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.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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"?
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?
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?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
