Dr. Rena L. Stewart, M.D. called the family to the consultation room after the surgery (Jason [Joe's Brother], Betty [Joe's Mom], Mike [Joe's Dad], Mr. & Mrs. Rollo [Joe's paternal grandparents]). It was scary to hear that they wanted us in the room (similar to walking into the hospital the first morning and being greeted by the chaplain) however, she quickly assured us that everything went very well (as far as major hip surgeries could go).  She made us feel comfortable and spoke in an easy to understand manner which helped set us at ease. After a thorough briefing on the surgery and the expected recovery process, I have the following to share:

• There was very little blood loss, which was a major pre-surgery concern.
• There was one piece of the acetabulum that was broken like a hole, she put that bone piece back where it belonged and then placed a metal plate and several screws to hold it permanently.
• There was another section of the acetabulum that was fractured and had moved several centimeters out of alignment. Again, she put it back where it belonged and placed a second plate and screws to secure it.
• The third piece of bone was a small fragment that was hanging out near the cartilage. This piece was removed and thrown away so that it wouldn’t cause tears in the cartilage once he begins walking again.
• He has a wound that is about 11 inches long from his waist line down the outside of his thigh (goodbye Speedo)
• He will have a radiation treatment tomorrow to prevent any bone growth within the muscle (goodbye sperm count)
• He will not be allowed to place any pressure on the left hip for at least 3 months.
• He will immediately begin physical therapy to walk with the assistance of a rolling walker (if the arm lacerations allow)
• We should realistically expect him to walk with no assistance or aides in one year. If it happens sooner that’s just icing on the cake.
• If his immediate therapy goes well we can expect to take him home to Pensacola within the next 5-7 days.
• Once he gets to Pensacola he will begin outpatient rehab and continue to travel every few weeks to Birmingham for check ups with the surgeon.
• He has to, has to, has to (read: NOT AN OPTION) needs to lose weight to prevent arthritis in the hip socket which would lead to another surgery later down the road.
• He also has to adhere to a strict daily routine to prevent a nocturnal routine.
• I’m pretty sure she said he should quit smoking too…..just to aide in recovery as smoking inhibits the body’s natural healing mechanisms (Didn’t you hear that Mrs. Betty?)