MCTD and Me; Preparing for my first total hip replacement

I am having my right hip replaced next week and my left hip replaced in June. I've spent the past few weeks organizing everything at work. If you're a teacher, you understand that this involves a lot. Now that my grades are sorted, lesson plans are ready, after-school club is covered, sub plans are set, and my paras are prepared to take over, it's time to get things ready at home. Over the last few days, I've been doing what I can only compare to "nesting." Since preparing to bring home a baby, I haven't been this meticulous about arranging everything perfectly. It wasn't until I attended my surgeon's mandatory surgery education class that I became acutely aware of what was ahead and started feeling anxious. I've had four surgeries since last May, but none were significant enough to require attending a class to learn what to expect. They explained what we should do to prepare at home and what needs to be ready once we return.

A modern surgery room equipped with advanced medical technology, featuring a sterile operating table, state-of-the-art monitors displaying medical images, and high-tech surgical instruments suspended from the ceiling.

If you're preparing for your own hip replacement, here's a list of everything you should have ready beforehand: (I'll share pictures of all the items mentioned below on my Instagram for you to check out).

1. Ensure everything you use or need daily is within reach without standing up or bending. (No bending or house chores should be done in the first two weeks) This includes all medications, drinks, doctor's written orders, important numbers, and your hip kit (which I'll describe in #2).

2. A "hip kit". The instructor of the surgery education class kindly informed us of a more affordable way to get this kit than purchasing it from your doctor's office, namely Amazon. The kit was almost $60 at the office but only $19.99 on Amazon. Search for "hip kit" to find numerous options. Some kits are large with multiple pieces, but the basic hip kit should have a "reacher" (a long metal arm that helps you grasp items out of reach), an extra-long shoehorn for putting on shoes without bending, a sock device to help you slide socks on without bending, and a sponge on a long stick for showering without twisting to reach your back.

3. A raised toilet seat (the type that sits above your toilet with bars on both sides to assist in sitting and standing is ideal). This may be covered by medical insurance, which often covers 60% or 80% of the cost. If not, it's available on Amazon for about $25-$30.

4. A shower chair (potentially covered by medical insurance, which typically covers 60% or 80% of the cost. If not, you can find it on Amazon for about $40+).

5. Non-slip stickers or a mat for your tub/shower (available from Amazon or Walmart at similar prices).

6. A walker (possibly covered by medical insurance, which usually pays 60% or 80% of the cost. If not, it's available on Amazon for about $35-$60). Avoid walkers with wheels on both front and back, as their brakes can fail, leading to falls. Choose one with front wheels and no rear wheels.

7. This wasn't on their list, but I also purchased a set of pillows that allows you to sit up in bed as you would in a hospital, providing comfort if you're confined to bed. It includes wedges.

   
   

   My surgery is scheduled for this upcoming Wednesday. I'll be sharing stories and pictures on my Instagram to let everyone follow along. I might not update my blog immediately since I'll likely be bedridden, but my Instagram, linked to this site, will be my main platform for updates. I was informed that two hours post-recovery, the staff will assist me in walking for the first time, followed by physical therapy every few hours for one night. I should be able to go home the day after surgery. They recommend not being alone for the first two weeks and never getting up alone. A physical therapist will visit three times a week, and home health will come twice a week for the first two weeks, after which I'll need transportation to outpatient therapy. I won't be allowed to drive for four weeks, and I'm hoping to return to work by week five, though I've been advised to prepare for a 4-6 week recovery.