Greig’s Hip Resurfacing with Dr. Pritchett 2008
February 08, 2008
I just got home from my surgery. I was under general anesthesia because he could find the “spot” (apparently spinals are very tactile) for a spinal.
Day one was pretty rough for my first round of physical therapy I could just barely sit up on the edge of the bed. For my second session on Day one I used a walker and sat in a chair for awhile. I did not see how I would be able to check out on Friday.
On day two I switched to crutches and we walked around for awhile.
Today (day three) I was able to walk around pretty well with crutches and we praticed on stairs. I bought a raised toilet seat, grabber, sock aid and a long shoe horn. I had to the grabber and shoe horn to dress myself. I could even take a few steps without crutches.
The hospital was really disorganized today. They don’t seem to work the check out procedure very well. I had to write everything down on the white board and go over each item with them to make sure I had a couple of bandages, my prescriptions, etc.
It took so long for the “transport” to come (and I waited indeterminate times with vague answers for everything today) that I finally just walked the long walk with my brother to the parking garage. About halfway through I regretted not waiting for a wheelchair, but I certainly got my walking pratice in today.
I am stiff, swollen and my ROM is poor but I do not detect the same pain I used to feel from my arthritis. I am looking forward to a speedy recovery and a return to an active lifestyle.
I met a fellow hippy at the hospital. We had surgery on the same day and I am looking forward to staying in contact with him as my recovery progressess. There there were three hip re-surf patients on the floor but I was only able to meet one so if you are the third and you subscribe to this group send me a message.
Thanks for everything –
Greg LBHR Pritchett 02/05/08
6 Days Post Op February 11, 2008
I am six days post op today. My leg may be a little less swollen than yesterday. It is still painful and weak. I can’t really tell if my wound is still draining (which probably means it isn’t). I may change the dressing tomorrow.
I had my best sleep since returning home (Friday) last night. I only got up three times.
Right now my left leg feels like I have a constant “charlie horse”. There isn’t really any pain in the hip or around the incision (that I can discern through “charlie horse”), but certain areas of my thigh muscles are tender to the touch and painful to flex.
I am getting around pretty well in my house using one crutch. The grabber I got clips on to the crutch so I try to keep it with me all of the time. The PT gave me a strap that I can “lasso” my foot with to pick up my left leg if needed. I often use it to get in and out of bed.
I got some baby wipes (basically big wet naps) and I recommend them as a way to freshen up.
I am using a large ice pack on my thigh to help with swelling and pain.
I think I need to schedule my exercises at the same time every day. So I go through the routine 3 X each day. I schedule my Lovenox shot at 1pm so today I took my pain meds. Lay back and gave myself a shot and tethen did my exercises. I will do the next routine at 5pm so I can precede it with pain meds.
Whenever I lay down I elevate my legs to reduce swelling and I do some of the exercises, but it doesn’t feel like I have done them completely unless I work through the sheet from front to back.
Lying on my back it is difficult to actually raise my left leg up off the bed. I can lift it a little but it is painful and I have to concentrate.
I hope my long ramble is helpful to someone, but I just wanted to take the time to report on my progress.
Thanks for all your help and support.
Greg LBHR 2/5/08 Pritchett, Seattle, WA
Post Surgery Gear February 11, 2008
The PT at the hospital gave me a long strap to put around my foot to help pick my leg up. I use it quite frequently to raise my leg up before I swing into bed.
Baby wipes. I am not sure what brand my brother brought home or if it matters, but it is difficult to clean myself to my pre-surgery standards and these help.
Pockets – It is good to have lots of pockets so you can bring your stuff (phone, reading glasses, etc) with you from room to room. Wireless headset for phone.
If you keep your soap and shampoo on the edge of the tub you will want a shower caddy so you can keep soap and bottles in easy reach. I got one that hangs off the showerhead.
Since picking up soap in the shower is not easy post surgery you should consider how to handle this. I apply my soap to a scrubber thingy and use the scrubber thingy to lather up.
Keep some cash on hand. When friends come over to visit they will invariably offer to stop at the store for you. Keeping cash in several denominations makes the whole process simpler. You can even say on the phone “The yogurt should be about $2 and the diet coke should be about the same…I have money for that here”. That can help keep the exchange clean and clear. They know you expect to re-imburse them and that you have change handy. This may be more important for your aquaintence type friends (vs. you best buddy from HS), but it is always helpful to be clear where friends and money intersect.
Just some thoughts – Greg