and did not realize what was wrong until my doctor ordered an MRI to be taken. Dr. Macaulay read the results and told me that due to the fact that the hip ball was no longer round, I would need either a resurfacing or a hip replacement. One month after the initial MRI, my right hip began to hurt with almost the same pain as I had experienced in my left. Dr. Macaulay ordered a second MRI and the results were that my left hip had gotten worse, and my right hip needed resurfacing.

On June 2, 2003, Dr. Macaulay performed a total hip replacement on my left side and a femoral head resurfacing on my right side. The surgery went very well. The nurses in the recovery room were excellent and closely monitored me for five hours before I was sent to my room. The day after the surgery the physical therapist helped me to get out of bed and walk with the help of a walker. Each day, the therapists helped me walk with the walker and crutches until I was transferred to the physical therapy section of the hospital.

I was in the physical therapy section of the hospital for 5 days. The therapists worked with me individually and in a group. They were very helpful and made sure they explained all the precautions I needed to take when I left the hospital. They were very clear as to what I could and could not do when I went home.

Once I got home, I used the walker and crutches for the first 2-3 weeks. I was very careful on the stairs. After 3 weeks I was walking with a cane and began physical therapy three times a week. This was very helpful in strengthening my legs. I was walking unassisted by the fifth week. By the eighth week I was able to begin golfing again.

Thankfully, I have no more hip pain. I think a lot of that is due to the fact that followed my doctor's orders very closely.