Been doing some research into hip surgeries and found a site that has some good explanations and pictures of various hip surgeries.
From the site:
A metal cup with a polyethylene liner that is inserted into the acetabulum during a total hip replacement.
Link: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gec/series/fixing_hip_fractures
Received my first orders to appear for the temporary disability retired list (TDRL) periodic physical examination (PPE) this week.
I am to report to Bethesda Naval Hospital by the end of June 2010 to “determine any change in the condition for which I was placed on the TDRL.” As you may remember reading, those on the TDRL must be evaluated every 18 months in order to retain their pay and benefits. I’ll be scheduling my trip for the end of May, the only time I have off between Spring and Summer semesters. I’m actually looking forward to it. Unlike some civilian physicians, Navy physicians always appreciate the magnitude of my injury and seem to have a better understanding of my situation, though I’m not sure why.
Believe it or not, not a lot has happened since I last posted. I finished my first semester of going back to school in late December, and had the next four weeks off to relax. Since NYU knew the VA was going to pay for my spring semester, I didn’t need to make any kind of deposit, which was a big relief. I started back two weeks ago. It was difficult to get back into reading/studying in all of my spare time, but this semester is much more in depth than last, and I’m really enjoying it.
The leg has been hurting more this past week or two, but it’s probably just from using it again. I’m planning on getting a referral to the Hospital for Special Surgery, where I will hopefully have my hip replaced in January 2011, right after I graduate. It should be a shorter recovery this time.
Even though I know it will be difficult to come to terms with replacement surgery every 10-15 years, I can’t deal with this pain, arthritis, and severely limited range of motion for too much longer.
Finally got my 16 month post-FVFG follow-up yesterday in NYC. I had an MRI done last week and brought it to my appointment. My surgeon said the MRI doesn’t look terrible, and the hip’s head isn’t completely collapsed. He said my hip is still has pockets of avascularity, but there is a tunnel of life going through the hip, if it were completely dead and collapsed, I wouldn’t be able to stand. The increase in joint/arthritis pain is due to the fact that I’m using it so much more. He said “unfortunately we’ve seen what the biology can due, and since it’s not adequate, we have to think about other things,” and referred me to a hip reconstruction specialist.
Finally got a letter from the VA regarding my service connected compensation claim. I’ve been assigned a 30% rating, which I’m not too happy about. It’s like they ignored everything that was happening with my leg, and simply looked up what rating was next to “hip fracture.” I’m going to meet with the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) this week and file an appeal.