Official Review: Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide fo...

Alicnim · Post by **Alicnim** » 31 Aug 2017, 02:25

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery" by Tiffany Anderson.]

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

What does Barbara Bush, Lionel Ritchie, and Katharine Hepburn have in common? Besides being famous and influential persons, they've all had hip replacement surgeries. According to a 2014 study by Machione, 2 percent of Americans have artificial hips or knees. Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery, is a novel by Tiffany Anderson. It chronicles the journey to recovery through the personal experiences of one such patient – the author.

What is hip replacement surgery? How long does it take to recover? How will I manage the pain? Will I ever ride a horse again, what about driving?

Before any life changing surgery, there are important pre and post-surgery checks to be considered. First, you need to educate yourself on all that relates to this surgery; the types, the costs and inherent risks involved. After all, you plan to live the rest of your life with this implant, your life may even depend on it. Does your insurance cover this procedure? You may need to consult widely.

The key thing is to be inquisitive. The author includes valuable resources to aid in your search. Also, consider that you might take some time to recover. You'll probably be using walking aids; your living and work arrangements need to accommodate these changes. Menial tasks like taking a bath or even taking off your shoes will never be the same again. What to expect and simple solutions are easily presented in Butternut to Bionic.

Post-operation is a time to embrace your new bionic parts. You're not out of the woods yet, your journey has just begun. You are at risk of post-operative infections and dislocation. These infections are life threatening and dislocations can take you back to the operating table. Hygiene is key and learn to respect your limitations – obey your pain. You might need to be keen on those weather forecasts!

No dancing, no showers and definitely no sex – at least for a short while, don't despair. Valuable pain management methods tailored to your needs are provided - just make sure you check with your doctor. The journey to recovery varies with each individual. Maintain a positive attitude; follow doctor's orders and you will be just fine. Just look out for those metal detectors, your trips through the airport will never be the same.

Butternut to Bionic had a personal feel. Tiffany was able to capture the minutest details of her experience – offering simple solutions from her perspective. From how to manage pain, to how personal and work relationships are affected.

This book provided a wealth of research on homeopathic remedies. I was particularly enthralled by acupuncture and massages. Ah, you can never have enough deep tissue massages; so relaxing and therapeutic. Any information towards how to do them was appreciated. I've always considered acupuncture as scary. All those needles, how is that not painful. But, I was glad to learn about the benefits and applications in pain management. And No, it's not painful, just make sure you visit a trained professional. A resource on how to locate them in each state is also provided.

The book is well presented. The formatting and grammar were beyond reproach. The pace and flow were easy and constant. I felt as if it was a friend telling me her personal story; I could feel her emotions and even identify with some of her challenges. I am now more aware of trip hazards and will be on the lookout to assist others. The best part of her experience was the coffee shop fiasco after her first surgery. Key to point out how difficult it is for handicapped patients to move around. I could identify how her restricted mobility dawned on her, placing her in an awkward position. I leave the reader to explore the experience further as it was quite descriptive.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. There is nothing negative to say about this book. I would recommend it to surgery patients and their families/care givers. Butternut to Bionic can prove a valuable resource even for reference purposes. Finally, you might not be able to go horse riding again, at least not at full gallop!

******
Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery
View: on Bookshelves

Like Alicnim's review? Post a comment saying so!

juliusotinyo · Post by **juliusotinyo** » 31 Aug 2017, 23:43

Excellent review. Congratulations on your first official review, just 1 week after you joined! Are you an English literature teacher!?

Took me 2 months!

Alicnim · Post by **Alicnim** » 31 Aug 2017, 23:50

Thing is I couldn't stand English literature in highschool. I just love to read, comes with age, I think. Thanks for your comments.

juliusotinyo · Post by **juliusotinyo** » 01 Sep 2017, 00:03

Good work Alicnim, very impressive. Though this book may not be for me. I appreciate the take-aways but I won't bump it up soon.

Alicnim · Post by **Alicnim** » 01 Sep 2017, 02:31

I understand, it's not for everyone. Thanks for your comments.

Amagine · Post by **Amagine** » 01 Sep 2017, 04:07

I love how this book is filled with many different remedies. It could greatly benefit someone someday.

Great Review! ?

Alicnim · Post by **Alicnim** » 01 Sep 2017, 04:39

Amagine wrote:I love how this book is filled with many different remedies. It could greatly benefit someone someday.

Great Review! ?

Thanks Amagine, am glad to know you could relate.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 01 Sep 2017, 07:36

Very nice. There aren't a lot of books out there detailing hip replacements like this. I'm sure it would be a good resource for anyone going through that or with a loved one going through that.

Alicnim · Post by **Alicnim** » 01 Sep 2017, 10:05

kandscreeley wrote:Very nice. There aren't a lot of books out there detailing hip replacements like this. I'm sure it would be a good resource for anyone going through that or with a loved one going through that.

Yeah it is a not so common topic. My father in-law had surgery a while ago, most of what the doctor advised is found in this novel.

Christina Rose · Post by **Christina Rose** » 02 Sep 2017, 11:46

Great review! This book sounds like an amazing resource! I was a CNA for years, and sometimes assisted residents who had just undergone hip replacement with daily life during recovery. It sounds like this book is spot-on. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

KlareAllison · Post by **KlareAllison** » 02 Sep 2017, 13:06

I am really touched by the experience of Tiffany Anderson and her idea of writing this in her book, Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery to help others who are faced with the same challenge. Personal and real life stories often attract and hold my attention. I am attracted to this book. Nice review!

Alicnim · Post by **Alicnim** » 02 Sep 2017, 13:58

Rose,
I train in medicine, not many hip replacements here but for the few that come by I am glad for this information. Thanks for stopping by.

-- 02 Sep 2017, 13:59 --

Klare,
It really was a touching story. I am sure you'd like it.

Izesicle · Post by **Izesicle** » 03 Sep 2017, 15:46

I was tagging this as a boring nonfiction. I thought to myself: this is what reviews are for, so I don't have to read the book and the topic is not relevant to me. But your review is convincing me to maybe read it. Congrats on your official review. Thanks for stopping by mine.