I have a type of MD called Char-cot Marie Tooth (CMT) which is a Neuromuscular Disease. In most cases affecting hands and feet causing muscle deterioration,weakness, and deformities. In my case I went until the age of 22 without a diagnosis of hip dysplasia. I had an abnormal gate but it was always said to be from the CMT and no DR. ever looked any further. I had some pain in my hips like a charlie horse feeling and groin pain. When I was 20 I had a baby and that is when I got worse with my hips. I lasted a couple years and went to my orthopedic surgeon I see for my feet. He did some x-rays of my hips. He brought in a hip surgeon in the same practice and told me the bad news. So I almost immediately had a Chari Osteotomy done on both hips back to back. After all the physical therapy I still had an even worse gate and pain. I feel that it was a pointless surgery. The surgeon said I just needed to build up more muscle around my implants and eventually would need total hip replacements done. This surgery was just to help put some bone back due to having almost none left. So about a year later I start having more problems. My hip starts locking up and having horrible pain. I was told to take an anti-inflammatory and take it easy. It was just from inflammation. Then I get a rash over my scar and a soft lump. Then the lump popped open and had lots of yellow fluid and white string like stuff coming out. They said my body was rejecting the screw and they would have to remove it. No big deal though because the bone was all grown back. Shortly later the same happened to the other side. I have also had an implant in my toe that has been removed because of pain and it was coming out on its own. So now about 5 years after the Chari Osteotomy I need total hip replacements. The new surgeon sent me to have a skin patch test done for allergies to metal. About 2 hours after the patches were put on I end up in the hospital for several days. I started with a tingling in my left foot and numbing and then it moved up my left side and all throughout my body. My Grandmother pulled the patches off and called 911. I was told that it was impossible that this was from the allergy test. I lost the ability to move, could not speak right, had nausea and vomiting, headache, and just simply felt like I was dying. But after many tests and everything has been ruled out the Neurologist think it was a severe Neurologic Allergic Reaction to the test. Now I am waiting for my surgeon to call me when they develop a hip replacement with no metal of any kind. He won't touch me until then. I don't no how much longer I can go like this. I am in a lot of pain and can barley walk. I have chosen not to take narcotics with fear of all the side affects and not being able to care for my family. I am a wife and mother of two boys 11 and 2. I just keep getting the run around with the Dr.'s. I did just see a surgeon who is sending me to a Dr. Brooks at Cleveland Clinic and recommending I get a blood test done for the allergies. He says I won't last much longer walking. My hip sockets are so big and are pushed up so high they have moved my rib cage up. I have severe rib cage deformities so that must be why. I am doing some research on my own and found you. Your web site is fabulous and very informational. Please if anyone has anything to help shine some light on my situation I would be so grateful. If you have any questions or information to share with me please do.
I'm humbled by the strength you must have to deal with all of this. I have little to offer except to say Dr. Brooks is one of the top ortho docs in the country, and the Cleveland Clinic is one of the top ortho hospitals in the country. As you probably know, this site also mentions other top docs in, and out, of the U.S. If you are not happy with Dr. Brooks for some reason, then there are others, such as Dr. Su, who seem to frequently deal with difficult cases.
You might also consider contacting Vicky Marlow through www.hipresurfacingsite.com/
Vicky is a volunteer patient advocate who seems to thrive on helping people with difficult cases.
Best wishes,
Mac
So I called Dr. Brooks and had a nice conversation with his assistant Phil. I had to leave him a message but he returned it by the next day. He did a very good job at listening to me and answering my questions. I now have an appointment with Phil on March 1st. Dr. Brooks was so booked that I couldn't get in until May so I got in with his assistant first and then should be able to get in with Dr. Brooks sooner.
I asked about getting a blood test for metal sensitivities. Phil said that he will send me the information on a place called Rush University in Chicago. But it is not something covered by insurance that he knows of. So my dilemma is do I try to come up with the money to get the test done or not? Either way I need my hips done. So I think I'm going to meet with the Dr. first and then see what they say. If they can even do anything for me maybe there will be some options for me with ceramic. Even if I get the blood test and it is negative I think I would go with the least amount of metal as possible. Does anyone know anything about these tests and if there is a way to get it covered by insurance, and why are they not cover it? Is it not that accurate or something? Any thoughts or experiences please share.
My understanding is that a very small number of patients have an allergic reaction to the implant. It is definitely something you would want to talk over with your doctor.
Here is a thought for you, why not see if you can schedule another doc, such as Dr. Gross, Dr. Bose, or Dr. Clarke, while you are waiting for Dr. Brooks. Both of them will do free consultations if you send them your X-rays. The telephone consultation will happen a lot sooner than May. In a sense, you would save time by getting a second opinion before you actually got your first.
Keep us posted on what happens.
Mac
Great idea Mac. I am on it tomorrow ;D. I have to see if the Dr. who did my last x-rays can put them on a disk for me. Thanks for the good idea. I am not sure how much longer I can go like this, so any time I can save is good. Will keep you all posted. Thanks :P
Oh and thanks also Mac for the advise about Vicky. She is the one who is going to get my info to some other doc's for their opinions. She is very nice and also very helpful. Take care
nharsh
You have amazing strength. Keep at it. Question, are considering a hip resurfacing?
well i'm not sure I have enough bone left for that??? i would love nothing more than to just get something done so i can continue to care for my family and not be in so much pain. i have learned a lot from this site and will hope and pray i can go the resurfacing route. i know what to ask the Dr.'s now and to get more opinions and do my own research. that is the key. but i also know the reality of my situation and until i meet with an experienced Dr. like Dr. Brooks (that i do have an appointment with) i will not know all my options. before this site i had know idea what a hip replacement really was and didn't know there were so many different kinds and ways of doing them. I will keep everyone posted and it will be interesting to hear what options i have and i may need all your help in figuring out what will be best. thanks so much to all of you! at least the sunshine is out today 8) i am so ready for some warm weather this cold is killing me.
nharsh, I am truly sorry to read of your condition, hang in there and best wishes for a positive outcome, and some warm sunshine!......moe
Thanks Moe, I did get some warmth and sunshine but now the snow is back. Hopefully not for long :'(
Anyways my appointment is this Monday Feb. 28th with Dr. Brooks. I am really praying that this is the surgeon who can help me. I am so excited and and nervous I can hardly stand it.
I thought you could not get in to see Dr. Brooks until May. How did you manage to get your appointment bumped up? Were you able to have any of the other docs look at your x-rays?
Mac
Sorry I meant Dr. Brooks assistant is who I have the appointment with. It was bumped up though. They called me to change the date because of another surgery going on. I will see the assistant and if that goes good and he thinks they can help me I will be able to see Dr. Brooks sooner. As far as the other opinions go I have not got any yet. I have been waiting to get my recent x-rays from the last surgeon I saw. I hope they will be ready for me in the morning before the appointment because I need to bring them with me. My insurance won't pay for me to keep getting x-rays of the same thing over and over. But before I make any decisions I will get those opinions from some Dr.'s through Vicky.
If a hospital took the x-rays, just call them up and ask for copies. They can have them copied to a disk and ready for you in an hour or two. If you tell them they are for a doctor, then the hospital will usually not even charge you.
If the docs office took the x-rays themselves, then call them up and tell them you want a copy and will be by in the morning to pick it up. I've never had a doctor's office refuse to provide copies of x-rays. They are not always fast, but the longest I have had to wait was a week, and that was because the guy who usually took care of records was out of town.
Good luck with your appointment tomorrow. Dr. Brooks' office overlooks the lake. It's a beautiful view.
Mac
Thanks for the concern Mac. I did get the x-rays at a office and apparently they don't have the equipment to put them on a disk. They said I could sign them out up to 72 hours before my appointment and not be charged since they are the ones who referred me. The problem was stupid Ohio snow storms and every where was closed down including the Dr. office. They should have them ready for me as long as we don't get hit with more snow and they close. Vicky sent me directions on how to take a digital picture of them and send them to her. Thanks so much Mac, I hope it's nice and sunny out to see the view. I love the water.
Such an awesome view from Dr. Brooks office. Especially today with all the ice. Anyways I seen Phil today (Dr. Brooks assistant). He was very prompt for our appointment. Took his time with me, I did not feel rushed at all. He explained everything very well and it sounds like he thinks I should be able to go the RESURFACING route. He needs to go over things with Dr. Brooks and will do a bone density test first. I am also going to get some other opinions from some of the other top Dr.'s listed on here. I want to make absolute sure whatever I do this time is the right thing and with the right surgeon. But I am very releaved to have finally heard a Dr. say I think we can help you and I think you will be very happy with the outcome. And for that I am so incredibly glad I found this site. Nothing is for certain yet until I here from Phil by Wed. at the latest. I am just relieved that they are going to help me and not refer me or send me home with know hope. Good night all I think I might finally sleep good tonight. Thanks so much :)
Wow, that's great news!! You must feel so relieved that there actually is a potentially good solution out there.
I hope everything works out for you.
Mike
I heard from Phil on Wednesday last week. He went over everything with Dr. Brooks and showed him my x-rays. Dr. Brooks would like to meet with me because he didn't want to tell me over the phone. He does think he can do surgery and help me but felt it is going to be such a complicated surgery with risks and recoup out of the ordinary that he would rather I come back in to go over it all. Phil also said something about my pelvis being short or misplaced. I have mixed feelings right now. I am glad he says he can help me. At the same time I am so worried and concerned about the outcome of what he can do and what risks there will be and how long I will be out of commission. They are suppose to call me from scheduling and get me in within the next week or two. I don' know if I can make it that long. ??? I is already now Monday the following week and I'm still waiting to get scheduled. I called once and they told me they were working on it. He is just so booked it's difficult. I did however manage to get my x-rays off to get some other opinions. Dear Lord give me patience and strength while waiting. I hate waiting and I'm not good at it. Ok well thats i for now. Hope they call tomorrow :-\
nharsh -Sorry to be a questioner here, but in your original post you mentioned a metals skin patch test that did not go well. Do you know what metals they tested? and does Brooks know about the results of that test? I'd would certainly discuss that with your surgeon. All resurfacings right now are of the cobalt-chromium variety. I have heard of some polyethylene and steel HRs like a THR, but I think those were done away with when the metal on metal HRs became popular. I think there is some development in other bearing materials but I don't know if anything has been shown to work as good as the MoM.
Also, every time you get an x-ray, see if you can get the images on a disk. I'd say about half the offices I visited had digital and half had old-school films. Once you get those images, make a few copies and then you'll be ready to send them to any doc, worldwide. From what I've heard on this forum, most of the well-known surgeons will look at your images and contact you to discuss. It's always good to get a few opinions.
Good luck and use this forum, this is an excellent resource and the people here are all really supportive.
I feel for you. I don't think they would have told you they could help if it was untenable. As you said, you have a complicated case, maybe they are being careful to cover all the facets of the procedure. Hope you don't have too hard a time waiting, and that the talks go well. Keep us posted.
Here is what Dr. De Smet's said after Vicky sent him my info and x-rays.
Dear Vicky, resurfacing is a real no here! :(
She needs a very experienced surgeon who will do grafting of the pelvis with her own femoral head and performs ceramic on ceramic, short stem is possible WITH correction of too high anteversion in the femur, and uncemented cup with screws.
koen
Fast response from him and I am very thankful for it. She also sent to some others so I am looking forward to what they have to say. His response is not really what a person would want to hear but at least it's something. Most Dr.'s I've seen just send me to someone else or tell me there is nothing anyone can do for me. I knew there had to be something and that's what lead me to this site and all these wonderful people to help me. Thanks so much guys.
Know news on an appointment with Dr. Brooks yet. I'm trying so hard not to call and bug them about it. I think I will check on things tomorrow if I haven't heard anything yet. Hope to get some more opinions about my x-rays before I go see Dr. Brooks. Take care everyone and thanks for the encouragement it means alot. ;D
Well, from what I hear a MOM THR is very good, so getting an experienced surgeon who will do the right things will get you going well.
Here is the next opinion I got. I must say as bad as the first one was I like it better than this one :'(
Hi vicky,
THanks for sending the x-rays of this very interesting case.
surprisingly , the easiest thing to do from a pure technical standpoint is a hip resurfacing with a dysplasia cup .
However the CMD neurological issues and metal allergy is a different ball game and I would be very reluctant to offer her any kind of surgery with this background.
I would be very interested to know what the other surgeons think.
with best regards
vijay bose
chennai
Well you've already asked a couple of the best surgeon's in the world on HR, you might as well ask the others. I've heard Gross looks at unusual cases, and you might check with Su in New York, Pritchett in Seattle has been looking at materials other than MoM for quite some time, might check with him. Most of these guys go to the latest conferences and keep up on research. I'd like to think that if they didn't know what to do, they would be able to tell you about a surgeon who has some experience with your type of issues. I feel for you. Keep looking.
Thanks, I am still waiting to hear from two more surgeons that were sent my x-rays. I'm not sure who they are, I just know they are listed on this site. When I hear from them and find out who they are if it isn't the one's you mention I will see if Vicky can send my info to them. I will not give up, I know there has to be the right surgeon for me out there. I have a family to take care of and so much more I want to do with my life (not from a sitting position). Thanks for the info it all helps. Take care.
Dr. Gross in SC is pretty easy to approach directly. He handles very difficult cases. Vicky may very well send your x-rays to him. If not, you could fill out his online form, put the x-rays in the envelope with it, and mail them to SC. His web site is:
http://www.grossortho.com/
You could also send an email to his assistant, Lee Webb, at:
LeeW@midlandsortho.com
Good luck,
Mac
Don't think of a total hip as a big step down from a resurfacing... they can last a loooong time and you can be pretty active with them. There is an argument that if modern bearing last our lifetimes and that if the neck is the weak link on an aging resurfacing patient... you may be better off with a THR if you don't mind giving up impact exercises. (trying to look on the bright side :) )
I think the de smet response is interesting. I would guess that its a combination of what is technically possible (per Dr Bose), but what materials are appropriate in your situation (de smets suggestion of a ceramic). I suspect that you'll have to nail down the allergy issue prior to surgery.
Einreb, thanks for trying to be positive. I am usually the one doing that, but lately it's been kinda difficult. I am not in any way against a THR. I am for whatever they figure will be best for me. As far as impact exercises I can't really do any anyways due to other issues. Good thing God made me thin and tall. I do have to watch what I eat now as I am getting older and I can ride an exercise bike and swim. The allergy issue I don't know what else to do. The blood test is not covered by insurence and I would have to travel to the nearest place that does it. I'm not sure how much all that would cost but I'm sure I can't afford it. I also heard from Dr. Brooks and another surgeon that they had patients have the blood test come back positive for metal sensitivities and the people decided to go ahead with the surgery and have been just fine. So even if I could come up with the money I'm not sure it would be worth it. I think I should just stick with the ceramic like De Smets said.
Mac, also thank you for the input. I did just get a reply tonight from Dr. Gross's assistant. I have to admit I was very interested in hearing from this surgeon and I didn't really get much of an answer. I will past it here below. Thanks for Lee's email maybe I will e-mail him a couple questions I still have since they already have all my info and x-rays.
Hi Vicky,
Good to hear from you!
Dr. Gross said she is not a candidate for hip resurfacing with the reaction she had to the metal testing.
Best,
Lee
It seems you will have a really good list of questions to take to your interview with Dr. Brooks.
Mac
nharsh
I am sorry to hear about your hip problems and health problems. I am sorry I did not comment sooner, but occasionally I am away from the computer. I have done this for almost 5 years and take a little time now and then.
My one comment would be to listen closely to Dr. De Smet. He is my surgeon and I feel on of the best in the world. You just don't want to take any chances if you have allergies. I imagine Dr. Brooks will not recommend a resurfacing either. Too bad Mr. McMinn has not developed his ceramic resurfacing device further. He has placed a few, but not many. I would not want to take a chance with a metal on metal MOM resurfacing. I imagine Dr. Brooks will recommend a ceramic THR. With all your previous problems, you don't want to have a revision any time in the future.
The new ceramic on ceramic THRs are large ball device that allow you to be active and normally without any restrictions.
I would make sure that I use one of the top surgeons when you do your surgery. It sounds like you need the best available. If your insurance would pay for it - I would recommend flying to Belgium like I did and use Dr. De Smet. Some insurances will pay for surgery in Belgium.
Please stay in touch and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat
Thanks Pat, Funny you mentioned Dr. McMinn because I just got an opinion from him. I'm no sure what is an LTT's that he talkes about. Is it a blood test? I'm not sure that travel will really work for me or my family. I guess I'm hoping that Dr.Brooks is a good fit since he is close to home for me. And with the opinions of all these other great surgeons it will allow me to make sure that Dr. Brooks is the right fit for me. I guess if it comes down to it I would figure out how to afford to go out of the country and what to do with my kids. I will definitely stay in touch. I plan on posting every little detail of my journey to new hips however and with whomever that may be. Could you please tell me my options for blood testing for metal allergies? I have been told that insurance won't cover it and from what I've heard there not all that accurate either. Do you or anyone else reading this know much about that? I don' know if I should bother getting it done if I have to pay a lot for it and then have it not even be accurate. Maybe I should just play it safe and assume I am allergic to all metal. Thanks again Pat, hope you enjoyed your vacation. My husband is taking me to the Smokey Mountains for a few day the end of next week. We just need to get away from all this and relax for a few days. April 5h is the day I go meet with Dr. Brooks so I hope time goes fast till then. Wonderful site, you guys are all great.
Still waiting for that sunshine 8) Nicole
Here is Dr. McMinn's response:
As you know, Derek is on vacation but he says “She should stick with Dr Brooks who is an excellent surgeon. I agree she should have LTT's
I agree she is not suitable for resurfacing & depending on LTT results will probably be best served by having cementless acetabular shell (Titanium alloy) with acetabular bone grafting , crosslinked polyethylene liner or possibly ceramic liner, uncemented titanium alloy stem THA with ceramic head.”
Dr. Brooks attends many of the hip resurfacing courses which Mr. Mc Minn also attends. So they know each other. All the top docs know who the others are too. I had to look up LTT since I am not too familiar with all the blood tests. Here is a page about it http://www.orthopedicanalysis.com/metal-allergy/metal-LTT_metal_allergy_testing.html (http://www.orthopedicanalysis.com/metal-allergy/metal-LTT_metal_allergy_testing.html) It is blood testing. Not too many labs do that type of analysis and the top doctors know which do.
I think you are getting some similar opinons about having a THR. I would wait until you talk to Dr. Brooks and then make a decision. Dr. Brooks is an excellent surgeon and I would consider using him. I love the Cleveland Clinic. They are number 1 in heart proceedures and I had my open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve last Aug. Great hospital. They are number 5 in the nation for orthopedics. Still pretty good and Dr. Brooks keeps up with all the latest info.
Interesting info that doctors in the UK are called Mr. as in Mr. McMinn, Mr. Traecy, etc. It is a tradition that they are not called Dr. Just a note for people who are new to the site.
Good Luck and stay in touch. Pat
I am so sorry, I had know idea that in the UK they did not use Dr. I was wondering why you typed Mr. McMinn, I thought it was just a mistake. Thanks for letting me know. Also thanks for the info about the blood test. I will check it out.
Well tomorrow is my appointment with Dr. Brooks! I am so excited yet extremely nervous. Wish me luck ;D. I will update on how it goes soon.
Nharsh
I broke my right femoral head on in Jan and when I had my MRI they found that both sides where more than a 1/3 collapsed and the bones were soft so there was no chance of HR and I ended up with the Stryker (ceramic head) THR on both sides by Jason Cochran (Lansing Michigan, trained at Cleveland Clinic) these Stryker THR are lab tested for (estimated 30 years) only been out for a half dozen years so all you have are the studies that they have, I hated the idea of cutting that much bone but some of us are just not that lucky. I had horrible pain for many years and just thought it was something that you had to live with, so it is my fault for not checking into things when I first started having trouble. I do not mean to ramble on but did have both sides done 28 days apart and I do not think that things could be going better, no pain just real stiff and after I walk a few steps that gets better fast. No pain is something that I would never be able to say again!! I am looking ahead to summer and being able to golf again, I went and bought new clubs already and I have a while before I can use them but know that I will be able to this summer. YES!!!!!! I guess is what I am saying is that if you are not able to have HR all is not lost!
Good luck tomorrow. So exciting to be meeting the possible surgeon that will give you your life back! Sleep well and horay the day is finally here!
Surgery with Dr. Brooks on May 9th. Sorry it took me a couple weeks to post this. I knew it would be soon but May 9th is just around the corner and I have so much to do :P Dr. Brooks is amazing and made me feel very safe in his hands.
great news ... not far away now.... :) :)
nharsh
My surgey was done my Dr Brooks on March 18th - very please with how I feel and with his knowledge. My 6 week follow-up is May 3 so I hope to be off teh crutches then
Good luck - Phill
Glad to hear you are so close to surgery. Dr. Brooks and the Cleveland Clinic have an excellent reputation. If you are not too busy after your surgery, I would to hear how it went and how you are doing down the road.
Best,
Mac
Sorry it took so long to update everyone after my surgery. I had my THR and reconstruction done on May 9th at the Euclid Hospital of Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Brooks. He did my left side first because it hurt me the most and I will return to do the right one in about a year.
May 9th-- Got to the hospital about 8:30am. They got me right in to start all the paperwork and such. Then took my family and I back to get me ready. My family I had with me was my husband Joe, Dad Carl, and mom Mary. They waited in the family area while I got changed and IV started. The nurses were very nice and helpful. They got me all cleaned up and in my gown and got my family to come back with me. At that point my Pastor had gotten there also. We got to talk for a few minutes and then they came to take us upstairs. We got off the elevator and the guy said ok give your hugs and you'll see her after surgery. Well that was so quick we thought it would be awhile longer. So we said a prayer and gave hugs and kisses and off I went. By this point I got nervous. I waited in a room with about 6 patients and that is were the different doctors came in to explain everything and make sure all my questions were answered. I waited in there maybe 30 minutes and they off I went to the operating room. It was very cold and so much stuff and people every where. I remember thinking wow is this all for me? Like it was a party or something :) A very tall man introduced himself to me and had me sit on the side of the bed and let my legs hang off. He had his arms over my shoulders and told me to lean forward for the spinal block and that he would hold me up. Thats all I remember, I don't remember feeling anything. The next thing I remember is waking up and shivering so bad even my teeth were chattering. They kept putting warm blankets on me and I felt warmer but I could not stop shivering and it was starting to hurt all over. They ended up putting something in my IV and I finally stopped shivering. The pain was hardly anything. I just felt so tired and I couldn't keep my eyes open. I kept dosing in and out. When I woke up in my room it was full of all my family, husband, brother, mom, dad, and oldest son. It was so nice to see them all. I still felt so tired and weak and could barely talk or keep my eyes open. Still know pain. I would just lay there and listen to them all talk and dose in and out. I finally came to for a while and then told them all to go home and rest. So with so hesitation they did. My husband however stayed with some friends that lived only 45 minutes away because we lived about double that. Dr. Brooks said the surgery went very well and he was pleased with the results. The nurses were all very nice and seemed motherly with me. I had a hard time all night with very low blood pressure and high heart rate and high temp. Again not much pain it was controlled my a morphine pump. I didn't get much sleep because they had to keep waking me up to do my vitals.
May 10th--First thing in the morning my blood labs came back and were very low so they told me I would need a blood transfusion. I tried to not get scared and they did a good job not making it a big deal but I was so scared. I got a hold of my husband and he came right back in. They could not get another IV in me so I had to stop my pain pump to get the blood threw it. It was not to bad and I felt so much better even after the first pint. Then I blew my IV and I was so upset. They brought in the best of the best and she got a new one in not to bad. Got my second pint of blood and back on the pain pump and got some sleep on and off. Physical Therapy came in and showed me a few exercises to do from bed with the bar they put up over my bed. They weren't to hard on me. I also accomplished my goal of getting out of bed and into a chair to wash up and change my gown. It felt so good to do that. I sat up for a little while and then was getting nauseous so they helped me back to bed. I ate a little but didn't have much of an appetite yet. Just slept a lot and drank lots of water.
May 11th-- After a long scary couple days of low bp, high heart rate, fever, and blood count to low I am back to normal. Well normal for me anyways lol. I had two pints of blood given to me and lots of vitamins and now feel so much better. I have so many holes from iv's and blood draws I'm not sure there is anywhere left. I have got up several times today for pt and exercises and yay I am now peeing on my own. I will be going to the rehab floor tomorrow and they'll help get me in shape. About one more year to do the other side and the waddling Nicole will be know longer. Pain is still not bad at all and I am so impressed. I thought it would be so much worse. I think for me the bad part is all the nausea and just feeling so drained. I also started to get a spinal head ache they called it and told me to try some caffeine and that did the trick for me. I am none weight bearing due to some of the reconstruction but am able to do the walker to get to the bathroom usually.
May 12th--So here I am in my new room with a beautiful view of Lake Erie and the hospital garden. The room is much bigger and I have more room to put all my stuff (coupons). I will be working a lot with physical and occupational therapy to get my mobility and strength back. I am feeling a little stronger every day. I am still having nausea and not able to eat a whole lot. I am going off all narcotics so hopefully I will get my appetite back soon. I got to see my kids tonight and that was so nice. I miss them so much. I just wanted to keep them in the bed with me. So far all my labs are normal :) My bp is still low and heart rate is still up. They will redo blood work on Monday and go from there. My day is basically eating (some), drinking lots of water, breathing in this thing they gave me, pt, ot, going to the bathroom and doing more pt in my bed on the crazy trapeze looking thing I have attached to my bed, and I take naps between doing all of that. Good Night all!
May 13th--Well I can check yet another pain medicine off my list after puking my guts out from it :( But at least my room smells like spring from all my flowers I got and not vomit :) Starting to go down to the therapy floor today. Not feeling to bad yet but they'll be back later for round 2. Yay the sunshine is out! I just try to keep ice on at all times and drinking water. They will try another medication on me tonight. Still no BM :( Round 2 went pretty well with therapy. I learned how to do some things like getting dressed. I learned the correct way to move and not to move my hip. Also got lots of gadgets I call my tools. Looking forward to going back tomorrow. Tonight will try the new pain pill and hope I get some good sleep.
May 14th-- Well I did sleep good last night and had a hard time waking up. So far the new medicine is not making me sick. Still not much of an appetite. Pain is still under control with ice and prayers and for now Ultram. I had lots of therapy today just working on basic self caring tools and strengthening. They say I am doing very good. I feel better today and have been able to eat more. So far the Ultram is doing the trick it just makes me extra sleepy I think. On that note I am falling asleep so good night everyone. I'll try to keep ya posted and answer questions more now that I'm feeling better.
Congrats Nicole! I hear it will get better and better at a fast pace. And you will be a pro by the time hip 2 comes around.
It sounds like you have a great support team around. Take care and keep us updated.
Dan
You certainly seem to be having a challenging recovery. Sounds like you are getting through it with a great support network. Best wishes on your continuing recovery.
Mac
Congrats on the new hip! Sounds like you're making good strides - I'm happy for you.
Hi nh, I hope the sun is shining and you are enjoying your beautiful view. :) Congratulations on your op and on keeping up good spirits as you navigate all the challenges of recovery. Thanks for the update on your hippy journey and best wishes for a continued good recovery and rehab. HD