15 days post-op TRHP

Hi Folks - I can't believe it's been 15 days since surgery. I have to say that compared to having both knees replaced in 9/2/2011, this procedure was brutal. When I had my knees replaced, I woke up without an ounce of pain, nor during my entire hospital stay of one week. The day after knee replacement, they had me out of bed and by the end of the week I was transported via ambulance to in-patient rehab. RTHP, I came out of surgery and the pain was agonizing. I felt as though I had been attacked by a shark. I had not expected to be in incredible pain, and it took quite some time to get my pain under control. I did not sleep the first night and the following day I hit a brick wall and had a total meltdown. Because I live alone, the surgeon kept me for a 2 night stay. My younger son came to see me and said "Mom, I have to take a hard stand on this, you can't go home in this condition." All I could do was sob in between trying to tell him that I didn't want to go to rehab.

Thank God I listened to reason and he persevered in getting me in Kessler Rehab (Christopher Reeves, a/k/a/ Superman, did his rehab at Kessler). He drove me, bc an ambulance would cost over $800. My first day at Kessler, I think I was in a state of shock. I was unable to weight bear, could not go to the bathroom by myself, nor dress myself. The second day after breakfast, and the aid helping me get dressed, PT came and I was wheeled away. I will forever be grateful to the staff at Kessler, from the janitor, aids, nurses, doctors and physical therapists. Knowing that I'm a dog lover and having my own 2 dogs, my PT arranged for me to have a 20 minute session with a therapy dog, a golden retriever. I was in heaven, especially after he fell asleep on my belly and began snoring. I had been very active until I began having pain in my hip, knee and back. I loved going to PT and they told me that they knew I would not be in rehab for too long. They said some spend weeks in bed before they get out of bed. I was in rehab for 8 days and came home on Saturday, January 5th. While in rehab I couldn't wait to get my green card, which meant I could leave my room. I think by day 4, PT gave me my green card.

I've now been home for 5 days and I continue to grow stronger. I had stopped taking pain meds in rehab, but realized that I was white knuckling the pain, so I now have a prescription which I use sparingly, but once I sense the pain coming, I take half a pill. I'm no longer using the walker, just the cane. I could have had an aid twice a week to help me shower, but 2 days after being home, I took a shower sitting on my seat from when I had my knees done. I told them that I would not be needing an aide. Both of my dogs have been with my younger son in Philadelphia - I live in NJ. My son brought my 11 month old dog, Randall, home on Tuesday and Randall has been like a therapy dog. My son will keep 3 yr old Stella for a while longer until I grow stronger.

Thank God I am sleeping - Randall at my side. I sleep on my back with a pillow under my right leg. I live in a 3-story townhouse and have not had difficulty navigating the stairs. Also, a little common sense goes a long way. I wear clothing with lots of pockets, so I can bring whatever I have to upstairs and downstairs. I move slower and when I get tired, I take a rest. I had thought I was getting Anterior Hip Replacement, but got the other, which means no more than a 90 degree bend for 5-6 months. I'll have in-home PT twice a week for a few more weeks and then will probably go to out-patient to strengthen my leg and get rid of my limp. When I walk with my cane, I make sure my tummy is tucked in and my posture is good.

Thanks to all for contributing to this forum . . . I have learned a lot!

Georgette

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