Well, this is my first day recovering from my LTHR and it is going really well. I'm trying to do a better job of explaining what's happening in case other "hip chicks" are reading this, wondering what to expect post-op.
I think I fell asleep pretty well last night probably around 11. I get my pain medicine every 4 hours, so I expect it at 2, 6, and 10 throughout the day. My surgeon and his team do a great job managing the pain. In addition to my pain pills and my pain block/catheter going into my joint, he has me taking Lyrica, Celebrex, Tramidol (a non-narcotic pain med), Tylenol, Aspirin as a blood thinner, and a stool softener. I have been in great shape all day thanks to the great pain management.
I started the day early, since I just couldn't fall back to sleep. I'm reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett, which is an amazing book. I've had to put it down sometimes because I'm still tired, but usually the story keeps me reading on. For my RTHR in June I had a few books on CD to listen to, but this time I was already into The Help and knew the quiet of the hospital would be better to finish the book than saving it until I got home. I also brought along a little craft project to work on. I made my 4yo a pink no-sew tutu using strips of tulle I cut at home and a pink polka-dot ribbon. I'm glad I brought it to do here as I finished it pretty quickly this morning. All I had to do was loop the strips of tulle around the ribbon and then pull the knot tight. I think I inspired my PCA to make one for her daughter, she was rather excited about it and honestly, it was therapeutic to work on a handmade Christmas gift (I'm not that crafty of a person really).
My surgeon checked in on me this morning and said things went well. We talked a little about how amazed we are that so many people wait so long to get their hips done. I'm so glad I was never told to wait. I'm also glad he does the anterior approach so that I can bend as much as I want (which allows me to pick up my baby) and doesn't have any long-term restrictions. My only restrictions are no extending the leg back and no external rotation for 6 weeks. I can handle that, no problem.
I saw the physical therapist twice today; he came to my room of course. Both times he did some very careful stretching/moving of my leg. The first time he just had me stand with my walker and move into a chair. Then I was able to get a quick sponge bath, brush my teeth, and change into my own night gown (its just a simple cotton t-shirt night gown from Kohl's that another hip chick recommended). I feel so much more normal wearing my own clothes and tomorrow will be even better as I loose some of this equipment attached to me (my IV was disconnected this morning). When my PT came back to help me into bed I asked if I could do a little more walking, so we walked to the door and back to the bed. It felt so good to stretch my legs out! When he came later in the day, I walked out to the hallway and past a few doors then turned around and headed back. Don't get me wrong, my left leg is still very week and I do not put much weight on it especially with the nerve block in, but I am glad to be up and around nonetheless.
I was also very grateful to eat three regular meals today. Yeah, I'm no longer starving! It has been nice to chat with my nurses and physical therapy staff, everyone has been very friendly and supportive today. I passed along the web address for hipchicks (http://hipchicksunite.ning.com) to my PT today. It feels so good to get the word out since it's such a great support for people dealing with all kinds of hip pain!
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