Monday 2 March 2009

Finally after 'lost' letters i had the GP fax a copy through to O'Hara and it's worked!! So i'm on the books at last, so fingers crossed it wont be too long. But the day after i had the letter faxed a lady from the Hospital rung to say i was excepted back on the 18th Feb but it's pending....ie waiting for O'Hara to approve it, so i really really hope he does that soon.
On the choose and book system it's meant to be 18 weeks from the referral to the actual treatment but i've done most of that just being lost letters or pending, somehow i don't think i'll be done within the 18 week rule do you?? Now i'm shopping for walking sticks, how dire is that at 32yrs old??

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Debbie - hang in there! 32 is young for a THR, but I just had mine at 45 - still young(ish). :-)

Keep as positive an attitude as you possibly can - it will help you so much to up and right after surgery.

I am now day 8 post op from a THR and I'm thrilled with the results. At only 8 days! The pain I had for 18 years is totally gone; and any muscle pain I have now will go away with therapy and time.

Keep yourself focused on this very powerful thought as you go thru your appointments and get your surgery date: the shiny allure of walking pain free.

I will keep updating my blog on my post-op experience - I urge you to read all of my posts to date, and all to come. Comment and share any of your anxieties.

It will be one of life's finest karmic blessings to help a fellow hip-chick who is where I was just a few short months ago - facing a major surgery I never thought I'd have to face.

Anonymous said...

Hi Debbie.

Thank you for such positive feedback on my site. I am glad you find it as helpful as I do in writing it.

Now, as far as your hip(s) go, it appears that your diagnosis is unresolved/undiagnoses dysplasia that had lead to subsequent arthritis and degeneration? If this is an accurate assessment, and they are ruling out any possible "joint preserving" surgeries (such as periacetabular osteotomy) have they considered/discussed a possible hip resurfacing for you vs. the total hip replacement?

The potential for the resurfaced hip is to preserve bone stock so that, in a younger patient who will more than likely be looking at revisions down the road, they will be able to have those revisions more successfully and hold off on the total hip a bit longer.

Have they discussed the next step with you?

Have they talked about pre-operative strengthening for post-operative success?

Have they mentioned a possible timeframe of scheduling for you?

How much experience does your doctor have with this...in young patients, such as yourself?

Two websites I will recommend right now to you are minitotalhip.com and grossortho.com. Both have much information...answers to specific questions for patients...and it may be in your best interest to investigate these to become the best advocate for yourself as possible.

FYI, Dr. Swanson at minitotalhip.com has a patient forum...and is VERY GOOD at answering questions in a timely mannner...even though we aren't his patients!

BEST WISHES,
SHC