Mental Health MON + Hip Replacement Odyssey [HRP + 6]

Mental Health Monday

I'm not sure how long I can focus today, but I'll give it a try. This is my first original blog entry since my hip replacement surgery on TUE 3/15, & I'm still a little foggy for a variety of reasons.

• The surgery itself took about an hour-&-10 minutes. There were no complications. The surgeon told Lois that I had no cartilage left on my left hip; also lots of bone spurs, so it was a good thing I had it done.
• They had me up, sitting on the edge of the bed already TUE evening. I don't remember feeling a lot of pain. I also don't remember feeling--how would I put it--all that mentally sharp. 
• They had me walking w/the help of a metal walker I think overnight, TUE into WED. Also started some PT on WED . . . I think.
• I was taking hydrocodone & oxycodone for pain, & the surgeon added gabapentin for pain, I think on THU. That didn't work out so well.
• I started reacting poorly to the gabapentin on FRI morning. Symptoms includes dizziness, lack of coordination, feeling drowsy--I kept falling asleep while people were trying to talk to me--feeling tired, slightly feverish, jerky movements. There was some concern that I might have had a stroke.
• It was a nurse who connected my symptoms to the drug, & once they took me off the drug, my symptoms began to fade . . . 
• . . . but not before I generated a lot of interest among various medical personnel & my wife.
• It was decided that I needed to stay in the hospital one more night for observation.
• Instead of going home on FRI, I went to a managed-care facility on SAT.
• I have been at Heritage of Bel Air Managed-Care Facility since Saturday afternoon.
• My hip & leg pain has been tolerable. I've been up & walking w/the help of a walker every day; in fact, I've made the round trip to the dining room for breakfast, lunch & supper each day; plus an extra walk as part of my PT today.
• I had a fairly long session with an occupational therapist today. 
• My mental health? I have been in somewhat of a fog, off & on, most likely due to lingering effects of the pain medication. I've been off anything w/the suffix -co-done; taking a tramadol for pain, as needed, which has left me feeling drowsy at times; napping at times; some problems w/concentration & memory at times.

My biggest pain issue has been a case of gout in my left big toe . . . & it has been a big pain issue. However, the staff has been very sensitive, very caring, very attention. I'm going to stop now, since I'm starting to feel a little foggy.