Hip Joint Protection Fixation Device
After having my artificial right hip dislocate four times in two months when it was only put in six months ago, I have been a bit frustrated, even angry at times as I have fought so hard to see a hip surgeon. Getting approval from the VA for anything is like watching a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter. I finally got approved!? Right? Not quite. I just got back from the appointment with my surgeon. “You need a complex restorative surgery or your hip will continue to dislocate; however, we cannot operate on you right now because the hospital is at max capacity with Covid patients. Your surgery is considered elective because, when it dislocates it can be put back in at the hospital.” Needless to say, I was speechless. My hip will continue to dislocate, causing me level 9 pain and over an hour-long ride to the ER to put it back in, but my surgery is elective. You can bet I have broken down in tears of anger, screaming at the Lord, “Why me, what did I do to deserve this!” I’m reminded of Job. I have so much to learn.
The solution for having to wait is hailed as the cure. A hip brace that holds everything in place and makes it extremely unlikely that my hip can dislocate. Awesome! The doc sends me to the orthopedic clinic and they proceed to get all my measurements and tell me the authorization usually takes 3 to 4 days and then about another 4 to 5 days to get the brace built and shipped to them so about a week and a half I am told. Take a guess what week we are on now. 4 weeks! I’ve argued, pressured, annoyed and done everything in my power to move things along just to come to the conclusion I would be better off talking to the turtle in the peanut butter. An elective surgery and apparently an elective hip brace.
Finally! It has arrived. I show up and they try and fit me in one made for a ballerina before they realize they have the wrong one. I’m big boned aka fat so they decide to grab the one specifically ordered for me; such a novel idea! After feeling like Chandler with Joey’s Tailor (that dates me) I’m finally all strapped in. It is not quite as cumbersome as I imagined but it does still severely limit my mobility. This will take time getting used to but who cares, I can finally go outside again! Time to go fishing!
