...Replacement?
Une femme has thrown in the towel.
For the last few years, I've treated my arthritic hip with physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, anti-inflammatory meds, and positive thinking. And for the last few years I've been living with varying levels of pain and a pronounced limp, giving me a rolling gait like a pirogue on the open sea. Pas chic!
A few months ago I reached the point where the discomfort was preventing me from sleeping unless I resort to Heavy Artillery pain meds. I feared I'd soon be popping Vicodin like Dr. House. (Well, not quite like Dr. House; I only take one per night max, and I don't throw them down my gullet without a glass of water.) I am hereby yielding to the surgeon's arts. Henceforth I will need to carry a doctor's note with me when travelling to explain to the TSA why I am setting off the metal detectors.
Surgery is scheduled for January 8. I'll be in the hospital for 3-4 days and then off work for 6-8 weeks. In the short term, I'm looking forward to having lots of time to blog, and long-term hopefully to regaining some mobility and sending Mr. Pain packing for a while.
This is a big surgery, but folks I know who have had it extol the benefits (although I know there's a considerable bit of rehab physio to get through first). A good thing to have done at the beginning of a New Year, new beginnings and all that -- I'm no fan of surgery, but after the pain and limitations you've been suffering, this will be a huge change. Bonne chance et bon courage!
ReplyDeleteMerci bien!
ReplyDeleteI'll be quite happy to be on the far end of the surgery and rehab. Paris will be even more fabulous when I don't wince going up every flight of stairs! (I'm lobbying le monsieur to go back next October.)
Dangman! Hope all goes well. I don't think you will have to have a doctor's note at the metal detector. They might pull you aside and wand you though. Last time I flew, I wore shorts, so when they picked up my titanium "hardware", they could clearly see I wasn't packing anything on the outside.
ReplyDeleteAnd be sure to take your digital camera to the post op visits and take pictures of your x-rays. Just because it is kinda cool. BTW, can I have your leftover meds? Hah! Just kidding!!!
I know people who have had this surgery and they were very happy they did it!
ReplyDeleteRest up and all my best.
OH, Happy New Year and Hip! LOL
Luck!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you have to go through this ordeal. I am so very pleased that soon you will be pain free and when you get to Paris you will be able to walk the entire city sans limp.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Years! And, I wish you a quick and easy recovery. Take good care and know we will be anxiously awaiting your very chic return.
Best of luck to you. You never know, rehab might be educational!
ReplyDeleteWell, at least my rehab won't involve giving up le vin or les chocolates. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good wishes everyone. I somehow doubt that the hospital is providing free Wi-Fi yet, but I'll try to find a way to post an update post-surgery.
I hope the surgery goes very smoothly and that you feel 1000% better after it's done.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who had this surgery at age 35... I'll skip the long story and just say that she felt so much better and a few years later she was walking marathons.
I also know someone whose mom (young mom as she is only 58!) had a knee replacement recently - he said she had immediate relief and even the PT wasn't as bad as the pain from the joint had been.
I think you'll be much happier once the chronic pain is a memory... so a little surgical pain ain't so bad. *grin* Hang in there.
And I'll pass along my mum's experience with it at age 86 - she did great. The PT folks had her up and walking around in no time flat. You'll be fine - and it's a great excuse to go to Paris (or London or Milan or Tuscany or ..shoot - any place), "But, you see, Honey...I've got to get my exercise in..."
ReplyDeleteBreak a leg--no-- bonne chance is much more a propos here! I know you will be flying around (metaphorically) very soon. We're all sending our best wishes and energy to you.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a much improved life afterward.
ReplyDelete