"Hip Replacement"

When I retired to Fife in 2019 with a long history of painful lower spine and hip problems I was referred for investigation. Within a few months I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis but because the pain I felt could have been at least partially referred from degenerating discs, I was offered an injection into the hip joint to isolate and clarify diagnosis. This was a life-changer; I was able to walk again almost pain free, essential for my overall wellbeing since I also have COPD. This continued for many months until the pain began to return and my mobility once again became restricted. I was again referred for fresh x-rays when it was clear the hip joint had deteriorated and total replacement the only option. In March 2021 I was added to the waiting list for surgery and, despite the Covid backlog and what I assumed would be a lengthy delay was astonished to be called for surgery in June!!
 

It's just two weeks since my surgery and I'm recuperating at home where I live alone, with invaluable help and support from my eldest son and his physiotherapist wife who live locally. And once again I'm utterly astonished at my progress. My mobility is already improved, pain well managed and I had the waterproof dressing removed this week to find the scar is so fine its difficult to see!! Whilst still very cautious i'm able to get about very well with one or two sticks whilst making full use of the grabber and the upright chair provided free of charge by Fife OT. I'm also continuing the exercises advised on the NHS Fife Health Zone app, with additional guidance from my lovely daughter in law. Amazingly, whilst its early days yet and the wound area is still sore, that grinding pain I lived with for so long has gone. What a difference!

I have nothing but praise for my entire experience with NHS Fife, my GP Surgery, the orthopaedic staff I've met in Queen Margaret and Victoria hospitals, the OT team at pre-assessment, the registrars who helped with diagnosis, the nursing staff who cared for me during my stay at the Vic, and my marvellous surgeon Mr Ballantyne. I'm grateful beyond words to have received such kindness, care and sensitivity throughout this journey and, despite the pressures of Covid, within such an unexpectedly speedy timeframe. I fully appreciate how lucky I am to live in Fife where orthopaedics has such a priority, when elsewhere many others are waiting in pain for much needed surgery.

This experience has made me even more determined to follow the guidance towards a slow but steady recovery. Having recently turned 70 I see this as a welcome opportunity to revitalise my entire lifestyle, no longer hampered by that soul-destroying grinding pain from my hip. Whilst questions remain around my lower spine and degenerated discs, time will tell what impact this is having. Meanwhile I'm finally able to look forward to enjoying retirement, perhaps even joining that walking group - pain free at last!!

Thank you, thank you to everyone involved. You've literally given me a new lease of life which is precious and will not be wasted I promise!!