Re: To Chris Roche

[Guest guest]

Jacqui,

Your note was addressed to but since it's in the mix, I'm

going to venture in. Your doc may have said you have several years

before resurf is not an option (and in strictly technical terms, that

may be true),but there are a couple of human things to think aboutI

think. First, remember: Nothing goes in a straight line. Given the

condition and circumstance you're in now, it may look like you have

years. But let's say for the sake of the conversation that the pain

in your hip changes your gait...causing either a spinal alignment

change, or extra pressure on the opposite hip -- or knee. Then what

you get for waiting is more problems. Or, let's offer the possibility

that the pain stabs you just as your stepping of a curb and you

change the step...and damage the hip beyond what resurf can repair.

NOTHING GOES IN A STRAIGHT LINE.

Second: Pain is the thief of joy. Pain changes your personality in

subtle ways over time. You can distance yourself from it a bit with

medications and force of will, but constant, increasing, grinding

pain will change your personality...in ways you almost certainly

won't realize and don't want.

You mention a fiance. I'll tell you about a wife, a woman who a

while ago had enough... decided I wasn't the me I used to be. Now,

we're in the middle of a separation and divorce. I will always

believe the pain changed me...made me a darker, less adventuresome,

less joyful person. It has certainly changed our relationship in ways

I never realized until it was too late.

I'll probably have a better " read " of the person I used to be...but

only after I get free of the pain. And I don't yet even know when

that will be.

You have a chance to end years of pain before you have to live

through them. Don't miss the chance to avoid the pain.

All the best,

Alan

> > > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling)

> > about

> > > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who

> > > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice...

> > >

> > > 1)I am only 25 and the thought of losing my real hip (albeit a

> > > damaged one) so early on in life is making me panic.

> > >

> > > 2) The surgeon said to get this done when the pain is so bad

and

> > the

> > > limitations on your life are so bad that it is worth it. I

guess

> > only

> > > I can be the judge of this. When the pain started waking me at

> > night

> > > and I couldnt walk far without stiffness and pain, I figured

> that

> > the

> > > time is right, but now it is so close, I keep thinking that I

> > could

> > > live with it a bit longer and that perhaps I am rushing it.

I've

> > > lived with the pain so long now, I can live with it. Do I

really

> > want

> > > to lose my real hip so young? Or maybe that is just my nerves

> > > talking...

> > >

> > > 3) I'm scared!!!!

> > >

> > > Sorry to sound like such a wuss, normally I am so level-headed

> and

> > > calm about things!

> > >

> > > Please reply surfies, it's only 5 days away.