After more than a year of pain and limited mobility I had my right hip, starboard side, replaced Tuesday, 13 November by Dr. Littell at the Foley AL Hospital. I had to wait until hurricane season was over, since we live on Bayou Chico and keep at least two of our boats in the water at our dock.
I was diagnosed with this problem in August 2006, but since my wife and I were full time caregivers for her Mother, could not proceed. This gave me time to do a lot of research on hip replacement techniques. Two long time friends, who are PFF'ers and M.D.s helped guide me. Thanks Bob and Bill!
The closest Orthopedic Surgeon to Bayou Chico who practices the anterior approach, (i.e., make a small cut in the front of the hip, spread muscles and use their "Sawzall" or whatever to cut out the bad parts and put new metal ball and socket in). This is opposed to the old time way of 2 cuts, one across the ass and one from the side. This requires use of a $15,000 table, etc. The closest Docs in FL were in Jax & Gainesville, much further than Foley. So about a month ago I got an appointment with Dr. Lester Littell and was immediately impressed with his experience, knowledge and overall good attitude. He is a Good Ole Boy from the part of Tennessee my people are from, who is about ten years younger than me, but had done 175+ hip replacements. He had been practicing and teaching this procedure, but moved to Foley to be closer to the Gulf, slow down and do some FISHING. How you gonna beat that?
I asked him if he could put ina zerk fitting in the new hip so I could give it a shot of wheel bearing grease occasionally. We had a good laugh about that. Then since the incision was to be a few inches from my essential parts, (okay, I will be 70 next year, but everything still works), I suggested we mark a dotted line on my hip so he would not get too close
clap
Given my active lifestyle for the last 69 years, it is amazing this was only my third time to be hospitalized. First time in Tupelo, MS in July 1938. I had little experience but the South Baldwin County Regional Medical Center in Foley checked out positive. And it was a very good choice!:bowdown
You would have thought they were kinfolk. Professional health care experts, new, clean facility, genuine caring folks and the nurses are cute!
I went in 13 Nov. at 0600, surgery at 0730 and released 15 Nov. at 1300, only 55 hours in the hospital. Dr. Littell let me come home and gave me his personal cell phone number if there were any complications. WOW!:bowdown
So, if any of you other OldePharts out there are wearing out your parts, I highly reccommend Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Littell and the hospital in Foley, Alabama. I'll be on crutches a few more days, but will be ready to get back on the water soon. When Cuz Les Roberts, AKA "Welder" comes back next spring I will be ready to go out on the Gulf and :toastwet some line.
Sorry to get so long winded, but wanted to share a good experience with my family and friends on the PFF. Feel free to call me with any questions.
New, Improved, Bionic Old Flat Head Tom 850-572-1225