Home This Week, Physical Therapy

As you've read (below), my surgery was scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17. I spoke with the surgeon around 11:00 a.m. and he said that he had one to do in a few minutes and that it should take an hour and a half; that I should be good to go around 1:30 p.m.

Evidently there were problems and that surgery lasted longer than expected. At 5:00 p.m. the anesthesiologist came to us to say that he had reviewed my medical information and that it would be medically irresponsible to do both hips during one surgery. Complicating factors include weight, history of atrial fib, elevated creatinine. So, they decided to do only one hip, the worst one.

My surgery was uneventful, took 90 minutes and all went well. I had a nice semi-private room overlooking the East River and Roosevelt Island. Also, plenty of beautiful nurses caring for my every need, waiting on me hand and foot, 24/7 -- just like I'm accustomed to receiving at home.

On Friday, I was transferred to Helen Hayes Hospital, a sub-acute rehabilitation facility in Rockland County -- first class. I spent 8 days there and was discharged last Saturday, a couple of days after Thanksgiving. I am getting around with a walker and sometimes with a cane.

I began physical therapy in Rockland this week. And I'm doing exercises to strengthen my legs. Each day brings some improvement in mobility.

Unfortunately, it is now the un-operated hip that is limiting my movement and causing the most discomfort. I have been able to reduce my reliance on Vicodin from 8 pills per day (5 mg each) to 2 or 3 pills per day.

All in all, I feel better than I did pre-surgery. And by February, I hope to feel great.