Day 2

April 30, 2014

Had an interesting night.  Was in guite a bit of pain but noticed when I was standing or moving on the way to the bathroom and back,  I felt better.  Went for a walk down the hall and when I returned to the room I was feeling a bit better.  As the night wore on it got better and better. It went from a pain level of 3 or 4 to barely  1.  Right now it is maybe a 2.  Just moving for the day and could use some medication and a walk for sure. That is the magic combination.

I am waiting to call room service. Yes I said room service. You order your meals!  This place is like a hotel but even better. They actually wait on you.   Amazingly quiet as well. After breakfast I go for PT. Have it 2 times a day.

Went to PT. Ouch. Didn't help that I was in real pain. Learning some interesting things.  I guess they numb the area of the surgery.  When it wears off even in spite of the pain medications you are on you pain level spikes.  That would explain some of my setback yesterday.  As the morning wore on and I stayed in bed my pain got worse.  I was almost a 6.  I got some extra medication and a shot for clotting. Guess my blood work came back and indicated I needed it.  Kinda scary.  Guess it is not uncommon.   I will be taking asprin when I go home.

So...PT was challenging.  I can barely lift my knee or foot.  Ouch!  Spent time doing simple movements to get back to walking.  Was only there a short time and go back later this afternoon.  I have walked a bit in the room. The more I move the less pain I have.  I think lying around just makes everything tighten up.  It is especially true since I can only lay on my back.  I am repeatedly reminded about not bending more than 90 degrees, stepping to the side or backwards, turning toes in or out, and crossing my legs.  I am sure I am forgetting something.  It was pointed out to me that the pain keeps me mindful of these things. Once the pain wears off they are still in place.  That is when trouble can ocur. These restrictions are for weeks if not months.  I need to remember that.

I found it interesting that I kept being offered Klonapin.  I kept telling them I was not anxious.   I was finally told it is also a muscle relaxant.. never knew that but does make sense.  I have noticed that the few times I have taken it but I thought it was my imagination.

Learned another interesting fact today.  They tape your eyelids shut during surgery. I guess it is so your eyes do not dry out while you are under.  Never really thought about that before. I wondered why I had sore red patches under my eyes.  Guess the tape is not my friend.

Finally following the advice and keeping ahead of the pain curve.  When I start to notice it I say something.  Guess they knew what they are talking about.  Have had some really nice conversations with the people that work here. This facility is so nice.  Large clean private rooms.  You call ahead to order meals from a very well thought out menu and it is delivered to your room within an hour. I have to say the food is quite good.  I am still amazed how quiet it is here.

Day 1

April 28, 2014

Sitting in the OR waiting to be beamed up and taken in.  All is well.  Still calm.  Did a bit of Reiki on the space.  Everyone has been so nice.  Again I am blessed to be surrounded by such good people.

Surgery went  well I guess. Went is at 8 and was in my room by 10.  Sent a number of text messages and now ready to sleep for a while.

Was up walking at 2...carefully.  More of a head thing than a hardware thing.  Still a bit groggy so walking is not on my agenda right now. I go to PT tomorrow and probably home on Thursday.   I am learning how not to at bend my hip.

Having issues with pain. Seems to be worse.  Nurse told me it will get worse before it gets better.   Said the pain will get worse before better.  Meds used in the surgery have worn off. Have to figure out my protocol.  Still hurting. Maybe moving will help.  Tomorrow is another
day.

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

1 Day Out

April 28, 2014

Tomorrow is D...Do it ...day.  looks like there is no turning back now.  At the edge and ready to jump.  All systems are Go.  Lots of well wishes and suppprt.  Last minute pep talk from colleague helped.  I am so lucky to be surrounded by such good people.   Ended the day with my daughter's yoga class.  It was perfect.

I am strangely calm.  Guess I am doing the right thing.

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

2 Days Out

April 27, 2014

Started the day with Yin yoga...thank god.  Had a bit of a stressful night but all good now.  The distractions have helped me not think too much about myself but now it is beginning to hit me.  A conversation with someone in the medical field at a party today suggesting I reconsider has me pretty freaked out.  I am trying to stay positive.

Stay tuned!

Namaster
Donna

3 Days Out

April 26, 2014

This was a day without yoga.  Had a class to attend and a 7 year old to take care of.  Been distracted but did notice my hip is not happy.  It does seem to be getting worse by the day.

I have been enjoying the Finding Your Flow mediations from Depok Chopra and I just sign up for a 10 day online series on stress.  I am sure that will help with healing.

It looks as this is going to be a reality.  Only 3 days to go and it will be behind me.  Then it is looking forward to getting back to my practice.

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

4 Days Out

April 25, 2014

Started out the day with a wonderful practice at Power Yoga.  I arrived early only to find the door locked.  So I sat on the porch until someone came to open the studio.  While I was waiting I saw a lady walking her dog.  Eventually she made her way to the studio and we began to talk.  She asked about Power Yoga and while I was extoling its virtues I notice she was wearing a hat from the club at which I used to row and coach.  As we were talking another lady came up joined in our conversation.  The discussion got around to hip replacement and she informed me that she had both of her hips replaced 3 years ago.  With a the exception of a couple of glitches she is glad she had it done.  Crazy how this stuff happens!  Oh...that is right...there are no coincidences!

Guess it is time to start planning on how I am going to get around the house without hurting myself.  Practicing getting in and out of bed and chairs.  Seems I need a "grabber".  Trying to figure out how I am going to get in and out of my leggings.  Guess I will be wearing something else for a while.  At least it is almost flip-flop season.  No socks!!!

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

5 Days Out

April 24, 2014

Another busy day with ups and downs.  Wonderful restorative yoga class this morning.  It is amazing how it helps both physically and mentally.  My hip was bad this morning but after the class and as the day went on it seemed to be a bit less painful.  It is, however, getting worse by the day.  I am glad I am getting this surgery and sooner rather than later is fine with me.

Had heartening news about my son.  His intelligence, professionalism, dedication, and bravery has not gone unnoticed. 

Other than that the day is over and I am ready for tomorrow.

Stay tuned!

Donna

6 Days Out

April 23, 2014

Today was another crazy day.  My hip has been bothering me.  Weekend events had me concerned about my son and today brought concerns about my daughter.  Maybe it is a good thing.  It has kept me distracted and not thinking about myself.  A walk and meditation took the edge off and my daughter's yoga class was just what I needed.  I had difficulty setting an intention and finally settled on peace and calm.  My practice was just that.  I actually relaxed into it for the first time and it was perfect!  I left feeling so calm and at peace.    Sure...now that I got it I will not be able to practice for a while.

I have also relaxed about my kids.  As I told my son on the weekend, "your pain is my pain, your struggle is my struggle".  But I have had to let this go.  I can't change their fate or their life.  I can only support them in whatever they endeavor to do.

So thank you to them for the distraction.  Now it is time to move on to tomorrow...one day closer to my surgery.

Stay tuned!

Donna

7 Days Out

April 22, 2014

What can I say?  One week from today it will be over!  Had a great Power Yoga class today.  Only 5 more classes to go...if I am lucky.

Stay Tuned!

Donna

8 Days Out

April 21, 2014

Getting closer and calmer.  Spent the afternoon with my friend who is anesthesiologist and she assured me that everything will be fine.  Went to yoga tonight.  My daughter's class was really demanding.  Lots of sweating but it felt good.

Today had it's distractions but at the end of the day it was good.  I had moments of great concern but all is well for the moment.  On that note...

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

9 Days Out

April 20, 2014

Today was a Yin day.  I am never sure if I am unwinding from the week or getting ready for the week to come.  Regardless, it is an amazing way to spend a Sunday morning.  Added to that it was a beautiful warm spring Easter Sunday! The perfect day for rebirth!   I had time to go to the park to sit by the water and do Day 6 (yes, I am behind) of the Depok Chopra Finding Your Flow meditation.  It couldn't have been more perfect.  The sun was warm, the water was like glass, the energy was magical.

Support still flows from those with whom I practice.  I am so blessed.  Is my life perfect? No.  Do I have all that I want?  No.  But do I have what I need?  Yes.  Is what I have enough?  There is abundance everywhere.  I just have to look for it.

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

10 Days Out

April 19, 2014

I took my daughter's yoga class this morning.  It was perfect!  She is so good and I am so proud of her.  Got some support from others in class today.  One is a surgical nurse that works in the hospital where I am having my surgery.  She said if she is working she will try to stop by to see me.  I thought that was so kind.  I also spoke with her sister who assured me that it will go well.  All of these incremental supports are really helping.  I have been so blessed by everyone's concerns and reassurances.

As I get closer to surgery I am becoming more and more aware of how my hip is feeling.  During the day I am often surprised at times it doesn't bother me, but at night it is very different.  I wake up multiple times with pain and discomfort.  I am looking forward to sleeping through a night without pain once this is done and healed.  I can't imagine how it must be to have to live with this kind of situation.  As much as this surgery concerns me, at least something can be done to help.  Thankfully I live in a time when something can be done about it.  As difficult as life may be during these times, at least we have ways to improve quality of life.  It reminds me of a recent post by Depok Chopra on his Dailypedia App.  I found it very profound and it changed my perspective on my life and my experiences.

     (E)ssentially we are spiritual beings who have taken manifestation in physical form; that we are 
     not human beings that have the occasional spiritual experiences, that we're spiritual beings who
     have occasional human experiences.

In essence, I have been "given" this body so that I can experience life on this earth. I am first a soul, and secondly a person.  Getting those two things in order has helped me better understand and appreciate the gift I have and inspires me to all I can to respects and take care of that gift. If this surgery is part of that effort than so be it.

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

11 Days Out

April 18, 2014

Today was another day of cardio yoga.  Wow.  Sure makes me realize that I have a lot of work to do to get where I would like to be in my practice.  It certainly won't be before my surgery.  I am so glad I am doing different kinds of yoga.  I always thought that if I wasn't doing Power Yoga I wasn't doing yoga.  As much as I LOVE it I have been learning so much from taking other kinds.  It has helped me in my practice and is helping my Power Yoga practice especially.

The closer I get to my surgery date the more comfortable I am feeling about my decisions.  My yoga instructor told me she had been speaking to someone about a hip replacement and that she had the same surgeon I have.  She said everything went perfectly and she would highly recommend him.  My instructor also commented that it won't take long before my software will quickly get comfortable with my hardware.  I really liked that image.  Yea!  I needed to hear this!

I was also reflecting on a quote from Baron Baptiste's book 40 Days to Personal Revolution, "doubt your doubts".  My yoga instructor talked about this during a class about 2 weeks ago but wasn't until today that I thought back about it.  While it was significant at the time, it is now making more sense. 

On that note, tomorrow is another yoga day!

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

 

12 Days Out

April 17, 2014

Had an amazing restorative yoga class today.  My back has really been bothering me and it was just what I needed.  The massage afterward helped I am sure...or was it the Tramadol.  Who cares?  I am feeling much better! 

One of the things I like about restorative is that I also get to "restore" my mind.  Had a chance to think about how I even got there and was thinking of my daughter, who is a yoga instructor, and first got me into a studio and a regular practice.  Before I did it randomly on my own...and I mean randomly.  That led to thinking about how she got to yoga which led to my mother.  My mother did yoga in the 60's.  She lived with us and my daughter grew up watching her practice.  My mother was inspired by her great aunt who did morning exercises every day..and this was in the 1930s or 40s.  I spent my savasana reflecting on this.

I find that the less I think about the surgery and my decisions and the more I focus on being the present it really helps.  As was written by Lao Tzu
     If you are depressed, you are living in the past
     If you are anxious, you are living in the future
     If you are at peace, you are living in the present

On that note...

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

 

13 Days Out

April 16, 2014

Took a fantastic yoga class this morning!  It was challenging for sure.  I was working! Looking forward to a restorative class tomorrow.  I think I need a break from getting my ass kicked.  :-)  Massage to follow!!!!!  YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Went to a new dentist today.  Love him.  He made getting my filling replaced fun!  Looking forward to seeing him next week to get another one done. And the importance of this is?....  I wanted a new dentist and asked for recommendations.  I got 3 recommendations but this is the one I selected for a number of reasons and hoped I had made the right decision.  It turned out great!  For me this is another reassurance that I have made the right decision about my hip surgery.  Add to this, Depok Chopra's app posted:

     The universe has no fixed agenda.  Once you make a any decision, it works around that  
     decision. There is not right or wrong, only a series of possibilities that shift with each thought, 
     feeling, and action that you experience.

"Coincidences" just keep happening!

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

14 Days Out

April 15, 2014

Had a great yoga class this morning.  Deep and thoughtful and sweat a lot.  It was great! I combined that with the second day of the "Finding Your Flow" Meditation from Depok Chopra.  It was a perfect morning!  Even more interesting is the posting on his dailypedia app.  It was particularly appropriate for my last couple of days.  It said, "If you are obsessing over whether or not you are making the right decisions, you are basically assuming that the universe will reward you for one thing and punish you for the other."  Something to think about and does make you realize that there are really no coincidences in life.  That was just what I needed to hear...not the first time this has happened recently with this app, by the way.

So today ends on a good note.  The less I think about this the better I do.  So I guess I will think about other things!  Tomorrow is another yoga day!

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

15 Days Out

April 14, 2014

Had a terrible night.  Beginning to wonder if I have the right surgeon.  He is imminently competent and qualified but doesn't specialize in replacement.  His website says he does reconstruction and oncology. I really like him and he has been very honest, supportive and professional.  I am going to call today to talk about it.  The last thing I need this close is more uncertainty.  I am not sure if it is appropriate to switch doctors at the same practice and this certainly will change the surgery date.

Boy do I have work to do!  Took a cardio yoga class this morning that kicked my butt.  I thought Power Yoga was tough!  Hoping to be able to do 1 or 2 a week before surgery.  Instructor was fantastic.  Learned some good things to do to make my practice better.  So much to learn!

Was raging crazy about what to do about my surgeon.  Made some calls and spoke with a friend who is an anesthesiologist in the same hospital that he does his surgeries.  She knows him and his work and said her is really good and not to worry.  He does lots of hip replacements and has a good solid record.  She said his bedside manner may not be great but so far he has been very kind and communicative with me.  On that note I will once again step away from the ledge.

Somebody talk to me!!!!!  Am I alone is this kind of uncertainty and swing?

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

16 Days Out

April 13, 2014

Enjoyed a demanding yet wonderfully restorative Yin yoga class this morning....hhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Trying to practice a handstand every day before surgery.  Today actually went well after a week of not so good.  Popped up and had time to hold it and be thoughtful making some adjustments and working on form.  This will be my target for recovery.  When I can do this effortlessly after my surgery I will know I have returned!

Since the weather was so nice took my dog for a 2 hour walk as well.  Better get used to just doing that.  Practice makes perfect!

Hoping I will be well enough to take an Art of Assisting class in May but it is only about  weeks after surgery.  I am doubtful but hopeful.

Hip is a bit bothersome today and the right side of my low back is not too happy.  I hope that all clears up after the surgery.

If anyone is out there feel free to post your thoughts or comments.

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

17 Days Out

April 12, 2014

Today was another day without yoga.  Was tied up since early morning and just got home.  Kept moving though so that was good.  Plan to take a yin class in the morning.  Feel pretty good so far.  Tomorrow is another day.

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

18 Days Out

April 11, 2014

Made it Power Yoga today.  Felt so good to really sweat.  Had a chance to announce to the class about the blog and encouraged them to participate.  Got encouragement from some yogis.  One was a physical therapist who gave me some suggestions and ideas of what to expect.  Her recommendation was get a "reacher" to be able to pick things up since I can't bend over 90 degrees for quite a while.  I have a feeling the one who will get the most use (fun) out of it is by granddaughter.

By the end of the day I was a bit more confident that I am doing the right thing.  As is usual, everyone I spoke to about hip replacement only had positive things to say about it.

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

19 Days Out

April 10, 2014

Made it to a restorative yoga class today.  Hip was pretty good last night.  Took a Tramadol before I went to bed.  Did not quite last the night.  Funny how it is better the more I move during the day.  Maybe it is because I am distracted.

Having another day of doubt.  It seems that no matter how I question this surgery things keep happening to reassure me that it is the right thing to so. I was talking to a colleague about another matter today only to find out she had a hip replacement about a year ago.  She had nothing but positive things to say about her experience. 

So I end the day a bit more reassured.  One day closer.

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

20 Days Out

April 9, 2014

Not having a good day so far.  Had to get up last night to take a Tramadol.  Even so, I am not sure that having the surgery is a good idea.  While the thought of surgery does not bother me, others I have had have been to remove something.  This one is to put something in...

It doesn't look like I will be making yoga this morning.  Got some writing and other work to do.  May practice at home if I can't make it to class.

Been working all day and still not done.  May be a good thing.  It has kept my mind off the surgery.  Looks like this will be my day of rest.  One more meeting to go for tonight.  Yoga in the morning!

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna

21 Days Out

April 8, 2014

The intent of this blog is to chronicle my recovery and rehab from a full hip replacement using yoga and to seek the perspectives of others who have gone through or are going through a similar situation. Bear with me...this is my first attempt at a blog...so here I go...

Well...as of yesterday I was freaking out!  Three weeks from today I will be in surgery getting my right hip replaced due to a car accident that happened 3 years ago.  Attempts to fix it arthroscopically didn't work and it has gotten worse since then, however, I have continued in my yoga practice getting stronger and more flexible by the week.   That is until now...pretty soon I will be out of the studio for weeks and loosing all I have gained.  I am very frustrated already.

I have talked to a number of people who have had, or who know someone who had, a hip replacement.  Many of them are former athletic types, dancers, and yogis who have said they do not regret having it done.  They are now pain free and are back to their usual practice...with the exception of running.  The only regrets I hear is the that they wish they had not waited so long.

Yesterday I was very apprehensive about going through with the procedure and was not sure I was with the right doctor.  But as they say "give it a day".  Today at yoga I met someone who is a surgical nurse in the hospital at which I am having my surgery.  She is very familiar with the doctor and assured me I was in good hands.  This just reinforces for me that there are no coincidences.  Everything happens for a reason and everything around you is a message to which attention needs to be paid.

I spent a hour+ this afternoon at the hospital getting pre-admission work done.  I was surprised by the number test the doctor ordered.  I have had surgeries before but none that included blood work,  EKG, X-ray, physical examination, and interview.  Perhaps it is standard for this kind of surgery but the nurse said this doctor was very particular about his protocol.  More good news as far as I am concerned.

I have a wonderful yogi instructor who has years of experience in hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and research to help guide me in my recovery.  I have looked online for information regarding yoga and hip replacement and have great success in locating some helpful pieces.  I am, however, looking for a-day-by-day play-by-play account of recovery and rehab.  Since I have not been able to locate one I have decided to start my own and I am hoping others in the yoga community will be willing to join me on my journey.

So now...at least for today...I am a bit more comfortable about the decision to have the hip replacement. 

Any thoughts, recommendations, experiences, or suggestions from you yogis out there that you would care to share would be most appreciated.

Stay tuned!

Namaste
Donna