home from Belgium!

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am really grateful as I realize that tomorrow was going to be my

total hip operation at home, but instead I am 12 days post

resurfacing. It doesn't hurt to walk on it anymore, and although

I'm using 2 crutches, each day gets better!

I want to thank everyone here on this site who answered my questions

before I went to Belguim! All of the knowledge ahead of time worked

to reduce my anxiety about the whole thing. I'd like to give back

now, so if anyone has any questions about Dr. DeSmet's experience,

please ask.

Secondly, I want to thank the group of people who were there with

me. It was such an incredible help to hear the stories and

experiences of those who were a few days ahead of me. Dawn, your

generosity with your laxative pills was so nice! :-) Mike, thanks

for showing Dennis around. He took me back to the waffle place.

JR, I keep thinking of your advice to alternate rest and movement.

It really works! Dave, the stats man, had fascinating information.

Rhonda and Jane, thanks for your well wishes. Thanks to all of you

for sharing your experiences.

I also have a few thoughts on some details for those interested:

One of the most helpful things I brought with was a pack of Dove

facial wipes with soap. I had them by the bed, and when I was too

sore to get up to wash, they came in really handy. I also used the

garbage bag a lot to slide and turn in and out of bed and taxis. I

took my pillow with me when we went to restaurants and other

places. I stuffed it in my backpack and it eased sitting on hard

chairs. One thing I would bring with next time is a pkg. of

flexible straws for those times when I had to eat or drink in bed.

A restaurant in Ghent that I would recommend is " 't Gent

Fondueheusje " or something like that. My husband and I enjoyed a

leisurely fondue meal. A few doors down is a flower shop with

really beautiful and unusual arrangements and accessories. I bought

some really cool copper vases.

Another thing I learned is to stop comparing my recovery to that

of those around me. I was slowest, but I'm still progressing each

day. Today I got into my garden and started planting some of the

plants that arrived in the mail while I was gone. It was so great

to get back to something I love.

I would also ask to be early in the operating order. I was first on

my day, and that was good because I didn't have to deal with the

thirst and hunger and anxiety while waiting to be taken for

surgery. In addition, I would ask to be scheduled with a group of

other English-speaking patients because the power of group support

is huge. I benefitted so much from the words of those who walked

before me.

Another thing that was really important (although it cost me an arm

and a leg) was to book my flight in business class. You will want

the extra room to move and keep the blood flowing to prevent DVT.

The 9 and 1/2 hour flight was really easy because it was so

comfortable. And if you are in a lot of pain before surgery as I

was, it makes the flight over bearable.

Best wishes to all of you,

Susie