In two days, I will be 4 weeks post op. I am SO VERY GLAD I found this Dr - it took 5 tries, but I DID find him, and was very pleasantly surprised in the recovery room. I could tell that even with the surgical pain, there was relief in sight.
My surgery was on a Friday around noon, and by evening once in my room, therapy came in and got me up. Frankly, I was shocked at how much I COULD do - because the femoral head and socket had deteriorated to the point, and dislocated 3 inches ... walking was almost impossible and unbelievably painful.
On Saturday morning, I began my FULL WEIGHT BEARING physical therapy, and by afternoon was MUCH stronger. By Sunday, I was moving well enough to do most therapy easily. I was released Monday, but did stay for both physical therapy sessions. I was now walking one foot in front of the other, and was taken on the main back hallway stairs of the hospital. I actually didn't need the walker, although did take it because my insurance did cover. It as a "just in case." I did use a crutch, but only held onto the hand portion - more or less like a cane.
When I arrived home on Monday night, I managed to walk up all my stairs to my room, and as I laid in bed did my exercises, and when I would get up to use the powder room, I balanced on the vanity counter and did the toe tips, back kicks, side slides, etc.
I drove to my physical therapy today and although I still have to work on adjusting the car seat - it rides very low and the pillow I had was too big, I'll get it right.
My thigh now looks normal, and the incision was done on the side but mostly rear. The incision at under 4 weeks is almost invisible. The color that shows is from the marker, and what you feel are the stitches under the dermal layer which was held with butterfly bandaids.
I went in not knowing WHAT to expect, and once awake, could feel the difference. The pain is gone - it actually disappeared in the hospital, and right now am careful not to cross legs and keep the leg with the replacement in proper position while lying in bed. I've been able to sleep on my side, and see improvement each day. I've read many comments on how much pain people have had, how difficult their recovery has been and wonder if it's because of their surgeon.
The one surgeon I had scheduled with sent me home with a folder that showed NO weight bearing for 6 weeks. I'm so much happier that I looked one more time and found this Dr. The hospital was spotless, and they check for staph before your surgery. Every potential patient has their nose swabbed - 1 in 3 people has staph in their nose. No biggie ... they are given a cream to apply prior to surgery. Luckily, I didn't get the call after 3 or 4 days.
I can see myself walking without the crutch/cane within the next few weeks, and at this point CAN wear heels as long as I have it with me. I haven't worn them publicly ....but am scheduled for a big dinner dance in a month and hope by then I can be free of the crutch/cane and wearing a cocktail dress with heels.
Now to wait out the six months and get the opposite knee done. The original injury and the irony of how THAT leg had become the one I depended on the first 2 1/2 weeks for standing, sitting, and stairs.
Will I be lucky enough to have a great result? I'm definitely going back to the same surgeon - I LOVE how the hospital had enough staff, and quick responses, along with expertise in the various replacements.
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In two days, I will be 4 weeks post op. I am SO VERY GLAD I found this Dr - it took 5 tries, but I DID find him, and was very pleasantly surprised in the recovery room. I could tell that even with the surgical pain, there was relief in sight.
My surgery was on a Friday around noon, and by evening once in my room, therapy came in and got me up. Frankly, I was shocked at how much I COULD do - because the femoral head and socket had deteriorated to the point, and dislocated 3 inches ... walking was almost impossible and unbelievably painful.
On Saturday morning, I began my FULL WEIGHT BEARING physical therapy, and by afternoon was MUCH stronger. By Sunday, I was moving well enough to do most therapy easily. I was released Monday, but did stay for both physical therapy sessions. I was now walking one foot in front of the other, and was taken on the main back hallway stairs of the hospital. I actually didn't need the walker, although did take it because my insurance did cover. It as a "just in case." I did use a crutch, but only held onto the hand portion - more or less like a cane.
When I arrived home on Monday night, I managed to walk up all my stairs to my room, and as I laid in bed did my exercises, and when I would get up to use the powder room, I balanced on the vanity counter and did the toe tips, back kicks, side slides, etc.
I drove to my physical therapy today and although I still have to work on adjusting the car seat - it rides very low and the pillow I had was too big, I'll get it right.
My thigh now looks normal, and the incision was done on the side but mostly rear. The incision at under 4 weeks is almost invisible. The color that shows is from the marker, and what you feel are the stitches under the dermal layer which was held with butterfly bandaids.
I went in not knowing WHAT to expect, and once awake, could feel the difference. The pain is gone - it actually disappeared in the hospital, and right now am careful not to cross legs and keep the leg with the replacement in proper position while lying in bed. I've been able to sleep on my side, and see improvement each day. I've read many comments on how much pain people have had, how difficult their recovery has been and wonder if it's because of their surgeon.
The one surgeon I had scheduled with sent me home with a folder that showed NO weight bearing for 6 weeks. I'm so much happier that I looked one more time and found this Dr. The hospital was spotless, and they check for staph before your surgery. Every potential patient has their nose swabbed - 1 in 3 people has staph in their nose. No biggie ... they are given a cream to apply prior to surgery. Luckily, I didn't get the call after 3 or 4 days.
I can see myself walking without the crutch/cane within the next few weeks, and at this point CAN wear heels as long as I have it with me. I haven't worn them publicly ....but am scheduled for a big dinner dance in a month and hope by then I can be free of the crutch/cane and wearing a cocktail dress with heels.
Now to wait out the six months and get the opposite knee done. The original injury and the irony of how THAT leg had become the one I depended on the first 2 1/2 weeks for standing, sitting, and stairs.
Will I be lucky enough to have a great result? I'm definitely going back to the same surgeon - I LOVE how the hospital had enough staff, and quick responses, along with expertise in the various replacements.
March 21, 2012 - 9:41pmThis Comment
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