Unable to STAND OR WALK NOW!! Will this change after THR?

[GINGER]

I tried getting out of bed today and could barely standup much less walk any. I have pretty much lost the use of my legs. I can still move my feet if I am sitting, but can't move or lift them to walk. It was a good thing I had two people here to help me back in bed today. I called my doctors and they all referred me to my primary doctor who told me to go to emergency room if I couldn't come in to his office. There is no way I can get down the four steps to get out of the house, much less raise my legs to get in car in order to go to his office or the emergency room.

Has anyone been IN this bad of shape before they had their THR?? Everyone here at my home wants me to call 911, but I am not sure they would consider this an emergency and keep me there and help me like I would want too or just send me home because they already know whats wrong with me. I feel so weak in my legs and back I can't evev sit up on the side of the bed very long. I am so upset I don't know what to do.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated!!
GINGER

 

[Josephine]

Yes, my sister was in that state before both of her knees. On one occasion, she was in so much pain, she wasn't able to talk to anyone or make much sense. Her son called their doctor who called an ambulance to take her into respite care for the weekend!

Fortunately the nurse in charge of the respite home realised she needed medical care (they had no doctor) and sent the ambulance on to the hospital where they gave her pain killers and then a morphine pump. She had her previousy scheduled arthroscopy a couple of days later but was only marginally better so she had to resign herself to a wheelchair until she got her second TKR. The same scenario can occur with hips as well, of course.

Sounds to me like your hip has locked and that is going to render you pretty much helpless. My suggestion is that you call your doctor back and tell him you not only house bound but also bed bound. Under the circumstances, I do think you should ring 911 for an ambulance as it's an emergency in that a) you are incapable of looking after yourself and b) your doctor has told you to.

 

[JudyS]

Ginger,
If you haven't already, please call 911. Then let us know what is going on. When is your surgery scheduled for?
Judy

 

[jessie]

Hey Ginger, I AM a paramedic and please call 911 if you haven't already. Anyone at the ER who receives you will understand that hip replacement and home do not go together if you cannot care for yourself. Don't be afraid of putting someone on an ambulance "out" or not getting appropriate care in the ED. This was not in the game plan. The ER will contact your physician and together will take appropriate measures. Also please check your temperature. I hope that the next time we hear from you, that you will report on how your ER visit went.

Be aggressive with your healthcare team. (That does not mean to be mean to them unless you feel the need). It's your life and life-style, not theirs. Go get 'em girlfriend!!!

 

[Josephine]

I'm getting concerned now - she was logged on yesterday and we haven't heard from her. Ginger, please come and tell us how you are ...

 

[GINGER]

Sorry. I didn't update earlier. I still am at home, bed-ridden and unable to stand or walk. I am planning to go to the emergency room but I want to get everything arranged before I go so I will be admitted. Right now my sister who is a state certifed nurse's aide has been taking care of me.

The reason that I hesitate going to the emergency room is because a little over a year ago I passed out and 911 was called, They were great--they were able to wake me and took me to the ER, where it was determined that I passed out because of very low blood pressure and dehydration. They took EKG, x-rays and were able to raise blood pressure with IVs. After a few hours they released me. I begged them to admit me because I couldn't stand or walk. They did not believe my being unable to walk or stand constituted an emergency considering my arthritis and offered me a taxi voucher if I didn't have a ride home. When I told them I didn't have a problem getting a ride, the problem was I couldn't walk to get in or out of car. Instead they called an ambulance to take me home. In the end, I didn't feel any better and had to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket because the ambulace they called to take me home was not in my insurer's network. This time I plan to make sure they keep me before I go.

Thanks for your caring and understanding. Ginger

 

[Josephine]

Well, so long as you are being looked after - it's good to know that. And I can fully understand your reservations about what the hospital will decide.

I see one problem though - if you leave this too long, the hospital will be justified in deciding that since you've been in this state for X amount of time and appear to be coping/getting care, then there is no need for admission. That's what happened to my sister prior to her catastrophic event.

I hope and pray things work out in the way that is best for you.

 

[JudyS]

Ginger,
Thanks for letting us know what is going on. We do worry all over the world for our friends.
I am glad you have your sister taking care of you.
What does your OS say . I know you called him a few days ago. If you get to the hospital , will you have surgery?
Good Luck and Keep us posted
Judy