Day 3 post #HipReplacement

Last night was a bit of a rough night, I felt poorly with tummy cramps, like I’m full of air. So I needed a hot water bottle on my belly to help me get to sleep.

The wound itself is ok, but it’s starting to sting as I move, and I can see it’s leaked a little more. TW for picture below.

Now that the anaesthetic from the surgery is wearing off and leftover spinal, I can feel the need for medication more. But I got away with 3 tramadol and 8 paracetamol yesterday, so hopefully I can do the same today.

I attempted some heel slides, but I have no strength yet, I can lift it a little.

But short arc quad exercises I can do.

First Night home, Day 2 post #HipReplacement

Oh what a glorious sleep!! I am very very grateful that I managed to go home and dive into my own bed, and be gently lulled to dreamland in my cosy fresh bedding.

Water seems to be my greatest love to drink, and I’m not knocking it, as it’s good for healing.

I’ve had a lot of hiccups this time round, apparently caused by mild nerve damage when the tube is down the throat. But my teeth haven’t been broken, so that’s a win. And the itchy skin has settled as I’m not on morphine anymore.

Only needed paracetamol at 2.30am and I had 1 tramadol at 9am. So far so good. Had 2 paracetamol at midday.

Wrist is sore and bruised but expected after the cannula, and will soon heal.

First jobs today for me is getting dressed. And maybe tackling some of the many physio exercises I’ve been given. Heel Slides and Hip Abuction are a no go at the moment, not enough strength yet.

Noticed my knees are very out of alignment but as I’ve had this before, I know it eventually settles down and becomes equal. Still always a shock to see at first.

Pain wise my lower back is bad, but that is from the spinal, and I expected this, and I’m using hot water bottles to combat it. Wound feels tight and a bit stingy. But manageable so far. Knee on the left replaced leg is nagging, again I expected it as I felt it after my right hip replacement.

What I didn’t expect was my right hip to feel so tired and achey, but perhaps as I’m leaning on it while walking, as full weight bearing thrpugh left feels impossible at the moment though allowed. It’s bearing the brunt of all my weight, and I was rolled onto that hip during the operation.

So full on rest and recover day, I’m not rushing to be active in these early days.

Day One post #HipReplacement

Well barely any sleep on my first night, but I feel brilliant. Pain is managed, and I have full feeling in the leg now.

Had breakfast and coffee, washed and changed into my own clothes, and got seen by Occupational therapy for exercises, I got my crutches too, so that means I have full independence now.

Cannula is out, thank goodness as it was awful and each time antibiotics went in the pain flared up.

Had bloods done, so awaiting Pharmacy and X-ray, they being all good it should be home time today. Physio signed me off as they are happy with the fast pace on crutches. Leg feels so long though, but I know it will soon be equal with regular physio exercises.

Dinner time came and it wasn’t too bad, Tomato and basil soup, Ham sandwich and Black cherry yogurt.

Very very busy today and not enough staff, so I’ve just been listening to podcasts to pass the time, as it’s looking to be a late departure for me.

Finally got an x-ray around 4pm and got the all clear to ring home at 5pm. Just managed to get my tea, which means as soon as I get home I can fall asleep. I’m so shattered from all this walking, and not sleeping well for 2 nights.

Tea was lasagna, Green beans, Carrots and New potatoes, Crackers and cheese, with pure Orange juice. I have saved the crackers and cheese for later on. Lasagna was a little too tasty for me, though lovely. I seem to be better off with plain foods at the moment.

At 7pm ish we got home, flowers and presents waiting, feeling very spoilt, but also very tired. Changed my clothes, and managed a hot water bottle for my back. I was sent home with only paracetamol as pain relief as they knew I had tramadol at home, so at 9.30pm I had 1 tramadol, hopefully that will get me through the night.

First Night after #HipReplacement

Now the scary part is done, it’s time to heal and recover. I had a spinal so my waist down was numb until around 8pm.

I’ve managed to eat toast and later on a cheese sarnie and lemon yogurt. And drink plenty of water, so that’s good news.

Due to the spinal an ankle wedge is needed to stop the replaced leg rolling or twisting wrong whole you have no sensation, and in turn means dreaded bed pans, Boo!!!!

Medicine is paracetamol and slow release morphine so far, and my worse antibiotics through the cannula. It still really hurts my arthritis in the hands sadly, for an hour or so. Grateful I only need 3 doses.

Spoke to Consultant and he’s pleased with it, but we have to understand we’ve removed the Legg Calve Perthes and it’s had multiple surgeries, so may take time, it’s also lengthened a bit.

Sleep alas does not come easy at all. Thank goodness for podcasts to listen too and block out other noises. And eye mask to block out light.

I’m checked on for observations twice in the night, but it’s like an asmr nurse all quiet and subdued, so it doesn’t keep you awake.

I have a window so the dawn awakes me, but I’m pretty happy with that. It’s nice to gaze out of.

I have compression cuffs on the legs, which periodically tighten and twist, and torque in different ways, to help prevent dvts, along with usual compression stockings on as well.

Now it’s morning I hope to have some breakfast, and be visited by Occupational therapy to get moving and some independence back.

Surgery Day

It’s actually here. There is no visitors allowed or partner allowed into the building, so this time I’m going in all alone.

Thankfully I’m ok with that, as I usually feel guilty when Mr Moon starves with me and sits there all bored, as I’m pulled off to various rooms to be weighed, checked, have discussions with surgeon and the anesthetist.

Armed with my trusty rucksack, hair in plaits I’m super ready for this. Got to be there for 7.30am.

Traffic wasn’t too bad, though we had mini drama of running out of petrol. But still made it in time.

Found out I was on ward 12 bed 6, and 4th on the list so a bit of wait for me.

Surprisingly it went quick enough and by 11.20am I was measured for stockings and off to theatre.

The team remembered me asking about avoiding my cmc joint arthritis for the cannula, and remembered my teeth are weak. Fell asleep about 11.50am.

Came round high dependancy at 2.15pm with compression sleeves on the legs and a wedge between ankles.

Back onto the ward by 2.50pm having toast and coffee. Feeling pretty good to be honest. So glad it’s all done.

Hoping I can go home tomorrow, but it depends on blood pressure and occupational therapy.

The Day Before….

It’s here! Today is the day of my decontamination bath, The hibiclens is a microbiological soap that you wash your body and hair with before surgery. I hope my purple isn’t stripped out of my hair too much.

All clean and new bedding being put on, And I must ensure all my bags are ready and good to go!!

It’s an early start in the morning, Its a no food after midnight, So we often stay up late to get that last bit of food in at the last moment, and drink water up to 1 hr before admission. So its obviously up early if you want that.

Of course had to have a treat tea of Fish, Chips, Sausage and Gravy.

Often feel anxious and nervous even though I’ve done this a fair few times.

Not allowed my Etoricoxib today or my ibuprofen gel on hands, so let’s hope I don’t miss it too much.

Catch you guys later….

Test all done, Final countdown

So the postal covid kit was sent to my house, I needed to ring to arrange a courier, Take the test at a particular time, and await the courier to collect that day.

Anxious and wrecked with nerves as your surgery all depends on a negative test, and though you feel perfectly fine, it could all be snatched away, so it’s caused some sleepless nights and stress.

Once you get the text or email to give you the all clear, Its time to properly prepare, so it’s batch cooking and cleaning the house for me today. Though admittedly for the first week or so I’m not really into eating much.