Surgery +6 Weeks – Back to Work

Today marks six weeks after surgery and my first day back at the office.  I made it until about 3:00 pm. The problem isn’t pain, it’s stamina. After six weeks of recuperation, being up all day in an office is a bit more activity than I’m used to. I’m walking around the office without the [...]

Surgery +5 Weeks

What’s new? I’ve started walking around the house without a cane or other assistance on a full-time basis now. I’m walking (outside, with cane) about 1/2 to 3/4 miles every day. My goal is to also drive every day on a short errand so I build up my driving skills and strength. I expect to [...]

Surgery+4wks — No More MTX!!!!

Great news! I went for my follow-up with my rheumatologist, Dr. Cheatum this morning and I convinced him to discontinue the Methotrexate. Nearly all my RA symptoms were associated with my ex-right hip, which has been replaced, so those are now gone. We’ll continue to treat the remaining, minor inflammatory issues with Mobic. I go [...]

Surgery: T+3 wks+2 days and counting / The Great Escape

I was thinking about milestones today. When you have surgery you tend to cross what seems like major milestones — getting your tubes out, leaving the hospital, the first time you eat at the table instead of propped up in bed. These milestones seem to come at a rapid pace and help buoy up your [...]

$63,349.27, Insurance Woes and MTX

So I got the statement from the hospital for my hip-replacement surgery and 4-day hospital stay. Without the negotiated insurance price, the number was $63,349.27. This doesn’t include surgeon’s fees, pathologists, etc. After the negotiated insurance price, it’s $40,454.72. Theoretically, I should owe somewhere in the $3K neighborhood.
However, I got a benefits statement from the insurance [...]

Pics Now Posted

A friend of mine who is keeping up with the blog recently reminded me that I promised some pictures. I’ve now posted these on a separate page (to protect the squeamish). Click on the Hospital Pics link above.

Two-Week Surgery Follow-Up

Well, went to the doctor today for my two-week follow up and things are looking good. Got to see my X-ray with my new hip joint. Dr. Tucker installed three screws in the “socket” part of the joint into my pelvis just as a safeguard. It looks like I have a satellite installed.
He’s pleased with [...]