Did you miss me? It’s been more than a month since I last posted on BoomerBroadcast but I have a good excuse. In mid-April, I underwent emergency surgery for a fractured hip. Considering the current restrictions on surgeries under COVID, I was lucky to be taken care of as quickly as I was.

About fifteen years ago, I had both hips replaced, a year apart. At the time I was fitted with the latest and greatest in new hip technology, which as it turns out had not been adequately tested before being approved for use on real human beings. This issue was covered on New Amsterdam, Season 2, Episode 3, Replacement which you can download through your streaming service, if you’re interested.

When I went to my family doctor because I could no longer walk without pain, she checked my xrays and immediately referred me to the emergency department at my local hospital where they diagnosed a fractured hip and other complications. They referred me to Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto where they have the expertise and a bone bank capable of replacing the defective joint. Within two and a half weeks I was on the operating table and now I’m recovering from complicated hip revision surgery. For the last half of April I was flat on my back most of the time, and for a confirmed side-sleeper, that was a challenge. For the first couple of weeks after surgery, I was laid out like a piece of premium Canadian bacon, unable to even sit up without assistance.

Metal-on-metal implants seemed like the most durable replacement material back when I received my original implants, but the new parts came with serious consequences. The various metals used ultimately deteriorated releasing metal filings or foreign particles which weakened the surrounding bone supports and ultimately leached into the bloodstream. The diagnosis of metallosis meant I had toxic levels of cobalt in my bloodstream and a tumour had formed around the joint in an attempt by my body to protect itself. With more than 12 times the safe level of cobalt in my blood, I was at risk of serious and multiple health problems, including organ failure, and worse. Serious stuff.

It’s been a struggle this time around. Not only am I fifteen years older, but the complications of the surgery have meant I didn’t bounce back as quickly as with my first surgeries. On the other hand, I’m so grateful that I was born in Canada with universal health care. We didn’t have to sell our home to pay for the surgery, and I was taken care of quickly and by the best doctors. I cannot overstate the respect and appreciation I have for the doctors, nurses, and therapists at Toronto’s Mount Sinai who saw me through this adventure. The work they are doing under the restrictions and constrictions of COVID is truly heroic

My husband has been amazing during all of this upheaval as well. He completely took over all the nursing, cooking, and laundry duties when I came home. When I get up in the morning, he has my fresh orange waiting on a plate cut into eight even sections (even though I am quite capable of doing it myself, I’m enjoying the pampering), just the way I like it. He brings me water and multiple cups of tea because I can’t negotiate a mug of tea and keep both hands securely on my walker. I’m sure the time will come when I get to repay the favour when his wonky knees need replacing. Isn’t it wonderful that we can get joint replacements? Just a couple of generations ago we would have been bedridden for life with these issues.

The future for BoomerBroadcast

So, dear readers, I’m back in the saddle. Hopefully, I’ll soon be back on the dance floor at the Fifties & Sixties dances kicking up my heels to Tommy James and The Shondelles, The Beatles, Everley Brothers, and all those other wonderful bands and groups we grew up with.

Before COVID struck, I was posting every Monday followed by a book review on Fridays. During the pandemic, I’ve cut back to posting on Mondays only. When you’re stuck at home with no life to speak of, it’s hard to come up with new and interesting material. I avoid watching the news because it’s too anger-inducing and depressing. And,now that Trump’s been dumped the news consists solely of COVID statistics. But once I’m over my current state of brain fog and COVID fatigue, I’ll have lots to say. Stay tuned for more rousing commentary on baby boomer lifestyle, more book reviews, and more reflections on current events as they relate to our age group. I’ve missed you.