Re: Re: Canes!/Retraction re use of word handicapp...

[Guest guest]

I just noticed today, that my new hip is evolving into my "good" hip rather than my unoperated one. >>> Past year I've noticed differences in my "good leg" too ~ I'm just curious for those that's had to have bi-lateral replacement... how much time passed before the second replacement was necessary.

Happy new year all. Here is to a year where pain is a thing of the past! >>> Yes Happy New Year 2 all~ boy new year without pain certainly would be a blessing. I've taken to the theory that if it hurts... least I know it's still attatched. LOL Well walking 2 you all~

[Guest guest]

Hi Sassy Lou,

I found this thing that has a long hangle and this white thing at the end feels like leather it really works for putting lotion on your back and your feet .

I was telling my neice how my fake hip still hurt she said that maybe the dr didn't get all the Arthritis out of the bone that the fake part is connected to and thats way we still feel pain you think that could have happen ? I brought this thing that has a wooden stick and its made of this stuff that feels like leather It really works good to put lotion on your feet it you can't reach and you can use it to put lotion on your back.

I hope your feeling better ,Well you have a nice day.

--Love, Susie

-------------- Original message -------------- From: SassyLouYou@... Thanks for taking the trouble to answer my post on canes very thoroughly and very thoughtfully (and with more than a pinch of humor) >>> No thanks needed Jd but I'm glad you got a smile from it. I try to respond to postings which I feel my voice might make a difference or help another 2 see things a lil brighter. Some have a very difficult time seeing a "bad issue" in a "good light".I began a Web search that literally kept me up all night;........ I teach at a university, and I'd like to get my students' minds going on exactly how they feel about "disability" in relation to themselves, how it has been portrayed in literature and the other arts, etc. >>> Good teacher I'm sure that your researching will benefit many in the long run and hopefully open a few closed eyes on the matter. So, I apologize if there was anyone who felt that my post was insensitive >>> Is nice that you would apologize for what you felt to be a wrong doing, to few do that these days and just let matters "ride" verse actually admitting it~ I however thought your post to be a good one and took no offense to it. Can't say honestly that I'd really choose the pain and mobility problems over the ability to walk the way I did when I was 25 >>> Agreed but then too looking at that issue.... had it not been for ALL the experiences you've endured over the years... you wouldn't be the same individual you are today. I'm a believer in all things have reason & purpose in this life~ The issue of exactly what "disabled" or "handicapped" means is indeed a touchy one. As you say, you don't feel "handicapped," and don't like being referred to as such by "the State." >>> For some it's a VERY touchy issue... I however don't pay much mind to it. I merely correct on my behalf because some don't know there's a difference and as with you & many others.... it puts a small seed of inquiry in ones thoughts... which on occasion results in them researching to know for themselves just what's what of the matter. Generally speaking... when one hears "handicapped" there is an assumption implied which results in others thinking a person is incapable of doing. Which couldn't be further from the truth... whether one sees themselves as handicapped, disabled or physically challenged... they can do~ they just do differently.(I wonder where you live. Does the U.S. consider THR recipients "disabled/handicapped"? In Japan, where I live, you are considered "disabled" after a THR but not before, which I think is strange, seeing that I was so much more "disabled" before my THR. To make it worse, they make you carry around a little "Disability ID Card" here, just so you won't forget what the government thinks of you.) >>> I'm in Kentucky and no the US doesn't see all THR patients as disabled~ most do better after THR then their lives ever knew before it. My case wasn't the "average" THR. I had my leg lengthened nearly 3 full inches during the operation (*for sake of medical advancement in patients to follow with the same problems I had) the majority of doctors don't like to exceed 1/2 to 1" increase in leg discrepancy because of the problems it can cause a patient. Plus I've got DDD~ which is Degenerative Disc Disease. Due to 28 yrs. of walking with a sever limp it created a curved spine which in turn causes pinched nerves & herniated discs. After being "leveled up" I've had difficulties with leg spasms, my muscles locking in place & my back has gotten worse. The combination of all health issues together is why the US has labeled me disabled. Here they do a medical evaluation of patients and there is a listing of "exceptable conditions" which qualify an individual under federal guidelines verse per state.let's face it -- if I need a cane for mobility, well, at least I can be mobile somehow, right? >>> Agreed... it's not as important HOW you are mobile just that you are~ least in my view.Of course, vanity was part of it; I'm only human, and being female, still relatively young, and (perhaps the most important thing!) still looking for a mate, I HATED suddenly LOOKING disabled...... Again, this is immature and self-centered and vain, but...well, I'm not perfect >>> None of us are... and I have my moments just the same as anyone with insecurity here & there~ it's human nature. It's hard to find ANYONE that doesn't judge a "book by it's cover" so to speak. But the benefit in seeking as you are.... cane & all (*if necessary)~ means that chances are that mate will see you for WHO YOU ARE not what they'd like you 2 be. If their to tied up with appearances and let a cane be the determining factor in whether your a "worthy" mate or not... chances are you'd probably be better off without that type of individual in your life to begin~ What if that cane one day becomes a wheelchair instead ? Fact is... your body isn't perfect... and being young with THR for most means revision(s) down the road... if that person can only see "a cane" they probably aren't going to be in a relationship for the long haul of what might be to come. Don't be so harsh on yourself about the vain end of it all~ I'm certain MsKitty isn't going to be an issue for someone that truly loves you for who you are! :)I was told by my orthopedist that I wouldn't need it after three months or so, but the PT recommends that I use it to save wear on the implant >>> Of those two I agree with the PT because it would save the weight baring on your implant. But I also believe it's an individuals needs that should be considered... there isn't a "specified time" in my opunion for a patients healing process. We all do it at an independent rate~ I know some THR patients that had returned to working by their second month while others like myself have had difficulties in the healing and it's still not right. I would heed the doctors advise because I'm certain they give it for good reason based on your case history~ but if after the 3 month window I didn't feel I needed my cane then I wouldn't use it. May your recovery be a well one.

[Guest guest]

that maybe the dr didn't get all the Arthritis out of the bone that the fake part is connected to and thats way we still feel pain you think that could have happen ? >>> I'd say that's a possiblity. I was advised that pain also is assoicated with scar tissue forming at the incision sight. Could be a combination of both ? Hope your doing better... I'm doing really well on most days... least it's tolerable so I'm not complaining.

[Guest guest]

Hi Sassy Lou,

The dr that did the operations on me side I had bad scar tissues this othe dr I went to said I had bursitis in my new hip . If I don't take my medicine I have a hard time walking and I'm in pain so I take my medicine two times a day it seems to help where I don't hurt too much I just can't walk real good and I walk slow my regular dr said its because I have Arthritis in my Spine I guess you can't do too much for that. I'm glad you doing ok . I just tell myself to trust the Lord and take one day at a time.Well you take care and have a nice day.

Susie

-------------- Original message -------------- From: SassyLouYou@... that maybe the dr didn't get all the Arthritis out of the bone that the fake part is connected to and thats way we still feel pain you think that could have happen ? >>> I'd say that's a possiblity. I was advised that pain also is assoicated with scar tissue forming at the incision sight. Could be a combination of both ? Hope your doing better... I'm doing really well on most days... least it's tolerable so I'm not complaining.