Re: One year anniversary musings

[Guest guest]

At 02:22 AM 5/13/2004 +0000, you wrote:

>A year ago about now I was lying on my bed in University

>Hospital in Ghent Belgium wondering if I should bolt and fly

>back to the US. I can't enumerate the improvements in my

>life this past year.

Congratulations Ruth and many more years of happy hips to you!

Cindy

C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01

[Guest guest]

At 02:22 AM 5/13/2004 +0000, you wrote:

>A year ago about now I was lying on my bed in University

>Hospital in Ghent Belgium wondering if I should bolt and fly

>back to the US. I can't enumerate the improvements in my

>life this past year.

Congratulations Ruth and many more years of happy hips to you!

Cindy

C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01

[Guest guest]

Ruth, that's wonderful news! How old are you? What do you mean when

you say " I wasn't that bad? " . I think I'm where you were before

your surgery! Susie

> >A year ago about now I was lying on my bed in University

> >Hospital in Ghent Belgium wondering if I should bolt and fly

> >back to the US. I can't enumerate the improvements in my

> >life this past year.

>

>

> Congratulations Ruth and many more years of happy hips to you!

>

> Cindy

> C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01

[Guest guest]

I am 58 right now. I lose track because I feel so much younger

than I did last year. BTW, that is something almost everyone has

commented on - how much younger I look. I think that chronic

pain really ages a person. That's not the best part tho! Just

doing things is.

A year ago I truly didn't feel that I was THAT bad. I could get

around pretty well. Had to roll around on the bed to tie my right

shoelace but could get it done. Some days were actually pretty

good. I was swimming and keeping fairly active before surgery.

So I could have " lasted " a little longer. No long walks, tho.

Balance was a bit off. And my limp was really bad so I used a

cane. My left foot had started sliding due to the abnormal gait (so

now I am dealing with a very painful bunion there.)

What I didn't realize a year ago was exactly how much of my life

had been compromised at that point. It happens gradually and

you kind of get used to it. I will never regret having this done. I

wish I had known about it sooner but I no doubt wouldn't have felt

ready then either! I

check into the board a couple of times a week to keep posted on

the FDA stuff. Other than that I am busy with a renewed life. All

the best as you. Ruth 5/13/03 DeSmet rbhr

> Ruth, that's wonderful news! How old are you? What do you

mean when

> you say " I wasn't that bad? " . I think I'm where you were before

> your surgery! Susie

>

>

[Guest guest]

Curious, isn't it, how the small changes forced by pain and reduced

mobility/flexibility become a part of our lives so subtly that we

barely notice?

From my own experience (and I'm still waiting for insurance word on

my resurf future): 1)I trim my left toenails as rarely as I can,

because reaching that foot is damned near impossible, and extremely

painful. 2) Some time ago, and I'm not sure quite when, I stopped

simply standing up from a chair...or just sitting down. I push off

with the upper body to get up...and ease myself into a sitting

position, using the arms to reduce the weight load on the hip. 3)

About a year ago, I stopped buying any shoes that weren't slip-on;

but that only happened after a few years of watching the knots in my

left shoe laces migrate from the center of the shoe (where they're

supposed to be) over to mid-body. The last few months I wore shoes

with laces, it looked like I was drunk when I tied my shoes. But I

finally gave up on lace-up shoes because it hurt too much to reach my

left foot.

Congratulations, Ruth. Wondering how many of the small changes you

may have noticed...and how many of them are leaving your life as you

get more used to being painfree.

Alan

[Guest guest]

Hi Alan,

Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all face in

our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'. I

can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my toenails on

my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my shoelaces

on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in life we

give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

Regards,

Dr. Mark

> Curious, isn't it, how the small changes forced by pain and reduced

> mobility/flexibility become a part of our lives so subtly that we

> barely notice?

>

> From my own experience (and I'm still waiting for insurance word on

> my resurf future): 1)I trim my left toenails as rarely as I can,

> because reaching that foot is damned near impossible, and extremely

> painful. 2) Some time ago, and I'm not sure quite when, I stopped

> simply standing up from a chair...or just sitting down. I push off

> with the upper body to get up...and ease myself into a sitting

> position, using the arms to reduce the weight load on the hip. 3)

> About a year ago, I stopped buying any shoes that weren't slip-on;

> but that only happened after a few years of watching the knots in

my

> left shoe laces migrate from the center of the shoe (where they're

> supposed to be) over to mid-body. The last few months I wore shoes

> with laces, it looked like I was drunk when I tied my shoes. But I

> finally gave up on lace-up shoes because it hurt too much to reach

my

> left foot.

>

> Congratulations, Ruth. Wondering how many of the small changes you

> may have noticed...and how many of them are leaving your life as

you

> get more used to being painfree.

>

> Alan

[Guest guest]

Dr. Mark...

Thanks. Some of the changes and adjustments are so subtle, we stop

noticing. One I forgot to mention: For the past year or so...I've

been putting my left sock on by bringing the left foot under the

right leg as I'm sitting...then putting the sock on using the right

hand only. Rather than crossing the left leg over the right -- which

is a painfully impossible task.

(The trick here is to hold the top of the sock open using the right

hand only...and hold it open as you pull the sock over the toes...

then it's just a matter of pulling the sock into place. DOES THIS

SOUND SILLY, OR WHAT?)

I get a few odd looks in the lockerroom, but nobody has ever had the

near to ask about it.

Alan

>

> Hi Alan,

> Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all face

in

> our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'. I

> can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my toenails

on

> my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my shoelaces

> on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in life

we

> give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> Regards,

> Dr. Mark

> > Curious, isn't it, how the small changes forced by pain and

reduced

> > mobility/flexibility become a part of our lives so subtly that we

> > barely notice?

> >

> > From my own experience (and I'm still waiting for insurance word

on

> > my resurf future): 1)I trim my left toenails as rarely as I can,

> > because reaching that foot is damned near impossible, and

extremely

> > painful. 2) Some time ago, and I'm not sure quite when, I stopped

> > simply standing up from a chair...or just sitting down. I push

off

> > with the upper body to get up...and ease myself into a sitting

> > position, using the arms to reduce the weight load on the hip. 3)

> > About a year ago, I stopped buying any shoes that weren't slip-

on;

> > but that only happened after a few years of watching the knots in

> my

> > left shoe laces migrate from the center of the shoe (where

they're

> > supposed to be) over to mid-body. The last few months I wore

shoes

> > with laces, it looked like I was drunk when I tied my shoes. But

I

> > finally gave up on lace-up shoes because it hurt too much to

reach

> my

> > left foot.

> >

> > Congratulations, Ruth. Wondering how many of the small changes

you

> > may have noticed...and how many of them are leaving your life as

> you

> > get more used to being painfree.

> >

> > Alan

[Guest guest]

Dr. Mark...

Thanks. Some of the changes and adjustments are so subtle, we stop

noticing. One I forgot to mention: For the past year or so...I've

been putting my left sock on by bringing the left foot under the

right leg as I'm sitting...then putting the sock on using the right

hand only. Rather than crossing the left leg over the right -- which

is a painfully impossible task.

(The trick here is to hold the top of the sock open using the right

hand only...and hold it open as you pull the sock over the toes...

then it's just a matter of pulling the sock into place. DOES THIS

SOUND SILLY, OR WHAT?)

I get a few odd looks in the lockerroom, but nobody has ever had the

near to ask about it.

Alan

>

> Hi Alan,

> Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all face

in

> our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'. I

> can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my toenails

on

> my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my shoelaces

> on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in life

we

> give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> Regards,

> Dr. Mark

> > Curious, isn't it, how the small changes forced by pain and

reduced

> > mobility/flexibility become a part of our lives so subtly that we

> > barely notice?

> >

> > From my own experience (and I'm still waiting for insurance word

on

> > my resurf future): 1)I trim my left toenails as rarely as I can,

> > because reaching that foot is damned near impossible, and

extremely

> > painful. 2) Some time ago, and I'm not sure quite when, I stopped

> > simply standing up from a chair...or just sitting down. I push

off

> > with the upper body to get up...and ease myself into a sitting

> > position, using the arms to reduce the weight load on the hip. 3)

> > About a year ago, I stopped buying any shoes that weren't slip-

on;

> > but that only happened after a few years of watching the knots in

> my

> > left shoe laces migrate from the center of the shoe (where

they're

> > supposed to be) over to mid-body. The last few months I wore

shoes

> > with laces, it looked like I was drunk when I tied my shoes. But

I

> > finally gave up on lace-up shoes because it hurt too much to

reach

> my

> > left foot.

> >

> > Congratulations, Ruth. Wondering how many of the small changes

you

> > may have noticed...and how many of them are leaving your life as

> you

> > get more used to being painfree.

> >

> > Alan

[Guest guest]

> >

> > Hi Alan,

> > Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all face

> in

> > our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'. I

> > can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my

toenails

> on

> > my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my

shoelaces

> > on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in

life

> we

> > give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> > forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> > Regards,

> > Dr. Mark

> > > Curious, isn't it, how the small changes forced by pain and

> reduced

> > > mobility/flexibility become a part of our lives so subtly that

we

> > > barely notice?

> > >

> > > From my own experience (and I'm still waiting for insurance

word

> on

> > > my resurf future): 1)I trim my left toenails as rarely as I

can,

> > > because reaching that foot is damned near impossible, and

> extremely

> > > painful. 2) Some time ago, and I'm not sure quite when, I

stopped

> > > simply standing up from a chair...or just sitting down. I push

> off

> > > with the upper body to get up...and ease myself into a sitting

> > > position, using the arms to reduce the weight load on the hip.

3)

> > > About a year ago, I stopped buying any shoes that weren't slip-

> on;

> > > but that only happened after a few years of watching the knots

in

> > my

> > > left shoe laces migrate from the center of the shoe (where

> they're

> > > supposed to be) over to mid-body. The last few months I wore

> shoes

> > > with laces, it looked like I was drunk when I tied my shoes.

But

> I

> > > finally gave up on lace-up shoes because it hurt too much to

> reach

> > my

> > > left foot.

> > >

> > > Congratulations, Ruth. Wondering how many of the small changes

> you

> > > may have noticed...and how many of them are leaving your life

as

> > you

> > > get more used to being painfree.

> > >

> > > Alan

[Guest guest]

Unless you're left-handed, I'd have to agree you're one-up on me.

Since it's my left foot...coming under my right leg... I'm actually

doing the one-hand trick with my dominant (right) hand. Though, I

must confess, since handball requires ambidexterity, I sometimes use

the same procedure to put the sock on my right foot...with my left

hand. Just to prove I can.

Maybe I just have too much time on my hands? Do you suppose?

> > >

> > > Hi Alan,

> > > Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all

face

> > in

> > > our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'.

I

> > > can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my

> toenails

> > on

> > > my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my

> shoelaces

> > > on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in

> life

> > we

> > > give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> > > forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> > > Regards,

> > > Dr. Mark

> > > > Curious, isn't it, how the small changes forced by pain and

> > reduced

> > > > mobility/flexibility become a part of our lives so subtly

that

> we

> > > > barely notice?

> > > >

> > > > From my own experience (and I'm still waiting for insurance

> word

> > on

> > > > my resurf future): 1)I trim my left toenails as rarely as I

> can,

> > > > because reaching that foot is damned near impossible, and

> > extremely

> > > > painful. 2) Some time ago, and I'm not sure quite when, I

> stopped

> > > > simply standing up from a chair...or just sitting down. I

push

> > off

> > > > with the upper body to get up...and ease myself into a

sitting

> > > > position, using the arms to reduce the weight load on the

hip.

> 3)

> > > > About a year ago, I stopped buying any shoes that weren't

slip-

> > on;

> > > > but that only happened after a few years of watching the

knots

> in

> > > my

> > > > left shoe laces migrate from the center of the shoe (where

> > they're

> > > > supposed to be) over to mid-body. The last few months I wore

> > shoes

> > > > with laces, it looked like I was drunk when I tied my shoes.

> But

> > I

> > > > finally gave up on lace-up shoes because it hurt too much to

> > reach

> > > my

> > > > left foot.

> > > >

> > > > Congratulations, Ruth. Wondering how many of the small

changes

> > you

> > > > may have noticed...and how many of them are leaving your life

> as

> > > you

> > > > get more used to being painfree.

> > > >

> > > > Alan

[Guest guest]

Unless you're left-handed, I'd have to agree you're one-up on me.

Since it's my left foot...coming under my right leg... I'm actually

doing the one-hand trick with my dominant (right) hand. Though, I

must confess, since handball requires ambidexterity, I sometimes use

the same procedure to put the sock on my right foot...with my left

hand. Just to prove I can.

Maybe I just have too much time on my hands? Do you suppose?

> > >

> > > Hi Alan,

> > > Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all

face

> > in

> > > our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'.

I

> > > can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my

> toenails

> > on

> > > my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my

> shoelaces

> > > on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in

> life

> > we

> > > give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> > > forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> > > Regards,

> > > Dr. Mark

> > > > Curious, isn't it, how the small changes forced by pain and

> > reduced

> > > > mobility/flexibility become a part of our lives so subtly

that

> we

> > > > barely notice?

> > > >

> > > > From my own experience (and I'm still waiting for insurance

> word

> > on

> > > > my resurf future): 1)I trim my left toenails as rarely as I

> can,

> > > > because reaching that foot is damned near impossible, and

> > extremely

> > > > painful. 2) Some time ago, and I'm not sure quite when, I

> stopped

> > > > simply standing up from a chair...or just sitting down. I

push

> > off

> > > > with the upper body to get up...and ease myself into a

sitting

> > > > position, using the arms to reduce the weight load on the

hip.

> 3)

> > > > About a year ago, I stopped buying any shoes that weren't

slip-

> > on;

> > > > but that only happened after a few years of watching the

knots

> in

> > > my

> > > > left shoe laces migrate from the center of the shoe (where

> > they're

> > > > supposed to be) over to mid-body. The last few months I wore

> > shoes

> > > > with laces, it looked like I was drunk when I tied my shoes.

> But

> > I

> > > > finally gave up on lace-up shoes because it hurt too much to

> > reach

> > > my

> > > > left foot.

> > > >

> > > > Congratulations, Ruth. Wondering how many of the small

changes

> > you

> > > > may have noticed...and how many of them are leaving your life

> as

> > > you

> > > > get more used to being painfree.

> > > >

> > > > Alan

[Guest guest]

Hi, Mark,

I have a damaged left hip joint after developing arthritis when I was

sixteen. The arthritis went away a few years later but the joint is

banjaxed! I am now 45 and for the last 25 years or thereabouts I have

been putting my left sock on EXACTLY as you described. It never

occurred to me that other people used this technique too. Needs must I

suppose... In any case I am going into the Birmingham Nuffield

hospital next Tuesday, May 18th, to have my left hip resurfaced, which

will happen on the Wednesday under Mr. McMinn. Wonder how long it will

be before I can abandon the sock technique and go back to putting on

my left sock like a regular human again????

Best regards,

Tom

Ireland

> >

> > Hi Alan,

> > Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all face

> in

> > our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'. I

> > can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my toenails

> on

> > my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my shoelaces

> > on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in life

> we

> > give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> > forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> > Regards,

> > Dr. Mark

> > > Curious, isn't it, how the small changes forced by pain and

> reduced

> > > mobility/flexibility become a part of our lives so subtly that we

> > > barely notice?

> > >

> > > From my own experience (and I'm still waiting for insurance word

> on

> > > my resurf future): 1)I trim my left toenails as rarely as I can,

> > > because reaching that foot is damned near impossible, and

> extremely

> > > painful. 2) Some time ago, and I'm not sure quite when, I stopped

> > > simply standing up from a chair...or just sitting down. I push

> off

> > > with the upper body to get up...and ease myself into a sitting

> > > position, using the arms to reduce the weight load on the hip. 3)

> > > About a year ago, I stopped buying any shoes that weren't slip-

> on;

> > > but that only happened after a few years of watching the knots in

> > my

> > > left shoe laces migrate from the center of the shoe (where

> they're

> > > supposed to be) over to mid-body. The last few months I wore

> shoes

> > > with laces, it looked like I was drunk when I tied my shoes. But

> I

> > > finally gave up on lace-up shoes because it hurt too much to

> reach

> > my

> > > left foot.

> > >

> > > Congratulations, Ruth. Wondering how many of the small changes

> you

> > > may have noticed...and how many of them are leaving your life as

> > you

> > > get more used to being painfree.

> > >

> > > Alan

[Guest guest]

When I started my physiotherapy after the resurfacing I was asked by more than

one therapist what was my objective or how would I measure and determine success

following physiotherapy. I always answered that I wanted to be able to put the

sock on my left foot the same way as I am putting one on my right foot, that is

without pulling my left leg up and resting my left heel on the right leg just

above my right knee (obviously, I am referring to putting on the sock while

standing up on one foot only). I also added that I wanted to be able to tie the

shoelace on my left shoe using the same position/posture as I do with my right

shoe. Incidentally, some 6 weeks prior to the op I purchased a pair of shoes

with shoelaces for the first time in years (certainly more than 10 years). I

have nearly succeeded in reaching both my objectives – I can put a sock on my

left foot without helping my left leg up to the position where it rests above

the right knee, and I can tie the shoelace on my left shoe. Neither operation

is a smooth as when done to the right foot, but it’s getting better all the

time.

Dan

LC2K Mr Krikler, 16/02/04

* +44 (0)7974 981-407

* +44 (0)20 8501-2573

@ dan.milosevic@...

_____

From: higgintom

Sent: 13 May 2004 22:59

To: surfacehippy

Subject: Re: One year anniversary musings

Hi, Mark,

I have a damaged left hip joint after developing arthritis when I was

sixteen. The arthritis went away a few years later but the joint is

banjaxed! I am now 45 and for the last 25 years or thereabouts I have

been putting my left sock on EXACTLY as you described. It never

occurred to me that other people used this technique too. Needs must I

suppose... In any case I am going into the Birmingham Nuffield

hospital next Tuesday, May 18th, to have my left hip resurfaced, which

will happen on the Wednesday under Mr. McMinn. Wonder how long it will

be before I can abandon the sock technique and go back to putting on

my left sock like a regular human again????

Best regards,

Tom

Ireland

> >

> > Hi Alan,

> > Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all face

> in

> > our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'. I

> > can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my toenails

> on

> > my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my shoelaces

> > on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in life

> we

> > give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> > forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> > Regards,

> > Dr. Mark

> > > Curious, isn't it, how the small changes forced by pain and

> reduced

> > > mobility/flexibility become a part of our lives so subtly that we

> > > barely notice?

> > >

> > > From my own experience (and I'm still waiting for insurance word

> on

> > > my resurf future): 1)I trim my left toenails as rarely as I can,

> > > because reaching that foot is damned near impossible, and

> extremely

> > > painful. 2) Some time ago, and I'm not sure quite when, I stopped

> > > simply standing up from a chair...or just sitting down. I push

> off

> > > with the upper body to get up...and ease myself into a sitting

> > > position, using the arms to reduce the weight load on the hip. 3)

> > > About a year ago, I stopped buying any shoes that weren't slip-

> on;

> > > but that only happened after a few years of watching the knots in

> > my

> > > left shoe laces migrate from the center of the shoe (where

> they're

> > > supposed to be) over to mid-body. The last few months I wore

> shoes

> > > with laces, it looked like I was drunk when I tied my shoes. But

> I

> > > finally gave up on lace-up shoes because it hurt too much to

> reach

> > my

> > > left foot.

> > >

> > > Congratulations, Ruth. Wondering how many of the small changes

> you

> > > may have noticed...and how many of them are leaving your life as

> > you

> > > get more used to being painfree.

> > >

> > > Alan

_____

[Guest guest]

When I started my physiotherapy after the resurfacing I was asked by more than

one therapist what was my objective or how would I measure and determine success

following physiotherapy. I always answered that I wanted to be able to put the

sock on my left foot the same way as I am putting one on my right foot, that is

without pulling my left leg up and resting my left heel on the right leg just

above my right knee (obviously, I am referring to putting on the sock while

standing up on one foot only). I also added that I wanted to be able to tie the

shoelace on my left shoe using the same position/posture as I do with my right

shoe. Incidentally, some 6 weeks prior to the op I purchased a pair of shoes

with shoelaces for the first time in years (certainly more than 10 years). I

have nearly succeeded in reaching both my objectives – I can put a sock on my

left foot without helping my left leg up to the position where it rests above

the right knee, and I can tie the shoelace on my left shoe. Neither operation

is a smooth as when done to the right foot, but it’s getting better all the

time.

Dan

LC2K Mr Krikler, 16/02/04

* +44 (0)7974 981-407

* +44 (0)20 8501-2573

@ dan.milosevic@...

_____

From: higgintom

Sent: 13 May 2004 22:59

To: surfacehippy

Subject: Re: One year anniversary musings

Hi, Mark,

I have a damaged left hip joint after developing arthritis when I was

sixteen. The arthritis went away a few years later but the joint is

banjaxed! I am now 45 and for the last 25 years or thereabouts I have

been putting my left sock on EXACTLY as you described. It never

occurred to me that other people used this technique too. Needs must I

suppose... In any case I am going into the Birmingham Nuffield

hospital next Tuesday, May 18th, to have my left hip resurfaced, which

will happen on the Wednesday under Mr. McMinn. Wonder how long it will

be before I can abandon the sock technique and go back to putting on

my left sock like a regular human again????

Best regards,

Tom

Ireland

> >

> > Hi Alan,

> > Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all face

> in

> > our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'. I

> > can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my toenails

> on

> > my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my shoelaces

> > on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in life

> we

> > give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> > forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> > Regards,

> > Dr. Mark

> > > Curious, isn't it, how the small changes forced by pain and

> reduced

> > > mobility/flexibility become a part of our lives so subtly that we

> > > barely notice?

> > >

> > > From my own experience (and I'm still waiting for insurance word

> on

> > > my resurf future): 1)I trim my left toenails as rarely as I can,

> > > because reaching that foot is damned near impossible, and

> extremely

> > > painful. 2) Some time ago, and I'm not sure quite when, I stopped

> > > simply standing up from a chair...or just sitting down. I push

> off

> > > with the upper body to get up...and ease myself into a sitting

> > > position, using the arms to reduce the weight load on the hip. 3)

> > > About a year ago, I stopped buying any shoes that weren't slip-

> on;

> > > but that only happened after a few years of watching the knots in

> > my

> > > left shoe laces migrate from the center of the shoe (where

> they're

> > > supposed to be) over to mid-body. The last few months I wore

> shoes

> > > with laces, it looked like I was drunk when I tied my shoes. But

> I

> > > finally gave up on lace-up shoes because it hurt too much to

> reach

> > my

> > > left foot.

> > >

> > > Congratulations, Ruth. Wondering how many of the small changes

> you

> > > may have noticed...and how many of them are leaving your life as

> > you

> > > get more used to being painfree.

> > >

> > > Alan

_____

[Guest guest]

Hi Alan and Mark,

Must be something about those shoe laces.............. One of the real bugs

of having the fused hip was not being able to wear sneakers with laces that

I could have tight............ I tried a few inventions of my own but it

isn't the same as tying those suckers tight............smile.

I am still working on getting the foot within range but one hour you will

all hear that I have achieved an ambition of 37 years - tight shoe

laces.............smile.

As for socks.........well they come in the same category as pants and other

items of clothing that need to go over ones feet.......... You didn't

mention how you get the undies on Alan........... I bet that is also an

interesting procedure.........? mine always has been until

now............and what about getting in and out of cars? The list goes on

and on..............

Edith LBHR Dr L Walter Syd Aust 8/02

>

> Hi Alan,

> Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all face in

> our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'. I

> can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my toenails on

> my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my shoelaces

> on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in life we

> give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> Regards,

> Dr. Mark

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Alan and Mark,

Must be something about those shoe laces.............. One of the real bugs

of having the fused hip was not being able to wear sneakers with laces that

I could have tight............ I tried a few inventions of my own but it

isn't the same as tying those suckers tight............smile.

I am still working on getting the foot within range but one hour you will

all hear that I have achieved an ambition of 37 years - tight shoe

laces.............smile.

As for socks.........well they come in the same category as pants and other

items of clothing that need to go over ones feet.......... You didn't

mention how you get the undies on Alan........... I bet that is also an

interesting procedure.........? mine always has been until

now............and what about getting in and out of cars? The list goes on

and on..............

Edith LBHR Dr L Walter Syd Aust 8/02

>

> Hi Alan,

> Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all face in

> our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'. I

> can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my toenails on

> my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my shoelaces

> on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in life we

> give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> Regards,

> Dr. Mark

>

[Guest guest]

> > >

> > > Hi Alan,

> > > Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all

face

> > in

> > > our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'.

I

> > > can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my

toenails

> > on

> > > my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my

shoelaces

> > > on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in

life

> > we

> > > give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> > > forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> > > Regards,

> > > Dr. Mark

> > > > Curious, isn't it, how the small changes forced by pain and

> > reduced

> > > > mobility/flexibility become a part of our lives so subtly

that we

> > > > barely notice?

> > > >

> > > > From my own experience (and I'm still waiting for insurance

word

> > on

> > > > my resurf future): 1)I trim my left toenails as rarely as I

can,

> > > > because reaching that foot is damned near impossible, and

> > extremely

> > > > painful. 2) Some time ago, and I'm not sure quite when, I

stopped

> > > > simply standing up from a chair...or just sitting down. I

push

> > off

> > > > with the upper body to get up...and ease myself into a

sitting

> > > > position, using the arms to reduce the weight load on the

hip. 3)

> > > > About a year ago, I stopped buying any shoes that weren't

slip-

> > on;

> > > > but that only happened after a few years of watching the

knots in

> > > my

> > > > left shoe laces migrate from the center of the shoe (where

> > they're

> > > > supposed to be) over to mid-body. The last few months I wore

> > shoes

> > > > with laces, it looked like I was drunk when I tied my shoes.

But

> > I

> > > > finally gave up on lace-up shoes because it hurt too much to

> > reach

> > > my

> > > > left foot.

> > > >

> > > > Congratulations, Ruth. Wondering how many of the small

changes

> > you

> > > > may have noticed...and how many of them are leaving your life

as

> > > you

> > > > get more used to being painfree.

> > > >

> > > > Alan

[Guest guest]

> > >

> > > Hi Alan,

> > > Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all

face

> > in

> > > our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'.

I

> > > can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my

toenails

> > on

> > > my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my

shoelaces

> > > on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in

life

> > we

> > > give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> > > forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> > > Regards,

> > > Dr. Mark

> > > > Curious, isn't it, how the small changes forced by pain and

> > reduced

> > > > mobility/flexibility become a part of our lives so subtly

that we

> > > > barely notice?

> > > >

> > > > From my own experience (and I'm still waiting for insurance

word

> > on

> > > > my resurf future): 1)I trim my left toenails as rarely as I

can,

> > > > because reaching that foot is damned near impossible, and

> > extremely

> > > > painful. 2) Some time ago, and I'm not sure quite when, I

stopped

> > > > simply standing up from a chair...or just sitting down. I

push

> > off

> > > > with the upper body to get up...and ease myself into a

sitting

> > > > position, using the arms to reduce the weight load on the

hip. 3)

> > > > About a year ago, I stopped buying any shoes that weren't

slip-

> > on;

> > > > but that only happened after a few years of watching the

knots in

> > > my

> > > > left shoe laces migrate from the center of the shoe (where

> > they're

> > > > supposed to be) over to mid-body. The last few months I wore

> > shoes

> > > > with laces, it looked like I was drunk when I tied my shoes.

But

> > I

> > > > finally gave up on lace-up shoes because it hurt too much to

> > reach

> > > my

> > > > left foot.

> > > >

> > > > Congratulations, Ruth. Wondering how many of the small

changes

> > you

> > > > may have noticed...and how many of them are leaving your life

as

> > > you

> > > > get more used to being painfree.

> > > >

> > > > Alan

[Guest guest]

Hi, Dr. Mark --

I'm about to get a new L hip resurf from Dr. Gross and hope to have

properly tied shoes soon, too. I've tied my sneakers on the inside edge

for so long now it seems normal, but it's only recently that I have

learned techniques for hauling my foot close enough to do this at all.

Some days that foot seems miles away! BTW, I sent you a post today but I

think I sent it to your from address. If you have thoughts on it, let me

know.

All best,

>

> > > >

> > > > Hi Alan,

> > > > Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all

> face

> > > in

> > > > our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'.

> I

> > > > can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my

> toenails

> > > on

> > > > my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my

> shoelaces

> > > > on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in

> life

> > > we

> > > > give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> > > > forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> > > > Regards,

> > > > Dr. Mark

> > > > > Curious, isn't it, how the small changes forced by pain and

> > > reduced

> > > > > mobility/flexibility become a part of our lives so subtly

> that we

> > > > > barely notice?

> > > > >

> > > > > From my own experience (and I'm still waiting for insurance

> word

> > > on

> > > > > my resurf future): 1)I trim my left toenails as rarely as I

> can,

> > > > > because reaching that foot is damned near impossible, and

> > > extremely

> > > > > painful. 2) Some time ago, and I'm not sure quite when, I

> stopped

> > > > > simply standing up from a chair...or just sitting down. I

> push

> > > off

> > > > > with the upper body to get up...and ease myself into a

> sitting

> > > > > position, using the arms to reduce the weight load on the

> hip. 3)

> > > > > About a year ago, I stopped buying any shoes that weren't

> slip-

> > > on;

> > > > > but that only happened after a few years of watching the

> knots in

> > > > my

> > > > > left shoe laces migrate from the center of the shoe (where

> > > they're

> > > > > supposed to be) over to mid-body. The last few months I wore

> > > shoes

> > > > > with laces, it looked like I was drunk when I tied my shoes.

> But

> > > I

> > > > > finally gave up on lace-up shoes because it hurt too much to

> > > reach

> > > > my

> > > > > left foot.

> > > > >

> > > > > Congratulations, Ruth. Wondering how many of the small

> changes

> > > you

> > > > > may have noticed...and how many of them are leaving your life

> as

> > > > you

> > > > > get more used to being painfree.

> > > > >

> > > > > Alan

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

EDITH!!!!!!

This is a family website. If curious guys really want to know how I

sneak into my undies (which actually makes at least one presumption,

you know)...they can contact me directly. I couldn't begin to advise

a lady how to approach her undies...1) because I've never tried them

on...and 2) because my goal has never been to get her undies ON her.

And that's the truth...so now you know.

> Hi Alan and Mark,

>

> Must be something about those shoe laces.............. One of the

real bugs

> of having the fused hip was not being able to wear sneakers with

laces that

> I could have tight............ I tried a few inventions of my own

but it

> isn't the same as tying those suckers tight............smile.

>

> I am still working on getting the foot within range but one hour

you will

> all hear that I have achieved an ambition of 37 years - tight shoe

> laces.............smile.

>

> As for socks.........well they come in the same category as pants

and other

> items of clothing that need to go over ones feet.......... You

didn't

> mention how you get the undies on Alan........... I bet that is

also an

> interesting procedure.........? mine always has been until

> now............and what about getting in and out of cars? The list

goes on

> and on..............

>

> Edith LBHR Dr L Walter Syd Aust 8/02

> >

> > Hi Alan,

> > Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all face

in

> > our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'. I

> > can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my

toenails on

> > my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my

shoelaces

> > on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in

life we

> > give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> > forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> > Regards,

> > Dr. Mark

> >

[Guest guest]

EDITH!!!!!!

This is a family website. If curious guys really want to know how I

sneak into my undies (which actually makes at least one presumption,

you know)...they can contact me directly. I couldn't begin to advise

a lady how to approach her undies...1) because I've never tried them

on...and 2) because my goal has never been to get her undies ON her.

And that's the truth...so now you know.

> Hi Alan and Mark,

>

> Must be something about those shoe laces.............. One of the

real bugs

> of having the fused hip was not being able to wear sneakers with

laces that

> I could have tight............ I tried a few inventions of my own

but it

> isn't the same as tying those suckers tight............smile.

>

> I am still working on getting the foot within range but one hour

you will

> all hear that I have achieved an ambition of 37 years - tight shoe

> laces.............smile.

>

> As for socks.........well they come in the same category as pants

and other

> items of clothing that need to go over ones feet.......... You

didn't

> mention how you get the undies on Alan........... I bet that is

also an

> interesting procedure.........? mine always has been until

> now............and what about getting in and out of cars? The list

goes on

> and on..............

>

> Edith LBHR Dr L Walter Syd Aust 8/02

> >

> > Hi Alan,

> > Great descriptions of the disabilities and limitation we all face

in

> > our daily lives. My experience fits yours exactly to the 'T'. I

> > can't wait to use my right hip to push up and off, cut my

toenails on

> > my right foot without looking like Houdini, and having my

shoelaces

> > on my right foot never being tight. Its the little things in

life we

> > give up in life as a result of this disease that most easily

> > forgotten. Thanks for helping me remember why I am doing this.

> > Regards,

> > Dr. Mark

> >

[Guest guest]

Alan Alan Alan...can I relate to you! I just posted my similar ROM

deal! It's WILD! People comment lots about my " tying my shoes

upside down and backward " !! Hilarious!

I'm waitin' insurance word too...and hopin' FDA will do somethin' in

the meantime - OK ok...wishful thinkin'!!!! A girl can hope, can't

she?? )

In surfacehippy , " Alan Ray " wrote:

> Curious, isn't it, how the small changes forced by pain and reduced

> mobility/flexibility become a part of our lives so subtly that we

> barely notice?

>

> From my own experience (and I'm still waiting for insurance word on

> my resurf future): 1)I trim my left toenails as rarely as I can,

> because reaching that foot is damned near impossible, and extremely

> painful. 2) Some time ago, and I'm not sure quite when, I stopped

> simply standing up from a chair...or just sitting down. I push off

> with the upper body to get up...and ease myself into a sitting

> position, using the arms to reduce the weight load on the hip. 3)

> About a year ago, I stopped buying any shoes that weren't slip-on;

> but that only happened after a few years of watching the knots in

my

> left shoe laces migrate from the center of the shoe (where they're

> supposed to be) over to mid-body. The last few months I wore shoes

> with laces, it looked like I was drunk when I tied my shoes. But I

> finally gave up on lace-up shoes because it hurt too much to reach

my

> left foot.

>

> Congratulations, Ruth. Wondering how many of the small changes you

> may have noticed...and how many of them are leaving your life as

you

> get more used to being painfree.

>

> Alan

[Guest guest]

Dear Ruth,

Happy one year anniversary! And thank you for sharing your Belgium

experience with me several months ago when I was still deciding whether to

make the trip to Belgium. I couldn't be happier with my decision!

I meant to e your sooner about a coincidence that occurred on my flight

back from Belgium. I had requested an aisle seat and a center seat for my

sister. Of course, I got the window seat, but the young woman with the

aisle seat was more than happy to trade with me. We got to talking, and she

mentioned that she knows a woman in Winona who went to Belgium for a hip

surgery. She almost swallowed her bubble gum when I asked if that woman's

name was Ruth! She said that she's a good friend of your son. Her name is

Kim kson, and she had been to Belgium for a last visit with her fiance

before their wedding in June (I, think). Very small world!

How 'bout getting together for coffee or lunch and a walk around the

lake once the weather is (dependably) warm?

Przygoda

Minnetonka, MN

lindap@...

---- Original Message -----

To: surfacehippy >

Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 8:41 PM

Subject: Re: One year anniversary musings

> At 02:22 AM 5/13/2004 +0000, you wrote:

> >A year ago about now I was lying on my bed in University

> >Hospital in Ghent Belgium wondering if I should bolt and fly

> >back to the US. I can't enumerate the improvements in my

> >life this past year.

>

>

> Congratulations Ruth and many more years of happy hips to you!

>

> Cindy

> C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> I'm 4 weeks post op, & I was able to put on socks AND my TED on my

> operated side at 2 weeks, simply because I have freekishly talented

> toes.

The prehensile tail is probably useful, too.

;-)

Steve (bilat C+ 4/20/04, Amstutz)

[Guest guest]

What a small world indeed! Glad to hear you are doing well. It

just gets better and better. I am glad my experiences helped. I'm

happy to share my wonderful outcome! I've really been reflecting

on all the changes from a year ago. It has been an amazing

tranformation - I have almost reached the holy grail of knee to

chest!

I think there are a couple other DeSmet hippies in the Twin

Cities area. Maybe we should plan a reunion! Life is pretty hectic

for us with multiple weddings this summer - two of our own sons

plus Kim's and an exchange daughter's in the Czech Rep, but I

do get to Mpls fairly often. It's so great to have the energy to deal

with it all and enjoy it! Sleeping all night is a bonus. Ruth

> > >A year ago about now I was lying on my bed in University

> > >Hospital in Ghent Belgium wondering if I should bolt and fly

> > >back to the US. I can't enumerate the improvements in my

> > >life this past year.

> >

> >

> > Congratulations Ruth and many more years of happy hips to

you!

> >

> > Cindy

> > C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >