After a total hip replacement, rehabilitation must become a top priority and probably an obsession.
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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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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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Unknown to me, of course, my hip replacement lasted three hours. At 7:30 p.m. my very tired surgeon spoke with my wife and daughter, reported that things had gone as planned, and that they could see me shortly in the recovery area. …
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. …
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. …