Susan, 48 an occupational health advisor
and palaeopathologist enjoys music, cycling and walking.
I also enjoy rowing but I have had to forsake the river for
the confines of the gym and a Concept 2 rowing machine. I
sing in a “cathedral music” chamber choir and play the
flute. I am also learning to play the cello – good for the
abduction of the hips!
When I’m not advising employees in the workplace about
ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders and return to work
programmes following illness or injury, I am examining the
human skeletal and dental remains of past populations
(Anglo-Saxon, Roman, and Mediaeval) for various pathologies
attributed to infectious disease, trauma and arthritis.
A developmental abnormality of my knees has
necessitated surgery from early adolescence. Three years
ago, what I thought to be an acute episode of pelvic
inflammatory disease was diagnosed, by a clinical
examination and X-ray, to be osteoarthritis of the hip
joints. When my pelvic X-ray was superimposed over those of
my father (a former football goalkeeper, who went on to have
bilateral hip replacement surgery), the angle of the
head/neck of our femora and distribution of osteoarthritis
was identical. Being young and fit, although definitely not
a footballer or a goalkeeper, I was recommended for a “bone
conserving” hip resurfacing procedure.
Psychologically, I was delighted with my new resurfaced
right hip. Physically, I was still in discomfort and
recovery/rehabilitation was slow and protracted. Referred,
on the advice of my physiotherapist to another consultant
orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Steve Krikler, a revised total hip
replacement was performed in October 2004. Following a “text
book” recovery in the capable hands of Mr Krikler and my
physiotherapist, I had my left hip resurfaced successfully
in February 2005.
Performed under spinal anaesthesia, I watched my second hip
resurfacing procedure on a monitor as Mr Krikler gave a
commentary as to his actions. I could see (in part), and
knew what muscles were involved, and have worked on these as
part of my physiotherapy programme both at home and in the
hospital physiotherapy department.
Within 24 hours of surgery, I was partially weight-bearing
on a Zimmer frame before graduating to the use of crutches.
I then progressed to two and then one walking stick.
Climbing stairs took a little more effort, especially the
descent. At four weeks I was driving my car for short
distances. Foot control of the pedals was no problem. The
main difficulty however, was getting in and out of the
vehicle and sitting in one position for a prolonged period.
I measured my physical post-operative recovery, not in units
of time (days, weeks or months) but rather in increased
activity and accomplishments. One such accomplishment was
the ability to bend down to tie my own shoelaces.
Finding and sustaining a comfortable position in bed and
sleeping has been a little problematic, but in consolation,
I have discovered a wealth of interesting programmes on the
World Service, care of the BBC, through the small hours of
the night!
On a practical note, I benefited not only from the use of a
long handled shoe-horn and a “sock aid” but from the use of
a walk-in shower.
Mentally, psychologically and emotionally I was supported in
my post operative recovery by very caring relatives and
friends and by my confidence in Mr Krikler and my
physiotherapist and in the staff at Corin who had so kindly
provided me with all the relative information about the
metal-on-metal hip resurfacing device and answered all my
questions.
Not only are my hip joints pain free, I have more movement
in them now then I’ve ever had in the past, although I’m
still working on various muscle groups. Occasionally I
experience “percussive” sounds and sensations from the hip
region, which, if I am taken off guard, can be a little
disconcerting. I am assured however that this is normal and
will settle in time. When dressing for the “occasion” I
sometimes need to be selective about footwear and use of a
shoulder or messenger bag in contact with one or other of my
hips generates an unwanted ache if carried for any distance.
I am currently waiting for bilateral knee replacement
surgery, which is restricting the active life that I would
like to pursue. However I am now confident that my hips can
and will take the strain of the knee surgery.
I have never forgotten one consultant orthopaedic surgeon
who advised me to take gin and tonic for pain control and
then return to him at the age of 60 for joint replacement
surgery! Thankfully my GP had the sense to prescribe
suitable analgesia and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
as required. In an acute stage, my physiotherapist tried
acupuncture as a one-off, but to no avail.
My metal-on-metal hip resurfacing procedure and revision
total hip replacement has given me a new lease of life that
was denied to previous generations. I am immensely thankful
and privileged to have been introduced to Mr Krikler, an
orthopaedic surgeon trained, skilled and experienced in this
technique and to have benefited from recent advances in
material sciences, bio-engineering and orthopaedic surgery.
In occupational health practice I meet with some employees
who have not had this privilege and whose work and
life-style is compromised by pain and loss of mobility.
Conversation with such people is satisfying if I can refer
them on appropriately or to a recognised website (www.resurfacingofthehip.com)
for further information or I can share, on a professional
level, something of my own experience. Sadly this is too
late for my Anglo-Saxon, Roman and Mediaeval forebears who
present me with extreme cases of arthritic and degenerative
joint disease!
