Day 5

I'm 5 days post op and would have to say this may be my worst day. Not unbearable but certainly uncomfortable and achy. I've been pleasantly surprised how good I have felt and how little medication I have had to take. However I think when you feel good you think you are capable of doing more - not always a good thing.

Took my massive bandage off a few days ago. I had 3 incisions. Each with 2 stitches. One of the incisions was pretty bruised and they all looked pulled tight but overall not too bad. Now a few days later my entire upper thigh is bruised and the swelling is by far the worst. My day is ultimately made when my hubby takes off the ted hose and massages my legs - complete heaven!

I tried crutches up the stairs (with my hubby's help) but it completely scared the crap out of me so I decided to sit down and pull myself up. Much easier. The shower felt great and the shower seat was a huge bonus!

Still sleeping in the living room. My day consists of moving from the bed, to the recliner, to the chair, back to the recliner. Hoping to take a ride tomorrow for a little fresh air and change of scenery.

On  the not so glamorous side of things it took several days to get my "body functions" to start working. We did enlist the help of milk of magnesia  to help things along - definitely recommended. I think since I wasn't in so much pain meds that probably helped.

I don't go to the dr for another week and expect to start pt after that visit. Going to enjoy watching unlimited HGTV, price is right and Ellen to keep me occupied!

The big day

Yesterday was my surgery day. Arrived at 8 am and went through normal check in procedures.  They gave me a dose of oxy, gabapentin, Celebrex and naproxen. They also out in a patch for nausea - I think this was the secret to success!  I keep it in for up to 3 days to avoid the yucky feeling from anesthesia and pain meds.  I was told they corrected the pincer and cam impingements (trimmed the socket and smoothed the ball) and had minor labrum tears corrected but did not require anchors. I have a huge "foam" like bandage from just above my knee to my waist and side to side but was told I have 3 incisions - 2 on my upper thigh and 1 on the side. I get to take that off in 3 days when I can first shower.  Rolled back for surgery at around 10:30. I woke up in recovery at 12:40. They gave me another dose of oxy and naproxen. Oh and I get to wear the TED hose for 2 weeks to prevent blood clots. My only issue was low oxygen so they moved me to extended recovery to get that better.  I had to admit to my husband I felt better than I have after any surgery. I'm sure the meds helped but really feel that patch was the kicker. My hip really didn't feel any worse than when I had a "bad day". I left around 4 pm to come home.   I have a 2 story house and the 15 stairs upstairs scare me so my hubby set up a bed in the living room.  I felt pretty good yesterday with no nausea. I just compared my head  to the feeling you have when you get new glasses and things seem "wavy". I slept pretty good, waking up every few hours. Feeling a little more tight laying here now. I know it's time to get up and move around. We will see what today brings but I couldn't have asked for a better surgery day!

One more day

So my surgery is tomorrow at 10 am. Everyone keeps asking if I'm nervous and I don't really think I am - other than the iv (hate those!). I'm more nervous about recovery. Figuring out a new way to do things. Nervous about a 2 story house and figuring out crutches. Scared of falling.

But today is all about my family. Going to the pumpkin patch and planning to make my hubby's favorite dinner as a pre-thank you for all he is about to deal with.

Where is the paper bag?

One week to go and I am absolutely panicking!  Just got a copy of my FMLA paperwork and it is showing 2-4 weeks before I can drive and 2 weeks to 3 months off of work. Significantly longer than expected. I am freaking out!  I am fortunate I could work from home but OMG. That's is a lot longer than I was originally told. I am hoping they are just being conservative on the paperwork. Good news - I got my temporary disability parking permit in the mail today.

Started "nesting" trying to get everything prepared before I'm off. Halloween costumes, birthday gifts, bought my shower seat and some other recommended supplies to be prepared.  One week to go

12 days and counting

It seems like it is taking forever to get here and on the other hand I keep having 2nd thoughts. Is this going to help and make the pain go away?  I have had a few good days recently and have thought about "postponing" it again. But I know it will always return.  Today is not a good day. Walking funny and deep deep burning and pain. I  just need to commit!  I think weather affects it too.  My husband had spinal fusion  several years back  and we have resided to the fact that he will never be pain free - but the goal is to have more good days than bad days.  I think that is my goal too!  The doctor warned me that it would likely be a full year before I feel recovered but definitely at least 4-6 months before I feel good. Sort of depresses me that will be APRIL....