Irwin Sibler, Hip Replacement Stamps, Obsese Patients and More

by Pamela
(Hip Replacement and Recovery)

News bites for the week

So another week went by and here we are again. What happened in the hip replacement world this week?

Irwin Sibler RIP

Sad to say that Irwin Sibler, author of "A Patient's Guide to Knee and Hip Replacement" died this week at the age of 84.

Irwin was a keen tennis player who worked as the editor of a famous folk magazine called "Sing Out"

An active socialist with a deep interest in health issues Irwin wrote for The Guardian, Crossroads and Frontline. During his life he had both knees and one hip replaced and became interested enough in the subject to write a great book.

Hip Replacement on a Stamp

Yes, it's true the Royal Mail has issued a stamp with a picture of a hip replacement! The new set of stamps celebrates pioneering breakthroughs in medicine made by British doctors.

The stamps were launched at the Thackery Museum in Yorkshire. The museum is named after the firm that made the first hip replacements for Sir John Charnley.

The hip is on the 60p stamp which should ensure low sales as not many people need a stamp of that denomination.

Hip and Knee Patients in Poor Health


The National Joint Registry has said that over 83% of patients needing hip or knee replacement surgery were overweight or obese.

Of the hip replacement patients 40% were overweight, 34% obese and 3% morbidly obese. Knee replacement patients had an even worse weight problem with 47% overweight 36% obese and 6% morbidly obese.

It is anticipated that, if anything, the situation will get worse over the next few years.

Progress

New Look

The new look for my site still isn't ready - it seems to be cursed in fact. I can unzip all the files but they don't seem to want to work - so the designer and I are exchanging emails and files to see if we can get it sorted.

Abseiling

The abseil (you do remember I'm going to abseil from the top of Guy?s Hospital Tower don't you!) is tomorrow.

Yes I'm nervous - after all its only 35 stories up in the air which is a long way up and a long way down. There are six of us doing it and we are so hoping to raise £1,000 for Links-India.

It's not too late to dig out your credit card. Online donations can be for as little as £2 (about $3).

Nordic Walking

I went Nordic walking and I loved it. Using the sticks really takes the pressure off my dodgy knee and I could walk faster and further than usual. I did pay for it a bit that evening with a swollen knee but it was worth it. I'm looking into this more and will add something to my walking aids page.

Slumber Support

Finally Slumber Support - you'll remember I said I was waiting to road-test this - well I did and I love it. I've written the review and info pages but want to sort out a way you can get hold of one easily so am working on an enquiry form to add in. I so recommend you getting one if you're having hip surgery.

That's all for this week

Best wishes
Pamela