Pain is back

I'm not sure why, but I've had a lot more hip pain since the appointment on Wednesday. It started when I was on the x-ray table, having to splay my legs for one of the poses.  At that point, there was a sharp pain, and it has been with me ever since. 

The pain is bad enough that I'm considering taking the pain pills again, which I terribly want to avoid.

Doc says I take my first step in 6 weeks

I think it was a really good day.   Today was the appointment some 7 1/2 weeks after the initial accident, and almost 4 weeks after the second surgery.

My doc was happy with the x-ray, because really- it didn't change.  The nail hadn't moved and- at least to me- the fracture looked good- almost as if there wasn't one.

In fact, it was so good that my doc thought it was a good time to play a joke on another doctor- the one who had seen me originally.  He asked an attendant to bring in the doc because he wanted a second opinion.  He introduced the x-ray as I had been complaining of recent pain (somewhat true because I am off the pain meds and actually feel things now).  The 2nd doc nervously looked at the xrays, clicking between views and finally said "I don't see anything." At which point my doc guffawed and said he didnt' think so either- maybe he should give me some more pills.  Doctor humor I suppose.

Since trochanteric nail fixation usually has the patient walking right away, I asked about why the time before I could be weight bearing. And he said my fracture was definitely femoral neck- and not a trochanteric fracture and therefore quite different as far as recovery.

My biggest fear is AVN- the death of the femoral head.  It is because the blood to the head is mainly from the neck of the femur.  Here's a great diagram- there are actually three sources of blood- the middle one is the one I'm worried about.  You'd think the top one is key, but apparently it might not even be present in 20% of the population. Hopefully mine is.

I asked again about the bone graft procedure and avoiding AVN and got a couple of different answers since both docs were present.  My original doc said that AVN was decided the day I had the accident.  My new doc again indicated it wasn't his type of surgery.  Does this mean I should get a second (3rd) opinion, or was the time for the graft when I was getting the fracture repaired?

Now the good news.  My doctor said I don't need to see him for THREE weeks, and that if that is good (as he expects), there will be another followup three weeks after that- and then I start 'recovery.'

"Recovery?" I asked.  He said (smiling) there is no recovery.  You just start walking (maybe with one crutch).

So, I finally have a light at the end of my tunnel.

A relatively good day

I awoke this morning...  refreshed.  I managed to get some coding done, fixed a serious bug, did some reading.  Then got tired and tried to nap.  But, hey- that's one of the better days I've had lately!

I'm really excited about the doctor's visit tomorrow.  They called to remind me of the appointment, and I was like "I'm not going to forget!"

I've got a lot of questions for him about my recovery, chances to avoid AVN, limits as to what I can do, etc.  I've been doing a lot of reading on my particular surgery and apparently usually you can walk on the leg immediately.  I'm concerned about why the 'nail' moved to start with.  It had a grooved head that should not have backed out, because its purpose was to prevent the joint from twisting. 

I'd also like to get some of the newer xrays to post up.

Hoping for a good night's sleep!

Winning the war

My wife is convinced that this withdrawal problem is false- that I wasn't on the painkillers long enough to have any sort of dependency.  She's very smart, so maybe she's right.

But, I've never had a problem sleeping- though I have a lot on my mind right now.  And certainly not two nights in a row.   I'm also fighting nausea, which is unusual.

In any case, I'm not going to take the painkillers any more.  I don't have pain per-se.  I have some serious discomfort- and maybe jabs of pain here and there.  But I've been out of commission for almost two months.  My muscles are out of shape, and even sitting upright is relatively new.

Today has been rough on the nausea side.  I eat ginger, which helps, but it's not like I'm going to blow chunks.  It's just a general malise- feeling poorly and a lack of hunger. 

I did get a nap this afternoon- without medication- so I think I'm getting past that.  Doc visit is in two days.  I'm so hopeful.

Sleep victory

Again, it took about an hour, but I got some sleep last night.  I took both a tylenol PM and an ambien.  I'm not sure which one is helping (or maybe it is time), but I awoke this morning having not moved all night.  Sweet.

Depressed

I managed to get some sleep last night; I needed it because it has been two days without it.  Even so, it was not satisfying- it took an hour to get get to sleep, and when I awoke, I wasn't refreshed; I was exhausted from bizarre dreams.  Somehow incorporating technology from Dollhouse, scuba diving and motorcycle racing allowed me to sleep.. or wake.  Pretty freaky.

And this description of oxycontin withdrawal is much closer to home:

Withdrawal related side effects

There is a high risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms if a patient discontinues oxycodone abruptly. Therefore therapy should be gradually discontinued rather than abruptly discontinued. People who use oxycodone in a hazardous or harmful fashion are at even higher risk of severe withdrawal symptoms as they tend to use higher than prescribed doses. The symptoms of oxycodone withdrawal are the same as for other opiate based painkillers and may include "anxiety, nausea, insomnia, muscle pain, fevers, and other flu like symptoms."^[20]

And this:

• Insomnia:  Individual may be very restless in the days after he stops taking OxyContin.
• Depression and anxiety:  The two most common psychological effects of detox from OxyContin.

I've been feeling like I'm coming down with something; haven't been able to sleep; soreness in some muscles, etc.  And I also read you're supposed to not go cold-turkey, but just decrease the dose.  Ooops.  Well, if you're reading this blog because you're in the same state as I am, take my experience to heart.

And the bad news...

symptoms most commonly begin in the 4-8 hours after the last dose of OxyContin and last generally for about a week. 

Horrible night

Still  not taking the pain pills, but I have a feeling it's not as easy as I hoped.  I was unable to sleep Friday night; stayed up until 5am again and just dozed fitfully in the morning.  Had a big day as my sister invited me to her house to watch some football, but it was very taxing. 

The monkey counterattacks

Going cold turkey is certainly the fastest way to get over a 'habit'. It is likely the most intensely painful.  Total pain will be less than systematic withdrawal.  I really don't know- I'm just integrating the 'pain' over an extended period of time versus a short amount of time and guessing.

One of the side effects is 'restlessness'.  I had a relatively busy day, and not much sleep last night, and no naps to speak of.  You'd think I'd be exhausted- and I am.  But here it is almost 3am and I've been unable to sleep for three hours.  I'm guessing that other forces are at work.

I'm not a quitter, however, and I'm not going to give in.  Wish me luck tonight.

A rough anniversary

Seven weeks ago today I had my accident in which I broke my hip.  Today has been lousy.  It started with last night. I didn't get to sleep until 5am.  I'm guessing it is because I slept most of the day yesterday and had caffeinated soda relatively late last night.  Or it could have been revenge of the monkey.  Either way, it made for a lousy day as I've been tired all day but not really able to sleep soundly.

Seven weeks since I've been able to walk.  I'm not sure how many more until I get to take my first step.

Screw you monkey

Big day today, though I barely stirred.

I made it all night without any pain medication.  I went from three oxys to Zero.  Not even an ambien.  I awoke a few times, but not in any pain.  This morning I was exhausted and couldn't get out of bed until noon, then slept again most of the afternoon.  I slept again early this evening.   No pain meds.

But, it looks like I've avoided getting addicted to opiates, which frequently happens without careful monitoring.  Here are the withdrawal symptoms:

Sudden stoppage of oxycontin can result in serious withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal syndrome may be characterized by restlessness, lacrimation, restlessness, anxiety, rhinorrhea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, and mydriasis. Other symptoms also may develop, include irritability, vague pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate.

Extremely tired doesn't seem to be on the list.  36 hours so far, if I make it to 72, I'll be happy.

It's only Fair

Today the family went to the State Fair.  It's a big deal, they go almost every year.  But I didn't go this year; but I can't complain too loudly because I was in perfect shape last year and chose not to go.

One thing I did notice is that it was very lonely being hurt and all by myself.  I am very thankful for my wife and family; I don't know what I'd do if I had to suffer these weeks by myself.

The best news is that I made it through the day without any pain pills!  I'd love to get off these day and night.

Bath Day

It has been a long time since I took a bath.  I took several of them after my first surgery since it was recommended to help blood flow.  But, it is also what made us realize I wasn't getting better since the sideways movement of my leg over the edge of the tub hurt to the point of tears. 

Tonight's bath was great.  Very relaxing, and none of that pain from before.  Stef is concerned about me falling, but we were very careful getting in and out. 

I managed to get a little work done, which was nice.  I've got to get some code done- and it keeps the brain working, though the body is getting atrophied.

It really seemed theraputic on the leg, having the water suspend it.  I hope to use that excuse when it comes time for rehab and getting me back scuba diving!

Friends

If you get seriously injured you're going to find out a lot about your friends. I've been pleasantly surprised by some who came out of nowhere to help. While others I thought were good friends haven't even called to check up on me. It's weird- and I think adds to the notion of 'true friends.'

I can't blame some of them, no one wants to see a friend in pain or hobbling around. But that person who is hurt is likely dying for company. One of the best things that people did for us is bring us prepared meals. This was especially important right out of the hospital when we were getting used to the routine. Those meals saved so much stress and meant so much- it wasn't a lot of time on the givers part, but it helped many times more for us.

Those who visit you in the hospital are also going the extra step. A hospital is an 'inhospitable' place (rimshot?). The journey in there goes a long way to making the patient feel better.

And finally, you'll find the well-meaning, but .. I'm not even sure of the word.. basically, friends who say they're going to do something, come by, help out... and then you never see them. I'm sure other things came up, but it puts it into perspective those who say and those who do.

Anyway, today was a good day in that a buddy of mine took me out to lunch. It's a pain taking out the cripple (to the cripple also), but I get out so rarely that it was a nice change. Thank you!

Out of the house

Today is the first day I've left the house post-surgery that wasn't some kind of appointment. My sister invited me over for dinner. It was great. I took a couple of pain pills before I left and we were there for about 3 1/2 hours and it worked out well. A delicious meal and the kids all playing made it fun. I watched a little TV and chatted, so it was a good evening all around.

It is frightening going down stairs. Stairs to and from garages seem to be the same three wooden steps without a railing. Doing them is simply terrifying. The crutches don't support me in three dimensions- so going up or down is very uncertain. I usually try to grab onto a door frame or something to get a solid feeling as I move a single crutch down, then the bad leg, then the good. I'm looking forward to when I can put weight on the leg without this fear.

Depression sets in

I don't know if it has 'set in', but it is certainly bothering me today.

I had another great night's sleep- 7+ hours before waking- and then a few more this morning.

This is a Saturday in the early fall. A beautiful day- the sun is shining, the weather crisp. The kids are outside right now, and I'd have my choice of going to the racetrack as some of my friends are, or going diving off the coast with a charter I know, or going climbing at Looking Glass with a buddy of mine.

Instead, I'm inside typing on the computer. Which is what I do all week, I don't resent it. But the weekend is supposed to be special- a change from the drudge of coding. Instead, as NIN says, "Every day is always the same". I might get some work done for 'work'. I don't know. I've got 'big plans' this weekend. Some people are bringing over dinner and a movie- and Brian might come by as well. And tomorrow, my sister has invited me for dinner.

But I'm still depressed. In the normal scheme of things- I have such busy weekends, I turn away activities- now I eagerly await them.

Sucks.

A terrible part of the evening

I had a good day- it was nice having friends over, and my daughter had a big night going to homecoming dance. Some friends brought over dinner and a movie and it was to be a big evening.

However, the following happened. I've put it in ROT13 because it is horrible and I'm going to shield it from normal viewing. If you need to see it (meaning that you've actually just broken your hip and want to know what to expect) you can figure out how to decode it with a modicum of searching.

Crepbprg naq bklpbagva unf bar fvqr rssrpg- pbafgvcngvba. Sreebhf tyhpbangr nyfb pnhfrf vg. Vg gbbx zber guna n jrrx orsber V jnf noyr gb unir zl svefg objry zbirzrag. Fhecevfvatyl, gur ubfcvgny qvqa'g ernyyl znxr nal zragvba bs vg ng nyy- whfg na nfvqr gung gurer pna or pbafgvcngvba. Hayvxr gur cncrejbex jvgu bgure qehtf gung gurl tnir zr furrgf bs vasbezngvba, abguvat ernyyl rzcunfvmrq gur pbafgvcngvba vffhr. Gur cbfgf jurer V qb V unir znexrq jvgu 'oz' fb lbh trg na vqrn bs gur gvzryvar (cbfg frpbaq bcrengvba naljnl).

V'z n 'erthyne' thl. Zrnavat V gnxr n fuvg nobhg rirel qnl. Ohg gurfr qehtf unir orra fgbccvat zr hc. Gurl jrer pnershy va gur ubfcvgny gb nfx vs V fgnegrq cnffvat 'tnf' orpnhfr unq V abg, gung pbhyq unir orra n pbzcyvpngvba jvgu fhetrel. Fb gurl jrer unccl naq V jrag ubzr.

V jnf jnearq n pbhcyr bs gvzrf nobhg gur rssrpgf bs gurfr qehtf ba objry zbirzragf- ohg orpnhfr V nz fb erthyne V svtherq gung univat vg yrff bsgra jbhyq or n orarsvg- rfcrpvnyyl pbafvqrevat gung jvgu n oebxra uvc, vg vf uneq gb znarhire bagb gur gbvyrg. Naq vg jbexrq. Fbzrjung.

Gur svefg penc V gbbx jnf qvssvphyg- zl ... gheq (guvf vf EBG-13'q, fb V svther V pna or pehqr) jnf uneq nf n ebpx- V zrna, nf vg pnzr bhg, vg oebxr bss vagb uneq cvrprf. Gung pna'g or tbbq sbe gur cvcrf.

Fb V nqqrq n fgbby fbsgrare gb zl qbfr bs zrqvpvar. Vg urycrq orpnhfr gur arkg qhzc jnf fbsgre.

Ohg, gur 'onpxvat hc' xrcg tbvat. V unq orra rngvat snveyl jryy, nqqvat fnynqf gb zl qvrg- V fgebatyl erpbzzraq lbh qb gung.

Gur cnfg srj qnlf V'ir orra rngvat cbbeyl- va gung abg serfu sbbqf, ohg jryy-cercnerq zrnyf. Sbbq jryy pbbxrq zrnaf qvrgnel svore vf nyernql oebxra qbja fb gurer'f abguvat gb fpeho gur flfgrz.

Gbavtug- jvgu thrfgf bire- V fcrag bire na ubhe ba gur fuvggre. V jnf va grnef. Vg uheg fb onqyl gung V unq gb gnxr crepbprg gb trg bire gur cnva juvyr V jnf fuvggvat.. orpnhfr bs gur crepbprg. Gung'f n ivpvbhf plpyr vs gurer rirel jnf bar. Vg jnf fb onq gung V npghnyyl unq gb ernpu gb zl nahf naq gel gb uryc trg gur zbirzrag bhg. Vg gbbx sberire naq znqr zr anhfrbhf. V frevbhfyl fcrag bire na ubhe qbvat guvf. Vg jnf greevoyr. V gevrq gb fgbc naq jnvg hagvy yngre, ohg vg jnf fb sne 'qbja' gung gurer jnf ab tbvat onpx. V cebonoyl uheg zlfrys gelvat gb trg vg bhg. Vg svanyyl pnzr bhg ovg ol ovg ng svefg, gura svanyyl n ehfu. V unq gb xrrc syhfuvat gur gbvyrg gb znxr fher vg qvq abg pybt. Naq V sryg fb qvegl nsgrejneqf V gbbx n fubjre nf jryy.

V jnf jnearq gb nqq Zvenynk gb zl ebhgvar- naq gung vf svefg ba gur yvfg sbe gbzbeebj. Gur cbbe jvsr unq gb urne zr fhssre naq guvf vf abg tbvat gb unccra ntnva.

Ubcrshyyl ernqvat guvf- lbh jba'g yrg vg unccra gb lbh. Vs lbh'er ba n erthyne ebhgvar bs crepbprg be bklpbagva-onfrq qehtf (ybgf bs oenaq anzrf naq sbezhynf) nofbyhgryl gnxr n fbsgrare naq ynkngvir. Lbh jbhyq gunax zr- ohg whfg gnxr zl jbeq.

Okay, got the sleep formula

It's the same one the doc gave me originally. It is a stout application of oxycontin, a single application of ambien, and I took a percocet before bed as well because I had some pain from having a relatively busy day.

I awoke 8 hours later, with dry mouth, but fully rested!

Stitches out

I don't think I mentioned that I got my stitches out yesterday. My wife usually takes out my stitches, but there was an assistant at the office who did it. Considering how badly it hurt, Stef was glad she wasn't the one pulling them out. The doc used an unusual stitch that had very few knots in it, but it made for a lot of pulling to get the suture out.

Shower!

Today was huge in that I got a shower. First time since the accident- six weeks.

Not that I haven't bathed- I took baths after I got my stitches out and got a sponge bath after this last operation.

But a real shower....Aaaaaah. We set up the 'potty chair' that is used to raise the level for the toilet in the shower. It is heavy steel and able to support my weight so I backed my walked up to the shower stall and slid backwards into the chair.

Washing hair... rinsing... did I mention "aaaaah."

I think I might do this more often!

Elusive sleep

Even though I had a good doctor's visit, I didn't get a good night's sleep. Stef prepared the three oxycontins for me, but no ambien since I really don't have problems getting to sleep.

It didn't work. I work up every couple of hours and had to take additional pain medication. I don't know what's going on. Tonight we'll try the oxy and the ambien both and see if that does it.

Doctor is hopeful

Went to the doctor today and got xrays. The good news is that it appears that the new hardware is working. There doesn't appear to be any movement, so the bone can finally start healing. We were pretty surprised last week that we had a centimeter of movement where the nail was coming out of the head and consequently extending out of the rod in my femur. The big question was, "is it going to continue moving?" and the answer is "no." That's good because as it moved the head closer to the rest of the femur it meant the leg was shortening up. The doc said "it wants to heal." I'm not sure what that means medically, but he seemed happy. My original doctor took a look at the xrays and agreed that it was looking good.

I was told I need a few more weeks of 'paranoid careful.' He said the only thing that can go wrong at this point is if I take a big fall or something and pop the hardware out. A few more weeks after that and we can start my rehabilitation.

Something interesting that my wife told me that I forgot was that he might have to go back in and replace the nail because it is sticking out so much that it might interfere with my muscles around the bone (and I suppose could cause a wound if I fell on it).

My long term concern is that of AVN which can be an issue because the blood supply has been interrupted to the head (breaking it off will do that). I asked the doctor about an alternative surgery I heard about that uses a sliver of fibula and a vein graft to insert into the head where it will grow and get blood to flow. The doctor said he knew of it but that I was getting way ahead of where we were. I'm concerned in that by the time we get there it may be too late, so I'm hoping at the time of when he considers taking out the nail that we replace it with this bone sliver instead.

A couple of other positives- I don't go back to the doctor for *two* weeks. So, I must be well enough that we don't need to keep a constant look at it (which I think would have helped determine the hardware failed early in my first operation). And no new meds- I've got enough to last until the next appointment- and maybe longer since I've cut back on opiates during the day.

Building a better day

I stayed up late and took a single oxycontin, two percs and one ambien. I had to get up a few times, but being actually tired helped.

I feel much better- and less mean- today. Stef is getting the oxycontin for tonight.

A bad day

Today just was bad- I think it stems from the lack of sleep. Also, I'm out of oxycontin because of the increased dosage I had been taking at night. My wife tried to go get more today (you have to get prescriptions in person) but the doctor was out. He'll do it tomorrow (doc is great).

Because of the pain, I was in a bad mood all day, and didn't get any coding- or any-thing done. I managed to nap for a few hours this afternoon- which probably won't help for tonight. I also didn't have much appetite.

Here's hoping tonight works out.

Well that didn't work.

The experiment about cutting back meds for bedtime was a failure. I got up every two hours last night. It could have been because it was on top of not taking any pain meds during the day, but I'm not going to risk it again. Sleep is too important because it sets the tone for the next day, and honestly, is when the most healing takes place (horizontal, not moving).

Beam me up, McCoy

Okay, I'm mixing metaphors, but I stayed off the pain meds today. The only one I had was the percocet just before 8am. Nothing since. As we're in the evening, I'm also cutting back. Two oxycontin and one ambien and one percocet.

We'll see if I wake up if I end up with something like:

"By golly, Jim... I'm beginning to think I can cure a rainy day!" -- McCoy (The Devil in the Dark)

or...

"He's dead, Jim" (multiple episodes)

Sleeping Three-peat

Yet another good night's sleep. Even though I stayed up late, I slept for a long uninterrupted time. The combination seems to be three oxycontin about an hour before bed, followed by a single percocet, then the ambien. I woke up at 7:45, grabbed another percocet and slept until 10.

During the day I have cut way back on everything- obviously my morning routine still has me taking all the supplements, but I only take one oxycontin for my waking hours.

I slept on my stomach from the 7:45 until 10am interval. I was able to do it by hanging my feet off the edge of the bed. One thing I noticed between this and when I took a nap later in the day is that my feet were still swollen compared to sleeping on my back. On my back, the swelling goes down almost completely.

Bombs away

Okay, if you're on the same meds as I, you'll figure out what this means.

Daily meds restriction

During the day I'm able to deal with the pain a lot better. I think the full night's sleep not only allowed me to be rested, but also gives more chance to heal.

During the day today, I'm down to 3 doses of percocet. I was double that just a few days ago. Here's hoping I can manage the pain.

Another white hip-hop guy

I didn't think it would be this obvious this early, but my leg is definitely going to be shorter.

Just sitting down I see that one knee extends further than the other. When I lie down flat, there's about a 1.5cm difference in leg length when measured at the heel.

Looks like I'm going to have one of those hip-hop 'pop' walks. Or maybe not- I've always been a toe-walker which means that the first hit is based on muscle instead of skeleton (heel) and should be easier to compensate. It still sucks either way.

Sleep is goooood

I slept until almost 10am this morning and awoke refreshed. I did have to get up some time and use the bathroom, and I remember taking a percocet sometime around 7am, but at 10 I awoke and feel great! I could use every day like this!

Swelling looks like it has gone down on the leg. I'm doing my toe-presses as instructed to keep the circulation up. It seems like my tendons on my thigh are very tight, so I went ahead and took a skelaxin this morning. I've massaged them, but I'm not sure why they suddenly tightened up.

Will I sleep?

Hoping for a second night of sleep. Trying the same combo of meds the doctor recommended that worked yesterday.

Oh, this isn't the kind of thing I'd normally publicize, but had the 2nd BM in a week. Synthetic morphine does a number on the digestive system. If you're having to take these pain medications, be sure to take a stool softener. There. I said it. Bleh.

My pharmacy

I'm the guy who never took anything- in the hospital I was asked what medication I took regularly... nothing. Well, I'm supposed to be taking fish oil to offset future problems with cholesterol, but we eat so much fish that I haven't bothered. I also have no allergies. But it turns out that I also don't respond to a lot of medicines.

Because of the pain I've been having with the surgeries- and in some cases getting worse, I've been through a lot of medications.

Here's a current view of all that I'm taking...

• Calcium Supplement (extra calcium)
• Ferrous Gluconate (iron blood level)
• Fish oil (cholesterol)
• (another fish oil)
• Aspirin (blood clots)
• Stool softener (opaiates cause severe constipation)
• Skelaxin (muscle spasms)
• Oxycontin (daily pain relief)
• Percocet ('breakout' pain relief)
• Ambien (sleep medicine)

That's just swell

One of the dangers post-surgery is swelling. Which apparently isn't bad initialy. It's a body defense mechanism. It's also where leaking fuilds end up going if they don't ooze out of a cut.

The doctor told me that my swelling at this point (6 days after surgery) was because he has my leg wrapped up around the incisions because there had been some bleeding post-operation. And during the operation, I apparently lost a good amount of blood. So at the time of the checkup visit, he assumed it was the bandages preventing the swelling from going down.

This is two days later- and my foot is still swollen. In fact, it swells up and down (but never completely down) based on how I sit. I assume the more vertical I am, the more likely blood is to go down and have trouble coming up past the injuries.


This morning I asked the doctor and he told me a second possibility which we need to look out for are blood clots. He has recommended lots of 'toe presses' and keeping my foot elevated, as well as continuing my daily aspirin dose.

5 hours of sleep is a record

After experiementing with different combinations of pain medication we finally stumbled on a good combination. I take 3 oxycontins for my evening interval, then 3 percocets at midnight, as well as an ambien. I still had some pain waiting to fall asleep, but nothing like before... plus, I slept past 5am- which is a new record.

Sleep will be good for me.

My pill collection

This comes from someone who answered 'no' to about every question when I checked in from 'no allergies', to 'not smoking' to 'not taking any medications.

Doc says I need to be careful

I went to the doctor today, 6 days since my surgery.

It was xray time, and though he seemed happy, I wasn't. The bone had collapsed another 10mm along the new screw they put into the femeral head- or the main part of the bone moved up- I'm not sure which.

No showers- due to the danger of falling.

Nailed and pinned

Here are the xrays immediately after my operation. This is the second operation, 31/2 weeks after the first that was with stainless screws.

This operation is called a Trochanteric Fixation Nail.

It involves a long titanium rod (to just above my kneecap) and a nail set in a sliding groove which goes into the femeral head to keep it from twisting.