Re: The Class

[Guest guest]

Lindy, don't worry, I was pretty good the night of the surgery, better the next day - I had a general so I suffered from nausea when moving but apart from that it was okay until a dumb physio decided to overwork my leg 2 days after surgery and it blew up. I was on injectable cumadin for 18 days which I did myself and that controlled the blood clots - biggest problem was of course constipation - my advice, have you husband bring you prunes, apricots, etc to avoid this and hospital food doesn't help. Good luck, you will be fine - I'm 3 weeks plus 3 days post op and am back walking my dog twice a day for 10 minutes and today it will be three times. I've also done 3 loads of laundry and made my bed and yesterday I made 3 sheppard pies which we had for dinner so its getting better. For me the worse was the nausea which I've finally got rid of - I think that was the antibiotic they put me on when they thought I had an infection. Also suffering from lack of energy, oh yeah girl get a grip, this is major surgery we have to rest and allow our bodies to heal, I'm not very good at being restful - so I try to do something and then rest and so the days go - nights - well you are stiff but not painful, sleep isn't great, but its improving. Good luck to you and big hugs. You'll soon be kicking up your heels. The pain of the hip was gone instantly it was done, yes I'm sore but I'm not in pain - even my face shows this - I'm beginning to look 10 years younger HURRAH.

ann

The Class

Hi All,

Well I went to that pre-surgery class last night and it was very interesting; although, I have to say, I knew most of what they talked about. LOL

I did get to ask some questions. I still have my worries about blood clots.

We did get to see the PT room and I wasn't too impressed -- I don't know what I expected, but it was small. It had a tub, toilet for practicing getting in and out of and up and down from. There were stairs and a bed, I suppose to practice getting in and out of as well. And there were bars to practice walking along. I guess it has all it needs, I just figured it'd be bigger. Not too many patients can fit in it at any given time.

What I really wanted to do was go ask actual patients, especially those who had surgery yesterday, how they were feeling. LOL I know that isn't possible, but it sure would have been more helpful. However; of course everyone is different with how they react, but I still wish I could have talked to an actual in-hospital patient.

The class was full, each patient had their spouse, all but me. Oh well! Hubby will be home in about 1 week or so and he will be here for me when it really counts.

I'm glad I went to the class but I don't think I would have had to. On the other hand, it's nice they have it for those who don't do as much research as I have. ;-) Heck, I think I could have given the class. Well, not really; just kidding. FDROFLOL.

To some extent, I still think "ignorance is bliss."

Have a great day everyone.

Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

[Guest guest]

Lindy Lou, I'm glad you got to go to the class even if you didn't learn anything. Some things I will suggest. If you have a dog start walking around on crutches or a walker NOW while you still have decent balance so that if the appliances scare it there will be time to get used to them. If they didn't suggest them to you get elastic shoe laces, a long-handled shoe horn, a sock aid, a "grabber", and a hook device. Check w/ the PT/OT department to see if they supply them, though. They used to here but now they just send you to the drugstore. Post op PT is usually done in the room now because it is so minimal. Just range of motion and isometric exercises you can do on your bed or in a chair. What you saw is more OT from what you said. If they get you up the day after your surgery (which they do these days usually) and you walk it will lessen the

chance of blood clots as walking helps circulation and lessons the chances apparently. You'll no doubt be on blood thinners which will also help. If you are bedridden for any length of time they will put these leg wraps on that compress and expand to help w/ circulation (I don't know what they are called, sorry). You may be told to wear T.E.D. hose as well. They are pretty routine and will help prevent blood clot problems, too. Extended bed rest or sitting around too much are usually why blood clots or pneumonia would develop. They will give you a little apparatus to do breathing exercises. I highly recommend you do them. Can't you tell I've been through this over and over and over again? LOL As for how you will feel the day of and after the operation a lot will depend on you. Many people get nauseous from the anesthetics. The hospitals use a variety of pain relievers. From shots to pills to morphine

pump to spinal blocks. I had a spinal block this last time that I felt like I could just get right up and walk. It was great . . . but the reality a few days later was a rude awakening when the pain developed. After my first one I wasn't in much pain, it's the revisions that are tougher. Good luck! If you want to talk on the phone email me privately and I'll send you my phone number. Pat . I still have my worries about blood clots.

[Guest guest]

I wished that our hospital had something like that. All mine did before hand was to show how to use a cane put on socks and clothes.Wish you the best of luck. You will be just fine.Shirley The Class

Hi All,

Well I went to that pre-surgery class last night and it was very interesting; although, I have to say, I knew most of what they talked about. LOL

I did get to ask some questions. I still have my worries about blood clots.

We did get to see the PT room and I wasn't too impressed -- I don't know what I expected, but it was small. It had a tub, toilet for practicing getting in and out of and up and down from. There were stairs and a bed, I suppose to practice getting in and out of as well. And there were bars to practice walking along. I guess it has all it needs, I just figured it'd be bigger. Not too many patients can fit in it at any given time.

What I really wanted to do was go ask actual patients, especially those who had surgery yesterday, how they were feeling. LOL I know that isn't possible, but it sure would have been more helpful. However; of course everyone is different with how they react, but I still wish I could have talked to an actual in-hospital patient.

The class was full, each patient had their spouse, all but me. Oh well! Hubby will be home in about 1 week or so and he will be here for me when it really counts.

I'm glad I went to the class but I don't think I would have had to. On the other hand, it's nice they have it for those who don't do as much research as I have. ;-) Heck, I think I could have given the class. Well, not really; just kidding. FDROFLOL.

To some extent, I still think "ignorance is bliss."

Have a great day everyone.

Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Ann, I forgot about the constipation. This is very good advice indeed! I have to laugh when I read everything you are doing 3 weeks after surgery . . . you call that resting? I hate to think of your regimen if it is! Pat my advice, have you husband bring you prunes, apricots, etc to avoid this and hospital food doesn't help. Good luck, you will be fine - I'm 3 weeks plus 3 days post op and am back walking my dog twice a day for 10 minutes and today it will be three times. I've also done 3 loads of laundry and made my bed and yesterday I made 3 sheppard pies which we had for dinner so its getting better. For me the worse was the nausea which I've finally got rid of -

[Guest guest]

I went to the hospital class three days before my

surgery. I was very pleased with the class and having

decided to attend. I wanted all my questions answered,

and for the most part, that class was the ticket to

learn about hospital procedures and in general what to

expect. The class was conducted by a physical

therapist, an occupational therapist and a nurse. They

even passed around an artificial knee joint and a hip

joint so we could see what the fuss was about <g>.

The class lasted about 1.5 hours.

I was surprised to learn that the class is offered

several times a week, and reservations or signing up

isn't necessary. That means that A LOT of people are

getting knee and hip replacements. There were about 6

or 8 surgery candidates in the class I attended--knees

and hips.

The class was offered in Community General Osteopathic

Hospital in burg, Pennsylvania, where I had my

surgery.

I wrote to the hospital and told them how valuable I

thought the class was. Gotta keep a good thing going!

<g> --Arthur

--- lindy <everyothername.istaken@...>

wrote:

> Hi All,

> Well I went to that pre-surgery class last night and

> it was very interesting; although, I have to say, I

> knew most of what they talked about. LOL

>

> I did get to ask some questions. I still have my

> worries about blood clots.

>

> We did get to see the PT room and I wasn't too

> impressed -- I don't know what I expected, but it

> was small. It had a tub, toilet for practicing

> getting in and out of and up and down from. There

> were stairs and a bed, I suppose to practice getting

> in and out of as well. And there were bars to

> practice walking along. I guess it has all it

> needs, I just figured it'd be bigger. Not too many

> patients can fit in it at any given time.

>

> What I really wanted to do was go ask actual

> patients, especially those who had surgery

> yesterday, how they were feeling. LOL I know that

> isn't possible, but it sure would have been more

> helpful. However; of course everyone is different

> with how they react, but I still wish I could have

> talked to an actual in-hospital patient.

>

> The class was full, each patient had their spouse,

> all but me. Oh well! Hubby will be home in about 1

> week or so and he will be here for me when it really

> counts.

>

> I'm glad I went to the class but I don't think I

> would have had to. On the other hand, it's nice

> they have it for those who don't do as much research

> as I have. ;-) Heck, I think I could have given the

> class. Well, not really; just kidding. FDROFLOL.

>

> To some extent, I still think " ignorance is bliss. "

>

> Have a great day everyone.

> Hugs,

> Lindy Lou

> Right THR 1/22/2007

Arthur in Pennsylvania

LTHR November 10, 2006

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

yes and boy did I pay for all that extra stuff yesterday LOL, oh well that's the way itseems to go - one day you feel so good and you overdo it, the next day you rest, the next day you feel great and overdo it =- old ladies never learn!!

ann

Re: The Class

Ann,

I forgot about the constipation. This is very good advice indeed!

I have to laugh when I read everything you are doing 3 weeks after surgery . . . you call that resting? I hate to think of your regimen if it is!

Pat

my advice, have you husband bring you prunes, apricots, etc to avoid this and hospital food doesn't help. Good luck, you will be fine - I'm 3 weeks plus 3 days post op and am back walking my dog twice a day for 10 minutes and today it will be three times. I've also done 3 loads of laundry and made my bed and yesterday I made 3 sheppard pies which we had for dinner so its getting better. For me the worse was the nausea which I've finally got rid of -

[Guest guest]

arthur,

my class was led by an ortho nurse and an ortho surgical nurse, physical therapist and occupational therapist. there was supposed to be a social worker there but she couldn't make it. they also passed around the actual protheses.

they also mentioned the reason for the rise in numbers for both knee and hip replacements is the amount of baby boomers who are getting at that age where they joints are beginning to deteriorate and, the number will rise dramatically over the next few years.

Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

I went to the hospital class three days before mysurgery. I was very pleased with the class and havingdecided to attend. I wanted all my questions answered,and for the most part, that class was the ticket tolearn about hospital procedures and in general what toexpect. The class was conducted by a physicaltherapist, an occupational therapist and a nurse. Theyeven passed around an artificial knee joint and a hipjoint so we could see what the fuss was about <g>.The class lasted about 1.5 hours.I was surprised to learn that the class is offeredseveral times a week, and reservations or signing upisn't necessary. That means that A LOT of people aregetting knee and hip replacements. There were about 6or 8 surgery candidates in the class I attended--kneesand hips.The class was offered in Community General OsteopathicHospital in burg, Pennsylvania, where I had mysurgery.I wrote to the hospital and told them how valuable Ithought the class was. Gotta keep a good thing going!<g> --Arthur

[Guest guest]

hey Lindy, hugs to you, just back from the surgeon - man you should see those exrays - I'm truly the bionic woman LOL. She doesn't want to see me for 3 months YIPPEE, she's such a sweetie, and of course my husband (who hadn't met her) charmed her pants off haha. She's very happy, I'm truly happy, so much less pain its unbelievable - she asked how much walking I was doing - oh I said about a mile or so a day - WHAT!! guess you are okay - yup I said, anything is better than where I was. Didn't realize that hip precautions were basically for life, but haven't worked out which hip precautions - not a very good student - or should I say I'm the proverbial bull in a china shop and loving every moment of it - yup I'm tired, but when I'm going I'm going full speed - you will be the same.

ann

Re: The Class

ann,

sounds like you're coming along wonderfully. i'm so glad.

Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

Lindy, don't worry, I was pretty good the night of the surgery, better the next day - I had a general so I suffered from nausea when moving but apart from that it was okay until a dumb physio decided to overwork my leg 2 days after surgery and it blew up. I was on injectable cumadin for 18 days which I did myself and that controlled the blood clots - biggest problem was of course constipation - my advice, have you husband bring you prunes, apricots, etc to avoid this and hospital food doesn't help. Good luck, you will be fine - I'm 3 weeks plus 3 days post op and am back walking my dog twice a day for 10 minutes and today it will be three times. I've also done 3 loads of laundry and made my bed and yesterday I made 3 sheppard pies which we had for dinner so its getting better. For me the worse was the nausea which I've finally got rid of - I think that was the antibiotic they put me on when they thought I had an infection. Also suffering from lack of energy, oh yeah girl get a grip, this is major surgery we have to rest and allow our bodies to heal, I'm not very good at being restful - so I try to do something and then rest and so the days go - nights - well you are stiff but not painful, sleep isn't great, but its improving. Good luck to you and big hugs. You'll soon be kicking up your heels. The pain of the hip was gone instantly it was done, yes I'm sore but I'm not in pain - even my face shows this - I'm beginning to look 10 years younger HURRAH.

ann

[Guest guest]

PAT

Lindy Lou,

I'm glad you got to go to the class even if you didn't learn anything.

Some things I will suggest. If you have a dog start walking around on crutches or a walker NOW while you still have decent balance so that if the appliances scare it there will be time to get used to them. If they didn't suggest them to you get elastic shoe laces, a long-handled shoe horn, a sock aid, a "grabber", and a hook device. Check w/ the PT/OT department to see if they supply them, though. They used to here but now they just send you to the drugstore. I GUESS I WILL BE GETTING ALL MY EQUIPMENT FROM THE HOSPITAL, CRUTHES, WALKER, ETC., SO I DON'T HAVE THEM YET TO PRACTICE AROUND MY DOG. KNOWING HER, SHE PROBABLY WILL BARK AT ME. I THINK SHE DID WHEN I FIRST BEGAN USING MY CANE. SHE WILL PROBABLY BE AFRAID OF THE CRUTCHES AND WALKER. THAT'S A GOOD TIP THOUGH, PAT. THANKS!

Post op PT is usually done in the room now because it is so minimal. Just range of motion and isometric exercises you can do on your bed or in a chair. What you saw is more OT from what you said. OHHHHHH, OKAY, THAT EXPLAINS IT THEN. ;-)

If they get you up the day after your surgery (which they do these days usually) and you walk it will lessen the chance of blood clots as walking helps circulation and lessons the chances apparently. You'll no doubt be on blood thinners which will also help. If you are bedridden for any length of time they will put these leg wraps on that compress and expand to help w/ circulation (I don't know what they are called, sorry). You may be told to wear T.E.D. hose as well. They are pretty routine and will help prevent blood clot problems, too. Extended bed rest or sitting around too much are usually why blood clots or pneumonia would develop. They will give you a little apparatus to do breathing exercises. I highly recommend you do them. YES, I KNOW THEY DO USE ALL THESE THINGS AND I KNOW THEY DO HELP AND I WILL WANT TO GET UP, NO MATTER HOW BAD I HURT, RIGHT AWAY SO I CAN PREVENT THESE THINGS.

Can't you tell I've been through this over and over and over again? LOL LOL, YES I CAN.

As for how you will feel the day of and after the operation a lot will depend on you. Many people get nauseous from the anesthetics. The hospitals use a variety of pain relievers. From shots to pills to morphine pump to spinal blocks. I had a spinal block this last time that I felt like I could just get right up and walk. It was great . . . but the reality a few days later was a rude awakening when the pain developed. I'VE NEVER GOTTEN NAUSEOUS FROM ANESTHETICS, BUT I GUESS THERE'S ALWAYS A FIRST. :-\

After my first one I wasn't in much pain, it's the revisions that are tougher.

Good luck! If you want to talk on the phone email me privately and I'll send you my phone number. THANKS PAT!

[Guest guest]

sounds wonderful ann, but please be careful as well, with those restrictions.

Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

hey Lindy, hugs to you, just back from the surgeon - man you should see those exrays - I'm truly the bionic woman LOL. She doesn't want to see me for 3 months YIPPEE, she's such a sweetie, and of course my husband (who hadn't met her) charmed her pants off haha. She's very happy, I'm truly happy, so much less pain its unbelievable - she asked how much walking I was doing - oh I said about a mile or so a day - WHAT!! guess you are okay - yup I said, anything is better than where I was. Didn't realize that hip precautions were basically for life, but haven't worked out which hip precautions - not a very good student - or should I say I'm the proverbial bull in a china shop and loving every moment of it - yup I'm tired, but when I'm going I'm going full speed - you will be the same.

ann

[Guest guest]

oh well I'm the proverbial REBEL!! ha ha

a

Re: The Class

sounds wonderful ann, but please be careful as well, with those restrictions.

Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

hey Lindy, hugs to you, just back from the surgeon - man you should see those exrays - I'm truly the bionic woman LOL. She doesn't want to see me for 3 months YIPPEE, she's such a sweetie, and of course my husband (who hadn't met her) charmed her pants off haha. She's very happy, I'm truly happy, so much less pain its unbelievable - she asked how much walking I was doing - oh I said about a mile or so a day - WHAT!! guess you are okay - yup I said, anything is better than where I was. Didn't realize that hip precautions were basically for life, but haven't worked out which hip precautions - not a very good student - or should I say I'm the proverbial bull in a china shop and loving every moment of it - yup I'm tired, but when I'm going I'm going full speed - you will be the same.

ann

[Guest guest]

Lindy Lou: YOU'RE NOT KIDDING! Baby boomers like me

(age 58) are falling apart, needing drugs, needing

prostheses, and all kinds of surgeries and other

health care!

My daughter is in the fifth year of a six-year

pharmacy doctorate (PharmD.) program, and even when

she was a freshman, the deans were saying that even if

every student in every pharmacy school in the U.S. got

a job, the shortage of pharmacists would still be

staggering. Same for physical therapists, and, I would

imagine, all other health professionals.

Last spring, one of my daughter's roommates graduated

from pharmacy school. My daughter said--get this--that

her starting salary as a retail pharmacist would be

$91,000 a year. Yeah, I said ninety-one thousand. Can

you believe that--starting salary?!

In addition, as part of her program, my daughter has

an internship at a western Pennsylvania hospital. They

recently sent all the interns a letter spelling out a

program in which they would give her $18,500 to accept

a job there as a pharmacist after graduation if she'd

stay a minimum of two years. Can you imagine that--an

$18,500 signing bonus (on top of what will likely be a

six-figure, or near-six-figure, salary).

Of course, I'm bubbly proud of my daughter, but all

things considered, it doesn't surprise me a bit that

hospital THR and TKR classes are mobbed with baby

boomers.

--Arthur

--- lindy <everyothername.istaken@...>

wrote:

> arthur,

>

> my class was led by an ortho nurse and an ortho

> surgical nurse, physical therapist and occupational

> therapist. there was supposed to be a social worker

> there but she couldn't make it. they also passed

> around the actual protheses.

>

> they also mentioned the reason for the rise in

> numbers for both knee and hip replacements is the

> amount of baby boomers who are getting at that age

> where they joints are beginning to deteriorate and,

> the number will rise dramatically over the next few

> years.

>

> Hugs,

> Lindy Lou

> Right THR 1/22/2007

>

>

>

> I went to the hospital class three days before my

> surgery. I was very pleased with the class and

> having

> decided to attend. I wanted all my questions

> answered,

> and for the most part, that class was the ticket

> to

> learn about hospital procedures and in general

> what to

> expect. The class was conducted by a physical

> therapist, an occupational therapist and a nurse.

> They

> even passed around an artificial knee joint and a

> hip

> joint so we could see what the fuss was about <g>.

>

> The class lasted about 1.5 hours.

>

> I was surprised to learn that the class is offered

> several times a week, and reservations or signing

> up

> isn't necessary. That means that A LOT of people

> are

> getting knee and hip replacements. There were

> about 6

> or 8 surgery candidates in the class I

> attended--knees

> and hips.

>

> The class was offered in Community General

> Osteopathic

> Hospital in burg, Pennsylvania, where I had

> my

> surgery.

>

> I wrote to the hospital and told them how valuable

> I

> thought the class was. Gotta keep a good thing

> going!

> <g> --Arthur

Arthur in Pennsylvania

LTHR November 10, 2006

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Lindy, I had to order my walker and bathtub bench from the medical supply place in town while I was in the hospital. I was just given a list to check off, not a catalog or a choice. And our medical supply store is part of the hospital system. You can be sure we were not advised in our class to shop around ahead of time. I wished I had. Most insurance companies don't pay for equipment anyway. I would have preferred to shop around for the best price. On one of mt first post-op outings to a warehouse discount store (Costco), I saw a walker with a seat -- how practical! And it was a much better quality but less expensive than what what was delivered to me at the hospital. Walmart also carries the bathtub bench and other equipment at much better prices that the medical supply

stores. You are a captive consumer once you're in the hospital. My friend gave me the reacher before surgery, and I took it to the hospital with me. She bought hers cheap at the hardware store. I saved myself and the nurses time from day one by being able to reach for my book, box of tissues or whatever else I knocked off my bedside table several times a day -- must have been the medication. Though I've returned the reacher to my friend, I'm going to pick a couple up to have at my home and office. I miss having it handy to reach under the bed, behind my desk, etc. And it hurts to get on my knees anyway. Of course, most of you know I'm a huge advocate of the leg lifter, particularly for double knee replacements. They are expensive at medical supply stores, but $10 online.

Warm regards, Donna lindy <everyothername.istaken@...> wrote: PAT Lindy Lou, I'm glad you got to go to the class even if you didn't learn anything. Some things I will suggest. If you have a dog start walking around on crutches or a walker NOW while you still have decent balance so that if the appliances scare it there will be time to get used to them. If they didn't suggest them to you get elastic shoe laces, a long-handled shoe horn, a sock aid, a "grabber", and a hook device. Check w/ the PT/OT department to see if they supply them, though. They used to here but now they just send you to the drugstore. I GUESS I WILL BE GETTING ALL MY EQUIPMENT FROM THE HOSPITAL, CRUTHES, WALKER, ETC., SO I DON'T HAVE THEM YET TO PRACTICE AROUND MY DOG. KNOWING HER, SHE PROBABLY WILL BARK AT ME. I THINK SHE DID WHEN I FIRST BEGAN USING MY CANE. SHE WILL PROBABLY BE AFRAID OF THE CRUTCHES AND WALKER. THAT'S A GOOD TIP THOUGH, PAT. THANKS! Post op PT is

usually done in the room now because it is so minimal. Just range of motion and isometric exercises you can do on your bed or in a chair. What you saw is more OT from what you said. OHHHHHH, OKAY, THAT EXPLAINS IT THEN. ;-) If they get you up the day after your surgery (which they do these days usually) and you walk it will lessen the chance of blood clots as walking helps circulation and lessons the chances apparently. You'll no doubt be on blood thinners which will also help. If you are bedridden for any length of time they will put these leg wraps on that compress and expand to help w/ circulation (I don't know what they are called, sorry). You may be told to wear T.E.D. hose as well. They are pretty routine and will help prevent blood clot problems, too. Extended bed rest or sitting around too much are usually why blood clots or pneumonia would develop. They will give you a little apparatus

to do breathing exercises. I highly recommend you do them. YES, I KNOW THEY DO USE ALL THESE THINGS AND I KNOW THEY DO HELP AND I WILL WANT TO GET UP, NO MATTER HOW BAD I HURT, RIGHT AWAY SO I CAN PREVENT THESE THINGS. Can't you tell I've been through this over and over and over again? LOL LOL, YES I CAN. As for how you will feel the day of and after the operation a lot will depend on you. Many people get nauseous from the anesthetics. The hospitals use a variety of pain relievers. From shots to pills to morphine pump to spinal blocks. I had a spinal block this last time that I felt like I could just get right up and walk. It was great . . . but the reality a few days later was a rude awakening when the pain developed. I'VE NEVER GOTTEN NAUSEOUS FROM ANESTHETICS, BUT I GUESS THERE'S ALWAYS A FIRST.

:-\ After my first one I wasn't in much pain, it's the revisions that are tougher. Good luck! If you want to talk on the phone email me privately and I'll send you my phone number. THANKS PAT! __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Lindy, I'm glad you told us about the pre-surgery class they didn't have that when I had my right hip replacement almost 7 years ago , I didn't know too much about the Hip operation at all and I didn't have a group to talked to . Just make sure that they don't tell you that you have to use a high toilet the rest of your life and you can't squat or pick stuff of the floor unless you do the leg trick that's putting the leg side which you had your Hip replacement out in back of you I think if the Dr says that find another Dr . My Dr never showed me with I could do . Now remember not everyone is the same and I wasn't that active and my Dr never told me to do excises or lose weight I was 50lbs over weight I think my knee operation went better was after my hip operation I did my excises at home never sent to pt . Well I do wish you the best of luck and a speedy

recovery. Susielindy <everyothername.istaken@...> wrote: Hi All, Well I went to that pre-surgery class last night and it was very interesting; although, I have to

say, I knew most of what they talked about. LOL I did get to ask some questions. I still have my worries about blood clots. We did get to see the PT room and I wasn't too impressed -- I don't know what I expected, but it was small. It had a tub, toilet for practicing getting in and out of and up and down from. There were stairs and a bed, I suppose to practice getting in and out of as well. And there were bars to practice walking along. I guess it has all it needs, I just figured it'd be bigger. Not too many patients can fit in it at any given time. What I really wanted to do was go ask actual patients, especially those who had surgery yesterday, how they were feeling. LOL I know that isn't possible, but it sure would have been more helpful. However; of course everyone is different with how they react, but I still wish I could have talked to an actual in-hospital patient. The class was full, each patient had their spouse, all but me. Oh well! Hubby will be home in about 1 week or so and he will be here for me when it really counts. I'm glad I went to the class but I don't think I would have had to. On the other hand, it's nice they have it for those who don't do as much research as I have. ;-) Heck, I think I could

have given the class. Well, not really; just kidding. FDROFLOL. To some extent, I still think "ignorance is bliss." Have a great day everyone. Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

[Guest guest]

Lindy Lou,

Sorry to hear you can't start introducing your dog to all the equipment before hand. Just make sure you have someone hold her on a leash while you show off your new toys and hip.

Of course you will be a wee bit scared it will hurt when you get up to walk, but it doesn't, honest! The only times mine ever hurt was when they had to roll me over on it to give me a shot in the other side (but they haven't given me shots the last few times so I think you get all the pain relievers through a drip now or a pill. If memory serves me right my hip never hurt when I first tried to walk on it . . . but then, after the first two I was non-weight bearing for quite awhile and hopped along using either crutches or a cane. This last time untilt he doctor changed the orders I walked the first day, putting weight as tolerated and it did not hurt.

I don't get nauseous either, but a coworker who has had a couple of abdominal surgeries always does and needless to say, it hurts like blazes to upchuck right after you've been cut.

Just follow orders so they can't blame you if something goes wrong. LOL

Pat

As

[Guest guest]

Arthur . . .

The Baby Boomers are getting old. LOL

Wow, Arthur, $91,000 to start. It sure wasn't like that when you and I began our careers. No way! And an $18,500 bonus to boot. I think your daughter picked the right field, that's for sure.

And I do know how very proud of her you are. It came right through, I could read the big smile on your face.

Hugs,

Lindy Lou

Lindy Lou: YOU'RE NOT KIDDING! Baby boomers like me(age 58) are falling apart, needing drugs, needingprostheses, and all kinds of surgeries and otherhealth care!My daughter is in the fifth year of a six-yearpharmacy doctorate (PharmD.) program, and even whenshe was a freshman, the deans were saying that even ifevery student in every pharmacy school in the U.S. gota job, the shortage of pharmacists would still bestaggering. Same for physical therapists, and, I wouldimagine, all other health professionals.Last spring, one of my daughter's roommates graduatedfrom pharmacy school. My daughter said--get this--thather starting salary as a retail pharmacist would be$91,000 a year. Yeah, I said ninety-one thousand. Canyou believe that--starting salary?!In addition, as part of her program, my daughter hasan internship at a western Pennsylvania hospital. Theyrecently sent all the interns a letter spelling out aprogram in which they would give her $18,500 to accepta job there as a pharmacist after graduation if she'dstay a minimum of two years. Can you imagine that--an$18,500 signing bonus (on top of what will likely be asix-figure, or near-six-figure, salary).Of course, I'm bubbly proud of my daughter, but allthings considered, it doesn't surprise me a bit thathospital THR and TKR classes are mobbed with babyboomers.--Arthur

[Guest guest]

Donna . . .

Maybe I'll be given a list of medical supply places while I'm in the hospital -- maybe that's what they meant. I can't imagine the hospital having all those things in stock. LOL Oh I'm sure if the place isn't directly affiliated with the hospital, they sure get a cut from sending their patients to them.

I don't think there are many places in my area that are covered under my insurance. That's a big downfall of living in a small town/city. Bummer!

I did stop at a drugstore in town the other day that carries some supplies and I checked out a groovy cool walker. The top of it was all psychedelic colors -- perfect for a child of the 60s. LOL

Lindy

Lindy,

I had to order my walker and bathtub bench from the medical supply place in town while I was in the hospital. I was just given a list to check off, not a catalog or a choice. And our medical supply store is part of the hospital system. You can be sure we were not advised in our class to shop around ahead of time.

I wished I had. Most insurance companies don't pay for equipment anyway. I would have preferred to shop around for the best price. On one of mt first post-op outings to a warehouse discount store (Costco), I saw a walker with a seat -- how practical! And it was a much better quality but less expensive than what what was delivered to me at the hospital. Walmart also carries the bathtub bench and other equipment at much better prices that the medical supply stores. You are a captive consumer once you're in the hospital.

My friend gave me the reacher before surgery, and I took it to the hospital with me. She bought hers cheap at the hardware store. I saved myself and the nurses time from day one by being able to reach for my book, box of tissues or whatever else I knocked off my bedside table several times a day -- must have been the medication. Though I've returned the reacher to my friend, I'm going to pick a couple up to have at my home and office. I miss having it handy to reach under the bed, behind my desk, etc. And it hurts to get on my knees anyway.

Of course, most of you know I'm a huge advocate of the leg lifter, particularly for double knee replacements. They are expensive at medical supply stores, but $10 online.

Warm regards,

Donna

[Guest guest]

Susie . . .

Thanks! And, I'm sorry your doctor didn't discuss aftercare with you better, along with the whole procedure and what to expect. I don't know what I'd do if I had to go into the surgery knowing nothing about it. I'd freak!

You take care!

Lindy

Hi Lindy,

I'm glad you told us about the pre-surgery class they didn't have that when I had my right hip replacement almost 7 years ago , I didn't know too much about the Hip operation at all and I didn't have a group to talked to . Just make sure that they don't tell you that you have to use a high toilet the rest of your life and you can't squat or pick stuff of the floor unless you do the leg trick that's putting the leg side which you had your Hip replacement out in back of you I think if the Dr says that find another Dr . My Dr never showed me with I could do . Now remember not everyone is the same and I wasn't that active and my Dr never told me to do excises or lose weight I was 50lbs over weight I think my knee operation went better was after my hip operation I did my excises at home never sent to pt . Well I do wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery.

Susie

[Guest guest]

Pat . . .

My doggie will most likely be at the Kennel for a while when I first come home from the hospital, but when she does return, I'll be sure to have my husband hold onto her while I show her my new toys. LOL

Abdominal surgery does hurt like the dickens when one coughs, laughs, etc. I guess hips aren't really involved in laughing and coughing, but I could be wrong. It's amazing what muscles we find we use for certain tasks.

Lindy

Lindy Lou,

Sorry to hear you can't start introducing your dog to all the equipment before hand. Just make sure you have someone hold her on a leash while you show off your new toys and hip.

Of course you will be a wee bit scared it will hurt when you get up to walk, but it doesn't, honest! The only times mine ever hurt was when they had to roll me over on it to give me a shot in the other side (but they haven't given me shots the last few times so I think you get all the pain relievers through a drip now or a pill. If memory serves me right my hip never hurt when I first tried to walk on it . . . but then, after the first two I was non-weight bearing for quite awhile and hopped along using either crutches or a cane. This last time untilt he doctor changed the orders I walked the first day, putting weight as tolerated and it did not hurt.

I don't get nauseous either, but a coworker who has had a couple of abdominal surgeries always does and needless to say, it hurts like blazes to upchuck right after you've been cut.

Just follow orders so they can't blame you if something goes wrong. LOL

Pat

[Guest guest]

,

Next time I sneeze, I'll take notice of what muscles I'm using. I sneezed a bunch of times today, but didn't think to pay any attention. Yes, sneezing does seem to shake the whole body. I remember hearing once about someone who ruptured a disk while sneezing.

Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

Hi Lindy

I discovered that it did hurt my new hip when I sneezed! (I guess because sneezing shakes your whole body.) So try not to get hay fever directly after surgery!

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Lindy Lou. Yes, I'm very proud of my

daughter--my son, too! She picked pharmacy, though,

because she's always been a caring, nurturing person,

and we have several pharmacists in the family. We baby

boomers should be grateful people like her will be

taking care of us! --Arthur

--- lindy <everyothername.istaken@...>

wrote:

> Arthur . . .

> The Baby Boomers are getting old. LOL

> Wow, Arthur, $91,000 to start. It sure wasn't like

> that when you and I began our careers. No way! And

> an $18,500 bonus to boot. I think your daughter

> picked the right field, that's for sure.

> And I do know how very proud of her you are. It

> came right through, I could read the big smile on

> your face.

> Hugs,

> Lindy Lou

>

> Lindy Lou: YOU'RE NOT KIDDING! Baby boomers like

> me

> (age 58) are falling apart, needing drugs, needing

> prostheses, and all kinds of surgeries and other

> health care!

>

> My daughter is in the fifth year of a six-year

> pharmacy doctorate (PharmD.) program, and even

> when

> she was a freshman, the deans were saying that

> even if

> every student in every pharmacy school in the U.S.

> got

> a job, the shortage of pharmacists would still be

> staggering. Same for physical therapists, and, I

> would

> imagine, all other health professionals.

>

> Last spring, one of my daughter's roommates

> graduated

> from pharmacy school. My daughter said--get

> this--that

> her starting salary as a retail pharmacist would

> be

> $91,000 a year. Yeah, I said ninety-one thousand.

> Can

> you believe that--starting salary?!

>

> In addition, as part of her program, my daughter

> has

> an internship at a western Pennsylvania hospital.

> They

> recently sent all the interns a letter spelling

> out a

> program in which they would give her $18,500 to

> accept

> a job there as a pharmacist after graduation if

> she'd

> stay a minimum of two years. Can you imagine

> that--an

> $18,500 signing bonus (on top of what will likely

> be a

> six-figure, or near-six-figure, salary).

>

> Of course, I'm bubbly proud of my daughter, but

> all

> things considered, it doesn't surprise me a bit

> that

> hospital THR and TKR classes are mobbed with baby

> boomers.

>

> --Arthur

Arthur in Pennsylvania

LTHR November 10, 2006

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Lindy, I still wish I had seen the walker with a seat before my surgery. It makes so much sense in the early stages of post op when you think you can't go another step. But the bars of mine do have a slick paint job, like something you would see on the bike. Guess that's suppose to give you a boost about yourself and your predicament. :-) Warm regards, Donnalindy <everyothername.istaken@...> wrote: Donna . . . Maybe I'll be given a list of medical supply places while I'm in the hospital -- maybe that's what they meant. I can't imagine the hospital having all those things in stock. LOL Oh I'm sure if the place isn't directly affiliated with the hospital, they sure get a cut from sending their patients to them. I don't think there are many places in my area that are covered under my insurance. That's a big downfall of living in a small town/city. Bummer! I did stop at a drugstore in town the other day that carries some supplies and I checked out a groovy cool walker. The top of it was all psychedelic colors -- perfect for a child of the 60s. LOL Lindy Lindy, I had to order my walker and bathtub bench from the medical supply place in town while I was in the hospital. I was just given a list to check off, not a catalog or a choice. And our medical supply store is part of the hospital system. You can be sure we were not advised in our class to shop around ahead of time. I wished I had. Most insurance companies don't pay for equipment anyway. I would have preferred to shop around for the best price. On one of mt first post-op outings to a warehouse discount store (Costco), I saw a walker with a seat -- how practical! And it was a

much better quality but less expensive than what what was delivered to me at the hospital. Walmart also carries the bathtub bench and other equipment at much better prices that the medical supply stores. You are a captive consumer once you're in the hospital. My friend gave me the reacher before surgery, and I took it to the hospital with me. She bought hers cheap at the hardware store. I saved myself and the nurses time from day one by being able to reach for my book, box of tissues or whatever else I knocked off my bedside table several times a day -- must have been the medication. Though I've returned the reacher to my friend, I'm going to pick a couple up to have at my home and office. I miss having it handy to reach under the bed, behind my desk, etc. And it hurts to get on my knees anyway. Of course, most of you know I'm a huge advocate of the leg lifter, particularly for double knee replacements. They are expensive at medical supply stores, but $10 online. Warm regards, Donna

Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business.

[Guest guest]

we certainly should be grateful, arthur!

and, of course our children are wonderful because we raised them. ;-) really though, i feel for the most part our children's generation is a great group of people. our generation wasn't afraid to speak up for what we believed in, were/are compassionate/caring and we raised our children to be the same.

my son is a graphic artist. he was working for a company which designs web sites for fortune 500 companies, but only recently, he was able to quit and now works from his home, freelancing.

my daughter is a first grade school teacher; however, she's on a sabbatical until her children are a little older.

i'm so very proud of both of my children as well. they are fine adults

Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

Thank you, Lindy Lou. Yes, I'm very proud of mydaughter--my son, too! She picked pharmacy, though,because she's always been a caring, nurturing person,and we have several pharmacists in the family. We babyboomers should be grateful people like her will betaking care of us! --Arthur

[Guest guest]

Absolutely! I think there's also a bit of luck in

there, too. Or blessing, however you see it. We try to

give our children the basics, hope that the mistakes

they make, and will make, won't have serious,

irreparable consequences, and that the decisions they

make will be good ones.

My daughter is a 5th year pharmacy student (6-year

program) at Duquesne University (Pittsburgh), and my

son is chief engineer at WHYL 960 AM radio in

Carlisle, PA. --Arthur

--- lindy <everyothername.istaken@...>

wrote:

> we certainly should be grateful, arthur!

> and, of course our children are wonderful because we

> raised them. ;-) really though, i feel for the most

> part our children's generation is a great group of

> people. our generation wasn't afraid to speak up

> for what we believed in, were/are

> compassionate/caring and we raised our children to

> be the same.

> my son is a graphic artist. he was working for a

> company which designs web sites for fortune 500

> companies, but only recently, he was able to quit

> and now works from his home, freelancing.

> my daughter is a first grade school teacher;

> however, she's on a sabbatical until her children

> are a little older.

> i'm so very proud of both of my children as well.

> they are fine adults

> Hugs,

> Lindy Lou

> Right THR 1/22/2007

>

> Thank you, Lindy Lou. Yes, I'm very proud of my

> daughter--my son, too! She picked pharmacy,

> though,

> because she's always been a caring, nurturing

> person,

> and we have several pharmacists in the family. We

> baby

> boomers should be grateful people like her will be

> taking care of us! --Arthur

Arthur in Pennsylvania

LTHR November 10, 2006

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

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[Guest guest]

ARTHUR, yep i also think a bit of luck is involved in raising children. there are plenty of parents who do everything right yet they're kids still end up with serious problems.

Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

Absolutely! I think there's also a bit of luck inthere, too. Or blessing, however you see it. We try togive our children the basics, hope that the mistakesthey make, and will make, won't have serious,irreparable consequences, and that the decisions theymake will be good ones. --Arthur