Several years ago I was diagnosed with arthritis in my right hip. As the years progressed, my arthritis got worse and I was starting to have more and more difficulty walking and moving. In the last 4 – 6 months things got even worse and my movement was getting more and more limited. Walking was almost impossible and quilting was difficult and painful.
Three weeks ago, after a fairly long “journey”, including changing doctors and hospitals, I finally had hip replacement surgery.
I can say that this surgery is, literally, life changing for me! The constant, chronic, arthritis pain in my hip is totally gone! I still have some tenderness from the surgery, but my pain is minimal and easily controlled with Tylenol. I truly feel like a new woman! I had a rugged first week after surgery, but now I am walking with a cane and doing very well. I am going to physical therapy twice a week and doing all sorts of leg exercises, many of which I have been unable to do prior to surgery. I am using muscles that I haven’t used for a long, long time.
My daughter Katie and her family have been taking very good care of me while I am recovering from the surgery. They are truly a blessing to me and I appreciate all they have been doing for me.
Before the surgery, I didn’t realize how much of my life was focused on the chronic, almost constant pain I was in from my bad hip. Even though I didn’t “feel” like I was in pain, I really was. I also didn’t realize how much the chronic pain was affecting my brain. Now that the chronic pain is gone my brain is so much more “clear” and it has been busy during my recovery.
I have already designed two new quilting templates – I can’t say too much about them yet. There is still a LOT to do before I can offer them for sale, but one of them is a design that hasn’t been seen before! When these templates are ready, I will let everyone know. I have also designed (in my brain) several pantograph patterns based on the new template designs. Again, there is a lot of work that goes into producing a pantograph and getting it ready to be sold. When the new pantographs are ready, I’ll let you know.
I haven’t been able to get to the quilting machine yet, but I hope to be able to begin longarm quilting again in the next few weeks. Today I am going to have my son-in-law set up my sewing machine and I hope to begin piecing a few more quilt tops. I am a die-hard piecer and I haven’t used my sewing machine for nearly four weeks. I think I am going into withdrawal!
I don’t usually write too much about my personal life, but, I am feeling so GREAT that I want everyone to know how good I feel. If you have arthritis and are looking at hip replacement surgery, I say, “go for it” and don’t wait as long as I did.
If you live in the South King County/North Pierce County area of Seattle-Tacoma I can highly recommend my doctor, Dr. Putler from Rainier Orthopedic Institute and Good Samaritian Hospital in Puyallup, WA to you. All did a fatastic job taking care of me and I had a GREAT hospital experience.
Cindy, I am so pleased to hear you are doing great.
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HI CINDY, I too had total hip replacement like you but I had to have both hips done and at the same time. I had something happen to me that they don’t know why ” it just happens ” was the answer as I kept getting from all the doctors I saw. My recommendation to anyone having to have this done is to do your homework. Each doctor I saw would do the operation differently. I found this wonderful doctor Jancke in Pompano Beach, Fl who did the operation from the front (not side or back), which means he didn’t cut any muscles, 3 days later I was out of hospital, and 4 weeks later we were in our RV headed to the mountains from Florida for the beautiful fall leaves. I am so glad to have my life back. I am pain free and sometimes, as my friends say, have to remember that this happenned at all. I am quilting, and am able to return to my career of being a Realtor. Anyone wanting more info from me please don’t hesitate to send me an email I will be happy to answer. God Bless
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Best wishes! I hope you continue to improve daily and get back to the longarm before long!
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I can certainly tell why you would want to shout this from the rooftop! What wonderful news. Welcome back, Cindy!!
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I’m so happy you are getting along so well! It’s great you are back and getting excited about creating new toys for us. I had my second knee replaced April 30th, and am getting better. Still doing the therapy which is so important. This time it was harder, but each surgery is different. My doctor does the quad sparing method, meaning he doesn’t cut through the big knee muscle. I have been doing a little piecing now and then, but haven’t been able to stand to do any quilting yet.
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I am so glad to hear that you are doing so well. It really is amazing what toll chronic pain takes on all parts of the body.
Take care of yourself and continue to heal so well. We will look forward to all the new creativity in due time.
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I am very to know that you are feeling good, get well soon and well come back soon on longarm
lots of love
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