I'm Feeling Like Life is on Hold

[NikkiJ]

Sigh, I found out that I need a total hip replacement. The reason is the cortisone I take to stay alive because I was diagnosed with Addison's Disease back in 2000, which means my adrenal glands don't produce their own cortisone. Unfortunately 11 years of this has caused the blood supply to the femoral head of my hip to be cut off, and it is collapsing and fracturing.

I'm walking with a cane and using pain meds. I can do my job (desk), but my surgery is scheduled for October, and I feel so limited. I can't wear heels, shopping is a chore, and of course, it destroys my social life. Fortunately, my few friends do their best, they invite me out for dinner, and on my birthday last week, a male friend took me downtown for drinks and a burlesque show.

I haven't been able to throw myself into work, as I have just finished one project and am waiting to join another, so I surf the net all day. I told my ex the other night I was bored with life. It's bad enough I have trouble making friends in the best of health, (I must have cooties), and I strive to not become bitter and frustrated.

I may be going back to my therapist, just to get a "boost". I'm sorry to whine, but I am not getting a chance to enjoy my new body, and new life.

[AbraCadabra]

Hon,
3 days before leaving for bottom surgery I had a brain-haematoma in need of emergency brain ops (2x). One more hour I would have been dead, or at least a vegetable.

I know how it feels to have such a set back and it will require all your strength at times not to throw in the towel.

Yet, for better or worse we actually do not know the future.
Just as well, I might peg off on the op table on the 20th Sept. (got re-scheduled today) Life is full of unplanned "extras".

I wish you strength to pull through this trough, and I'm sure there will be others of the "family" whish you the same.

Best of luck and a successful hip op,
Axelle

[Lee]

It may seem far off, but think about how good it's going to feel when it's all taken care of.  My uncle recently had both hips replaced and my mother had both knees done.  Both of them healed up just fine and are now way more active than before.  Just think about how nice it will be to be cane-free. 

[juliemac]

My 73 YO father had his knees done.
A few months later was back playing golf. Playing better and with a lot less pain.

[NikkiJ]

Thank you, all.

I have taken the step of interviewing a couple of surgeons, after receiving recommendations for both, and I liked the first surgeon much better, so I'm going with him. The other surgeon could have done the procedure sooner, but I just didn't bond with him.

Knowing that I will be back to having mobility is the thing that gets me through each day.

Axelle, I'm sure you'll come through your upcoming surgery fine, we're all pulling for you! May you have good health from now on.

Nicole

[Re: Joyce]

Nicole, I admire your selfless, logical approach to this situation.  Far too many people facing things far less than this would fall into a pit of self pity and degrade from there.

     Not only have you taken the time and effort to interview and select a surgeon, you also take the opportunity to focus on Axelle and her upcoming surgery and make the effort to wish her well. 

      You are an amazing and wonderful person.  I hope your medical issues are resolved soon and I hope you're better than ever when it's all said and done.

      I wish you all the best.

[NikkiJ]

Joyce, you're too kind.

I am feeling in a better mood today and have a project to keep me busy at work until I switch to my new team.

I feel lucky to have this forum with all of you wonderful people to confide in.

Today I saw my primary physician, and she was able to treat a bit of granulated tissue I had back in the end of my vaginal vault. She's so wonderful about taking on this sort of unique situation that is outside her usual clientele, as is the entire staff there. I made a joke today that I was turning into Hugh Laurie's character "House". After all, I have the cane and the Vicodin! She liked that so much, she told the nurse when she came in, LOL!

Again, thank you all for listening to me at a time that is not showing me at my best.

Nicole