Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 (NOT ONE WORD, HIPPIES, ABOUT THE MESSAGE SENT BY MISTAKE!! > Date: 7/16/2004 3:57:07 PM > Subject: RE: Re: Help me Surfies! > > Hi, Jacqui. I went through some serious jitters pre-op. Truth is, though, that my serious jitters happened when I was told that the THR was my only option, because the ortho surgeon I saw didn't have a clue about the resurfacing procedure as it is now. Losing my thigh bone?? That gave me serious jitters. I also had some jitters about the resurf. I've said before -- I wish I hadn't had OA, wish I hadn't had to have any surgery at all. But I'm telling you truly that the pain, the lack of mobility, the -- what? -- embarrassment (?) of not being able to walk a city block w/ friends -- all of that stuff was just unacceptable. Not just unacceptable -- it was no longer do-able. Eating ibuprofen, hobbling, making excuses when invited to go place where I'd have to walk OR sit -- knowing it was just going to get worse. And then I talked to Dr Gross and Lee Webb. They were so kind, so patient, so " present " with me and my questions that most of my fears just sort of melted away. I had to make the decision to " turn it over " to them and trust them. I did. And you would not believe the difference in my life since this surgery. Let me say here that this is major surgery. There is no doubt about that. And the first 3 weeks involve timidity, feeling fragile and uncertain, (for me it also involved insomnia), feeling tired beyond belief. And then I really did " turn a corner. " And it's been steadily improving ever since. I dare say that not one of us " wanted to lose our real joint(s). " Don't want to be turning 56 this coming week, either. Ah -- but consider the alternative!! I'll take 56. And 57, 58, etc. And I can take it with some degree of grace. I can now do most things that I was able to do before I had such serious OA. Courage is not the absence of fear; it's feeling fearful and doing it anyway. And that's probably really a matter of being determined to do what needs doing -- which looks a whole lot like courage. Anyway, if you have a good doc, have researched, have made plans for recovery, and stay with this wonderful group of folks -- you'll do okay. My best wishes to you. Joyce (Dr Gross, LHR, 2/2/04) > > > sungold518@... > > > > Re: Help me Surfies! > > > Jacqui, > There's not much I can add to what Alan wrote. I think his tooth > analogy is great. For me the only jitters came with what it would > cost. Should I wait for the FDA approval so that my insurance would > cover it being done locally? I'm glad that I didn't put it off. > The pain was gone instantly and I am so much better now than I was > for over two years. > > Think positively! Think about how much better it will be. Let go > of that damaged hip, it's not going to get any better. Also, if you > wait too long and the head it too far gone, the only solution is > THR, which at your age is not good with certain multiple revisions. > Remember, there is a downside to waiting too long. > > JUST DO IT! > Fred > Dr. Gross, C2K 1/21/04 > > > > > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling) > about > > > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who > > > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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