We received some news the other day that, while not totally unexpected, still managed to throw us for a loop.
Without going into great detail (because it’s a long, confusing story), it turns out that my husband, who has been dealing for quite some time with complications that arose several years after receiving a hip replacement, needs to have hip replacement surgery again… that is, he’ll be getting a replacement of the replacement.
We’ve known for a long time – before we moved to Windsor, in fact – that something would need to be done to address the issues he’s been facing. There had been the possibility that a relatively minor surgery might have corrected the problem – which was what we hoped would be the case – but he learned last week that no, the minor surgery will not solve the issue. A full hip replacement is the only option.
What this means is that he’ll go in for an initial preparatory surgery in a few weeks, followed by around three months of recovery, followed by another surgery (the actual hip replacement) and subsequent recovery.
As you might imagine, we’re both struggling with this new development. No matter how aware you may be of the possibilities, no matter how much you prepare yourself for the worst, you always hope for the best – in this case, the minor surgery. When the reality of the situation turns out not to be the best, it hits hard… no matter how prepared you might have been.
We’re trying to keep things in balance – to stay strong, remain positive, and focus on gratitude – one day (or hour, or minute) at a time. Some days are better than others. The day we received the news and realized that, in addition to everything that comes with the surgeries themselves, our plan to visit family and friends in Victoria over the Christmas break would now no longer be possible, was hard.
But there is so much for which we can be thankful.
- Back when we lived in Victoria, we were told that if this surgery took place it would likely have to be in London (a few hours’ drive from Windsor)… but as it turns out, it will all be happening in town. This is a huge relief, both from a time and financial perspective.
- The surgery, hospital stay, follow-up care, etc. will not have an impact on us financially, thanks to our wonderful Canadian healthcare system – for which I am beyond grateful.
- We have a date for the first surgery, and the scheduling is quick – no sitting around waiting in uncertainty and fretting over the unknown.
- We’ve lived in Windsor long enough to have learned our way around the city, and to have established some friendships… so we’re not completely alone in a strange place.
- I have a wonderful employer who understands and supports the fact that I may need to take some time off or adjust my work schedule over the next while so that I can be at the hospital, drive my husband to and from appointments, and so on.
It’s going to be an interesting winter. But we are so fortunate, and we will carry on, one step at a time.

Hope all goes well and that the winter months won’t be too dismal for both of you. Prayers.
Kat recently posted… Remembering the Sacrifice
Twitter: alphabetsalad
September 2, 2012
Thank you, Kat – very much appreciated.
Laurel Regan recently posted… One Step at a Time
I’m sorry that the final answer wasn’t what was preferred but you’ve found some really great things to be thankful for. I’ll be praying for an uneventful surgery, a speedy recovery and all the help you need over the next few months.
Sabrina recently posted… Gratitude ~ Our best defense against the uncontrollable
Twitter: alphabetsalad
September 2, 2012
Thank you so much, Sabrina – I really appreciate your words and prayers.
Laurel Regan recently posted… One Step at a Time
Twitter: CorinneBlogs
September 3, 2012
My husband had a hip surgery two years ago and I know that there’s always a chance he’ll need another one down the line. Reading your gratitude list made me recall his accident and the subsequent emotions and finally the realization that we were taken care of by ‘angels’. I can sense from your commendable attitude that you are prepared to be ‘taken care’ too, Dawn. Both of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted… Understanding Peace At Last
Twitter: alphabetsalad
September 3, 2012
Thank you so much, Corinne – I really appreciate your kindness, and hope your husband’s surgery remains successful with no need for a redo.
Laurel Regan recently posted… One Step at a Time
You have my prayers that all will go smoothly and your husband will have a swift recovery. The next months sound like they will be rocky, but you will handle it. G0d never gives anyone more than they can handle.
Kathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
Kathy recently posted… Hopelessly Devoted to You-BFF 223
Twitter: alphabetsalad
September 3, 2012
Thank you very much, Kathy – I really appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Laurel Regan recently posted… One Step at a Time
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