March 29, 2010 I had the BHR put in my right hip on 3/23. I am 41 year old male, and a competitive cyclist. Dr. was Creg Carpenter out of Chelsea, MI. The incision is 8 inches long, and he went in from the side (latererly). S&N device. I was in the hospital for 3 days, and stopped pain pills (except tylenol) when I came home. Here are the major issues I’ve been struggling with:

* constipation – had a BM this morning, which was my 5th in 6 days. Normal for me is 2-3 per day, so hopefully I’ve got this back under control

* heartburn – have had this for 3 days. Today seems a bit better. Trying Zantec to see if that helps

* lack of sleep – the above 2 items, plus only sleeping on back has prevented me from getting back into a normal sleep schedule.

* very tight, stiff, sore upper quad.

April 10, 2010 10 days post op now. Saw my surgeon today, and he said I had the least swelling of any patient he’s had that is on Lovenox. So that was positive. I am walking on one crutch now. Dr. also said I can go to a pool to do water therapy, I can lift weights, ride a stationary bike, basically whatever I want as long as I don’t violate the restrictions or do something that hurts. So I’m feeling really positive, but I know I’ve got a long haul to go. He said I might be able to tie my shoe in 9-10 months. Lot’s of walking this morning, so I am going to go lay down and ice up the leg.

April 7, 2010  Wound was glued closed (no stitches or staples). When showering tonight, I noticed a 4 inch long by 2 inch wide section of my skin, just rearward of wound that is numb. I can pinch the skin in this area and cannot feel it. Every other aspect of recovery is going good.

April 24, 2010 The IT band of my operated leg is super sore, even to the touch, just above the knee. When my PT tries to massage my leg, I have to ask him to ease up in this area because it is so sore.

April 27, 2010 I road my road bike for the first time (on a trainer) at 4.5 weeks post surgery. I have been riding a trainer as part of PT 3 times per week. No issues riding a trainer. However, riding a trainer strengthens quads and calfs, but you’ll find after surgery that you need to restrengthen the muscles on the side (that were cut for the surgery). I am still going to PT 3 x per week. The pain in the knee is definitely related to the surgery. Basically, the quads get very tight after the surgery, and they are still tighter than normal.. I definitely fell like my hips and knees are more aligned now that my arthritic hip has been dealt with.

April 28, 2010 Had my 5 week check with my doc today. He said everything looks good. He said I can start riding my bike again, outside, in 2 weeks!

June 3, 2010 My doctor lifted all restrictions at my 10 week check-up. He had previously told me that I could start cycling outside after 8 weeks post-op, which I started doing. I am up to 40 miles now. However, it is not easy. My operated thigh has lost about 1 inch in diameter of muscle, so I am finding that I don’t have the strength to really sprint or charge up hills. I am thankful that at least I can get out and ride again. No more pain in the hip.

August 5, 2010 I had the BHR at the end of March. I am a 41 year old male. Pain is gone. I can bike ride all I want. I still get a little “clunking” in my operated leg, when I am doing things like brushing my teeth.