My surgery is scheduled 12/26 and I become more fretful each day. As I mentioned, I am a 66 yr old widow living with my 2 dogs. Had my pre-op on 12/12 and HSS called me because they didn’t have my CAT scan. I was signed in, saw the internist, went to education and was told I could leave. No one said a thing about a CAT scan. Now I have to go back this Friday. They’re are also looking for a hematology report that was sent to them on 12/13. Just adds to my anxiety and frustration. I purchased all my supplies, two raised toilet seats, flexible ice pack that can be heated or frozen, a 4" pillow to keep me raised and a 5 piece tool set including a device to put on socks. I already have a seat for my shower.
My question, for those who have dogs. How long did you have to wait before you could actually walk them? They’ll be with my sitter and my son. I’m just looking at timelines. Thanks all!
how big are your dogs? I could walk around a short block, using cane! at about two weeks. you just dont want them tripping you.
You probably have this in your tool kit, but the most useful device I had was the grabber for picking things up.
HI Georgette,
I was able to do lengthy walks after 3 wks.
Some people start walking earlier and some later.
It's all about your individual journey. Most important thing to remember is, don't rush it.
wishing you all the best...
-Gary
what dr are you using at HSS
Many thanks! They are Portuguese Water Dogs, Stella and Randall. Stella will turn 3 yrs old in March and is about 44 lbs. Randall is 10 months old and I'm not sure of his weight . . . he looks bigger because of his hair. Maybe 35-40 lbs. They'll be with my son for at least 2 weeks, but it's good to know that I may be able to get them out one at a time. Thanks again :)
Thanks so much Gary! I am an otherwise healthy woman. Joined a dog hiking group, usually walked 3-5 miles daily, good blood work, not heavy and not thin. When I had my knees done in 2011, I did too much and had a bit of a meltdown. Learned my lesson and all went well, and at that time, I had 2 big German Shepherds!
Thanks for your kind words,
Georgette
it will be nice to have this all behind you. after all it all about a better quality of life, we all go thru a lot of anxiety before surgery no matter how many thr been thru . its all normal with many experiencing the possibility of major surgery. hopefully it all all work out for you and on to a pain free future.
Thank you for your kind words!
Dr. McLawhorn - he works out of NY and Stamford, Ct.
Depends how good yr dogs are, my little dog was ok to walk once i could manage mostly with 1 cane. They were great around the house. Very respectful of the crutches. Maybe once you get them home someone could walk them for a bit longer for you. They will definately cheer you up.
Good luck.
Hi Georgette
I had revised hip surgery just over 7 weeks ago. I have a three and half year old black lab. I cant walk her until i get rid of the cane completely. Although I am walking outside with one cane now i would,nt feel comfortable walking her yet as she is so strong and is solid muscle and tends to pull. She has been great with me throughout my recovery and tends to protect me when i go out with my husband when he takes her out for a walk.
Hi Georgette,
Do you have a back yard they could go out in to do their business. I could not walk my dog as I was using crutches, my hubby walked the dog. As you are in America good chance you will have the anterior approach and the feedback on here seems to be, those having this approach are walking very quickly without aids.
hi it all depends what procedure you have, I had the posterior approach and had muscle cut etc, I was on 2 crutches for about 6 week then went down to just one crutch which was when i started taking my dog out, but mine us just a small Bichon. the trouble you will have if you take them out in the early stages is bending down to pick the poo up. if like me you are quite fit you can bend down while bringing your operated leg up behind you hence not braking the 90% rule.
good luck with your op.
Thank you - I'm having an anterior hip replacement. I never thought of how I would negotiate cleaning up their poop. I always do and you've raised a valid point. They will be with my son for two weeks . . . something else to figure out. Many thanks!
Yes, I am having the anterior approach. I live in a townhouse and have woods behind me, but it is not fenced in. Randall will always come back to me but Stella does not have a great recall. They will be with my son for at least 2 weeks and maybe when they come home I can use a cane and take 1 at a time into the woods.
Thank you!
I love labs and know how strong they can be! Sometimes like a bull in a china cabinet :) Did you have anterior surgery?
In the house they are great! They play with each other until they are tired and they listen well. They will be going with my son for at least 2 weeks and I have a wonderful petsitter who can keep them overnight, if need be. Many friends have offered to walk them, but it's not like they're next door. I'll have to get a dog walker that I can depend on.
Thanks so much for your response!
HI georgette
It was revised hip surgery as there was an issue with some of the muscles around my hip. In both cases my dog was absouletly fantastic they definately know when something is wrong. Although i am missing taking her for a walk, but hopefully soon.
Randall, at 10 months old, sleeps with his head on my shoulder and Stella nuzzles in. When I wake up, I can barely move because they both have me boxed in. In the morning, Stella goes belly up and I rub her belly every morning, as Randall rests his head on my hip, observing. I'm getting my exercise in, as I was once an avid hiker and walked 3-5 miles daily. I had to pick up a prescription from CVS and I bring Stella and Randall come with me. Everyone is very friendly and the dogs sit quiet and politely until someone wants to pet them. Then they become excited "Me first, me first!" I ask the person to refrain from petting them when they're excited and most understand. It's been one year now that I've been in pain, sometimes barely able to walk. My spine is pretty bad, but I believe that yoga was of immense help. I pray that I can get back to my old lifestyle. I went for my pre-op last week and the hospital called me today because when I was at pre-op, I did not get a CT scan. Have to drive back again on Friday. I was beyond frustrated, but know that this too shall pass.
What color is your lab and what is his/her name? I used to watch Bosco, a yellow lab and I was with him when he was euthanized. I cried my eyes out as much as when I had to put my shepherds down. When you walk in my home, one of the first things you see is a framed photo of Bosco . . .