MCTD and Me: My first hip replacement!

Yesterday, I underwent my first hip replacement. We replaced my right hip, and in June, we'll address my left hip. I arrived at 6:30 am, changed into my gown, and prepared for the procedure. My surgeon, anesthesiologist, respiratory therapist, case worker, and nurse all visited to explain the process, and then they allowed my son and brother to join me in the room. Naturally, they administered the "good stuff" just before bringing in my family members, and my brother captured some videos of me while I was a bit out of character, lol. (I'll share some of them on my Instagram linked to this website for your amusement, lol).

Before my surgery, they gave me a nerve blocker along with my medications, which was the best decision for me. Upon waking up from surgery, I felt falsely secure due to the nerve blocker, but it only lasts 24-36 hours. Yesterday, I was sitting in my chair, smiling, taking pictures with visitors, watching TV, and thinking this recovery would be easy. However, last night was difficult. As the nerve blocker wore off, the pain increased. Then, my IV antibiotics caused my vein to blow when the needle shifted in my left arm. I requested a pain pill when my pain level reached 5 or 6, but my blood pressure was 72/46, preventing me from taking pain meds until it was over 100/50. My blood pressure kept dropping, affecting when I could take my pain meds. This morning, it finally reached 109/57, allowing me to take my meds just in time for physical therapy. My first session yesterday went well, mainly due to the nerve blocker's effects. Today's session was less successful, and I felt frustrated, especially since I'm only 42 and see older patients undergoing similar procedures. The process of getting in and out of bed has been particularly frustrating. I was discharged for home recovery this afternoon and realized how high my bed is. I've been using a belt to lift my right leg onto the bed and can't move it without assistance. This afternoon, I developed a fever. Initially, it was 100.5, and I was advised not to contact my nurse or doctor unless it exceeded 101. I later woke to a temperature of 101.2, so I contacted my home health nurse, who reminded me to use my spirometer, as I'm prone to atelectasis after surgeries. Atelectasis involves lung collapse or deflation, sometimes causing fever. I suspect an MCTD flare-up due to pain and stress, indicated by a butterfly rash on my face and extreme fatigue beyond typical post-surgery levels. I'm still running a low-grade fever but am sitting up, which should help.

The past two days have been quite a whirlwind. From taking three separate Hibiclens showers, preparing for the hospital, and worrying about surgery readiness to undergoing the actual procedure yesterday and experiencing my first day of recovery today without the nerve blocker providing a false sense of comfort. I know the upcoming weeks will be challenging, and I'm not eager to leave my computer chair and head back to bed, but it must be done. Tomorrow, my home health nurse will visit between 1-3 pm, and my physical therapy will begin on Saturday. In the meantime, I need to use my spirometer four times daily, walk to the kitchen at least twice a day, and perform some basic exercises provided in my discharge instructions.

I will keep my blog updated with the changes, achievements, and challenges I encounter during my recovery. I'll also share pictures and videos on my MCTD and ME Instagram page, which is linked to this website. If you have any questions about what to expect before or after a hip replacement, don't hesitate to message me! For now, I'm about to tackle the most painful part of my day: getting back into bed for some rest.

Woman doing physical therapy after hip replacement