Reviews from

Hip, Hip, Hooray

ready to dance again

82 total reviews 
Comment from Joan E.
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You may know that I don't read a great deal of prose on FanStory, simply due to lack of time. However, when I saw your title and top note, I was intrigued. I had no idea you had major surgery and am delighted the results are as positive as you expected. I especially liked your description of the surgeon--I had never thought about how athletic one must be to perform these procedures! Thank you for detailing your positive, surgical outcome, which helps to restore our faith in modern medicine, since there are apparently at least 200,000 others in our country who share your experience. Hip, hip hooray! (I didn't plan the pun!!) -Joan

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2012


reply by the author on 08-Apr-2012
    Thank you for taking time to read my essay, Joan. I really appreciate that! I'm continuing to do very well. My physical therapist thinks a positive attitude helps. I certainly agree with that.

    Warmest regards, Bev
reply by Joan E. on 08-Apr-2012
    Yes, indeed--the mind-body connection is key! Keep up the good work all the way around and positive attitude! You're a great role model. More hugs- Joan
reply by the author on 08-Apr-2012
    Merci, Joan! Xxx Bev
reply by Joan E. on 08-Apr-2012
    Pas de quoi. Smiles- J
Comment from closetpoetjester
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Wow Bevski...good story...however I am torn with your end comments but only because my hub got such a raw deal and we kinda have a thing against doctors that operate on hips and legs...not sure if I told you bout his busted femur but the initial surgery was performed by a 24 year old who botched it and after 18 months and a titanium rod through the centre of his femur we found out it was 0% healed. We closed our business...all while the poxy little doctor continued in his...and my hub had rod removed and whole procedure re-done by an older doctor under private cover...that made the difference...unfortunately in public system he was treated like a damn guinea pig and I think that needs to be stamped out.
Back to your story though...your surgery sounds like a major success...I note buddy (although not trying to detract from your pain) yours was a straight forward hip replacement surgery as opposed to this horrid procedure my hub endured which was repairing a broken femur snapped clean in two (its the strongest bone in our body you know?) with a big chip out of it as well with the trauma of the motorbike accident mixed in plus ongoing crap...a bone graph taken from hip...and 4 or 5 knee surgeries...so probably a little more stress in the operating theatre but quite likely the same amount of pain. I would also say the months of agony you went through prior to the surgery could probably last a lifetime. I loved the way you shared everything, the pain, the decision, the pre-surgery angst...this WOULD have to allay some fears for those about to or seriously contemplating going through this procedure. You poor sausage...I see from your story that you are much better now but I do admit I did wonder where you got to for a time and now feel a little guilty I didn't drop in to see how you were. Great job on this non-fictional write and although I whinge and complain about the doctors bodgy initial job we had to take what we could get at the time and he obviously didn't intentionally screw it up...trouble is...we now wear and bare the scars of his thorough uselessness in the operating room and my hub will be more than scarred for life, emotionally, physically, everythingly. I'm glad it worked out for you...I sometimes rue the day he came off the bike as it seems to be a double edge sword...financially we are a little better off as it forced us to close business and sell property plus he got a very modest payout, however he is now one cranky son of a bitch and that ain't worth NO amount of money to frickin live with...plus I lost my business of 14 years by shutting it down (we had 4 weeks - not enough time to sell) due to a bike he never even told me he had for the first four months...I hate bikes...Sorry, I'm ranting now! LOL
Its okay really, I've just never really been able to vent in full as the day he stacked it was the day I found out from his f**king mother that SHE had bloody well lent him the money to buy the poxy bike. Of course there WILL be a poem on it one day...when I can contain my anger long enough to write it. LOL
I AM okay Bevski...I just needed an excuse to bitch. LOL
Great little story and if you can ignore my ranty bit...I really do think you can see I agree sharing something like successful surgery is help to many...
Coincidently re: watching the vid before hand...the second time he went back for surgery, a couple of nights before the surgery I happened to see on a docco on tv the exact procedure he was going to go through,...I am very squeamish but forced myself to see what he would go through...sooooo not pretty Bev...hammers, mallets, drills...shit...I know it would have been the same for you so for that part I truly ruly sympathise and concur - DON'T watch any pre-surge progams! LOL Glad you are on the mend sweety...sorry for lack of reviews. I have a ton on and have had for last few months. I am part of a publication among other things but that is taking up most of my spare time...plus kids and family.
Cheers Closet xoxoxoxoxoxo (extras today LOL)

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2012


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2012
    Good to hear from you, buddy! I'm so excited about your lovely book of childrens' poems. I took a peek on Amazon and found the packaging really attractive to the eye (as I would expect from an artist like yourself) and your page in which you explain your philosophy. All together a super job and I hope you sell a ton of them!

    Thanks for the great review, p. And I understand about quack doctors because I've endured their stupidity in other situations. I'm glad that I found a good one for this surgery. What happened to your husband is criminal - are you not allowed to sue for malpractice in Australia due to your health system? Sounds like the idiot was 1. Too Young to Know What the Hell he was Doing and 2. He hadn't done a case like your husband's before. Either way...no excuse. I'm sorry for the lingering pain on all levels for your husband because that kind of trauma can really cause havoc on yourself and everyone around you. Certainly, the trust level is destroyed.

    I hear the senryu book is just about ready to go off to the publisher. How exciting for all of you involved. I'm taking Alvin's current senryu class with amada and mumsyone - good group and I'm looking forward to fine-tuning my skills in that area.

    SOOOO good to hear from you and I understand perfectly the need to prioritize your time AND energy. Thanks for taking time to review my essay and, as always, for your lovely support.

    Hugs, Bevalicious XXXXXxxxxOOO
reply by closetpoetjester on 10-Mar-2012
    Hey beautiful lady...how are you?
    Sorry about the screedy rant...I see and read yours was a major success...glad you are on the mend...Don't worry about us, we are okay...he is just a cranky prick! LOL
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2012
    Oh, I never worry about your ability to handle whatever comes your way SUPERWOMAN! You are, ya know. Hugs, Bev
reply by closetpoetjester on 10-Mar-2012
    Oh God Bevvalini...you have THAT much faith in your Closet?
    LOL
    Love ya...
    xoxo
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2012
    I sure do!!! xxx ooo xxx Love ya back.
reply by closetpoetjester on 10-Mar-2012
    I also meant to say:
    Thanks for checking out my book sweety...yes it cost enough to publish but I am VERY happy with finished product...12 full colour illustrations of the kids up to mischief...adorable!!! and glossy pages...too cute.
    Also the other publication is going great guns...sooooo excited I am...poured a lot of spare time into it so not much time for fs...although I have posted a few in the last couple of days.
    Everything else all good but I just needed to acknowledge those things you mentioned....sorry, my previous reply was rushed.
    Cheers Closet xoxo
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2012
    No problemo, p. You don't have to worry that I'll be offended by you. I know your heart is always in the right place. Xxx Bev
Comment from Jonesy
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Really well written. A couple things to think about, but overall liked the sentence structure and message given. Gave me the sense the author put in a lot of time on this.

I did have a problem with the tone though; I thought it was a little dry in that I didn't feel the attachment I should have with the author. Things are provided to the reader in something of a matter-of-fact way that didn't allow me to fully picture what the author went through.

An example would be after the surgery. The author has it, gets some meds, then all of a sudden is back home. The level of detail didn't seem to be there.

But all this means is a hugely subjective view from me and nothing more (and it's also non-fiction, so the same detail, description, etc isn't necessarily required) . The next ten readers might mention how easily it was to relate.

***God's hands and, surrounded***

Comma should go after "hands"

***'serious' procedure***

Not mentioning this as an error, but sometimes readers will quote words that really don't need them. Do the quotes here really bring anything? Does the word "serious" in and of itself convey the danger?

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2012


reply by the author on 05-Mar-2012
    Thanks for your thoughtful review, Jonesy. I appreciate you sharing your opinions with me on the essay. My only response would be to point out that a hospital stay is anywhere from 24, to 48, hours after surgery which in no way reflects the fact that the surgery is still 'serious' (my doctor's term). That's pretty quick in my book. Much apprecite your time and interest...Bev
reply by Jonesy on 05-Mar-2012
    You're welcome Bev, and that's why I specifically mentioned the subjectivity in my review. Yeah, I wondered about it, but so what, right? It's still written really well.
reply by the author on 05-Mar-2012
    Yes, I did appreciate that you worded your review, carefully, Jonesy. Bev
Comment from Patrick G Cox
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Hi writingfundimension,

How fortunate you are to have had such a good experience. My brother has just had his first hip replacement, replaced as the ceramic 'cuff' on the bone, cracked on Christmas Day and he spent Christmas to New Year in agony being shunted from hospital to hospital. It turned out to be a defective cuff ...

Fortunately his surgeon is a leading one in South Africa, and did a magnificent job on the repair - but the hospital was a disaster and now he's at home recovering. His surgeon is furious about the hospital.

You are so right, we have all these wonderful advances in medical care and treatment, but they do come at a price.

Patrick

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2012


reply by the author on 05-Mar-2012
    Hi, Patrick. Thanks for reading my essay and sharing your brother's story. The downside to hip replacemen, and a reason it should be a last resort, is the very real possibility of 'popping' the hip joint. I'm not going to be able to do some of the physical activities I enjoyed for years - like running - but there are other things that will have to subsitute. The hospital should be sued - but with their cadre of lawyers, probably nothing would be accomplished. I've heard from more than a few folks that I'm very lucky to have the insurance coverage. I agree! But that is because I have a husband with a top rate job and an employer willing to insure his employees in a very generous way.

    I hope your brother will soon be enjoying the benefits of a pain free life. Kind regards, Bev
Comment from Rob Caudle
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The writing was well done but more importantly my wife has had both hip replaced, one of them twice all by the time she was 45. Your description of pre and post surgery were spot on, The freedom and quality of life for my love has been life changing thank you so much for writing this.

Rob

 Comment Written 04-Mar-2012


reply by the author on 05-Mar-2012
    Hi, Rob. What a sweet husband you are! And you make a very good point that the people around the debilitated find their activities restricted, too. My husband has been thrilled and amazed that I'm walking like a regular person again.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for your generous review, Rob. Warm regards, Bev
Comment from Bellringer
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Bev,your account is very well written, fascinating and instructive. I think the need for a prayer chain and faith are instrumental in the healing process--as evidenced in your essay. Just like you listened to the messages of your body, we need to "listen" and seek appropriate medical care. Sadly, there may be folks who have insufficient or no insurance for major health events and are at the mercy of what is known as "charity" care. As you say, when the system works, it can be a wonderful thing. Thank you for sharing this uplifting experience. Blessings, Hector

 Comment Written 04-Mar-2012


reply by the author on 04-Mar-2012
    I knew that you would appreciate the part that healing prayers played in my recovery, Hector. Thank you, as always, for a simply lovely and generous review. I appreciate you! Warm regards, Bev
reply by Bellringer on 07-Mar-2012
    You're most welcome, Bev. Blessing, Hector
Comment from N.K. Wagner
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Congratulations on your very successful surgery, Bev. My husband had a knee replacement in December and is still regaining his strength. I did get to observe the surgery, and you're right. Their "instruments" come straight from a well-equipped work bench. The surgeon and I thought it was funny. The patient didn't. Ah, well. It's hard to have a sense of humor when you're in pain. Well written. :) Nancy

 Comment Written 04-Mar-2012


reply by the author on 04-Mar-2012
    Hi, Nancy. I probably would be comfortable with watching a video now that it's over with. Thanks so much for your great review and taking time out to read the essay. The knees are a little longer recuperation period I've been told. I wish your husband the best of luck. Warm regards, Bev
Comment from Elizabeth Daniels
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Congratulations on your successful operation. I myself will be needing two knee replacements soon. I hope it goes as well for me. Elizabeth Daniels.

 Comment Written 04-Mar-2012


reply by the author on 04-Mar-2012
    I hope so, Elizabeth. I will send positive and healing thoughts your way. Thanks for your generous review and interest! Bev
Comment from Permelia
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You wrote a wonderful article on the operation of knee replacement. I agree, sometimes I think we don't give the doctors enough credit for making our lives easier to live.

 Comment Written 04-Mar-2012


reply by the author on 04-Mar-2012
    Thanks so much for your generous and supportive review, Permelia. Much appreciated! Bev
Comment from Anthony Crosbie
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Beatifully written and very descriptive. The pain and suffering you experienced beforehand was described so well that I could feel it (not literally thankfully). You are able to describe feelings and emotions really well and this draws the reader in.

 Comment Written 04-Mar-2012


reply by the author on 04-Mar-2012
    Hello, Archie. Thank you for this wonderful and supportive review. It's always good to know what works for the reader, so I appreciate you sharing that! Kind regards, Bev