In brief, Peter went into
hospital in July to address a staph infection. The doctors
removed his artificial hip that he has inserted 3 years ago
which was the cause of the staph infection. He has been in
and out of hospital ever since and is back again for a final
(hopefully) stint. He is bored shitless and would appreciate
some visitors or a phone call or two to relieve the boredom.
Having said that he is positive in spirit and is hoping to
be out of hospital soon.
Pete’s latest at Norwest
– mid Sept 2010
Greetings all,
This is the latest from my 2nd and latest trip to Norwest
Private Hospital – if indeed you still have an interest.
You may be aware that I went into Norwest
19th July and had three operations to remove a Staph infection
that had manifested around the scar of my replacement right
hip operation of three years ago.
After three operations to get rid of the
infection, I finally went home a month later on 19th August.
I had been home nearly two weeks, and the infection was looking
like it had cleared up. The Homecare nurse was coming around
to inspect George the gunk collector and change the wound
dressing a few times a week. Then the leg seized up again
on 1st Sept, and back to hospital within the hour; and back
on various drugs, pills and potions.
I had a 150 hour operation on Friday Friday
3rd Sept to remove the hip, and hopefully all of the residue
of the infection. Then followed three agony days and nights
to try to stabilise leg after the operation, just laying on
my back the whole time. Even lots of morphine and Valium didn’t
have much effect on the pain. The following Monday afternoon
very gingerly got up onto a Zimmer frame with forearm weight
support/rests and uprights to try to get some back relief,
and to try to learn to walk - again.
Painful and didn’t last long, but
was able to spend an hour in my orthopaedic chair to try to
stretch my legs and get some back relief. Spent more time
walking Tuesday and Wednesday. Started to walk 20 meters and
return, as long as George came with me. Waiting on doctors
and x-ray results. X-ray revealed the metal spacer in my hip.
It seems to be doing its temporary job. Funny not having a
hip. And it effects my unpredictable dicky right knee. From
Thursday to now Monday have been using my underarm wooden
crutches to practise walking. At most can go 100 meters up
and down the corridor. Will continue to practise using my
crutches to try to get better. Otherwise spend the days in
orthopaedic chair with no Fox Sports on TV; and nights on
my back in hospital bed.
The orthopaedic Specialist has been to see
me today, Monday 13th Sept, and inspected the now dry wound,
and looked at the blood and other tests.
Could be outta here by mid to late next week. Say about Thursday
23rd Sept. But it depends on how good my body is fighting
the infection good fight.
I seem to be able to cope with the infection using Phred the
IV drip and lots of Vancomycin, but not so good with just
oral antibiotics.
Anyway, I would be home for 4 to 8 weeks.
Would use crutches, wheelchair, and maybe just a walking stick
if I am able to do so at home. Obviously if I go out would
mainly use the wheelchair just to be on the safe side.
It is frustrating because I am just marking
time. When I finally come back to Norwest to get a “normal”
hip replacement that will be different. Be at Norwest 4 to
7 days after the replacement hip insertion operation (op #
5 since mid July) and then off to the rehab hospital for 10
days or so to learn to walk again properly, and use the hydrotherapy
pool. But don’t know when op # 5 will happen. Would
hopefully have it all done – including some recovery
- by Xmas.
Will be in contact again next week with hopefully going home
news, if you manage to stay awake to read it.
Regards,
Peter Grove
Norwest PH Orthopaedic ward pvt room 325.
Direct no. 8882 8925
PS - Dry July has become The August of Abstinence
which became Sober September. What will October be called? |