HEALTH: HIP OPERATION…final notes and comparative COSTS : The Szpinner

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Changes are incrementally small now, so I will be writing less but as there are people with joint, knee, and hip afflictions, I think it is important to keep this blog going.
[ To expedite your time reading this info, just jump to “The LATEST” at the bottom of this text.]

Since the Dec. 15 surgery
Surgery was ok…understandable as I was medicated to the hilt. Couldn’t feel my lower body, my legs, or my feet at all for hours until late in the evening (surgery was done at about 2 pm)

The next day physiotherapist evaluated me, and gave me some help in getting up and moving around. Was discharged by noon. Got home and it was hard slogging for that day.

Each day since has been progressively better, with less pain, more flexibility, and easier movement. Walker is the main support device.

A side effect of morphine was constipation. So as the pain subsided, I replaced morphine with Tylenol extra strength with the goal of weaning myself off of the morphine completely. Within about 5 days, I was there. Staple removing doctor confirmed Tylenol was a good substitute and to use as needed to regulate the pain. Have reached the point of 2 Tylenol, once in AM, and again at BEDTIME. Very acceptable in my books.

Post-meeting with physiotherapist, Evangelina
Physio people are cutting back too which means I will have a limited number of sessions staggered far apart. Maybe 6 sessions?

The first physio session was more evaluation and some teaching of the exercises I should do. I received sheets of exercise routines and am using morning, daytime, and bedtime BUT…am unable to do some, others I can do maybe 50% of what is indicated. I think it is a normal result and will improve progressively. Just must keep trying to do them.

Pain
Seated there is no pain. Walking with a walker is a low level of pain but acceptable. In short, during the day, don’t need Tylenol. Am happy with that.

Exercise
Surprised at how difficult or impossible some of the prone leg raises are…cannot move more than an inch….hope that with more exercise things will improve.

The Latest
Exercise, exercise, exercise urged by everyone. Fine, but some of the exercises are really hard to do. Still, though I may not meet the repetition requirement of the extension demanded at the moment, I am religious about doing exercises MORNING in bed, DURING THE DAY as I work at my desk, EVENING at bedtime. I do what I can without pushing for pain.

My current status is quite good I think. I can walk with a walker throughout the house, even outside for a couple of driveways with my outdoor walker. I am progressing noticeably.

WALKERS
I recommend having three walkers:
1. OUTDOORS model with 4 wheels and brakes;
2. INDOORS (TWO UNITS)
I need a unit upstairs and another downstairs to avoid lugging a walker up the stairs twice a day. This walker has front wheels and hard plastic sliders at the back legs. It is aluminum and very light but it offers the feeling of security and stability.

Hip surgery or age
Some things are happening that make me wonder, is it hip surgery or is it aging? For example, the left leg, not the operated one, was very swollen. Why?

The knees were never involved in the surgery, yet they are very tight and inflexible in the morning and somewhat after sitting for a long time.

The legs seem to lack the strength to stand up…a factor of age and excess weight?

Looks like it is ending well !

Just had final consultations with the surgeon, Dr. Charles V. Thompson and the physiotherapist, Evangelia.

The last word, ‘excellent.’ Both consultants gave me a clean bill of health but for one unsurprising amendment. The hip has healed well and sits in place properly but the operative leg is weak. So now I must do exercises to strengthen the leg. Otherwise, this whole experience has been one that went surprisingly well.

A note about the COST of HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY:

Click —> COSTS

Cautionary notes: