Re: Re: advocate in hospital

[Guest guest]

Donna, it was thanks to you and others on this list, that I'm having my sister to stay in hospital with me (in 2 weeks time). I think I'll be glad of it, even if everything goes well! All the best with your recovery

[Guest guest]

i wish i had someone to stay at the hospital with me. if i know my husband, he's going to hate even coming to visit me. he hates hospitals and hates to be around sick people. i'm glad you are having your sister with you, wendy.

lindy

Donna, it was thanks to you and others on this list, that I'm having my sister to stay in hospital with me (in 2 weeks time). I think I'll be glad of it, even if everything goes well! All the best with your recovery

[Guest guest]

so you all are saying that we should have someone with us around the clock while we're at the hospital, after surgery. holy moly, i don't have anyone i can ask. i know my husband won't.

Yeah for you, ! It will be the best and most critical investment of time your sister has ever made.

Evem of everything goes perfectly, the first nghts are long and difficult. Your sister can make you more comfortable in so many ways. Her very presence will probably ensure attention. The caretakers will know they are being watched.

I forget the name of the member who just got home this week. Forgive me, her posting was certaily memorable, but my memory is lousy. It was the woman with the terrific sense of humor who sounds like she shook things up while she was a patient. Even though she was firm and aggressive about her care, she said one night, she threw her cane and other things to get her meds, which were 3 1/2 hours late. With that kind of pain, FIVE MINUTES IS TOO LATE. To think that she suffered for more than three hours. It's horrifying. My heart goes out to her.

But that won't happen to you because you will have an advocate.

FYI. I actually woke up 5:30 this morning ready to accomplish laundry and other tasks. I took the dog for a walk. He's so old. Poor thing. Between the two us, we weren't exactly burning up the street. He stinks to high heaven and since I can't get him in the tub, I'm taking him to the groomer's while I do PT at the pool.

Small things. Just an average Saturay for most people. But huge for me! I see some kind of normalcy returning to my life 9 weeks after BTKR. Yes. I can now cautiously say joint replacement works. But it takes more patience than I knew. But to think that I will have strong knees again soon. Today, I can feel the excitement. One day we will both be saying, "It's a miracle!"

Tell your sibling she's is one heck of a wonderful sister to be with you at this critical time.

Peace and light,

Donna

>> Donna, it was thanks to you and others on this list, that I'm having my> sister to stay in hospital with me (in 2 weeks time). I think I'll be glad> of it, even if everything goes well! All the best with your recovery > > > >

[Guest guest]

Lindy wrote "i wish i had someone to stay at the hospital with me. if i know my husband, he's going to hate even coming to visit me. he hates hospitals and hates to be around sick people. i'm glad you are having your sister with you, wendy.

lindy"

Hi Lindy

It's just for the first 2 nights (as she has a job to go to!) but I had a bad time after my last major surgery and I think it will help a lot having her there. My husband will visit me, but he has to look after my daughter who will still be going to school each day etc.

I sure wish your husband would be there for you Lindy - have you talked to him about it?

[Guest guest]

hi !

i haven't asked my hubby yet, but i will. i don't think he's too thrilled about me having surgery in the winter, while he's home, during winter lay up -- i think he's thinking it will stifle what he can or cannot do while off the ship. of course, he may not be thinking this at all, but that's the feeling i'm having. and if he does think this way: too bad! my health has to come first. he had planned on going to toledo, ohio for 1 week, to write for his captain's license, and if i have surgery, i don't know if he can do that, unless i can find someone to stay with me -- and NOT his family, no way jose! long story! he's also dead set on getting our home in the spring and that will mean a lot of packing this winter and moving to a temporary place til the new home is in. i could probably manage that IF he would pack things properly, but you don't know my hubby -- i love him but he's a slob, i mean really. he'd never pack right, everything would be mixed up or broken or just stuck out in the garage as is. i can only imagine! egads! that's why i was thinking of postponing my surgery til summer and have it done while he's on the ship and hopefully, i could go to a rehab after the hospital, and not come home til i can care for myself, but i don't even know if that's all feasible. so now i'm back to wanting the surgery in the winter, and i'm getting the feeling from him that he doesn't really like that idea. well tough

you-know-what. sigh!

lindy

Hi Lindy

It's just for the first 2 nights (as she has a job to go to!) but I had a bad time after my last major surgery and I think it will help a lot having her there. My husband will visit me, but he has to look after my daughter who will still be going to school each day etc.

I sure wish your husband would be there for you Lindy - have you talked to him about it?

[Guest guest]

My husband was there for me and slept in my room even. He slept there

because I couldn't leave him alone for medical reasons but he still was

my advocate.

On Nov 11, 2006, at 10:16 PM, Harnett wrote:

> Lindy wrote " i wish i had someone to stay at the hospital with me.  if

> i know my husband, he's going to hate even coming to visit me.  he

> hates hospitals and hates to be around sick people.  i'm glad you are

> having your sister with you, wendy.

> lindy "

>  

> Hi Lindy

> It's just for the first 2 nights (as she has a job to go to!) but I

> had a bad time after my last major surgery and I think it will help a

> lot having her there. My husband will visit me, but he has to look

> after my daughter who will still be going to school each day etc.

>  

> I sure wish your husband would be there for you Lindy - have you

> talked to him about it?

>  

>

>  

>>

>

The cross is the only ladder high enough to touch Heaven's threshold.

[Guest guest]

I think your best bet under the circumstances is to go for the winter

when your husband is home. Regarding packing after a while you could

sit on a chair and have him bring the things to you and you could wrap

them or do you have a friend who would help. To be without him and

have to do this would be difficult. Talk to your os about this.

On Nov 12, 2006, at 10:42 AM, lindy wrote:

> hi !

> i haven't asked my hubby yet, but i will.  i don't think he's too

> thrilled about me having surgery in the winter, while he's home,

> during winter lay up -- i think he's thinking it will stifle what he

> can or cannot do while off the ship.  of course, he may not be

> thinking this at all, but that's the feeling i'm having.  and if he

> does think this way: too bad!  my health has to come first.  he had

> planned on going to toledo, ohio for 1 week, to write for his

> captain's license, and if i have surgery, i don't know if he can do

> that, unless i can find someone to stay with me -- and NOT his family,

> no way jose!  long story!  he's also dead set on getting our home in

> the spring and that will mean a lot of packing this winter and moving

> to a temporary place til the new home is in.  i could probably manage

> that IF he would pack things properly, but you don't know my hubby --

> i love him but he's a slob, i mean really.  he'd never pack right,

> everything would be mixed up or broken or just stuck out in the garage

> as is.  i can only imagine!  egads!  that's why i was thinking of

> postponing my surgery til summer and have it done while he's on the

> ship and hopefully, i could go to a rehab after the hospital, and not

> come home til i can care for myself, but i don't even know if that's

> all feasible.  so now i'm back to wanting the surgery in the winter,

> and i'm getting the feeling from him that he doesn't really like that

> idea.  well tough

> you-know-what.  sigh!

> lindy

>>

>> Hi Lindy

>> It's just for the first 2 nights (as she has a job to go to!) but I

>> had a bad time after my last major surgery and I think it will help a

>> lot having her there. My husband will visit me, but he has to look

>> after my daughter who will still be going to school each day etc.

>>  

>> I sure wish your husband would be there for you Lindy - have you

>> talked to him about it?

>>  

>>

" If you are all wrapped up in yourself, you are overdressed. "

[Guest guest]

Hi Lindy

I hope it all works out for you - you never know, you might get a better reaction than you expect when you ask your husband if he'll stay with you in hospital.

I enjoy reading your posts too, you really have a way with words My hip replacement is 2 weeks tommorrow and I can't wait! Feel free to email me privately if you ever want to chat.

in NZ

[Guest guest]

DONNA,

i don't have a scheduled surgery yet. at the very soonest, it would be around january 22, give or take -- my husband's ship lays up for winter right around the 15th, unless there is an unusal amount of ice on the lakes where the ships cannot navigate, then it would be early. he's come home as early as late december a couple times. he'll be home for 3 months give or take. that would give me plenty of time to recuperate and have someone close by. i don't actually expect him to do things for me, i want to get back to doing for myself right away -- it's just knowing someone is near by because i'm such a big baby. when i left the new orthopedic today i was upbeat thinking, i can put this thing off, but here tonight, i find myself depressed again, knowing i just can't wait. it's going to have to be this winter and hubby will have to work around this. not to sound like a b*tch, but he can write for his capt.'s license during his summer or fall vacations as well, and he's been saying for a couple winters now he's going to do it and he cancelled just "because", and i don't think he's been studying, which he has to do, so chances are, i'd put off my surgery and then he wouldn't even go do it. that would ticke me off, let me tell you. ;=))))) i haven't answered BEVERLY's wonderful email yet but i definitely will, soon. i really loved it -- so POSITIVE. i need positive people in my life! i want to call the orthopedic doctor tomorrow and tell her i want to have surgery in january, so refer me to the surgeon already. ;-) i know i have to have it -- i should have it as soon as possible!

hugs,

lindy lou

Lindy, I forget. When is your surgery scheduled? Donna

[Guest guest]

cookies -- that's a great idea. i'm always a very friendly, upbeat person and anytime i have medical treatment, i'm usually jolly. ;-) i've never had joint replacement though. how does the pain afterwards compare to say, a hysterectomy? now that one hurt! that was my worse surgery! and it took me like 5 or 6 months to feel like myself again -- it wasn't pain so much as it just took everything out of me.

I didn't...but we live in a small town with an excellent hospital. A suggestion. Make friends with the staff - become a real person, instead of "the left hip in room 102". One way to accomplish this - or at least start the process - is to bring homemade goodies in the first day - a big bag of chocolate chip cookies worked wonders for us. We did it when my hubby had his revision surgery in April, and when I came in for my TKR in September with another bag in hand, they remembered us! I had absolutely fantastic care.GOOD LUCK!

[Guest guest]



hi elaine,

who knows maybe my hubby will spend the night because it is quite a drive back and forth from where we live to uptown duluth. i would feel good about that but on the other hand, i'll probably be asleep most of the time anyway. glad your hubby was with you.

lindy

My husband was there for me and slept in my room even. He slept there because I couldn't leave him alone for medical reasons but he still was my advocate.

[Guest guest]



hi again elaine ;-)

i know the best bet is to go this winter and as soon as possible, it's the only thing that makes sense. i just keep going back and forth, you know, it's a major deal and the more i learn about it from you all, the more major it becomes.

lindy

I think your best bet under the circumstances is to go for the winter when your husband is home. Regarding packing after a while you could sit on a chair and have him bring the things to you and you could wrap them or do you have a friend who would help. To be without him and have to do this would be difficult. Talk to your os about this.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Yep, you are right -- my hubby might want to stay with me, I kind of always assume the worse or read people totally opposite of how they're really feeling anyway, shame on me, I shouldn't do that! ;-)

OH! Thank you for your compliment.

Only 2 weeks! Wow. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers throughout the entire procedure and recovery!

Lindy

Hi Lindy

I hope it all works out for you - you never know, you might get a better reaction than you expect when you ask your husband if he'll stay with you in hospital.

I enjoy reading your posts too, you really have a way with words My hip replacement is 2 weeks tommorrow and I can't wait! Feel free to email me privately if you ever want to chat.

in NZ

[Guest guest]

Lindy it is a major deal but the results are worth it and to be rid of

that nagging pain is worth a whole lot. I told my doctor this let's

not stall with shots just do it and I am so glad I did.

On Nov 14, 2006, at 1:52 PM, lindy wrote:

> hi again elaine ;-)

> i know the best bet is to go this winter and as soon as possible, it's

> the only thing that makes sense.  i just keep going back and forth,

> you know, it's a major deal and the more i learn about it from you

> all, the more major it becomes.

> lindy

>>  

>>

>> I think your best bet under the circumstances is to go for the winter

>> when your husband is home. Regarding packing after a while you could

>> sit on a chair and have him bring the things to you and you could

>> wrap them or do you have a friend who would help. To be without him

>> and have to do this would be difficult. Talk to your os about

>> this.

I am too blessed to be stressed

[Guest guest]

Go for it Lindy - book yourself a date. (If you change your mind you can cancel it.) Maybe committing to a date - if you're ready - will give you some certainty and peace of mind. And you ARE doing this for you, not for Doug. YOU are important and worth looking after

[Guest guest]

IF your husband can be there, it would be a plus. If not, you will make do and may never miss having someone there. Tell the nurses and aides if you are in need of anything, including comfort. They are very busy, often not as staffed up at night. But I remember one aide holding my hand during the night and telling me about her surgery the year before. She had worked the orthopaedic floor for 34 years (gosh, she was so good, knew exactly what she was doing), but she was unprepared for the pain and also had anxiety from the meds. This idea of having someone there did not originate with me, but is the recommendation of most patient advocate associations. I read about it before I had surgery, but I didn't want to ask anyone to have to sit in a chair all night. I won't hesitate to ask next

surgery! By the way, you won't be getting much sleep. That will have to wait for home. But neither will you be in a position to articulate and solve problems for yourself if they arise. Nights seem especially confusing. Besides the broken epidural, I also had trememdous anxiety from the drugs. Even if everything had gone smoothly, I really could have used someone to hold my hand and comfort me. Here are a few things you can expect. Your vital signs are checked throughout the day and night. My blood sugar went up, not unusual after surgery, so I was checked for that and then given insulin shots. An anti-inflammatory was put into my IV occasionally. The liquids pumped in through the IV had me up to the bathroom constantly. I had a pain pump the first two nights. The first

pump, that failed because of the broken connection, had to be hit every five minutes. The second one every ten minutes. You have to watch the clock because if you hit it too soon, it won't give you your dose but resets. Some are set to give you a slow, constant dose so that if you are sleeping and not pumping, you are getting something. I think there were some other things going, but I can't remember them all. I felt like my room was Grand Central Station, and I was exhausted! lindy <everyothername.istaken@...> wrote:  hi elaine, who knows maybe my hubby will spend the night because it is quite a drive back and forth from where we live to uptown duluth. i would feel good about that but on the other hand, i'll probably be asleep most of the time anyway. glad your hubby was with you. lindy My husband was there for me and slept in my room even. He slept there because I couldn't leave him alone for medical reasons but he still was my advocate.

Sponsored LinkMortgage rates near 39yr lows. $420,000 Mortgage for $1,399/mo - Calculate new house payment

[Guest guest]

hi beverly in austin,

i guess i didn't even think about all the people who have to go this alone, who aren't married, etc. i was too busy obsessing about myself. sorry.

my husband did say the other day that he doesn't talk about it with me much is because he doesn't want to scare me, but i think he too is scared. he's never had a wife who had major surgery. (i'm his 3rd wife, lol)

after reading here and doing some research on my own, i do now realize that once home, napping is a biggie and i will be able to move around on my own. i've told my hubby this and i think it made him feel a bit better.

i do have tons of books around here i haven't ever read -- because most days i can't even concentrate on reading. with hubby home for 3 months (which i know i'm blessed to have this) i won't have to worry about going to the store or getting pills. i'm sure by the time he's gone back to work, i'll be able to do what i have to do. thing is, i don't know if i'll EVER be able to get into the durango -- we may have to trade it in, since it's the only vehicle i have to drive and right now, it takes everything i have to get in, i literally have to lift my leg VERY high, up and over to climb in.

thanks for your nice, helpful email beverly -- it has helped me look at things differently.

lindy lou

Hi Lindy,I invite you to consider that you don't have to do this alone. I know right now it sounds so scary but many people on this list live alone and have had successful surgeries and recoveries. I was married during my first TLHR in 1993 and a single Mom of a teen for the revision in 2005 and I had a better experience in 2005 because I was my own advocate through out the entire process. Of course it's much preferred to have your loved one close and helping. You surely want to schedule it when he is around. But many people go through the entire process on their own and do it very well.I think my husband was scared of the intensity of the surgery. I believe he was concerned that he would do the wrong thing and that he did not know what to do.Once I got home from the hospital both times there was not a whole lot for somebody else to do. I was able to get around, they won't let you leave the hospital until you can get around and manage steps. By the time you are released in most cases you want to get up and about a little and then you nap a lot.Every day is an adventure, taking a shower on your own (You will have a shower slide to slide in on and sit on.) Every day you measure how far you can walk, how much you can do. It's an adventure.If you fill your cupboards and freezer with easy meals, buy all sorts of magazines, visit the library and buy all the funny videos you can afford you will be good to go. I was sent home with a month's supply of drugs, I thought that was pretty good. So even the drugs were taken care of until I was able to drive. I had a PT, a nurse, an OT and a home health aide that came two or three times a week. It got so that I dreamed of the days I would have peace and quiet. Then they sent the Social Worker over. It was great. If you arrange for any club, religious or other groups you belong to for visits and you schedule your friends and neighbors who love to help in these types of situations you're going to be busy. The trick about all this is to look at the positive, always concentrate on what is working, what is getting better and the good things available and that happen to you.Enjoy!Beverly in AustinTLHR 1993 TLH revision 2005

[Guest guest]



well on days i don't do anything at all, i mean NOTHING, i might not hurt so bad and even have pain free moments -- until i get up to walk, that is. ;-) and that's when i think, am i rushing this. but then i think, i can't even function, i can't go anywhere, i'm existing, then i know i have to get this done pronto!

lindy lou

Lindy it is a major deal but the results are worth it and to be rid of that nagging pain is worth a whole lot. I told my doctor this let's not stall with shots just do it and I am so glad I did.

[Guest guest]

thanks wendy! well i guess on the 28th of this month, i'll get a surgery date.

Go for it Lindy - book yourself a date. (If you change your mind you can cancel it.) Maybe committing to a date - if you're ready - will give you some certainty and peace of mind. And you ARE doing this for you, not for Doug. YOU are important and worth looking after

[Guest guest]

Hi Lindy , I just wanted to wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery:-) Susielindy <everyothername.istaken@...> wrote: thanks wendy! well i guess on the 28th of this month, i'll get a surgery date. Go for it Lindy - book yourself a date. (If you change your mind you can cancel it.) Maybe committing to a date - if you're ready - will give you some certainty and peace of mind. And you ARE doing this for you, not for Doug. YOU are important and worth looking after

[Guest guest]

thank you susie but i'm not having surgery on the 28th (i wish though), i'll be scheduled on that day -- hopefully for the mid to end of january, after hubby returns.

Hi Lindy ,

I just wanted to wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery:-)

Susielindy <everyothername.istaken@...> wrote:

thanks wendy! well i guess on the 28th of this month, i'll get a surgery date.

Go for it Lindy - book yourself a date. (If you change your mind you can cancel it.) Maybe committing to a date - if you're ready - will give you some certainty and peace of mind. And you ARE doing this for you, not for Doug. YOU are important and worth looking after

[Guest guest]

donna,

when you say anxiety from the drugs, which drugs are you talking about?

i think now, my husband will stay with me all night, because i mentioned what happened with your broken epidural and he said, "don't worry, i will be there with you."

you say your sugar went up. are you a diabetic.

i know all too well about being in the hospital and being poked and prodded around the clock and also, how noisy it can be in the middle of the night. also the insanity of "waking-you-up-to-give-you-a-sleeping-pill" type scenarios.

thanks for your tips, donna.

lindy

IF your husband can be there, it would be a plus. If not, you will make do and may never miss having someone there. Tell the nurses and aides if you are in need of anything, including comfort. They are very busy, often not as staffed up at night. But I remember one aide holding my hand during the night and telling me about her surgery the year before. She had worked the orthopaedic floor for 34 years (gosh, she was so good, knew exactly what she was doing), but she was unprepared for the pain and also had anxiety from the meds.

This idea of having someone there did not originate with me, but is the recommendation of most patient advocate associations. I read about it before I had surgery, but I didn't want to ask anyone to have to sit in a chair all night. I won't hesitate to ask next surgery!

By the way, you won't be getting much sleep. That will have to wait for home. But neither will you be in a position to articulate and solve problems for yourself if they arise. Nights seem especially confusing. Besides the broken epidural, I also had trememdous anxiety from the drugs. Even if everything had gone smoothly, I really could have used someone to hold my hand and comfort me.

Here are a few things you can expect. Your vital signs are checked throughout the day and night. My blood sugar went up, not unusual after surgery, so I was checked for that and then given insulin shots. An anti-inflammatory was put into my IV occasionally. The liquids pumped in through the IV had me up to the bathroom constantly. I had a pain pump the first two nights. The first pump, that failed because of the broken connection, had to be hit every five minutes. The second one every ten minutes. You have to watch the clock because if you hit it too soon, it won't give you your dose but resets. Some are set to give you a slow, constant dose so that if you are sleeping and not pumping, you are getting something. I think there were some other things going, but I can't remember them all. I felt like my room was Grand Central Station, and I was exhausted!

[Guest guest]

Lindy, Unlike others here, I was in severe pain when I woke up in recovery and am told I was there longer than usual and given a good bit of medication. Please remember this is not typical and will probably not happen to you. I think we can all agree I had an avery unusual first 24 hours post-op period. I'm not sure what drug they gave me in first. The second one was Demerol. When I started shaking and my teeth chattering, not an unusual reaction to pain meds I hear, they gave me Xanax. Your body is used to Antivan. The strong post-op pain meds can cause anxiety, so just be sure your doctor has Antivan ordered for you. You will probably need a larger dose than your body is used to on a normal day. That's a good question for your first visit with your surgeon. I also see that you have fears about post-op pain. Don't worry. As Alan has told us,

you don't have to be a martyr, but communicate to the doctor what we need to tolerate the pain and get on with rehab. This is something else you can begin talking to your surgeon about on your visit. Find out where she/he stands on that issue. And don't forget, you can always have a pain management specialist lined up if you feel your surgeon isn't hearing you. Don't worry, Lindy. You are going into this surgery knowing so much more than I ever did. I really don't know anyone who is as ready for joint replacement than you are! :-) Right now, you are house bound and have too much time to worry. After surgery, your life will have purpose. You will be in physical therapy. Your husband can push you around the mall in a wheel chair. And before you know it, you will be up for a brief shopping trip with a cane. I bet before your husband is back on the boat, you two will even have a date night! Warm regards,

Donna lindy <everyothername.istaken@...> wrote: donna, when you say anxiety from the drugs, which drugs are you talking about? i think now, my husband will stay with me all night, because i mentioned what happened with your broken epidural and he said, "don't worry, i will be there with you." you say your sugar went up. are you a diabetic. i know all too well about being in the hospital and being poked and prodded around the clock and also, how noisy it can be in the middle of the night. also the insanity of "waking-you-up-to-give-you-a-sleeping-pill" type scenarios. thanks for your tips, donna. lindy IF your husband can be there, it would be a plus. If not, you will make do and may never miss having someone there. Tell the nurses and aides if you are in need of anything, including comfort. They are very busy, often not as staffed up at night. But I remember one aide

holding my hand during the night and telling me about her surgery the year before. She had worked the orthopaedic floor for 34 years (gosh, she was so good, knew exactly what she was doing), but she was unprepared for the pain and also had anxiety from the meds. This idea of having someone there did not originate with me, but is the recommendation of most patient advocate associations. I read about it before I had surgery, but I didn't want to ask anyone to have to sit in a chair all night. I won't hesitate to ask next surgery! By the way, you won't be getting much sleep. That will have to wait for home. But neither will you be in a position to articulate and solve problems for

yourself if they arise. Nights seem especially confusing. Besides the broken epidural, I also had trememdous anxiety from the drugs. Even if everything had gone smoothly, I really could have used someone to hold my hand and comfort me. Here are a few things you can expect. Your vital signs are checked throughout the day and night. My blood sugar went up, not unusual after surgery, so I was checked for that and then given insulin shots. An anti-inflammatory was put into my IV occasionally. The liquids pumped in through the IV had me up to the bathroom constantly. I had a pain pump the first two nights. The first pump, that failed because of the broken connection, had to be hit every five minutes. The second one every ten minutes. You have to watch the clock because if you hit it too soon, it won't give you your dose but resets. Some are set to give you a slow, constant

dose so that if you are sleeping and not pumping, you are getting something. I think there were some other things going, but I can't remember them all. I felt like my room was Grand Central Station, and I was exhausted!

Sponsored Link Mortgage rates as low as 4.625% - $150,000 loan for $579 a month. Intro-*Terms

[Guest guest]

i now remember it was demerol i had the reaction to after my hysterectomy -- it caused me great anxiety and aggitation.

yes, i have LOTS to talk to the surgeon about, that's for sure! where's i pad and pencil? ;-)

a date night? now doesn't that sound nice.

lindy

TRHRSurgery: Hopefully mid to late January 2007everyothername.istaken@...

Lindy,

Unlike others here, I was in severe pain when I woke up in recovery and am told I was there longer than usual and given a good bit of medication. Please remember this is not typical and will probably not happen to you. I think we can all agree I had an avery unusual first 24 hours post-op period.

I'm not sure what drug they gave me in first. The second one was Demerol. When I started shaking and my teeth chattering, not an unusual reaction to pain meds I hear, they gave me Xanax.

Your body is used to Antivan. The strong post-op pain meds can cause anxiety, so just be sure your doctor has Antivan ordered for you. You will probably need a larger dose than your body is used to on a normal day. That's a good question for your first visit with your surgeon.

I also see that you have fears about post-op pain. Don't worry. As Alan has told us, you don't have to be a martyr, but communicate to the doctor what we need to tolerate the pain and get on with rehab. This is something else you can begin talking to your surgeon about on your visit. Find out where she/he stands on that issue. And don't forget, you can always have a pain management specialist lined up if you feel your surgeon isn't hearing you.

Don't worry, Lindy. You are going into this surgery knowing so much more than I ever did. I really don't know anyone who is as ready for joint replacement than you are! :-) Right now, you are house bound and have too much time to worry. After surgery, your life will have purpose. You will be in physical therapy. Your husband can push you around the mall in a wheel chair. And before you know it, you will be up for a brief shopping trip with a cane. I bet before your husband is back on the boat, you two will even have a date night!

Warm regards,

Donna