Re: home from bilateral THR!!

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Sounds like you are doing ok. I agree with you on the emotional issue. It is so hard to have others take care of me. My mom was coming over to help me shower and dress for a couple of weeks. My husband does ok helping, but I still have to ask for things, not my normal style.

Bilateral, wow you are a brave woman.

Vakeri

Valeri

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie,

How old are you and your kids? Its hard to believe that you had both Hips done at same time How in the world do you get in bed ? I wanted my dr to do my knee and hip operations at the same time and that was my right side he wouldn't do it I had my knee operation 17 months later. you are lucky you didn't have to go in a nursing home for both operations I had to go in a nursing home for three weeks and both of them where bad I feel for the old people that have to stay in those places and your very lucky to have your Mom to help you .

Regards juneflower60 or SusieDebbie <nivian@...> wrote:

Hi everyone, well the worst is behind me. I came home last Monday night from a four and a half day hospital stay after having both hips replaced at the same time! I did so well on getting up and managing on crutches that they sent me home instead of rehab. I was glad for that, I'm a single mom with 3 kids at home and I sure did miss them. My own mom has been a huge support and has been there every "step" of the way. I must say, the first time out of bed the day of surgery was brutal. Of course I was stuck to everything because of all the goop they soak you with for surgery, so besides feeling like I lost a layer of skin to the sheets, the hips were mighty stiff. I actually took two steps that time though before greatfully getting back into bed. I do have a few suggestions for anyone

preparing to go in for THR if you'd care to hear them...take your grabber with you if you have one..it's not easy trying to cover your toes back up when there is noone around, plus when you happen to miss that little side table and your things fall to the ground you won't have to rely on a nurse to come by and retrieve it. Also,take the stool softeners! If they don't offer..ask. That first BM is enough to do you in for a day if you're not prepared. Keep up on your pain meds. If you can have them every four hours..take them even if you feel ok because PT and OT will keep you fairly busy and just getting comfortable in those beds will require your meds. Sleeping for me was the worst, of course I didn't have a "good" hip to turn on and you do have to lay flat on your back several times a day to stretch out the muscles. At home now I rely on lots of pillows and sleeping pills for now to get in some

z's. I hadn't slept a full night in over a week and it took it's toll on me emotionally and physically. I got up one morning and cried uncontrollably for about an hour. I heard this is normal though so I guess I'm not too crazy! Another thing to remember to do is your breathing exercises, a week and a half later, I still have a little cough. My biggest problem now is not over doing it. Being at home and watching everyone run around taking care of me and the kids is very hard. I did stand and sit too much yesterday helping my son with a school project and I am paying the price with very stiff joints today. Hopefully I learned my lesson! Well, my PT will be here shortly so I will sign off for now. If anyone has any questions, please let me know and I'll try to answer them. Take care all! Debbie

[Guest guest]

Hi Susie,

Thanks for the note. I am just 39 years old and my kids are 14, 12,

and 9. I feel very fortunate not having to go to a nursing home.

Getting in and out of bed really isn't too bad. Sometimes I have to

use my hand to lift my leg a little by the end of the night because

that is when I'm the most sore. I've been real good about doing my

exercises to strengthen up my legs. The only daily personal chore I

need help with is getting the lovely Ted's on, other than that I

totally take care of myself. This Thursday will be two weeks since

my bilateral and everyone is surprised at how well I'm doing. A

strong will and a strong support system is so important in the

healing and I am fortunate to have both. The possiblilty of having

to have my knees done someday is also very real. I'll cross that

bridge when I get to it. How was the knee surgery compared to the

hip? I've heard that knee replacement is a longer, harder recovery

than the hips. Well, speedy healing and take care. Debbie

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie,

Thanks for answering my e- mail , I had my right Knee done 17 months later after my hip operation I think I was walking better with the Knee then the Hip the hip you have to learn how to walk again and with the knee I just hated the feeling of numbness and my leg would swell up on me I'm walking better what it I just use a cane outside I think because of my left knee . Well I wish you the best of luck, Let me know how you are doing every so ofen.

Regards Susie Debbie <nivian@...> wrote:

Hi Susie,Thanks for the note. I am just 39 years old and my kids are 14, 12, and 9. I feel very fortunate not having to go to a nursing home. Getting in and out of bed really isn't too bad. Sometimes I have to use my hand to lift my leg a little by the end of the night because that is when I'm the most sore. I've been real good about doing my exercises to strengthen up my legs. The only daily personal chore I need help with is getting the lovely Ted's on, other than that I totally take care of myself. This Thursday will be two weeks since my bilateral and everyone is surprised at how well I'm doing. A strong will and a strong support system is so important in the healing and I am fortunate to have both. The possiblilty of having to have my knees done someday is also very real. I'll

cross that bridge when I get to it. How was the knee surgery compared to the hip? I've heard that knee replacement is a longer, harder recovery than the hips. Well, speedy healing and take care. Debbie