CHERYL WITTER
For The Morning Star
Meet Roger Knox. Even though both of his hips are worn out and cause him constant pain, he’s forever funny, kind and stays positive. He’s a hardworking Morning Star multi-media journalist and spends his weekends traveling to beautiful places working as a wedding officiant.
Roger is about to be sidelined for a bit. He is getting a new hip! And we are going to follow him in a three-part series.
What is it like when it’s time for new parts? Let’s find out!
Cheryl: How long have you had hip pain?
Roger: I first noticed the pain in my hips 14 years ago. Thought it was some kind of sports injury. It just never got better. The pain is now in both hips. Diagnosed as severe osteoarthritis.
CW: Describe your pain now.
RK: Constant. Chronic. Debilitating at times.
CW: How is it limiting your life?
RK: I can’t walk without pain. I can’t bend over to tie shoes or put on socks without a sock helper, which I’ve been using for about 10 years now. Cooking hurts. Cleaning hurts. Getting in and out of my car, or a chair, is extremely difficult and painful.
CW: Are you doing any fitness now despite your pain?
RK : The swimming pool at the rec centre is my salvation. It’s the only place I’m pain free. I try to go five days a week for about 90 minutes before work and it’s heaven. Other than that, there really isn’t much I can do. I can play golf, believe it or not, but only like once a year. Swinging a club doesn’t hurt too much. But I need help from whoever I’m playing with to put the tee in the ground and the ball on the tee.
CW: What things in your life are making it tolerable?
RK: I had a cane for about the last five years and it helped a lot, mostly with stability. It broke and now I use a walking pole. A great friend introduced me to Hoka shoes and sandals and they’ve been a Godsend. They help with recovery and, in my case, helped just being able to have some sense of comfort. I have a walker at work which helps me to get around the office. I have a power lift recliner at home. And I try to sleep eight to 10 hours a night. Laying down is where I’m the most comfortable. I’m very fortunate it doesn’t bother my sleep.
CW: Has the chronic pain affected your mental health?
RK: Definitely. I was at the lowest point in my life in late 2023, for about four months. I didn’t like the person I had become. Angry. Emotional, snapping at people I truly care about. It really wasn’t me. It was the pain taking over.
CW: What kind of aides have you been told to get from the Red Cross for post-op care?
RK: Crutches. Two-wheel walker. Elevated toilet seat. Toilet safety frame. Tub transfer/bench. Bed assist rail.
CW: Your first surgery is within weeks. Are you more excited or nervous?
RK: Definitely more excited! The light I’ve been seeing at the end of my proverbial tunnel is getting bigger. I had some trepidations but they were alleviated by a pre-surgery visit with the surgeon. I’m looking forward to being able to do simple things like walking, bending, standing.
CW: If I can name the four Beatles can I be your drill sergeant as we rehab this tragic hip?
RK: Absolutely! As long as it’s not like Louis Gossett Jr.’s Oscar-winning performance in An Officer and a Gentleman!
CW: What’s the first song you will dance to once you have a new hip?
RK: My first thought was Rasputin by Boney M, but that’s pushing it. Then my favourite Tragically Hip song, Bobcaygeon. But I’ve settled on Hip To Be Square by Huey Lewis and the News.
Good luck Roger! Next up? Ice packs, therabands, and a bossy physiotherapist! See ya soon.
Cheryl Witter is a physiotherapist, owner/operator of Spine and Sports North End Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy
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