On May 3rd I had hip replacement surgery with spinal anesthetic and sedation. Thankfully, I was totally unaware of the procedure and woke up in recovery some time later. My leg was an unmovable limb with no feeling. The nurse used a catheter to drain my bladder and I was transferred to a room for the usual overnight stay.
It was obvious the next day that the pain medication as administered did not address the pain that I was experiencing so adjustments were made and the decision to keep me an extra night in hospital.
My sister took me to her home on May 5th and we embarked on a routine of exercises, pain control and seemingly endless trips to the bathroom. A telephone consult with my doctor ended with a requisition for urine and stool analysis and an antibiotic prescription for potential infection.
Meanwhile I was not getting much sleep due to hourly bathroom visits through the nights. The biggest challenge was repeatedly wrenching myself out of bed with a leg that had lost muscle control. Upper body strength was critical and shoulders ached. Hydromorphone muddled me and by May 8th I stopped taking it, resorting to a combination of tylenol and ibuprofen.
Naps became essential in between exercises. My sister was a goddess throughout this time and I gradually regained strength under her care. Electrolytes and probiotics helped to maintain a balance. With stool results showing negative infection, the doctor switched antibiotics to address a UTI. My gut was reeling from all of the foreign substances it was enduring...spinal injection, sedation, hydromorphone, celecoxib, Tylenol, ibuprofen.
On May 23rd I finally returned home after a second physio appointment. The walker and crutches are no longer necessary...just a cane when I feel the need. Exercises are ongoing for quite a while but I was happy to settle into my own home and forever grateful for the care and attention from my sister. I could not have done it without her support.
Since returning home I have enjoyed visits from my friend Arlene, son Adrian and little grandson Frankie. Sleeping has been better with longer intervals between waking. Diligent sessions of stretching and exercising are improving muscle control. My mantra continues to be "One day at a time".
