New Year. New Hips. New Me.

That’s my mantra for 2010.

The hips Mother Nature provided me have exceeded their warranty. They’re shot. Worn out. Or, as they say, I’m on my last leg---or legs in this case. Now, like many Oklahomans, I’m destined for hip replacements.


What Happened?

The first hint of trouble came about 15 years ago. I noticed when I’d begin my morning jog that my right hip had problems getting with the program. It would protest with small stabs of pain. I ignored the discomfort because it tended to go away as I ran. I just figured the hip needed a little time to warm up.

But then, it started hurting even when I walked. At that point I knew something wasn’t quite right.

The Diagnosis

I headed to a local orthopedic specialist who slapped the X rays up on the wall and said, “There’s your problem.”

My hip sockets aren’t normal. Simply put, they aren’t shaped the way they’re supposed to be shaped. It’s a condition called hip dysplasia and it was there from birth. Turns out to be a hereditary problem in my family.

Now What?

The surgeon told me I’d likely eventually need hip replacements. But, he advised me to hold off as long as I could. He said the implants they had available at the time would last only eight to ten years---which could possibly mean I’d need multiple hip replacements in my lifetime. That wasn’t a good option.

So I Learned to Live With It

For more than a decade, I modified my activities. I gave up jogging and began to walk for exercise---until that became too painful. Then I switched to an elliptical trainer, which is a good weight bearing exercise without the impact of taking steps. When that became uncomfortable, I started riding my bike around Lake Hefner. Now that hurts.

Are There Alternatives to Surgery?

You bet. And I’ve tried most of them. From acupuncture to chiropractic, from medication to physical therapy. But the bottom line remains the same: the cartilage is gone from my hip joints. That’s what’s causing the pain.

As it was explained to me, my hip joint should have a smooth surface, similar to the rounded top of a light bulb. Mine look more like popcorn balls. Early onset arthritis---fueled by the dysplasia--- had eaten away the surface.

Even knowing that, I still resisted hip replacements following the earlier advice that I wait as long as possible before having surgery.

In the meantime, I watched advances in technology and knew the lifespan of the implants themselves had improved. I also knew that the surgical technique was changing. So, I waited.

The Final Straw

My discomfort has continued to worsen. During the past six months, normal, everyday activities became a challenge. I could no longer bend over to pick up things from the floor. I couldn’t sleep at night because of the pain.

At work, it was sometimes so uncomfortable that when I’d have to stand to anchor in front of a set, I’d sit on a stool during the commercial break until it was airtime.

It was on one of those days that I realized that I wasn’t going to be able to walk across campus for my son’s graduation from law school in May.

The time had come.

Surgery

When the decision was made, I began researching surgeons, techniques and even the material used in the implants. I want mine to last the rest of my life---which I hope is several more decades.

Today, on my 35th wedding anniversary, my husband, Will, and I are celebrating by starting the steps to get the first of my two hip replacements. You know the drill. Pre-surgery exams and tests. Blood work. Insurance forms.

The surgery is scheduled for mid-week.

Instead of a traditional anniversary gift, Will told me his morning I could have my choice: a ceramic hip or metal.

What a romantic.

You can reach Linda at Linda.Cavanaugh@kfor.com