Like many folks, I had heard horror stories about not being able to ride or doing any active sports again, I had even been told by another doctor not to let anyone do a THR on me ever? However, there comes a point when you can no longer walk, shop in a mall, make it all the way through Walmart to grocery shop, when one decides this is no way to live. Anyone who has been active sports nut or equestrian knows what I'm talking about. I was fortunate to find a great Orthopedic surgeon who was skilled in the anterior approach to THR. He assured me that the down time would be minimal, less pain and I would not need any rehab. He also assured me that I could go back to riding my faithful friend around 6 weeks. This was great....too good to be true is what I thought. He is my knight in shinning armour.It turns out that the universe was looking after me ...as my now Surgeon was one of our first Liver transplant patients at the group practice where I work. You see...I care for patients who need a liver transplant.
That was back in 2010. I thrived after surgery, never looking back and all but forgot about all the pain and suffering. It felt good to walk the 2 dogs again, go swimming, and back to riding my horses---yes horses...I have 2. No more pain on riding, although my balance has been a little off and strength weaker on the right....I was still able to push a cow around, ride down the trail and on occasion put my face to the wind at a full gallop. I had recovered so well with the hip, so I decided to sell one of my younger horses to invest in a more stable "steed" that I would be less apt to fall off. I may be adventurous but not stupid as I am in the over 55 crowd.
I have been fortunate to connect with a group of ladies around my age at the boarding stable who love to trail ride. One of them, it just so happens, also had a total hip replacement 6 months before I did, however she had the posterior approach. It was great to have someone to talk to and compare notes. When it rained we both complained of aches and pains , but just laughed and shrugged it off as we were both elated to be "back in the saddle again". The only words the surgeon told me after my surgery was to always keep the knee bent just slightly when getting on or off my horse. He recommended that I place my saddle on the back of my couch and practice before getting on my horse. I also now use a taller mounting block.
So how is it that I am sitting here again, missing my evenings with my horses, play time with the dogs. Well...Let me caution you readers about the long term use of steroids. while they are life saving in many situations they are not without risks and long term consequences. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with some type of Autoimmune disorder, not Lupus , not Rheumatoid but along the same family. It never really was decided, but after multiple testings, MRI,CT scans and declining mobility and pain i was started on Humera and Prednisone back in 2007. Worked like "a charm" was relatively pain free, able to function and life was good. Unfortunately throughout the past 20 years i had been on and off steroids for this "mystery disease" and therefore became pretty "steroid dependent". So...long story short...the steroids caused a breakdown in the bones and destroyed the joints along with the arthritis, which we were trying to slow down and prevent destruction. A definite double-edged sword. Would I do this again knowing the now outcome of 2 total hip replacements? probably. People will do what is needed at the time. You make decisions based on the information at hand and you hope it is the right decision. I am a fighter and don't want to give up....Many of my friends over the years have nicked named me "the ever ready bunny" as I just keep going and going, and keep riding, working and doing despite warnings from neurosurgeons ( of which I have retired 3).
My other nickname is "flip top head" but that is another horse riding story to tell....
So today is, I hope the beginning and not the end to my mobility....Surgery is scheduled in 10 days...I will have another anterior THR. Stayed tuned for this part 2 journey as I discover how to be "a bionic titanium woman"
No comments:
Post a Comment