New Hip Update- part one

It's Sunday morning, 6 days post-surgery. I can't believe how blessed I have been through this whole new hip process.
So far, so great.

My experience with Elmhurst Hospital was amazing. I received incredibly attentive and helpful nursing care. I was so well cared for in every way.
There was excellent consistency in the nursing care. The shifts are 7am- 7:30pm, and 7pm til 7:30am, so the nurses get to know you well. I was lucky to have Karla as my nurse from the minute I came to the floor on Monday til 7:30pm, then all day on Tuesday. She was so in tune with me and my needs and my motivation. It makes it so much easier to recover when you have that level of trust. My patient care technician was Alex, who was also incredibly good and helpful- especially in making sure I could pee after the catheter was removed 24 hours after surgery (key: be patient, wait it out, running water, etc). My evening nurses, Latasha and Katie, were awesome too. Karla and Katie helped me figure out my medication situation. When it became clear that I wasn't good at speaking up on pain level and need for meds, they suggested they just wake me up round the clock for pain relief. That was huge because I stopped getting behind the pain and then was so much more comfortable.
I felt like I was their only patient. That's what I call personalized care.

Karla!

Suzie and Katie

Another thing I liked about Elmhurst Hospital was the patient-driven, 24/7 visiting hours. That made it possible for me to have visitors when I wanted them and whenever I wanted. That also helps healing.

sunrise out my window on Tuesday

my posse! Tuesday morning

I ended up being discharged on Wednesday afternoon. I could have stayed another night- it was totally my choice. On Wednesday morning, I knew I wasn't quite ready to go home, but after 2 productive physical therapy sessions, it became clear that I was ready to go. One of the advantages was being able to get up and move around independently at home. At the hospital I was still considered a fall risk, so I had to buzz for a nurse or aide every time I wanted to get up on my feet. Since moving is clearly key to recovery, I figured it made more sense to head home where I could be more mobile.

I am going to end this update because I have to go get ready to go to Ellie's baptism!!!!
Again, so blessed!