The Big Scary Health Thing: Part II

Taking my first assisted steps with my new hip later that evening.

It’s been two months since I had my Total Hip Replacement (THR) surgery, and surprisingly I am feeling completely back to normal. In fact, I took my first unassisted steps down my driveway today (!!) … Sure, there’s still some pain that I’m dealing with and managing with medication. Two months though? That’s crazy! I definitely thought it would take much longer for me to be walking unassisted. I only ended up using the walker for about a month.

No drugs have entered my system at this point yet. I am freaking out on the inside.

So, how did I get to the point of needing a Total Hip Replacement at the ripe old age of 38? Well, it’s directly related to “The Big Scary Health Thing: Part I”— believe it or not. We last left off with me entering remission with both of my kidney diseases (Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS) after more than a year of fighting to tame them with heavy duty medications. Part of my medication regiment was Prednisone, a powerful steroid.

There are a lot of side effects related to Prednisone. You gain a TON of weight, especially in the face. Your body temperature rises so drastically that you think you’ve descended to Hell. Your body becomes dependent on the medication, so you have to slowly taper yourself off of it as if you are coming off of street drugs. Taper too quickly? Your body goes through withdrawal, similar to those with alcohol and/or opioid substance addiction issues experience.

As you can probably guess, knowing my luck with health issues, I had tapered down to 5mg daily (down from 80mg daily!) and suddenly I started to go through a period of withdrawal shortly before having to increase my dosage back up to 80mg. I had to start the tapering all over again. It was hell.

All that being said: one of the side effects of Prednisone is that it severely weakens your bones.

As a surprise to absolutely no one, it took me an absurdly long time to wake up following surgery. Look how comfy I am!

It was January 2025, and I started complaining of my right hip feeling like it was giving out when I would walk, stand, or get up/down. I had x-rays done, and nothing remarkable was noted— good news. By March 2025, I could no longer walk without using a cane. I knew something was terribly wrong when I could barely walk to my Nephrology appointment, and after telling my Nephrologist about my worsening pain specifically in my hip joint, she softly exclaimed “Uh oh.”

Months pass by. I can no longer go downstairs in my apartment. Can no longer get out of bed. Lost a job because I couldn’t drive anymore. The pain is unbearable.

I moved into a single-story home, shared with my parents, so that I could properly recover and save money while unemployed— because who’s going to hire someone that is going to have THR surgery in a few months and cannot move or go to work?

Long story short, after several delays, my surgery date finally arrived: December 3rd. I was so nervous before surgery. I’ve never had anything other than oral surgery before. Luckily, I had the support of my amazing girlfriend, Candi, to help get me through the pre-surgery process and most of the hospital experience. She’s a lifesaver. Get yourself a Candi, I advise you.

I don’t know if I could have kept my sanity through this experience without the support of this amazing woman. I love you, Candi!

No complications. Surgery was a success. Everything went just fine.

Lots of funny things were witnessed in the hospital while I was under the influence of drugs. There was some Britney Spears karaoke. There was some challenges eating toast. There was this really delicious sandwich that I practically made love to— despite it being made of ingredients that I absolutely HATE.

I think the funniest detail of my surgery is that the surgery team had a very hard time extubating me because I had a death grip clamped down on the tube. I was like a pitbull that locked it’s jaw and refused to let go of this breathing tube. They had to get creative in releasing it from my grip. Apparently that’s not normal. Rawr.

Finally at peace, being tucked into my own bed after being discharged from the hospital.

So now, two months later, I’m feeling great— walking by myself, and even using STAIRS! My bionic hip is doing it’s work and who knows, maybe in a few more months I’ll be ready to start tap dancing and running.

Actually no, there will be no running here.

Much love.