Hip Replacement

[Guest guest]

Hi,I don't want you to think your post is going unread.I am sending out very good thoughts for your upcoming operation.Unfortunately, without knowing more, it's hard to say how long you will be laid up since you have so many factors that many of us didn't have to face. Do you live alone?I would assume that you will be in the hospital longer than the 3/4 days that is usual than here in the States -- and then perhaps go on to a rehab/skilled nursing facility since you have so many complicating factors.Peace,HelenOn Apr 16, 2007, at 9:34 AM, tnstumpff wrote:I'm going in for my hip replacement surgery on 4/30 and I'm looking for advice on what I should prepare for at home and while I'm in the hospital. Its taken the doctors long enough to decide to do the procedure because of my medical history. In Jan. 2005 I had kidney and liver failure. My blood platelet count is right around 100K. I'm anemic. And unable to take pain meds, since they affect my liver. Other concerns by my surgeon is the affect of the anethesia on my liver.I'm also an HIGH RISK for infection.What helpful hints would you suggest. And how long can I really anticipte being laid up.I'm a strong willed person. In Jan. of 2005 they gave me 2 WEEKS to live. I bettered myself and got off both liver and kidney transplant lists. Help me out here! thanks

[Guest guest]

With your recuperative powers I hope you sail through this, but I am concerned about you not being able to have pain relievers! Before I went into the hospital I took up any area rugs I might trip over, made sure there were clear walkways around my apartment, had lots of easily prepared foods, and a chair that is high enough to safely sit w/o breaking the 90 degree hip flexion limitation. Have clothes that are easily pulled on. Find out if they will issue you a grabber, sock aid, leg lift, raised toilet seat, elasticized shoelaces or slip on shoes that stay on your feet securely, and if you have pets see if you can get your walker or crutches early so that you can get them used to the idea. When I first went on crutches I arranged for this and was glad I did as my dog immediately came up to me and put her paws on my thighs-- and she didn't normally jump up on me! Get a tray for your walker (if you are using

that) or get a backpack to carry stuff around. It won't work for beverages but helps w/ other little stuff. Arrange w/ friends to pick up prescriptions and groceries and to visit to keep your spirits up. Once you are home to your computer we can chat via this list. Good luck! If you have any specific questions please feel free to ask. PatI'm going in for my hip replacement surgery on 4/30 and I'm looking for advice on what I should prepare for at home and while I'm in the hospital.

[Guest guest]

Thanks, I think everything will run its course fine. I'm positive

and feel like I'm in the best shape I've been in since Jan. 2005.

I'm a 47 year old, white, male. I'm not over weight and I'm an

active person.

> Hi,

>

> I don't want you to think your post is going unread.

>

> I am sending out very good thoughts for your upcoming operation.

>

> Unfortunately, without knowing more, it's hard to say how long you

> will be laid up since you have so many factors that many of us

didn't

> have to face. Do you live alone?

>

> I would assume that you will be in the hospital longer than the

3/4

> days that is usual than here in the States -- and then perhaps go

on

> to a rehab/skilled nursing facility since you have so many

> complicating factors.

>

> Peace,

>

> Helen

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Pat, I'll start pre work in my home. Did you use anything in

the shower? It should be plenty warm enough here to wear loose

shorts. How long were you laid up? If you think of anything, please

feel free to pass it on.

Thanks,

Terry

>

> With your recuperative powers I hope you sail through this, but I

am concerned about you not being able to have pain relievers!

>

> Before I went into the hospital I took up any area rugs I might

trip over, made sure there were clear walkways around my apartment,

had lots of easily prepared foods, and a chair that is high enough to

safely sit w/o breaking the 90 degree hip flexion limitation.

>

> Have clothes that are easily pulled on. Find out if they will

issue you a grabber, sock aid, leg lift, raised toilet seat,

elasticized shoelaces or slip on shoes that stay on your feet

securely, and if you have pets see if you can get your walker or

crutches early so that you can get them used to the idea. When I

first went on crutches I arranged for this and was glad I did as my

dog immediately came up to me and put her paws on my thighs-- and she

didn't normally jump up on me! Get a tray for your walker (if you are

using that) or get a backpack to carry stuff around. It won't work

for beverages but helps w/ other little stuff.

>

> Arrange w/ friends to pick up prescriptions and groceries and to

visit to keep your spirits up. Once you are home to your computer we

can chat via this list.

>

> Good luck! If you have any specific questions please feel free to

ask.

>

> Pat

>

[Guest guest]

Wow, you are an amazement to be alive!!!! Going through this without pain med might be pretty stressful. I only took pain meds when I was in the hospital though and maybe a couple different times after I got home. I got through.

It was that initial pain right after the surgery that was bad. Are they giving you any suggestions for that comfort? Can they maybe give you local anesthesia?

I will be praying for you. Remind us the day you go in. Blessings, Terry

Re: Hip replacement

Hi,

I don't want you to think your post is going unread.

I am sending out very good thoughts for your upcoming operation.

Unfortunately, without knowing more, it's hard to say how long you will be laid up since you have so many factors that many of us didn't have to face. Do you live alone?

I would assume that you will be in the hospital longer than the 3/4 days that is usual than here in the States -- and then perhaps go on to a rehab/skilled nursing facility since you have so many complicating factors.

Peace,

Helen

On Apr 16, 2007, at 9:34 AM, tnstumpff wrote:

I'm going in for my hip replacement surgery on 4/30 and I'm looking for advice on what I should prepare for at home and while I'm in the hospital. Its taken the doctors long enough to decide to do the procedure because of my medical history. In Jan. 2005 I had kidney and liver failure. My blood platelet count is right around 100K. I'm anemic. And unable to take pain meds, since they affect my liver. Other concerns by my surgeon is the affect of the anethesia on my liver.I'm also an HIGH RISK for infection.What helpful hints would you suggest. And how long can I really anticipte being laid up.I'm a strong willed person. In Jan. of 2005 they gave me 2 WEEKS to live. I bettered myself and got off both liver and kidney transplant lists. Help me out here! thanks

AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

my thoughts are with you, and hopefully they can find a pain

medication for you that presents minimal complications to the liver,

such as a patch.

Best of luck to you !

>

> I'm going in for my hip replacement surgery on 4/30 and I'm looking for

> advice on what I should prepare for at home and while I'm in the

> hospital. Its taken the doctors long enough to decide to do the

> procedure because of my medical history. In Jan. 2005 I had kidney and

> liver failure. My blood platelet count is right around 100K. I'm

> anemic. And unable to take pain meds, since they affect my liver.

> Other concerns by my surgeon is the affect of the anethesia on my liver.

> I'm also an HIGH RISK for infection.

> What helpful hints would you suggest. And how long can I really

> anticipte being laid up.

> I'm a strong willed person. In Jan. of 2005 they gave me 2 WEEKS to

> live. I bettered myself and got off both liver and kidney transplant

> lists. Help me out here! thanks

>

[Guest guest]

I wonder if you have considered haveing relatives give blood that

match your type. If you are anemic, you may need blood in the

surgery. Terry

> >

> > I'm going in for my hip replacement surgery on 4/30 and I'm

looking for

> > advice on what I should prepare for at home and while I'm in the

> > hospital. Its taken the doctors long enough to decide to do the

> > procedure because of my medical history. In Jan. 2005 I had

kidney and

> > liver failure. My blood platelet count is right around 100K.

I'm

> > anemic. And unable to take pain meds, since they affect my

liver.

> > Other concerns by my surgeon is the affect of the anethesia on

my liver.

> > I'm also an HIGH RISK for infection.

> > What helpful hints would you suggest. And how long can I really

> > anticipte being laid up.

> > I'm a strong willed person. In Jan. of 2005 they gave me 2

WEEKS to

> > live. I bettered myself and got off both liver and kidney

transplant

> > lists. Help me out here! thanks

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Terry,

When I had my initial hip replacement I was only 33 and was quite able to

stand in the shower w/o a tub chair. I did get one after my first revision,

and finally I sprung for a bath bench that extended over the edge of the tub

because w/ revisions you are often non-weight bearing for a length of time

and that makes everything easier. If you have a shower w/ a shower curtain

you can use one of the extended bath benches. You may as well go for ease of

use. In fact, my bath bench is still in there. I don't sit on it except to

shave my legs, but I do keep my shampoo and soap on it.

My hip replacement, seeing as I was 33 and healed w/ the rapidity of youth I

was walking miles on crutches in less than a month. I went on a cane at 6

weeks and dispenced w/ it (foolishly) 6 weeks later when I made my annual

trip to Washington DC to " do " the museum thing at Christmas.

I thought of one other thing. Get yourself a plastic ruler and tape your

razor to it. After you go off your blood thinners you can shave your legs

long before you regain the ability to bend low enough to do it otherwise.

It's one of my favorite tips for the ladies!

Oh, and get as much exercise as you can! The fitter you are going in the

easier your recuperation will be.

Pat

>

> Thanks Pat, I'll start pre work in my home. Did you use anything in

> the shower? It should be plenty warm enough here to wear loose

> shorts. How long were you laid up? If you think of anything, please

> feel free to pass it on.

>

[Guest guest]

>

Hi Pat,

Thanks again! I have a walk in shower, so I guess I need to look for

a stool. What did you use for keeping all your items bedside? My

nature is to get up and get going. Sometimes I tend to over due

things and push myself over the limits. Being male, Idon't need to

shave my legs-thank God. Any type of exercises that worked best for

you other that the PT? How soon after your operation, were you able

to drive? How long should I figure being off work, in the best case

senairio?

Thanks again

Terry

> Terry,

>

> When I had my initial hip replacement I was only 33 and was quite

able to

> stand in the shower w/o a tub chair. I did get one after my first

revision,

> and finally I sprung for a bath bench that extended over the edge

of the tub

> because w/ revisions you are often non-weight bearing for a length

of time

> and that makes everything easier. If you have a shower w/ a shower

curtain

> you can use one of the extended bath benches. You may as well go

for ease of

> use. In fact, my bath bench is still in there. I don't sit on it

except to

> shave my legs, but I do keep my shampoo and soap on it.

>

> My hip replacement, seeing as I was 33 and healed w/ the rapidity

of youth I

> was walking miles on crutches in less than a month. I went on a

cane at 6

> weeks and dispenced w/ it (foolishly) 6 weeks later when I made my

annual

> trip to Washington DC to " do " the museum thing at Christmas.

>

> I thought of one other thing. Get yourself a plastic ruler and tape

your

> razor to it. After you go off your blood thinners you can shave

your legs

> long before you regain the ability to bend low enough to do it

otherwise.

> It's one of my favorite tips for the ladies!

>

> Oh, and get as much exercise as you can! The fitter you are going

in the

> easier your recuperation will be.

>

> Pat

>

>

>

>

> >

> > Thanks Pat, I'll start pre work in my home. Did you use anything

in

> > the shower? It should be plenty warm enough here to wear loose

> > shorts. How long were you laid up? If you think of anything,

please

> > feel free to pass it on.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Terry,Here are some universally helpful thingsAside from the shower chair (you should probably pay the small extra and get a chair which has arms and a back -- the arms are helpful to lift oneself up).Bedside holding things - This depends on how elaborate you want to go -- There are websites/catalogues that specialize in items to help post recovery or for permanent disabilities. They sell bags which attach under the mattress and or hospital type tables that you can use. I didn't need anything that elaborate. You could have your own "bag" of some kind. I also thought a plastic container would work well to harbor everything. I think you need to look at your actual bed/couch and attempt reaching for things -- I have always stored the remotes under the pillows on the side of the bed I don't sleep on. I would suggest perhaps a hook to hang the reacher. I found a leg lifter indispensable for the first week or so until I had regained sufficient strength to SAFELY lift my leg into bed.Driving is going to depend on which leg was operated on. I started driving about 3 weeks after surgery on my left leg (I'm in the US). The issue I have (and still have) with driving is that I get "antsy" after driving for too long a period of time since I can't sufficiently "move out" the leg. This is really my remaining major problem as sitting for too long makes me uncomfortable -- have to stand or walk. Do prepare your home sufficiently -- get rid of area rugs -- obvious obstructions. Stock up on frozen meals -- paper plates. I found a water bottle indispensable.My situation was probably different from many people as I didn't "need" the walker after a week or so but wasn't cleared to not use it until after about 3 weeks. Therefore I was pretty easily able to hold something in one hand dangling while moving the walker forward. If I needed both hands strongly on the walker for support and balance, I would have gotten a bag for the walker. At the suggestion of someone, I also got a  carpenter's apron with pockets that would hold things -- didn't wind up using it but my ability to navigate came back more quickly than many others.Do get at least 2 reachers and bring one to the hospital along with a bag to tie at the head of your bed to hold things.On Apr 17, 2007, at 4:44 AM, tnstumpff wrote:>Hi Pat,Thanks again! I have a walk in shower, so I guess I need to look for a stool. What did you use for keeping all your items bedside? My nature is to get up and get going. Sometimes I tend to over due things and push myself over the limits. Being male, Idon't need to shave my legs-thank God. Any type of exercises that worked best for you other that the PT? How soon after your operation, were you able to drive? How long should I figure being off work, in the best case senairio?Thanks againTerry> Terry,> > When I had my initial hip replacement I was only 33 and was quite able to > stand in the shower w/o a tub chair. I did get one after my first revision, > and finally I sprung for a bath bench that extended over the edge of the tub > because w/ revisions you are often non-weight bearing for a length of time > and that makes everything easier. If you have a shower w/ a shower curtain > you can use one of the extended bath benches. You may as well go for ease of > use. In fact, my bath bench is still in there. I don't sit on it except to > shave my legs, but I do keep my shampoo and soap on it.> > My hip replacement, seeing as I was 33 and healed w/ the rapidity of youth I > was walking miles on crutches in less than a month. I went on a cane at 6 > weeks and dispenced w/ it (foolishly) 6 weeks later when I made my annual > trip to Washington DC to "do" the museum thing at Christmas.> > I thought of one other thing. Get yourself a plastic ruler and tape your > razor to it. After you go off your blood thinners you can shave your legs > long before you regain the ability to bend low enough to do it otherwise. > It's one of my favorite tips for the ladies!> > Oh, and get as much exercise as you can! The fitter you are going in the > easier your recuperation will be.> > Pat> > > > > >> > Thanks Pat, I'll start pre work in my home. Did you use anything in> > the shower? It should be plenty warm enough here to wear loose> > shorts. How long were you laid up? If you think of anything, please> > feel free to pass it on.> >>

[Guest guest]

What are your other options though if you cannot take pain meds for the

hip replacement? I am just curious. I am waiting to see when my doctor

is going to schedule my hip replacement and to tell you the truth, am

quite scared of it all and not knowing how it might go. But I just

cannot imagine going through it without pain meds.

Dale

Hip replacement

> I'm going in for my hip replacement surgery on 4/30 and I'm looking

> for

> advice on what I should prepare for at home and while I'm in the

> hospital. Its taken the doctors long enough to decide to do the

> procedure because of my medical history. In Jan. 2005 I had kidney

> and

> liver failure. My blood platelet count is right around 100K. I'm

> anemic. And unable to take pain meds, since they affect my liver.

> Other concerns by my surgeon is the affect of the anethesia on my

> liver.

> I'm also an HIGH RISK for infection.

> What helpful hints would you suggest. And how long can I really

> anticipte being laid up.

> I'm a strong willed person. In Jan. of 2005 they gave me 2 WEEKS to

> live. I bettered myself and got off both liver and kidney transplant

> lists. Help me out here! thanks

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Terry,

Sorry about the mis-identification of your sex. I have a number of female

friends named Terry and I assumed something I shouldn't have.

Lucky you for the walk in shower. Now that they have special tapes that can

cover the surgical area you will probably be able to shower sooner than I

could. I had to wait until my staples came out to bathe and had to settle

for bird baths and the now available no-rinse body washes.

My bed has a deep headboard w/ shelves, I kept stuff there or in a tote bag

slung over the door handle that is only a foot from my bed.

Mother nature will let you know when you over do and you will want to rest a

lot the following day.

I don't drive, but I believe the standard 6 weeks will be your limit. The

same w/ being off work if you don't have a job where you do a lot of lifting

or have to stand all day. Your surgeon and physical therapist will guide

you.

Good luck to you, Terry. Keep the questions coming if you think of anything

else feel free to post to this list and someone should be able to answer

them.

Pat

> Thanks again! I have a walk in shower, so I guess I need to look for

> a stool.

[Guest guest]

Ah, Pat is a leg-lifter fan also. Really, I get no commission from leg lifters (or Zappos shoes), but here is just one site that sells it. http://www.dynamic-living.com/leg-lifter.htm They run around $10. I ordered mine from the local medical supply store when I was in inpatient rehab and paid twice the price. It looks like a dog leash, which some people use. But this one is stiff, which allows you to slip it right over your foot on the first try. Great ideas, Pat. I have one idea that I believe was from from New Zealand (where the heck is she, anyway?). She kept an ice chest by her bed for her ice packs as well as cold drinks. For my bedside, I just had a rectangular basket that held the necessities. I used my reacher to pick things out of it. I

had knee replacements, so not sure about hip. But do you need a raised toilet? I sure did. It saved me a lot of pain since it puts a lot of strain getting up from such low places as a commode and sofa. Donna jujulabee@... wrote: Terry, Here are some universally helpful things Aside from the shower chair (you should probably

pay the small extra and get a chair which has arms and a back -- the arms are helpful to lift oneself up). Bedside holding things - This depends on how elaborate you want to go -- There are websites/catalogues that specialize in items to help post recovery or for permanent disabilities. They sell bags which attach under the mattress and or hospital type tables that you can use. I didn't need anything that elaborate. You could have your own "bag" of some kind. I also thought a plastic container would work well to harbor everything. I think you need to look at your actual bed/couch and attempt reaching for things -- I have always stored the remotes under the pillows on the side of the bed I don't sleep on. I would suggest perhaps a hook to hang the reacher. I found a leg lifter indispensable for the first week or so until I had regained sufficient

strength to SAFELY lift my leg into bed. Driving is going to depend on which leg was operated on. I started driving about 3 weeks after surgery on my left leg (I'm in the US). The issue I have (and still have) with driving is that I get "antsy" after driving for too long a period of time since I can't sufficiently "move out" the leg. This is really my remaining major problem as sitting for too long makes me uncomfortable -- have to stand or walk. Do prepare your home sufficiently -- get rid of area rugs -- obvious obstructions. Stock up on frozen meals -- paper plates. I found a water bottle indispensable. My situation was probably different from many people as I didn't "need" the walker after a week or so but wasn't cleared to

not use it until after about 3 weeks. Therefore I was pretty easily able to hold something in one hand dangling while moving the walker forward. If I needed both hands strongly on the walker for support and balance, I would have gotten a bag for the walker. At the suggestion of someone, I also got a carpenter's apron with pockets that would hold things -- didn't wind up using it but my ability to navigate came back more quickly than many others. Do get at least 2 reachers and bring one to the hospital along with a bag to tie at the head of your bed to hold things. On Apr 17, 2007, at 4:44 AM, tnstumpff wrote: >Hi Pat,Thanks

again! I have a walk in shower, so I guess I need to look for a stool. What did you use for keeping all your items bedside? My nature is to get up and get going. Sometimes I tend to over due things and push myself over the limits. Being male, Idon't need to shave my legs-thank God. Any type of exercises that worked best for you other that the PT? How soon after your operation, were you able to drive? How long should I figure being off work, in the best case senairio?Thanks againTerry> Terry,> > When I had my initial hip replacement I was only 33 and was quite able to > stand in the shower w/o a tub chair. I did get one after my first revision, > and finally I sprung for a bath bench that extended over the edge of the tub > because w/ revisions you are often non-weight bearing for a length of time > and that makes everything easier. If you have a shower w/ a shower curtain > you can use one of the extended bath benches. You may

as well go for ease of > use. In fact, my bath bench is still in there. I don't sit on it except to > shave my legs, but I do keep my shampoo and soap on it.> > My hip replacement,

seeing as I was 33 and healed w/ the rapidity of youth I > was walking miles on crutches in less than a month. I went on a cane at 6 > weeks and dispenced w/ it (foolishly) 6 weeks later when I made my annual > trip to Washington DC to "do" the museum thing at Christmas.> > I thought of one other thing. Get yourself a plastic ruler and tape your > razor to it. After you go off your blood thinners you can shave your legs > long before you regain the ability to bend low enough to do it otherwise. > It's one of my favorite tips for the ladies!> > Oh, and get as much exercise as you can! The fitter you are going in the > easier your recuperation will be.> > Pat> > > > > >> > Thanks Pat, I'll start pre work in my home. Did you use anything in> > the shower? It should be plenty warm enough here to wear loose> > shorts. How long were you laid up? If you think of anything, please> > feel free to pass it on.> >>

Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out

new cars at Autos.

[Guest guest]

Hi- From the things you've been told, I can only add that you need to

plan on not being able to do anything for yourself for a bit of the

recovery time. I was hoping I was going to be one of the ones who

left the hospital after 2 days on a cane, & I wasn't. 2 days &

crutches, then 3 days & crutches, the a week & a half till I could get

on a 4 point cane, the a week or so till I got on a regular cane. I

stayed with family so I was able to have things done for me when I was

unable & when I just didn't feel like it. I'm 46, work as a carpenter

& home repairman & was in pretty damned good shape, but still needed

help. Clear the walking path, have a way to eat that requires no

effort on your part, & get everthing you may need up from the low

shelves & down from the high shelves.

Peace

Hozack Bilateral BHR 10/17+31/07

[Guest guest]

Just a little addition to this, I attached a square metal basket to the front of my walker with my first THR surgery, I found it a huge help. I also bought huge insulated mugs with lids for ice water, Walmart had them for about 1.99 then. Everyone recommends a "grabber" or "nifty nabber". They are wonderful, but I recommend getting two of them. Reason being that I would often drop mine on the floor, and used the second one to retrieve the first one. I would like to thank everyone on this list for all the great information and helpful hints. I'm sure I'm going to be a lot more prepared for the second THR. :-)See what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Grabbers!!

A little trivia here.....does anyone know who invented the Grabber and what the initial use was?

Ed

Re: Hip replacement

Just a little addition to this, I attached a square metal basket to the front of my walker with my first THR surgery, I found it a huge help. I also bought huge insulated mugs with lids for ice water, Walmart had them for about 1.99 then. Everyone recommends a "grabber" or "nifty nabber". They are wonderful, but I recommend getting two of them. Reason being that I would often drop mine on the floor, and used the second one to retrieve the first one. I would like to thank everyone on this list for all the great information and helpful hints. I'm sure I'm going to be a lot more prepared for the second THR. :-)

See what's free at AOL.com.

AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Maybe

they were made to change the tv channel or to handle dangerous chemicals

[Guest guest]

Mine was a knee replacement, but I was able to shower in the hospital with the incision (I had staples) uncovered. I never had to cover the incision when showering at home. I wasn't lucky enough to have a walk in shower in the downstairs bath so it was a process getting in and out of the tub.

Also, I wasn't allowed to drive for about 5 weeks; they wanted me to be comfortable slamming on the brake in case of an emergency, which made sense to me.

>>Lucky you for the walk in shower. Now that they have special tapes that can cover the surgical area you will probably be able to shower sooner than I could. I had to wait until my staples came out to bathe and had to settle for bird baths and the now available no-rinse body washes.

[Guest guest]

I can't comment on hip surgery but I had total knee replacements so maybe I

can help you out with the anethesia question. I don't know if your anethesic

doctors do this or not; but I had the kind of anethesia where I was not put

to sleep. They give you a shot in the spine and you go to sleep but it is

not like when they put you totally to sleep. My doctor recommended this

because you breathe on your own, yo don't have all the anethesia in you that

you would have if you were put to sleep, and my knee was numb for several

hours after surgery so I went without pain for several hours more than I

would have if I had been put to sleep. Hopes this helps and good luck with

your surgery> I will be praying for you.

Pat

Hip replacement

> I'm going in for my hip replacement surgery on 4/30 and I'm looking for

> advice on what I should prepare for at home and while I'm in the

> hospital. Its taken the doctors long enough to decide to do the

> procedure because of my medical history. In Jan. 2005 I had kidney and

> liver failure. My blood platelet count is right around 100K. I'm

> anemic. And unable to take pain meds, since they affect my liver.

> Other concerns by my surgeon is the affect of the anethesia on my liver.

> I'm also an HIGH RISK for infection.

> What helpful hints would you suggest. And how long can I really

> anticipte being laid up.

> I'm a strong willed person. In Jan. of 2005 they gave me 2 WEEKS to

> live. I bettered myself and got off both liver and kidney transplant

> lists. Help me out here! thanks

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Years and years ago (before MY time LOL) they were used by grocery store owners to get things off the top shelves -- this was before self service markets.HelenOn Apr 18, 2007, at 8:28 AM, Coffey wrote:Maybe they were made to change the tv channel or to handle dangerous chemicals 

[Guest guest]

>

> What are your other options though if you cannot take pain meds

for the

> hip replacement? I am just curious. I am waiting to see when my

doctor

> is going to schedule my hip replacement and to tell you the truth,

am

> quite scared of it all and not knowing how it might go. But I just

> cannot imagine going through it without pain meds.

>

>

> Dale

>

> Hip replacement

>

>

> > I'm going in for my hip replacement surgery on 4/30 and I'm

looking

> > for

> > advice on what I should prepare for at home and while I'm in the

> > hospital. Its taken the doctors long enough to decide to do the

> > procedure because of my medical history. In Jan. 2005 I had

kidney

> > and

> > liver failure. My blood platelet count is right around 100K.

I'm

> > anemic. And unable to take pain meds, since they affect my

liver.

> > Other concerns by my surgeon is the affect of the anethesia on

my

> > liver.

> > I'm also an HIGH RISK for infection.

> > What helpful hints would you suggest. And how long can I really

> > anticipte being laid up.

> > I'm a strong willed person. In Jan. of 2005 they gave me 2

WEEKS to

> > live. I bettered myself and got off both liver and kidney

transplant

> > lists. Help me out here! thanks

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I have learned alot in the last few days listening to you all. Thank

you!! I guess my next question would be. What should I expect 18

days after my surgery? Reason for the question is that I'm on a

comittee to run a Charity Golf Tournament and events. What should I

expect?? And, how do you think, and what will I need to be able to

work this event? How should I prepare myself?

Thanks,

Terry

>

> Just a little addition to this, I attached a square metal basket to

the

> front of my walker with my first THR surgery, I found it a huge

help. I also

> bought huge insulated mugs with lids for ice water, Walmart had

them for about

> 1.99 then. Everyone recommends a " grabber " or " nifty nabber " .

They are

> wonderful, but I recommend getting two of them. Reason being that

I would often

> drop mine on the floor, and used the second one to retrieve the

first one. I

> would like to thank everyone on this list for all the great

information and

> helpful hints. I'm sure I'm going to be a lot more prepared for

the second

> THR. :-)

>

>

>

> ************************************** See what's free at

http://www.aol.com.

>

[Guest guest]

I preface this by saying everyone is different.I had an anterior approach, no complications and was off the walker in less than 3 weeks with no cane. At that stage (2 1/2 weeks/3 weeks), I would have not wanted to commit myself to an activity that would have required me to be out of the house all day with no ability to lie down, take a nap or just veg.It was still extremely uncomfortable for me to sit for an extended period of time. I did go out to restaurants -- shopping etc. but was very glad to get back to my home base.So my personal decision would be to not commit yourself to anything because there is really no way of being able to tell how comfortably you will be able to function less than 3 weeks following surgery -- As I recall, in your initial post you indicated you had a number of complicating factors including being at risk for an infection and also an inability to take many pain medications. All of these would probably mean you might have more of a recovery period than others.If it were me, I would bow out because I wouldn't have been able to comfortably "work an event" for any extended period of time without discomfort and fatigue at that stage.And since there is no way for you to predict how YOU will feel on that day, I would certainly not want to commit and then have people scramble to fill the void -- If you feel well on that day, you can always pop in and do things that need doing for whatever period of time you feel physically up to it.HelenOn Apr 19, 2007, at 8:22 PM, tnstumpff wrote:I have learned alot in the last few days listening to you all. Thank you!! I guess my next question would be. What should I expect 18 days after my surgery? Reason for the question is that I'm on a comittee to run a Charity Golf Tournament and events. What should I expect?? And, how do you think, and what will I need to be able to work this event? How should I prepare myself?Thanks,Terry>> Just a little addition to this, I attached a square metal basket to the > front of my walker with my first THR surgery, I found it a huge help. I also > bought huge insulated mugs with lids for ice water, Walmart had them for about > 1.99 then. Everyone recommends a "grabber" or "nifty nabber". They are > wonderful, but I recommend getting two of them. Reason being that I would often > drop mine on the floor, and used the second one to retrieve the first one. I > would like to thank everyone on this list for all the great information and > helpful hints. I'm sure I'm going to be a lot more prepared for the second > THR. :-)> > > > ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.>

[Guest guest]

Reason for the question is that I'm on a

committee to run a Charity Golf Tournament and events.Terry,

I had RTHR on Dec. 8, and I wasn't even in good enough shape to

supervise the preparation of Christmas dinner 17 days later!

Seriously, I could get around the house & think of things that

needed doing, but I couldn't make beds or clean house. I'd start to

fix supper and get so rattled that I couldn't make a salad...

If you're really going to do this, request an assignment for which you

can sit down in a proper chair, but be sure to get up and move around

occasionally. You'll be buoyed up by the people and activity around

you, won't have time to feel sorry for yourself--so don't overdo it!

Take your pain meds and some water with you. Barbara WardMacomb County, Michigan

Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check out

new cars at Autos.

[Guest guest]

Good luck to you tomorrow, Terry ! I just got back from my 2nd hip

replacement and this time they did it with local anesthesia. I have

recovered so very much quicker. Maybe a local will work with you as

well. Also, you absolutely HAVE to take pain meds. You cannot

recover adequately without them unless medically taking them it is

contraindicated. This is the wrong time to play hero. I still take

my Percocet every four hours if I have pain which I feel is too much

to comfortably walk or go up and down the stairs.

> >

> > Terry,

> >

> > Sorry about the mis-identification of your sex. I have a number

of

> female

> > friends named Terry and I assumed something I shouldn't have.

> >

> > Lucky you for the walk in shower. Now that they have special

tapes

> that can

> > cover the surgical area you will probably be able to shower

sooner

> than I

> > could. I had to wait until my staples came out to bathe and had

to

> settle

> > for bird baths and the now available no-rinse body washes.

> >

> > My bed has a deep headboard w/ shelves, I kept stuff there or in

a

> tote bag

> > slung over the door handle that is only a foot from my bed.

> >

> > Mother nature will let you know when you over do and you will

want

> to rest a

> > lot the following day.

> >

> > I don't drive, but I believe the standard 6 weeks will be your

> limit. The

> > same w/ being off work if you don't have a job where you do a lot

> of lifting

> > or have to stand all day. Your surgeon and physical therapist

will

> guide

> > you.

> >

> > Good luck to you, Terry. Keep the questions coming if you think

of

> anything

> > else feel free to post to this list and someone should be able to

> answer

> > them.

> >

> > Pat

> >

> >

> > > Thanks again! I have a walk in shower, so I guess I need to

look

> for

> > > a stool.

> >

>