THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS! ************************************************
1-30-07.... YES, HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY 3-5-07 noon
WHOOPIE! The weight of the world is off my shoulders finally! I finally found a Des Moines, Iowa surgeon at Iowa Orthopedics Center, Dr. Mark Matthis, to replace my left hip!
He looks like TV character, a young MD Duggie Houser, sp, but the xray tech said he's in early 40s! Great bedside manner and listened to me as he asked the various questions on my other major health risks. Gave him copies of important medical files needed today.
He said, well, would you like to know more about hip surgery? He NEVER said that yes, he would do my surgery! After listening QUIETLY and chopping at the bit for almost 10 minutes! I asked him if he was saying he'd do my surgery!
"of course, I thought it was understood I would do it!" Told him Ames surgeon buck declined so I was prepared this time for NO, I won't operate on you!
Yes, then he told me what to expect:
1.5 hr. Surgery in Mercy Hospital;
4 days in hospital;
then rehab in mercy or I could go to Ames' hospital...yes, Ames!
2-3 wks. With crutches/walker;
foot pumps during after surgery/rehab to prevent blood clots including 6 awful weeks with those tight white hose that dad just hated to wear! When I think of white hose, I always think of him and how hard it was getting them on him! Uffda.
3-4 wks. Before I can drive again; right hip would have been longer.
6 wks. Use cane
3 months, I can start gardening, golfing, or CLIMBING LADDERS! Look out below! Lol J
1 yr. I'll have forgotten I'd had hip surgery!
RISKS:
BLOOD CLOTS - will be put on blood thinner INJECTIONS like insulin for 2 wks. Squeegee foot pumps/white hose to prevent them.
INFECTIONS - if infection gets in artificial joint, hip will have to be removed to treat infection until it's cured; later replace hip removed!
INJURIES DURING SURGERY - he'll be operating very close to SCIATIC nerve and other major ones; will do his best not to get into them!
BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS - I need 2 units; so I'll be donating 2 for MYSELF. Have to take 320 mgs of iron THREE/daily from now until surgery! Have to be on this for 2 weeks prior to donating my 1st pint; rest up 1 wk. To replace lost blood, then give next week, and get them down to mercy hospital for my surgery!
Go back on antibiotics also for infection! Which one hasn't been said; but I still have some left from last year.
DISLOCATING HIP - I'll know if hip dislocates due to extreme pain! Go to ER, and they'll pull it back into line again! OUCH!
Can't cross legs, or sleep on my right side which I do nightly! Can have pillows behind my back but not cross legs over another for 4 wks.
1/4" DIFFERENCE IN LENGTH OF LEGS - can get insets!
ANESTHESIA - I've had problems twice before in my 12 surgeries.
Need to redo a physical on 7 days prior surgery blood tests; fax down promptly.
Get the blood down there too.
REGISTERED for my surgery, and they gave me 1" binder full of stuff to read prior to surgery plus a class I'm supposed to come down for, but I requested it over phone due to long drive for 1 hr. Class!
I was given 2 cards for airport security of setting off alarms; as if I've been able to travel! J
I was really impressed by their office staff from beginning to end!
They didn't send me paperwork ahead of time, so had 30 min. To do it all. Totally quiet area except for a lawyer type talking loudly on cell phone when I came out! Friends said he was non-stop talking!
Called me in promptly at 230 pm; md looked at my digital hip xrays.. after he okd to do surgery and after risks were stated, he had me take another one with clothes on down the short hallway of both hips.
He came back in finishing up on details and giving me paperwork to do to surgery scheduling room; they have 3 women in small area with door. More paperwork! Not in a rush; very accommodating.
I plan on calling down that morning to see if i possibly can get a CORNER room where it is the quietest since my lyme disease has affected my hearing; all noise/sounds is like high base sound!
Would love N. Room away from all sunlight; all lights, glare, and reflection is like looking directly at the SUN! Very PAINFUL to my eyes. Won't hurt to try!
Our work retirees, neighbors 4 houses to north, Bob and Joyce, drove me down today and will surgery day! Bob was 1 of hubbie's groomsmen when we married. We gabbed the entire time coming/going.
I treated them to lunch buffet at Bonanza! Oh how I miss a good buffet like that; ours in Ames closed years ago!
So it was a WIN-WIN day! I used their cell phone at 4 pm calling hubby letting him know it was YES-YES-YES ON MARCH 5!! He was so relieved like me.
Well, that's my highlites today! Could you tell I was much happier typing tonight? Hope so! J Bettyg....happy days are here again Posted by 8man12 (Member # 7664) on :
Go back on antibiotics also for infection! Which one hasn't been said; but I still have some left from last year.
You had lyme 34 years undiagnosed and got cured that fast.
That is supper Bettyg.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
Brian, thanks for the supportive comments.
i wasn't cured after 20 months of abx; 2nd llmd took me off them before complete body lab testings.
prescribed 22 supplemnts for 6 months; they frankly made me worse; severe fatigue of being in bed 3-6 times days/nights! Posted by clairenotes (Member # 10392) on :
Didn't know you were experiencing problems with your hip. My friend's mother had this surgery about two years ago. From what I remember, doing certain exercises daily were key in moving forward.
Wonder if it would be a good idea to build up with various supplements beforehand? Minerals and vitamins, maybe? pH to slightly alkaline?
This is no small undertaking, but it sounds like you are ready.
Claire
[ 31. January 2007, 07:50 AM: Message edited by: clairenotes ]
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Oh Betty, I am so glad your day was so positive.
We need those to balance out all the negative ones.
I hope you will be dancing instead of climbing ladders.
Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and ask for a speedy recovery.
Glad you found an MD that you like and is willing to work with you instead of working on his own agenda.
Go Betty!!!!!!!
Geneal
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
Good luck Betty
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
Wow! That's great!
Carol
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
quote:Originally posted by clairenotes:
Wonder if it would be a good idea to build up with various supplements beforehand? Minerals and vitamins, maybe? pH to slightly alkaline?
claire, surgical RN called this am; STOP ALL HERBS!!
i asked about acidophillus; good question! she asked i check w/my pharmacist! i'll call him when i'm off internet today.
geneal, i loved the part of dancing vs. climbing ladders! i'm still laughing as i type this!
thanks treepatrol & carol for your thoughts/wishes!
yes, I AM READY FOR THIS misery to end! i'm to start doing many of those exercises starting today to get me ready for this!
will have to read my 3 ring binder full of info thoroughly today too! but i'm ready for this to be over and on to BETTER/HEALTHIER days without my limbing and pain! Posted by klutzo (Member # 5701) on :
Best wishes for an easy operation and a speedy recovery. You are a real asset to this forum, and we'll all be praying for you.
Klutzo
Posted by trails (Member # 1620) on :
hooooray betty!
yes stop all herbs at least 2 weeks prior except probiotics. I would continue those until surgery day and have for my last 6 surgeries without any probs.
I have a friend who is doing his residency in Ames IOWA....I will see what hospital he is in....he is just family practice, but residency in hospital setting.
You are going to do GREAT!
Posted by hopeful123 (Member # 3244) on :
hey betty, i had the surgery 8 years ago may. it was fairly awful the first week and then, not so much. they don't let you stay on serious pain meds that long and you don't need to do so. i went to a nursing home which was pretty decent. the first one was terrible so i escaped, but that's another story. they had fabulous p.t. and it was so inspiring to watch everyone there make progress recovering under the guidance of their p.t. angel.
the only thing i wouldn't do is wear the lift you are talking about because when i stopped wearing mine the shorter leg had an opportunity to catch up. originally i had a 3/4 inch difference, but now it's less than a 1/4 and so i can wear any shoes i want.
i am happy you are going to get this done. it's so amazing to no longer be in constant pain. and your doctor is right that a year later you can hardly remember having the surgery or that you have an artificial hip.
i have set off plenty of airport checkpoint alarms in the past 8 years. the pat you down and it's no big deal.
i'll be sending some prayers your way.....
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
quote:Originally posted by trails:
yes stop all herbs at least 2 weeks prior except probiotics. I would continue those until surgery day and have for my last 6 surgeries without any probs.
I have a friend who is doing his residency in Ames IOWA....I will see what hospital he is in....he is just family practice, but residency in hospital setting.
trails, it would be Mary Greeley Medical Center since we have just one!
What is his name and which family practice is he doing internship for?
i live 5 minutes from there! would love to meet your friend sometime!
coming from a PRO LIKE YOU WITH COUNTLESS SURGERIES, yes, we'll BOTH DO GREAT!
klutzo, thanks for your well wishes!
hopeful, thanks for your experience from 8 yrs. ago. doc mentioned these lifts as a POSSIBILITY; we'll just see since 1 leg was shorter than the other anyway!
you lymies are just wonderful! thanks for support! Posted by MagicAcorn (Member # 8786) on :
I hope it all works out as you expect.
Good luck to you, and wishing you a quick recovery.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
meg, thank you for all your 1st hand experience of your mom as her coach! i'll be printing off suggestions from my thread in future to refresh my memory!
thanks for taking the time to write.
acorn; what no EXERCISING SQUIRREL PHOTOS? lol thanks for well wishes! Posted by Truthfinder (Member # 8512) on :
Well, it sounds like have this all figured out, Betty!
If it's any comfort, my next-door neighbor had her hip replaced, and his doing well - she is 90. Another friend who is 66 had hers done last year and is also happy with the result.
Oh, no - I don't suppose sitting at the computer and typing will be part of your P.T.? Darn. I didn't think so.
Well, do what they tell you and we will just have to tough it out until you get back here.
All the best,
Tracy
Posted by iceskater (Member # 8655) on :
Terrific for you Betty!!! Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
Good luck with your surgury Betty
And a speedie recovery too
Thankyou for all you do on the board - Priceless
Hugs & healing Dana
Posted by savebabe (Member # 9847) on :
Good luck with your surgery. I know people who have had this surgery and they were up and walking that same day.
The key to recovery is rehabilitation. My father had a double knee replacement and was able to totally recovery due to pain meds and physical therapy. Now he is walking faster than I am.
Good luck and my prayers are with you!
Posted by BostonLyme2005 (Member # 7680) on :
R U F-ING KIDDINE ME!?
Posted by trails (Member # 1620) on :
oooops he is in cedar rapids betty! sorry!
Posted by FightFireWithWater (Member # 5781) on :
Looks as if your dream could come true! How wonderful! All the best.
Posted by Boomerang (Member # 7979) on :
Best wishes!! Hope it all works out for you.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
quote:Originally posted by 5dana8:
Thankyou for all you do on the board - Priceless hugs & healing Dana
dana, thank you so much for the really nice compliment! priceless .... YEP, THAT'S ME ... AFFORDABLE! lol
seriously, i do try to do as much as i can to help others in their quest for good LLMDS, answers, and my personal experiences. why have everyone repeat the SAME MISTAKES i've made!?
tracy, iceskater, babe, rob, boomerang, FFWW, and trails,
BIG THANKS FOR ALL YOUR WELL WISHES/SUPPORT for my 58th birthday present to myself! i'll always be able to remember the year having my hip replacement surgery ....
i'm a classic 57 chevy impala! big brother had a black one w/silver and white interior!
yes, now, it's to read, read, read, and EXERCISE galore as they told me.
i was trying to get lose ends tied up today to start reading this booklet, but didn't get it opened.
one of you wonderful lymenetters called me for 1st time, and we visited 1 hr. about everything ... life in general BEFORE lyme, etc. it was great putting a voice to the written word.
now when i can find my one good photo i've stored online somewhere?, i'll send it to her so she can put my entire package together: my written words, my voice, and now face with my BIG SMILE that is my trademark on this board! Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
fyi, i called my pharmacist to ask about continuing to take acidophillus pills up to my 3-5 surgery date; ok!
yes, they are NOT HERBS; IT'S BACTERIA! interesting! Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by bettyg: fyi, i called my pharmacist to ask about continuing to take acidophillus pills up to my 3-5 surgery date; ok!
yes, they are NOT HERBS;
I was going to say....PLEASE get them to let you continue that!!!! Otherwise your gut will be in real trouble after all the abx they give you!
Good luck, Betty. I hope it turns out great for you.
Posted by catalysT (Member # 10786) on :
BEST of luck Betty! Hope everything goes smooth, and wishing you a speedy recovery!
Heres to a new life with a working hip! Posted by Andie333 (Member # 7370) on :
Just keep us posted, Betty!
We'll all be rooting for you!
Andie
Posted by AZURE WISH (Member # 804) on :
Wishing you good luck and a super speedy recovery. Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
azure, andee, cat, and tutu,
thanks for your well wishes! tutu; yes, i'm glad too!
called my pcp today to schedule a pre-admission physical 1 wk. prior. guess what? he'll be done 2 wks. skiing! but i'm getting another LL MD who did 1 other pre-admission; very detailed!
so i'll call again tomorrow as when i called at noon today; they were gone for day! he's getting ready to retire! it took me 28 years to "train" him just right! his personal RN feels the same way ... now to train someone else! Posted by KarenB (Member # 10510) on :
Betty,
Good luck with your surgery and hoping for a speedy recovery for you.
You have been through alot and you are always contributing here. YOU are a wonderful person and always helping others. You will be in my prayers.
Take good care of yourself,
Karen
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
quote:Originally posted by KarenB:
You have been through alot and you are always contributing here. YOU are a wonderful person and always helping others. You will be in my prayers.
Karen, thank you so much for your very kind words. I'm going to go into LYMENET WITHDRAWL! surgery will curb the many hours i'm on here helping others!
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[cussing]](graemlins/cussing.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[kiss]](graemlins/kissing.gif)
![[lol]](graemlins/lol.gif)
thanks for well wishes! ![[hi]](graemlins/hi.gif)
![[spinning smile]](graemlins/spinsmile.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[woohoo]](graemlins/woohoo.gif)