Birmingham Hip Resurfacing
Patient Journals, Gus Endl

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

To All Hipster People:

Arrived here on Saturday, March 31, 2007, and was happy to be able to make the transfer from Meriter Hospital to HipHab without any major setbacks. The hospital surgery/experience was fine but HipHab made me feel more comfortable and confident to move on with the next stage of my recovery. I was starting to doubt my progress the first few days at the hospital and was beginning to feel a little frustrated and confused with the direction I was going. This part was tough for me, as I had already been through a total hip replacement and revision on my right hip and things went pretty well with that for the most part and once again…thought I pretty much knew what to expect to go through and had heard and been told that this new resurfacing procedure was the "better-yet" way to go. Sometimes I guess maybe I'm a bit impatient and have to remind myself to just back off a bit, and let the course of progress evolve at the pace it's going to be.

Now that my wife Carol (very competent helper/coach) and I have been here for three days and have been now exposed and involved with all phases of P.T. and the friendly confines of HipHab, all seems to be headed in a very positive direction and I know that the next move tomorrow morning to go home, (after my staples get removed by Joanna) will go smoothly as well.

I looked forward to this surgery with great desire as it couldn't happen soon enough. I'm a custodian at the Jefferson County Courthouse and the last three months of work were a personal war for me to get through to my surgery date (3.29.07-or V-day as I called it). They were very understanding at work, but I didn't let them down either, as I continued to finish all my tasks at the same level as I always have done the job, complete and thorough. I work with some really great people and the atmosphere is pretty good for the most part.

What I really want everyone to understand from all that I have been through with my hip surgeries is that being at the HipHab, this part of my experiences, is a first. And I think the whole theory of this stage of recovery is a big plus. If you go directly home from the hospital, you cannot possibly have as good of a transition from surgery to recovery. At home, we all have the distractions of everyday cares and concerns around our homes. These chores and etc. can interrupt your being as religious and disciplined to sticking to the constant needs of caring for your hip. And, then your coach also may not have time. This can only add up to one thing. A much slower recovery and all the frustrations that accompany it. You could drag along physically and then have it affect you mentally when you're not getting as far with your progress to "back to normal" quality of living standards.

Here at HipHab, you get professional PT (water and land) that sets you up to take care of yourself properly to take home with you. The staff here is very knowledgeable and can direct each person with the correct advice and next steps. All individuals have different scenarios and they are able to identify that and treat each case or person in the best ways possible. Can you ask for anything better? Not a chance.

The apartment was beautiful and everything we could have asked for while we were here. Great sights of Madison surround you everywhere. Plenty of dining available (even though my wife and I chose to cook at home mostly) and maybe more importantly, spent more time together than what our everyday lives at home allow us. You guessed it, we both got to relax and enjoy each other. This is quite healthy for your relationship, besides a great working and positive way to recover from a surgery. Oh, don't let me forget, my wife and I can't remember the stage (over the years of our marriage-going on 29 years 9/23/78) that we were both able to take this many naps! We've grown to call this apartment our little nest, even though we certainly love our home. We have two grown children, Brady (24 years) and Stacy (21 years) who have been a blessing from God, and as I'm sure you can tell, I love and cherish my family.

Last, but not least, I personally want to thank all the staff people on board. Thank you to Dr. Rogerson's office, Meriter Hospital, HipHab and even the residents at the retirement community for making me feel so welcomed and comfortable! What a great experience this has been and no doubt one that I will never forget. I didn't mention individual names, although I bet I could almost name all of you but I wouldn't want to omit anyone. So, to all of you special people…I truly appreciate everything you've done and meant to me and my wife, Carol! I know my recovery will be fantastic and a complete success. God bless all of you and always keep you in his care!

Thanks again,
Jeffry W. Endl (Gus)

P.S. To HipHab, thanks for the gift box upon arrival. Great treats and a nice touch!

5/15/2008