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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
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