Ramblings regarding my scheduled 2/16 resurfacing with Dr Gross

[obxpelican]

Actually you have 2 cysts, not just one.



Chuck

[einreb]

8 Days to Go...

I stopped the diclofenac yesterday.  A couple days earlier than required by Dr Gross, but I figure if I'm going to over do everything...  I might as well start now.  I may take the occasional vicodin at night, but will try to avoid that too.

Its a good to get a fresh reminder of how much my hip hurts without any sort of medication.  I'm going to spend a little extra time stretching every day.  A PT friend gave a couple of suggested stretches.  No clue if they will help, but it gives me some sense of control.  I've also been dong some light upper body work at the gym to prepare for the additional load of pushing/pulling that  my arms will do post surgery.

[jjmclain]

Good Luck and keep us posted!!!! ::)

[Dayton96]

Bernie,

So, where are you staying in Columbia?  Driving down or flying?

Mac

[einreb]

Bernie,

So, where are you staying in Columbia?  Driving down or flying?

Mac

Flying down Monday.  Staying at the Couryard Marriot, then the hospitol :) and then a Doubletree Friday night in Charlotte near the airport.

We have a 7am flight back Saturday morning.  I'm a bit freaked out by that being so early, but I suspect I'll just want to get it over with and get home.

[Tin Soldier]

Bernie - you go in this Monday, right?  From what I've read on here, Gross knows his stuff.  I think you picked the right guy.  Hope you're doing ok without the pain meds.  You've got to be pretty stoked to get this going and move on.  I wish you all the best.

[obxpelican]

Don't be alarmed if you are swelled up the morning after you get home, it's very normal.  I did not swell up till after my trip home to Pgh in the car.


Chuck

Bernie,

So, where are you staying in Columbia?  Driving down or flying?

Mac

Flying down Monday.  Staying at the Couryard Marriot, then the hospitol :) and then a Doubletree Friday night in Charlotte near the airport.

We have a 7am flight back Saturday morning.  I'm a bit freaked out by that being so early, but I suspect I'll just want to get it over with and get home.

[Bionic]

Good luck, Bernie.

My 2 year anniversary with Dr. Gross is tomorrow, and I am extremely satisfied with my outcome.  My kids remind me regularly how much more fun they have with me now than when I was walking with a cane and could barely play with them.

I think you've made a good choice.

[newdog]

Bernie,
No worries, you are in good hands. I am four weeks post-op and am doing fine. I'm using a cane and can tell I won't be long using it. Like Chuck said, don't worry about swelling, it's normal. Elevate and ice. Mine were swollen also probably due to riding home in a car to central Pennsylvania. It was a 10 hour ride (split into two 5 hour days) and I was never in any kind of pain the whole way home. I could have done it in one day but my wife did all the driving and she doesn't like driving at night. I don't mean to ramble, I know you are flying, I'm just trying to help ease any worry about post-op discomfort.

Those are fascinating x-rays. That is one awful looking hip. I'm am actually excited for you, the difference will be incredible. I wish I could be there when you first feel the relief from the pain and misery of your old hip surfaces. You'll see what I mean.

Keep us posted, good luck.

Steve (newdog)

[FlbrkMike]

Good luck Bernie!!

I'm taking the plunge on Friday.  See you "on the other side."

[einreb]

Good luck Bernie!!

I'm taking the plunge on Friday.  See you "on the other side."

Thanks!  Good luck to you too!

Those are fascinating x-rays. That is one awful looking hip.

the weird thing about that hip is that its served me well for 40 years.  Sorta.  Too bad i cant bronze it and put it up on the mantle.  :)

I think you've made a good choice.

Yup... I think the surgeon decision is a sound one especially considering his experience with weird/bad hips like mine and his confidence in the success of the resurfacing.

Hope you're doing ok without the pain meds.  You've got to be pretty stoked to get this going and move on.  I wish you all the best.

Oddly enough, I've had a raging headache since I stopped the diclofenac. Apparently thats not that uncommon.  I'm almost enjoying the hip pain since its a reminder that I'm doing the right thing.

[obxpelican]

Bionic,

I thought you fell off the face of the earth...... nice to hear a fellow 08er is doing well.



Chuck

Good luck, Bernie.

My 2 year anniversary with Dr. Gross is tomorrow, and I am extremely satisfied with my outcome.  My kids remind me regularly how much more fun they have with me now than when I was walking with a cane and could barely play with them.

I think you've made a good choice.

[halfdone]

Good luck Wednesday Bernie!  The wait is nearly over.  You're with the best.  Looking forward to future reports of your recovery and life beyond pain and pain meds on the other side.

[einreb]

Thanks.  Flying out this am... will likely post tomorrow after my pre-op appointment at midlands.

My hip was talking to me last night... its getting angry!  :)

-B

[FlbrkMike]

Good luck Bernie!!  I had my LBHR done on Friday and am home now, getting around the house on one crutch.  It was a lot easier than I expected, and I hope that yours goes as well or better. 

We'll see how I feel after starting PT (hopefully today). 

Mike

[einreb]

The pre-op visit was as advertised with regards to how well run Dr Gross's office is and the people staffing it.  

The surgery is ON for tomorrow 9:30am and I'm ready.

However, the bone density dexa score in my bad hip was -2.3.  That's pretty bad for someone at 40 (apparently i have the right hip of a 22 year old).  This means I go on the slow recovery process which I think involves 10% weight bearing for the first 4 weeks, 2 more weeks of crutches and then a cane.  

This has me a bit bummed since I was secretly hoping for that 'rock star' recovery, but I am able to get my head around the importance of taking it slow and making it to the magical 6 month mark.

[obxpelican]

Was that a typo?  A 22 year old?


Good luck, you'll do fine, remember in regard to recovery, the turtle still won the race and the turtle lives longer too.



Chuck

[einreb]

Was that a typo?  A 22 year old?

Ha... that may have just been an off the cuff remark by Lee regarding my good hip.  I was a little freaked out as they explained my bad side and the ramifications on the recovery, but I'm up for the challenge.

[Dayton96]

What else did you have to do today to get ready for the surgery?  Were there any "night before," instructions or restrictions?

Mac

[23109VC]

Good luck!!!

I'm leaving San Diego on Saturday.  I'm getting there a bit on the early side, but I want to sight see for a day or two before...  I meet Dr. Gross on 2/22 and surgery is 2/23.  I got a cough the other day that I'm trying to shake before my surgery....I would be upset to get a week from surgery and miss it because i caught a cold..... 

I'll be anxious to hear how it all goes... I'm right behind you!