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@cindiwass

Thank you, I am reviewing my messages as the time draws near for the surgery. I'll check with Medicare insofar as ADL is concerned. I'm wondering how and if I can get out of bed the first few days when I'm home. I asked the doctor's office yesterday to tell me again which type of surgery he expects to do (he told me but I did not write it down) -- whether it's lateral, or whatever. He told me (I don't think it's lateral, he said from his experience the surgery he performs has a better long-term rate) but I forgot. My concern today and I can't call his office because he's out today -- is how am I going to get out of bed? All of this anxiety is making me think I should put off the surgery for a while until I'm comfortable (not in the dark) about going into it although I think he's a good surgeon.

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Replies to "Thank you, I am reviewing my messages as the time draws near for the surgery. I'll..."

Oh, Yes, you will be able to get in and out of bed! They will have you getting up the day of surgery, or at least the day after. And PT will come to your room and show you how to do things safely.
After my hip surgery, I would swivel around on the bed & put my feet down, then reach for my crutches (propped against the wall at the head of the bed) and stand up. (I was stubborn and wouldn't use a walker, which surely would have been easier.)
And yes, yes, yes - Medicare will cover ADL assistance plus nurse visits if needed and home PT to help do your exercises. But due to staff shortages, etc it is best to arrange it before you go to the hospital.
May I suggest that you will have an easier time getting help with doing that from the hospital social worker than by trying to call Medicare? They know all the local resources and it will be much less frustrating for you!
Also, you need to make sure your husband's needs are covered - while you are in the hospital and after you get home. You will not be able to care for him for at least a couple of weeks. Do you have any family nearby who can help? Otherwise, again, turn to the hospital social worker to help figure it out. They are experts at it.
Please don't be afraid to go forward - you have done your research, and found a doctor, gotten the answers about what you need, etc. Now you need to take a deep breath and get rid of that pain!
What other questions can I help with today? When is surgery scheduled?
Sue