Update..

What has been happening since I last posted?

I got discharged from the hospital on Wednesday 16th Feb. The laxatives had finally kicked in, the physio was pleased with my crutch-use, and I was getting very bored and restless. Mick left at around midday to make the 3 hour drive back home as he needed to start back at work the next day. Shortly after he left Dr Solomon came by my room to see me and asked me if I wanted to go home, which I did. He showed me some exercises I should do and when I should see him next and organised my discharge with the nurse. 2 hours later we were on our way! The trip home was not the most comfortable but it was ok. Dad drove, mum was in the back and I was in the front seat reclined with pillows everywhere. At first bumps and movement felt uncomfortable and I needed to use a small pillow in between my hip and the seat belt but I soon fell asleep and when I woke up we were almost home!

I have been crutching around the house since then but mostly parked on the couch or in bed. We have had a few outings to the mall where we hired a wheel chair so I got to be pushed around... I notice a lot of people look at my legs to see what is wrong with me as I assume it looks odd having a young person in thongs being pushed around in a wheel chair when there is nothing visably wrong with me!

I am surprised at how much I can do and how well I feel. The progress has been fast and I expected to be much worse than I am. It does get sore and stiff when I sit for too long or walk to much on the crutches and at 12 days post-op I have only just started to have a good nights sleep all the way through. It takes a while to get comfortable and used to not being able to move and roll over. Surprisingly, I can now lie and sleep on my right un-operated side without much problem, if I use pillows in between my legs and body.

We have a toilet/shower commode at home which I used as both a toilet seat raiser and to sit on in the shower. I can also use a toilet without the raiser but did find it more comfortable to get back up especially earlier when I just came home from hospital. I have sort of stopped using it now as it is stationed in the shower and I have mastered getting up by putting all my weight in my other leg.

I'm surprised at how self sufficient I am in that I am able to dress myself and shower myself, even though it takes a bit longer. That said, I am really glad for mum who is around to feed me yummy home-made mum food and get me a drink, or towel, or book whenever I need as I haven't mastered carrying things while using two crutches (except for when I figured I could transport things using a plastic bag which is easy to hold onto as well as the crutches).

I am not sure I have been good to my hip however. I was told strictly no more than 2-5% weight bearing or 'toe-touch' weight bearing and I am not sure what I have been doing but I recall putting weight on it several times and even when using the crutches I have a feeling I have been putting more like 10% on it. But it doesn't feel bad and every day feels like an improvement where pain-management and range of motion  is concerned.

Dr Solomon told me to excercise it by lifting the leg. I am having trouble doing this at all without a lot of pain. When sitting, I can't lift my op leg foot off the ground more than a few inches and it hurts. But it's still early days so hopefully this will get better over time.

I was sent home with a prescription for an anti-inflammatory and Panadeine Forte and I also picked up some stool softeners. I was taking the panadeine forte religiously for the first few days but now I am starting to lay off them and use just some panadeine or panadol depending on the pain which seems to be getting less and less over time, which is great news. I think Dr Solomon is some sort of genius and did an awesome job on my hip which is why recovery has so far been smooth sailing.

That said, I don't think I will be rushing into getting the other hip done any time soon. I did mention that I wanted both done in one year but now that I've experienced it, I changed my mind. I don't think I can do two major ops like this in one year and why should I if I can help it? I did want to get it all out of the way but if I can wait a year or two before the other hip I think that's the go. It would be better for work that way as well as financially but also mentally and physically I need a rest before my next op..


I am due to see Dr Solomon for the follow-up appointment 6 weeks post op on Mon 28 March where he may give me the all-clear to weight bear.

Will keep you updated on my progress as it happens!

Pics.!

Hospital stay

At the moment, it is day 5 after the op. I am sitting up in my hospital bed on mums little lap top with the tv on and my bowels rumbling. I have been given various doses of stool softeners and laxatives the past few days as I had not yet ‘opened my bowels’ for almost a week (all the pain killers with codeine aren’t any help). They won’t let me go home until I do and until I am confident on the crutches.

Let me recount the past week…

Tuesday 8^th February 2011, a week ago, was my last day at work. I gave a handover to the new girl who started as my 8 week replacement and left after that at about 2pm to get some stuff done like visit the chemist, medicare etc. That night friends took me out to dinner to wish me good luck with the surgery and I had the best laksa ever.

Wednesday 9^th February 2011, Mick and I woke up pretty early unintentionally but started to get ready and pack our bag. We left for Sydney at about 10.30am and arrived at our hotel in Coogee just before 2pm, checked in and relaxed in our room for the afternoon. A nurse from the hospital phoned me at about 4.30 to let me know of the admission and fasting details of the next day. My admission time was 1pm and I was to fast from 7am. Mum and Dad were driving from QLD to Sydney and was set to meet us in time for dinner. There are so many gorgeous restaurants in Coogee it was hard to choose one but we settled on a cute dimly lit cozy one tucked among the rest as I felt like something light and healthy for my last supper which they offered.

Thursday 10^th February 2011, D-Day. We woke up at 6.30am so that I could get some breakfast into me before fasting. This consisted of a ham & cheese croissant and orange juice. We then went back up to the hotel and lay in bed for a couple more hours before checking out and meeting my parents at their accommodation (A lodge next to the hospital). I got to sit and watch them eat a yummy lunch before we made our way across the road for admission.

One we reached the nurses station I realized I had forgot the x-rays which was so important that I bring. I panicked and ordered Mick the run back to the car quickly and get them. While he did that I signed the appropriate paper work and was told where to go next.

Mick came back with the x-rays all hot and bothered from running and we made our way to the wards.

Mum, Dad, Mick and I sat in what would be my room for the next week. It was a single private room with spacious enough bathroom, large tv and not overly impressive view but I was just happy that it was private.

I got changed into the sexy open backed hospital gown I was given and was visited by several nurses, one of which gave me a scare by inspecting my leg area and telling me that Dr Solomon will refuse to operate even if there is the smallest scratch or pimple in the area. I had a couple red dots from shaving on my leg which she was concerned about and told us that he is known to cancel ops because of this reason. WTF?! There is no way he is cancelling this one, my parents, my work, accommodation, flights everything has been planned around this date and it would mess up a lot if that happened! Luckily it didn’t as she must have thought I was a THR patient but also was super worried because she had got in trouble by Dr Solomon before for prepping a patient for surgery when he had an open scratch on his thigh and surgeon can’t risk that because of chance of infection when they scrub you and prep you etc…and also I’m not as old and frail as most of his patients…

ANYWAY that small drama aside, the anesthetist came to see me to go through what would be happening on his end then Dr Solomon came in to see me and all was good to go.

Nurse sent everyone out of the room and prepped me for the op by cleaning the area but WOOPS I left my belly button ring in! I was told to remove all piercings but for some reason I forgot I even had that one. Then began the 15 minute struggle to remove it. It seemed to be stuck and impossible to get out…like it rusted in place and would not turn or unscrew. I tried frantically. The nurse tried. We sent for mum who tried. She sent for dad who tried. The nurse went to call the surgery room and tell them of our issue. Mikk tried. We contemplated going to the car to get the tool box to cut it off right as the nurse came back to tell us it is fine to just put a tape over it. Phew.

Now I was ready to go, it was about 2.30pm when the wardsman came to wheel me away with mum in tow as I said quick byes to dad and Mick.

I was wheeled into a room next to where Dr Solomon does his craft. We could hear what sounded like a workshop in the other room with hammering going on when the nurse man apologized for ‘having to hear that’ I realized that was surgery and someone’s bone that was being chiseled into. Mum was looking as if she was going to pass out and I kept asking her if she was ok while the nurse man kept asking me if I was ok.

All through that I was fine and felt relatively calm but the palms of my hands told another story. They were sweating like they never have before.

A needle thing was put in my hand and I was given an injection of something that would ‘calm me’ and apparently make me not remember anything from that point on even though I was still conscious. Mum thought this amusing and I told her to tell me her worst secret or something really controversial to see if I remember it when I wake up later. I remembered all of it so it didn’t really work like he said it would. Finally they were ready to put the epidural needle in my back and sent mum on her way. I don’t really remember saying bye to mum but I remember sitting on the side of the bed and bending over and them sticking it into my spine but don’t remember if it hurt. I’ll say it did.

Next thing I remember…

Waking up in recovery and asking the nurse who was fussing about what time it was. I don’t really remember what she said… 6.45pm? 7.30?

I remember looking down to see my incision and seeing the bandage there.

Then I remember being wheeled into my room where mum, dad and Mick were waiting and I think I got flowers and a teddy. Trying to remember back is like it is a dream where you only remember bits and pieces now and then. It was all pretty hazy the first few days and I couldn’t focus well so kept drifting in and out but man I was thirsty. My mouth was so dry and I kept asking for water and Mick would put a straw in my mouth. They put the catheter in after the epidural so thankfully I was out for that. I remember thinking it was so weird that I couldn’t move my toes. I felt like I had no legs. It was like Kill Bill where she tells her mind to move her big toe over and over until it does. I tried that but it didn’t work. Not for about 4 hours.

Even though he wasn’t supposed to, Mick stayed that first night with me in my room. When the nurse came in for her hourly checks and tests she told us he had to leave but we ended up speaking to the nurse manager who eventually gave in. It was good because he kept feeding me much needed water on request and I liked knowing he was there. I woke up every hour when the nurse had to test my heart rate and pulse.

Friday 11^th February 2011, I’ll call this day 1 after op.

Now I don’t remember much as these days all seemed to run into each other. What I remember is Mikk leaving in the early morning to get some much needed sleep in a proper bed (his nana lives nearby so he’s staying at hers).

I slept lots except when being woken by the nurses doing their rounds. Mum and Dad arrived around the same time as breakfast was delivered. I had zero appetite, an extremely dry, foul tasting mouth and no desire for any food or beverage other than water water water! So I didn’t really eat until the weekend and even then I vomited it up.

I received lovely flowers and teddy from Mikks mum, nan and my parents. <3

Nothing much else about that day stuck in my mind except that I noticed it was pretty painful to move even slightly and I felt sick. Apparently I was receiving pethadine rather than morphine from the epidural site into my back.

Saturday 12^th February 2011, uneventful sleepy day. I didn’t really expect pain in the hospital as I assumed they’d have awesome pain killers but I was in pain and the pain killers just made me feel nauseous. Was told Pysio Therapy will be visiting tomorrow to start get me moving. Yikes!

Sunday 13^th February 2011, bad start to the day with nausea as I tried to sit up a bit for breakfast. I didn’t understand why I felt so damn light headed and promptly threw up what little I had eaten of last nights dinner in my empty breakfast bowl. I felt like shit.

Shortly after that PT came by to get me to sit up in bed. I did that but complained I was really dizzy and laid back down. They said they would come back in the afternoon.

The afternoon PT session was the worst and I scared them away. Sitting up wasn’t enough and they got me to the side of the bed where they wanted me to try and stand! I was in pain and light headed. The catheter got tangled or stuck or something and felt like it was pulling and burning my wee hole it was madness, they didn’t seem to care so tears started rolling down my face, which then turned into a full on unstoppable bawl/panic attack where I could barely breath and was chocking on my own tears. I just let it all out. They got scared off and I laid back down sobbing uncontrollably L that was not a good day.

Monday 14^th February 2011, a much better day than the one before. And Valentines day! This was the day I made the most progress. In preparation, I started sitting up first thing in the morning. This was not easy and I had to take deep breaths with the oxygen in my nose as I was still very queasy and light headed and scared I would throw up my breakfast. Mum and dad and I sat watching tv while I waited for the dizziness to go away which it didn’t really do for ages but by lunch, sitting upright the whole time, I eventually felt better. Mikk came in with roses for me which was so nice :) .. I was used to sitting up now and prepared for PT which didn’t come for a long time. I was sure yesterdays episode scared them away for good but finally a different PT lady arrived (as you can tell, I am horrible with names and just call everyone lady/man etc sorry!) So, they sent someone else to do their difficult patients hey? She was told about my difficulties yesterday and was being super patient and nice but I was ready to go and keen as mustard now. We made sure the catheter was adjusted before moving me around and I did it. I stood up! Not only that, I thought well now that I’m up I should take some steps. And did that no problem either! Except the pain, which is uncomfortable but you have to get over it..

I then had a nap and sat back up before the afternoon PT session where she came back and this time I went all the way down the hall on the walker. Very proud of myself at this stage but my parents nor Mick were even around to see. They were off somewhere. So now that I was ‘mobile’ they took the catheter out. This was not as horrific an ordeal as I thought it'd be but did feel a bit uncomfortable. Then, the nurse asked if I wanted to shower. Hurray! I hadn't had a shower since Thursday morning and I felt well and truly yucky. Mum and Dad came back to a empty room where a nurse was changing the sheets, they thought I'd been moved but I surprised them as I came out of the bathroom on the walker with the help of the nurse all fresh and new. A big improvement from yesterday.

It hasn't been painless especially after PT and moving around but it has to be done. I couldn't get to sleep because of the pain and the nurses were very helpful, they tried endone and when that didn't do the trick I got a morphine injection which did the trick nicely. I've learnt that you don't have to put up with uncomfortable pain so don't be scared to tell the nurses as that is what they're there for.

Throughout this time Dr Solomon came by my room almost every day briefly to check on my progress and have a few words. He has been very good and so have all the lovely nurses at Prince of Wales. But especially my mum, dad and boyfriend Mick who have spent every day by my bed bored out of their brains but always there for me and supporting me. I am very lucky <3<3

Today, Tuesday 15th February 2011, I did more PT with the walker in the morning and this afternoon swapped it for crutches after a successful crutches session. I am on the home stretch now!

I was getting cabin fever from being stuck in the same room for so long so asked the nurse if there was a wheelchair we could borrow for a little while. Mick wheeled me around the hospital and downstairs to the gift shop to buy a couple magazines and outside for some fresh air where we watched the hospital helicopter land.
I found myself getting frusterated at not being able to just get up to go get something or go to the toilet. It is such a hassle and pain to move to go to the bathroom but I'm trying not to let it get me down!

^My walker in hospital^

Found this website which might be helpful to those looking for more info on adult hip dysplasia and PAO:
http://www.hipdysplasia.org/Adult-Hip-Disorders/Hip-Preserving-Surgery/default.aspx

Surgeon appointment

I can’t believe I have 8 days to go till surgery time. I don’t know if I’m nervous or scared or anxious. It’s something though. I’m starting to think about it a lot more now.

On Friday I had my pre-surgery appointment with the surgeon, which I thought would make me nervous and scare me but did the opposite. I thought it would involve preparations such as giving blood and checking my health etc. No need to give blood I was informed. A cell-saver is used during surgery and this is sufficient. All the routine preps and checks are done prior to surgery on the day. So I drove 3 hours (rather, my partner drove) to see the surgeon for 10 minutes to answer my questions about the surgery.

These questions included:

*Scar size/location ?

*Do I need to come off the contraceptive pill?

*Fasting prior to op?

*How long will this op take?

*What is used to prevent blood clots in hospital and at home?

*What sort of mobility aids to I need at home?

*What are my restrictions?

*Can I travel home in the car after discharge from hospital?

*Pain management at home?

*Physio therapy at home?

*When can I drive again?

*When can I lie on my side/stomach again?

I must admit I was surprised at how reassuring this appointment was. I think the fact that I had been reading quite a few blogs of other people recording their experience with PAO and recovery, I had a different idea of how difficult it would be but now realise that everyone is different, every surgeon is different and that PAO’s have come a long way in 3-4 years since those blogs.

My surgeon pretty much just said: no restrictions except only toe-touch with crutches but no weight bearing for 6 weeks. Mainly, whatever feels comfortable.

The scar will be slightly curved on the front of my hip area and won’t be very gigantic or long. (I will post pics of scar when acceptable to do so).

I have come off the pill in preparation at the doctor’s recommendation.

I was told I will be his last op for the day so should be around 1.00pm and should stop eating at 7am, and no fluids after 9am.

The op will take approx 3 hours but can vary.

TED stockings and medication are used to prevent blood clots in hospital.

Apparently I don’t need any mobility aids except crutches. No toilet seat raiser or anything like that. This surprised me because all of the people whose PAO blogs I’ve read did use toilet seat raisers and other household aids for at least the first few weeks. However my surgeon said they’re only used for THR patients.

He said it’s no problem to travel 3 hours home in the car after discharge.

I will be given prescriptions for my pain management at home upon discharge.

I will have physio in the hospital to get me moving and used to the crutches, but after that he doesn’t like to do physio until after the 6 week mark when the bone is healed and ready to go.

He also said I can drive again when it feels comfortable to do so (I have an auto car) and will find that may be 2 or 3 weeks post op!

Same goes with lying on my side or stomach: whenever it feels comfortable/a couple weeks post op.

I had the impression I would be absolutely hopeless for the first month/6 weeks and unable to do anything or even go to the toilet easily, let alone drive a car. So maybe it won’t be as bad as I thought. The doctor certainly made me feel reassured that it will be fine. I’m young and healthy so my recovery should be quick and easy! (Is he over-enthusiastic because most of his patients are over 70?) We’ll see how I go...