The day-to-day details are lengthy and very comprehensive. The weekly summary tries to summarize the vital or significant events of the past week. Here’s the first one…
WEEK 1 (Dec. 15-22)
The pain is all that it is was cracked up to be, without a doubt. The medical people should have added some more factors: muscle loss or debilitation, morphine pain med has negative secondary effect of constipation.
The pain seems to be regulated and controlled quite well. It is tolerable considering a leg bone is being cut off and a metal gadget is pushed into the leg to actualize a new hip joint. Amazing technology and within a day I was able to stand on the two legs, take steps and even climb a couple of stairs.
Leg muscles take leave of absence
What was more disappointing or discouraging was that the muscles of the operated leg have taken a leave of absence. Those leg muscles were disintegrating badly before the surgery. The surgery left them decimated. At the beginning of the week I could not lift the leg an inch, in bed or in a chair. Now, I do 5-10 lifts a couple of times a day.
Constipation, not good
The other negative is the constipation that came with taking so much oxycontin medication to control the pain. After a week of no bowel movement, I modified my pain meds to Tylenol Extra Strength without any morphine (Oxycotin). It worked within hours. I seem to be back on proper routine. So I have now mixed my meds half and half, half Tyelnol and half Oxy. It seems to be working.
I am doing OK.
- Pain is tolerable and controlled. The walker gives me the security to move around the house fairly easily.
- The constipation was a surprise but thankfully overcome.
