So tomorrow is my pre-operative appointment. This is where I get checked out to make sure I'm healthy enough for surgery.
At my last appointment, I was given a folder of information to go over. And some of my questions have been answered. But many "answers" are "Ask your physician about _______." So I've got a list started. I hope this guy has his schedule cleared.
To organize my thoughts, and to possibly help future surgery patients, here's the "short" list.
1. Will I have to give blood for a possible transfusion? (The literature was vague on if this was still a thing or not)
2. How long will I be in the hospital? (I've gotten estimates between 24 hours and a week. Uh, that's a very wide range people)
3. What's up with physical therapy? Will someone be coming to my apartment? How soon after surgery, and how often? How many times before I'm on my own?
4. So I'll be on medication for blood clots. Some information says coumadin, and some say aspirin. To me, that's kind of a big difference. Which one is it?
5. How long will I be on the blood thinners? And these blood tests...is someone coming to my house to do that? How often is that going to happen, and for how long?
6. What's the deal with caffeine intake with the blood thinners? Anyone who knows me knows about my chronic Mt. Dew habit. Yeah, I could take this opportunity to get off the juice, but only if I HAVE to.
7. When can I take a shower? Or am I reduced to sponge baths for two weeks?
8. And, when can I start swimming again?
9. So there's this thing called "prophylactic antibiotics". Besides making me giggle like a 12-year-old boy, I'm not sure in what circumstances I'll need "protection". It says dental work (any). So I assume the same is true for tattoos and piercings? And I would also like to know how often the doctor gets that question!
10. The folder also says I'll get a prescription for "medical supplies" for my house. This may include: a walker, crutches, or a cane. A raised toilet seat. A grabber (sweet!) But there are some things that aren't mentioned: a shower bench. A sponge-on-a-stick. How much stuff can I buy here? And where do I have to get it from?
11. What's up with sex? When can we have it again, and what positions aren't kosher?
12. Are there any pre-surgery exercises I can do to help my muscles recover faster?
13. What can I bring for the hospital stay? Does the hospital have WiFi? I'd love to bring my laptop, especially if I'm going to be there for a few days.
14. The pamphlets say "no recliners or couches" Why? Is this only for sitting, and can I lay on the couch?
15. All the stuff says "no stooping, bending, or leg-crossing" but has no time limit. Is this forever? Cuz that's not really an option for my job..or my life. How long we talkin' here?
16. Once I'm healed, just how likely am I to dislocate my hip? Can I reduce the risk with physical therapy?
17. What is and is not covered by insurance? Are all these home visits going to be covered as well? I mean, I know I've got a deductible, but is each visit going to have a co-pay like going to the doctor?
18. Is the hospital/doctor going to be contacting the insurance company to get all this covered? Or should I call them ahead of time to figure out payment? Do I owe any money upfront when I show up at the hospital?
19. Will all the paperwork be filled out before I get there for surgery, or should I give extra time for that?
20. How long will the surgery take? How long will I be in recovery? What time of day will I be in my room, and can I have visitors that first day?
I'll have some answers for all of this tomorrow at my appointment. Keep you all posted!
I just had hip surgery, but it was just on my acetabulum. I can answer some (plus my limited clinical info may help).
ReplyDelete1. Probably not, not much blood loss with this surgery, unless you have a prior problem with blood coagulation.
2. Depends on the procedure. Hip resurfacing: 2-3 days. Full blown hip replacement: 3-5 days, all depending on how you feel. They may also send you to a rehab facility for a week or so.
3. After you've been discharged from either the hospital or rehab, they can come to your home until you have mobility. They will start PT as soon as they can. Some insurers have a limit o your visits, so double check with them.
4. If you're fairly healthy and have no clotting issues, probably just aspirin. Coumadin is usually reserved for older people.
5. Until you've been up and around for at least two weeks. When they come to your home for PT, they will check your levels then, also when you go to the PT office.
6. Caffeine is a stimulant, causing the blood flow to increase. Just don't overdo it. One thing you will need to remember: moderation.
7. As soon as your wound is healing and it is covered. No soaking though. You'd need help, and possibly a shower chair. I'm sure your fiance would be happy to give you some sponge baths!!
8. You won't be able to swim until your wound has been fully healed, but after that they will want you to as much as possible.
9. They inject the antibiotics into your IV right before the surgery, normal precautions. If you have any abscesses or infections, they need to know.
10. Shower bench most definitely, I just used a cane, no walker. You can get some of these supplies from Wallgreen's or Rite Aid if you want to pay out of pocket, but can go through a Home Health agency if your insurance covers it.
11. Whenever you feel comfortable. You wont be able to move your hip for a while, so it may be 2-3 weeks. It will make your honeymoon that much better!
12. Focus on lunges for thighs, and leg lifts for your outer thighs,
13. Anything you want, except latex. Most hospitals have WiFi - where will you be? The first couple of days you'll be so out of it, you won't be able to be on your computer, nor will you care!
14. 'Cause they are really fucking hard to get out of.
15. That'll be up to your Dr. You are usually out 6 weeks.
16. Really unlikely. By doing PT both with a therapist AND at home, you will recover faster.
17. It all depends on your insurance, and your Dr. might not know, but the MA or RN will. Call your insurance and get your "benefits for hip replacement". If you do have a deductible, and you can't meet it, depending on the hospital (non-profit vs. for-profit) they will work out a payment plant.
19. Depending on where you are having it, you can get it from the hospital's website. If not, get there about 15 minutes early. And it will probably be REALLY early.
20. I was out for 2.5 hours, and they were pushing it for the anesthesia limit. It may go up to 4, but all the pre-op and recovery takes up more hours.
GOOD LUCK!!