Total hip replacement scheduled for 18 Oct. Plain old arthritis, fortunately limited to a single joint, but progressive to the point where I can't walk much, get on a bike, negotiate stairs, arise from a chair, like that. Mitigated by healthy other joints, continued exercise--I can swim a couple hours dragging my legs behind me--and my generally sunny disposition. Too, I'm having it done at the NE Baptist, which has the best record and lowest infection rates in the known galaxy. So I've no reason for other than optimism.
Yesterday had pre-op visit: lasted 3 hours. Quite thorough: NP, anaesthetist, pahrmacist, physical therapist, social worker. All lovely, all been there done that. Gave some of my own blood if they need to transfuse me--the safest, and EVERYBODY GETTING ELECTIVE SURGERY SHOULD DO THIS. They think about what I'll need at home afterwards--get shag rugs off the floor; boosters on the pots; shower doors taken off; remote reaching tongs; like that. And a bottle of chlorhexidine (serious antibacterial) to shower with twice a day, culture of nose and urine. Turns out that if they do all that, infection rate close to zero. Makes you wonder why everybody doesn't...
I'll keep everybody up on it here; might prove interesting to hear from someone who's spent time on the other side of the OR drapes
email: kempstermdjd@verizon.net
blog: http://profwombatsecondopinion.blogspot.com/
7 comments:
Good luck.
Sounds like you've done your part; I guess 'break a leg' is not the appropriate wish for surgery though. Hope it goes well.
Actually, they will break my leg as part of the operation; hopefully with some measure of control...
thanks, guys
Yeesh. I was supposed to have a hip replacement 2-3 years ago (according to my Doc).
So far, I'm winning the battle, but aware that it won't last forever.
Good luck, Prof!!
Try not to stay awake and editorialize on the surgeons technique, will ya? I hear they hate that.
All the best! We're rooting for you, friend.
Prof, everyone I know who has had a hip replaced in the last 12 months (6...my peers are old) say the same thing: it's a walk in the park compared to the surgery even 3 years ago.
The trick is to take the PT very seriously and to do everything the therapist suggests.
The surgery itself is calibrated by computers with an override granted the surgeon if there are any surprises.
Oh, and titanium does not set off the metal detectors at the airport.
Best of luck with your surgery, Prof!
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