Phannie

Phannie
Photo taken near Monument Valley, Utah

Sunday, March 10, 2013

No Cane, No Pain!

At home in Fort Worth...


I suppose it’s about time for an update on the new hip.  I ditched the cane a couple of weeks ago because I’m walking without limping most of the time now.  There are a few exceptions, as when I have sat for a long time or had an exceptionally active day; but that is to be expected for a few more months.  Oddly enough, the only limitation remaining is my ability to put a sock on my right foot; the range of motion needed is just not sufficient yet.  Physical therapy will soon take care of that and, in the meantime, I have a very effective sock installer in Sandy, God bless her. 

All in all, the experience has certainly had positive results.  The prosthesis will never be the same as the original joint, of course, but it’s pretty close, and it’s certainly a blessing to be rid of the arthritis pain.  Strangely, I have a slight sensation—not painful at all—of the presence of my prosthetic device instead of the natural feel of the original hip joint.  I don’t know if the sensation will eventually go away, and it doesn't really matter.  It’s just a gentle reminder of the miracles of modern medicine and my good fortune to still have access to good healthcare.  I hope it remains so, but I’m not at all confident, given what’s going on in Washington. 

I’m even driving Phannie again!  Last week we took her up to MCD Innovations in McKinney, Texas to have new shades installed in the cockpit.  But that will be the subject of the next post, which will be out in a couple of days.

As you might imagine, it was so good to get on the road again, even for such a short drive!

Look ma, no cane!

9 comments:

  1. Mike, you look great in that picture! Looking forward to seeing you in Colorado.
    Hugs to you & Sandy.
    Ed & Marilyn

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  2. Glad to hear you are doing so well. Yup, probably a good thing you got it done sooner rather than later. Don't know what the future holds for us seniors as far as health care goes. We can only hope and pray...

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  3. Good to hear from you again and that you are doing so well. Free of arthritis pain is a good thing.

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  4. Hey.. great to hear from you again and glad to know you a real moving "Hipster" ... good to get out in the RV again too!

    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
    Karen and Steve
    The USA Is Our Big Backyard
    http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com

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  5. Glad to hear your excellent report! Hey, socks are over-rated. Just wear sandals.

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  6. I have pretty much put my cane to the side as well. My hip replacement was a couple of days before yours. Isn't it wondreful not to be in pain??

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  7. butterbean carpenterMarch 12, 2013 at 7:18 PM

    Howdy Mike,
    So glad to see no appliances!!! Just don't get toooo spry, young feller, and bust something else.. I bet it did feel great to get behind the wheel again, of the Phannie!! Mine just sits and makes me feel bad... Are you going to be able to retire or is the Emperor just going to 'sequester' you?? I for one believe you deserve at least as much as a congressman; pay, insurance, allowances, healthcare, for your service to the people of America!!!
    Hope all goes well and give sandy a hug!!!

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  8. You probably developed those pains back when I was "cruising" the old Diboll Highway ! LOL

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