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Two
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 10:17AM February 23, 2009 - one of the most momentous days of my life. I began a journey that still continues to amaze and surprise me on a weekly basis.
I took the first step to a new life. One filled with activities, experiences and joy.
Two years ago at this moment I was moderately sedated on a gurney in the prep area of an O.R. I was having an arterial line (very uncomfortable process!) inserted into my left wrist, talking to anesthesiologists and having my surgeon sign my right leg.
He signed that leg because in about 2 hours he would replace the hip in that leg.
That's right - 2 years ago today I had my right hip replaced (at the ridiculously young age of 45)!!! And life has never been the same since.
;)
It's been a feast of discovery - all the things I hadn't been able to do for nearly 20 years prior, especially the 5 years prior - I could now do.
And more. So. Much. More.
Even now, 2 years later, I still discover new strengths, new range of motion - you'd think I'd be used to it by now.
I'm not. Each time it's as if I'm taking my first steps post-op all over again.
The amazement continues at the same level it did back then.
Ah those first steps - 9:00am the day after surgery they came for me with a wheelchair. I looked at them like they were in some kind of twisted delusion. Were they kidding?
No - they most certainly were not.
P.T. started at that moment and was relentless for the next 3 months. That first session was fear-filled for me; getting out of the bed and into the wheelchair required taking 3 steps - no way to avoid stepping with my op-leg.
The joy began at that moment - as I tentatively put weight on my op-leg I braced myself for my constant companion for the previous 5 years - jaw-dropping blinding pain.
It - wasn't there.
Gone. Poof.
And in that moment I saw my life unfolding ahead of me - endless walks on the beach with The Oracle, shopping without fear, having the ability to keep up with our friends on gatherings and trips. The pure joy at realizing that The Oracle would no longer have to constantly drop me off at doors then drive around for a parking place alone; he would no longer have to worry about my every step as I pushed thru some of the worst pain a person could ever experience.
I saw - a normal life.
Two years later that moment of promise has been fulfilled beyond my wildest dreams. And while I know I face the same process for my left hip at some point in the coming years - I'm ready for it. More than ready.
Happy Birthday Right Hip! You are the best gift I've ever given myself.
Reader Comments (5)
Modern medicine is truly a wonderful thing... and I'm glad you're among its beneficiaries, Kris.
((((((((((Kris)))))))))
Has it been two years already, Kris? Wow. I'm very happy for you, and I mean that.
Happy Birthday hip! Oh the joy that is waiting at the other side of pain and suffering.
Andie
Thank you all! We celebrated my hip's birthday last night by going out to dinner at our favorite restaurant for a wonderfully fantastic meal. It was a great way to cap off a joyous day!