In hospital :(

[slowmotion]

I was in a single room for four days while they tried to find a post-op bed, just waiting and twiddling my thumbs. Mind-numbingly boring. I lived less than a mile from the hospital but they wouldn't let me go home in case I croaked. I felt absolutely fine and I just thought my whole detention was some kind of surreal joke. Anyway, I really couldn't fault my NHS treatment. Even the food was OK if you stuck to curries.

 

[derrick]

Had to cut my Lussos off!

Could have been worse, They could have been Assos. Sorry could not resist.
Hope you recover well.

 

[jefmcg]

Yeah, I remember when my brother at 15 or 16 got a staph infection following knee surgery, and was miserable and alone in a single room. When he went back to have the pin removed, my parents decided they couldn't afford a single room and he was so much more cheerful with adult company, than staring at the ceiling wondering if he'd ever pee again

 

[raleighnut]

I was in a single room for four days while they tried to find a post-op bed, just waiting and twiddling my thumbs. Mind-numbingly boring. I lived less than a mile from the hospital but they wouldn't let me go home in case I croaked. I felt absolutely fine and I just thought my whole detention was some kind of surreal joke. Anyway, I really couldn't fault my NHS treatment. Even the food was OK if you stuck to curries.

Yep the 'ethnic' food menu was definitely better than the plates of mush, on my 2nd stay (when they extracted the intermedullary 'nail', drilled out the inside of my Femur and inserted a bigger pin/nail) I stuck to Branflakes for brekkie and the vegetarian curry menu for the other 2 meals. I wasn't going to get 'corked up' a 2nd time, well not after I'd been threatened with an enema after being unable to 'go' for 5 days the first time I was in.

 

[slowmotion]

Yep the 'ethnic' food menu was definitely better than the plates of mush, on my 2nd stay (when they extracted the intermedullary 'nail', drilled out the inside of my Femur and inserted a bigger pin/nail) I stuck to Branflakes for brekkie and the vegetarian curry menu for the other 2 meals. I wasn't going to get 'corked up' a 2nd time, well not after I'd been threatened with an enema after being unable to 'go' for 5 days the first time I was in.

Oh dear, oh dear. It sounds like a scene from a Carry On film.

 

[fossyant]

Did have my first weep in years this morning. Realised that a year is a long time and to go from 100km bike rides to one step every few seconds all got too much. No private room, but felt good to get it out of my system, even if embarrassed by it.

You'll be back quicker than that !

 

[Pale Rider]

The hospital food was average during my stay, but it was included and I didn't have to prepare it or clean up afterwards.

Food was another benefit of being on a ward, most of the patients who had visitors had surplus treats they were more than willing to ping in my direction.

 

[raleighnut]

Oh dear, oh dear. It sounds like a scene from a Carry On film. View attachment 119703

Having spent 4 days with a tube stuck up my 'John Thomas' and despite having to hop on a zimmer frame (non load bearing on the broken leg) I did everything to avoid the 'Soapy Water' treatment.

 

[slowmotion]

Having spent 4 days with a tube stuck up my 'John Thomas' and despite having to hop on a zimmer frame (non load bearing on the broken leg) I did everything to avoid the 'Soapy Water' treatment.

Having a catheter made me realise what a chore having a pee actually is. OK, wandering about with a plastic bag wasn't great but it did give a certain freedom, even if you did get faintly disgusted looks from hospital visitors.

 

[fossyant]

Try having a poop with a broken back. TBH I'd pop the brace on, hop off the side of the bed and let gravity help. Blooming impossible flat on your back. Managed to avoid a suppository but was on laxatives. Took a few weeks for things to return to normal when home.

My room mates didn't get many treats...neither did I.... I did get lots of Nivia that I passed onto one of the other lads as Morphine makes your skin peal off your feet and hands.

We did go on watch a few times as one of us sneaked out of bed to get stuff. We used to get in right trouble.

 

[Zeffer]

I pressed the bell and waited ten minutes at least. Worries me. They are all lovely but what do I do in an emergency?

 

[Zeffer]

A man friended me on Strava a few months ago. Never met him in my life but always supported my rides and had a chat on the feedback page. He visited me in hospital last night! Gave me a card and 'How I won the yellow jumper' to read! What a lovely chap and a great community.

 

[mjr]

Gave me a card and 'How I won the yellow jumper' to read!

It's a fun book, but try not to dislodge anything laughing too hard!

 

[The_Weekend_Report_Guy]

There is hope in humanity..! Not all is lost..!

If you have time stop by and read my rehab story... (time? I mean if you feel like it)

You might get some ideas on how to get back on your feet..

But this sort of stories are the ones I love to read about.. People been great..!

A man friended me on Strava a few months ago. Never met him in my life but always supported my rides and had a chat on the feedback page. He visited me in hospital last night! Gave me a card and 'How I won the yellow jumper' to read! What a lovely chap and a great community.

 

[Bazzer]

Had a double femur fracture with plate, dynamic hip screw etc last July and was in hospital for 10 days. A handful of suggestions:
Assuming you are not on crutches yet, or at least not without supervision from either a nurse or an HCA, a zimmer frame will help a bit to build up your hands and triceps, for when you leave on crutches.
I found getting in and out of bed was easier by straightening my legs and hooking my good leg's foot, under the ankle of the bad leg and using it as a guide/support. It could still hurt like hell, but I had much more control over the movement.
When you get to the stage of wanting to relieve your back by rolling to various degrees on your good side, use a pillow or two to support your good leg, so you don't roll too far and try putting a folded pillow or two between your knees. I found the pillow/s between my legs took some of the pressure off the damaged area. You might not be comfortable for very long, but it relieves your back.
After a few days and you start to manage the pain better, see if the nurses will let a visitor take you out occasionally in a wheelchair. Just getting off the ward, even if only for 5 minutes, can make a big difference.
I've probably got wussy hands, but some padded fingerless gloves helped break my hands in when I started on crutches..

GWS