Last week was truly a repeat experience for me, a true case of deja vu.

I underwent my second hip replacement surgery in the past four years. I wrote my column last week on Tuesday, had surgery on Wednesday, and have recovered enough to produce new column for you this week.

My second hip surgery is a long story. It dates back to 2023, when I had back pain after a routine walk up the Dakota Valley lookout trail at Camden State Park.

I had to get out my walker from my 2021 surgery and use it for two weeks. Then it improved to the point that I could walk unassisted with only very minor pain.

It was very different from my first hip replacement. In that case I shoveled a small amount of snow in my driveway and felt a sharp pain in my back. It turned out that the ball joint on my right hip had almost totally collapsed. It was painful to walk or get out of a chair.

This hip situation was much more gradual. The surgeon advised me that there was arthritis on the hip joint similar to what happened in 2021 and that replacement would be needed at some point.

I had planned to have the surgery in August 2024 as a precaution, but postponed it because my mom entered hospice care in July. Fortunately mom has remained in stable condition.

I met in January with a member of the surgical team in Sioux Falls and we decided to proceed with the surgery on March 19.

It worried me. Hip replacement is still major surgery. I worried about the possibility that I might not be able to come home right away after it was done.

I had the option of putting it off again, but saw no good reason for doing that. Mom has been doing well. I’d be having the surgery at a good time of year when winter would be almost totally past.

Also I’d reached the point where the pain was getting worse. It was hard to climb into the car because I had to put all my weight on my left leg. There was moderate but noticeable pain when I walked.

So I let the surgery proceed. Once I got to the Specialty Hospital on Louise Avenue all my nervousness disappeared. Everything was so organized.

I stayed overnight with great meals and a sweeping view of the city. I came home on Thursday morning after physical therapy tests showed that I could function on my own.

The recovery has gone well. I’m becoming less dependent on my walker and better able to do physical therapy exercises. I’m on my way to better health.

Things are different when you’re physically disabled. Routine tasks on the average take about twice as long. I found myself planning the most simple activities in ways that would save steps.

Another similarity to four years ago is all the help I’ve received. It didn’t stop after I left the hospital. I had excellent volunteer drivers who got me to and from Sioux Falls. I’ve depended on Marshall’s public transportation system to get to therapy appointments and to visit mom.

We’re very fortunate to have our transit system. The drivers are always friendly, always safe, always on time and always courteous.

I look forward to continued improvement. I now have two artificial hip joints that will last far longer than I last. I’ll enjoy spring and summer without the hip pain.

If I could give advice to anyone in the position I had, with the options of having a joint replacement surgery or putting it off, I would tell them without a doubt to have the surgery.

It’s a relief that it’s done. It feels like for the first time in months things will truly seem normal. We can thank major advancements in medical technology and the many dedicated medical professionals who use them in ways that benefit millions of patients.

Almost everyone is concerned about the cost of health care. My experience in the past 10 days shows that it does pay off when we need it, that it really does improve lives and make us live independently for more years. I’m thankful. I feel blessed.

— Jim Muchlinksi is a longtime reporter and contributor to the Marshall Independent