oldflathead

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 closeclap

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

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Tuna Man

Tom...Good story, glad everything went in ok.

"Q" How can you have something "New" and "Improved" either it's "New" or it's "Improved" ....How about "Old but Improved"okeoke

Deeplines

Great to hear things went good for you.

I had no clue you were that old, not in a bad way. WOW!!! your active for that age just like that old codjure TUNAMAN. :angel

Again, glad to see things going so well for you. :angel:angel

Tuna Man

Come on Murph...That wasn't nice, true but not nice:bangheadoke

m miles

Does he do knee's?

Glad everything worked out for you.

Flounderpounder

Great story! So glad everything turned out so well!!!!! Looking forward to reading some posts about fishing and dancing w/the wife!

Congratulations! clapletsparty

welder

Tom, I look foreward to boating and fishing with ya this spring.

But

We will do it on one of MY boats , on the evening of the 13th Nov. [ after your surgery] you gave me all of your boats , don't your remember.

Just kidding, can't wait to get there and have some fun.

Lester

NoMoSurf

I'm only 36, but am fearing that I may need one soon. Thanks for the tip. I'll keep him in mind.

N-Reel-Trouble

Man, I woulda thought, if there was cute nurses around, your selfish ass would have called and told me to come see you. Thats atleast two trips I could have made to hit on some of the hotties in scrubs! :hoppingmad



Glad you got it done! I wasnt expecting it to be this "soon." And, it hurt me everytime you stood up! Everybody better watch out. That guy will be moving around like the Flash now. Probably come up on ya so fast, it scares ya!



Now, I have a feeling...you'll almost keep up with me!



Matt

oldflathead

Thanks Matt!

I'll save their numbers:angel Them Alabama girls are cute and sweet.

I need a day or two help when you are available. Please give me a call.

Improvement continues! I am walking around without the cane, only six days after surgery! Dr, Littell is GOOD! I'll be ready for a foot race soon. My Brother wants me to come up to Itawamba County, MS for some deer hunting, but I am not ready to climb a tree and freeze my arse off waiting for a buck. Hell, I still have deer meat from last year. I might take the 'toon out for a bayou cruise today.

LIFE IS GOOD!

Bionic Tom:toast

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