Seasonal Shift: Weight Bearing and Physical Therapy Progressions

In the time that has passed since my last post-and I am aware that it has been some time-there have been some marked changed in both the world around us here in the Greater Pittsburgh area and in my post-surgical recovery from  PAO surgery. All good. All on schedule. All positive improvements.

From what seemed to be the longest and coldest winter this area, and even most of United States, has come surges of 70 degree days and even a day or two sprinkled in over 80 (which is quite unseasonable but never unwelcome given what we had expereinced). As the seasons shifted from winter and periods of Polar Vortex into a Pittsburgh Spring (lots of rain and still some really cold days and freezing nights-but not in a row) my healing has continued. I have been seen at The Allegheny General Human Motion Center by my Surgeon, Dr. Timothy J Sauber twice. Both visits were with positive results and right on schedule for the work that he had performed and pain levels experienced have been decreasing as a result.

My physical therapy changed from a homecare situation to an outpatient situation. I now see Nick, at OSPTA. It is a group that has several offices throughout the area and there is a location less than 3 miles from my home. I have seen Nick in the past, so seeing the same physical therapist is a good thing and I would highly recommend doing so if possible.

The first 3 weeks of physical therapy I was still using the walker and had restrictions for my weight bearing. However, this did not meant that Nick and his assistants did not put together a nice list of at least 15 exercises to get me moving in a positive direction. 

My first physical therapy session was the lomgest as it was more of an evaluation in addition to just the presentation of the prescription for the therapy by Dr. Sauber. Nick  went through several tests to see where I was with my ROM (Range Of Motjion), levels of strength, levels of tolerance and asking me throughout what my number of pain was so as not to put me over the edge. The idea of therapy of course is to go a little further than your level of comfort and push through-but you never NEVER want pain.  When I began I was at only 25% weight bearing.

Many of the exercises could be accomplished thorough the modification of sitting in a chair or using my walker as the support-That is a good thing. In addition to doing the therapy exercises at the office it is assigned and of TANTATMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO DO THE EXCERSICES AT HOME AS ASSIGNED. The muscles atrophy very quickly after surgery and injury. I was shocked to see how my left leg became my "skinny leg" as my husband David and I have named it. By doing the assigned "homework" from PT (Physical Therapy) it will be that much easier for any patient to progress during your appointments and be able to add new and more challenging excercises to get back to a full sport situation. 

My therapy appointments always start with a combinationof an  application of moist heat compresses to my hip and my knee, which has been giving me some issues also, and application of pads connected to a T.E.N.S inuit. The T.E.N.S Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the use of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes. TENS, by definition, covers the complete range of transcutaneously applied currents used for nerve excitation although the term is often used with a more restrictive intent, namely to describe the kind of pulses produced by portable stimulators used to treat pain.[1] The unit is usually connected to the skin using two or more electrodes. A typical battery-operated TENS unit is able to modulate pulse width, frequency and intensity. Generally TENS is applied at high frequency (>50 Hz) with an intensity below motor contraction (sensory intensity) or low frequency (<10 Hz) with an intensity that produces motor contraction.

The unit that is used at OSPTA creates a pulse of varying degree of intensity as indicated by the patient (ME), I started with a very low intensity of about a 5 on the dial. The pulses are on for 10 full seconds and then off for 30 seconds, for a total of 20 minutes. 

After the initial 20 minutes the real work begins!

A Geneeral Lisiting of my exercises are:

Heel Slides:

Pillow Squeeze:

Four-Way Leg Extension:

Ankle Strengthening using resistence bands:

After about 4 weeks of doing these exercises with 25% weight bearing I had an appointment on March 26th and was given the go-ahead to go to 50% weight bearing. Although this was still using the walker. But at this rate I will take any and all progress as it comes. With the addition of the new weight bearing I was able to start the treadmill at a speed of 1.2 miles an hour for 5 minutes doing a "skateboard" motion with my right leg/good leg on the rail being stationary and the left leg going through the motions. We did this for about 5-6 sessions. It was a great first start to get me used to putting more weigt on the hip and getting back into making a full stride.

After that I was able to graduate with each session at the office appointment with speed and intensity to using a full stride and both feel walking on the tread mill. We have also begun to utilize the Total gym to use only my body weight as resistence to to do squats. The last of the new exercises are the wall slides. It is an assisted squat using your back against the wall as support. They are challenging and at times I am not happy to do them, but I know that I have to do them in order to get to where I want to be. There was a reason that this surgery was a possibility for me and I have to make every effort to ensure that it is indeed a success and I have a full recovery. 

~DRIVE SLOW~

Non-Active Activities

March 4, 2014

The time has come for my second post-surgical doctor's office visit! The weather in the Greater Pittsburgh area has experienced the last thrashing from Winter Storm Titan and the Polar Vortex and it seems like things are finally on an uptick! My appointment was set for 9:00 am and the weather was forecast to be clear and in the 20's for the drive into the city. Not tropical, but not a treacherous snow-laden trek with temperatures and wind chills below freezing. I WILL TAKE IT !

For four days prior to my appointment I had been feeling like I was hit by a truck carrying a flu virus. Not just any virus, but one that seemed to come out of nowhere, get get worse within 36 hours to a full blown head cold in which it became my job to constantly keep Kimberly-Clark in business and blow my nose.  Whenever I get sick I also always develop this really "sexy" cough that sounds like a large Rotweiler. Not exactly what you would expect to be coming out of my 5'4" petite frame!

The night before the appointment I took my invalid's shower and successfully put product in my hair ( I was leaving the house after all!),  broke out the hair dryer WITH DIFFUSER, picked out my outfit (which consequently I think was the same one I wore last time), and went to bed feeling confident.

March 5, 2014

The day has arrived-the forecasters WERE RIGHT-no major weather catastophe had happened overnight and all had started out wonderfully.David and I set out on time and I was dropped off at the door of the AGH Medical Building while he parked the car. I checked in and was called back within 10 minutes. A record! In fact-I would probably say that this was even a record for any appointment that I have ever had that wasn't the first appointment of the day! Woo Hoo!

The first stop was X-Ray. I was greeted by another X-Ray technician. This time she had me STAND for the X-Ray. I tried to tell her that I was non weight bearing on my left leg. But she just didn't quite "get" how that could be possible if I was upright and using the walker. So what will be will be and I was able to power through the x-ray with it being done on the first try and using my walker for stability.

The Resident came in first and he said that the healing was progressing, but it looked like I may need to be another two weeks. We would have to "wait for the boss for the final decision" I really liked this Resident and have had contact with him at prior office visits and he was also present at my surgery and had visited me in the hospital too. I really like how he, like my surgeon take the time to listen and make sure that I have all of my concerns and questions addressed.

VERDICT: Two more weeks non-weight bearing. However, I have been cleared to start a limited outpatient Physical therapy. Due to the work that was done to my rectus femoris muscle I was and still am instructed not to lift my leg up or disturb this muscle. It is still going through a healing process from the PAO surgery.  After surgery I was visited by a physical therapist and was given isometric exercises which will work my hip abductors and also do some quad sets to strengthen and help with some of the knee pain I have been experiencing.

In the meantime, my energy levels have gotten better and I am definitely feeling like I want to engage my brain. With that said-It is in the United States (I have found that this blog has an international audience), it is a time of year called "tax time". I am an accountant, and i also have a small business in which I prepare a small number of clients tax returns. Not exactly a party for most people-It is keeping me busy. I must say that I have the best clients and this year they are extremely kind and loyal. I usually go to them and meet to pick up their information. Instead due to my medical status, I am being treated to many visits and even the occasional Starbucks!

In addition to this yearly endeavor I have taken this opportunity to catch up on A LOT of reading. I have several books loaded onto my e-reader. I have already gotten through a few with some more to go. it seems like I get the most of my reading done in the early morning hours, late afternoon, and late night hours. I enjoy reading from all categories and would welcome suggestions from my audience! I will post an email address below for any and all blog related correspondence.

My current book in progress is Catching Fire-The second Hunger Games Book


Some other Exciting News is that my X-ray is currently being featured on a t-shirt!

The shirt is available through GONE BIONIC Apparel on zazzle.com

http://www.zazzle.com/BCteez

Thank you SO MUCH to Bill Cicio of BC Teez for not only taking my suggestion for a PAO series of tees, but for using my images! Stay tuned also for other shirts that will be available. 

Lastly-As I continue to blog I have set up an email to get feed back from he readers who would like to send questions or comments on a more private level rather than leaving their information in a comment on the blog or on Instagram.

THE Hip-Possible Email  : Jennifer.hippossible@gmail.com

~DRIVE SLOW~

First Post Surgical Appointment

Tuesday February 18, 2014

Gearing up for my first post surgical appointment the night before (February 17) I was so excited at the opportunity to finally leave the house that I made sure to actually go through the motions of using hair products and picking out a very special yoga pants outfit. I was even going make sure to wear make up, something I hadn't done since January 31 (surgery day). The forecast overnight was not looking good, there was to be a wintry mix with a possible 3-5 inches of snow. We stayed up a little later than normal and watched a movie and even caught the first few moments of Jimmy Fallon's first monologue as host of The Tonight Show. Even at midnight no precipitation had begun-maybe they would be wrong? It was still cold, only time would tell.

David took the day off in order to take me to my appointment. That being said, we woke up a little later than our usual 4:50 am. The outside didn't look too bad, the cars were barely covered, but the temperature was very cold. However, it quickly went from bad to worse and the snow came down with a vengeance and schools that had at first had a delay were now cancelling classes for the day. Our street became covered in a thick blanket of snow. While I was getting ready,and I DID put on some make up and especially my favorite item-mascara, David went outside to start the car and clear off the snow. On the news there were multiple reports of accidents and increasing numbers of cancellations and worsening road conditions.

7:45 and I was suited up and ready to make it down the stairs of the porch and into the car. The snow was still coming down. The roads were TERRIBLE-Travelling in our area was at best a crawl. Since our winter season had started so early, and just like much of the country we were under the veil of the Polar Vortex and record snows and cold communities were either out of salt or on very limited supplies. As we began our journey I could tell it was going to take a while, I called ahead and let the office staff know that we were on our way. The last thing I wanted was to be counted as a no show. All in all we got to the Medical Building only 15 minutes past my actual appointment time. Not great-but much better than what we thought when we first headed out.

David dropped me off at the door and I used my walker and slowly  got to the second floor and checked in. Since the weather was so bad, I think everyone was operating on a delay. The waiting area didn't look too overrun with patients at this point, so I breathed a bit of relief and found a spot and waited. 

The wait was quite tolerable and probably the least amount of time since I have been going to this group. Berniece, my surgeon's nurse came out to greet me and we walked first to X-ray.

 It must have been the technician's first day because both she and I had to tell him that I would need assistance to get onto the table and to position my legs. He also asked what happened and what I had done to my hips. When I told him that I had CONGENITAL hip dysplasia corrected with a PAO surgery -he looked at me and said "Oh were you in an accident or something?" Oh geez-thank goodness he just runs x-ray equipment. "No" I said politely. "I was born this way and had it corrected."  Well, in cases like these I just think just get through it and move on...he doesn't know and don't waste your time. But, I will say that my surgeon's nurse just gave the technician a look and said "She has had MAJOR SURGERY-ON HER LEFT HIP-please make sure you get clear films. " I am guessing this guy is just not a morning person. He seemed nice enough, so we all have off days. 

After the x-rays were taken, they are digitally captured and I was led to an exam room. 

The doctor came in and said that things were looking good. He wanted me to stay non-weight bearing for at least another two weeks and come back. he would like to see some "bony bridging" before I would be allowed to put pressure or stress on my hip joint. If you look closely you can see how he recreated a new hip socket and that the screws are still doing the work. The right side is still dysplastic, but one thing at a time, one side at a time.

All in all he was very pleased with my numbers, overall health and progress. everything seemed to be on track!

The last order of business for the doctor's visit was to check the incision. The dressing was removed and Bernice removed the dressing tape. The surgeon actually used a "glue" to close up the incision! Everything looked really good, not swollen, healing nicely (well as pretty as a 10 inch glued incision can be)

The incision: Not conventionally "pretty" but in the wound world it is a SUPERMODEL

So, for the next two weeks it will be more of the CPM machine twice a day. More resting, more eating right, and more positive thinking. The other great thing is that my weight and appetite are maintained at its normal level. In fact, I feel like I have actually lost a little bit of weight. Nothing of significance, but before surgery one of my concerns was that I would gain weight by being so sedentary during my recovery. Dr. Sauber was right, there is a lot of energy being used in this healing process. 

~DRIVE SLOW~

The First Fortnight Home- Adjustments and Adaptations

My first night home was February 4, 2014-
 It was a very long day and I was exhausted. Shortly after our arrival home I had to call the home health care equipment company and request that my "special toilet" be delivered. I was certainly able to make it to the bathroom, but the "bedside commode" ( the word commode makes me cringe) was adaptable to go over our home facilities to achieve a higher seat" and offer hand rails for safety and bracing.

Bedside Commode

Adapted on Residential Toilet

In addition to this little number was the shower transfer bench, which I think I mentioned in another post. We had ordered one while I was in the hospital from Amazon. Taking advantage of my Prime membership it was to be delivered on the next day. SO-Here is a little "fun fact" that I found out through our adventures getting the house ready. A shower bench/chair is NOT COVERED by MOST INSURANCE PLANS BECAUSE IT IS CONSIDERED TO BE A LUXURY ITEM. Being Clean is considered to be a luxury??? How about prevention of infection? Maintaining a healthy living environment, wound care, general health and hygiene?What about safety? People having had all types of illnesses and surgeries that leave them either too weak or just unable to stand to bathe? Talk about totally absurd! So, Readers, I implore you to write to your local lawmakers and please tell them that if items such as a toilet, walkers, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and braces are covered by most plans, THEN so should items to aid in the daily health and hygiene of patients. The solution that we were told that so often happens was to use a LAWN CHAIR in the tub or shower. A lawn chair is neither safe, nor sturdy, and so easily tip over in a wet tub or shower stall.

Proper Shower Transfer Bench

Often suggested Alternative-UNSAFE

As far as our home is concerned, it worked out pretty well that our master bedroom, bathroom kitchen and living room are all on the first floor. David and I did decide to switch sides of our bed so that I would be closer to the door and have less obstacles, a clear path, less steps to the bathroom if needed during the night. The first few nights I was still very immobile and needed assistance in and out of the bed. We also noticed how dark the hallways were and having hardwood floors also worked well for me. We found that having the light on the range hood on all night cast a nice soft light to illuminate the hallway and into the bedroom for me without being so bright to keep us awake.

My first fortnight was also met with meeting several home health care workers. Visiting Nurses ,an  Occupational Therapist,and a Physical Therapist. These Nurses came every other day and checked my wound sites, changed dressings, took vitals, and instructed me that this was an extension of my hospital stay and that it was very important to monitor my health, wound sites, and to be mindful that I was still quite susceptible for infection and especially pneumonia. I am taking ALL of this very seriously and incorporating this in to my own plan.

David has been the designated shower helper. The first time was a bit of a learning curve and we had a bit of a mishap. But it wasn't horrible. The trick for the first few times was to get onto the bench clothes and then remove them. Getting out of the shower would require making sure that all body parts were completely dry and a towel is placed on the side of the tub so that my "bad" leg could not slip or slide. The transfer bench is definitely the way to go if PAO is the surgery you are having. It allows for more of a "scooting" motion and then your helper can gently life your legs and you pivot into the tub. Our shower already had a removable sprayer head so that I could wash my hair/body. In addition we purchased a bath pouf on a long handle. This helps tremendously when unable to bend over and you need to clean your legs, feet, arms, and back.

We brought home the CPM machine as well. It is the Continuous Passive Motion machine that I was given to use twice per day for two (2) hours at a time to gently move my left leg back and forth. This was going to help keep my knee from getting too stiff, start to work my quad (slowly), promote circulation, and serve as the first step after a major surgical procedure.

Kinetic CPM Machine

The most substantial addition to our household during my recovery has been my mother, Anna. She has been staying with us during the week to assist during the day while David goes to work since I am in no position to really do anything other than going to the bathroom by myself. Anna is a tireless and selfless veteran of taking care of me. She has been doing so at various times throughout my lifetime for various reasons, several health issues, and for varying lengths of time. My mom, of course was my first caregiver and was around for my very first hip operation when I was only a few months old. This was WAY BACK in 1975 at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. It was not as invasive of a surgery as this one, but surgery is surgery. And surgery on an infant is very traumatic. My mother was a MacGuyver BEFORE there was ever a writer born that could fathom that show! She used to cut diapers into pieces and re-piece them for me. My first Halloween costume was a lamb, so that it would camouflage/match the body cast that I had been sporting. 

The first few days, even a week or so, she was quite jumpy and every time I moved or breathed heavy she was ready to get me something or assist. I believe this would be some sort of reflex coming back to life, an instinct of sorts. But even though we sometimes disagree, I do appreciate the efforts and concern. The intentions are true and as I am getting stronger she is seeing the progress. We do share a lot of interests and have been enjoying some mystery programs and true crime shows. She is a great cook and that is also a huge plus. Having someone around to make sure that I am eating, and eating full healthy meals is important to a successful recovery. 

I have my first Post-Surgery Appointment Tomorrow-So Stay Tuned and DRIVE SLOW

Five Days of Hospital (-ity)

February 1, 2014

First Day at the hospital was spent in surgery and then the rest of the time was spent in recovery receiving fluids and antibiotics via IV, and also oxygen. I was also being monitored every two hours for my vital signs-this is normal. All was going very well and other than a bit of a higher than normal heart rate in the beginning, which seemed to settle itself.

Pain management: Every two hours I was able to receive some type of pain management medication. I was either receiving an IV Morphine, or a Percocet tablet. I was also asked at each administration of medication what my pain level was based on the Wong-Baker Pain Scale (illustrated below)

During my first days I was also still feeling numbness in my left hand .

The doctors were monitoring the sensation/lack of sensation that I was feeling and swelling. They suspected that it was due to the positioning that my body was in for the extended period of time and that possibly some nerves were "squished' or "asleep" and it was taking them a bit longer to "wake up". This while I knew was probably the case, I was a bit concerned. During this time I was unable to use my left hand to hold, grip, or feel anything. On more than one occasion i had fallen asleep holding a cup of ginger ale and because I had no sensation in my left hand was awakened only when the cup spilled onto my front.

Post Surgery-w/Oxygen

Since my surgery was on a Friday, the next thing I experienced was the phenomenon of  WEEKEND HOSPITAL NURSING STAFF . **Please note: this is my experience, my blog, and my opinion**

In my experience of being a patient several times in my life I have found that Nursing staff and nursing support staff on the weekends are not nearly as attentive as those during the night or as those on the weekdays. This was proven as I was having to call multiple times on the second day in the hospital for pain medication. This was only my first day post surgery and I was still in a HUGE amount of pain. I was also not sure what was going on as far as what to expect. I still had my Foley catheter and was unable to move very much at all. I didn't appreciate having been told by one set of staff that I was going to be able to have the Morphine as a "breakthrough" in between other doses of pain meds and then the weekend staff it was a chore of having to use the nurse's call button more than once and having to ask for medicine each time. When the nurse did come into the room, it was almost always as if I was taking up the woman's time or a nuisance. It was my understanding that I had been moved from a nicer and bigger room to this side of the orthopedic ward so that there would be adequate nursing staff to patient ratios. Maybe I was wrong.

The other experience I had that I found interesting was that I had to ask the nursing staff to assist me in daily bathing and grooming. I am very lucky and thankful to have a very good friend in the field that came to visit me a few times who showed me how to do bedside bathing and also how to assist me in other areas of self-care and grooming. I cannot thank Gail enough for all she has done for me, not only as a friend but only as a health care professional for knowing how to go to the nurses and get the things I need and letting staff know that I was going to want to be on a regular schedule. I know that you cannot shower or really get an incision area wet after a major operation. But, after even one full day in bed, you will want to brush your teeth and at least have a warm soapy wash cloth to wash your face and perhaps sponge bathe your back, chest and arms. It can really make a difference in how the rest of the day goes as far as your demeanor and outlook. 

I was seen very early every morning by the Orthopedic Team, usually right as I was just getting to sleep (usually seemed to work out that way-hospital stays are not known for getting all the rest you think you would or should get), and then the IV team came in to either check or change the IV in my arm. The medications and fluids took their toll on my tiny veins and had to be changed twice during my stay.

They also monitored my wound drain. The drain was placed a few centimeters from the main incision site and used as a means for drainage and prevention of hematomas and swelling. As a result I really have had little swelling and very little ugly bruising. While it sounds very gross, it was pretty painless, as I was very numbed up with local anesthesia . I had a lot of drainage the first two (2) days, but then went down significantly. By the time i was ready to be discharged it was managed with a regular wound dressing.

Wound drain reservoir

Second Room

Gail takes a well deserved snooze

Throughout the other days I was at the hospital the weather continued to be terrible.

Surprise Visit From Coworkers

View from my room Pittsburgh Cultural District

Despite the staffing issues, I was okay and managed to get the care and medications I needed. Over the years I think hospital food has gone through an overhaul and I was actually not that displeased with my meals. They weren't 5-star, but they were more than edible and I was given a choice of what to order (within reason).  I was always able to have snacks from the nurses if I wanted them. And thanks to friends and family I received a fruit basket, cookies, and candy as well.

Proudly Serves Starbucks @ AGH

Get Well Cake received from Coworkers who visited

Fruit basket from family

PAO Surgery Day Has Arrived

January 31, 2014

TODAY IS THE DAY!

 My alarm is set for 4:00 am, although I have to shower again with the special soap, David said that even if we leave by 4:30 we will for sure get there by 5:00 am check in. Not likely to have traffic at that time. My mom is setting her alarm for 3:00, she says because she wants to do her hair and makeup, but I am sure it is for nerves also. I slept fairly well, but i get up at about 3:45 to shower and dress. My nerves are okay.

I hear my mother upstairs getting ready. my husband is the last to awaken. They have a small breakfast and coffee. They also make cups to go. We grab our items, books, iPads, and head out.

4:45AM We arrive at the James Street Garage. It is a cold morning. But thankfully it isn't the sub-zero temperatures we have been experiencing. Going up to the elevator, we get a little mixed up, but finally get to the main lobby and find our way to the main elevators and to the 3rd Floor to Ambulatory Surgery, check in and wait to be called.

5:34 They call my name and I am brought back to a bed where a nurse gives me a bracelet and a gown. They take my first set of vitals, ask me the obligatory questions to confirm my name, birthdate, and why I am here. they also ask me other hospital questions required by law. My nurse is very nice and at this point, it is a waiting game. i am my Surgeon's first case (not sure about the only case-but I think I am) of the day.

Sitting and waiting for surgery is never a "good time". But for some reason, I was extremely calm. I knew that it would all be fine. I have every confidence in the procedure, the surgeons, the hospital, the fact that it is known for its orthopedic surgery unit all came into play. I was also pretty tired too. There was a TV on in the waiting area, and that helped to keep things calm.

Shortly I was given my IV, and prepped with yet another scrub down. No infections here! They also came in and took some preliminary blood tests and checked the red bracelet that I had been wearing.

My mother and husband, were brought back and then my Anesthesiologist, a young man who introduced himself in the most friendly and upbeat way. I was really impressed at his level of respect and care in his demeanor. I also really liked how he said "I am going to take excellent care of you today Jennifer". After that we went over the procedure, the process, and were just waiting for blood work to come back. 

About 20 minutes or so later, my surgeon, Dr. Timothy J Sauber came in and marked my leg. Said hello and in about two minutes later I was given my first shot of a cocktail of relaxation juice. I said my goodbyes and was wheeled away. From there I cannot tell you anything else but the foggy recollections of the recover room. 

My family tells me that the surgery was about 7 1/2 hours in total. Complication free. They did the PAO and also did some work to resurface the femoral head of my leg bone (the femur). they said that they got a call at 4 hours and that they got a good signal. It was just going to be a bit longer.

In recovery, I can remember seeing my Anesthesiologist again, hearing my name being called to me, and that is about it. I know that they were giving me pain level tests and pain medicines. In addition my left hand was experiencing a feeling of extreme numbness. My thumb, index and middle fingers were stiff feeling and felt-to me- numb and waxy. My only complaint was the Recovery Room Nurse who kept passing off my telling her about my hand and then telling my doctors and Nurse in my room that i was "Complaining for no reason" 

I was NOT complaining for no reason! I just came out of a 7 1/2 hour surgery and I was experiencing something that wasn't normal. Parts or my body felt abnormal and I was reporting this to medical professionals. There was a reason. Thankfully my nurse in my first room on the tenth floor, Mary called for a Consult and that Jerk Nurse got the stink eye and sent away. 

I began to drink ginger ale. My mother and husband visited for a while. I wasn't really able to speak to well since my throat was sore from the breathing tube. I still had a Foley Catheter and would for at least a day or two. I was completely immobile from the waist down. Since I seemed to be somewhat awake, David decided to drive my mother home to her house and was going to come back. While he was gone they brought me a tiny plate of macaroni and cheese with tomatoes and I tolerated it very well. I hadn't eaten since Thursday at 5PM

My first Day/Night after surgery was spent receiving pain medicines, answering pain scale questions (at this point is was 9 or 10). I saw a few doctors, the resident who was in surgery with me, who was super sweet and checked on me a few times. 

David stayed with me. And in Godfather style I was moved to another room like Vito Corleone late at night, Since there wasn't enough staff to take care of all of the patients i was being moved from the much nicer rooms to an older section of the Orthopedic floor. It was okay, at that point, it was the care that was important. 

Instead of a pull out couch for David they left the extra bed and that is where David slept.

My nighttime nurse was Karen, a very very kind lady who even brought covers for David and would talk to me about the show the First 48 on A&E. It was the only thing I could find that was on that I could watch while I was in and out of sleep. I spent my first night calling for medicines as they began to wear off, or calling for water.  I can say it wasn't bad, it was what I expected. I was in a controlled pain state. I would give the day a good grade. The worst was over, the surgery was over and the healing was the next chapter.

~DriveSlow~