Sticky Postings
I wanted to let people know that the blogs are mostly used to tell Hip Resurfaicng Stories.
If you are hoping to get some comments from your posting, I would suggest joining the Hip Talk Discussion Group on this website Hip Talk Discussion Group at the Surface Hippy Website
I don't like people to be dissapointed that they are not getting answers from their posts. There are over 500+ memebers on the Hip Talk Group and the people are very kind and supportive.
Pat Owner/Webmaster of the Surface Hippy Website
Sticky Postings
Many people have great personal hip resurfacing stories to tell. These
stories help people to learn about hip resurfacing. The stories about how people decided to choose their doctor, their surgery experiences, post op recoveries and their return to an active normal life are very inspiring to people wanting to learn about hip resurfacing
Blog your story. If you have already had a hip resurfacing share your story with others. If you are about to have a hip resurfacing, use your Surface Hippy Blog as a journal to keep track of your Surface Hippy Adventure. Many have gone before you and hopefully, many more will follow in your footsteps.
I will try to link all the personal stories posted on the Surface Hippy Blogs on the Hip Stories Page of Surface Hippy. Surface Hippy is becoming a very active and well used website. Posting your personal story will help spread the word about how great hip resurfacing is. Let’s share our stories with the world
Join Surface Hippy Blogs and post your hip resurfacing story now! Go to the USER SELF REGISTRATION section of the right side and register.
Thursday, July 2. 2009
HI all. I just had surgery at Wake Forest Medical Center with Dr. Jinnah. Here is my story.
Since I live in virginia there were a few logistics about how I would get to and from the hospital. I have many friends who are pilots and one volunteered to take me to Wake Forrest and also provide the return trip. I was not worried about getting down there but getting back would pose some challenges.
I went down with a companion and we stayed at the Hawthorne the night before. Not a bad place and they do have a shuttle. If I had to do it agin though I would check out the wingate.
The morning of surgery we went over at 6:30 AM and waited for 2 hours. I was called into prep and that lasted about 30 miniutes. My companion was allowed to wait until it was time to take me in.
When I was reasy they gave me a "cocktail" to make me sleepy. The next thing I remember was waking up in Post op. I had a spinal block. There was no ill affects and it was much better than full anethesia. I felt nothing.
THe first day I was pretty groggy but my pain was managed well. I never got above 3 on a 1-10 scale. Slept fine the first night.
They took the catetheter out ( it was put in when I was alseep in surg) and I was hoping I would be able to unrinate. That turned out not to be the case and by 6 that night I was uncomfortable. They had to reinsert the cathether but because of my swelling it was difficult and took 4 attempts. That was very uncomfortable. When they were about to go for number 5 (the fourth one failed) I said "enough" and was somehow able to make it happen. From there on ..no problems. My recomendations here is to see if you can take Flowmax before surgery. They put me on it after that point and I have had no problems.
In the hospital you get training from PT and OT which is not much as you don't need much. Its all about learning how to do certain things without breaking hip restrictions. It was easy and fun. I was walking the day after surgery, not fast but fine. Wake forrest likes to use walkers that work very well.
I was discharged on wednesday and made the flight home. I basically had to back into the back section of our small plane ( a bonanza). It was very similar to getting in or out of a car. As advised I have been staying ahead on my pain meds which has helped.
Thursday ( first day home)
I slepy fine last night, no issues. In the morning I got up and was able to go the bathroom and had my first bowel movement since surgery. No big deal. I have been taking Fibercon which seems to work fine.
There has been much talk about drugs causing constipation and it is a concern but not a huge one. First , take the pain pills, whatever you're concerns are about constipation they are minor compared to effect of pain on your recovery. If you hurt you don't move as much, drink as much and so everything is slower. From my experience I would say drink as much as you can and take a stool softener (they will prescibe one probably) Then something like Fiberone.
I am in less pain today and was able to go down the stairs (12 of them) without any issues. The swelling in my leg is starting to go down so walking is easier. It is easy to overdue so I would suggest taking many small walks and resting as well for the first couple weeks. At this point I would say thet the surgery and recovery is much less problematic than I imagined.
Tuesday, June 30. 2009
1 week ago today, I went into Stepping Hill Hospital, to have my hopeful hip-resurfacing operation.
I'd phoned the ward the day before as instructed in the letter, to make sure that everything was still okay, and was told so, and told not to come in till the morning of the operation.
Continue reading "1 week post op"
Monday, June 22. 2009
As I type this I'm less than 12 hours away from when I have my operation.
I know originally the op was down for 3 June, but it was rescheduled to 23 June, I won't deny that I'm a little nervous, but glad the time for the op is near.
I'll be back soon.
Thursday, June 11. 2009
hi all, I'm a 42 yo who had a left HR with Dr Gross on June 3, 2009. I am fairly heavyset (x Offensive lineman) and when I met with Dr Gross the day before, he responded that <blockquote></blockquote>I might be difficult<blockquote></blockquote>. After the surgery, he told my wife that I was the hardest one he's done this year, and instead of the operation taking an hour it took nearly 2hrs and 15 min. I have a very good friend who had her hip resurfaced four weeks ago with Dr Mont and we are both very happy with the outcomes sofar. Here are some things that I've found to be strongly in favor of Dr Gross.
1) Minimally invasive normally with steristrips. Although it doesn't seem like much, was able to shower the day after the operation. no staples to remove.
2) I'm not a doctor, but the blood spinning procedure, where they spin out the platelets and put about 300 cc back into the wound for quicker recovery
3) DEXA scan determines how long you stay on crutches. In my case with good bone density, doc said crutches one week and cane for a week, then nothing. I'm not quite ready for the cane, but happy to know that I can graduate when ready!
4) Icing the wound is so critical after the surgery, and they gave me this little cooler with a clever pump and blanket that keeps my wound cool for several hours. The device is called a polar care 300. It is definitely the neatest gadget I've seen in years. Could use it for any other injury recovery.
5) Administration. Everything is wired and designed to get you home if you are ready to go home. There is a nice hotel right across the parking lot from the hospital. I had my surgery on Wed morning and left the hospital at noon on Friday.
Thursday, May 28. 2009
My name is Michael Smith, and on the fourth of June, I will be having a hip resurfacing of my right hip.
I plan to try to post updates as frequently as possible, with update about how a 34 year old patient copes with the recovery from the operation.
My surgeon is Dr Bamford, and the operation will take place at Stepping Hill Hospital.
I plan to also post, video clips, which as Media student should be fairly easy for me.
Michael
Monday, May 18. 2009
<a href="http://"></a>I am day 4 post op. Had my Left hip resurfaced by Dr. Mont this past Thursday. I am feeling great and so excited to be on the road towards recovery! I do have a question regarding swelling. My left hip has 29 staples and, as expected, is quite swollen. My question is...do I lay low and ice it with minimal walking on crutches OR do I continue to motor around knowing this is part of the recovery?
I would love any advice! Thanks so much!
Kristen Cook
Friday, May 8. 2009
I will first say that in june of 07 i had a left hip resurfacing done. After a year of pain free life i again began having pain...this time in my right hip. Back on pain meds i went. Going from one pill to the next and finally ending up on Morphine. On jan 16th 09 i again had a hip resurfacing done. 2 months after surgery i was playing golf in Phoenix pain free. Im once again drug free and enjoying my "so called" normal life again. Thanks to our Canadian medical system and my doctor, my quality of life is back.
Garth.
Monday, March 23. 2009
I had a right hip resurfacing on 3/5/09 performed by Dr. Edwin Su at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). It is now 3/23 - I am feeling great and walking comfortably with the use of a cane. The lead up to surgery was two years of limping and pain. The decision to have surgery was an easy one. After doing my research - much of which was on this site - I met with Dr. Su once, on 1/29/09. He recommended resurfacing (I'm 55) -- I agreed. Christina (his assistant) took it from there -- her demeanor leading up to the surgery was both professional and reassuring. 3/5/09 arrived quickly. Everyone associated with the HSS is to be commended. The intake was seamless. Zoey (sp? - the intake nurse) and John (who prepped my hip) were both engaging and thorough (in fact John made it a point to visit me twice while I was in the hospital). Dr. Su visited me before the operation, and as he did when I first met him, he put me totally at ease with his quiet confidence, compassion, professionalism and his obvious love for what he is doing. Soon thereafter I was wheeled into the OR - followed by an epidural and sedation. I woke up in the recovery room approximately 2 hours later. No pain, just muscle soreness and stiffness in my right hip. I had great care in the recovery room (I was there overnight as beds were in short supply on this particular Thursday night -- my surgery was at 6:30 PM.) The activity in the recovery room acutually served to pass the time and the warmth and caring of Eileen (the recovery nurse) and the others who attended to me there was much appreciated. I had my first visit from PT -- Mia and Lee. They were engaging and understanding and had me up and about in a walker. By Friday afternoon I was in a room - East River view no less! Mia and Lee visited me in the afternoon and in the evening Suzanna (from PT) took me for yet another "stroll" with a walker. Her good humor was wonderful. Dr. Su came by in the evening after what I can only imagine was a very long day, sat on the window sill and chatted. He fielded all my myriad questions with his usual grace. Saturday began with Rebecca from PT and a choice of crutches -- I chose the metal forearm version. Walking with crutches was not a problem - altho lightheadedness sent me back to my room before I could try the stairs (a prerequisite for discharge). Later that morning Dr. Su called (from his home) to check on my progress! My room nurse was Jordan - friendly, humorous, informative and patient - as capable a professional as I have ever been around. At around 3 PM Rebecca from PT returned - this time I passed the stair test. Rebecca was encouraging, patient and caring. I was discharged thereafter and had dinner at my kitchen table with my family at 6:30 PM pm on 3/7 ..... exactly 48 hours after my surgery. As noted above it is now 3/23 - my recovery has been slow and steady with the muscle soreness and stiffness getting better every day. Daily walks and visits from Farel (home PT) have gotten me stronger and steadier on my feet. My next visit to Dr. Su is on 4/1.
Monday, January 19. 2009
Could anyone help me. I am 57 years old, 6 weeks post op and everything seems to be going great with my recovery. I was a bit of a fanatical runner, training every day and completed 30+ marathons, but I stopped running about 6 years ago when hip pain became too much to bear.
I tried to keep myself fit by joining a gym, cycling etc. but nothing really compared with running which resulted in me ceasing training altogether and resorted to walking my dogs only.
I want to get back to a decent level of fitness and possibly run again by using a static spin cycle and rowing machine.
Can anyone advise a schedule that I could use for the spinning as I have no idea? I could simply ride along to a music track but would like to apply some science and be able to measure any progress.
Your help and any stories related to spin training will be appreciated.
Monday, January 12. 2009
Just wanted to offer my experience to anyone considering bi-lateral resurfacing in the future. I'm a 60 year old active femaile who had my resurfacing(s) done at UCSF with Dr. Tom Vail 6 weeks ago. By week 4 I was without any walking aids or pain meds and at week 6 I'm swimming , going to water aerobics 3 times a week, walking, doing yardwork and all my housecleaning and working full time. I have a little stiffness if I sit too long or work out too hard but otherwise I'm pretty much back to normal. The first couple weeks are very hard but preparation is everything. I planned this surgery for 6 months so I had plenty of time to research and implement my pre-surgery exersize routines and post surgery needs. If you are considering a bi-lateral, I have a wealth of info.
Thursday, January 8. 2009
I am new to Surface Hippy and hope someone can help. I am from Ontario Canada and searching for a qualified surgeon. Most of my research to date has turned up many great surgeons from outside Canada. I am 42 yrs of age and have been told in need of hip resurfacing. I can see from reading blogs that many many people feel my pain. I have put off surgery for over a year now, but no more. I wish to rid my life of the pain. Now my search for the right surgeon is underway. So far my search in Ontario has turned up little.....Please help.
Thanks, Tim
Monday, January 5. 2009
I am a 41 yr Male, injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003. Air Force doctors called this a 'pulled groin' for 2 years.
It was not till I begged VA x-ray and CT me that the fracture of the RH was discovered.
The total rundown: AVN , arthritis, suprs and narrowing.
VA wants to THR, without even a consideration of a re-surface. There appears do be not 1 doctor in Oklahoma doing these or on the website anyway, with any real numbers.
I am 36 at the time and was VERY active, Air Force Security Forces MSgt, in shape, Basketball, Ice Hockey ( rec league), Cycling, Golf ( which I am still pretty salty, bad hip and all)
I am really considerint going over-seas due to the cost, as I will have to self-pay, if I cannot get this approved in the US by VA.
Does anyone have any thoughts or know if VA is funding this in other areas of the US?
Or maybe a doctor that is kind to vets?
I have 2 small boys and I want to " add Life to my Years with them"
Any help or info you may have will be a blessing,
Jay
JayClark@coxinet.net
Friday, January 2. 2009
I have used this site for approx 1yr as part of my research into what to do with my right hip and am recording this entry as a way to pay it forward in the event that I can help someone else with the process...I am a 38yr old former college tennis player who has been active my entire life and was told that my hip was too far gone for arthroscopy or dislocation and debridement...I moved to Florida from Boston a few yrs ago and was focused on finding the best alternative I could regardless of location...I consulted with 8 different surgeons in Florida, Boston, Baltimore and NY in an attempt to make a final decision...After many months of deliberation, I ended up having my hip resurfaced by Dr. Edwin Su at the Hospital for Special Surgeries in NY on 12/18/08...So far I am thrilled with the decision, as Dr. Su and his assistant Blaire Biasi are terrific and everyone is amazed at how well I am doing...I stopped taking pain killers 1 wk post-op (not even tylenol) and have been walking approx 1 mile/day since about the same time...Dr. Su is a big fan of the bike, and much to my surprise I was able to begin riding a non-resistant bike for 10 minutes 5 days post-op!! Stairs have been a breeze from the outset and I start P.T. on Monday...Dr. Su likes us to use crutches for 3 wks post-op, so I am still adhering to his program for 1 more wk, at which time I hope to return to driving as well...If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to share my research and experiences in gratitude for this GREAT SITE and Pat!
Wednesday, December 10. 2008
Well it’s been a month sense my first blog. I am now sitting 9 days from surgery. I am a little apprehensive, but there is no doubt I am ready for this. The pain in my right hip seems to get worse every day. I am sure some of that is the result of the fact that I have committed myself to getting in the best shape possible before this surgery. I have been trying to do a spinning class 3 days a week and swim 2000 yards twice a week. I have only missed a couple work outs which makes me pretty happy. I really feel good other than the HIP PAIN.
One thing that is concerning though is that as I push myself, I am starting to feel some twinges in my left groin, which is exactly how the right hip first presented itself. My Doc say they may be able to save the left hip if I have the bone spurs ground away as soon as I feel pain, they showed on the last X-ray, but I had no symptoms. Maybe that will work, but we’ll worry about that once the right hip is working properly again.
I still have a fair number of items on my pre surgery “honey do” list but I should be ready. Would like to get out skiing one time this year before I give it up for a year, but we’ll see, there’s a lot on that list.
I have stopped going to the discussion board, as even though there is lots of good info there, right now I don’t want to stumble across something thing that will rattle my nerves, which is what happened the last time I visited. I am sure after the surgery I will be back reading everything, but right now I think it’s best to stay away. When doing the research though it was awesome and really helped me with my decisions.
I did watch the online operation videos, I thought it was great. Being an engineer, I like to know how things work, watching the surgery really opened my eyes to what is going to be done. My dad and father-in-law, both veterans of being under the knife thought I was NUTS. My wife and son who watched the videos with me thought they were very cool.
Pre-op next Monday, it getting interesting.
Mike
Saturday, December 6. 2008
Counting down the days now. After many months of different medications I'm now on Hydro morphine. I will give a little history of my dealing with hip pain.
2 and a halve years ago i had my first hip resurfacing done on my left hip. After dealing with pain for over 3 years it was a nice relief to be pain free. That was fine for 2 years . Then i was back with pain in my right hip. This time the pain increased quickly and now I'm in constant pain with or without my medication. My nights are spent with short periods of sleep, frequently being waken by pain. I'm 52 and have had a active life with sports as well in my work profession. On Thursday I'm hoping for the same results as 2 1/2 years ago. That is to be pain free. I have the same surgeon and that makes me feel comfortable with this surgery. I have seen pics of staple filled legs and scars. With my first surgery i had no staples or even stitches that were exposed. All i have to show from my first surgery is a faint pink line down the side of my hip. I'm hoping for the same this time.
I have people asking me about my surgery and the pain. And i tell them if they are having pain in a hip or a bad knee, go and have it checked out and if they will do surgery to replace it ...Go and have it done!!! My experience has been nothing put positive. Pain everyday of the week weighs on your mind after a while. Those of you who have gone through it know what i mean. OK i have said my peace now. I will be back when my surgery is complete to update my progress.
Garth.
Monday, November 10. 2008
Well I pulled the trigger today and made the call to Northland Orthopedics of Rhinelander to schedule my hip resurfacing. It will be with Dr. Jim Dyreby on December 17th or 19th. This has been a long process since the diagnosis back in June of 2007. However the pain has got to the point where it’s just not worth it anymore. Two things really made the difference in my decision to have the surgery now rather than put it off for a few more months.
First the pain medication is starting to get to my head, at least I think it’s the meds. I am on Celebrex with tylonal supplements. The last couple of month I have noticed I am not as sharp as I normally am, my memory is crap, and I am making poor decisions. Two months ago I almost totaled my boat fishing with my father in a Musky Tourney. We where fishing the lake I grew up on and I ended up running the boat up on a reef I have fished 1000s of times, luckily I made some last minutes adjustments to the motor and got REAL lucky and did NO damage. At the time I chalked it up to a bone headed mistake, but as time passed I am not so sure. This is the type of mistake I never would have made in the past, heck I was looking right at my GPS. That was the worst, but there are other incidents I really have no explanation for.
Second I recently had some shoulder pain, it started a couple of months ago and steadily got worse. As fall volleyball league started I aggravated the shoulder to the point it was starting to affect my sleep. I went in to see the Ortho to ensure this wasn’t also a joint problem. After a short exam they took a quick x-ray and luckily ruled out authorities of the shoulder. A quick Cortisone shot to an inflamed tendon and I am now playing volleyball like I am in college again. OK other than the pain and limited mobility because of the hip. But the quick fix made me start to think, WHY AM I WAITING and letting my quality of life suffer.
Doctor Dyreby is not the most experienced with the BHR, but I am confident he will do a quality job; I have had a number of doctors tell me he is one of the most meticulous surgeons they know. Plus I know him personally and can have the surgery done in my home town. After much research my only chance at finding a better doctor would be to go to one of the docs who have been doing it since the very beginning in the U.S. or overseas, but then I give up the personal knowledge and my insurance will not cover the surgery. If I was more than an amateur YMCA athlete I probably would purse that but as it is I made the decision and want it done soon, and don’t think I will win the Insurance battle. There are two other docs in the plan that have now done close to 50 HRs. So it would be very unlikely to win my arguments for Dr. Rogerson. Plus Dr. Dyreby trained with Dr. Rogerson so that upped my confidence level considerable.
I started my new workout routine today and plan to get in the best shape possible before the surgery, everything I read says recovery will be better if the patient is in good shape.
Last couple of month I have been swimming and biking once or twice a week, usually once. New goal is to bike, (most likely hour long spinning class at the Y) 3 times per week and swim 2 times per week working up to 2500 yards a session.
I didn’t wear my heart rate monitor today, when I spun, because I didn’t want to be completely disappointed. I’ll work up to it. I’m 6’4” and weighed 226 today.
Well that’s way more than I was planning on typing for my first Log, I hope it’s not my last.
Mike
Sunday, November 2. 2008
Three years after my resurfacing I experienced pain and swelling in the front and side of the biomet implant. After a visit to my doctor he ordered blood work and CT Scan. The blood work did not reveal an infection and the CT should be back tomorrow. To be prepared for a discussion with my doctor, if the CT does not reveal any abnormality, has anyone else had this problem. Thanks for your help.
Saturday, November 1. 2008
Have a resurface schedueled for Nov. 19 with Dr. Scheinkop in Chicago . Pretty apprehensive about the whole deal ...anyone out there who would say "DONT DO IT"...
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