4 out of 4 stars
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Personally facing a hip replacement or helping a family member navigate the procedure can seem scary and overwhelming. In Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery, Tiffany Anderson shares her firsthand experience and addresses many of the concerns related to the surgery and postsurgical healing.
Anderson was only in her mid-forties when she learned she needed her first hip replacement. When her other hip also required joint replacement and then a subsequent revision, she feared a loss of freedom related to her active lifestyle. However, she faced her fears and learned effective ways to modify her movements without sacrificing quality of life. Five years later, Anderson has continued to remain active. She embraced her new lifestyle by choosing to focus on what she can do. Her purpose for writing this comprehensive handbook was to provide the type of resource she felt was lacking prior to her surgeries. Chapters include a wealth of information on what to expect and how to prepare for joint replacement.
I finished this quick read in one sitting. The author's writing style was clear and concise. In each chapter, she shared her own experience then elaborated on other possible scenarios. The book featured organized formatting and meticulous attention to detail. As a prospective patient, I would find comfort in having such pertinent information at my fingertips. This book also provides simple guidelines for helping a family member prepare their home in advance for household accommodations they will need after surgery. Though much of the content is specifically related to hip replacement, many of the suggestions apply to any surgical procedure.
My favorite feature of the book was the author's comparison of joint replacement to necessary home maintenance. The patient was compared to a fixer-upper home, while the medical team was the building crew. As an avid DIY enthusiast, I found this illustration quite engaging and much more fun to read than a book full of medical jargon.
Considering the author took a subject that was of little interest to me and thoroughly held my attention, nothing stands out to critique. Some readers may be put off by her practice of alternative pain management such as acupuncture, Reiki, and guided imagery. However, though I may not agree with all of her suggestions, I didn't feel they were overpowering or detracted from the book's overall helpful message.
The book appears to have been professionally edited, as I didn’t note a single grammatical error. I'm pleased to rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to those who are facing hip replacement or comparable surgical procedures. Readers who want to assist a family member with preparing or healing from joint replacement will also appreciate the comprehensive handbook.
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Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery
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