Being Pro-Active...

I have something laying hard on my heart.

Wait, is it laying or lying?

Anyway.

Since I got the diagnoses about my hip, I have been uneasy about the direction I should go with my treatment.

I want to and will listen to my doctors because they of course know best, however, it is my body and I want total control over the course I take with how I handle my condition.

So, "W" and I have been having many talks about what I should do.  What would be best for not just me, but my family.

Now, this is the way I live my life if it is of interest to you.

I'm a "getterdun" kinda girl.

I don't like to mess around.

I like to clean out the issue and fix it.

My sister and I love to say that the Callaway's (my maiden name) don't sit around and ponder and go back and forth, and stew on an issue.

We get the facts and we take care of the problem.  period.

I love to say that I am a chronic, obsessive review reader!  I never, ever buy or do anything with out reading the review first.  (this mainly applies to restaurants and clothes)

by the way, have you ever read the restaurant reviews on Yelp?  Y'all.  It is so entertaining!

Anyway, when faced with the choice of whether I should have Core-Depression surgery on my hip or Total Hip Replacement I was kind of thrown for a loop.

I'm trying to keep my emotions in tack while making this decision.

This is the deal.

Those of you who have read my blog for 3 or so years know that my mom went through 6 horrible months after her second hip replacement.  This led to her ultimate death after 6 surgeries in those 6 months.  She had to have a pump inserted, a drain inserted, 2 more hips that didn't work then developed MRSA of the bone.  Finally  they had to take the hip out completely.

My family literally had to endure a solid month of waling at the top of her lungs.  Every 3 minutes around the clock.  It was excruciating.

Now, hang with me here.

This started with her first hip surgery 5 years before her untimely death.

3 years after her first hip replacement, she started experiencing pain.  After a series of steroid shots and many, many pain pills, her doctor at the time basically blew her off.

I will not name his name because quite frankly there are not enough names in the "book of bad words book" to call him.  However, if any of you would like to know,  just e-mail me at kbdr@aol.com and I will gladly tell you.

So. She had this rogue doctor who (and he was stupid enough to put this in writing) told her she needed to just "get over it".  Really?

wow.

Anyway, her hip had gone bad and had been that way for probably 2 years.  Now, it is important to know that my mother was seriously independent, lived alone 3 1/2 hours away from family and NEVER complained about anything.  So, my family and I basically had to drag her to Birmingham to figure out what was going on.  She was also a really tough cookie, so if she said she was in pain, you bet cha, she was in pain.

I'm indépendant, but have a husband.  I'm also a wussy with pain so if I'm hurtin, I'll let you know.

Complainer?  Let's just say that my husband is really, really sick of hearing me moan.  Atleast I would be.

Okay, so now you know the history of my

concerns.

I have been told by two doctors that the only way to totally relieve my pain is Total Hip Replacement.

I have also been told that based on my concerns about what happened to my mom I should have Core Decompression surgery first.

This is the problem that I am having with the Core Decompression surgery.

20% success rate.

2 months no weight baring on my leg.  Crutches.  Very little PT.

Would move to Birmingham for the 2 months to be around family.

I was also told yesterday by a good friend (and PT) that her doctor who is very well respected in Atlanta won't even perform core depression anymore because of the failed success rate.

I just cannot for the life of me wrap my head around why I would do that based on the success rate of Total Hip Replacement?

So, in closing, please pray for me.

Specifics:

That I will find peace in my decision.

That I will find the perfect doctor to perform my surgery.  I have a short list but would love to hear any of your recommendations especially doctors who are specialist in Oteonecrosis.

That I will find a compassionate doctor who will totally understand my concerns about what I went through with my mother.

That I will find total healing both emotionally and physically through this process.

"W" and I are staying with some of our very best friends this weekend.  Larry just had total hip replacement and had a huge success with the surgery.  I plan on picking his and Sissy's brains to death!!

I will keep you informed!!!

Thanks guys!!!

have a wonderful day!

kb