It's Friday and that means home for Sophie. My heart has behaved itself so hopefully when my caridiology consultant comes round he will say OK to go home. Westy (my husband - I call him by his surname as we were friends first and that's how I know him, Adrian still sounds odd even after 7 years) has a meeting from 4-5 and then he will come and pick me up. It means we will be travelling home in rush hour but if we use Addison Lee it is a fixed price. I really hope I don't get carsick - after last one I got terribly car sick for 6 weeks - interestingly what cured me was my second bout of pericarditis, when I came out of hospital after that I wasn't car sick any more.
The first thing I am going to do when I get home is le on the bed and have a long proper cuddle with Westy, I've missed that closeness so much.
Then some yummy pasta and pesto for tea.
Then sleeping in own bed with a duvet and a new nightie.
Had my last shower for a while (as can't get into ours at home) and have to wait a week before going down to parents, in case any thing happens they want me close to London for a while - nice to know how much faith they have in me.
Primmee and Jaques cane to visit again this morning which is nice.
Just going to rest today as last night I couldn't sleep, the patient opposite me has a special mattress which is not functioning and keeps going off all night with a really loud annoying beep, and am sure the journey home will tire me out.
Despite all the ups and downs I feel this time it has gone better. The pain has been much better controlled and the movement I have in the hip is just so much better that the left. I think the second one is definately easier as you know what to expect. The unknown of everything with the first one is a massive burden that is just not there this time.
Okey Dokey time to divulge in daytime TV - homes under the hammer!.
Bye
Sophie
Friday, 30 April 2010
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Plans for Home
Well today was a good day overall, finally! I feel like I have turned a corner, but being Sophie I have still managed to make it difficult.
Monday - This was the muscle spasm day - I was so uncomforatble all day as the muscles in my leg were going into spasm but a little bit of diazepam seemed to do the trick - and also completely zonked me out. Kept the PCA up today because of it, other than that pretty uneventful - Oh Mr Lee bought me a really yummy chicken and avocado sandwich from Fitzroy patisserie (I love that sandwich shop).
Tuesday, now this was interesting:
Woke up and felt really sick and needed 2 lots of anti-sickness to get on top of it, I was also nil by mouth as I had an ultrasound at 10.15. That was the day the entire orthopaedic department decided to stop by and all I could do was nod and try not to throw up! I think it was all due to PCA. So we stopped it. Ultrasound went OK and although liver and kidney not completely normal yet both much improved compared to friday's scan. Then it becomes interesting - got back to ward, had lunch, had my first shower (which felt soooooooooo good) then decided to have a rest but then..............................
Extremely suddenly I had the most awful feeling of awfulness in my chest (the only thing I think it can be like is the impending doom we tell patients about when we give them adenosine) and the nurse standing near said I suddenly went white as a sheet, then I felt really sweaty and clammy and when they put me on the sats probe my heart rate was jumping around from 150-225. It was truly the most awful feeling I have ever felt. Anyway scared everyone, emergency response team called out, respiratory alkalosis on ABG and then quite quickly got better, then it happened 3 times in the space of about 45 minutes. Very bizarre and not somehting I ever want to experience again.
Saw my cardiology consultant today who reckoned because of the suddenness I probably had a true tachyarrythmia (like the one post op) and not like the sinus tachycardias I have with the pericarditis.
Felt much better in the evening. Mummy brought krispy kreme doughnuts mmmmmm and strawberries more mmmmmmmmm. And although had a bit of pain in the night am managing really well today on just paracetemol and tramadol. Might take some oromorph just before bed to get me through the night and help me sleep.
So...... fingers crossed as long as my heart behaves home on friday afternoon after reviewed by cardiologist again. Then need to stay in London for a bit so am close to the hospital incase anything happens - nice how much confidence everyone has in my ability to not get sick!
Right I think that is plenty for now, time for chocolate crisy cake yummy yummy yummy in my tummy!
Bye
Sophie
Monday - This was the muscle spasm day - I was so uncomforatble all day as the muscles in my leg were going into spasm but a little bit of diazepam seemed to do the trick - and also completely zonked me out. Kept the PCA up today because of it, other than that pretty uneventful - Oh Mr Lee bought me a really yummy chicken and avocado sandwich from Fitzroy patisserie (I love that sandwich shop).
Tuesday, now this was interesting:
Woke up and felt really sick and needed 2 lots of anti-sickness to get on top of it, I was also nil by mouth as I had an ultrasound at 10.15. That was the day the entire orthopaedic department decided to stop by and all I could do was nod and try not to throw up! I think it was all due to PCA. So we stopped it. Ultrasound went OK and although liver and kidney not completely normal yet both much improved compared to friday's scan. Then it becomes interesting - got back to ward, had lunch, had my first shower (which felt soooooooooo good) then decided to have a rest but then..............................
Extremely suddenly I had the most awful feeling of awfulness in my chest (the only thing I think it can be like is the impending doom we tell patients about when we give them adenosine) and the nurse standing near said I suddenly went white as a sheet, then I felt really sweaty and clammy and when they put me on the sats probe my heart rate was jumping around from 150-225. It was truly the most awful feeling I have ever felt. Anyway scared everyone, emergency response team called out, respiratory alkalosis on ABG and then quite quickly got better, then it happened 3 times in the space of about 45 minutes. Very bizarre and not somehting I ever want to experience again.
Saw my cardiology consultant today who reckoned because of the suddenness I probably had a true tachyarrythmia (like the one post op) and not like the sinus tachycardias I have with the pericarditis.
Felt much better in the evening. Mummy brought krispy kreme doughnuts mmmmmm and strawberries more mmmmmmmmm. And although had a bit of pain in the night am managing really well today on just paracetemol and tramadol. Might take some oromorph just before bed to get me through the night and help me sleep.
So...... fingers crossed as long as my heart behaves home on friday afternoon after reviewed by cardiologist again. Then need to stay in London for a bit so am close to the hospital incase anything happens - nice how much confidence everyone has in my ability to not get sick!
Right I think that is plenty for now, time for chocolate crisy cake yummy yummy yummy in my tummy!
Bye
Sophie
Sunday, 25 April 2010
So back to today
My blood transfusion has made soooooooooo much difference. I couldn't work out why I felt so completely awful yesterday.
My friend who has been on nights came to see me again this morning and we had a good grumble about the failures of the day before - and then she got me a bacon roll which was yummmmmmy - simple things hey!
Have then managed to get up with the physios - walk a few steps - sit in a chair for half an hour before the nauesea became overwhelming and had to get back into bed - also had another wash. Can not wait for when I am well enough to have a shower.
Watched the marathon - cound't see anyone I knew - it is so inspiring everytime and yet I know I will never do it - leave those challenges for others - semm to give myself enough just with normal life!
Slept this afternoon and then lovely husband there when I woke up. Now for some 24 cathing up.
Sophie
My friend who has been on nights came to see me again this morning and we had a good grumble about the failures of the day before - and then she got me a bacon roll which was yummmmmmy - simple things hey!
Have then managed to get up with the physios - walk a few steps - sit in a chair for half an hour before the nauesea became overwhelming and had to get back into bed - also had another wash. Can not wait for when I am well enough to have a shower.
Watched the marathon - cound't see anyone I knew - it is so inspiring everytime and yet I know I will never do it - leave those challenges for others - semm to give myself enough just with normal life!
Slept this afternoon and then lovely husband there when I woke up. Now for some 24 cathing up.
Sophie
Day 3 Post op
Ok, so it has taken me a few days to get up to the stage that I ahve felt well enough to write on this. I did try on day 1 (23rd) but was doing it on my iphone and the technical challenges were completely beyond me - was able to put the ttiles in but nothing else!
So today we have finally made some progress - but its been a turbulent journey already.
1 - post op - I have no recollection of this but I had an arrythmia with a HR of 150 and systolic BP of 60, 1 magnesium infusion later and I had stabilised, my only memory is the ITU consultant saying they might put in an arterial line - luckily that didn't happen.
2 - 1st night - no sleep but no surprise there - had been having some weird right abdo/back pain.
3 - Day 1 post -op - stayed in ITU, abdo pain still there, had USS which showed dilated bile ducts and intrhepatic ducts (no idea what that means) and a slightly bright right kidney with a bit of fluid around it - the consultant very disappointedly said - nothing for me to drain - I was very relieved
4 - 2nd night - OK, got some sleep, had really nice bed bath and felt so much better - and really didn't care about the nurse seeing and washing everything - in fact felt better for being clean. My skin had been really itchy from the surgical scrub so was nice to be rid of that (and the slightly orange tint!)
5 - Day 2 post op - nightmare - my own orthopeadic team failed to come see me, ITU discharged me back to the ward with an Hb of 6.5, the ward left me without pain relief and anti-sickness for 4 hours - all in all too much. I felt so let down by the NHS and my collegagues - normally I'm all for the quiet life but believe me someone will be hearting about this!
6 - 3 units of blood later, and some sleep and things are starting to look a bit more positive.
Sophie
So today we have finally made some progress - but its been a turbulent journey already.
1 - post op - I have no recollection of this but I had an arrythmia with a HR of 150 and systolic BP of 60, 1 magnesium infusion later and I had stabilised, my only memory is the ITU consultant saying they might put in an arterial line - luckily that didn't happen.
2 - 1st night - no sleep but no surprise there - had been having some weird right abdo/back pain.
3 - Day 1 post -op - stayed in ITU, abdo pain still there, had USS which showed dilated bile ducts and intrhepatic ducts (no idea what that means) and a slightly bright right kidney with a bit of fluid around it - the consultant very disappointedly said - nothing for me to drain - I was very relieved
4 - 2nd night - OK, got some sleep, had really nice bed bath and felt so much better - and really didn't care about the nurse seeing and washing everything - in fact felt better for being clean. My skin had been really itchy from the surgical scrub so was nice to be rid of that (and the slightly orange tint!)
5 - Day 2 post op - nightmare - my own orthopeadic team failed to come see me, ITU discharged me back to the ward with an Hb of 6.5, the ward left me without pain relief and anti-sickness for 4 hours - all in all too much. I felt so let down by the NHS and my collegagues - normally I'm all for the quiet life but believe me someone will be hearting about this!
6 - 3 units of blood later, and some sleep and things are starting to look a bit more positive.
Sophie
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Panic
So its 9pm the night before, beer and wine has done something to calm my nerves as has talking to my mum, best friend and mother in law on the phone for almost 2 hours in total until my husband got home from work.
Massive nerves and butterflies.
Have had so many good luck texts and e-mails from people, I'm so grateful fo everyones thoughts.
So current plan is to tr to sleep. Get up at 04.30 to have one last bit of bedroom activity with husband for a while, shower and then shave legs so smooth as possible then head of to UCLH for that 07.00 start in good old K-pod!
lets hope I sleep
Sophie x
Massive nerves and butterflies.
Have had so many good luck texts and e-mails from people, I'm so grateful fo everyones thoughts.
So current plan is to tr to sleep. Get up at 04.30 to have one last bit of bedroom activity with husband for a while, shower and then shave legs so smooth as possible then head of to UCLH for that 07.00 start in good old K-pod!
lets hope I sleep
Sophie x
1 day to go
Well it all looks like it is going to go ahead.
I finished work on monday which was weird thinking I am not going to work again for 4 months. I know I will miss it, I love the interaction with patients and colleagues and learning things everyday. However it had got to a point where my hip was affecting me so much I wasn't actually gaining much from a training perspective with work.
Mr Witt - who was out the country skiing made it back despite the volcano.
I have packed my bag - only need to add the things that I will still eb using today - i.e. computer, phone charger etc.
All medical equipment arrived - 2 toilet seat raises, perch stool, grabber and sock putter onner thingy. So pleased I ahve this stufff - didn't last time and struggled a bit. - Had to put a garden chair in the shower, which didn't leave much room for me!
The butterflies are really starting to kick in, haven't slept well the lst couple of nights because keep waking up and then think about things and butterflies start.
Its weird - last time I was so scared but now although I am nervous I'm not scared which considering how many problems I had last time shows how much faith I have in Mr Witt and the anaesthetist.
Just think 24 hours from now will hopefully be in theatre - as long as am first on the list which i am hoping for.
I finished work on monday which was weird thinking I am not going to work again for 4 months. I know I will miss it, I love the interaction with patients and colleagues and learning things everyday. However it had got to a point where my hip was affecting me so much I wasn't actually gaining much from a training perspective with work.
Mr Witt - who was out the country skiing made it back despite the volcano.
I have packed my bag - only need to add the things that I will still eb using today - i.e. computer, phone charger etc.
All medical equipment arrived - 2 toilet seat raises, perch stool, grabber and sock putter onner thingy. So pleased I ahve this stufff - didn't last time and struggled a bit. - Had to put a garden chair in the shower, which didn't leave much room for me!
The butterflies are really starting to kick in, haven't slept well the lst couple of nights because keep waking up and then think about things and butterflies start.
Its weird - last time I was so scared but now although I am nervous I'm not scared which considering how many problems I had last time shows how much faith I have in Mr Witt and the anaesthetist.
Just think 24 hours from now will hopefully be in theatre - as long as am first on the list which i am hoping for.
Saturday, 17 April 2010
Still Waiting
Well the volcano is continuing to erupt, UK airspace is still closed and apparently unless the winds change drastically (which they are not forecasting at the moment) you will not be able tofly into the UK anytime soon!
I really hope my operation doesn't get cancelled - not sure my emotional state would be able to cope with it. In the meantime that great medicine called wine is helping me worry less about it.
Off to horse racing tomorrow - fun in the sun - but no air ambulance cover - again - stupid volcano!
I really hope my operation doesn't get cancelled - not sure my emotional state would be able to cope with it. In the meantime that great medicine called wine is helping me worry less about it.
Off to horse racing tomorrow - fun in the sun - but no air ambulance cover - again - stupid volcano!
Friday, 16 April 2010
Keeping fingers crossed!
Obviously I was always going to be keeping my fingers crossed for the surgery but with less than a week to go am starting to worry but for completely different reasons from last time
1. - I know my consultant is on leave and i think out the country (as no-one has been able to contact him!) and now some stupid volcano has errupted in iceland and so you can't get into the UK. I am hoping it will all settle down so that by next thursday he will be in the country!
2. Am really worried my heart will misbehave, I'm already a bit concerned that I'm only hitting this operation at 60% health, last time was hard enough when I was really health (barring dodgy hips)
3. - absolutely nothing i can do about it all which is so frustrating.
Anyway am looking forward to my last weekend with my husband before I get broken, we are going for lunch tomorrow at an amazing pub (the trafalgar tavern, greenwich), and then, although I am working on sunday it is as senior medical officer for a horse racing event which my lovely hubby is going to be my driver so I still get to spend the whole day with him.
Anyway got to make tea - jacket potatoes - yummy
Oh also bought the essential jar of marmite and nutella to go into hospital with me!
Sophie
x
1. - I know my consultant is on leave and i think out the country (as no-one has been able to contact him!) and now some stupid volcano has errupted in iceland and so you can't get into the UK. I am hoping it will all settle down so that by next thursday he will be in the country!
2. Am really worried my heart will misbehave, I'm already a bit concerned that I'm only hitting this operation at 60% health, last time was hard enough when I was really health (barring dodgy hips)
3. - absolutely nothing i can do about it all which is so frustrating.
Anyway am looking forward to my last weekend with my husband before I get broken, we are going for lunch tomorrow at an amazing pub (the trafalgar tavern, greenwich), and then, although I am working on sunday it is as senior medical officer for a horse racing event which my lovely hubby is going to be my driver so I still get to spend the whole day with him.
Anyway got to make tea - jacket potatoes - yummy
Oh also bought the essential jar of marmite and nutella to go into hospital with me!
Sophie
x
Sunday, 11 April 2010
11 days to go
Well,
I tried this last year and failed miserably, however this year, inspired by all the other hip women who blog, I am going to try to write my own.
So...... in a nut shell here is my story (I figured this was a reasonable place to start)
28 years old, married for 3 years no children (yet, just practicing for now) and diagnosed (with a bit of a shock) with bilateral developmental dysplasia of the hips last year. Oh and I am also a doctor (surgeon, and I want to become a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon) - well I figured I had some insight!
Anyway, many consultant visits later, much tried physiotherapy and a big decrease in mobility the durgery started.
7th July 2009 - Hip arthroscopy to repair torn labrum, and, I think done by my surgeon to prove to me that I really did need the big scary PAO that I didn't want.
6th August 2009 - Big scary PAO, managed to get pericarditis after, the most pain I thought it was possible ot be in but at the end of it ........ a hip that actually works, woohoo!
It was actually far more traumatic and prolonged than that but anyway!
So on the 22nd April we are repeating the process with the Right PAO and having my screws removed from the left side as they stick out and rub ont clothes etc.
I feel I am far better prepared this time, and actually can't wait to get on with it. Wheras last time it was shear absolute terrifying fear and nerves, this time its more nervous but excited too. However that may change as we get closer and closer.
To be honest my biggest fear is getting cancelled on the day. I have to go to Intensive care after (because of the heart problem) and that massively increase cancellation risk - I should know I have worked there and frequently had my patients cancelled. Dreading building myself up for nothing.
Oh well, we will just have to wait and see.
I tried this last year and failed miserably, however this year, inspired by all the other hip women who blog, I am going to try to write my own.
So...... in a nut shell here is my story (I figured this was a reasonable place to start)
28 years old, married for 3 years no children (yet, just practicing for now) and diagnosed (with a bit of a shock) with bilateral developmental dysplasia of the hips last year. Oh and I am also a doctor (surgeon, and I want to become a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon) - well I figured I had some insight!
Anyway, many consultant visits later, much tried physiotherapy and a big decrease in mobility the durgery started.
7th July 2009 - Hip arthroscopy to repair torn labrum, and, I think done by my surgeon to prove to me that I really did need the big scary PAO that I didn't want.
6th August 2009 - Big scary PAO, managed to get pericarditis after, the most pain I thought it was possible ot be in but at the end of it ........ a hip that actually works, woohoo!
It was actually far more traumatic and prolonged than that but anyway!
So on the 22nd April we are repeating the process with the Right PAO and having my screws removed from the left side as they stick out and rub ont clothes etc.
I feel I am far better prepared this time, and actually can't wait to get on with it. Wheras last time it was shear absolute terrifying fear and nerves, this time its more nervous but excited too. However that may change as we get closer and closer.
To be honest my biggest fear is getting cancelled on the day. I have to go to Intensive care after (because of the heart problem) and that massively increase cancellation risk - I should know I have worked there and frequently had my patients cancelled. Dreading building myself up for nothing.
Oh well, we will just have to wait and see.
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