Monday, February 8, 2010

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Today is surgery day for me - total hip replacement. I am elated to start the process that will allow me to move more freely. I am aprehensive about any procedure involving needles, saws, and scalpels. I am resolute about the rehabilitation which is very precise, involved, and fairly lengthy.

When I am done, an x-ray will look like the one at right.

I have no idea why I have developed osteoarthritis, what they call "wear and tear" arthritis, as I have never been athletic. There are some possible underlying causes for anyone who develops this, but I think that the fact of its existence is, for most patients, reason enough to get treatment.

Apparently one in four people in North America will develop osteoarthritis in the hip according to About.com. That seems high, but maybe there is a matter of degree and not every hip deteriorates to the point of needing surgery.

I have done blog posts in advance and have them scheduled to come out regularly for the period of my recovery - I've grown attached to this blog and don't want to let it slide. Of course I won't be replying to comments as I usually do, but would love to get them anyway!

For some odd reason, I keep hearing this old school song over and over in my head. And, while it doesn't even mention hips, I will be able to sing and move along with The Wiggles in the future. Plus, for the rest of my life, I will get personalized attention from airport security.

15 comments:

Kim Stewart said...

I am excited for you Christine! Wishing you all the best for the surgery. Keep your eye on the prize as you recover.

Kim S.

Anonymous said...

Wishing you the best of luck and a very speedy recovery!!!

The Sole Sisters Collective said...

Good luck my dear, I hope you come out just fine. I am glad there will be some future posts while you recover (selfish me). Take care of yourself.

Unknown said...

I can really equate with your hip problem and sure hope the hip replacement is the best thing ever for your mobility and quality of life.

Hels said...

Ha! The Wiggles! excellent... Australia needs all the export dollars we can raise, at the moment, so I hope you go to Wiggles concerts, buy their CDs etc etc. And they might help your recovery :) I hope so.

It is an interesting process, scheduling articles in advance. I had chest pain thoughout 2009 and thought if I die, I better have lots of articles lined up, ready to go in my absence. Pathetic, I know.

Anyhow you work hard to make your blog special and you want to maintain your standard. I hope the recovery is quick and uneventful, and that you get back to writing asap.

All the best
Hels

P. M. Doolan said...

Good luck with your recovery. I have heard from friends who have had it done that the recovery is slow but gives a completly new lease on life. So keep your sights set on the good days that lie ahead :-)

lifeshighway said...

Oh my goodness, I saw this a day late. I hope your surgery went well. Get better really quick!

Unknown said...

Hope you are doing well after the surgery. My prayers are with you for a quick and uneventful healing!! :-)

Cher Duncombe said...

I'll be praying for you. Just know that your quality of life will get better and think of all those security alarms you can set off!
And...here I go preaching...don't try to do too much too soon.

Hugs sent your way!

Unknown said...

Dear ChrisJ, The pre-surgery period, is understandably quite stressful. Hope your surgery goes fine and you have a speedy recovery.

Owen Gray said...

My wife is a physiotherapist, who works in home care. A number of her patients have new knees or hips.

She says that the first couple of weeks can be a little painful -- but it's all worth it.

We're both thinking about you.

veterankindergartenteacher said...

Omg .....my doctor has recommended a hip replacement for me. Let me know how you are doing? I will pray for a quick recovery for you!

ChrisJ said...

Hi Everyone,

I'm home and doing well. Thanks for all the lovely comments.

Pearl said...

Glad to hear the day came. You'll be amazingly mobile in no time judging from what I saw at the ortho unit in our local hospital.

Meam Wye said...

Glad to know that you are better :) Wishing you all the best.