today and tell them you are not sleeping at all because of the pain. You need to be able to take something more than your current meds. If that doesn't work, call your primary doctor and ask for some help. You're not asking for the world....just something to get you through the next 3 days. Also ask if you can take Benedryl to help you sleep at night.

Part of the problem may be the requirement by your surgeon to get off all meds before surgery. But you need to stress to them that your extreme pain is causing you to not eat and lose weight, not move around, and in general is resulting in a weakened condition that is not what they want with you heading to surgery Monday.

I pray that you can get some relief. It's no wonder that you are feeling depressed and helpless. Pain can certainly do that to you.

The good news is that you WILL rally after surgery. You will feel better, I promise.
 
Hi Patrikya,
Just think about it, soon all that pain will be gone, it just takes the surgeons about an hour and half to rid you of all that agony.I have 4 weeks to go and I can't wait, you will be fine. Take care.
Ronnie
 
Thank you! Thank you! I am feeling better just knowing I WILL RALLY! I've never in my life dealt with pain of this caliber and duration--it's the most draining experience of my life! I was able to get some Ambien for sleep for the 3 nights prior to my hip replacement...just knowing I will be able to get some rest makes me feel less helpless and less like a victim.

I am both looking forward to my surgery AND scared to death...thinking, oh geez, I'm actually going to have my OS cut into me and put in a prosthesis--am I insane? On the other hand, NOT getting this surgery leaves me speechless and hopeless at once. I keep reading the success stories and marveling at the Other Side...wow! I think dealing with pain, sleeplessness, and extreme weight loss has weakened my spirit. But NOT wallowing in the problem and focusing on the solution has reminded me of the resilience of we human beings and of the miracles of modern medicine!

I'll be sure to post my experiences regarding the lead-up to "the Big Day" as well as milestones of my recovery and rehabilitation. I'm truly thankful for this forum as the members have so generously shared, asked questions, and screamed out for help.

Please know that each post on this forum makes me feel less alone....
Patrikya
 
So glad you are feeling better. How smart of you to CHOOSE to focus on the positive aspects of your upcoming surgery rather than worry about possible negatives.

You are definitely NOT alone. You'll have all your BoneSmartie friends right with you as you prep and head into surgery. We go along (virtually, of course) to hold your hand and make sure the staff knows they must take good care of you.
 
Pat, I've been working in joint replacement for 50 years! Imagine that - 50 years! Before that, people had no solution. They just had to bear the agony for the rest of their lives. My Nan had arthritic knees and was always in agony. Looking back, how I wish I had been more sympathetic but who knew?

Over the years I must have assisted in several thousand hip and knee replacements! And I was in at the beginning! I know that the surgeon who started all this, Ken McKee, had a passion to give people relief from the pain of arthritis and he succeeded! It's a wonderfully successful operation which has been honed and improved over the years to the state of the art excellence it is now. Along with it, the art of anaesthesia so people have a good experience there as well.

You are going to be the recipient of all that research, study and practice. Think on that!
 
Patrikya,
Praying that you will have a restful, hopeful, peaceful weekend with sleep before your surgery on Monday. I had a moment of panic as I looked ahead on my work calender today and was startled by the big "Surgery" word I written on my Dec. 8th date...It does hit you fresh all over again...But we are going to feel so much better when this is over. Most of the time I'm feel relieved and excited that help is on the way...the weekend before the surgery may be a different story. Keep visiting bonesmart...encouragement is all over the place and in about every post!
Betsy "Tweety"
 
Hi ther welcome im a knee but i wish you the best the people here are amazing........take care of yourself..........
 
Welcome Pat! This is one surgery where you will find immediate relief as soon as you wake up from your surgery! It really is so exciting! You will do fine!!! Can't wait to hear from you once you're on the "other side!" Good luck! And think positive!!!:wink:
 
Well one day is pretty much over. I'm in ca. too and so tired I'm ready for bed. Hip replacement is such a successful surgery, you will be so happy you did this. My hip surgeon gave me meds for the time before surgery so i could still do things pain free or at least reduced.
Don't let those docs skimp on pain meds anymore. Especially after surgery. You will be ok. we've all been where you are.
I'm having back surgery in 2 weeks and may be in your situation worrying soon.
I'll be glad to read your first post after surgery. You will be amazed at how much better you feel
judy
 
Patrikya
Two more days and your pain is gone. Once you get to the hospital, your ride will be on and the wonderful nurses and doctors will take care of you. There is a moment you fell asleep and the next thing you will be aware of is waking up. What happened in between, you’ll have no idea.

I’m almost three weeks out and do not feel my new bio-hip. If I had no scar (close to 4 inches) and were shown an X-ray (most probably a forgery), I’d not have any evidence that I’d undergone a surgery, except the limp is gone.

Everybody experiences a little discomfort after the surgery, but that is nothing compared to the pain before. The surgery is a good thing.

My surgery was the anterior approach and I was walking the next morning. I do not know how typical my experience is, but it is one possible outcome. At two weeks I was able to do almost everything sans putting the right foot sock on. I’m walking an hour a day without an aid of any kind, am awake for 14 hours, and I’ve tapered off my painkillers to one half. I’m still hesitant to bend over 90 degrees, but that’s about it. In fact, I’m worried because I tend to forget the surgery. I’m planning to start working on Monday (three weeks out), but only a few hours a day.

The surgeons are performing about 200,000 THRs annually. Most of the people never feel any need to visit the BoneSmart. The THR is just one experience in this phenomenon we call life - no biggie. Those that are fortunate enough to find BS, find answers to their questions and are able to put their mind at ease. It is very rare to meet a fellow traveler with bad THR experience.

The only advice I’d offer to you is that you need to take care of proper pain management. The hospital must provide you with sufficient amount of painkillers – do not take no for an answer. You do not have to experience pain at all!!! More important, make sure that you’ll be discharged with enough pain medications. Do whatever it takes to get them; you don’t have to use them, but be sure to obtain more than you think you need. It is not a pleasant experience to run out of meds during a weekend, or even for one night. The hospital usually starts with the lowest dose you accept. If I comprehend your posts correctly, your surgeon is already trying to wean you off of the meds and the surgery is still in the future. That is not the way to go.

Josephine has written excellent posts on the importance of pain management in the successful recovery. Be sure to find and read those. I’d say that the most important part of your recovery is the pain management. Do not be fooled by those who go cold turkey a week after the surgery. Good for them, we all are different. The operation is a major attack on your body and it will take months to recover fully. It is of utmost importance to take the necessary painkillers in the beginning (and during) of the recovery to get rid of them later. This is not the place to act like a wonder woman. For that you need enough pain meds. You will not become addicted to pain killers.

I’m quite certain you’ll find this site a great support after you become one of us - People of the Other Side. We (well, they) are a great bunch of knowledgeable and supportive people. In the mean while, feel free to ask questions, vent frustrations and read, read, read.


I wish you a peaceful weekend and all the best to your life-changing THR
 
Patrikya,
Well tomorrow is going to be a great day for you. I agree with TeeJay on the pain management being the most important after surgery. I had an awesome surgeon and never had a problem with pain management. He actually came and visited me the morning after my spine surgery and got the pain meds to get there quicker as the original amount was not enough.
But make sure they get the proper amount to help to you. When i was not moving off the bed, i had no pain at all.

I tell everyone that your leg will weigh 10,000 pounds when you wake up. You will need help moving it. I had a posterior incision. I'm not sure if it weighs that much with an anterior.

TAke those pain meds on time with stool softeners and you'll be just fine.
judy
 
Hi, everyone...I've done about all I could get done today--laundry, moving rugs, placing my much-needed items at easy reaching distance--you know the drill! I have had a very peaceful day--almost as though I'm resigned now to let the process happen since I believe my OS and his team will take very good care of me. I have help for a few days once I return home from my mom, who has "nursed" my dad through two hip replacements--the most recent one only 2 years ago. Both of them have been nothing but positive about the whole adventure.

I guess I just "used up" my quota of insane worrying, and I've actually felt incredibly at ease this evening and am excited about waking up after tomorrow's surgery without that agonizing arthritis pain that has greeted me regularly for many years. I'm feeling positive about my part in the recovery--that I will actually be healing and gaining strength and freedom rather than merely "gutting out" another dang day.

I agree that a positive can-do attitude is essential to healing. so I spent a good deal of thought centered on gratefulness and my own drive to help myself recover. I follow instructions well and won't be afraid to ask questions. You all have really convinced me that MY pain issues are something I can partially control by being persistent when I need more relief. I am a believer in the science behind pain management and feel pretty confident about speaking up should relief seem inadequate. It's better to stay ahead of the pain than to try and chase it,right?
All in all, the confidence and pure excitement I've derived from reading so many posts on this fantastic site have helped me arrive at a calm mind and a ready body. My new life will begin in less than 12 hours!!!

Please watch for my post as I will get onto my laptop as soon as I'm able. Again, thank you all for your caring, sharing hearts...soon,I will be on TheOtherSide!
Love to all,
Patrikya
 
Patrikya,
I'm up early with pain. Thought I would check out bonesmart again. So glad to see your posative post anticipating the future on the other side. We will watch for more updates from you when the surgery is done. I'll be in your position by next Tuesday!! Good thoughts and prayers coming your way!
Betsy "Tweety"
 
Thinking of you Pat! Can't wait to hear from you "on the other side!". ((:0)
 
I guess I just "used up" my quota of insane worrying

That's a great way to summarise it! Good on ya, girl. All will be well.
 
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