Dr. Visit

9/8/11 Dr. Visit

Had my first post-op visit with my surgeon. Unfortunately he couldn’t make it- so I had a substitute surgeon. She said the incision was looking like it was healing and that I was making good progress. She thought I had good flexibility.

Apparently I was not using the crutches correctly though. The nurse adjusted them and showed me how proper use - apparently they were too high and I was leaning on them.

I asked her several questions which she answered- such as what I could expect going forward. She thought that I would transfer to a cane in a week or so.  After that, it would take several months to transition to walking without a cane. We discussed my pain and she prescribed more pain medicine.

When I asked her about how the fracture occurred- she stated that it would be considered a “low impact” fall. She said she was concerned about my bone density- that this accident is indicative of osteoporosis.

This was quite upsetting- but the last I knew- I did have osteopenia in my left hip- perhaps it had progressed. I intend to check out my right hip in a few months to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

In-home Physical Therapy

8/27-9/22/11 In-home Physical Therapy

Sharp sent me several in-home therapists to help me recover. They came two days per week. I must say they were all good- even though they had different areas of expertise. Each one would give me different exercises, but I really did not mind.  

Initially, the exercises were quite simple. I was to lay in bed and with knees bent- just move my left leg up and down several times- to lubricate the joint. Then, I was asked to sit in a chair and position my legs so that my heels were touching the floor and pump my legs back and forth. (this was to get the blood circulating in my legs). Another exercise was to see if I could sit and cross one leg at a time over my lap- to stretch the muscles). Eventually, I was to hold on to a counter top and stand on my tiptoes several times to increase calf strength.

These were some of my initial exercises- and they really helped with flexibility and strength. I received a total of three weeks of in-home physical therapy before they moved me to outpatient therapy.

Home

8/26/11 Home

I was sent home on Friday. Yeah! It was a little scary though - since we have steep stairs. So, I opted to spend a few days downstairs in our family room- we have a comfy chair and ottoman that functioned as a bed for a few nights. I was surprised that I was able to sleep- but then again- the pain medicine- oxycodone helped! This also dulled the pain so that I was relatively comfortable- just felt the pain when the medicine started to wear off.  I was taking 5 mg three – four times per day. Of course, I took many naps as well.

After about three days, I ventured up the stairs- my husband and neighbors helped to spot me so that I wouldn't fall. Of course, I used the crutches and took one step at a time- but I made it!

Therapy

8/25/11 Therapy

These days they don’t waste any time getting you out of bed! I really didn’t mind- I was anxious to move. So, two days following surgery, I was visited by a physical therapist- helping me out of bed by using a walker. She had me practicing walking a few steps and also had me sitting in a chair. (even that required some effort!) The nurse removed my catheter and helped me use the bathroom. Already I was feeling a little more independent.

The next day, the therapist suggested I use crutches instead of a walker- she mentioned that crutches provide more maneuverability than a walker. And she was right! She even took me down the hall and showed me how to walk up the stairwell! I was very grateful for that since we have stairs in our home. I liked the crutches and could see how they were going to be a big help. We also practiced how to walk up and down just one step. It’s amazing what we take for granted!

Lovanox

8/24/11 Lovanox

Two days after surgery, I was told that I would need to give myself injections of Lovanox to prevent a blood clot. I needed to inject myself twice a day- in the morning and evening at the same time every day. I found that setting the alarm on my cell phone worked very well! This was  (of course) very unpleasant news- but in retrospect - I’m sure it protected me from getting a blood clot. I had to give myself injections for up to a month following surgery. To be honest, the thought of giving yourself injections in your abdomen is much worse than the actual experience. You give the shots in the fat of your abdomen and it barely hurts- just a little pinch! 


Following the lovanox,  I began an aspirin regimen. I took a 325 mg aspirin every evening with dinner. But I did this only for a few weeks- because it gave me terrible indigestion.

Post-op

8/23/11 Post-op

My recovery in the hospital went well - I spent a total of 5 days. The choice here was: spend 3 days in the hospital and recover for a few weeks in a nursing/rehab facility or spend 5 days in the hospital and go directly home. This was a “no brainer”. Especially since Steve was now retired and would be able to care for me. A few friends came to visit me in the hospital- which really helped me emotionally. I am very grateful to them- Susan, Randye, Diane, Dale, Mitch, Sara and Elias. You're the best! The hospital food was really bad- but they did make sure to give me calcium every day. I had to ask for ice to put on the bruise from surgery- that was the one complaint I had- that the staff just didn't bring me ice on a regular basis.