I had my surgery Jan. 9th. Im actually back at Mayo Jacksonville for follow up with surgeon and to get staples out. My pain was really cincentrated in my neck but only took Tylenol. But everyone is different. I was in for 7 days. My hubby has been great with taking care of everything around the house and me. PT and occupational therapy will work with you in hospital on how to move, etc. They provided me with a grabber, walker, etc. Im getting stronger everyday. Sometimes I do forget myself but your body will tell you… dont do that again! And I dont! Im walking first time in years without being out of breath! Good luck to you! Sending positive vibes!!
Thank you for your response and encouragement. I’m looking forward to walking, taking a flight of stairs, and pulling clothes out of the dryer without being short of breath! After 4 joint replacements I have most of the items I need like a grabber, shower seat, etc. so at least I haven’t needed to hunt those items down, and my husband is a great help after all the recoveries he’s supported me through over the last several years. 😊
Thanks, Debra, both your advice and prayers are much appreciated. I have a good recliner that accommodates my long legs, but its a manual so will probably need my hubby to help me lift the footrest portion. I also have a good wedge pillow so using that I’m hoping to be able to sleep in the bed fairly soon after getting home. I live in NW Iowa and even with the thaw we have had in recent days I dress in layers to stay cozy— camisole, mock turtle neck, and a cardigan, flannel shirt or fleece quarter zip. I have knit pull-on pants too, but if I can’t reach around at all to my backside, I don’t think I can dress myself; am I correct about that? 🤪
It's pretty difficult to use your arms for the first week or two. After that you may notice that "Hey! I just moved my arms further back and it didn't even hurt!"
The first few days, in my experience, you can't reach back behind you for anything. Your world is all in front of you, not heavy, and small movements.
Iowa? Brrrr! I'm in far Northern California, we don't know cold here! My best guess would be things you can slip gently over your head, or easily pull on, or step into. But those first few weeks go by fast, and it's only a temporary situation. Thank goodness!! 🙂
Where is your surgery being performed? Is it close to home?
I had my surgery Jan. 9th. Im actually back at Mayo Jacksonville for follow up with surgeon and to get staples out. My pain was really cincentrated in my neck but only took Tylenol. But everyone is different. I was in for 7 days. My hubby has been great with taking care of everything around the house and me. PT and occupational therapy will work with you in hospital on how to move, etc. They provided me with a grabber, walker, etc. Im getting stronger everyday. Sometimes I do forget myself but your body will tell you… dont do that again! And I dont! Im walking first time in years without being out of breath! Good luck to you! Sending positive vibes!!
@cwarren29860, how wonderful to hear you are doing so well! It must feel surreal to be walking and not gasp for air! I remember I kept waiting and waiting for the shortness of breath to sneak up on me...and it didn't. I couldn't believe it was true.
You are still so fresh in recovery, but it sounds like you are moving forward and making great progress. It's a huge weight off your mind once it's over...and you get your life back. What a blessing! Thank you for sharing with @pam753. This is what makes Connect so special...the support and encouragement we are able to share with others is precious.
It's pretty difficult to use your arms for the first week or two. After that you may notice that "Hey! I just moved my arms further back and it didn't even hurt!"
The first few days, in my experience, you can't reach back behind you for anything. Your world is all in front of you, not heavy, and small movements.
Iowa? Brrrr! I'm in far Northern California, we don't know cold here! My best guess would be things you can slip gently over your head, or easily pull on, or step into. But those first few weeks go by fast, and it's only a temporary situation. Thank goodness!! 🙂
Where is your surgery being performed? Is it close to home?
My surgery will be at Mayo in Rochester, MN, about 3 1/2-4 hours from home, not too far, but far enough I won’t be seeing much company other than my spouse which is probably all I’ll feel up to seeing. I’m sure I’ll get a few calls/texts from our kids and from my brothers, sisters, and close friends. 😊
My surgery will be at Mayo in Rochester, MN, about 3 1/2-4 hours from home, not too far, but far enough I won’t be seeing much company other than my spouse which is probably all I’ll feel up to seeing. I’m sure I’ll get a few calls/texts from our kids and from my brothers, sisters, and close friends. 😊
The finest hospital in the world! You will be in the best hands imaginable, and you're right...you won't feel much like visiting. I'm glad your spouse is going to be there for you. I could not imagine not having my significant other with me. I don't know what it's like there now, but the visiting hours were very strict. I wanted to cry when they kicked him out at night. The nights were the worst! The first few days I could hard talk on the phone...too weak. It's amazing how fast we start to recover though. You sound like you have an upbeat and positive outlook. That is the best way to be. I put everything in God's hands and it helped to mitigate the fear.
The finest hospital in the world! You will be in the best hands imaginable, and you're right...you won't feel much like visiting. I'm glad your spouse is going to be there for you. I could not imagine not having my significant other with me. I don't know what it's like there now, but the visiting hours were very strict. I wanted to cry when they kicked him out at night. The nights were the worst! The first few days I could hard talk on the phone...too weak. It's amazing how fast we start to recover though. You sound like you have an upbeat and positive outlook. That is the best way to be. I put everything in God's hands and it helped to mitigate the fear.
I’m definitely resting in God’s promises having had 70 years of learning to trust his word and his care for us. Big picture wise, I’m doing fine —it’s the nitty gritty details I tend to stress about, so this experience will maybe help me trust him for those too. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
I’m definitely resting in God’s promises having had 70 years of learning to trust his word and his care for us. Big picture wise, I’m doing fine —it’s the nitty gritty details I tend to stress about, so this experience will maybe help me trust him for those too. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
@pam753, I believe your surgery is tomorrow? I have been, and will continue to lift you up in prayer. When you feel up to it, I hope you let us know how you are doing.
Praying for peace, and a fast recovery.
@pam753, I believe your surgery is tomorrow? I have been, and will continue to lift you up in prayer. When you feel up to it, I hope you let us know how you are doing.
Praying for peace, and a fast recovery.
Thank-you for your prayers, Debra, and please continue! My surgery went well yesterday morning, but the hours since have been rough as expected. Nonetheless, I’m doing as well as I can. Blood pressure has been an issue so I haven’t been able to sit up in a chair yet, but they’re addressing that issue so hopefully later this morning.
Thank-you for your prayers, Debra, and please continue! My surgery went well yesterday morning, but the hours since have been rough as expected. Nonetheless, I’m doing as well as I can. Blood pressure has been an issue so I haven’t been able to sit up in a chair yet, but they’re addressing that issue so hopefully later this morning.
I'm so happy to hear from you! Each day will get a little better. Every day a tube comes out, a machine gets turned off, and before you know it you're free. I remember the last thing I got taken off was so wonderful...to not have to drag around all these contraptions.
The nurses are like angels, and make things as good as they can...except they make you walk when you don't want to! I will pray you get to sit in the chair today. Baby steps, but progress.
Rest. Sleep. God is with you.
I'm so happy to hear from you! Each day will get a little better. Every day a tube comes out, a machine gets turned off, and before you know it you're free. I remember the last thing I got taken off was so wonderful...to not have to drag around all these contraptions.
The nurses are like angels, and make things as good as they can...except they make you walk when you don't want to! I will pray you get to sit in the chair today. Baby steps, but progress.
Rest. Sleep. God is with you.
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Thank you for your response and encouragement. I’m looking forward to walking, taking a flight of stairs, and pulling clothes out of the dryer without being short of breath! After 4 joint replacements I have most of the items I need like a grabber, shower seat, etc. so at least I haven’t needed to hunt those items down, and my husband is a great help after all the recoveries he’s supported me through over the last several years. 😊
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1 ReactionIt's pretty difficult to use your arms for the first week or two. After that you may notice that "Hey! I just moved my arms further back and it didn't even hurt!"
The first few days, in my experience, you can't reach back behind you for anything. Your world is all in front of you, not heavy, and small movements.
Iowa? Brrrr! I'm in far Northern California, we don't know cold here! My best guess would be things you can slip gently over your head, or easily pull on, or step into. But those first few weeks go by fast, and it's only a temporary situation. Thank goodness!! 🙂
Where is your surgery being performed? Is it close to home?
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2 Reactions@cwarren29860, how wonderful to hear you are doing so well! It must feel surreal to be walking and not gasp for air! I remember I kept waiting and waiting for the shortness of breath to sneak up on me...and it didn't. I couldn't believe it was true.
You are still so fresh in recovery, but it sounds like you are moving forward and making great progress. It's a huge weight off your mind once it's over...and you get your life back. What a blessing! Thank you for sharing with @pam753. This is what makes Connect so special...the support and encouragement we are able to share with others is precious.
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Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsMy surgery will be at Mayo in Rochester, MN, about 3 1/2-4 hours from home, not too far, but far enough I won’t be seeing much company other than my spouse which is probably all I’ll feel up to seeing. I’m sure I’ll get a few calls/texts from our kids and from my brothers, sisters, and close friends. 😊
The finest hospital in the world! You will be in the best hands imaginable, and you're right...you won't feel much like visiting. I'm glad your spouse is going to be there for you. I could not imagine not having my significant other with me. I don't know what it's like there now, but the visiting hours were very strict. I wanted to cry when they kicked him out at night. The nights were the worst! The first few days I could hard talk on the phone...too weak. It's amazing how fast we start to recover though. You sound like you have an upbeat and positive outlook. That is the best way to be. I put everything in God's hands and it helped to mitigate the fear.
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI’m definitely resting in God’s promises having had 70 years of learning to trust his word and his care for us. Big picture wise, I’m doing fine —it’s the nitty gritty details I tend to stress about, so this experience will maybe help me trust him for those too. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
@pam753, I believe your surgery is tomorrow? I have been, and will continue to lift you up in prayer. When you feel up to it, I hope you let us know how you are doing.
Praying for peace, and a fast recovery.
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank-you for your prayers, Debra, and please continue! My surgery went well yesterday morning, but the hours since have been rough as expected. Nonetheless, I’m doing as well as I can. Blood pressure has been an issue so I haven’t been able to sit up in a chair yet, but they’re addressing that issue so hopefully later this morning.
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI'm so happy to hear from you! Each day will get a little better. Every day a tube comes out, a machine gets turned off, and before you know it you're free. I remember the last thing I got taken off was so wonderful...to not have to drag around all these contraptions.
The nurses are like angels, and make things as good as they can...except they make you walk when you don't want to! I will pray you get to sit in the chair today. Baby steps, but progress.
Rest. Sleep. God is with you.
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2 ReactionsJust made it to chair!
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