Recollection and reflection of recent hospitalization and medical treatment - Research Paper Example

?This paper is a recollection and reflection of my recent hospitalization and medical treatment. This particular scenario was regarding my recent hippain problem which I had checked and ended up becoming a right hip replacement. This paper will recall my experiences, provide feedback on the medical treatment, the emotional effects of the treatment, the experience in the medical facility, my own perception of the hip problem, and possible root causes of the hip problem. Through this paper, I will discuss several facets of my pain, as well as discuss the medical treatments I attempted to get, and will note them down in such that I will be able to provide a description of the events that can be as detailed as possible. I will also attempt to look back at my job history and try to look for a possible source or pattern for my hip pain. This paper will provide feedback and reactions will as much detail as I can remember and will provide information that is objective when necessary and subjective if needed. This paper will break the topics down as such: A short history of hip replacement My perception of the hip pain The first medical treatment I attempted to seek The second medical treatment I attempted to seek My initial and subsequent reactions to the doctor's diagnosis My stay at the hospital My work history and how it may have affected my hip condition Conclusion and final thoughts A short history of hip replacement According to an article on thehipdoc.com, one of the first hip socket replacements was performed in 1923 by a man called “Marius Nygaard Smith-Peterson.” the socket cup was constructed with glass, and as the article indicates, although that particular implant failed over time, it “paved the way to construction of hip cups in similar fashion, only using different materials such as plastic and metal.”. The next noticeable advancement came with the surgery performed by Sir John Charnley. After this, the advancement of hip replacement has evolved in such a way that patient’s needs can be met by custom-fitting the implants to be installed. My perception of the hip pain For the past few years of working with my current company ATT, I felt a pain in my right knee that slowly went from being a random annoyance, to such a pain as I preferred to not have any pressure on my right leg at all, even while standing. It felt like a sharp pain, similar to pressing down on a swollen muscle or joint, and at first it did not bother me much but the pain got worse and eventually became bad enough to affect my work and my day to day functions. I initially thought of the pain as just something that comes with age, or something similar to the parts of a car that may just wear out over time. I initially paid no mind to the pain, but eventually, it became hard to ignore it and I resorted to going for medical help. The first medical treatment I attempted to seek As previously said, the pain in my leg, more specifically my knee, evolved to a point where it became alarming and it affected my work and general functionality, and I decided to seek medical attention. I went to a doctor who was recognized by my medical plan, and described him what I was experiencing and how bad the pain was. I told him the history of the pain and how and when it occurred. He had some X-ray scans done on my knee area and after he had checked the X-rays and further examined me. He concluded that it was just a case of arthritis, and advised me to take some medicine whenever the pain returned. This seemed to work for a short while, but eventually, even the medicine did not help, and my knee still did not feel right. I still experienced the pain in my knee and it did not feel right at all. I ended up seeking more medical treatment, this time, from an orthopedic specialist. The second medical treatment I attempted to seek My first attempt at seeking medical attention worked only as a temporary solution. The medication that was prescribed only worked for about a month, and even then, my knee still did not feel right. I searched my medical plan’s network for an orthopedic doctor in my insurance network. I found a doctor and made an appointment schedule so that he could further inspect the pain with my knee. During the appointment, the doctor had me lay on the examining table and rotated my leg in different directions. While my leg was being rotated in a certain direction, it hurt so much that I slapped the doctor’s had off of my leg. He suggested I took X-rays of my whole leg, and after further inspection, he showed me that I had no cartilage in my right leg, where the socket joint of thigh bones and pelvis met. I was given 2 options, either to take more medications, but eventually with the need of surgery anyway, or to have the surgery done as a more permanent solution. My initial and subsequent reactions to the doctor's diagnosis Upon hearing the doctor’s diagnosis and finding out that I needed surgery, either at once, or eventually, a few thoughts came to mind. I wondered if there may have been other ways that would help me without surgery. I also thought about the days of work I would miss if I decided to have the surgery done. One of the other thoughts I had was more along the lines of concern for my well being. I also tried to look back and think about what I may have done that caused this. I felt a mix of worry, fear, concern, but I also felt a sense of comfort or relief since I finally learned what was causing the pain in my leg. In the end, I opted for the more permanent solution and decided to have the surgery. It was performed on June 15, 2009. My stay at the hospital Due to the surgery done on my right hip, I was required to stay in the hospital for 5 days in order to be observed by the doctors and assisted while I healed. I can’t say a whole lot about the surgery itself, since I was either looking away, or trying to think of other things the whole time, but I will say this, the doctors and nurses that were there, and who assisted me were very kind, supportive and respectful. They helped me feel safe and comfortable. After the surgery was done, I was sent to my room to rest and recover. The rooms were of decent size, were very clean and comfortable. It had basic amenities like a bathroom, chairs for visitors, and even a TV. I was provided with pain killers when the pain became a bit too much to bear, but they regulated this and made sure I did not get too much. I did not attempt to get out of bed till the next day when a hospital rehabilitation technician helped me get out of bed and assisted me in moving around for the first time since the surgery. This went on for the duration of my stay, and I was even provided a walker to support my motion. I thought I was well enough to go home on the 4th day but the doctor told me to stay for one more day just to be sure. I had no problems through out my stay at the hospital and even met many nice people who gave me tips and advice on how to recover in the quickest and most effective fashion. I was sent home on after 5 days but for the next few weeks or so I was still supported and assisted by rehab technicians and they helped me to quickly recover and adjust to my new hip. My work history and how it may have affected my hip condition Looking back at my work experience, I noticed that my first work experience was very hands-on and my limbs were very active. My legs were exercised because of the movement that my work required, since I used to climb manholes and enter tunnels and all. After this, however, most of the jobs I have worked with were mostly desk jobs, and my mobility became limited for some time. My legs were not exercised as much as before, at leased not until my job with ATT. At this job, I fixed pay telephones which required me to move more, but due to my previous lack of exercise, my legs may have been under more stress than they could take. This, coupled with natural deterioration of the body may have had a huge effect on my hip case. Conclusion and final thoughts My medical experience was one that may have been a long time coming. The issue with my hip may have been affected by many things such as my lack of exercise, limited motion, work-related motion, or lack thereof, age related deterioration and lifestyle. These factors may have all contributed to the failing of my right hip, and also contributed to my eventual treatment and hospitalization. My right hip had failed but because of great treatment and top class care and attention, I was treated successfully. I now feel better, and I very seldom feel pain in that area any more. This is all thanks to the medical team that assisted me. I am thankful that my hip was replaced but I am a but saddened that I am unable to do some of the things I used to be able to do, but in the end, I feel that everything worked out well. Reference History of Total Hip Replacement, (2003). Retrieved March 21, 2012 from http://www.thehipdoc.com/history.htm Read More