The Second Step - Discharge after full hip replacement

Camino De Santiago - The Journey Begins

 August 14, 2025, Well they say every journey happens one step at a time and today is my second step as I was discharged from the hospital one day post full hip replacement. When I looked at the x-ray of my new hip, all I could think was that must be someone else, and boy, that looks like it hurt. But it was me and I would have to say the pain is very much in control. I had a tremendous doctor who is probably the best in the business and well respected in the Los Angeles area. 

He is not a man of many words but all business and cuts straight to the point. After the surgery I saw him for less that two minutes and he advised that everything went as planned and he knew I already was up and walking with my physical therapist and that I had a great start. Interestingly, I feel this is the start of a larger objective. It seemed as if he knew. 

All I could say is, "Doctor, what did you see when you were in there... a couple of spare tires and some lug nuts".  I almost got a smile from Dr. Yun and I think it was his version of a smile.  I did get a laugh from his physician;s assistant who was tagging along. Dr Yun just quickly said "the nurse has a video of the entire procedure" as he didn't want to engage in conversation with me, and he left my room . "Thank you doctor," I said as he rushed through the door.

Upon the actual discharge today, I would say the list of medications is daunting and we are creating a full spreadsheet to keep the combinations, the times and number of pills straight - its quite a puzzle. I would say the hardest part of getting home was getting in the car. I followed the therapist advise and did the "sit and pivot" technique. That required lifting and bending my bad leg, which I couldn't do, so I hooked my cane (upside down) under my foot and pulled up while my wife swung me around into the car... I had my first bought with pain. 

I couldn't wait to get home to take my next set of medications that were on the schedule and get another pack of ice. That seems to numb hip on the surface and helps ease the pain. Ice is required as part of Yun's protocol so it's a must - gotta avoid swelling.  I am not taking any major pain killers.  You come out of surgery with quite a bit of local anesthesia that lasts for a couple of days. At this point the pain has been very manageable, but we will see as the next few days go by... stay tuned.