I have to say that this site has been most helpful in presenting information that I can use to query my OS and his assistant. I have found and it has been confirmed by my visiting nurse, that OS's are not really great at bedside manners/info.

Anyway - when I did have the second surgery my OS was impressed with my healing and I'm over 50 and not in any kind of wonderfully great athletic shape. Somewhat overweight (by 30 pounds at least).

JudyN hooked me up to nutrition sites and I'm greatly increased my calcium and green veggie intake. I reduced my caffiene and since I quit smoking 10 -12 years ago, that isn't an issue.

I also find that I am very sore and stiff - all over, every morning when I wake up. I don't know if one of my medications is sucking all the juice out of my joints or what, but if I MAKE myself move around with either crutches or walker instead of wheelchair, I find my energy goes way up and my uncomfortable level goes down. It's hard to get moving, I know, but I think it's in the best physical and mental interests to do so, if you can.

And, my home care aide, nurse, and therapists keep reminding me that in the realm of orthopedic surgery, at 51 I am a young woman and don't have the limitations that the 60 and 70 years old have. Hard to think of myself as young ...but that's their perspective.

Hope this diary helps someone else that has to start this road to recovery.