Operation Date Two Weeks Away

So I'm on the home stretch readying myself for the Surgery. I know from experience it's fast and pretty quick in recovery terms if all goes well. So I think I have around 4-8 weeks on Crutches, at least 4 weeks having Blood Thinning Injections in the Tummy, and Compression Stockings for around 6 weeks. So mobility is going to be limited compared to the Leaps and Bounds I've finally made this Year. Recently I wore some Kitten Heels for a whole day when I saw Theo Paphitis at a Small Business Event. And Yes although I had my Walking Stick it wasn't as in full use as usual. And the Hip itself nagged towards teatime after a long day and only taking 1x 50mg Tramadol and 4x 200mg Ibuprofen throughout the day. This is excellent for me and I was mightily impressed.

So Checklist Needed

Checklist:

You may wish to bring in the following items to make your stay comfortable:

• Nightwear = I use Baggy T-Shirts and Loose Pj's
• Dressing gown = Definitely take one, especially if fluffy and warm, as I'm always soooooo cold on the wards
• Slippers = These can't be bootie ones, or slip foot in ones, So I'm using Flossy's which are shoes really but canvas ones that have a grippy sole, the sole is needed. In case your using a Walker First and of course with Crutches too.
• Bath/ Hand towel = I use small micro towels, small to pack, fast to dry and they will dry a whole body.
• Toiletries = Wet wipes, Deodrant, Small Mirror, Hairbrush and Bobbles (with no metal, Popbands are excellent to use)
• Spectacles and a hearing aid if you need them = I take my Glasses and a Case to keep them in.
• Small amount of cash = I've never took money honestly, even on longer stays. Mainly because I have my phone for the internet, and calls and texts, and because I stock my bag up with Boiled Sweets, Crisps, Pop, Magazines and such like too.
• Any regular medication = Definitely taking some, as last time I was only given Paracetamol after Surgery (first night too, should of got Orramorph but some misunderstanding and I ended up with Paracetamol all night) That was NOT a good experience.
• I usually take Headphones too, to drown out the hospital noises, to relax to my favourite music. I have tried taking books but in the five times I've had surgery I've not once managed to read. Even though at home I'm a bookworm. But I take them mainly for the waiting to be called for surgery, as this can be a LONG time from 6am til 4pm when I was finally called. Starving and Thirsty and Tired was not the word. Though it helps with nerves,as by the time you've been left that long, you are desperate to get the surgery over and done with, rather than dreading it!!

So for now I'm going to increase my Water Intake and Protein in my diet as it aids with healing and bones. The Hospital sums it up better and that is below. I am going to enjoy as many Bubble Baths as I can, as I wont be able to get inside the bath afterwards, I will use the Bathboard or Perch though so I can still wash independently. And shave my legs while I can, and Use a good Quality Cream on my Legs in the run up, as the Compression Stockings will make my Leg Skin feel like a Reptile, which is not pleasant to say the least. So there you have it, my Two weeks Countdown!! Of course real life have to be dealt with as well, so cooking and freezing some extra foods, clearing the floorspace in rooms and trying to get each room warm for when I can't move much.

Nutrition
Good nutrition is important as it is critical
to the healing process. A well balanced diet
helps you to recover more quickly and
reduces the risk of complications.
You need to increase the amount of
protein you eat in the weeks before and
after your surgery. This will help your body
heal itself more quickly and effectively.
Protein is found in foods such as chicken,
fish, and eggs (try to avoid greasy, fried
foods). If you are a vegetarian make sure
you are meeting your protein needs.
Add dark green leafy vegetables into your
meals before and after surgery, such as
cabbage, spinach, broccoli, and asparagus.
These contain vitamins and minerals
which will speed up your healing rate and
aid in your recovery.

Preparing for your stay in hospital
Eat a healthy balanced diet
Pack hand wipes for use before and
after meals
Take a hot soapy bath or shower on
the night before surgery and the
morning of surgery including washing
your hair
Clip your nails
Remove any nail polish
Do not shave the area of surgery
Only bring in essential items with you
so your bed space remains clean
Limit your visitors to only two at any
time
Ask your visitors to use the hand gel as
they arrive, and not to sit on your bed
or your chair
There is a no flowers policy at the ROH
Always wear slippers or light shoes
Inform the nurse if your dressing is wet
or loose
Never share your toiletries
Never sit on other patients beds or
chairs
Planning for going home (discharge)
Planning to go home starts before you
even come into hospital.
Check that some basic arrangements are
in place to make your transfer from
hospital to home as easy as possible.
Talk to your family, carers and friends to
ensure that there is sufficient food in the
house, and that you have help available
until you are safely settled in. If you
think you might need extra help when
you go home (Social Services) please
make sure that you discuss this with the
nurse when you are admitted or at your
pre-operation assessment. Before
coming in to hospital, arrange your
home so that you do not have to climb,
bend or reach for items in the first few
days.

Operation Date Two Weeks Away

So I'm on the home stretch readying myself for the Surgery. I know from experience it's fast and pretty quick in recovery terms if all goes well. So I think I have around 4-8 weeks on Crutches, at least 4 weeks having Blood Thinning Injections in the Tummy, and Compression Stockings for around 6 weeks. So mobility is going to be limited compared to the Leaps and Bounds I've finally made this Year. Recently I wore some Kitten Heels for a whole day when I saw Theo Paphitis at a Small Business Event. And Yes although I had my Walking Stick it wasn't as in full use as usual. And the Hip itself nagged towards teatime after a long day and only taking 1x 50mg Tramadol and 4x 200mg Ibuprofen throughout the day. This is excellent for me and I was mightily impressed.

So Checklist Needed

Checklist:

You may wish to bring in the following items to make your stay comfortable:

• Nightwear = I use Baggy T-Shirts and Loose Pj's
• Dressing gown = Definitely take one, especially if fluffy and warm, as I'm always soooooo cold on the wards
• Slippers = These can't be bootie ones, or slip foot in ones, So I'm using Flossy's which are shoes really but canvas ones that have a grippy sole, the sole is needed. In case your using a Walker First and of course with Crutches too.
• Bath/ Hand towel = I use small micro towels, small to pack, fast to dry and they will dry a whole body.
• Toiletries = Wet wipes, Deodrant, Small Mirror, Hairbrush and Bobbles (with no metal, Popbands are excellent to use)
• Spectacles and a hearing aid if you need them = I take my Glasses and a Case to keep them in.
• Small amount of cash = I've never took money honestly, even on longer stays. Mainly because I have my phone for the internet, and calls and texts, and because I stock my bag up with Boiled Sweets, Crisps, Pop, Magazines and such like too.
• Any regular medication = Definitely taking some, as last time I was only given Paracetamol after Surgery (first night too, should of got Orramorph but some misunderstanding and I ended up with Paracetamol all night) That was NOT a good experience.
• I usually take Headphones too, to drown out the hospital noises, to relax to my favourite music. I have tried taking books but in the five times I've had surgery I've not once managed to read. Even though at home I'm a bookworm. But I take them mainly for the waiting to be called for surgery, as this can be a LONG time from 6am til 4pm when I was finally called. Starving and Thirsty and Tired was not the word. Though it helps with nerves,as by the time you've been left that long, you are desperate to get the surgery over and done with, rather than dreading it!!

So for now I'm going to increase my Water Intake and Protein in my diet as it aids with healing and bones. The Hospital sums it up better and that is below. I am going to enjoy as many Bubble Baths as I can, as I wont be able to get inside the bath afterwards, I will use the Bathboard or Perch though so I can still wash independently. And shave my legs while I can, and Use a good Quality Cream on my Legs in the run up, as the Compression Stockings will make my Leg Skin feel like a Reptile, which is not pleasant to say the least. So there you have it, my Two weeks Countdown!! Of course real life have to be dealt with as well, so cooking and freezing some extra foods, clearing the floorspace in rooms and trying to get each room warm for when I can't move much.

Nutrition
Good nutrition is important as it is critical
to the healing process. A well balanced diet
helps you to recover more quickly and
reduces the risk of complications.
You need to increase the amount of
protein you eat in the weeks before and
after your surgery. This will help your body
heal itself more quickly and effectively.
Protein is found in foods such as chicken,
fish, and eggs (try to avoid greasy, fried
foods). If you are a vegetarian make sure
you are meeting your protein needs.
Add dark green leafy vegetables into your
meals before and after surgery, such as
cabbage, spinach, broccoli, and asparagus.
These contain vitamins and minerals
which will speed up your healing rate and
aid in your recovery.

Preparing for your stay in hospital
Eat a healthy balanced diet
Pack hand wipes for use before and
after meals
Take a hot soapy bath or shower on
the night before surgery and the
morning of surgery including washing
your hair
Clip your nails
Remove any nail polish
Do not shave the area of surgery
Only bring in essential items with you
so your bed space remains clean
Limit your visitors to only two at any
time
Ask your visitors to use the hand gel as
they arrive, and not to sit on your bed
or your chair
There is a no flowers policy at the ROH
Always wear slippers or light shoes
Inform the nurse if your dressing is wet
or loose
Never share your toiletries
Never sit on other patients beds or
chairs
Planning for going home (discharge)
Planning to go home starts before you
even come into hospital.
Check that some basic arrangements are
in place to make your transfer from
hospital to home as easy as possible.
Talk to your family, carers and friends to
ensure that there is sufficient food in the
house, and that you have help available
until you are safely settled in. If you
think you might need extra help when
you go home (Social Services) please
make sure that you discuss this with the
nurse when you are admitted or at your
pre-operation assessment. Before
coming in to hospital, arrange your
home so that you do not have to climb,
bend or reach for items in the first few
days.

Surgery Ready!! Or Am I??

After another Xray appointment recently 17th Oct to be exact, I'm officially on the waiting list for the screw removal. Though I saw a line in the xray, where the bone has been healing, and from conversations with O'Hara before he has always stated he would not remove the Metal while he saw a Line. But this Registrar was happy enough to put me on the waiting list now, I wasn't too concerned as I know even though I'm on the waiting list it would be at least 12weeks before the date would be. Thus giving the Leg another 3mths of healing time and that line would be gone by then.

But then shock horror a few days later I was offered a cancellation date, for today!! But as I'm writing this you can probably tell I didn't take it. Why? Normally I would of jumped at the chance, especially as I have a date with Theo Paphitis end of Jan 2015, surely a date not to miss!! Nor do I want to be on crutches or a walking stick if possible. All that would be gone if I just took this date. So why did I turn down the date?!

Simply I had doubts, doubts from seeing the line in the bone, hearing O'Hara's voice ringing in my ears, that he would rather be safe than sorry, And because if anything had happened, I couldn't and wouldn't forgive myself for accepting a date while feeling so doubtful and nervous, when I'm normally confident and looking forward to the Surgery Date.

So it's been turned down, and I know it may interfere with the date with Theo Paphitis, But I know it's the right decision. Now it's time to do more physio, trying to get fitter, stronger and more stamina, for when I do have the surgery I am in by far better shape and health for it. I'm currently 22lbs down and feeling so much more like my old self pre hip saga!! who know's what another 3 mths can do for me physically and mentally.

So Spoonie Hugs and Happy Hippie Healing to you all xx

Surgery Ready!! Or Am I??

After another Xray appointment recently 17th Oct to be exact, I'm officially on the waiting list for the screw removal. Though I saw a line in the xray, where the bone has been healing, and from conversations with O'Hara before he has always stated he would not remove the Metal while he saw a Line. But this Registrar was happy enough to put me on the waiting list now, I wasn't too concerned as I know even though I'm on the waiting list it would be at least 12weeks before the date would be. Thus giving the Leg another 3mths of healing time and that line would be gone by then.

But then shock horror a few days later I was offered a cancellation date, for today!! But as I'm writing this you can probably tell I didn't take it. Why? Normally I would of jumped at the chance, especially as I have a date with Theo Paphitis end of Jan 2015, surely a date not to miss!! Nor do I want to be on crutches or a walking stick if possible. All that would be gone if I just took this date. So why did I turn down the date?!

Simply I had doubts, doubts from seeing the line in the bone, hearing O'Hara's voice ringing in my ears, that he would rather be safe than sorry, And because if anything had happened, I couldn't and wouldn't forgive myself for accepting a date while feeling so doubtful and nervous, when I'm normally confident and looking forward to the Surgery Date.

So it's been turned down, and I know it may interfere with the date with Theo Paphitis, But I know it's the right decision. Now it's time to do more physio, trying to get fitter, stronger and more stamina, for when I do have the surgery I am in by far better shape and health for it. I'm currently 22lbs down and feeling so much more like my old self pre hip saga!! who know's what another 3 mths can do for me physically and mentally.

So Spoonie Hugs and Happy Hippie Healing to you all xx

Workout Bore, Where has Summer Gone??

Well I never thought it would happen to me, But I've become the biggest workout bore ever!? I've neglected crafting, even reading, and tweeting and all for Exercise? Something is definitely wrong!!

Ever hopeful that the hip flexor would heal itself, The Lower Limb Gym has been doing wonders for me, but you can't only do something once a week or a fortnight, so I've had a program to do at home too. But it's energy zapping so even when not exercising, I'm so exhausted afterwards that I simply flop on the sofa and veg out.

But the plus side to all this is I've lost 15lbs in 4 Months, and I can't even do proper Cardio yet. Portion control is a big factor and I can't recommend MyFitnessPal enough, you can count cals, exercise minutes and even find friends and workout buddies should you wish. It's free and online, I have mine on my phone so I can always access it. It really shows up your bad eating patterns and when your most likely to lose motivation, so for that it's wonderful. And finally my Hip Flexor is responding, not like it should fully, But definitely getting better and stronger too. So all dedication to working out is beneficial all round. And I'm pretty sure the hips are thankful for every 1lb I've lost thats 3lbs of extra pressure I've lost off the hips, which surely must be helping them.

Next xray is October 2014, hopefully at this appointment they can say it's time to remove the Metal. Then by the time the waiting list is through, it should work out Jan 2015 by the time it's done, That makes it 1yr since it was done. So pretty impressed as recently it's been 20+ mths before I could even think of Metal removal, not 9Mths. Goes to show you how different this Surgery has been compared to others on the Same Leg, and Opposite Leg.

With all this working out and Family Drama's too (Mainly Family Stress) we have completely missed out this Summer on Holidays, Not being able to book a chance to get away, or even think of ourselves even. This last year has been my worst year to date, emotional and stressful and for once nothing to for with my own health. So I guess working out has also given me an outlet to channel my anger, and frustrations into. I hope the next year will be so much better, but for now I will continue to increase my mobility and hope for a date asap.

Happy Hippie Healing xx

Workout Bore, Where has Summer Gone??

Well I never thought it would happen to me, But I've become the biggest workout bore ever!? I've neglected crafting, even reading, and tweeting and all for Exercise? Something is definitely wrong!!

Ever hopeful that the hip flexor would heal itself, The Lower Limb Gym has been doing wonders for me, but you can't only do something once a week or a fortnight, so I've had a program to do at home too. But it's energy zapping so even when not exercising, I'm so exhausted afterwards that I simply flop on the sofa and veg out.

But the plus side to all this is I've lost 15lbs in 4 Months, and I can't even do proper Cardio yet. Portion control is a big factor and I can't recommend MyFitnessPal enough, you can count cals, exercise minutes and even find friends and workout buddies should you wish. It's free and online, I have mine on my phone so I can always access it. It really shows up your bad eating patterns and when your most likely to lose motivation, so for that it's wonderful. And finally my Hip Flexor is responding, not like it should fully, But definitely getting better and stronger too. So all dedication to working out is beneficial all round. And I'm pretty sure the hips are thankful for every 1lb I've lost thats 3lbs of extra pressure I've lost off the hips, which surely must be helping them.

Next xray is October 2014, hopefully at this appointment they can say it's time to remove the Metal. Then by the time the waiting list is through, it should work out Jan 2015 by the time it's done, That makes it 1yr since it was done. So pretty impressed as recently it's been 20+ mths before I could even think of Metal removal, not 9Mths. Goes to show you how different this Surgery has been compared to others on the Same Leg, and Opposite Leg.

With all this working out and Family Drama's too (Mainly Family Stress) we have completely missed out this Summer on Holidays, Not being able to book a chance to get away, or even think of ourselves even. This last year has been my worst year to date, emotional and stressful and for once nothing to for with my own health. So I guess working out has also given me an outlet to channel my anger, and frustrations into. I hope the next year will be so much better, but for now I will continue to increase my mobility and hope for a date asap.

Happy Hippie Healing xx

Lower Limb Gym

Well what has happened since we last did an update. Well we have discovered that the Leg isn't working as it should, I am still manually lifting the leg into bed, to move it, get dressed etc... yet there are many Physio exercises I can do easily. it seems to be the one that requires a bend at the Knee, that suddenly renders my leg useless. So stepping up stairs, pretty hard to do. But got lots of new exercises to try, and we are hoping to build it up.

The plan is to go to a Lower Limb Gym every week, and get assessed to see if the range is improving or not. While doing daily Physio at home, and using a Tens Machine to try and stimulate the muscle or nerve that is being affected. We have located that it is possibly the Hip Flexor Nerve, or the Quad Muscle that is affected. Heat and Cold can't be felt in this area, and once we have a few weeks worth of Data and Info on it, I can then present this to my Surgeon at my next X-Ray appointment in July.

The bonus so far is after 1week of intense Physio I have seen some stamina improvement, and I have been using the Tens Machine, which has resulted in some Intense Sharp Pains afterwards, but they feel like 'Waking Up' pains, so I am happy to have them at the Moment.