09/06/2026
Sept. 6. A Cautionary Tale.
Last week, exactly three weeks after my hip replacement, my new joint suddenly dislocated. Why?
I'm not quite certain but after feeling great and healing well, in that third week post-surgery, I probably did too much - exercising a bit, walking fairly long distances, bending, and perhaps using a chair that was too low, requiring me to bend at sharper angles than I should have.
So ... if you ever get this type of surgery -- and it was a breeze and virtually pain free -- still, take it easy. I don't learn, because the same set-back occurred when I had orthoscopic knee surgery. Duhh.
But that's my lesson. Now, here's the fun part of the tale.
The dislocation happened suddenly -- I was sitting at a picnic table on our porch with friends when (I think) I went to cross my leg at the ankle (I was warned not to cross my legs, which I interpreted as at my knees). The next thing I knew I was writhing on the seat, my left leg shaking and twisted, my foot facing outward like it was not attached, and the pain was like nothing I've ever experienced. Somehow, with excruciating pain, I lowered myself to our porch floor, and after several attempts, got my leg into a position where the pain was tolerable. Now ... what next? We didn't want to call an ambulance, but I had to reach our van somehow. I started shuffling on my butt, pushing myself across the floor, my legs outstretched, until I reached the edge of the porch, and steps. Our friends supported the bad leg as I lowered myself one step at a time, until I reached the second level -- fortunately only two steps worth. From there, more butt shuffling across the cement and into our yard where I slithered forward through the grass to reach our van which Mary drove through the yard to get as close as possible. Our friends, via a towel, lifted me onto the floor of the van, and, propped up and supported by several pillows, we drove 1.25 hours to the hospital where I had the replacement done. Five hours later I received mild anesthesia and two docs worked 20 minutes to get my leg joint back in place. I was told that with the severity of the dislocation only about 25% of non-surgical relocation succeeds. Mine did, but now, a month after surgery, I'm set back in full recovery by months. I'm using a walker now and for another two weeks, then a cane for two or three months .. and prior to over-doing it, I'd probably be off even using a cane now!
So, don't underestimate the need for conservative recovery. I continually find surprise discovering I'm not superman, but instead, a very vulnerable mortal.
I am really trying to be careful now!
