My Personal Experience with Hip Replacemet

Personal Implant Story:

It is almost October, 2006, and I am recovering from my second hip replacement. My first was on Dec. 29, 2000. I would like to share my experiences with both these “implant” stories in hopes that it will quell some fears and also prepare those who’ve decided to have a replacement done.

First off, let me say that I knew that I had severe dysplasia for two years before the pain began to set in and become unrelenting in its increasing severity. During the last year before my operation I did everything I could to avoid surgery—alternative medications, exercises, the whole works. But none of them worked. Finally I made the decision to go ahead and do the replacement. And thank heavens I did it.

First, I have some advice on preparing for the operation itself. Though there is nothing you can do to physically prepare for this surgery that I know of, I can say that you need to feel confident about your doctor and the procedure itself. Give yourself a donation of blood if you’re nervous about transfusions. I had two pints and one I had donated to myself beforehand and the other was from my “universal donor” sister! Check up on your doctor’s credentials well in advance. Do Not go into surgery with trepidation about the competence of people who will literally have your life in their hands.

The following are some other suggestions relative to any major surgery. I opted to have my surgery on Dec. 29th. The reason? I knew that hospitals are almost empty during big holidays because elective surgery patients do NOT relish spending them drugged up in a hospital bed. What you can expect is a staff that is less stressed, a more relaxed atmosphere generally speaking, and much better service and shorter response time. There were only three other patients on my floor at any one time during my stay. I also got out of some Christmas obligations that would have been painful and hard to finish had I not been ensconced in my warm, snug room at St. Francis.