With just a little over a week and a half from my surgery, I can say I am starting to get a little nervous about it. I keep thinking to myself that I am laying on the table waiting to be put under and telling the anesthesiologist "Don't let me end up like Joan Rivers" I would say. Of course this kind of fear is to be expected when anyone is about to under go a procedure that puts you to sleep, but now I am starting to worry about work now as well. I will be off work for a minimum of 10 days and I have so much to I need to make sure is taken care of before and while I am off.
Today I had an appointment at the medical supply company to pick up three items that I will need post surgery for recovery and to kick start my rehab. One machine can only be described as two large lower leg sleeves that work like a blood pressure cuff the doctor uses. The machine slowly pumps air into the sleeves squeezing my legs to help fight against blood clots from forming. 
The second is literally a cooler with a pump and a hose that hooks to a large pad. I am to fill the cooler with ice and water so when the pad is attached to my hip the pump in the cooler will circulate the ice cold water through the pad. This is to help relieve the swelling and pain that will result following the surgery. 
The last machine is what I will use to start my rehab. I can only describe it as a device with a frame work covered with a sheepskin cover that kind of acts like a sling that I will lay my leg in while it slowly bends my leg. I am to lie flat on my back for 6 to 8 hours each day and allow this machine increase the bend angle of my leg slowly starting with a measure of 0 to 30. I am to increase this ten points each day till I can get to a measure of 110.
You got this! I had items 1 and 3 as well. The therapy machine gets boring. But it's a must to keep range of motion going. Good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I had no idea you'd need all these devices in your recovery!
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