Re: [OT] Mixed results on hip pain

W.Boyce wrote:
Juno wrote:



I'm recovering from a triple bypass surgery (8 wks ago) as I write this and offer the following: The sternum is sawed lengthwise with a sabre saw to access the heart after spreading the ribs. Afterwards, the sternum is clamped together to get the best fit and 3mm stainless steel wire laces it together with ax.9 stitches. To heal, electrolytes initially flow between the bones across the joint. You can't lift or push over 10 lbs or move your arms too far as described above or you risk causing a gap.

IF separation of the bones occurs during the healing period, the joint won't heal EVER. And you have a clicking sound and wear a corset to keep things in place from then on. People heal at various rates: my limitation was 10# max. lifting for 8 weeks, but almost everyone heals in 12 weeks.

Driving limitation isn't because of ability or strength or reaction time; it's because of the airbag inflation risk. Probably the same reason to limit c-section patients. I'll be in the back seat for another month while my wife drives to eliminate this risk.

JPBill


Bill, I'm glad to hear you are recovering from your surgery.
By now you must be champing at the bit.
You have been through a tough time.
As I told Beverly, I'm using my husbands recovery for an example for a knee replacement. The doctor told him he should wait 3 or 4 weeks to drive. It was the physical therapist who was adamant about the driving and he did say he was concerned about reaction time. Therapy for knee replacements is very painful. You are dealing with a leg that has had slow atrophy of the muscle over a period of several years, a painful surgery and painful rehab. The therapist insisted that he take the mild narcotic before sessions. He didn't need anything more than Tylenol after a week any other time. He was off the walker 6 days after surgery and never used it again. We went out walking every day for a short time and we also went out in the car everyday for an hour or so. He was not a happy camper.He is a terrible back seat driver.
If he had surgery as involved as your's I'd hate to think what he's be like. He is not a good patient,and I'm a tough nurse. Bad combination sometimes. We both survived.I've gone through several surgeries and illnesses with him and always wonder if each is going to be a test of wills. He knows I restrict him when I have to and push when I have to. I kind of thing it's the same with you and your wife.
Good luck in the rest of your recovery,we are looking forward to you returning to us. Even when we go head to head on matters other than sewing.
Juno

Juno, thanks for your kind wishes. I spent several hours in therapy with knee-replacement patients at a resident rehab center and think they had it tougher than I. Knee replacement is a big deal; much harder than recovery from hip surgery, I'm told.

Recovery from open heart surgery can normally occur at home and is relatively pain-free. I have post-polio syndrome and weak legs and have to lift myself out of a chair using my arms, violating the 10# rule. The rehab center could assist me in this and it took me 6 weeks to build up my legs after not using them in the hospital.

It really was harder on my wife than I, although the center was only a mile from our home. I mean, running the house alone, giving phone "condition reports" to family and friends, visiting daily, bringing fresh clothes, bringing supper when the house menu wasn't appealing, etc. All without complaint although she has fibromyalgia and her energy tank is usually near empty. She's a gem.

Now that I'm home 3 days, I relate to your comments about spousal relationship strains vis-a-vis continuation of at-home therapy. But she's right as usual, or more accurately, "as always".

Regards, JPBill

Bill, she sounds like a great person. Give her my best and I wish you both well with your recovery. When you feel up to it, she deserves a dinner at the nicest restaurant in town. My husband took me out to dinner after he felt up to driving and It was so nice to have a comfortable evening with out any of the interruptions that can come at home.
Juno
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