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.
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Glad to have you back and be happy you weren’t a horse or they would have put you down🤣 Looking forward to more controversial write ups from you. Speedy recovery in the luxury of your backyard gazebo over the summer with your personal cabano boy💕 I hope that’s okay to say these daze😉
Gail from Oakville
Love the horse analogy. That makes me feel sooo much better! It is wonderful to be able to get outside again, for sure. Thanks, Gail.
So sorry to hear you had to go thru this Lynda.
Wonderful that you were able to get your surgery
When you did. Rest and Take extra care Lynda.
I missed you,
Margaret P
I will do just as the nurse ordered! Thanks Margaret, and stay healthy!
Hip, hip hooray is right. So glad to see you back on Boomer Broadcast. You have been missed.
Continue on your steady road to recovery, but take advantage of the pampering too!
I intend to milk this pampering thing as long as possible. Thanks, Deb.
Hi Lynda
So happy to hear you are on the road to recovering from knee surgery
I enjoy reading your blogs!
I can relate to so many of them
Take care of yourself
Say hi to your honey from me
Great to hear from you, Ane Marie. Glad to hear you read my blogs. It’s always nice to think someone is tuning in. Take care, and hi to John too.
Glad to hear you are on the mend hopefully soon you’ll be rocking to your favorite tunes at Riverwood miss you folks.
Thanks Paul. Hope to see you at the Activity Centre in the fall!
I’ve missed you too. What a horrible experience you have had! However I’m glad that you are on the mend. Just don’t try boogying while you are still reliant on your walker! Get well soon.
I think it will still be a while before I can boogey! Thanks for your thoughts, Mary.
Of course we’ve missed you nice to see that you’re getting back online xo
Thanks, Margaret.