I am a 40 year old active father of 2 small children, so I needed to get the hip done to enjoy life and really play with my kids. I had a Birmingham resurface of the left hip with Dr. Schmalzried November 14, 2012. I was off crutches by the 3rd day, no need for a cane. Pain was in the 1-3 range for the first week, although I was only taking Tylenol codeine (Norco) and refused to take the oxycontins. So pain was not bad, but could have been better if I took the painkillers. I was driving within 4 days, only issue was reaching and getting the door closed from seated position. I drive an automatic, so just had left leg resting.

I am now 5 weeks post op, don’t even limp most of the time. I was back at work the Monday following surgery. In my opinion, my recovery was made possible by intensive pre-surgery work outs with a personal trainer who was certified in corrective exercises. My trainer was Ken Ward of 24 Hr Fitness in Sherman Oaks. When we started, he noticed a lot of problems which were a result of favoring the hip. We worked on correcting those issues, and strengthening the muscles of the legs and core. His pre-op routine is what I credit for shaving weeks off of my recovery time.

I just saw Dr. Schmalzried today for the follow up, and everything is looking good. I am now on an annual follow up unless something weird happens.

Dr. Schmalzried and his staff are fantastic. Great attitudes, very helpful and friendly. I was referred by a friend who had his left hip resurfaced, and his outcome was also fantastic. Only negative experience was when one of the night nurses decided to yank the catheter around while she moved some things in the room, which woke me up right quick. I slept the rest of the night tightly clenching the tube in my right hand to prevent any other unwelcome movements.