You know what they say about plans … Well, yesterday I had a full day planned; all that went sideways, or more to the point, out of socket.
I was just started to put my sock on when I heard a “Pop!” and I knew … yup, I dislocated my prosthetic hip.
There I was, precariously perched on the edge of the bed, frozen in position, weighing my options. Do I roll back or slide down? I opted for a gravity assist to await the arrival of the ambulance. (I’m infinitely thankful that my husband was still at home. Note to self: Teach the dog to get the phone!)
Having been there, done that before, I knew that the reduction (when the hip is popped back into the socket) is a miraculous treatment. However, I also knew that until I was actually in the emergency room I would be in a great deal of pain.
The paramedics – Terry and Dave – were calm, methodical and professional. They kept me talking to help distract me from the pain.
Surrey Memorial Hospital was very busy, so I spent a fair bit of time waiting in the hallway, frozen in an awkward position on the spinal board. (By the way, the school art project is much appreciated! Each student was given a tile to paint. It also helped. My only complaint is that there needs to be more of them. Please.)
I was doing my stress techniques to help get me through each spasm. It also benefited my blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation levels (even before they gave it to me), as they were all normal.
It was a good thing that I was wearing my old dog-walking jeans because they cut them off before Dr. Finlay came in to see me. He informed me that he would be doing the “Captain Morgan Reduction“. Even through my pain, I could see the humour in that nomenclature.
I’m always curious about these medical procedures, so I was glad that my husband stayed in the cubicle to observe. We later laughed about something I did just as I was going under. As Dr. Finlay picked up my leg. I screamed in pain and my hand shot straight upwards, where it stayed there for about two minutes. Apparently, the anesthetist said that I could put my hand down, as he moved it back on the gurney. I think this was dog training coming into action; it’s the same thing I do when I train Holly – I put my hand up in the air, palm out, when I want her to stop. I guess I was telling Dr. Finlay to stop! 
The times I’ve been in the emergency room, I’ve been impressed with the staff. This time was no different. The ER was extremely busy, yet the nurses and doctors at Surrey Memorial Hospital were kind, considerate and did their jobs well. A big round of applause to them!
I’m now awaiting an appointment with my surgeon to see whether my hip has loosened or whether it was a case of a bad angle.
I have enough material for 365 days of posts – I didn’t need to do this for an additional post!
Addendum: My hair-raising arm-raising experience led to this post on my other blog: Your Body Speaks.
