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Diary from day of op

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jeanwales
jeanwales

I thought some people might be interested in a day by day diary from the day I had the op. I know I found post op information helpful. I had the op done in Bangor North Wales.

i came into the hospital the day before and all the blood tests were done and the anesthetist came to see me and explained the alternatives  - I opted to go for the spinal injection after he explained it to me. Also the surgeon briefly called in to make sure I was ok.

i also found out I was first on the list which pleased me and I went down at 8.45 and I was taken to have my spinal injection and then into theatre. I could not see anything as a cloth was between me and where they worked on the hip. I took my iPod in and played loud music which really helped. I could hardly hear what people were saying and the only thing I really heard was when they used a saw I presume, sounded like an electric drill and also the hammer which shook through my body. I had a hiccup where my blood pressure dropped and I lost a fair bit of blood and was vomiting but came out of it ok. 20 mins in recovery then back to the ward.

i had no pain at that time and the hardest thing was emptying my bladder. Another low blood pressure scare when I first arrived but then I settled. I ate a small amount at tea time then they tried to put me on the commode after that and the blood pressure dropped and I fainted so they got me back to bed. Settled for the night but some pain as the injection wore off so used the pump button a bit.

just woke up waiting for breakfast then they aim to get me moving later. More on that T the end of today.

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  • jeanwales
    jeanwales

    Posted

    Very restless night, why does my leg hurt when I lie down in bed and not when I walk around? Anyone got any tips? Really did have a bad nights sleep.

    this morning I have just pottered around. I managed to do some light washing in the washing machine with the use of the grabber plus a lot of patience! But mainly I have rested - I watched one of my favourite childhood films this morning, Polyanna, it was just as good today as it was in the 60s lol. Also on my iPad catchng up with all my friends on Facebook and just relaxing. 

    Why does one crutch fall to the floor when I lean them beside my chair please?  Other than that, saying fairly positive today.

    • lorraine46575
      lorraine46575 jeanwales

      Posted

      Hi Jean, Sorry to hear about your restless night, do you take a painkiller before bed?  I am down to taking 1/2 a 10mg Oxecodene an hour before bed, and it is working ell for me.  Those falling crutches !!!! I keep mine in a bucket/tin that I got free with dog food, that is also where I keep my grabber and shoe horn.  Mind you I also keep putting them in other places and forgetting where!!  I really over did it yesterday and felt so sick last night am not going to do that again.  Glad you enjoyed your movie.  What would we do without the computer, t.v. and books, go crazy I guess.  bye for now. xxxxx L.
    • jeanwales
      jeanwales lorraine46575

      Posted

      Unfortunately anything morphine or codeine related just makes me vomit, the strongest I can take is paracetamol which doesn't do that much sad
  • jeanwales
    jeanwales

    Posted

    Just had to share this bit. One week since my op and the physio came to the house this morning and took me for a little walk along our street with the two crutches. I felt really pleased. Still feel bad during the night, my leg just feels so dead and throbbing so got a few more doses of the painkillers to help that.
    • bunnyg
      bunnyg jeanwales

      Posted

      A good friend told me once that as long as I take the medications as instructed on the pill bottle, all will be well. In my case, he meant "don't take too many!" But I think it also applies in the case of not taking enough. Why do we women often try to be heroic when it comes to pain?

       

  • jeanwales
    jeanwales

    Posted

    My progress still going well. I am walking along our street during the nice weather with the crutches and have been able to get in the car driven by friends to get me to visit my husband in his respite home. Sadly he has not done as well, having had a mini stroke and a fall during the week. He is coming home on Sunday and we have carers in three times a day so will be interesting to see how we cope then.
    • marey
      marey jeanwales

      Posted

      so glad to hear of your progress...great news keep it up!

      sorry to hear of your husband...i hope he recovers his confidence...but for you to have those carers coming in is brilliant news....i do hope they give you relief so you can get out and about and continue walking down your street. Bet the neighbours are waving and pleased to see you back!

    • jeanp
      jeanp jeanwales

      Posted

      Hi Jean,

      So sorry to hear of your husband's problems. You and he will have to recuperate together. I hope it all goes well, and you both get better quickly. You have made good progress so far!

      Jean

    • HippiechicUK
      HippiechicUK jeanwales

      Posted

      Hi Jean. Sorry about your husband's fall & mini stroke. Hopefully just a blip and you will both be making good progress. The carers will help to take the pressure off you. Take care and keep up the good work.
  • jeanwales
    jeanwales

    Posted

    2 weeks today since my op and how am I doing? 

    I think the answer is pretty good considering all the obstacles I have faced!

    today our physio came and got me walking round the house with one crutch and she was really pleased with how I coped. Said to just use one during the day unless I am outside.

    I'm coping with hubby though finding it hard and frustrating when he has a problem and I cannot stretch or lift. But we are getting through it and he is trying hard bless him too. 

    Just about to book a cleaner for an hour a week. As I can't use Hoover, change beds etc I thought it would be worth while for maybe the next month and take a bit of pressure off me.

    • HippiechicUK
      HippiechicUK jeanwales

      Posted

      Sounds like you are doing very well Jean. The cleaner sounds like a good plan. You may need for longer than a month though. Am now 6 weeks next Friday since my op and still struggle with household tasks and really wish I had sorted that out. My husband does well but it would have made life easier for both of us.  You have the added difficulty of being a carer. Stretching and lifting are problematic so take as much help as you can. Keep up the good work.
    • lorraine46575
      lorraine46575 jeanwales

      Posted

      Hi Jean,  Glad to hear you are doing pretty good.  I started to have a cleaner 6 months ago, because with 3 dogs, I just could not keep up with the dog hair and my painful hip, she comes every other week and does the floors and bathrooms.  It has been a lifesaver for me.  I think I am also doing quite well.  My biggest problem is my stomach which has really not been happy since leaving the hospital.  My Doctor would only take half my staples out last week, so am going to see him tomorrow and will discuss my stomach issues, it cannot be down to medication because I am not taking any.  Good for you on one crutch, I am being lazy and rely too much on my walker, its so much easier and I am faster on it.  Must try to make an effort with the cane or crutches.  Starting physio tomorrow.  Today was my first day without hubby, but I do have my 6 year old grand daughter as a helper !!!!, she loves riding around on the walker.  I really hope you continue to get better, I think you are doing marvelously.  bye for now.  Lorraine.  xx
    • marey
      marey jeanwales

      Posted

      Excellent jean! way to go...you are really on top of things.

      Hey why don't you give hubby one of those arm reacher things and get him practising too ?  love marey 

  • jeanwales
    jeanwales

    Posted

    Aw thanks Lorraine x glad you are ok too. Thought about you a lot as we both went at the same time! 

    Marey, hubby already had a grabber but sadly has lost coordination so I have borrowed it, having one in the kitchen and one in the bedroom smile

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