Since February 2021, I have been experiencing discomfort in my right leg. When climbing stairs, my right knee’s muscle suddenly feels pulled, which is terribly painful. I can't ride a bicycle anymore, because I can only step on my right leg half a circle, it's not as fast as pushing it. Seeking medical treatment everywhere for the knee has no significant effect. Later, there was a burning sensation on the skin of the thighs and belly, like being stung by a caterpillar and unable to be relieved. Continuing with the pain in my thigh muscles, I found it difficult to fall asleep and began to suspect that there might be a problem with the upper femoral head, which I couldn't avoid. On April 14, 2022, I went to the central hospital for X-rays, including both knees and hip bones. It was confirmed that the right femoral head had ischemic necrosis due to the original femoral neck fracture. I cannot just pass by and must immediately replace it with an artificial joint.

Recalling the hip bone fixation surgery at the Fourth Hospital of the city in January 2001, it was too terrifying. I had a deep prejudice against the orthopedic department of this hospital (see section 43 for details). I was confused about the recovery of fracture pain, and writing books was beneficial for healing http://www.rgzhx.cn/hany/1685.html ）I have decided to seek medical treatment at the Orthopedics Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Medical University. Our colleague and acquaintance had had their femoral head replaced there before, and now more than ten years have passed. I interviewed them over the phone and they replied that the effect was good. The chief doctor's surname is Chen and his name is Xiangyang. I checked his introduction and outpatient schedule on the official website of the Affiliated Hospital of Medical University, and was admitted for treatment on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, overcoming various obstacles caused by the epidemic. After a comprehensive examination and sorting of the operating room, the femoral head replacement surgery was performed on Monday, April 25th. 2022.

A young doctor talked to me before the surgery and informed me of relevant matters. I emphasized that you must make the lengths of my two legs the same. The first surgery resulted in necrosis of the femoral head, atrophy of the femoral neck, and a shortening of the right leg by about 5 centimeters. The doctor replied with a certain measurement. The total cost of the surgery is about ¥ 60000, and I am willing to bear the cost if there are high-quality imported artificial bones available. The doctor said that the artificial bone implanted in my body is even stronger than my real bone, so I can rest assured.

I was pushed into the operating room, and the anesthesiologist injected me into my arm. The nurse next to me told me, 'Old man, you can go to sleep soon. I will wake you up when the surgery is over. You can wake up when you hear my voice.' I looked at the clock on the wall and fell asleep unconscious.

The beautiful nurse woke me up and said that the surgery went smoothly and was completely successful. I checked the clock again and slept for an hour and a half. There are no doctors left in the operating room, and I have no idea by whom the surgery was performed on me.

I have a screenshot of the surgery cost saved on my phone: Artificial joint (imported) (artificial joint replacement surgery) ¥ 14079.00; Artificial joint (imported) (artificial joint replacement surgery) ¥ 7618.05; Artificial joint (imported) (artificial joint replacement surgery) 4457.40; Antibacterial surgical film (imported) for surgical treatment costs ¥ 131.08. Because it is a screenshot, we cannot see all the expense records.

Before the surgery, I had a heavy mental burden because in 2001, after the orthopedic surgery at the Fourth Hospital, the pain was unbearable and I shouted the whole night. This time, I asked for an anesthesia stick, but it didn't hurt much at night, which gave me a surprise. Spending ¥ 500, I asked the caregiver to come to the bedside regularly to turn me over, and massage the back, to relieve the pain of lying still all the time. The doctor said I could get off the ground the next day, but I didn't dare. With the help of the caregiver, I tried and felt that the earth was tilting at a large angle and couldn't stand firm. So I immediately lay down in bed. Later, someone sent a walking aid, which allowed me to walk steps on the ground.

I was hospitalized for a total of 11 days and was discharged on April 30th. The total cost is about ¥60000, almost entirely covered by medical insurance. A deduction of ¥ 5000 was made from my personal outpatient account, and the ¥ 5000 deposit paid upon admission was fully refunded to my bank card.

I hired a family ambulance with a stretcher and arrived downstairs. The couple carried me to the third floor and placed me on my bed. The stretcher was opened and taken away, with a total cost of ¥ 250

After arriving home, I can rest assured and recuperate. With the help of equipment, I can easily go to the bathroom and eat at a table, unlike lying in bed for more than half a year after surgery in 2001. Looking back, it feels really terrifying.

Although it's much better than the first surgery, the right leg feels uncomfortable after the surgery, but it doesn't affect sleep. After a month of follow-up at the hospital, I was able to walk downstairs on my own with the help of a crutch. Three months later, I was able to walk with my bare hands. Later, I felt that it was getting better and better. I could roll around freely when sleeping without any discomfort. What I like the most is that my right knee is completely comfortable now, and I don't need knee pads in winter anymore. This is an unexpected good effect, and I can ride the bicycle normally now. The only downside is that the socks on the right foot still can't put on properly, which is just a small matter. Although my walking posture still showed signs of leg injuries, acquaintances said that I was much better than before the surgery. The femoral head replacement surgery has opened a new chapter in my elderly life, and I am extremely happy.

 

Oct 1 2024