Hip Replacement or Hip Resurfacing
A Story of Choices
by
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More than 800,000 artificial hip joints have been implanted
in the U.S. A very high percentage of
these surgeries have been performed on people who are over fifty years of
age. The baby boomers are now reaching
a time when hip joint replacement can become a reality in their lives. The number of hip replacement surgeries
performed each year is constantly rising.
It is estimated that the number of hip replacements performed in the
United States annually has risen to 120,000.
The events described in this book reflect the challenges and victories of many who searched for and found the gift of choice. Choice, the self-given prize, is the wisdom to learn about alternatives. This story touches pain in a very true sense: the pain of losing something and the quest to get it back. In sharing this information, the writer hopes that the reader will find the acknowledgment of the blessing of being able to live life in a normal way and participate in the joys, of which we all are deserving. Some of the names have been changed, but every character is a real person, who had to deal with doctors, ignorance, fear, humiliation, pain, and often insurance companies.
This book offers information to those facing hip surgery. Many people are still not informed of all of the available options. Due to the lack of information, the choice of Hip Resurfacing creates fear in many. Being able to learn from the experience and research of others, as well as my own, has proven to be far more valuable than just accepting the answers that were given to me from educated persons in the medical field, for they too, are still learning. What I learned from first hand experience is that a physician may not be aware of all of the ever-changing options that we have. From personal experience in seeking answers, it is clear that we should use our doctors’ knowledge as a tool, and be open constantly for more information from other sources. The world keeps changing in leaps and bounds before our eyes. New technology is pouncing upon us constantly, and we need to become knowledgeable about new possibilities before we judge and reject them.
Although this book often refers to my own Belgium surgery experience, it is definitely representative to such a surgery done anywhere. The information that this book offers is from different parts of the world, as this procedure expands across our globe.
Those who are facing the possibility of having a total hip replacement (THR), or know of someone who is considering such an operation, should read this book. My hope is to create an understanding about hip surgery and the options that are there for us.
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About the Book
Imagine being told that you will never be able to bring your knees toward your chest, or squat to pet your dog again. Imagine being told that if you sit on the floor to play with children, you will have to exercise caution as to not dislocate your artificial hip. This is what Peggy Gabriel was told when it was discovered that she had osteoarthritis in both of her hips and was facing a bilateral Total Hip Replacement.
If you are a candidate for hip replacement surgery or if you know of anyone who is, this book is a must read. Many people are still not informed of all of the options that are available. With a Total Hip Replacement, the revisions and potential problems that will become a permanent part of ones life are often not fully understood until after the surgery. Even though this surgery has been a gift for many, there is another choice. This option does not include the amputation of the ball of the hip as in the Total Hip Replacement. This option is being done successfully in many parts of the world.
This book is a story about the journey to discover the gift of choice, and help you to weigh the facts about hip surgery.
About the Author
Peggathy (Peggy) Gabriel was born in Garden City, Michigan, on May 18, 1949.
After raising three daughters and owning several businesses, she has become a professional artist, yoga enthusiast and pilates instructor. As a nature lover, outdoor activities became an important part of her life.
When Peggy Gabriel was told that she would need two Total Hip Replacements, she learned about the risk of dislocations, and how many of her activities would have to cease or become inhibited. Because there were not any other choices offered to her, she began a search and entered a labyrinth to discovery. This maze, intertwined with medical and insurance issues, would ultimately lead to a satisfactory solution.
Peggy Gabriel now enjoys doing anything that she wants to do without pain or medications!