Yesterday was my third PT appointment. We didn't seem to do as much as the last two, which was okay with me since various parts of my body, sans the right hip, were killing me. One of the PT guys showed me how to wrap my wrists for extra support because my hands are killing me with the crutches. I know it seems all I do is whinge, but this process is getting the better of me. Dr. Kelly was meant to talk to the PT guys about how he wants me to proceed, but it seemed no one had spoken to him so I had to ask them to contact him so we're all on the same page. One of the PT guys did not seem to think it was such a good idea to return to work on Monday, but I really don't have a choice. Mostly I am going mad just sitting here. He is afraid I will do too much and flare up with the various multitudes of bodily issues I have. I guess we'll have to just see how it goes and I will just have to do what I can.
I had it in my head since earlier this week that after PT I would take my mother out for a well deserved lunch at a favourite little bistro that was not too far from the PT office. Unfortunately once I get something into my head that's it. And that was where it all went wrong.
After PT we went to my bank on the corner and then walked a few blocks to the restaurant. Looking back we really should have taken a taxi, but I am so frustrated from not going anywhere that I decided I was going to do it all by myself. I admit it, I am an idiot.
Thankfully there was a table free when we got there, and we had a lovely lunch with a little wine. My right hip started hurting then. After lunch we were going to try to take the bus back but I was too tired and we were very lucky that a cab was free, as most were off duty at that time.
I was so knackered from this trip that I ended up passing out for a while when we got home. I did the Game Ready for my right hip and that helped for a little bit but my psoas was really hurting as well as my right knee and left hip. This kept me up for a while and I ended up taking a pain killer so I could hopefully get some sleep. I eventually did fall asleep for a little bit, but have now been up since around 5 am. I took another pain killer around 6 am and am very loopy and queasy from it. I haven't been this out of it from them for a while, I guess I had started to get used to them but now that I've been not taking them regularly I am more affected.
I was hoping to do a test run to the office during rush hour this morning with my mother, but I am definitely not up for it now. Hopefully later on we will be able to do it.
Showing posts with label gameready. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gameready. Show all posts
05 October, 2007
30 September, 2007
pics of the machines
My nephew hanging out with me whilst I am on the Game Ready machine. This one freezes and applies pressure to the hip. The millennium crutches are in the back.
*******The CPM Machine - Constant Passive Motion
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It is much more attractive with an adorable nephew posing in it...
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The CPM in action. It moves your leg back and forth from a 0' to 90' angle. It also weighs a hell of a lot!
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I just had to add this one of my nephew!
28 September, 2007
L O N G recovery ahead
Yesterday I had a lovely outing sitting outside across the street at Starbuck's. It was the first time I've really gone out for anything other than to and from a place. We sat out there for a little over two hours which was huge for me as I have not been able to sit in a chair that long since surgery. Unfortunately the fresh air didn't help me sleep any better though. I would kill for a good 8 hours in-a-row of sleep. Again, not so much for the pain, which is getting better on the operated side (unlike the rest of my body which is getting worse), but lack of comfort. I was even desperate enough to try to sleep on my stomach, which didn't last very long.
Today I went for my post-op today and the sutures were removed. They told me that I couldn't shower for a day or two as when they remove the sutures they put a tape with some sort of sticky glue stuff on top and want that to stay put for a while. I wish I had known that as I had thought I would be able to take a shower after the visit, so neglected getting up early to take one before. Oh well.
Dr. Kelly came in afterwards and asked how I was doing and moved my right leg around. He said that I could cut the CPM down to one hour a day, but I asked if I needed to keep it because I would have to pay another $350 for two additional weeks. Thankfully he said that was fine to return it and I've seen the last of that machine - they are coming to pick it up today! He then showed me the pictures they took when they were doing the surgery. I cannot believe how red it was inside, really bright, bright red! He showed where I had a bone spur and where they shaved that off and the other bone that was shaved down as well, and also my psoas before and as they were cutting it. All very amazing to look at. Unfortunately the post op report was not typed up yet, but I was told I could ring them next week and they would fax it over. We went over my PT and he said he actually wants me to go very slow, and that my recovery would take about six months. I was not too surprised from this, but it was still not thrilled about it. The key thing is he wants my psoas to stay slightly tight since I have the laxity issue, but at the same time not scar up completely. It is a very fine line and my rehab is going to be very specific because of my multiple issues. He already told me to change one of the exercises I was told to do as he does not want me to externally rotate the leg too much. He said internal rotation is fine for now. I asked if he could reaffirm this with the PT guys as they were having a hard time believing me about having to do only two hours on the CPM and four. I also asked him why he had to make four incisions and he said that was because they had to get to the other side of the bone to cut it down. Fair enough I suppose. He said also to use the brace as long as I want because he doesn't want me to hurt at all. I am to try to put more weight on the leg but only as I can tolerate, it's very important to not inflame the hip. Regarding the crutches I will most likely be on them for a few more weeks. I kept laughing in my head when everyone kept saying I'd be on them only two to three weeks. I knew this was going to take a long time to be able to walk again without pain. But I don't want to mess up everything that was done so I will do exactly as I am told. The last thing I could deal with is having to go through this all again (poo poo, touch wood, etc.).
After I had been home for a couple of hours I noticed that one of the incision site tapes had liquidy stuff seeping through it. I just rang the office and spoke to Arianna. She said that sometimes the incisions open up after the sutures are taken up and that is should heal by itself, and to keep and eye on it and make sure it stays dry. Hopefully it will do this quickly.
I think that's it for now. I'm tired so going to have a bit of a kip if possible.
Today I went for my post-op today and the sutures were removed. They told me that I couldn't shower for a day or two as when they remove the sutures they put a tape with some sort of sticky glue stuff on top and want that to stay put for a while. I wish I had known that as I had thought I would be able to take a shower after the visit, so neglected getting up early to take one before. Oh well.
Dr. Kelly came in afterwards and asked how I was doing and moved my right leg around. He said that I could cut the CPM down to one hour a day, but I asked if I needed to keep it because I would have to pay another $350 for two additional weeks. Thankfully he said that was fine to return it and I've seen the last of that machine - they are coming to pick it up today! He then showed me the pictures they took when they were doing the surgery. I cannot believe how red it was inside, really bright, bright red! He showed where I had a bone spur and where they shaved that off and the other bone that was shaved down as well, and also my psoas before and as they were cutting it. All very amazing to look at. Unfortunately the post op report was not typed up yet, but I was told I could ring them next week and they would fax it over. We went over my PT and he said he actually wants me to go very slow, and that my recovery would take about six months. I was not too surprised from this, but it was still not thrilled about it. The key thing is he wants my psoas to stay slightly tight since I have the laxity issue, but at the same time not scar up completely. It is a very fine line and my rehab is going to be very specific because of my multiple issues. He already told me to change one of the exercises I was told to do as he does not want me to externally rotate the leg too much. He said internal rotation is fine for now. I asked if he could reaffirm this with the PT guys as they were having a hard time believing me about having to do only two hours on the CPM and four. I also asked him why he had to make four incisions and he said that was because they had to get to the other side of the bone to cut it down. Fair enough I suppose. He said also to use the brace as long as I want because he doesn't want me to hurt at all. I am to try to put more weight on the leg but only as I can tolerate, it's very important to not inflame the hip. Regarding the crutches I will most likely be on them for a few more weeks. I kept laughing in my head when everyone kept saying I'd be on them only two to three weeks. I knew this was going to take a long time to be able to walk again without pain. But I don't want to mess up everything that was done so I will do exactly as I am told. The last thing I could deal with is having to go through this all again (poo poo, touch wood, etc.).
After I had been home for a couple of hours I noticed that one of the incision site tapes had liquidy stuff seeping through it. I just rang the office and spoke to Arianna. She said that sometimes the incisions open up after the sutures are taken up and that is should heal by itself, and to keep and eye on it and make sure it stays dry. Hopefully it will do this quickly.
I think that's it for now. I'm tired so going to have a bit of a kip if possible.
23 September, 2007
pain is getting worse
I am not sure why the pain is getting worse, but it seems to be. Yesterday I took it easy and barely did anything other than my rehab routine. I iced with the GameReady for a while, did the CPM for two hours and then after dinner did my PT. The exercises hurt even more than the first day I had to do them. Agony was an understatement.
After watching telly for a bit with my mother I did another hour of the GameReady hoping to numb my leg up before bed. We then decided I should take a second pain pill, hoping this would help me sleep through the night, or at least most of it.
I passed out about 11.30 pm and then at 12.30 am woke up with a start! I have no clue what woke me but whatever it was made me jump, which is not good for my hip at all. I have been getting leg spasms, supposedly from the psoas release, and it's driving me mad. I fell back to sleep and then slept till about 4.45 am. After I go up to go to the loo I was in pain so decided to take two more pain pills hoping I'd pass out again. Sadly this was not the case. I would sleep for a few minutes and then wake up again, this went on till about 8 am. I was feeling (am still actually) incredibly wonky from the pills so just vegged for a bit and finally just ate something. I'm now thinking the two pains pills wasn't the best idea. I think between the pain and not being able to move around whilst I sleep is what is keeping me up at night. Normally I sleep like a wild woman, all over the place and wake up in pretzel-like positions. Sleeping on my back is just making me ache all over even more. I tried sleeping on my left side again with a pillow between my legs but that doesn't seem to work for me.
After watching telly for a bit with my mother I did another hour of the GameReady hoping to numb my leg up before bed. We then decided I should take a second pain pill, hoping this would help me sleep through the night, or at least most of it.
I passed out about 11.30 pm and then at 12.30 am woke up with a start! I have no clue what woke me but whatever it was made me jump, which is not good for my hip at all. I have been getting leg spasms, supposedly from the psoas release, and it's driving me mad. I fell back to sleep and then slept till about 4.45 am. After I go up to go to the loo I was in pain so decided to take two more pain pills hoping I'd pass out again. Sadly this was not the case. I would sleep for a few minutes and then wake up again, this went on till about 8 am. I was feeling (am still actually) incredibly wonky from the pills so just vegged for a bit and finally just ate something. I'm now thinking the two pains pills wasn't the best idea. I think between the pain and not being able to move around whilst I sleep is what is keeping me up at night. Normally I sleep like a wild woman, all over the place and wake up in pretzel-like positions. Sleeping on my back is just making me ache all over even more. I tried sleeping on my left side again with a pillow between my legs but that doesn't seem to work for me.
21 September, 2007
rough night
I'm not sure if my bad night was from too much walking/standing on Wednesday, the car ride on Thursday or a combination of both. Whichever it all equaled a rough night. I was exhausted and went to bed about 9.30 pm. I woke up in major pain around 11.40 pm. I couldn't believe it was only two hours since I'd gone to bed. I woke up again around 1 am and then around 5 am, then 7 am. I was in a lot of pain and discomfort as well as my back aching and my shoulders and wrists hurting from the crutches. I took a shower when I first got up to try to deal with the aching muscles all over, then used the GameReady for an hour or so to freeze my hip a bit. I just took a nap for about an hour and an half as I couldn't keep my eyes open. I am so glad that I do not have to go to work as there is no way I could handle it right now.
Currently I am waiting for my mum to return so I can do the CPM and my PT exercises. She's been an awfully long time, I am beginning to think she's run off! Can't say I'd blame her at this point, she was up with me all night!
Currently I am waiting for my mum to return so I can do the CPM and my PT exercises. She's been an awfully long time, I am beginning to think she's run off! Can't say I'd blame her at this point, she was up with me all night!
14 September, 2007
The countdown is on
Today has been even more busy than anticipated. I knew it would be hectic because it's my last day at work for three weeks, but it's been non-stop talking to doctors, assistants, nurses, medical equipment people, etc.
First of all I received an email from Dr. Davis' (the genetic dr) assistant. I had emailed her on Wednesday after the echo to let her know how it went. Dr. Davis is out today so hopefully will hear about the report early next week. She also decided to arrange for the biopsy, so her assistant had to send me some forms to sign off on. I am relieved she's decided to have it done now as it will be one less cutting episode for me. I had a biopsy on my shoulder once and it was not an enjoyable event. So one less thing for me to deal with, yippee! She also informed me that my prep on Monday was scheduled for 7.30am and surgery for 8.00am. It helps to have insider contacts! I am very relieved that I am the first surgery scheduled.
After my chiro appointment (have I mentioned how much I love Active Release Therapy?!?), I came back to work and had two messages waiting for me. One was from a nurse at HSS and the other from biotech regarding the Game Ready unit.
First I rang the nurse back at HSS. She went through the typical items: no food or water after midnight, wear loose clothing, no jewelry, and confirmed that someone would be coming with me. Then she said I had to arrive at 5.45am! I couldn't believe it. What can they possibly do with me for over two hours. But I guess I shouldn't complain, I wanted to be the first surgery of the day. The nurse also said I should be going home by noon. I'm not holding my breath about this statement, we'll see if she was right. I know how things can get delayed in hospitals all too well.
Next I rang back the biotech lady. Just as a note, Game Ready (GR) units are not covered under medical insurance, as they feel you can just use ice packs and don't need the GR. This would be great if ice packs would stay in place and would apply compression, but they don't. It's just a sneaky way for the insurance companies to get out of paying for something that they really should cover! The lady said that I need to pay for it now and it would be at the hospital, so that's all sorted. I also had her fax me the receipts so I could send it into my FSA plan, I figured one less thing to do after surgery, and at least now I'm not loopy on pain meds. Plus I would like to be reimbursed as soon as possible. This item costs $295 for 21 days!!!
So I think that is as up-to-date as I can be for the moment. My next post will probably be after surgery, so have a great weekend!
First of all I received an email from Dr. Davis' (the genetic dr) assistant. I had emailed her on Wednesday after the echo to let her know how it went. Dr. Davis is out today so hopefully will hear about the report early next week. She also decided to arrange for the biopsy, so her assistant had to send me some forms to sign off on. I am relieved she's decided to have it done now as it will be one less cutting episode for me. I had a biopsy on my shoulder once and it was not an enjoyable event. So one less thing for me to deal with, yippee! She also informed me that my prep on Monday was scheduled for 7.30am and surgery for 8.00am. It helps to have insider contacts! I am very relieved that I am the first surgery scheduled.
After my chiro appointment (have I mentioned how much I love Active Release Therapy?!?), I came back to work and had two messages waiting for me. One was from a nurse at HSS and the other from biotech regarding the Game Ready unit.
First I rang the nurse back at HSS. She went through the typical items: no food or water after midnight, wear loose clothing, no jewelry, and confirmed that someone would be coming with me. Then she said I had to arrive at 5.45am! I couldn't believe it. What can they possibly do with me for over two hours. But I guess I shouldn't complain, I wanted to be the first surgery of the day. The nurse also said I should be going home by noon. I'm not holding my breath about this statement, we'll see if she was right. I know how things can get delayed in hospitals all too well.
Next I rang back the biotech lady. Just as a note, Game Ready (GR) units are not covered under medical insurance, as they feel you can just use ice packs and don't need the GR. This would be great if ice packs would stay in place and would apply compression, but they don't. It's just a sneaky way for the insurance companies to get out of paying for something that they really should cover! The lady said that I need to pay for it now and it would be at the hospital, so that's all sorted. I also had her fax me the receipts so I could send it into my FSA plan, I figured one less thing to do after surgery, and at least now I'm not loopy on pain meds. Plus I would like to be reimbursed as soon as possible. This item costs $295 for 21 days!!!
So I think that is as up-to-date as I can be for the moment. My next post will probably be after surgery, so have a great weekend!
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