Most mornings at the Museum, conversations with colleagues include sharing our latest aches and pains. We’re approximately the same age so maladies are among the things we have in common in addition to work.
These daily airings helped me cope – perhaps also ignore! – the deterioration in my hip and the increasing pain. Pleas from family, friends, and colleagues finally made me face the reality that it was time to do something.
Reluctantly I returned to Dr. Mark Earll, whom I first visited in February 2008. He suggested at that meeting that I keep a diary of pain levels, movement issues, etc., ultimately to determine when I was having more bad days than good. I was there.
At 5:30 a.m. on Monday, January 5, a frigid cold morning, my husband and I trudged to the surgical center. Five hours later I awoke briefly, new hip in place. I remember nothing of that day. My sister and husband are still laughing about how I can talk with my eyes closed and make sense – who knew?
As for Dr. Earll and his staff, they are so talented, attentive to detail, and caring . . . an awesome team!
It’s now two-and-a-half weeks since the surgery. There is little-to-no pain in my hip. I walk and do physical therapy daily. Am I ready to climb a mountain or run a race? No! But I’m focused on returning to the Museum in about three weeks or so and before long getting back to aspects of my job that I have loved for years but recently had to depend on others for help.
I’m definitely on the mend. And that’s a good thing!
