So I saw the orthopedic surgeon on Friday and it's a "go" for THR.

[Vinca]

He showed me the x-ray of my hip and I said "Wow!" The doctor replied, "That's what I said when I saw it." It was pretty shocking. The cartilage is completely gone and part of the ball joint has eroded away. Scary. I think he was surprised I was still walking. In any case, hip replacement surgery is scheduled for the end of March. He says I'm young (62!! - I love the guy) and won't have to go to a rehab facility which is a load off my mind. I can't stand the idea of being in the hospital for 3 days let alone anywhere else for even longer. I've decided to approach the whole thing with a sense of humor and plan to think of it as a very bad vacation. When's the last time I didn't have to cook? I'm really not concerned about the pain involved. After the ordeal with the post herpetic neuraligia, I feel as if I've visited the top of the pain mountain and nothing can come close to it. In any case, I'm happy to take advantage of whatever drugs are offered for a couple of days. It's a huge relief to be able to have this done. I hope I'll be recovered enough to get my garden planted and "pick" for antiques and collectibles as I normally do every summer.

[Paper Roses]

1. Hi Vinca, sorry to hear of your hip situation. Most people I know

that have had hip replacement surgery are up and about in no-time. I know it is difficult to face the operation but you'll be glad when it is over.

I am supposed to have an operation on my foot and I keep putting that off. I would be in a foot cast for 6 weeks, then crutches. Right foot, would not be able to drive!

I think I'll just keep on plugging until I can't walk. The thought of confinement is too much. I too need to be out, poking around.

Keep on plugging, I hear there will be good sales in the early summer and one of them will have a Faberge egg for $10.00.

[brewens]

2. I had a knee surgery where the plan was to do what is called,

I think, a cart graft. They harvest some cartilage, send it to a lab where they can grow it, then use that to rebuild the knee.
Along with my surgeon was a rep from the company that promotes the process. My surgeon got the rep to admit that if it worked on me, it would be the worst one he ever saw work. My surgeon aborted that plan, cleaned it up as best he could, then we scheduled a total knee replacement.
I was looking at a real ordeal to rehab from the cartilage graft surgery. The replacement has worked out well. I had to find a better, easier job, and I've been back to work for four years now.

[countingbluecars]

3. My best to you.

I was in the same boat with the cartilage completely gone. I had a hip replacement in January and will get the other done in May. My new hip feels great. Unfortunately, because of my bad hip, I still have pain and an uneven gait. At my one month check up I talked with several others who had replacements. They were all doing great. You should be back doing what you enjoy in no time!

[whistler162]

4. You may want to spend a couple of days in a rehab

center if your insurance covers it. Just from relatives who have had replacement surgeries one with a rehab stay and one without, same person multile surgeries, the benefits of a stay in rehab far out way the hassle of staying there.

[handmade34]

5. ((((positive energy going out))))

[liberal N proud]

6. Keep thinking about that garden you want to plant and your picking

Staying active is critical to joint replacement recovery. My mother had both her knees done and then never really stayed active enough to use them. It cost her mobility later and a second round of surgery.

Take care of yourself and think positive.

[sarge43]

7. Don't worry about the pain. You'll be uncomfortable the first day or two, but

after that it's at worst annoying. Yes, the drugs are great - "I'm sooooo happy."

Suggestion: If s/he doesn't bring it up, talk to your anesthesiologist about doing a spinal (yeah, I hate needles, too), but post-op you come back to Planet Earth more slowly thus less pain. Also, so Dr Painless told me, less chance of throwing a clot.

Again, the key to full recovery is the post-op physical therapy. They start you off very easy, then move on toward full mobility.

I'm scheduled to have the other hip done on the 15th. I'm also looking forward to getting back to the garden. See you there.

[Vinca]

8. I've got an appointment with a nurse practioner about anesthesia.

My only real concern is nausea. When I was half under for a colonoscopy several years ago, the first thing I did after regaining my sensibilities was puke . . . and puke . . . and puke.

[sarge43]

11. Was it a spinal? Make sure you mention this to the nurse. n/t

[Vinca]

12. I gather it's to discuss the options. I'll mention it for sure. Thanks.

[sarge43]

15. It is. She'll go over your med history, what meds you're on, etc.

If your health team is as good as mine, you'll feel well taken care of.

I see you're a Granitehead, too. Are you going to Dartmouth-Hitchcock?

[Vinca]

9. Thanks for all your support. I do have a question for those who have had it done.

Do you reach a point that you forget about it being a replaced hip and just go about your business normally and not think about it?

Darn - I just noticed a typo in my original post and can't edit it. I do know how to spell "neuralgia."

[sarge43]

10. Answering the question. Had the left hip done last August

Except for the scar itching a bit once in a while, the only time I think about it is when I realize it doesn't hurt at all - "free at last".

Again, keep doing the exercises.

[Vinca]

13. Great! I was bending over this morning to feed the cats and wondered

if I'd have to give that assignment to my husband on a permanent basis. I was thinking it's probably like when you get a new crown on your tooth and it doesn't feel quite right for a little while, then suddenly you can't remember which tooth it is. (Speaking of teeth, I had no idea there was a relationship between having dental work done and joint replacement. The orthopedic nurse told me you have to take antibiotics before any dental procedures forever and ever. Oh well. Small price when it means no pain.)

[sarge43]

14. Same here about the antibiotics

We bionic types run a slightly higher risk of infection. As you say, small price to pay.

Hubby will have to double up on the chores for two to three weeks. It's a good object lesson about how valuable we are. Don't over do it getting back to the old routine. Easy does it; you'll get there.

[Vinca]

16. The surgery went fine and I'm back at home making my husband's life a living hell.

He's been amazing. I'm just starting down the rehab road and it seems like a long, long, long one at this point. My biggest problem, having just gotten back, is finding a comfortable sleeping position. It will all work out, I'm sure. Just wanted you all to know I'm alive and kicking.

[uppityperson]

17. Thanks for letting us know. I hope the recovery goes smoothly.

Finding a comfortable sleep position can be difficult at first, hope you have a bunch of pillows to prop yourself with. COngratulations on having the surgery be over.