Sunday, June 12, 2016

Explaining My Absence


 Sleeping on the job
Tuppence, always nearby

Warning: This is a long, boring post that no one is required to read, but I thought I would put out there for the person who may be wondering why I dropped off planet Blog. Also, by writing this down, I have an account I can refer to when anyone asks. I don't usually write personal stuff on my blog, and wouldn't probably be doing this now except for the pain meds, so if it's too personal, (and I just re-read it. It's WAY too much information and WAY too personal!) just forgive me and know that it's the medication talking.

SO:  Hello my blogging friends!

I thought I would tell a little bit more about why I'm absent from blogland and will probably only be blogging occasionally, depending upon how I'm feeling, for the next few weeks. 

As some of you may remember, I had a total hip replacement in December of 2013. I was the model patient (no, really I was!) doing all the exercises my doctor recommended, beginning with band and step exercises at 2 1/2 weeks and adding squats to the regimen at 4.5 weeks. At that point, everything went south. Everything hurt. For the next two years I went to doctor after physical therapist after chiropractor to try to find out WHY I wasn't recovering like I was supposed to do. My original surgeon said, 'Well, it's not your hip.' Both a different hip surgeon and a back surgeon suspected that it was a problem with my back, but I insisted that I didn't have any back pain. Finally, last fall, after doctors and bone scans and MRIs and whatnot, they threw up their hands and forwarded me on to the orthopedics department at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.



At Mayo, they had given me an appointment with two different orthopedic doctors. The first one examined me and gave me orders to take to my physical therapist, that I commence  illiotibial band exercises. She didn't know that later in the day I'd be seeing the Chair of the orthopedics surgery department for his assessment. After he examined me, looked at the xrays, etc. he said that he suspected that the original prosthesis was loose, that at least there was most likely micro-motion around the tip and head of the stem, and that every time bone would flex around it, it would cause pain. (Because of the original titanium implant, an MRI is distorted, not able to show clearly what's going on). He said that if he did surgery, he would slice the bone lengthwise, fold it back (??) take out the old prosthesis and put in a longer, bigger diameter one that was of a different design, and that he thought there was a 90% chance that would help me. He expected the surgery to take 4.5 - 5 hours (whereas the original was easier and done in 45 minutes.) He also mentioned that he was booked out 6 months.

I decided to go with his diagnosis because he said that after this long, chances of it getting any better were about nil.

Back home, I was doing normal things except for walking very much. I could go up and down the steps, carry my laundry, make meals, etc. I just couldn't walk far without the leg starting to hurt. A lot. Around the house I didn't need a cane, but if I were to walk a few blocks, I couldn't do it without a cane. Okay.

Weeks and months dragged by. Winter turned to spring...

June 6 finally arrived and I was first in surgery. The surgery itself lasted about 1 3/4 hours because yes, indeed, the prosthesis was LOOSE. He said there was almost no bone at all grown in around the old prosthesis, just a tiny bit at the top. They removed the old prosthesis, put in a new one, and gave me a nice foot-long incision and a brace. I'm to wear the brace for at least 8 weeks (the time of my follow-up appointment at Mayo) use a walker, and no weight bearing on that leg for 8 weeks, no exercises, and only bend at a 45 degree angle, not 90, as last time.


 On the porch at suppertime

This time around is much more painful, and believe me, all I'm doing at this point is sleeping and taking pain meds, doing ankle pumps, and occasionally sitting up for a meal. I am so blessed to have a really wonderful husband (who is probably sick of doing this, but never complains) who helps me in and out of bed, and our daughter who is spending the first two weeks post op with us and cooking, tending to me, bringing me a little lap bench and my laptop so I can write this post and yet stay in bed, and who also helps me in and out of bed and is a good conversationalist. I suspect it will be a month or so before I can get in and out of bed by myself. That leg has had a lot of trauma.

One night I slept through, which meant I didn't get my pain meds on time. That won't happen again. I now have the alarm on my phone set to go off the 10 times a day I have to take something.

 Nurse Meow
Always at my side.

I am spending my recuperation hours in the library on a single bed with a view of the flowerbed and windbreak along the north. Since the door opens onto our screened in porch, I can have the door open at night and awaken to the beautiful sound of birdsong at 4:30 AM and the wind chimes. It is a delight!!

I think that's all for now, but you all left such nice comments on my last post and I wanted to let you know what's happening. I'm hoping to be able to join in with Wednesday's Hodgepodge. We'll see.

In the meantime, my Etsy shop and my web store are closed for another week, for I won't be doing any steps climbing any time soon and my soap room is up a flight of steps.

I will still be posting photos on Instagram because I have a huge photo archives and from my phone am able to access photos that have been on my blog or ones I've recently taken. As you know, Instagram is so much easier because I don't have to sit up. For those who want to follow me on Instagram, you'll find me there @cranberrymorning. In another few weeks I'm also going to open an Instagram account that will be all about my soaps.

I will try to respond to comments, but only am able to if you have an email attached to your blog. There are a few of you who always show up as 'no reply blogger' and I have no way to respond to your comments. Please make sure your email is attached to your blog. Thanks!

Purple and white bearded iris,


Old fashioned peony

 'curtains and fountains of roses'

The above flowers are all ones I view from my bed in the library.
Yes, the flowerbed is also full of weeds, but they're not the plants I see.


For anyone who would rather write than leave a comment on this blog post, feel free to contact me by email: Judy(at)soapnsuch(dot)com. I'd love to hear from you and can respond on my phone, which, like my cat, is always at my side. :-)

Praise God for family, for a surgeon with knowledge and insight, for the whole trained team who worked with me at Mayo, and for all who were and are continuing to pray for me. And for a room with a view.


***


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Judy

56 comments:

Deb said...

I'm praying for a speedy recovery for you, Judy. And please give Nurse Meow a pat and a hug for me. I know how comforting a fluffy, one foot tall nurse can be. =^..^= hugs, Deb

Bethany Carson said...

Will be sending prayers your way for a good recovery--without too much more pain! My grandma had her hip replaced...and had it come out of joint a couple times, which was really painful. They finally got it fixed right, and she seems to be doing well. Take care!

Anonymous said...

It is so very good to hear from you! You have been on my mind. Please take care and keep us posted. I have the utmost faith in Mayo. Hugs.

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

It's so good to hear you are back home and doing well, dear Judy! You have been through so much, but it sounds like you have a good diagnosis. I'm so happy your daughter is there with you! Along with your loving helpful husband you are in good hands. Take care, dear one. ♥

Lady Jane said...

Finally an answer to your ordeal. Sounds like this will fix your problem. Praying for you but knowing you have good help in your daughter and hubby. What a blessing for you. Keep us posted. Hugs, LJ

TexWisGirl said...

i am so, so sorry for your long, drawn-out ordeal, and even more pain now that you know it is 'fixed'. truly hoping you will be pain-free and mobile soon.

Amy at love made my home said...

First of all, don't worry, not TMI! Secondly take your time and concentrate on getting better rather than worrying about blogging and soap! But, that said if it is interesting and takes your mind off things go for it. Heck, what do I know! I just hope that you are much better and quickly! Thinking of you and sending good thoughts! xx

Susie said...

Oh Judy, There's knots in my tummy after reading this...Yikes. God bless your heart. I hate that you have had to go thru this and I am putting you in my prayers. I will pray for your family too. Big illnesses and intense surgeries effect our whole family. Bless you, stay strong honey. xoxo, Susie

Elizabethd said...

What a hard time you have been through. I do hope all will be well now.

Anonymous said...

Whoa! What a road you have traveled. So glad you got the right diagnosis and repair. I do hope it all heals well for you. Thank you for sharing. Yippee for a room with a view. Take care. Praying as I type for you and your healing!!

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

It is good that you found a doctor who could discover what was going on with your hip. Sorry that you had to go to so many before you were helped.

I hope your pain will diminish and then stop very soon, and that you will have a full recovery asap.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I am glad they found out the real reason for your pain and it is fixed now. I do hope your pain goes away, that is not fun at all. It is great that your hubby and daughter are there to take care of you, God Bless them. Take care and I wish you a speedy recovery. Happy Sunday, enjoy your new week ahead!

Terra said...

Thanks for telling us about your ordeal. A loose prosthesis, ouch. I hope your recovery will happen smoothly and completely. Thank goodness for your nurse cat, your attentive husband and daughter and a room with a view. Jesus is our great healer.

Maggie said...

Oh my! So sorry to hear you've been through this ordeal. Hope you will heal quickly and feel much better than before the surgery. Thanks for all the Instagram pics--they are wonderful!

Theresa said...

Oh Judy, I am so sorry:( I pray that this time around... all will heal as it should and you will be all better! Have a blessed healing time ahead, HUGS!

Cathy said...

Praying for your quick and full recovery.

Terri D said...

Judy, it is so good to catch-up with you and to learn more about your surgery and what you have been through! Thank goodness for the doctor who figured it out for you! Your rehab time sounds more like my dad's when he had hip replacement nearly 30 years ago. He couldn't bend past 45-degree angles. The bathroom and the chair he used in the living room all had to be fitted with special seats. It was much more involved than surgeries today. I know you are taking care, and it sounds like you are being cared for quite nicely. The time will go fast when you look back on it. Love, hugs and prayers!!

Theresa said...

Praying for a quick and smooth recovery for you.

Lorrie said...

That's quite an ordeal, Judy. I hope your recovery goes well and you are free from pain.

Vee said...

That is a lot for you to cope with, Judy. So disappointing that there were complications with that first surgery. I didn't find it too much to read, though. It better informs me how to pray. I am very glad that the surgery is behind you. Here's to the healing ahead! Such beautiful flowers for you to see from your bed, which seems as if sits in the garden.

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Such a horrible ordeal to go through to fix what should have been an easy surgery and recovery. Kind of freaky, really. Pretty sad too that you had to go through so much to finally find the answer. I would rather be told by a doctor that he didn't know the cause of pain than to be given some BS reason and solution. So glad you FINALLY knew the answer to the question.
xx, Carol

Samantha said...

Judy! Golly gosh, you have been in the wars! I hope you recover quickly, it's so boring being confined to such limited movements, but you are doing the right thing not rushing your recovery. Take care of yourself my friend xx

Linda said...

Good grief, you def. have been put through the ringer, haven't you? Keeping you in prayer, sweet friend...

ps I have moved over to WP, and when you feel better, I will leave you the link...smiles

Dicky Bird said...

Oh that sounds horrible...sorry, that you had to go through this. I will be praying for you - speedy recovery, less pain and easy rehab.

Donna said...

So sorry you had to endure such a long period with no answer for your pain but so happy you found an excellent doctor. Wishing you a speedy recovery! You have wonderful caregivers...hubs, daughter and Nurse Meow. xoxo

Tracy Batchelder said...

Thanks for the update--I've been wondering how you've been doing. It sounds like you figured out how to keep on top of the pain management the hard way. The alarms are a good idea. Hopefully the pain will be less this week. Wishing you a speedy recovery! See you on Instagram.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

My comment just went into the ether!!!!!
So glad you have finally got someone who has been able to sort out your problem and it seems you are on the mend now AND in a 'Room With A View' with that glorious Rose to look at. My email is at the top of my blog (RHS) should you ever wish to write to me about anything. you arefortunate to have a very willing helpful family looking after you so just do as the doctors haveadvised adn you wil recover soon.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

((HUGS)) I am so sorry that it took two years for them to figure this out. Praying that you will get that 90%, hopefully 100%, improvement!! Can't believe how still you have to be this time around. I will be holding you close in my thoughts and prayers.

Tired Teacher said...

Glad that you found a doctor that listened and took the time to look closer at your records.Wwishing you a speedy recovery!

Joyce said...

That sounds miserable. I'm glad the procedure is behind you and you're on the road to recovery. I'm glad you're feeling well enough to blog some, and that you have family to take care of you as you rest and heal. Keeping you in my prayers!

living from glory to glory said...

Good Morning, may you feel the SON-shine on your face and grow stronger every day! So glad you are now in recovery and healing...
Hugs, Roxy

MadSnapper said...

not to much info at all. we all wanted and needed to know why you are MIA...what a story and tohave dragged on so long. prayers for a quick recovery from this surgery and to become pain free walking again... glad you have 2 good nurses and a laptop... i am on my laptop on my lap in bed right now... i go from desk to standing laptop to propping in bed laptop.. and it is working, instagram sounds perfect to do from your phone. healing wishes coming your way

Michelle said...

Bless your heart! Not too much information! I do hope this surgery fixes everything for you and your recovery continues at warp speed!

Cynthia said...

Judy I am sorry for all the issues. I've been missing since December and am just back. Get better soon and again I am sorry you have to go through this

Cindy

Debby Ray said...

Hi Judy...good to see you back, if only for an update right now. Working in PT, your post was of great interest to me as I can certainly relate to orthopedic issues! That is SOME brace they sent you home in! It is so wonderful that your sweet hubby is taking such good care of you too. Praying for you to continue to heal quickly and you soon will be up and around! Hugs!

Stephanie said...

My dear Judy, thank you so much for letting us know what you have been up to. Please know that I will be praying for you recovery... Take it easy, dear one. {{hugs}}

This N That said...

I hope your recovery is smooth sailing from here on in..Lucky to have such a caring husband...Feel better soon.

Christine said...

Prayers for continued healing!

Susan said...

My kitties and I send you best wishes for a speedy recovery~

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Such an ordeal to fix something that possibly wasn't done correctly the first time? I hope there is good healing and success from this operation Judy, continued prayers for you. Blessings to your loving husband too.

Carla from The River said...

Prayers to you Judy! I will text you when a good time to come for a visit would be.
Love, Carla

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Oh my goodness, Judy! Praying for a speedy and uncomplicated recovery for you! So glad to know you are in good hands. x Karen

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

So glad to hear that you came through ok ( though you feel like hell...you know what I mean :)

What a story ; it seems that something went wrong the first time from the get go! I was just shaking my head. Don't worry about comments and visiting people etc until you feel better. I say keep taking those meds till you are high as a kite or at least the birds that sing in the early dawn :)

Glad that your daughter is there to help along with your husband. A woman's touch :)

Ida said...

Oh Judy I am so sorry to hear that you had to go through so much pain but am thankful that you finally found a doctor who knew what was going on. I will be praying for you and a speedy recovery. It's wonderful you have family to help you out and a sweet kitty companion to help keep you company. Hugs from me to you.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry that you went through the years in pain and finally finding the good doctor, I've been there, on both accounts. Hopefully no pain in the future:) What a loving husband and your daughter. Beautiful view with a kitty by your side. You are Blessed. Kathleen in Az

Anonymous said...

That room with a view will surely make your recovery more enjoyable. Nice to have your daughter, and of course a kitty, by your side. I'd say you're in good hands and paws. So glad they found the problem, though I'm sad you had to suffer so long with it.

Breathing In Grace said...

Oh, mercy, you certainly have been through so much. Praying for a much speedier recovery than anticipated, since the surgery didn't take as long as the doctor had predicted. Take REALLY good care of yourself so you heal.

20 North Ora said...

Oh Judy, I had no idea you had gone thru all of this. I remember you having surgery the first time. Am so sorry you have suffered so long. Will be praying for a quick recovery and pain as little as possible.

Judy

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my goodness you have been through the ringer!
So don't you know God had his hand in this?
What if you didn't get this last opinion?
You needed it.
So that brace is huge!!!!!!!!!!!

I will definitely pray for you and that the bone knits around the bone. You know I had my hip replaced ten years ago now. I didn't know anything about all this.

I hope and pray you get better - that is too much pain!
Love,sandie

Debbie said...

awwww judy, sometimes life just sucks, but i know it will get better. thank goodness for helping hands and patient family members, where would we be without them!!!

your blooms are beautiful, especially the iris. i hope you will be able to walk among the gardens soon!!! i am sending you a big warm hug from the jersey shore!!!

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Judy, I've just caught up with your recent post and want to send my thoughts and best wishes for your recovery.
So pleased you have family around to help you and of course Nurse Meow!

Take care

All the best Jan

DeniseinVA said...

Hi Judy, so sorry that you have had all this to deal with and I also am happy you have great support from your family, including your Nurse Meow. Such a sweet photo! Loved all your photos in fact. I wish you a fast and speedy recovery and please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you.

Judy S. said...

So glad to hear you are on the road to full recovery and that you found a surgeon to make that happen! Hugs to you and good wished to feel better real soon!

Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...

I'm so sorry to read abut your hip problems and the pain you're in after that second surgery. I hope your husband takes good care of you, helped by nurse Meaow!

J_on_tour said...

Sorry to hear about the traumas, at least they discovered what was wrong and it's all about small steps in the recovery process. Nice to hear everyone including the cat are pulling together in Team Cranberry !!

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

I am sorry to read this but so glad to read that you went to the Mayo Clinic, They were a place we became very familiar with in the 90's with our daughter's surgeries relating to her cancer. It's a magnificent place and one that gives you hope and great relief once you start meeting the doctors. They have the most up to date imaging equipment and are much better at finding out what is going on. Too bad you had to wait 6 mos. but it sounds like you made the best choice. I saw your newest post which led me to go searching for why you were using crutches. I feel bad for you about the pain you had to endure but I imagine by now you are doing much better. Take care, Liz

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