Well first night sleep at home was ok bed not as firm as hospital bed and without controls so not as good for my back. Didn't help as downstairs and strange noises and AA van outside at midnight with flashing lights fixing lights like a disco in front room. Called hubby and said I wanted to go up stairs he ended up coming downstairs and sleeping on the couch and his gentle/loud snoring soon had me asleep! Woke at 4 for loo and then woke at eight. Back stiff and weak from bed first backache since op and that was deciding factor in having op but not same pain as before op. Funnily enough when the registrar was consenting me he said I can't guarantee any relief of your back pain and if your having the op for that I wouldn't advise it but if it's for hip pain then do. Went ahead as knew hip was grade 4 OA and he said regardless of your age 43 it needs doing up to you . Consent was a bit gloomy as he even included death as risk as I know I theory can happen but talk about trying to put u off!
They are always very negative at consenting, I was quite depressed the went on line and checked surgeons record which was fine. The nights do get better. 4 hours sleep at a time is good especially considering the AA interuptions
Hi Caroline,
First night home is not easy, I was very tearful the next day and like you, felt strange being downstairs. I lost my husband 10yrs ago so live alone but have been fine with it until LTHR.
I did however remain downstairs but got friends to bring a memory foam mattress topper and extra pillows down for me. Although I am 62 I have always been very fit and active (my op was due to an accident rather than pre-existing condition) and I think of myself as being in my 40's ;-)
I have animals, horses, dogs and cats so have had to care for them and due to an irrational fear of fire I wanted to be able to get them out if anything happened.
Night 2 I took more medication and drifted in and out of sleep, waking to go to the loo! and by night 3 things were improving. Take heart, its early days for you and you will get there soon, remember to move little and often, do your exercises and rest on your bed to reduce swelling in your leg/s.
Best wishes, Dot xx
Dear caroline ... OMg that is so bad ... it is bad enough to sign the release form and just in case , do not resuscitate .... but you are home now ... I live alone and boy, thise first nights were scary - I didn't dare to sleep, worried about how to get to the loo on time etc .... still leaving a light on, now at 10 weeks post-op - you are so cute telling that your husband's snoring put you to sleep ...
try not to worry too much - what is the back ache diagnosis before surgery - it could have been related to the hip - be gentle with your self - warm hug
Dear Caroline,
I am glad that you are home now...I have already emigrated downstairs and I am getting used to different noises during the night, I agree it's strange to sleep in a different part of the house! It's good of your husband to sleep on the couch, I am not sure mine would do the same! I'll quote your story as a prime example of dedication, maybe he will take the hint!
Best wishes and keep in touch.
Ella
Thanks for replys just sorted through all the kids summer wardrobes and school shirts well my aunt brought them down at my request whilst I was in bed and now going for a nap!
Renee, I too am still leaving a llight on at night at 12 weeks post op, we dont want to risk tripping over anything!! (in my case, pets, pets toys)