My Total Hip Replacement Journey:
I am Dr. Judith Gayle Olund, having earned my Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership in year 2012; however, today I will share with you a much more personal journey - my decision for a total hip replacement.
Over my past 70 years, I have enjoyed a wonderfully active life that began with dancing lessons as a young child and have continuously enjoyed all physical activities throughout the years; even until most recently often dancing at the local pub Friday and Satuturday nights for two to three hours straight.
So yes, I ignored my slow but sure developing limp (over at least five years) and was finally diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hips over one year ago (bone-on-bone).
Finally I had a checkup with my general doctor Dr. Calvin Lei at Stanford Health Care in Pleasanton, California. We discussed my walking issue which resulted in a referral to my now orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Aaron Salyapongse of Webster Orthopedics in Dublin, California; however, after my first consultation with the surgeon...I remained very hesitant. Maybe all I needed was a shoe lift - funny how we rationalize when we just aren't certain about things.
A few days after a follow-up blood test by Dr. Raj, I unexpectedly received a phone call from Dr. Salyapongse's office saying that I had been approved for total hip replacement surgery and was asked if I would like to schedule a date for surgery. I was definitely in shock...expecting to have months to reconsider surgery. I was then offered a surgery date in just two weeks which had opened up due to a cancellation. If I had not secured this opening, I would have had a month wait for surgery....that is, if I had decided to go ahead.
We penciled in the date. Two weeks.
So...because I was instructed not to take NSAIDS for ten days prior to surgery, I quickly realized how those little pills were actually masking my discomfort to a reasonable degree - more than I thought. By day eight without pills, I was reaching for the walls in my home (not wanting to put weight on my left hip); and, I was also compensating for my diminished hip movements by over-using my right knee which was becoming notably over worked. It was my time. I had a choice. Show up Wednesday morning for surgery, or go shopping for a cane and hideout more at home.
Paperwork complete, it was now time - my time. I was escorted down the hall to the pre-op section and quickly asked to take two pills. I followed instructions and swallowed. Okay, I was then given my hospital gown, toothbrush, toothpaste, non-skid yellow socks to wear, and then asked to change and go potty; also, to brush teeth. Now it was time to get comfortable on the bed. So, I did. Three pre-op nurses were soon hovering over me -- each doing their task including the IV, asking many questions, and establishing monitors and so forth.
Soon the medical team and my family surrounded me. Dr. Salyapongse, my surgeon, now in his light blue scrubs was asking me what procedure he was about to perform on me. I replied, "A total left hip replacement, anterior approach, 4 inch incision, then moving the muscles with your fingers giving access to the ball to be sawed off, which made way to the socket area which would be replaced with new materials; then a "test" implant (to hold the new ceramic ball) would be fitted before implanting the permanent titanium implant.
*****
After surgery: No pain. No nausea. No dizziness. I took one pain pill as more of a precautionary measure by end of day one. I was up and walking shortly after surgery to go potty (using a walker primarily to prevent any falls).
Day one after surgery: No real pain. I called it my "brick leg" but no pain. I was up and walking (using a walker primarily to prevent any possible falls).
Day two after surgery: I returned home, remade my new bed downstairs, and went upstairs for a shower. Nice. No pain.
I am presently enjoying my recovery time (Day 6) and continuing to take meds for continued healing and good health. I feel amazing. No more anguish when I walk. Of course as to be expected...I will continue with healing and adjusting to my new life, my new hip, and my new excellent mobility.
Dr. Salyapongse, I thank you for your excellent skills and for your dedication to help others, providing them an opportunity for a second chance of continued mobility and healthy living.
*****
Recommendations:
Dr. Calvin Kyaw Soe M. Lei (General at Stanford Health Care in Pleasanton)
Dr. Aaron Salyapongse (Orthopedic Surgeon/Webster Orthopedics Dublin)
Dr. Kavitha P. Raj (Oncologist / Valley Medical Oncology Consultants)
Stanford Health Care - Valley Care, Pleasanton, California read more