Ashgrove Farm

And we’re home 🙂

Funny how I noticed every little bump and rut in the road as we drove home.  I hope the drive wasn’t as uncomfortable as I felt it was.

She did comment that the car seat was much more comfortable now than on the drive in, which I think is very positive. Also the leg feels much longer than it did on Wednesday, and her knees feel better already. It’s probably because the hip joint had almost completely collapsed and everything else was having to take the strain.

The hospital doled out extra sleepy painkillers before we left, so it’s now time for a brief power nap before we start the walking round every 20 minutes regime which is required for optimum hip recovery.

When I arrived at the hospital this morning Mum was dressed and in a chair.  The physio, Angela this time, has been in and explained the standing exercises.

Joan the vet came to visit this morning which was lovely.  While she was here physio Angela came back and we did steps, first on a little exercise step and then the flight of stairs down to the ground floor.  I have to stand below her as she goes up and down, but apart from that she’s good on her own. Angela remembered Joan treating her cat when she as a child, so there were reminiscences all round.

Now for the big news: They are so pleased with Mum’s progress that she is being discharged today.  I’m bringing her home this afternoon.

But first it’s lunchtime, and the soup once again is delicious.  We’re trying to work out what’s in it so we can replicate it at home.

The sun was shining when I arrived at the hospital at lunchtime and I was surprised to see that the bed had been moved next to the window.  The inflatable slippers had gone, the hospital gown had been replaced by a nightie and Mum had walked, under instruction and with the aid of a zimmer frame to the far wall and back.  After yesterday’s worry about low blood pressure, this was excellent progress. Both Charlotte the physio and Hayley the nursing assistant were impressed at how fit Mum is and how much upper body strength she has.  I don’t suppose that would come as much a surprise to anyone else who knows her…

The surgeon, Mr George had been in and asked if Mum had heard him hammering the new joint in.  Fortunately she hadn’t!!  He explained that he doesn’t use cement or glue to hold the new hip in place,  he uses a special collar which then fuses the new hip and the thigh bone together.  This process takes about 6 weeks, but gives a more secure and long lasting joint. The recovery takes slightly longer, but it gives a much better result.

After Mr George’s visit, there was another X-ray, just to check that everything was looking good and then lunch.

Contrary to the reputation of hospital food, the meals have been excellent. All three courses are tasty and generous, and the fresh homemade soup has been especially delicious.

After another little walk round this afternoon with the physio, Mum had a little snooze and I came home…

Evening update: She’s definitely on the road to recovery.  She’s looking better and has all her electronic gadgets out…  I’ll need to put them all on charge before I leave.

The operation seems to have gone well.

Before being wheeled down to the theatre Mum had a huge black arrow drawn on her leg in permanent marker. So unlike the pacemaker fitting, I didn’t have to go down to the operating theatre with her to check that they were going to do the correct operation!

In a stroke of good fortunate, she was first on the list this morning and in surgery before 8 am.  The epidural with sedation looks to have been an excellent choice,  she remembered hardly anything about the operation, and only felt anything during the stitching at the end. When I returned to the hospital at 10.45 she was looking fine and seemed very alert – which may not have been the case with a general anaesthetic.

Of course she couldn’t wait to get rid of her drip so she could use her right hand to start texting again… 🙂

Mum is currently sporting some very unusual footwear.  Her feet are wrapped in inflating slippers which are attached to a pump.  They inflate and deflate alternately, at seemingly random intervals.  every time the left one inflates it makes a loud popping noise which makes Mum (and me) jump.

Apart from having low blood pressure this afternoon which meant an unwelcome return to the drip and no getting out of bed, recovery is progressing nicely. Charlotte the physio has prescribed exercises to be done 3 times a day while still in bed – no rest for the recuperating!

Mr George the surgeon was pleased with the operation. He said the old hip was completely worn out and full of arthritis.  He expects the new hip will give her a new lease of life!

As she’s had to stay in bed today, I expect tomorrow to be a busy day with physiotherapy, another visit from Mr George to check up on his handiwork, and of course I will be visiting…

Make sure change the correct hip!!

I left the hospital this morning at 7.50 as they were wheeling Mum into the operating theatre.

It’s now10.50 am and she’s awake, she looks fine and she didn’t didn’t feel a thing.  As you might imagine she’s champing at the bit to get her drip out so she can operate her phone and start texting….

Tomorrow is new hip day.  After months of waiting and frustration the day is nearly here.

After spending the morning playing Meg’s new favourite game “hunt the crutch”,  she left to go on her holidays at lunchtime.  Unusually she didn’t seem to want to go.  Perhaps she knew something was a-foot (or a-hip).

We thought it might take the whole afternoon to pack,  until we read the list of thing to take. Nightwear, dressing gown, slippers and toiletries.  Not the extensive list we’ve allowed time for. So in true Black fashion we’ll be spending the afternoon playing with our computers and waiting for the builder…