Arthritis Insight-Member Stories-Marlena's Hip Replacement Journal

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Marlena's Hip Replacement Journal

January 16, 2002

Finally a date is set to have my hip replaced!!! I was disappointed that I have to wait 6+ weeks (2-25-02). Because the damage to the joint is so severe they will fit me in should someone else have to postpone or cancel their surgery due to illness. I hate to wish ill on another, but......

Using a wheelchair all the time is helpful but really limits me. I can no longer drive either so im homebound right now. Though I know the recovery will be hard it will be nice to walk again.

February 24, 2002

Tomorrow is the big day. Im so ready and so nervous. Have not been able to sleep for the past 4 weeks due to pain at without pills. Just being able to sleep will be an improvement.

May 20, 2002

it's finally finished! I feels like the joint has been healthy all along. what a pleasure to sleep pain free.!

I was quite nervous before surgery because I know what lousy veins I have and starting an iv is no fun. luckily, the anesthesiologist was kind enough to give me lidecain first before poking around in my veins..why hadn't anyone else thought of that before?!!! of course I still ended up with big nasty ugly bruises in the spots that didn't work. I tried to tell the doc which vein was good but he was determined to hunt. I had both general and local anesthesia so I was basically pain free till day 3,just when the doc said I would hurt more. that night was quite painful but fortunately it only lasted an hour or so. I had a secret weapon of the homeopathic remedy "arnica" that kept me pain free the rest of the time.

I had a non cemented replacement put in so I had to stay at a rehab place for 7 weeks. that was an adventure! the rehab place here where I live is in a nursing facility. I was the young baby rolling around in there. I came to love and enjoy all the residents and plan to volunteer there in the future.

physical therapy got me stronger than I thought I ever could get again. it felt good to be up and walking. I will have both of my knees replaced July 30 and will soon be the million dollar woman!!