Todd's New Hip

I haven't said much about Todd's condition since his major infection last year, but here's the scoop.  In a nutshell, he has had a miserable, painful, agonizing 8 months of limping, moaning, suffering and stress.  It's been pretty rough.  We've known his cartilage was completely "eaten up" in his right hip from the infection last year, but we were hoping he would be able to wait awhile before we seriously considered a total hip replacement.  But as time went on, we realized he just couldn't live like this anymore.  He couldn't play with the kids, do things around the house, or enjoy life. 

We had a doctor's appointment back in January and the orthopedic surgeon said he was a little nervous about going ahead right away also. So we stewed about it for a while, but by March, we knew Todd wouldn't be able to wait much longer.  So, we prayed, pondered, and fasted about whether or not we should go ahead with the surgery.  We were nervous because of his risk of getting another infection, especially so soon after the recovery of his last one.  In the end, we felt like it had to be done and we both had peace about going ahead.  So we made another appointment......this time to schedule surgery. 

Originally we had the surgery scheduled for May 2nd, but a week later, they called and told us they had a cancellation for the 12th of April, so we decided to take it.  That was just over two weeks ago.

On Tuesday, April 12, Todd had surgery for a total hip replacement.  The procedure lasted a little over an hour.  I was so thankful that my mom came up to be with me during the wait (thanks mom).  Roughly one and a half hours later, the doctor called to report the results.  He told me that the surgery went really well.  He said that Todd had A LOT of scar tissue resulting from his recent infection and surgery, so the doctor "stretched" it out and worked with it so he would have more mobility.  Apparently that is one of the main reasons he was so stiff and had to start using a cane again the last couple of months.  The doctor also said the hip bone looked exactly as it should.  At first I thought he meant that nothing was wrong with it(WHAT?), but then he went on to explain that it looked healthy and it didn't appear to have any infection still lurking somewhere.  That was great news.  Of course, they still did cultures just to make sure, but the doctor said he'd be surprised if there was anything unusual.  (whew). 

The surgery was at roughly 9:30 am.  Todd woke up at noon in recovery.  At 1:00, they brought him to his room (where I was waiting for him) and at 1:55, they had him get up and walk the halls with his crutches.  I was a little freaked out that they were getting him up so soon......less than 2 hours after he had awakened.  And I voiced that concen.  They pretty much ignored me and called me "cute" for being so funny about it.  :)  They proved me wrong in the end, because he did just fine.  But it was still a little stressful.

 Todd came home on Wednesday afternoon at around 1:30.  He still looked a little pale, but his color was better than the day before.  Late afternoon (around 5:00), Todd was running a low-grade fever of about 100.4.  I tried not to FREAK OUT, but I wasn't successful.  Todd has had enough fevers to last him a life time and last summer when he had them off and on, it was NOT a good sign.  So, we called the doctor right away, and luckily got a hold of him immediately.  I think the on-call service called him right then.  The doctor said he wasn't concerned about that temperature and that it's not uncommon to have a low-grade fever after surgery.  He said just to watch it and if it stayed above 100.5 for several days, then we could get concerned.  UGH!  It is so scary just to trust and wait.....and wait.....and wait.....patience is not one of my stronger attributes.....

The next day (Thursday), his temperature stayed low and that evening he didn't have one at all.  Yesterday his temperature was 99.1, so we're feeling good about things in that area.  We just hopes it stays down.....or goes away completely!  We did talk to the nurse on Thursday and she said it's actually common to have a fever off and on for the first 2 weeks.  It's still stressful though.....

Here's Todd a couple of days after surgery.  He didn't want me to take his picture, but this is for posterity......ya know what I mean? 

.  The home health care nurse came to our house on Thursday morning to check his incision.  She took off his bandages and declared that the site looked very good.  She didn't see any red at all, indicating that there didn't appear to be any infection......that was such a relief to hear.  The physical therapist came that morning also and she checked to make sure Todd had all of his medical equipment that he needed.  She also wanted to make sure he was transitioning well.  He passed all the tests and knew all the answers to the questions she asked him.  He is such a good student!  :)  Good job honey!

Here's Todd doing some ninja-style crutches pose.  We've got to have some fun, right?  We didn't show this to the PT.....some things are better left unknown.  :)

Here's the fancy handle that sticks to our shower wall.  It's a sturdy little thing and I recommend them for anyone who needs a little "pull" getting up. 

This contraption is called a Shower Bench.  Todd can't use the regular bath chair because he can't put all of his weight onto his right let when getting into the shower, so this handy-dandy bench allows him to sit on the outer side first, then scoot over to the middle, then bring his legs over the tub. Quite inventive, don't you think?

These little evil things are called T.E.D. hose.  Todd has to wear them everyday for 6 weeks.  They are used to prevent blood clots.  Of course he can't shower with them, so we take them off.....then we put them on.....then we start over the next day.  UGH!  They are your worst-nylon-nightmare!  They are soooo tight and nearly impossible to get on.  Todd can't bend past a 90 degree angle, so guess who has to put these on him?  Yep, yours truly!  The joys of marriage.....AND here's a picture of just one of the things he has to put up with.  His big toe keeps coming out of the hole at the bottom, and since he can't bend down to fix it himself......well, you get the idea.  I'm a Nurse/Mother/Wife/Caregiver/put-really-tight-and-annoying-socks-on-husband Master.  It will be nice when these little buggers are a thing of the past.....

Now, Todd wouldn't let me take a picture of the "Toilet Extender," (I really don't know why), so you're just going to have to picture it in your mind.  It's a toilet seat that is roughly 6 inches deep.  It sits on the regular toilet and gives a person height.  I'm telling you, I think it would be better to just show the real picture, because now you're picturing.....well, who knows what you're picturing, but it's probably worse than what this really looks like...... :)  It's pretty clever, if you ask me!

This next picture is of Todd's CPAP machine.  He has to wear it because apparently he has sleep apnea.  The nose-thing that he has to wear does not fit properly, so it's noisy and keeps me awake at night.  Honestly, I would like to throw it across the room, but I guess that wouldn't be good......and I guess I want Todd to be able to breath, so.....whatever!  Still annoying though.  We're hoping to get a different model next week, one that actually fits him, so it won't make unneccessary noise.  I'm counting down the days for that!

Smiling for the camera.  Thanks honey!  (We're just trying to be positive).....

Todd continues to improve each day. Today is the 4th day after surgery and this pictures was taken yesterday.  What a life, huh?  :)  The phone, the dog by his side, a box of wheat thins.....what else could you ever want?  (how about walking?)  No, he really has had quite a bit of pain and I don't want to make light of the fact that this has been a big deal.  BUT compared to last summer, I'd say we're moving right along. 

As always, we continue to be so thankful for the prayers offered in our behalf.  We feel them strongly and they mean more than I can express.  We could not be surrounded by a better group of people anywhere and we are so grateful for the outpouring of love we have felt and received.

Here's to a smooth recovery (hopefully).....and the absence of fevers in the days to come!