If you're having surgery in the month of March, please post your date and any other information you'd like to share in this thread.
Hello my name is Roy. I use DocWatson because it is my best pal Watson's name, and he is my dog.
I am a US Army Veteran and served 3 years in the Army before having knee pain. Long story short, I got a medical discharge in 1989 due to being diagnosed with Legg-Calve-Perthes in my right hip, and the discharge stated my time in service has aggravated the hip condition. I really didn't have problems back in 1989 with my hip, but my knee was always hurting, and now I understand that is what is referred to as "referred pain."
Fast forward to 2013 - OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! - Yes, my hip feels like it is about to snap in half any day, with very much pain, unbelievable pain. The VA Hospital in Dallas is my only medical care now since I have not been able to work at gainful employment since 2009. Other complications to my lower lumbar discs and sciatica in the right leg have caused further pain issues. After 3 years and 3 orthopedic consultations with 2 different surgeons at the VA, and they now have decided I am ready for surgery and it seems on March 19 the prep work begins, EKG, x-rays, and lab work. Unfortunately this is a government run facility and they have a ton of ridiculous rules and regulations designed to protect them, and believe me they are not there to protect the veteran patient.
I am not getting answers to my many questions from anyone at the VA, and am often told, "Your surgeon will discuss those things with you just before your surgery."
I had an MRI done, finally, back in late Nov. 2012, something the VA never does on hips until surgery time. I have had an MRI done in 1997 and it seems my hip is getting progressively worse. I am 53 years old now.
I may post the MRI and my latest X-ray report from December 2012 and that may help others here to provide specific information, but I'm not sure that is allowed.
This is a list of some questions I have and am adding to them as I grow closer to March and do a lot more research on this. By the way, I am very blessed to have found out about this forum via WebMD.com Forums.
1. How many hip surgeries are performed each year here at the VA Dallas, for the year 2010, 11, 12 etc?
2. What is the fatality rate here at the VA Dallas hospital compared to national averages of VA and private hospitals?
3. What percentage has complications at the VA Dallas compared to national averages?
4. Which manufacturer hip parts will be used for the type of surgery I will be needing?
5. How much time will it take to recover after the surgery before being able to go home? How long will I stay in the hospital after the surgery?
6. What type of incision will be performed?
7. How long will the surgery take?
9. What is the typical time period for therapy after the short-term recovery is completed?
10. What are some common problems with performing surgery on the type of hip I have?
11. What is the type of procedure being performed: Femoral Head Ostectomy, Excision Arthroplasty of the femoral head and neck, Girdlestone's Operation, or Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy?
Thank you folks for any input and replies. I've never belonged to a forum before so I am looking to learn about this and much more about hip replacements.
Peace,
Roy
United Kingdom
BUT, I keep thinking about how I am going to feel after, totally awesome!! My husband got made because I told him the "what if!?" The what if I don't wake up! Oh well, that my brain sometimes, but I know I will be fine. Surgery countdown in.......13 hours!! 
