Orientation

Today I had an appointment at the hospital for an orientation.  As it happens, I was the only person present for the seminar, which was given by Cindy, an RN.  She originally had 3 patients scheduled, but two had their surgeries cancelled/rescheduled.  There was also a PT student observing.  We met in a classroom, and she went through the entire hospital stay from the time you walk into the door to the time you go home.  I was able to ask questions as we went along, and the experience was very enlightening.   For instance:

A femoral drip is an option.  It is a one-time injection that lasts from 24 - 48 hours and numbs the operated leg, which sounds pretty good to me.  The alternative to the Femoral is not to have it.  It works in conjunction the the PCA (patient controlled analgesic), which is a narcotic.  With the femoral, they have found that patients require less of the PCA pain reliever than would a patient who chose not to have the femoral.  The only down side is that it may make the muscle lazy so that it will not hold you up when you stand or walk.  The PT tests for this, and provides a supportive brace if it is necessary.  This is something I will consider and will discuss with the surgeon on Thursday.

General anesthesia or nerve block?  I always thought I would prefer not being put to sleep with a tube down my throat, that a nerve block and medication to put me in la la land would be adequate.  But, when I asked why one vs. the other, she said the operation is loud (read:  electric saws and drills!) and some patients would prefer not to hear those noises.   I'll have to give this some more thought.

Foley catheter:  apparently this is normally done, but this is a subject I will discuss with the surgeon during Thursday's appointment.  It is inserted into the bladder once you are under the anesthesia, and remains in place until the 2nd day after surgery.

The surgery is 1 1/2 to 2 hours, longer than I thought.

I was provided with "THE BOOK" during my first appointment, and I have found it very helpful.  I have been doing the pre-op exercises, and the book offers other useful information to help in the planning process.

Then, a Physical Therapist came in and filled me in on exactly what to expect from the PTs after surgery.  I'm not sure they will be my favorite people; they are very demanding, but it's the PT that will make or break this surgery, so bring it on!

Being a visual person, I asked Cindy if I could see the Ortho Ward, so we took a field trip through the hospital, where I saw the intake area, waiting room, and then up to the ortho floor.   There are some private rooms available (one of which I have requested), and I walked through one.  They have converted semi-private to private, so they are fairly good size.

As for the walker, cane, etc., these items are ordered before you leave the hospital, along with the in-home PT and nurse.  The doctor recommends a provider for these services, but you don't necessarily have to use the one he recommends.  I am on Medicare and have a United Healthcare supplement.  It is my understanding that all of these services are covered, but the hospital has an account/insurance person available if I have any questions.  I will be assigned a Case Manager on intake, and that person will follow my progress.

I had decided early on that I wanted the surgery early in the week.  I would prefer not to be in the hospital (any hospital) on a weekend when 1) my doctor may not be there; and 2) when the hospital my be shorter staffed than during a weekday; hence operation Monday, go home Thursday.....if all goes according to plan.