For the past 5 years, as my “bum” hip got worse and worse, I had been saying I would never go for hip surgery. I was stubborn as well as scared of surgery in general. It got so bad this past summer I could not do even the simplest day-to-day things. I missed events I love to attend and friends I love to see. I missed all sorts of things, including being able to reach down to pat the favorite family pet cat.
As long as it stayed warm, I was able to get away with wearing flip-flops almost anywhere I could go. But, as the weather cooled, I even had to have help getting on my left sock and/or shoe.
So, I began to look at hip replacement as an option. And, am I glad I did! After asking friends and searching the web I came on the Orthopaedic and Spine Center (Newport News, VA) and Dr. Boyd Haynes and the staff. WOW! From the day of the first evaluation to the post-surgery check, I have been treated as if I were the only patient they had. Really, there cannot be a finer gathering of knowledgeable, personable, caring, and patient-friendly doctors and medical support people. Everything they told me is true and they thought of things I did not even know to ask and they explained them in detail to me.
I had the surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago. I checked in at the hospital at 6am on Wednesday and, using a walker, was out the door and home for lunch the following day, Thursday. To me, a miracle in and of itself.
I have been fortunate in that I have had no, zero, nil pain since I woke up from the surgery. The incision (about 6 inches, front thigh) was glued closed. Yep – no stitches or staples! I have finished the two weeks of home nurse care (turned out I did not use but 2 visits) and the two weeks of at home physical therapist visits (every other day).
So, I am home and on my own WITH the support and encouragement of my loving husband. I can climb the 14 steps to our second floor (husband stands by and brings the walker to the new level). I can stand on my own and am preparing small meals in the kitchen. I have begun to use the cane some, but at this point keep the walker nearby “just in case”.
Bottom Line: I only wish I had had the new hip installed sooner – I wasted a lot of time. The rehab exercises take dedication, but are not difficult. I hope to be walking just fine in 2 to 3 more weeks. So, if your hip is “doing you in”, I recommend the Orthopaedic and Spine Center. And, good luck.