On March 2, 2023 I surrendered yet another body part to old age. I had a right hip replacement performed at Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital. I am a titty baby from way back and do not like pain or being knocked out for surgery. That being said, I would only use one physician to handle that surgery for me. Dr. Scott Yerger is simply the best. He is an excellent doctor but more than that the man makes me laugh. I trust all my bones to him without reservation. His staff backs him up in delivering excellent patient care and presents a family like atmosphere whenever you visit for an appointment. I tend to be a drama queen (according to my daughter...and she is right) and the staff still put up with me and treated me like I was their only patient. I only had one worry and that was I wanted to return to work within 6 weeks post-surgery and I made my goal thanks to the excellent care that I received.
My hip had been bothering me for 3 years and I kept putting off seeing the doctor because I just knew he was going to stick a very large needle in my hip joint. Apparently I waited long enough so that I needed the hip replaced. The problem was that I "adapted" to the hip discomfort by walking differently, Frankly I walked like a duck. I was bent forward at the waist with my butt stuck out. Walking with good posture was uncomfortable. I limped and walked dragging my feet. I was a fall risk and averaged at least 1 to 2 falls a month. I faceplanted at work and scared my co-workers, fell at home too many times to count. I tripped and fell when my grands were here and took out an end table, lamp and chair. I really scared them. My weight loss helped some but I was a mess overall.
My day of surgery was uneventful except that I overslept and woke up to a nurse calling me and asking where I was. Josh got me to the hospital in record time and reluctantly came in with me until Rebekah could get there. He doesn't like anything about hospitals but came in anyway. I had a spinal instead of a general anesthesia. I don't know what they hit me with but I only have a vague memory of a pinch in my back and then I woke up in recovery. I purposely copied down names of all the nurses, housekeepers, aides, and physical therapists so that I could list all those who provided exceptional care to me. I can't find the damn list but know that you all are a credit to your chosen profession. I did not have a single bad experience. I only had one complaint overall and that was that they should have raised toilet seats in all the bathrooms. They did however provide Depends for their clients which is a marvelous idea.
I came home weighing nearly 10lbs more than when I went in 2 days before. Of course, my right leg was huge from edema. I know my daughter, son in law, and grands brought me home. I have little memory getting home and getting in except that they pulled across the grass to the front door to make it easier for me to get in the house. I had to call Rebekah to help me recall the details. I had very little incisional pain just a "hot spot" in the middle of my right butt cheek. I could not get away from that pain and put up with it for several days. I had a left-over Norco 10 from a previous surgery and took one out of desperation and it didn't touch the pain which told me it was probably inflamed nerves. I finally called the office and talked to Melinda and asked her if they could put me back on Gabapentin that I was on in the hospital. They did and the pain was gone within hours of the first dose. Jill Forbes came over to babysit me the first night and we watched a British show that I remember laughing at but cannot tell you what it was. I took all my medication like a good girl but was off the pain meds after less than a week. I had home heath with Amedisys for the first two weeks for bathing, PT, and wound checks. They were all wonderful as well. My sister Patti came from Illinois to help me. What a blessing it was to have her here except she said I screamed at her when she was driving. I do not admit to doing anything of the sort. I apparently did not do it twice. I am still pleading the fifth. We cooked real homemade food every night. We talked about everything, and she wanted to do more for me than I would let her. I am very stubborn. One singular blessing was that we had Maria and Ariana Felton over for dinner on Sunday night and had a lovely time. On Monday Maria was killed in an auto accident. Patti was here for me and grieved with me the loss of our friend. Patti listened to me cry and helped me host the neighbors who came to talk about our neighbor and friend. Patti was here for three weeks and I would not take anything for that time I had with her. I cried when she left. I was back driving in 3 weeks and started outpatient PT at Summit Physical therapy. They are the BEST!
After the swelling went down in my leg I noticed a 10-inch by 5-inch growth over my hip incisional area. It was hard, unmoving and mildly painful. I had a Kardashian butt thing going on over that area. PT was concerned and told me to notify the doctor. I went in to see Jason Manafi, Dr. Yerger's PA. I apparently had a seroma/hematoma over that area. Dr. Yerger checked it a few days later and said it would go down but may take several weeks to months. Apparently, not wanting to wait, I did another face plant tripping over blankets in my room and fell directly on that hip. I screamed and Joshua came running. I moved my affected leg gently in a scissor motion and my hip did not hurt. Josh got me to my knees and lifted me up. I felt the area and the growth was gone. That would explain the squishing pop like feeling that I felt when I fell. I again notified Melinda at the office. I had no pain, could move my hip, had no growth. and my Kardashian ass was gone.
The hardest thing I have going on now is that I am having to re-learn to walk upright and in good alignment. My right leg muscles feel weak, and I still have a slight limp when I walk. I'm using muscles in my back that I haven't used in years, trying to stand upright, and the readjustment is hard. I have fallen twice since surgery, both times my own damn fault but am no worse off. I don't shuffle as much when I walk by repeating my mantra "heel toe, heel toe" which has caused my shins to be sore but lessening everyday. I noticed a large improvement in my strength from last week to this week in PT. I am so very fortunate that so many people have been supportive. My work family watches out for me and remind me to pick my feet up when I walk. I am walking faster, for longer periods of time without difficulty.
I have been having snippets of memories from my hospitalization that I am not sure are real. Just in case I want to apologize to my recovery nurse. I had a flashback of a possible conversation we had about breast implants getting harder as they age. I do believe that I actually felt her boob. I am cringing as I think about this but if true, am eternally grateful that it wasn't a male nurse with a penile implant.
As we age it is important to have "people". Those who we trust to take care of us, those friends and family we depend on are vital. It is so important to have physicians that we trust in our "village". The people that I have encountered during my surgery and after are exceptional and I am grateful that they are part of my life. Melinda, thank you for taking my calls and for getting me answers, you are the best!
I have included pictures of my "family" at Dr. Yerger's office. I am so grateful for your care.
