The Hip Chronicles: Surgery Class

Yesterday was what I called "surgery class". Not sure of the official name. Technically, it wasn't pre-op, although I imagine if I had reported any other health conditions, like asthma, they probably would have ordered more tests.

What actually happened was this:

I was 6 minutes late (I always like to be 10 minutes early) because there was still full-blown rush hour traffic at 8:15 in the morning. Ahhhhh, Denver! You and your traffic are why I want to move back to Kansas City!

In any case, they were running 10 minutes late, so I was saved and not the weirdo that wandered into the little room with shelves full of scientific journals no one probably reads because everything is available online these days.

We had a presentation in which we reviewed everything I managed to find on the web, plus a few things I didn't. For example, if you have enough arthritis, you head straight for a hip replacement, no need to bother with arthroscopy.

Oh and I got told my lady parts could feel numb for up to 6 weeks.

Afterwards, we were taken to different rooms for a health history and to get measured for a brace and ask any questions. I was left alone with my thoughts for way too long and had a breadth of questions:

1. What time is surgery? You will get a call the day before with the surgery schedule. 
2. Where is SR (this was the location written for my first post-op appointment)? (they told me)
3. What exactly do you plan on doing? Removing the part of the bone causing the impingement and reparing the frayed labrum. If the labrum is beyond repair, they will put in a graft (or whatever it's called) from a cadaver. 
So, I could potentially have dead person in me. 
4. What if I move to Kansas City halfway through my recovery? There is a surgeon who trained with your surgeon who now lives in KC. We can refer you to him, who will get you set up with PT and continued post-op care.
5. What is the worst outcome you've seen from a surgery with this particular surgeon? People have fallen and subsequently had to have to procedure re-done.
6. What is the schedule of surgery day? Arrive 2 hours before surgery, surgery lasts 2-3 hours and then at least 2-3 hours in the recovery room. If you are in pain or not feeling well, you can stay up to 23 hours for observation.

Of course, then my PA wanted to know why I didn't like Denver - everyone likes Denver. Sigh.
Every explanation I gave just didn't make sense to him until I said, I just really hate that there is traffic all the time. Then I got "Well, it's not for everybody."

You are right, sir. It isn't. But in the meantime, I promise to try to enjoy it.