Forgive me for copying and pasting what I put on the JL board, but the tips of my fingers are all cracked and sore from working outside in the cold and it isn't easy typing.

Some of you may remember that I've had hip replacement surgery. Right hip done in May '03, left hip done in Jan. '04. In August of '06 the left hip components flat out broke and had to be replaced. In August of '07 the right hip components broke, again, another replacement. The second set of operations where a pain in the backside as I had to wear a special brace for 5 weeks, and was out of work both times for three months.
This past March they discovered the left cup/socket had loosened some from the bone, and I would have to have it replaced. Only problem is after they had done two test where they draw fluid out of the space with a needle there was a slight indication that there may be an infection. So, I found a new surgeon, waited 3 months to see him, and then another 3 months to have the surgery. This coming Friday, the 23rd, they are removing the entire hip component. It will take 4-5 days to determine if I have an infection. If I don't, I have to wait another 4 weeks minimum for everything to heal, and then they will operate and give me a new hip. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If I do have an infection, I'll have to go at least 4 months without a hip and 3 months on antibiotics until it clears up. Thankfully, my boss hasn't had a problem with me missing 10 months out of the last 5+ years because of this.
It will be at least 2 weeks before I'm home from the hospital and rehab and I'll let you know how I made out.

I'll be looking foward to seeing everyone's cool stuff when I get back.

Where yat DadvBall,
Best of luck with all these procedures.
Hope everything turns out fine and we see you back here soon.

--CadillacPat the UnCustomizer--
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/CadillacPat/Rt66SilverBulletWebEmail.jpg

Man, nothing but our best thoughts and prayers for you DVB. I am so sorry that you are still facing this after all you've been through, but we've got your back in the prayer department! Keep us updated as you have the oppertunity. This is the time it "takes" and you'll be through with all this!

Stay strong, lettuce know how yer doin' soon as you can.
And don't 4get to havvum put some cool decals on it while they're in there!!!

- D. Lapitaded - :wave:

good luck dadvball. we will be here for ya and in our prayers for a speedy recovery.

Hoping everything goes right this time, Bill.
And we'll all be up to see you, not sure when, but we'll be there loading up yer hospital bed with toy cars again and eating all your pudding.

keeping a good thought for you.

Best of luck!!! Take a laptop with you so you can keep in touch!

You have really had a rough time of it with those hips, Take care and our prayers are with you.

good luck, multiple surgery sucks. will be thinking of ya.

Thanks guys. I certainly appreciate your comments and prayers. I'm looking forward to getting back to normal or close to it.

Here's wishing the best to you Dadvball. Hope for a speedy recovery and to see you back on the boards soon.

You sure have had some tough times with those hips Bill. I hope things don't turn out so grim for you this time. Of course, you know, we'll all miss you around here. We'll be rootin' for you.

Today's the day. Everyone keep a good thought for Bill.

Good luck Bill! Thoughts are with you!:thumbsup:

Here's wishing you all the best.

Hey,
Anybody heard how DadVBall is doing??

--CadillacPat the UnCustomizer--
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/CadillacPat/WebsizeMFBlackLabel.jpg

Update from the JL board on 1/28



"Rich (carnut) talked to Billy Boy the other night, and, with permission, here's what he had to say....


"I spoke with Bill tonight. He was still at the hospital, and hadn’t moved to a rehab facility yet. That happens tomorrow (Wed.). The bad news is that he did have an infection, which could explain much of the problem he’s been having since the last operation. The good news is it wasn’t a bad infection, which means there was no damage to his bone structure. Now he needs to be on an intravenous antibiotic for six weeks, followed by six more weeks of an oral one. Then after a three week “cleansing” period, they will reinstall an artificial hip and he should be good as new. That is followed by a two month healing period.



Meanwhile, his leg is two inches shorter – because the hip isn’t there to stretch the muscle out, and it’s contracting - but he’s already begun physical therapy to learn how to get around without the hip. Once the hip goes back in, his leg should return to normal length."


The rest of the email was more personal, but I thought that should be shared.
Continued prayers and good thought for Bill as he travels this tough road would surely be appreciated.
We'll be going up to visit him soon."



They moved Bill into a rehab hospital on Monday afternoon, where they are continuing to treat the infection. And from what I hear, his spirits are good.

great new's...keep us posted.... anyone have his address.. if so e mail or pm me. thanks