Two months and counting

July 1 was my two month mark...and I must say I am doing very well.  I started outpatient P.T. and the first time was rough but since then it has been pretty good.  Hopefully it continues along that way.  I have been doing my pt at home as instructed...What has recently bothered me the most is my knees.  Walking and working in the kitchen seemed to really irritate the knees.  I have backed off the walking for a while and have tried wearing wraps on the knees.. that seems to help a little. They had gotten so bad they were keeping me awake a night..not good. Both of my knees have arthritis. 
 I am sure all the stretches  I do laying down and standing aren't helping the knee pain...but they must be done.  My energy levels seem back up and it is wonderful to be able to participate in things and enjoy them without the overlay of pain.  I get tired of sitting pretty quickly on a hard chair or lower chair..  Don't know exactly where that is coming from ... if I am sitting in a funny way..but my pelvis and tailbone hurts..but goes away pretty quickly, once I get up from seated postion and move around. I have been enjoying going out to eat, shopping, doing things around the house...even going out to church concert Sunday night. It is such a blessing to be feeling so much better than I was six months ago.  Thank you Lord.  I am still not able to lean over and tie my shoes...or lean over and pick things up.  Can't go past the 90 degree precaution. Prior to surgery materials I read said full recovery could be 3 months to a year...so I feel like I am doing better than I could have ever hoped.
I feel extremely blessed. 

"Your steps will not be hindered "

Today was my six week check up with the surgeon with and X-ray prior to my appt. with her.  All seems to be going very well, she said the x-ray looked good, incision looked good.  She had me walk to check that out, a little limp still...but to be expected.  I laid on the exam table and she had me do some straight leg lifts and move my leg out to the side , like you were making a snow angel.....she was happy with everything.   My pain level is very low so I am thrilled with that.  As of today I am released to drive...Larry will be so happy...won't have to take me everywhere.   Recv'd my paperwork for outpatient physical therapy so that will start soon.  It involves more than just working on the muscles of the hip/leg areas but also how to do things correctly...tie your shoes...picking things up off the floor, etc.  There is a long term need  to still be cautious , for example, should never really sit in a low soft couch... and still be careful not to lean too far forward when getting up from a chair.
She advised to walk without the cane now...even though I am limping....walking will strengthen the muscles.  Recently I would walk out of a room, forgetting the cane and have to go back for it as the protocol was to use a walker or cane for six weeks.  A little anxious about taking my walks outside with no walker and no cane....but will just go slow and be extra careful.  I have the ok to go in the pool and swim if I want...great for summer...just need a heated pool.  Later on, after regular physical therapy would like to do some water therapy...will see how that goes.  Next week I will be having my iron checked , so hopefully that has returned to normal or at least a lot closer to normal.  My energy level is better...but still a ways to go.  From what I have read...it can take 3 months to really be back to normal...or even longer.  So far,  I am beyond pleased with my recovery and so very thankful to the Lord...not everyone has the type of recovery I have enjoyed.         My verse from last fall..... Oct. 20, 2011....
     Proverbs 4:12  (NKJV)
         When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
         and when you run you will not stumble.
   *** I don't really plan on doing any running...but the walking "not be hindered"  sounds pretty good and I am getting closer and closer.

             

Keep Moving Forward

Today is 4 weeks since my new hip was "installed".  Overall I am completely thrilled with my progress....I walked for 15 minutes today plus a walk around the drug store.  Inside I am using my cane most of the time and feel comfortable with it...but comfort level outside is still the walker.  Believe my energy level is going up...maybe my iron levels are improving.  Still taking a nap each day...usually stretching out on a bed which feels really good.
My pain levels are really good, once in a while I feel a pull in the incision area..but it's not bad at all. Tried  reducing pain pills...but was too uncomfortable.   I am still taking less pain medication than prior to surgery..amazing.
  I went to church last Sunday for the first time...took a pillow to sit on to make sure height was at a good level.  I did pretty well..lots of opportunities to get up and down.  Tail bone was kind of achey but not bad for the first time.  It was wonderful to go, first of all since I hadn't been in so long...but the best part of to go and not be in pain sitting there the whole time.  Thank you Lord for you mercy and your grace to me.  I am so very thankful for the blessing of this new hip..your timing for the operation was perfect and I praise you for that.  Help me to do what "I should" to keep improving and to keep moving forward.  "Keep moving forward".... (from Meet the Robinsons)

Thankful for today

Tomorrow will be 3 weeks since my hip replacement.  Overall I would have to say I am extremely pleased with my recovery, especially the pain levels.  I continue to take less pain meds than prior to surgery...but know the pain levels are likely to amp up when I start out patient therapy.  That won't happen for 4 more weeks, after my next appt with the surgeon and an X-ray.  Friday I went to the grocery store and walked all around with Larry, using my walker.  I need to use a walker or cane for four more weeks.  Over the weekend I did a little more activity in the kitchen, baking a dessert and involved more in cooking dinner.  Had lots of help though.  I am tired today but just did some stretches and my 10 mits walk.  Yesterday when I got up from my recliner I heard some clicking in the leg that was operated on...no pain...just some sounds...but from what I have read that is not unusual..we will see how it goes.  Just need to continue to make small progress each day..being more and more active and being disciplined about stretches and walking.  I am so thankful for a new beginning and to have the surgery part behine me.  Thankful for no infection, thankful for so many things.  Thankful for today.

Hip working ... but not computer

My new Hip is working fine but I am having a lot of computer problems.  Hopefully will get a post done.
I am making good progress..increasing activity levels each day and pain levels continue to be OK.  Took one vicodin last Thursday night..pretty fatigued and pain level probably the worst I had since post surgery..but actually in a way not a bad as some days I have pre surgery.  Praise God...Feeling pretty good since then..doing my pt each day. Supposed to do twice a day if you can tolerate..but I am sticking to once a day for now..remember the marathon...
A doctor appt this week to check my hemoglobin as it frequently goes down post surgery and I did battle anemia prior surgery.  Also next Friday an appt for follow up with the surgeon...those two trips will be my first rides out in the car since I have been home. woohoo!!!
I was in the hobby room the other day and the closet door was open...the quilting fabric..all soft and beautiful colors was calling my name..looking forward to getting back into quilting.  So many things to look forward too, that's just one.  The Best Thing...what joy....to be out of the constant deep pain. 
 A Lovely Mother's Day weekend with lots of cards, phone calls, visits and gifts.  Thank you to my dear family.
 We were able to enjoy several meals over the past few days that were brought to us...such generousity.  Thank you to all for sharing you talents with us.  yummy.
      Ps. 146 : 5-6  
 Happy are those who are helped by the God of Jacob.
Their hope is in the Lord their God.
He made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in it.
He remains loyal forever. (NCV)

The Marathon begins.....

On May 1, 2012 I recv'd my new Right Hip...Thank You Lord!!!
Everything went extremely well.  The only little hiccup was on Thursday a.m. my blood pressure took a dip when I got up to use the bathroom and do pt. I felt light headed and cold sweats...so no PT that day.  Back to bed...later on some more IV fluids and that seems to take care of the problem.  I got home on Friday around 4:30 p.m.  Praise God...Praise God....things have gone amazing well since I came home.  I am able to get in and out of bed on my own...go down the hall to the bathroom. Even went outside today and walked a little in the courtyard..what a beautiful day. 
  The pain levels are under control ..in fact I am taking less pain meds than I did prior surgery.  I know when I get into the heavy duty PT the pain will increase. Thank you all for your prayers, good thoughts, phone calls, visits, cards, flowers.and meals...I feel so very blessed to be in a place of need and to be bathed in love by those I know and love.  Thank you all. The doctor that released me said remember this is a marathon not a sprint...the marathon has begun.

We are a Go !!!!!

Finally...it is 4:00 P.M. and I just got off the phone with the surgeon's office and we are a go for tomorrow...woohoo....Surgery is scheduled for 2:15 P.M.   I will go in around 11:15 A.M.  Thanks to all for your love, support, prayers and listening ear...it has been a long long journey and hopefully we will make it all the way tomorrow and get down to the real hard work...recovery.  love to all   Ginny
  A special thanks to my sweet hubby for hanging in there with me over these last six months...I know it hasn't been easy...I love you and appreciate you........

Second Time around.......

The test I had done in urologist office on Wed. 4/18 showed I had a bladder infection...as soon as I found out I went on antibiotic . Yesterday, April 26, I was retested again..it will take a couple of days to get the results.
If the test shows the infection numbers have gone down significantly, the urologist will approve me for the May 1 surgery date.  For now we wait...............

GOOD NEWS

GOOD NEWS.... I have a surgery date...Tuesday, May 1 at 2:15 P.M.
I am thrilled that it is so close...I thought I might have to wait months.  I will see urologist this coming Monday, 4/23 for cathetered urine sample.  It will take 3 days for the results...and then he will clear me for surgery. My favorite verse brings me "hope". 
Jeremiah 29:11   For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calaminty..to give you a future and a hope. 

It's Tuesday it most be St. Jude Medical Center .....not

I am supposed to be in the hospital tonight waking up with my new hip....NOT...short version is first cathter test...still shows contamination...second one...with foley cathter...still there.  Surgeon came in and said sorry  but we cannot go forward.  Big risk...is if any infection could go directly to the new hip.  Not a good thing.  FYI...for years after you have to take antibotic with any dental work , cleaning or filling or anything because of risk of infection.
This decision came after.....iv in, blood test, in gown, leg washed with idodine, leg marked by surgeon and compression nylon on left leg... (right one would be put on during surgery)...In other words we were ready to do go.  To say I was disappointed is an under statement.  Bad part today....did not have a good nurse...best part....chaplin came in and prayed with me.... that calmed me down. Thanks to Larry for being there for me...calm and supportive and loving....
 Tomorrow...appt. at 11:00 with urologist to see what is going on with this situation.  After we get resolved we can again move forward with the new hip.  This journey has not been a straight line...very curvy and curvy road make me nauseated....  thanks for all your thoughts, cards, prayers, e mails etc.  hugs to all  

Not what I expected

The news I got today was not what I expected....I thought after I had the additional urine test this morning  that my surgeon would say "yes" we are a go or "No"  we are postponing.  The information I got from the surgeon's office was ....the test this am still showed cells that shouldn't be there....like it was contaminated...but shouldn't be because it was done by catheter...so.....She is having me come in to the hospital tomorrow at 7:45 a.m. (like planned ) they will retest again and if the result is the same...she will make a decision at that time whether or not we go forward with the surgery.   Yes..that's right a decision am tomorrow whether I am having surgery tomorrow. Even if the test is the same ..I will be getting antibiotic so that might let them go ahead.  You can't make this stuff up.  I am glad I titled this "My Journey" because ... it is a journey for sure. 

Thoughts on my journey of getting a Total Hip Replacement

Well...This coming Tuesday, April 17, 2012 hopefully will be the day I get my new hip.  I have been waiting a long time...since Oct. 5, 2011.  There have been many challenges along the way ...the latest being diagnosed with anemia, which I was able to improve in 4 weeks. My Primary Doctor gave me the OK for surgery last week but now the hiccup is I was told last week that I have a bladder infection...I will be retested next Monday...the day before my scheduled surgery.  If the infection is still there....no surgery...it will be postponed.  If it is gone....things will proceed.  I am praying the infection will be gone and I will be able to have the surgery.  I want to get rid of this walker I use all the time.  I want to have a life with less pain and I want to be more active.  Hopefully the journey will begin next Tuesday at 10:45 a.m.