DebbyK’s Hip Surgery_Day 6_ I’m Leaving The Hospital PLUS Bonus Day 5 Video

Hi Your Fit Day Friends!

Hallelujah!

Last night was soooo much better  What an improvement. I was able to sleep on my non- op side and even got into that position without having to be ‘tucked-in’ to bed by the nurses. I mean, yeah!, it’s nice to have turn down, but it’s so nice to have this little bit of normalcy back in my life, like getting into bed by myself.

And here’s something else that was pretty normal; Reading myself to La La Land.  Last night I was craving a good read and was able to read myself to sleepiness. Now, that’s getting back to normal-ness! So I was blessed to be able to read my book for an hour.

I slept for about 2-3 hours and then, all by myself, I was able to turn on my back, and doze in and out until about…you guessed it… 630AM!, when the nurse came to take my BP and temp…again. Can’t wait til that is over. I mean, by now I would think that they know I’m alive!

Speaking of alive!  When I first arrived at the Apollo and they were taking my heart rate and pulse during the intake, after having been run around the hospital for all those pre-op tests. And they were alarmed by my heart rate and pulse readings and said I was abnormal, and that they would have to give me medication. I was like, WHAT? What are my readings?

HA! get this: My HR was 44 and my pulse was 46. This is NOT my waking up metrics either. These were the mid-day numbers. The nurse was concerned and left. And when she came back she said they would give me meds to get my heart rate up!. I was like, “NO Your NOT going to put me on anything like that. These are normal readings for me. My waking pulse is often 36bpm-38bpm. Forty four is not uncommon for me. Please, check with the Doctors. I’m athletic. I have a happy and healthy heart!!”

Well, after some explanations and background of what I did on a daily basis they finally got it, and said they had never had a patient who had such low readings.

Things You Do On Check Out Day!

And, what a far cry from the last week: Last night I was actually cold upon falling asleep and even had to ask for two sheets, the AC turned down, and a towel put over my chest and shoulders. This is a sign telling me that my body is starting to regulate its metabolism; normalizing itself from all the meds and anesthesia that were pumped through me. I was told that all those crazy buckets of sweat that I was pouring out were partly due to my body purging itself of all the toxins.

And… when I got up…, yes!, I am regular, again. Maybe a bit too much information, but for those of you Hippy’s out there or anyone else who is having surgery you will totally understand.

However, my body is still bloated like a fish. What a weird feeling.

But I know in a few weeks I won’t look like a Macy’s Day Parade balloon!

Then I did my exercise routine which took about 20 minutes. There is no Physio today because I’m leaving and there is so much else on the schedule for checkout!

And here’s my Happy Halloween Treat for all of you who are still looking for an outfit… This is my walking outfit that I wore on Day 5 that I forgot to post in my last blog. And please…don’t steal my outfit for Halloween. It’s an original!

Do you like my slippers?

Check, Please!

So, although there was a lot to get get through before I left, it was a pretty relaxed checkout.

First, I had a visit from the international patient coordinator. I gave her great reviews and told her that if I had all the money in the world I’d come back to Dr. Bose for surgery. In fact, I was told that the Apollo Platinum ward is a VIP ward. So it makes sense that even if I had all the money in the world I would still come here to be healed!

BTW: This is also this is a Specialty hospital for cancer and many in this wing were here for cancer treatments.

Next I was visited by the dietician again. We discussed things I may want to wean myself back on to.: like nuts. Bummer. I was ready to dive in and munch away. But she said only about 3-5 a day to start. And to think I brought a pound and a half with me!. Well, I don’t want to mess up what’s working, so I’ll go slow. That seems to be the mantra from Dr. Bose too… Balance, Deborah! I can still here his voice…

SIDE BAR: Regarding coconut oil for those of you who may follow a Paleo method of eating and will be traveling to India for surgery, or pleasure for that matter. You can eat Paleo style. But many here are concerned about cooking with it. “It’s bad for my heart”!! they tell me.  “Well, yah! If you’re eating tons of Omega 6’s and sugars and processed foods, then, yes it is. But if you’re eating whole foods, no processed foods, no added sugars, and exercising, then cooking in small amounts of coconut oil is fine”, I tell them!

But buyer beware in India. As it turns out the first few days that I was having them cook my omelet in coconut oil little did I know that it was 2nd press. As it turns out it is difficult and very expensive in Tamil Nadu, as well as other regions,  to get 1st press coconut oil. It’s very expensive. So they cook with olive oil and vegetable oil, and of course butter. When I found this out I opted for no  coconut oil, and just some olive oil with my veggies and grilled fish. I mean, I really needed fat.

So, I’m not sure if the dietician was concerned because she knew it was 2nd press or that she just thought coconut oil, even organic virgin, was bad for you. I got that from many Indians here; that coconut oil had way too much cholesterol and you’d die of a heart attack.

Apparently there is a big drive from the Ministry of Health to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure and obesity, all which are creeping into their society.Hmmm! I wonder why? Could it be the full page adds for Chinese food and pizza and Western style treats that have infiltrated the Indian homes, and are advertised in all the local papers? Just like the U.S. of A!!

So If you are sticking to Paleo, and you prefer coconut oil,  make sure you ask them what oils they are cooking with. And if you ask for coconut oil, make sure to ask for 1st press, unrefined. In fact virgin coconut oil is abundant in some and non existent in others. Every region is different. So make sure you ask.

The Final Hour

Dr. Bose finally made his rock star appearance. And this is exactly how I feel when I see him. I grow weak and am often lost for words. Although he would probably beg to differ on that one.

Actually his entire team that was there during my surgery and helped with my recovery, came in to see me off. Dr. Bose went over all the post op meds, set me up with my Xrays, Echo, CD of my films, and a goody bag filled with bandages and rubber gloves; as well as some notes and documents for the airlines, so I wouldn’t find myself on the NO FLY list as I beeped my way through the gates.

Then he gave me general post op flying procedures:

Drink lots of water every hour.

Get up and walk every hour.

Do your leg exercises every hour.

Rinse and Repeat.

He was kind enough to do this little exit video for me:

The great thing about going on a medical vacation is that World Med Assist coordinated all of my transfers; from landing in India to shuttling me to Taj Vivanta Fisherman’s Cove resort. So all I had to do was wait for my driver to arrive.

Within a few moments after Dr. Bose had left they said my driver would be here soon.  I thought I’d have about an hour, which is much needed when hobbling. So Durga, my buddy, helped me pack up.  Since I was going to be on my own I strategically packed my bags so that I could get at things easily for the first few days at the resort

I am so positive and happy.  Those of you who are my close friends know that I was going through a tough period. The pain of an arthritic hip and not being able to do what I love athletically, which affects my profession as a trainer, can bring you down emotionally and drown your spirit.

But I feel so different now. Months before I left for India I just let it all go; I gave myself over to my hip, Dr. Bose, and India. And when I did that it was like a weight was lifted from me. I knew this would be an emotional journey as well as one that would free me to move forward, take action and start a new life; physically, emotionally and spiritually.

In fact, it may seem odd, but I have not missed home while being here. Because home right now is here. Not to say that to hear from my family and friend and long lost acquaintances and high school buddies hasn’t been wonderful and instrumental in my healing. Because it has.  Thank you all so much. I love you!

But I am here in India;  She has become my home since I stepped off the plane; and I am focusing only on the present.  And when I leave, India will be in my heart and soul forever; India, Dr. Bose, the Apollo, and all the friends I have made here.

With that said, I will miss everyone here at the Apollo. And as much as I thought just four days ago that I wouldn’t be ready to be without my Apollo ‘A’ Team, I am ready to move on. Besides, I really need to feel a sea breeze and breathe some clean air, and not have my arm yanked and pulled every 6 hours!

So, with happy face, I said my goodbyes and was off.

I didn’t leave until 5pm.

Late check out. But hey, no extra charge!

My journey is just beginning. Can you tell by the smile on my face?

Here’s some pictures  of me leaving the Apollo:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then it was off to Fisherman’s Cove Resort

Stay tuned for part 2 of Day 6. You won’t want to miss this. It’s where the magic begins…

With much love,

Your Trainer, Friend, and sometimes Personal Shopper

DebbyK!

Make It Your Fit Day!,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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