Welcome Back to Life - LBHR Mr Treacy 9th August 2012

[bilateralbliss]

Great to hear from you Mike, great you`re doing so well. and to you also Ka.
Ruby hope you`re finding it relaxing being back home x

[rubyred]

Hi Ka,

Hope your operation went well, looking forward to reading up on your progress.

My first few hours at home have been difficult. After the OT team at the hospital saying I wouldn't need any aids at home, i've discovered our toilet seat is far too low so going to the bathroom has been very awkward. Luckily my Father has borrowed one so that will make things easier.

I'm just so tired all the time now. I keep dropping off at every opportunity.

[hernanu]

Give in to that, Ruby - it's an important part of healing, just enjoy the rest.

[rubyred]

I'm certainly doing that Hern! I've slept so much today that i've not done any of my PT exercises! Ooops! x

[Anna]

MISS RUBY RED! Get those PT excersises done!  ;)

[rubyred]

Yes Miss Anna!  ;) Will start afresh in the morning x

[bilateralbliss]

lol Ruby, sleep is very good for you, helps to heal! Was my excuse anyway :) x

[Dannywayoflife]

Ruby what exercises were you given Ruby? I was given zero info on my discharge.
Danny

[rubyred]

Ruby what exercises were you given Ruby? I was given zero info on my discharge.
Danny

They were from my physio's. I was given a set of about 4 or 5 exercises for laying in bed about 2 days after surgery. Basic muscle clenches to help the buttocks and thigh muscles. Then on my discharge I was given another set of about 5 exercises for standing up... leg raises, calf lifts etc.

What ward were you on again Danny? That sounds awful that you weren't discharged with anything. Ward 2 were wonderful, I saw a member of the surgical team every day, had regular wound checks and physio sometimes twice a day.

I've just had the visit from the district nurse. All looks well, the scar is lovely and neat. Have about 40 clips which will be taken out next week :)

[Dannywayoflife]

Ha nope didnt get anything from the physios just attitude! I was on ward 3 it was staffed by bank workers when i was there as all the permenant staff were off. I was literally taken down the stairs once (took 3 physios to help me) then was told at like 1900 at night i was being discharged with a 170 mile car journey to do. Still really P***** me off the way i was mugged off by them.

[rubyred]

Did you not get someone coming around asking for feedback? I swear I had about 3 different people asking if my stay was ok and what they could have done differently.

[Dannywayoflife]

Nope had non of that! We made an official complaint but they just covered everything up. But it's water under the bridge now. X

[rubyred]

I wonder what Mike's impression of his ward was. I think he was on 12. I did have a dodgy bank nurse on my first day there, but that was the only time I saw her. The rest of the time I had permanant staff who couldn't have done more for me and the other patients.

[jono]

I second the comment of Pat. I am 3 days post op and the relief of going home yesterday was amazing. Also cut out any opiates which were making me feel sick and strange. I figure muscle pain is going to be about for many weeks so just going to get used to it. The pain is much easier to handle than the hip pain before as I know it will go away in the future.

[bilateralbliss]

I was given the same as Ruby, they`re are also available on the Mcminn website and youtube. How strange Danny. Anyway pleased to hear all are now doing well.

[Mike D]

How's it going Ruby?
Are you managing to get enough rest? Hope you're getting back on track.

[rubyred]

How's it going Ruby?
Are you managing to get enough rest? Hope you're getting back on track.

Hi Mike,

In some ways I feel i'm improving. The pain isn't as bad as it was, however the swelling appears to have gotten worse. The underside of my knee is rock solid and my foot is similiar to that of an elephant! I'm sure though that the beautiful hot weather today has much to do with it.

I had to remove my TEDS to wash this morning and my legs have swollen that much that they no longer fit! I'm seeing the nurse again on Monday, so will get her advice. As long as I move about during the day and continue to take my injections at night, I should be ok till then.

How are you getting on? x

[Dannywayoflife]

The best thing i found for the swelling was ICE.  ;)

[rubyred]

The best thing i found for the swelling was ICE.  ;)

In that case I need a whole leg wrap full of ice!! I'm not joking my entire leg is double the size of the good one! It's shocking lol I sat with my feet in a bowl of cold-ish water whilst watching the X Factor which was heaven!

Quick question guys about sleeping positions. I wasn't given any advice on this prior to discharge, in fact I was told I have no restrictions other that Mr Treacy wants me to partial weight bear for 6 weeks. I can kind of sleep on my back, but it does get incredibly uncomfortable and I long to sleep on my side as that's how I sleep normally, but is it safe?? x

[hernanu]

Danny's right, Ruby - ice is your friend and should be your constant companion. As long as you follow he right protocol - 10 minutes on, 20-30 off, don't have it in direct contact with your body, I iced continuously as I could to bring both swelling and other pains down.

As to sleeping on the side, I slept on my back for six weeks, until I could sleep on my side. At first it was just not possible for me, eventually did get there.