My mom, Olga, is an 82 year old woman recovering from hip replacement surgery. She is so enthusiastic about anterior hip replacement surgery procedure, that she is instrumental in the development of this blog. She wants everyone to know how fabulous she feels! Her progress is indeed remarkable since my Mom's surgery happened a little over two months ago. (This picture was taken only 7 days after her surgery!)Her operation was scheduled for a Monday and she was home by Thursday afternoon. Within ten days she was driving a car, and within two weeks she was shopping alone. It has been some time now since she has used a cane. What a remarkable and swift recovery! Here is a video showing her walking six weeks after surgery (Double click on the photo!) Notice that her limp was barely noticeable even then, and it's almost completely gone now.
This past summer Mom could barely walk. She was in such agonizing pain that she had to fore go her favorite activities of swimming and snorkeling when she went on vacation. Returning from the airport and negotiating those long terminals were agonizing activities. Eventually, Dad had to do much of her work for her. At times Mom could only sit and direct him to do the housework, and it took all her spare energy to cook. This was a sad development, as it had been her custom to take a long walk daily, do her stretches, and work in the garden.
In July Mom had scheduled a traditional hip replacement surgery. But then she read about the HANA arthroplasty table and something called a minimal invasive procedure. Further research led her to Dr. Ciotola, who had perfected the technique of anterior hip replacement surgery. Mom eagerly signed on to be his next patient.
We were enthusiastically behind her decision. And these were the reasons:
- The procedure has been proven to be effective, and surgeons performing the procedure can point to a large number of successful results.
- Patients no longer have to go to California abroad for the anterior approach.
- Because the incision would be from 2"-4," (in my mom's instance 6 "), Mom would be moved in and out of the hospital quickly. (A real concern, since Mom has other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and a goiter.)
- Her recovery time would be reduced by half, placing less strain on her and my dad, who would be her caregiver.
- She would be able to do her physical therapy at home.
- Reduced costs to Medicare because of fewer home delivered medical services, such as blood tests, and visiting nurses and physical therapists.
- Less chance of contracting a bacterial infection in the hospital because of a prolonged stay
Mom has always been a pioneering spirit and fearless in everything she approaches. She couldn't wait to have this breakthrough surgery. As you can see from the results in this video taken just six weeks after her surgery, her gamble paid off. She looks just like an ordinary (well-preserved) 82-year-old woman going through the motions . . . and more. She's walking again, and cooking and doing light household chores.
Way to go Mom! Godspeed! Dr. Ciotola!!
Click here for illustrations of anterior hip replacement surgery.
