Well, the doctor that did the first partial hip replacement said I'd get 10 - 15 years out of it before it would need to be replaced. I got the short side of the estimate - 11 years. The hip started hurting me this past November, and I remembered exactely the symptons from 11 years ago (isn't that strange, heck sometimes I can't even remember if I closed the garage door when I'm only 2 blocks down the street). Anyway, I went to my family doctor, he took some x-rays and then sent me to an orthopedic surgeon. His assessment was to iether learn to manage and live with the pain or have it redone - well, I do have a high tolerance for pain; the only problem is that it doesn't last very long. So, surgery was a no brainer.
Went in on Friday, Feb. 1; surgery was scheduled for 7:30am and woke up in my hospital room around 12:30pm feeling no pain - they gave me a spinal which deadened everthing from the waist down. Stayed in the hospital for 3 more days and was released on Monday, Feb. 4.
Tom flew in on Sunday and was a tremendous help when I was released. He did the grocery shopping, fixing meals and being there for moral support. I'm not sure what I would have done without his assistance that first week at home. Tom left for home this fast Friday evening.
My HMO provides a few benefits I didn't know were available. I have a visiting nurse come in 3 days a week to check on my health (blook pressure, temp, etc) and to change the dressing on the incension.
They also provide a physical therapist that comes 3 times a week and provides and assist me with leg strengthing exerises. She really pushes the exericses, which is good.
Then I have some great neighbors - they've been coming over to feed the dog each morning and popping in to make sure everything is OK and is there anything I need.
Well, I was going to post a picture of my hip before the surgery - however, the boys were out there in full view (remember the Seignfeld episode with Kramer) so I decided not to. Maybe I can cut them out of the picture, oops - I mean cover them up,
Hope everyone has a Happy Valentines.
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2 comments:
Sounds like you're making great progress, Jerry. Bet you'll be out on the golf course as soon as the weather permits.
You can't beat Tom for lending a helping hand. He was there with me in San Angelo for moral support when Mel was hospitalized after his heart attack.
Glad you're doing so well and making good progress. You've been surrounded with lots of good people for support and that always helps. Tom is a gem!
And you're right, we really din't need to see that picture anyway.
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