Total left hip replacement...Some important questions.

[YoungGuy]

Hello, i am only 20 years old male, 7 days ago i recieved a long awaited LHR.

The reason was due to a major staph infection that went undetected for much to long of time, resulted in much deterioration in my bone and cartalidge. I now had septic hip arthritis.

My surgery was a "sucess", i am 6'2, and 160 pounds (Yeah, scrowny..But fit)
There was no swelling at all, i heard i got quite lucky...just a lot of yellow bruising.

There are a couple questions i have to ask,

#1 (Main concern)

hemoglobin - My HG level was a very low 6.1 They told me 61 (But i see everyone saying in decimals, i do not know if it is different or not) And i recieved a blood transfusion..2 packs to be percise. Then from that i also was very lowered in my Iron, so i also recieved Iron through my IV. I was just allowed to come home today, and although the transition is hard...it is confusing..Because i do not know why i feel much dizziness and headaches when i stand up, and sit down...and minor when i lay down...And the want to not eat. There was also a 6 day wait until i actually made my first BM, and alot of accessive vomitting.

I am not currently taking anymore medications, aside from the Tinzaparin injections i have to give myself every morning to prevent blood clots.

I do not know if this is a very serious matter or it will pass, the doctors say because i am young i will recover from it...But the effects feel quite harsh.

#2 is a physio type question, i am on quite a low bed...it is somewhat of a futon, I am feeling minor pain and i have only been laying down for a couple hours. Is there any suggestions to help take away the pain without resorting to medicine? And yes, i already am using a pillow to supress pain through the leg...I am not allowed to flex my hip more than 90 degree's or cross my feet for 3 months.

Thanks alot, i appreciate the time anyone has tooken to read my story...I tried to not make it to grim! ...Any feedback or answers would be great.

 

[YoungGuy]

No one knows? Please, i have looked on google and every internet source i can find about the HG.

 

[Jamie]

Young, I think your question about the hemoglobin would best be answered by Josephine, the nurse connected with this forum. She is in Great Britain and in a different time zone. She usually checks the posts daily and I believe you may have some information from her by tomorrow. If for some reason she misses your question, ask it again and put something like Question for Josephine in the thread title. She's wonderful and she will be able to discuss the medical aspects of your concerns. The rest of us here are pretty good at providing stories of our experiences and support for everyone when you have a bad day or two. I think you'll be glad to be a part of the group. .....Jamie

 

[YoungGuy]

Jamie, i appreciate your response.

I will let this thread ride for another day or so, if she does not read it then i will take your advice.

Today, not such a good day....Every morning for about 5 days now, even though i feel good in the evening (Well as good as someone can feel) i get the nastiest taste in the back of my mouth, and i dry heave for ten's of minutes....So im just trying to distract myself from the sick pain im getting, for a reason i do not understand i am getting it. :P

 

[Jamie]

Young, you know if you are in this much discomfort, you might want to press your doctor a little more to take a look at you just to be sure everything is all right. It doesn't seem like you should be having this much difficulty. Is there some reason why you don't want to take pain meds? You know, it might be they could help you through this period.....just my humble "unmedical" opinion.

 

[YoungGuy]

Young, you know if you are in this much discomfort, you might want to press your doctor a little more to take a look at you just to be sure everything is all right. It doesn't seem like you should be having this much difficulty. Is there some reason why you don't want to take pain meds? You know, it might be they could help you through this period.....just my humble "unmedical" opinion.

I appreciate it, the thing i do not understand is the fact i am not taking any medication...Yet i am still vommitting and dry heaving with many problems sleeping...I only slept 4 hours last night.

If i was to take pain medication, i only assume my sickness will go up, since they do not react well with my body, it's so bad even gravel makes me puke, and gravel is for the stomach :P.

 

[ano]

I had surgery about a month ago, and my stomach is still not completely right yet. I never had vomiting, and that is something you should call the doctor about. I also did, and slightly still do get a bad taste in my mouth in the mornings. Like you, I felt better in the evenings.

The good news, bad news, is that my appetite is still not like it used to be, which has allowed me to loose some weight.

Anyway, DO try your pain meds. They may help with many of your problems, especially sleep. You can't sleep while you are in pain, and they may help with the stomach upset.