Dec 152009
 

Don’t ask for a new hip unless you really need one.  Part Five in a series.

For the first two days following my hip surgery the pain was managed by the epidural which I activated with my friendly hand pump.  After this they took out the tube that injected this into my spinal fluid and I went on oral pain medications.  I recall that my surgeon had asked if I had ever taken Percocet before and my answer was no.  Percocet was what I began taking for pain and to be able to get some sleep.
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Dec 102009
 

Don’t ask for a new hip unless you really need one.  Part Four in a series.

I was in two hospitals with my hip replacement.  The first was where I had the surgery and stayed for several days.  The other was a rehabilitation hospital and I was there for several days as well.  Although physical and occupational therapy were begun almost immediately at the surgical hospital, these were a focus at the rehabilitation hospital.
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Dec 072009
 

Don’t ask for a new hip unless you really need one.  Part Two in a series.

The thing about major surgery is that you place yourself in the hands of others, most of them strangers, and become totally helpless.  I remember saying to the anesthesia guy that I had three requests: put me out before the surgery starts, keep me out while it goes on, and be sure to wake me up afterward. Continue reading »

Dec 062009
 

Don’t ask for a new hip unless you really need onePart One in a series.

A lot led up to my complete hip replacement on September 29, 2009.  Thinking back on my decision process, I now know it was an evolution directed by my deteriorating condition.  It was a long journey from a time where I thought I might need and benefit from surgery to one where no other choice was possible.  Continue reading »