That Explains Things...

[RLFoster]

So over the past 8 - 10 weeks my left hip has really been bothering me.  Now I know why...here's the story.

The first indications of a problem brewing were back in early 2021 when I would have periodic pain after doing strenuous work.  Things like mowing the lawn (push mower), doing heavy pruning of trees and bushes, or heavy exercise would all cause the hip to give me some discomfort for a day, but no more.  Then slowly, and over about a 4 month time span, both the frequency and intensity of the discomfort increased.  While I could still mow the lawn or do some pruning, the length and amount of pain afterward was increasing.  With the end of Summer came an end to the outdoor activities, but that did not mean the problems stopped.

Beginning around the October time frame, the hip discomfort became almost constant.  While it would feel relatively good in the mornings, by the afternoons and evenings the hip would throb and ache terribly.  More and more I was finding myself spending additional time laying down to allow the hip time to relax.  Unfortunately, none of this was curing anything.  Today, I'm spending about 10 - 12 hours every day horizontal either trying to get the hip pain to diminish or trying to sleep...both to varying degrees of success.

Well, today I finally got in to see my doctor and after very little discussion, he ordered x-rays.  Now, bear in mind, my career for 20 years in the USAF included industrial x-ray, so I know how to read a radiograph.  After the digital shots were taken, the technician allowed me to see the images and they were NOT good.  His first comment was, "You are definitely going to need to have THAT hip replaced!"  Sure enough, the left hip image showed that about 1/4" of the joint's surface is now purely bone-on-bone...there's no cartilage left!  No wonder I can't even walk without building up pain and inflammation.

So, it looks like I'll be having major surgery at some point this Spring.  Trust me, I'm really, really looking forward to it!  I also now have a much better appreciation for my Mother who has had BOTH her hips replaced and one knee done (the second also to be done this year).  BTW, her first hip was upgraded when she was one year older than I am now..."the apple doesn't fall far..."

Anyway, that's my New Year's tale...no new modeling news to pass along, but I hope you understand why.

Until next time...

[JCON]

That sucks Robert! Will send some prayers your way that they get it fixed fast and well!!!

[RLFoster]

Thanks for the sentiment, Joe. Please focus any "prayers" toward the doctors if and when they are needed. I'll keep everyone posted...

[reserve]

That's not good news

The good news is that there's something effective that can be done about it

When I was a Circulator in the OR I saw a few thousand hips replaced; it's a well known procedure that's been done often enough that there are no surprises. I'll now go into RN mode:

The very same day the surgery's done they'll most likely want you to get up with a walker and move about a bit. Be prepared for this, long as you go easy it'll be OK.

Know your post-op instructions and follow them to the letter

I expect you'll have PT assigned to you, they might seem like sadists at first but in reality they are there to help attain the best outcome. Do as they ask to the best of your ability

The biggest threat to you post-op is infection. Learn the signs and symptoms of infection if you don't know them already. If these show up, call your doc at once...caught early this is not nearly as much of a problem

It's gonna hurt. Take your pain pills and associated meds. You won't heal as fast or as well if you're in lots of pain. You may not need them after a couple three weeks.

Do it right and you're gonna be happy you had it done.

Off my soapbox

Best of luck to you brother and remember you'll be surrounded by people that do this all the time

Regards,
Mark

[Steve Ski]

Wow Robert, like Mark said, good thing there's a fix. Regardless, going under the knife is no picnic. Get back up to speed mue pronto.

[RLFoster]

Thanks for the comments, guys.

Given the images were taken on Friday, I haven't heard back from the doctor and may not until a couple days into next week. He may have looked a the left hip and basicly decided to coordinate immediately with the Orthopedic folks. If so, it might be a couple days before I know what the game plan is.

Like I said, I've been living with it in it's current state for about 90 days...there's no rush for anything at this point. Well, except for the fact that my Mother is going under the knife to get her second knee replaced in mid-February and we CAN'T both be down at the same time!!! Oh, and that will be her final replacement (both hips and both knees).

Until next time...

[Dukemaddog]

Robert, this is bad news, but great that it is an easy fix so toy speak. I'll be praying for both you and the doctors for the surgery and a swift and full recovery after the surgery. During your recovery and after PT, you can always stop in here to check things out and stay in touch.