I don’t want to be one of those old men who goes on and on about his various ailments. But if I disappear suddenly, I’m sure some of you will want to know why.
Tomorrow I go to Dr. No. 6–or is it 5? or 7? Can’t keep track–and the next day, another one.
I’ve got to get my hip replaced. Several people who’ve had it have told me it’s no problem, I’ll be fine when I wake up, bob’s your uncle.It’s hard for me to believe this. I have a superstitious fear of dying.
And our internet has been on strike most of this morning, so I went out and had a cigar. There won’t be any cigars, where I’m going.
From a systemic point of view, the hip replacement is not all that threatening. All surgery is serious, but they have joint replacements down to a pretty fine science. A 90 year old aunt had a hip replacement. I accompanied her all the way to the operating room, but I was barely settled in the waiting area when the surgeon came back and said that he was done and everything had gone well.
Overall, I enjoy good health, but in the 2000s and into the twenty-teens I had several minor surgeries. One thing that helped me a lot was to learn the cast of characters, so I could track who said what. I makes a difference. My Ophthalmologist is indeed an MD specialist, but she’s not involved in my day to day care, the way my primary care physician is. Your primary care physician may not get involved in specialized matters, such as surgeries, but should be aware of significant medical matters going on with you.
You’ll be dealing with an Orthopedic Surgeon for your hip replacement. He probably will want some medical history and may ask you to allow him access to your medical records. It’s important, for several reasons.
The Orthopedic Surgeon will be coordinating your hip replacement replacement surgery, but during, and immediately after the surgery, you will be under the direct care of the Anesthesiologist, an MD who specializes in administering anesthetic, but also monitors your system, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, etc. during the operation and while you are coming out of anesthetic. You are considered the patient of the anesthesiologist at that time, anesthesiologist will rightly want to know any medications you are using, and any significant medical matters that are going on, apart from the surgery you are having that day.
Anesthesia is much better these days than it was decades ago, and much safer, so once you are stabilized and conscious after the surgery, chances are you won’t be talking to the anesthesiologist again, but before and during the surgery, he’s your very best friend.
After the surgery, they will refer you to a Physical Therapist. As a rule, PTs are not MDs, but many have doctorate levels of education in physical therapy, and might prefer to be addressed as “doctor”. The PT helps you to regain mobility and to build strength. I’ve been under the care of PTs on several occasions and I’ve known an experienced PT as a personal friend. In this phase of the recovery period, the PT will be your new best friend, and they are good friends to have.
Whereas the Orthopedic Surgeon has limited time with the patient, apart from during the operation, the PT is very hands on and directly involved. It is the PT that keeps the Orthopedic Surgeon informed of your progress.
While in your case, there’s not any question as to the nature of your problem, in the case of someone with something more vague, the PT’s input may influence the course of treatment and be considered as an important source of information regarding the overall diagnosis. For this reason, at times, an Orthopedic Surgeon might send a patient to a PT and see if that is all that is needed, or if deeper treatment is needed.
Life doesn’t include absolute guarantees, but the joint replacement you will soon be having is fairly routine, these days. I have a number of relatives who have been through it, along with knees and even shoulder replacements. Just take it a day at a time and I’m certain that you’ll be fine.
My head is spinning.
I have never been comfortable with medical procedures, going back to my infancy. Something about it scares me.
But thanks for your counsel. I’m sure I’ll be reading it again.
I agree. Keep in mind the benefits. Hip replacement surgery usually does a lot of good.
Set you mind of how great it will be to have a new hip – no more pain!!!!!
I’m trying to..
I believe we are all with you in spirit. I find myself often thinking about you and the difficulty you find yourself in. It is, I think, the Holy Spirit nudging me, so I offer a prayer for you and Patty. ❤
Thanks, Michele.
My mom had a hip replacement. The recovery period wasn’t too bad, but sleep might be uncomfortable for a few weeks because you have to sleep with a cushion between your legs. Just remember, this too shall pass. -Watchman.
My sleep is already trashed.
You know I always pray for you, Lee. In fact, you’re in the Top 3 of my “emergency cases” list every day and in every one of my own sufferings that I offer up for people I know who are suffering.
Thanks, Phoebe. Another doctor’s appointment today–*sigh*