I went to the hospital yesterday morning at 6:00 AM. By 11:00 AM I was coming to as I had a total hip replacement in my left leg. Here is the unbelievable part. This morning I walked on it and as I am typing this I am back at home having walked into the house etc. sitting in my favorite chair watching Navy / Notre Dame! I can walk withOUT crutches or other assistance but am using a cane for long treks...just in case.
This may sound unbelievable but it is the absolute truth. I have needed a hip replacement for about 8 or 9 years. I was told to wait as long as I could as I was so young that it would have to be re-done and that technology was getting better all the time. Boy, am I glad I waited. There is a new procedure that only a few doctors currently are capable of doing but they made a 3 or 4 inch incision on the front top of my thigh and they cut NO muscle. There are several advantages to this method versus the old method where they go in the side and back and cut most of the upper thigh and butt muscles.
1st. Because no muscle is cut there is NO possibility of the new joint popping out of socket as there is with the old method as the muscle is what holds it in place.
2nd. Because of the way they do it, they can absolutely make sure that both legs are the same length.
3rd. The recovery time is MUCH less.
4th. I have absolutely no rehab and don't see my doctor for 6 weeks. I am allowed to do anything and everything I can as long as I can stand the discomfort. Obviously there is considerable discomfort / pain anytime they enter your body but it is minimized with this procedure. With the traditional method they don't allow you to cross your legs, tie your shoes etc., etc., for quite a long time. I can do that right now...1 day after the surgery.
5th. I will have a total recovery and will be able to participate in any kind of sport I want. I know I am an old man, but I used to be a very good tennis player and raced bicycles but I have not been able to cross my legs for 15 years so obviously those sports were out. However, now they're back in!! Jimmy Conners the great tennis player had the exact same surgery and was back on the court in 6 weeks!
Obviously I am very excited but I wanted to share this as I am sure they're people on the board who need to get this done but have been putting it off. Please email me or IM me if you want more information on this procedure as I know it will absolutely change my life! At the very least I will now be able to tie my shoes and cross my legs!
I hope everyone caught a lot of fish!!
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It is amazing what they are doing now. Take it easy and don't over do your new hardware too soon. 
that you continue to recover
