October 26, 2022
Today is not a work day but a doctor appointment day for me. Since August in South Dakota, we have been reasonably sure that I will need a hip replacement. The pain and lack of mobility has increased since the beginning. I got a few x-rays. The PA, Tim, came in and said that there was no other testing needed. It is conclusive. I need a new hip. The Doctor, Jordan Smith, came in and said the same thing. I need a new hip. The next question is when would you like it? Yesterday. Since that is not an option, they checked possible dates. They had two. November 10 and December 12. There is no way I am going to have surgery on my birthday, so November 10 it is. I am now scheduled to have a pre-op meeting with Tim on November 2, blood work and urine test (I’m going to study hard for that!) on November 3 and surgery on November 10.
Dr. Smith asked me a bunch of health questions and determined that I was tough and in good health, so he would do the surgery outpatient. Nancy did a lot of research to even select this doctor. He is known for his hip replacements. He does an anterior replacement to lessen the chance of post op hip dislocation. His office is located just blocks away from Arizona University, School of Medicine. Apparently Arizona is a noted orthopedic area. The expected recovery time is 2 to 4 weeks. Mine will be closer to 4 weeks as I can not take NSAIDS, which reduces inflammation. I am so ready to get this done. It would be great to be able to walk at a normal gate for a change. I know most of you were unaware of this situation. Everyone has their own burden(s) to bear. Compare to most, this is minor. Besides, we knew that this was a probability when we left NC. It was a matter of time.
We decided that we were leaving on the trip and if it happened sooner then so be it. Actually recovering in an RV might be a little easier as we do not have large open spaces like in a house. More items closer to steady myself. The best post op exercise will be walking. No formal PT. Fortunately our RV is large enough that I have room to maneuver a walker in. We did find a like new walker on Craigslist that we will pick up Wednesday when we go to Tucson.
