One Boomer At Large

Hips Replacement - (Series Header)
 

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t’s totally unexpected. It’s totally unexpected. I always prided myself on my long legs and ability to stride out on hikes, long walks, and even store parking lots — more often than not parking off in the hinterlands so I could get in a good walk.

So, imagine my dismay when a hip would unexpectedly fail when going down the stairs. Or when trying to mount a motorcycle, I couldn’t throw a leg over the seat. Or when I bought said motorcycle, the mere act of bringing my legs up to the floorboards resulted in excruciating pain in the musculature around my hips.

Clearly, something was amiss.

Thus began my several months’ sojourn to fix the hips, starting with investigations, tests, steroid injections (temporary relief) and finally pulling the plug and opting for full hip replacement on both sides.

This series comprises a detailed log of the experience, followed by a summary of thoughts and advice for anyone else contemplating the procedure.

Latest visit with osteo surgeon indicates hips are deteriorating more rapidly. I get steroid injections into the hip joints to alleviate the pain until surgery.
The steroid injections are successful - vast improvement. Diabetes issues with the steroid, though.
After months of waiting, the day finally approaches.
The day is approaching, I'm starting to get things ready for the surgery and the convalescence at home. A hiccup from the hospital.
And, we're here. Today is the day. I perform some required prep, starve for the day, and reflect on the risk of infection.
Surgery done, I've been in the hospital for two days. Some convalescence, but overall not too bad. I have a couple of nice scars on my thighs.
I can't believe it's only been four days. Feels more like a month. Update, medication, exercise, etc.
Five days out and the pain has increased stupendously. Didn't think it would be like this...
Sixth day, trying the Hydrocodone. Lots less pain, but it messes with my digestive tract. Dropping it.
And here we are at 7 days/1 week out. The pain is reducing somewhat, and I'm doing ok on the Tylenol. More 'monkey walks'.
This morning seemed tougher than usual, a sore on my right heel needs attention, PT visit.
Morning stiffness, knee involvement(!), Vrooming about mid-day.
Back to the slog - tough mornings, better mid-days.
Back to the slog - tough mornings, better mid-days.
When I came out of surgery, I had an open sore on the back of my right heel. That and the fact that the foot is slightly swollen and painful is an interesting side note.
Visit with PA, today. Staples out, X-rays of hips and foot. No breaks in the foot or the ankle - we're calling it a sprain. Not untypical, apparently.
Getting more confident in walks. I went outside today with a pair of hiking sticks and walked about 100 feet or so. Feels better walking than not walking. Fluid build-up in my right hip, again.
Really starting to feel better, walk better. Feet still hurt like hell in the mornings, but quickly subside. More fluid buildup.
Week 3 has come, seems like it should be some sort of landmark. The seroma (fluid under the right incision) is returning. I've scaled back my activities to try to not aggravate it, but that has its own consequences.
Mornings are still a bear, but I'm walking more and better. Reducing the Tylenol a bit - giving my liver a break. The Seroma (fluid buildup under the right incision) is still with me. Best to leave it alone, according to the PA.
Just passed the four week mark, doing reasonably well but still a ways to go.
Just past six weeks and I'm confident enough to ride the scooter. Can mainly dress myself except for socks...
One day shy of seven weeks. Visiting with the surgeon, new X-Rays. Essentially all well, but still recovering.
12 week mark - I'm on the slow part of the healing curve, now. Still issues, especially with my right hip. Left hip is (mostly) great.
After 12 weeks, I feel like I can synopsize the experience
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