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