Saturday, November 21, 2009

Saturday, November 21, 2009

It has been 6 months. I'm fairly back to normal. Most of the time my hip feels pretty good, and much better than before. Sometimes, my quadriceps muscle is sore. I go to the health club 3 days a week, but I only spend 13 minutes on the elliptical, and do 10 reps on 4 or 5 weight machines.

Today, I cut down another tree for Laura. I have raked leaves and mowed the lawn. I will probably shovel snow and ski soon.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Today I did my annual hike to the State Capitol. It is nearly 14 miles. I rode the bus home. It was probably the last nice walking day of the year.

Unwisely, I wore a new pair of walking shoes. Not even wool socks kept me from getting a blister. My hip performed well.

There are pictures at my Lake Street page.

This means a Grand Canyon hike in the spring is within the realm of possibility.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

This weekend we went to Boston for lobster and tourist stuff.

This was my first trip through a magnetometer since the surgery. I made new friends at TSA in Minneapolis and Boston. The carbon-steel ball in my hip joint sets off every alarm, so I got the full wanding and pat-down. I brought a copy of my x-ray. They were thorough and courteous.

I climbed all 294 steps of the Bunker Hill Monument, and walked the whole Freedom Trail, plus half the Black Heritage Trail to the Charles River.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Friday, August 21, 2009

I'm taking 2 coated aspirin a day, and feeling pretty good lately. I'm going to the health club 3 days a week. Did 14 minutes on the elliptical and 4 machines today. Standing more seems to help.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Surgeon 3 month check up.
For the last week, I've been using the crutch in the morning. I can't put weight on my left leg. The doctor said my x-ray looked good, so the pain could be due to infection, back problems, or it may just go away. He ordered a blood test, which came back negative.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Thursday 6/11/09

Surgeon 1-month check-up:
I've been off percocet for 10 days. I can usually get by with 1 Aleve, 1 coated aspirin, and a glass or 2 of red wine a day. "The pain will continue to improve."

I am going to the health club 3 times a week. I can use the treadmill for the first time in over a year. For short walks, I no longer need the crutch. I bring it along for longer walks, or if I will need to stand for a while.

The new x-ray looks good. My new parts remain aligned correctly, and positioned where they are supposed to be. My new parts add about a pound net to my weight, so I have to allow for that when I check my weight. New weight targets are 152-155 summer, and 156-158 winter.

In about 15-20 years, I will need to get the plastic bearing surface in the socket replaced.

Airport joint cards are no longer issued.

My next check-up is in 2 months.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Saturday 6/6/09

Following is a cost summary, so far:
$ 495 Pre-op physical
3,231 Surgeon
16,066 Hospital, 1 night. I think this includes the hardware.
630 Nurse Anesthetists
785 Anesthesiologist ?
$21,207 Total, so far.
I did not go to a nursing home, and I did my own rehab.
There will be continuing check up visits with the surgeon.
My deductible is around $2000.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Sunday 5/24/09

I feel like I back-slid a little. After a rough night, I've again started taking 1/2 Percocet twice a day. Two Aleve per day just wasn't cutting it.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Thursday 5/21/09

I am totally off narcotics now. It appears 2 Aleve a day are almost adequate.

At the health club, I got nausea from the pain of the rehab exercises. I used the elliptical for 5 minutes at 2.4 mph, with a little difficulty. I did 3 minutes on the treadmill, for the first time in over a year. Last was 5 reps on the chin assist, with not much assist. After a short talk with a friend, I returned home for second breakfast and the ice pack.

Went out at lunch. I brought the crutch along, but did not use it. I got by the rest of the day without it.

Does anyone know how to get surgical soap off? This new stuff is like spar varnish. It only seems to come off as my skin sloughs off.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Staple removal day 5/20/09

Did 10 reps of the hip exercise. After a shave and first breakfast, I will use the mirror at the health club for the rehab exercises.

The staples came out at 1 PM. Now I can also sleep on my left side, and I can shower without taping on Saranwrap.

Going to try Aleve instead of the Perc tonight.

After today, I will only post milestones.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Tuesday 5/19/09

Did 10 reps of hip exercises. Shaved and ate breakfast. Went to Lenox Breakfast to hear an astronomer.

Got the spare lawn mower blade sharpened before lunch. Took half a perc when I got home for the day.

I'm sore today. Did a few reps of the rehab exercises.

At bed time, I did 10 more reps of the hip exercises and took half a perc. During the night, I laid on my stomach for a while, for the first time since the surgery.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Monday 5/18/09

I slept well. Did 10 reps of the hip exercises. Took one coated aspirin.

At the health club, I did the rehab exercises in front of the mirror. The meds I have taken have not given me nausea, however the pain from some of these exercises gives me some nausea. I did 2 upper body weight machines and left.

Stopped at McDonald's for breakfast on the way home. They raised their prices Friday, and my prepaid card is down to 44 cents now, so Adios, McDonald's. I took half a perc when I got home.

The surgeon's nurse called to check up on me.

I read and wrote for a while. It has been a nice sunny recovery day. I checked the lawn mower blade, and picked up some roofing nails from around the garage.

I did 10 more reps of the hip exercises, and took half a perc at bed time.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Sunday 5/17/09

Did 10 reps of hip exercises. Got up at 7 AM, for first breakfast of 2 frozen home-made blueberry pancakes.

After a shave and shower, I changed the dressing. Looks ok.

I crutched to the gas station for a St. Paul paper. Ann walked with me today. On return, I had a frozen blueberry waffle with peanut butter, a Percocet, and coffee. There are good smells coming from the kitchen: cookies made from chocolate cake mix with dried cherries. They are part of my recovery plan.

Later, I had 1/2 Percocet and did some of the rehab exercises, and 10 reps of the hip exercises.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Saturday 5/16/09

Got up at 7 AM and shaved after my morning exercises. Took 1 aspirin and 1 Percocet with breakfast. I will admit that a nice, strong cup of coffee adds a mighty fine finish to the perc.

Ann is home today, so I will probably not be going on any treks today.

I am doing my own physical therapy. Today I started a new set of home rehab exercises.

Ann went shopping with her sister. After an unhealthy lunch, I crutched around the block and talked with the neighbors. Had a second perc and coffee. Reloaded the ice bag.

After a healthy supper, I had a glass of wine and a coated aspirin, with a piece of dark chocolate.

I continue to use the ice pack at night and during the day. I was in bed doing the hip exercises before 10.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Friday 5/15/09

Got up at 2 AM to read for an hour.

Had 1st Percocet at 5 AM. Ann refilled my ice bag.

7:30 AM: Did 10 reps of the proscribed exercises, shaved, and started breakfast.

9:30 AM: Took a Tylenol-ES before my walk to Lenox Community Center. Took a soda cracker along for the nausea.

10:45 AM: The walk went very well. Talked with a few friends. Took a 2nd perc with a coffee, when I returned home. Reloaded the ice pack. Lunch is soon!

After lunch, I washed a load of towels. I won't try to carry them up the steps today. I did some yard work and then showered. I changed the dressing on my incision. Everything looks ok.

Had one red wine at the restaurant, and an aspirin at 8 PM. Went to bed at 10. Got up at 10:33 PM to watch Leno, and then almost made it through my exercises before I fell asleep.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Thursday 5/14/09

Slept well on my back and right side, with my new companion, the pillow between my legs.

5 AM I took 1 Percocet with first breakfast. Ann loaded up the ice pack and I went back to bed and read for a while.

7:30 Did 10 reps of the hip exercises.

I tried the orange peel soap on the remains of the surgical soap before I showered. Didn't touch it. After the shower, I removed and replaced the bandages. I put a regular band aid with antibiotic on the drain hole. The hospital sent me home with bandages and tape for the incision, which is only 3-1/4 inches long.

I crutched 2 blocks to McDonald's for 2nd breakfast, and returned.

9 AM: It is time to read and rest for a while with the ice bag, coffee, 2nd perc, aspirin, and colace.

After lunch at 1 PM, I had another perc.

After supper, I had two glasses of red wine, followed by an aspirin and toast and antihistamine. The aspirin and red wine are to reduce the risk of leg clots.

Did 10 more reps of the hip exercises. Now it is time for the news and Leno.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Discharge Day 5/13/09

Woke at 5:30 AM.

At 6 AM, the nurse removed my catheter and IV. Yeah! I have one tube left, the drainage tube, which had not done much draining since last evening.

Breakfast was at 8 AM. I had a piece of french toast without syrup, a small slice of sausage, oatmeal :--(, orange juice, milk, coffee. I put a little of the maple syrup on the oatmeal and choked it down. Eating all the food is part of getting out!

Later, my drain was removed, and I asked if I could walk. They made me use the walker, but I could walk fairly fast, and walked down all 4 halls of the cross.

At 11:30 AM, I was picked up for physical therapy. We reviewed my hip exercises to assure I was doing them correctly. We reviewed other important topics. I was taught the correct way to walk with a crutch. I went back to my room with a crutch.

Back in my room, it was time for more solid food. I had a veggie burger, fruit, raspberry custard, milk, and coffee.

At 1 PM, Occupational Therapy came to my room and did their training. We talked about things that used to be simpler, like getting dressed, picking up things from the floor, and sitting on the stool. They asked about safety features at home. They seemed impressed with what I had already figured out at home.

My surgeon came by and approved my discharge. He answered all my questions and wrote a prescription for pain pills. I received no blood or plasma during surgery. My hardware is a titanium alloy pin, with a steel alloy ball and a cross-linked plastic socket. I'll never make it through another airport magnetometer. Because I had not waited too long, and I am skinny and healthy, the surgery went quickly. There was no cartilage left. I declined a handicap parking pass.

I walked the halls again, by myself, with a crutch.

At 3 PM, I had my last PT. I had asked earlier for information about rehab PT that I could do at home on my own, and that is what this session was about.

The nurse removed the IV shunt from my wrist. I called Ann to pick me up after work.

Thanks to everyone at Methodist Hospital who helped me. Everyone was kind and went the extra step.

It is important to note that the usual stay for this surgery is 2 or 3 nights. I communicated clearly that I wanted to stay 1 night only. I was motivated and prepared and physically able to make that happen. Many of the nursing staff said they had never seen a hip replacement patient get out after 1 night.

I was required to leave in a wheel chair. After stopping at the hospital pharmacy for pain pills, we came home. I visited 2 neighbors, before supper. I did not have any heavy pain killer tonight, so I had 2 glasses of red wine. I will have an aspirin with toast later, and do my hip exercises at bed time, after Leno. I took 2 acetaminophen, extra strength.

I will post before and after x-rays, when I can figure out how to apply a water mark.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Surgery Day 5/12/09

Did 10 reps of the hip exercises. Showered and wiped down with the Sage wipes. I'm looking forward to my allowed half cup of coffee before 8 AM.

The hospital called and asked if we could come in an hour early. So I went into pre-op at 12:35 PM. I was in the OR from 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Actual operating time was 65 minutes. There are prep and finishing tasks. I chose to have a spinal with sedation, rather than general anesthesia. That was a good choice. I was willing to stay awake, but I told them I got chatty with light sedation, so after the spinal, and after they got me comfortable on my side, I was out like a light until they woke me up at 3:30. I remember waking in the OR and being moved to the recovery room. By 5 PM, I had feeling in my legs again and could move both legs.

My evening meal was liquid, with toast. At 9 PM I got up and sat in a chair. At 9:30, with 2 helpers, I walked down the long hall and back. This is more complex than it sounds, because I still had 3 tubes. Called home to report.

Watched the news and the 14th to last Leno.

This is so cool! They let me sleep, undisturbed, from 11 PM until 5:30 AM. ALL the people at Methodist were so kind.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Monday 5/11/09

Did 10 reps of hip exercise, 20 minutes on elliptical and 10 reps on 4 weight machines. Stopped at McDonald's for an Egg Biscuit and Senior Coffee.

This is a full day. I bought a paper and found a paper on the step. I had tried to subscribe, but was told I couldn't get what I wanted. I guess they found a way.

I did some QA on the new roofs, entering the attics to verify the continuous ridge vent. There were a few minor problems. I called in my findings to the roofer. I also removed the old VHF TV antenna from the house attic. I emailed and called my insurance agent for the 15% discount for hail class 4 shingles. Getting some red tape, but I'm more persistent.

Moved the DSL modem down to the bedroom. Installed a temporary handicap rail in the shower. Returned a book to the library. Returned the extra chimney cap to HD.

The hospital nurse called to check up on me. I can eat until midnight and have half a cup of coffee before 8 am.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Sunday 5/10/09

Happy Mother's Day!

Did 10 reps of the hip exercises, followed by 20 minutes on the elliptical and 4 weight machines.

Cleaned and adjusted the family crutch. Someone shorter must have used it last.

Completed all my tasks for last week. I'm making a new check list to take me up to noon on Tuesday, check-in time. I can see there are a few things that won't be done.

I'm practicing tasks that I will have to do differently because of the 90 degree rule, like putting on socks, and yes, I can do it without the special sock tool. I can tell right now that ski boots will be more difficult, and Ann's Corolla presents some challenges.

Dinner for Mother's Day was at Red Lobster.

Did 10 more reps of hip exercises.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Saturday 5/9/09

Did 10 reps of the hip exercises. I can do these exercises in, or on the bed.

Made the 3rd freighter presentation this week.

Friday 5/8/09

Did 5 reps of the hip exercises. Did 20 minutes on the elliptical and 10 reps on 4 weight machines.

Watched the new roof go on the house and garage. The composite asphalt shingles with rubber beads are 50 year, hail class 4.

Supper was meat balls with wild rice, cole slaw and other goodies at Althea's.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Thursday 5/7/09

Did 5 reps of hip exercises. At the health club, I did 20 minutes on the elliptical and 10 reps each on 4 weight machines.

I fasted last night for lab work at 8 AM. My appointments for pre-op and annual physicals are at 2:00 PM.

After breakfast, I bought a paper and drove to HD and Menard's. Bought 32 feet of continuous eave vent for the garage. Need to get that installed before the surgery, because I won't be able to do stuff like that for a while afterward.

Physicals went ok. Going to stop taking Tri-cor.

Walked after supper, and did 10 reps of the hip exercises at bed time.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Garbage Day, 5/6/09

Did 5 reps of the hip exercises this morning, and at the health club, did 20 minutes on the elliptical and 10 reps on 4 weight machines. Been thinking about how to do some of my daily activities next week with different ranges of mobility.

Loosened the blade nut on Graham's lawn mower, and helped Laura with her shelves and fluorescent lamp. Also brought items for the big garage sale in July. Delivered documents to Dave.

Suggested new home page for MN Futurists, and prepared entry for my presentation Saturday Morning.

The Wright County Journal Press published a feature story on my freighter trip. It should be available on line for a few days after 5/8/09. Click on Drummer Feature.

Did 10 reps of the hip exercises tonight.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Tuesday 5/5/09

Did hip exercises at 7 AM.

Made freighter presentation at 9 AM, at Lenox.

Hospital hip class was 1-3 PM. Watched video on prep, admission, details of surgery, after surgery, complications, antibiotics, post anesthesia recovery unit,monitoring, drains, pain management, goals, physical therapy, discharge, recovery, gadgets to buy. I'm supposed to be doing the hip exercises twice a day, and 10 reps each. That will take more time. Q & A.

The insurance company and the roofer called. The house might get upgraded the same time that I do.

Need to get going on the Saturday presentation for the MN Futurists.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Monday 5/4/09

Did the hip exercises this morning. At the health club, I did 20 minutes on the elliptical and at least 10 reps on 7 weight machines.

Breakfast was an egg-biscuit and coffees, Lunch was a turkey sandwich and pear.

Removed the gutters from the garage this afternoon. I did not fall this time.

Heard Simon Winchester narate from The Man Who Loved China at Coffman Bookstore tonight. He was excellent. Found out about it on Library Thing.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Sunday 5/3/09

Did the Hip exercises today.

Made first freighter presentation. Two more to go this week.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Saturday 5/2/09

Didn't do the exercises today, so far. ;--/

Did go to the MN Futurists meeting. Heard about medical nanotech and practiced the Delphi method.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Friday, 5/1/09

Did my hip exercises first thing.

Ann had today off, so we went to Byerlys for breakfast. I usually order the 'senior 1 egg, pumpernickel toast, bacon' special. Ann shared her hash browns and toast. The hash browns and toast were both slathered in butter, which must have gone straight to my hip joint, because it didn't hurt for several hours.

After reading emails and the paper I went to the health club and did 20 minutes on the elliptical and 3 weight machines.

NRO: (Non-related-observation) I drive by Trader Joes on the way to the health club. A lady there in a van was doing the backing up part of parallel parking while holding a cell phone to her ear with one hand.

'An apple a day keeps the doctor away!' I had a pear after lunch.

I am having roofs replaced because of storm damage. I agreed to take down the gutters from the garage. As I was stepping down from the ladder, my hip gave out and I fell a short distance. Only a scrape on my hand. So, the time is right to fix my hip.

We are going out tonight with Paul and Alan.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Thursday 4/30/09

Breakfast is coffee and a muffin with pb at Perkins, 6:45, with Cindy, Scott, and John. I stopped at Menard's on the way home to buy grout sealer for the new grout in the first floor bathroom.

I did the hip exercises after I got home.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Garbage Day 4/29/09

I did the 8 hip exercises, quadricep set, hamstring set, gluteal set, straight leg raise, heel slides, short arc quads, abduction, and ankle pumps.

After toaster waffles with pb for breakfast, I went to the health club. I did 20 minutes on the elliptical, then 4 weight machines. On the way out, I talked with Irv, a former neighbor.

Now it is time for 'second breakfast' and coffee, while I read the paper.

Today, I worked on the bathroom some more, and read while it rains. I also worked on other maintenance tasks that I might not be able to do for a while.

After supper, I cleaned and lubricated the 2nd floor bathroom exhaust fan.

Everyday now, I try to eat servings of milk, yogurt and cheese.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Tuesday 4/28/09

I remembered to do hip prep exercises this morning.

After toaster waffle with pb breakfast, I went to the Lenox Retired Men's Breakfast. Heard more hip advice from another member.

Bought a newspaper and went to the dentist. I had less plaque and no cavities, even after 9 months.

In the afternoon, I did some caulking on the main floor bathroom. Need to get this project finished before I come home from the hospital, 2 weeks from tomorrow.

Went to a funeral at 7 PM.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Monday 4/27/09

I rise at 7 AM and go to the health club, doing 20 minutes on the elliptical machine, and 10 reps on 2 weight machines.

Next is breakfast at McDonald's, an egg-biscuit and senior coffee. Because of constant turnover, it is often difficult to get just an egg-biscuit, at the correct price, even though it is a menu item. I had juice with my vitamins at home.

Today, I filled out and mailed the insurance form for the hospital. Those silly people still ask for social security numbers.

I started flossing for my dental cleaning tomorrow. Even with 3 flossings in the next 24 hours, I know he can tell. I wonder what my GP can deduce from my lab work next week.

I have been given a list of hip muscle strengthening exercises to do. I have been doing them, but I forgot yesterday, and this morning, except for the gluteal set, which I did while Ann was showering, before I fell back asleep.

Did several errands today, replenished wine, and read.

Sunday 4/26/09

After church, I went to my daughter's house to help her replace a bathroom wall cabinet, and install a GFI outlet. Standing for a long time, and the dog jumping up on me are painful and tiring.

After supper, I find an unused blog title and start this.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Thursday 4/23/09

After a new x-ray, I see the surgeon. We discuss alternatives. My left hip joint has continued to degenerate, and there is obvious femur bone loss. The surgeon has installed 6 or 7 Birmingham Hips, also known as 'resurfacing'. Early procedures had problems with upper femur fractures, but are better now. Metal-on-metal joint replacements have the least wear, but are thought to shed metal ions which may or may not cause cancer. The plastic-ceramic joint is low-wear and may last 20 years. That is my selection. The surgeon suggested that I not plan any big trips for a few months after the surgery. He recited a lot of disclaimers about all the options, and joint replacement in general.

Surgery is scheduled for 5/12/09. No waiting! The scheduler also arranges a required class and post-op appointments. I am required to have my dental work up-to-date, and get a pre-op physical from my family physician. I'm due for an annual physical anyway, but the clinic tells me the two exams can't be combined. After checking, it turns out there is time for both exams. Seems like double billing to me.

I am required to buy a $10 pack of special anti-bacterial cloths to use after my last shower before surgery. Sage 2% chlorhexidine gluconate cloths. "Non-sterile"?

Garbage Day 4/22/09

My hip has been getting worse. I still go to the health club regularly. When I walk more than a block, I start hobbling like Walter Brennan in The Real McCoys.

I called for an appointment. There is no waiting now, because of the economy and the dramatic reduction in the number of people with insurance. Can you come in tomorrow?