Osteo Arthritis took it’s toll over the years and wore my A** out to the point
of getting fitted for new parts.

It has been an adventure that has taken over 18 months from Diagnosis to
surgery. I was limping along for up to 5 years prior to that but my attention
was diverted by a neck problem in April of 2003 when my herniated disc commanded
more attention that my hip.

My surgery went in to over time to allow for a retro fitting of the hip cup
component.

I required two units of blood the next day as my pressure remained around 91/48
much of the first 24 hours post op. I was walking with a walker in about 24
hours to the door of my room and back. Next day I did a lap around the hall and
used a step to simulate stairs.

We then got our clearance to go home. We finally left the Hospital around 6 pm
and after collecting Jonathan’s things from our host’s home made it safely to
our’s by midnight with two pee pee stops.

I have been recovering in my handicapped room on the first floor and by the 4th
day post op decided to wing it without crutches, walker or cane to the Kitchen
and gimped around any where on the first floor I could be included answering the
front door to astound visitors. ON the 5th day post op we attended a pool party
for 6 hours and I took along the crutches to act as a big ass sign not to throw
me in the water and give me my space and lot’s of sympathy. It worked. I was
wiped out. Next day I rested a lot. One week post op I was out side to get the
mail, 8 day post I picked a few flowers and weeded as needed where I could
reach. I’ve had neighbors bring lunch. Jonathan took me to dinner for our 47th
month celebration and I am dealing with the swelling and bruising that
accompanies such tramatic opeing of the flesh to install metal parts. I hope to
get the stapes all 33 of them removed in the coming week and work on flexibility
and strength. My efforts at the gym prior to surgery have certainly paid off. My
friends from the YMCA water aerobics class mostly in their 70’s and 80’s have
been great to cook, visit and ask about me.

My adventure may be repeated in the coming months / years on the other side and
all I can pray for is Jonathan to have the strength and patience to be as
gloriously supportive as he has been through this left resurfacing. See

www.birminghamhipresurfacing.com for details on the technology. You can
Google Dr. Riyaz Jinnah or look up the surgery on www.youtube.com to get more
gore if you like.

Bless you for all your support and concern,

Much Love,

Ernie