Any one NOT an athlete and had a HR?

[bilateralbliss]

Hi Dee, I reckon us moms do more than athelets!  :)
You`ll be fine, take it slow is the best way!!

[Dee Dee]

Thanks for the encouragement. I head home today if all is well.  I really like Dr. Gross, Lee and Nancy.  The hospital experience has been less than satisfactory.

I did have some trouble the night of surgery.  After the epidural wore off I proudly took my first jaunt down the hall.  But after that, My pain spiked so bad that I was overwhelmed, aggitated, frustrated and emotional. Unfortunately I tried to get help during shift change and it took the nurse an hour ,  before they finally got me a shot of demoral.  That helped only a little but enough to get my emotions back in check.  After that I stayed ahead of the pain and I feel much better

Another thing happened with the catheter. I was drinking alot of water and I told the nurse that I could feel my bladder filling up. He checked the output and said I was producing urine and that some people just have that sensation while on the catheter.  I tried to get him to take my request more seriously so he talked to the on-call Dr to see if I could have it taken out. The Dr said no, so meanwhile my bladder is getting uncomfortable. I was just about to call the nurse again and make him feel my full bladder when I discovered that I was sitting in the hose and it had a kink!!! Once that was resolved my bladder emptied and I felt so much better.

The next morning I had a battle with low blood pressure when OT tried to get me up. I almost passed out.  They helped me back to bed and got that under control. No more BP problems after that.

Combined with some other communication problems, I would have to say my experience at Providence hospital has been slightly disappointing.

They sent my husband to the wrong room post op so he wasn't there to greet me when I got to my room. That was tough, I just wanted to see his face.

My first nurse seemed a little frazzled and grumpy.  I became frustrated that my husband was not in the room and she did not seem to want to help find him.  .  She even scolded me later on another issue.

I was told not to bring any medicine from home, but their pharmacy did not have 2 of my Meds so I had to miss a day of one.  I had questions some of the Meds they were giving me post-op and the nurse did not know what I had been given pre-op. 

The vp of the hospital did come by to talk to us as well as the clinical director but she did not know that the vp was in earlier.  I told my stories to each, but I really wasn't trying to get anyone in trouble.  I am frustrated with the lack of coordination / communication. 

I am just so glad to be heading home today.  My hip feels pretty good. I am sore of course. 
  I will probably be getting my left hip done so I will know a lot more next time .

[bilateralbliss]

Oh dear, you have been unfortunate there, didn`t exactly lift your spirits! Still, look on the bright side now, the operation is over, soon you`ll be home, just concentrate on taking things easy and slow! Believe me that`s the best way, there is no rush, in actual fact I read after one year all people  whether athletes or not reach the same stage :)
I was lucky where I had mine done, the doctors and nurses were wonderful. Had a blood transfusion on the second day which soon worked. You just have to learn to turn a blind eye when you`re home to housework even if you get help! Just look forward now, you`ll soon be relaxed and in better spirits. Look forward to hearing your updates!

[Dee Dee]

Wow it is great to be home.  We made it all the way in one day.  It was not too difficult a drive on me, but my leg and ankle did swell after 8 hours on the road even with some walking breaks.   I am better today but still stiff. 

I appreciate all the encouragement from you experienced hippies. 

I admitted that i was suprised how good i actually felt and Dr. Gross just grinned when he dismissed me.  He must really enjoy helping people get there lives back.  I am glad he keeps the statistics but that we are more than a number to him.  My husband always  supported my decision to pursue a long distance dr and felt very satisfied once he met Dr. Gross and his staff. 

My experience so far is suprisingly good.  I thought I would be in more pain at 3 days out and I am not.  I thought it would be hard get around the house especially stairs and it is not that hard, just tiring. 

It is easy now because I don't have any responsibilities other than to rest, do my exercises and walk. 

I am staying on the long acting pain meds and slowly backing off the short acting ones since I don't hurt that much. 

I am sorry that I fussed so much about the hospital.  In hindsight it was a lot of mostly
little things that just added up.  They were very attentive and apologetic when they realized the snafu.  I told everyone going in that waking up fom anesthesia makes me grumpy until it is out of my system.  I guess they all got to see that ;)

I will post more later. 

[hernanu]

Sounds like you're doing very well, Dee. I'm glad you've got the pain under control, make sure you stay ahead of the pain, there's no medals for being in pain, your comfort is the important thing. You do want to make progress, and low pain will make that much easier.

Don't worry about fussing, this is the place to complain if you want to, to people who have been there and back and understand.

[bilateralbliss]

So glad you feeling better Dee :)

[Dee Dee]

 :)
Today I am 2 weeks post op! I am having a good recovery. my hip is sore but not really painful. Every once in awhile I will get a quick sharp pain in the groin, but I realize I broke the 90' rule and bent too much.  I assume that pain is normal.  Any body else feel that pain?

I am down to a cane around the house.  I use 2 crutches for my distance walking because my left un-operated hip is symptomatic and is buckling so 2 crutches are safer.  I actually went over a mile by accident when I got out to do a little shopping with my hubby at Sam's club.  I used the pedometer ap on my phone to track and did not realize how far you walk in the big box store when you zig around shopping.

I have been off the narcotics for a few days now, but Last night i took a quick acting pain med because  i was so achy.  I think I am overdoing due to boredom and have vowed to back off and sit by the pool and read a book the next few days.  I just wish I could get in the pool, but it is off limits until after 4 weeks.

Thanks for all your stories here!

__________________________
Right HR Dr. Gross. 5-23-12

[Miguelito]

Dee Dee,

I am at eight weeks (today) and still get the occasional sharp groin pain. I got one today for example. I was getting out of an unfamiliar car and moved wrong/slipped and got a quick sharp pain. It receded quickly and was completely gone in a minute or three.

I don't think (at least in my case and probably yours) that this is any problem at all. This is just a major surgery and it takes a while for all your muscles to heal and re-adjust. They got disrupted big-time during the surgery.

Mike

[ZAP]

Dee Dee,

I am at eight weeks (today) and still get the occasional sharp groin pain. I got one today for example. I was getting out of an unfamiliar car and moved wrong/slipped and got a quick sharp pain. It receded quickly and was completely gone in a minute or three.

I don't think (at least in my case and probably yours) that this is any problem at all. This is just a major surgery and it takes a while for all your muscles to heal and re-adjust. They got disrupted big-time during the surgery.

Mike

Very common.  I had it at eight weeks.  Im at 12 weeks now and its gone. Its just week.  Practice lunges.  Hold on to a door knob, table, counter, when doing them. I'm 3 months out and still can't do a perfect deep lunge.  I have to hold on to something so I can go deeper.  Thats what got rid of that pain for me. 

[Dee Dee]

Thanks Mike and Zap about your experience with the sharp groin pain.  It is reassuring.

It's funny how one day can feel terrific but the next is achy and tired.  I remind myself I am only 2 weeks post op. 

Friends from my Sunday school class are bringing meals every other day.  I am so blessed!  They are all I'm awe of how well I look and am getting around.

This site is so informative and helpful and encouraging!  Thanks Pat.

_________________
Right HR. Dr. Gross 5-23-12

[Miguelito]

Dee Dee,

I just wanted to let you know that my first two weeks went better than I had expected. I mean it was rough, but I had prepared myself for the worst so was favorably surprised that it wasn't as bad as I thought.

But I then got my hopes up and weeks three and four were worse than I then expected. I had a minor setback and frankly was at the same point at the end of four weeks that I was at 2-1/2.

In the second month I have had stretches where I could do twice what I could the previous day for four or five days in a row. Then I would hurt my back mowing the lawn and be barely able to walk for a day.

My point is that my recovery has not been the linear progression I imagined. There has been tremendous progress and I am very happy where I am, but I know that I was unprepared for the two steps forward, one step back nature of my recovery. If I could go back in time I would tell my two-week self to expect setbacks so I that was not (as) frustrated by them when they happened. If there are people here who never had them, god-bless, but I think most people do.

Regards,

Mike

[David]

Agreed Mike...athlete or not, it's a two step forward one step back process for a while....
Best to you all...

[Dee Dee]

 :D

18 days
I started walking around the kitchen today with no aids!! The countertop was close in case I felt weak. I did not limp after steps 1-2, but I did have to think about my steps.  I think my muscles aren't sure about their capability, but after the first few steps it almost feels like normal.  I am so amazed at recovery!

I am using the cane most of the time. Distance walking is with the crutches.  I don't need them but they are there in case my left hip buckles( it will catch and give way which is how my right leg started 5 years ago, but my leg muscles support me enough to not fall. I don't want to take chances hence the crutches for extra support)

Anyone have knee issues flare up after surgery?
I think I stressed the quad of my unoperated leg close to the knee towards the inside. Certain moves feels like fire!  I have tried to rub it and avoid that move. Also the knee of the operated leg hurts on the outside below the patella, it was slightly sore before surgery but now it is quite tender and complaining.  Any thoughts?

____________________________
Right HR. Dr. Gross. 5-23-12

[Tin Soldier]

A lot of folks mention knee pain after surgery.  I had it for both legs and I think it was in that area near the patella on the outside.  I don't know the knee very well, but I suspect the pain will go away in a few weeks as your body readjusts to the new hip.  I think all of the knee pain I had was pretty short lived, but I've heard of others having several weeks of it.  You might discuss it with your PT or doc.  They might be able to give you some stretches or exercises to reduce it.

[Dee Dee]

Thanks Tin for the info about knees.  Mine are tender, but I hope to get to pt after my 6 week check up.

Today is 21 days post op
I went to the grocery store on my own but started feeling weird, so i did not take my distance walk for the last 2 days because of weird symptoms probably from changing/ starting new meds but could have been something I ate.  Tingly lips &tongue, racing heart, headache and diarrhea 
Only a headache today - the docs are informed.

Just want to share that I finally made it all night in bed without moving to the anti-gravity lounge chair!!!  I know it has to do with the fact that I can sleep for longer periods of time on my unoperated side.  Poor hubby has to endure me shifting several times with the pillow between my legs.  But it felt great to wake up in bed.  The lounge chair was awesome for sleeping, but I prefer the bed.

I am eager to walk today and hope to make it to 1 mile.  At about 1/2 mile both hips get tired.  My left hip is unstable.  I have to be careful.  I want to get out in the yard and pull the weeds so bad, but I can't do that with out breaking the 90 rule.  Patience is hard when you see weeds taking over the garden ::)

___________________________
Right HR  Dr. Gross. 5-23-12

[Tin Soldier]

You'll always have weeds to pull. 

[Dee Dee]

Well I am 6 weeks out and doing well.  I go for my check up next week.
Despite all the mom hype,  I plan to ask for a left hip resurfacing to be scheduled before the end of the year.  I hope My X-rays say I am ready, cuz my body does. 

I have been walking every day and enjoying being outside even in the Alabama extreme heat.  It has been tough with having lots of leg muscle issues and lower back issues that have kept me from feeling 100%.   The buckling has become worse in the unoperated hip. Yesterday i went for my 1 mile walk and I started limping half way through on the un- operated side.  It was the weirdest sensation to know my right hip was good and strong and the left hip pain kept increasing the further I walked.  I think it was the first time that I could really feel the OA pain was truly gone in the right hip!!

I am hoping that the lower leg pain along the shin ( not all the time but definately annoying) will resolve with more excercises.  The lower back pain is from spondilolisthesis which I had pre-op.  dr. Gross said if the back symptoms get really bad,  injections( which helped in the past) are ok by him anytime post-op.  I think I just need to get to PT which will get me some strength and flexibility back. 

I have been in my pool the last couple weeks to beat the heat.  I have been pedaling around and doing a few laps.  It feels good, but since I was never in shape I wondering if I am making myself sore!!

Anyway, Just an update.  I will let you know if I get to be a bilateral after my appt next week.

Dee
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Right HR.  5-23-12.  Dr. Gross

[Woodstock Hippy]

Congratulations Dee Dee.  This is the beginning of your new life.   When you go back to the doc, you should insist that the other hip gets done as soon as possible.  Stabilizing the hips just might help with the back problems.  My back used to bother me all the time and it hasn't hurt at all since my surgery.  Keep working hard on yourself.  You'll be all back together soon.

[bilateralbliss]

Great news Dee, glad to hear from you, get the other done asap!!

[Spanielsal]

Great to hear you are doing well Dee Dee, small steps = good recovery. It is a good feeling to be starting a new life without the pain, hope your other hip holds up. Sal x