Hi! I am back and ready to give an update from my LTHR I had on 10/14/08. For those who don't know me here is some info about my situation, I am a 34 yr old mom of 6 kids ranging in age from 5 months-13yrs. I have bilateral CHD and had a shelf osteotomy on my left hip when I was 21. I just had my left hip replaced this month by Dr. Peter Sharkey from the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia.
My Hospital Stay 10/14-10/17: I arrived at the Hospital all ready to go at 5:15 AM, I was not really nervous at that point, it actually didn't even seem real. I was put in a room, given a weird gown to put on, had blood drawn, was asked a bunch of questions, etc. The weird gown was then attached to this blower thing that puffed up the gown with warm air. Strange but kind of comforting. I had no family with me because my husband had to drive back home (1 1/2 hrs away) to get the kids off to school. I only was in that room about an hr before a man came to wheel me to the pre-op area. It was at that point I began to panic and cry. I tried to keep it under control but the tears kept rolling. Everyone there was trying reassure me that it was going to be OK. The OS came over and marked my left hip with marker, I got some kind of "relaxing" drug thru an IV, got my epidural, and was then moved to what I call the "on-deck" circle. As I was moved to the actual OR, I was in panic mode again. The next thing I remember is waking up in recovery. The nurse asked if my stomach hurt because I had been rubbing my belly. I asked her about the "Baby". Apparently, I forgot why I was there. No baby for me this time, LOL! I guess I talked to my husband on the phone (don't remember that). Actually, much of the after surgery stuff is a blur. I do remember freaking out that I couldn't move my legs right after surgery because of the epidural. As the epi wore off, I was only moving my right side. I freaked out more. Eventually, my left side moved as well and I was very calm after that. I was moved to my room and the surgeon came to tell me the surgery went well but I have soft bones. More freaking out on my part. He assured me that it was caught early and with medication/supplements, it shouldn't be a problem. I will have a dexascan in about 2 weeks to really see what is going on with that. I guess after having 6 kids, my bones are drained, so to speak.
I went on to feel nausous, dizzy and vomit for the rest of the afternoon. The PT came to get me up and into this awesome big blue recliner. As I got up I was upset that I felt the operated side was so much longer than the other. I was told this was normal, but from the posts on this and other boards, I knew it might end up being a real problem.
Day2 and Day 3: I felt much better, no more feeling sick. I spent the day in the recliner chair and went to PT 2x a day. It was something I looked forward to. I was amazed at how quickly I was up and walking the halls at PT with the walker. I learned how to do stairs, car transfer, in and out of the bed and shower, etc. Still bothered by the leg length thing though. Being that I am 34, it was a little isolating that I was the youngest hip patient there. I would say the average age was about 65-70. I was in a room filled with patients more than double my age and it was hard at times. The nights I spent in the hospital were the worst. No sleep, to many nurses in and out, KWIM?
Day 4 Going Home: I had 1 PT session on the morning I went home. I was happily surprised that the LLD was feeling a little more normal. I got a shower and dressed myself with the help of the grabber thing the OT gave me. I was discharged in early afternoon and couldn't wait to see my family! My husband picked me up and after a LONG and somewhat painful/awkward drive home, I got to see my kids! The little ones were a little afraid of me at first. I came in pushing this big walker, looking a bit different from when I left them days earlier. They soon got used to my new "look" and warmed up to me.
It has now been 18 days since the surgery. I got my staples removed and started out patient PT this past week. Due to a problem with lack of home care nurses/PT in my area, I did not have any home care come to the house after surgery. I am now walking with crutches and doing very well with them. My PT says my leg length is actually pretty good and I only feel slighted off now. I go up and down stairs and feel better each day. My biggest recovery issue is muscle spasms in my thigh. I never had this before. One night it got so bad that I almost went to the ER. I called the OS the next day and was prescribed Valium. Some days I get sad and have a little cry. I really am starting to miss my life. I am tired of being the "Princess". I am sick of the restrictions and sleeping really stinks. But my kids have been so great thru all this. They help me, make me smile and think my crutches are pretty cool, LOL! I know that I will get back to my life and when I do, I will be the happiest Mom on Earth
Susan
