Countdown to my 2/23/11 resurfacing with Dr. Gross

[23109VC]

Well, after years and years dealing with my hip pain, the day to get it fixed it around the corner.  It has been a long time coming, and I have this site to thank for much of the info I learned along my journey.

Like most of the rest of you who suffered from hip pain, it was a gradual process that brought me here.  I'm a 38 year old married father of three.  When I was in high school, college, and grad school I was a pretty active and physically fit person.  I lifted weights, jogged, and loved to play racquetball.  I probably played racquetball at least three times a week through most of that time.  By the time I was in my late 20s I started noticing that after a session of racquetball, my left hip would hurt, and kept hurting the next day or two.  Like most young guys, I shrugged it off as "I pulled something, it will go away.". Well, it didn't go away.  Then, like most guys, I figured if I just ignored it, it would go away.  :). And it didn't.  I finally got it looked at , hoping to find out it was something trivial
That would go away.  I remember not getting a good answer from the doctor.  He could tell me it wasn't bone cancer or anything terminal, but he couldn't say what caused it, or what it was other than minor soft tissue damage.  I. Was told to stop playing sports...which I didn't want to hear.  I got some antiinflammatories and for a brief time, popping a pill let me play sports.  Eventually, the pain pill didn't do much good and I finally gave up playing racquetball, as much as I loved to play, the pain was enough that I just quir playing.  I could, however, still run.  My hip didn't like the later a
Explosive movements of racquetball, but the slow steady straight back n forth motions of jogging didn't seem to bother me, and I kept jogging a couple miles here and there.  I wasn't doing marathons or anything, just 2-3 mile runs to keep fit a couple times a week.

Within the past 5 years even that became too painful.  I can still remember going out for a run and getting very frustrated because I realized mt hip was getting worse and even run ing was becoming too painful to do.  So I stopped that too.  Walking, sitting, and other "regular" activities didn't cause pain, and I wasn't walking with a limp.

I did go see my doctor every  year to check on my hip and I began seeing an orthopedic surgeon a few years ago.  He told me that I would need a hip replacement at some point.  I had heard that before, one of the earlier docs I had seen had told me that i would probably need one "someday", but I always thought that would be in my 60s or something....  Now, as I wasn't even to 40, I was realizing that it would be sooner VS later.  My doctor told me about a procedure called hip resurfacing.  He knew what is was, but didn't know how to do it.  He told me he wouldn't want to do a total hip on me because of my age, but he thought if I did our sue surgery, that i should research hip resurfacing.  I looked into it, read about it on the web, found this site, and watched some YouTube videos of the procedure.  That was 3 or so years ago, and while I was in Pain, it wasn't bad enough to want to do the surgery...not after I saw it on YouTube....I didn't want any part of it.  I was content to leave things status quo..the pain was a nuisance, but I was married, working...I wasn't doing sports anyway....so I adjusted my life to my limitations.

Fast forward to the past couple of years.  The pain seemed to accelerate in how much it hurt and how often it hurt.  The easy things like walking, that never hurt....mow even they were hurting.  Now don't get me wrong...it's not like I'm in deathly excruciating pai.... I would say that there are ti es where it hurts like crazy, but there are still ti es where it really doesn't hurt too bad....but most of the time it hurts a fair amount. 

What I really notice now are the little things that have really forced me to face how limited I am.  I have a hard time getting my left sock and shoe on now.  I can do it, but have to prop my leg up on the edge of a chair to do it.  Cutting my toenail on the left side is almost impossible.  Walking up stairs hurts.  I was the kind of guy who would intentionally take the stairs to go a couple flights of stairs instead of the elevator.  I wanted the exercise.  Now I take the elevator for one floor trips...

My youngest son is 3.  Not long ago he ran off at the park and was running toward the street.  I was trying to run after him and I could not catch him.  He never went in the street...he was just being a 3 year old and wanting to make me chase him...but it really sank in when I couldn't catch him.  My oldest is 9 and in little league.  I really can't do much except play catch, and if the ball goes too wide, I usually can't move fast enough to catch it....stuff that would be an easy catch is not so easy.

Part of why I maybe let this go so long is that my job is a desk job.  I sit all day...maybe walking around the building from room to room sometimes....but I could be in wheelchair and do my job....so I was able to work, be a dad, a husband... And it wasn't necessary thar I be 100% physically fit.  Now I'm even having a hard time doing those things.

I've also noticed that my limp, which used to be rare, is now there all the time.  I have received a lot of comments like "hey, did you hurt yourself this weekend, what's with the limp?". People are noticing.  I don't care if they notice, I freely tell them about my hip problems...but it highlighths how much worse it's getting when even casual acquaintances notice and comment.

Like a lot of you, I atr antiinflammatories like candy.  I started out taking them when I need them, now I need at least two Alegre a day to get by.  This past week of not taking the aleve has really made me see how stiff my hip would get wout the meds!  I'm not I agonizing pain, but it's noticeably worse.

Well....the last couple years changed my mind about getting this surgery.  I decided to do it and seriously look into it.  I consulted with three doctors.  I live in southern California, and there are quite a few good ones very close, but everything I read about Dr. Gross made me want to see him.  I like the idea of the uncemented implant.  I'm a lawyer, not a doctor, but his theories seem to make sense.  If I want to take a chance that the device could last a lifetime, this is the one that seems to have a shot...so it seems worth the risk.  I know the data is only four years old VS 10 + for cemented...but it looks like the uncemented is doing great short term... One would assume it should continue to perform well in the longer .  I guess I'm going to find out firsthand!

I have been really happy with Dr. Gross and his staff so far.  Dr. Gross called me and did a free phone consultation after I sent him my X-rays.  He spent almost an hour on the phone talking to me and answering my questions.  Most other docs wanted a payment for a phone consult.  His staff has been friendly...albeit it's all been on the phone at this point.

I see Dr. Gross Tuesday morning.  Surgery on Wednesday.  I'm sitting in my hotel in Columbia as I write this.  My wife and I flew in last night...got in early this am.  I'm tired from the overnight flight and will just rest today.  We may sightsee tomorrow and keep my mind off of the surgery.  I worry about it....I want to do it, but I'll admit, I'm a big wuss when it comes to stuff like this.  I don't evenlike getting shots..and they don't even really hurt.  So, yes, I'm nervous.

I havent flown on a plane for several years....I didn't expect to be in discomfort on the flight but I was.  The first leg of my flight was about 4.5 hours.....the last hour my hip was very tight....being confined to a little seat was not fun.  I made me rethink the flight home....I am going to make sure I'm good and ready before I try it!

I will post here off and on as I get closer and closer.  I'm also shooting videos....my wife is into photography and has a nice dslr that will also shoot hd video..so I'm doing some "before" videos to show how I am now, so when I'm all healed, I can shoot the "after" videos!  I'll post those up ev entually.

Wish me luck.  I know it is going to turn out fine...but like most of you, I'm looking forward to it being behind me.  I'm still kind of scared about the actual surgery.  I am really grateful to have such a great wife here to help me along the way. 

3 days and counting!

[obxpelican]

I know it's probably something you keep hearing over and over but you will be fine. 

You'll love the staff, I hope Nancy is still there, my daughter loved her deep southern draw as she said "Hi! I'm Nancy!"  LOL  Being from the North we just love their accent, although being from Pittsburgh she was probably shocked when we said "how are yins doing?"  LOL

Lee is a nice lady and any questions you have in regard to fear ask either her or Dr. Gross, Dr. Gross is the only Dr. that I've ever met that told me that he was sure everything would work out fine.... it's not being cocky, it's his confidence in his abilities.... Gross even told me that he was sure I would awake with an HR not a THR.

When you go in to the hospital you will be taken back to where your family can come with you, later on they give you the happy juice and you'll let them do anything they want after that.

As far as surgeries go (I've had 2) I would rate mine with Dr. Gross an 8 out of 10 and I do not give 10s because I hate hospitals and doctors.


Keep talking to your family about your concerns.


Chuck

[newdog]

VC,

Ditto on everything Chuck said. I have read so many posts I can't remember what day your surgery is this week. If you are still there Thursday, I will stop in and see you. My 6 week doc recheck is Thursday the 24th.

Chuck,

Nancy is still there and yes, I too love their southern accents. We northerners must sound dull when they hear us talk.

Steve (newdog)

P.S. Duhhh! Your surgery date is in the title of the post.

[einreb]

Enjoy the first few days as a vacation!  There are a ton of restaurants on Gervais Street in Columbia near the river.  We ate at Pearlz and enjoyed it.  I had a few beers the night before surgery.  Nobody told me I couldn't :).

This week will simply be an affirmation that you made the right decision!

[obxpelican]

You drank beer the night before?  Uhhh ohhhh that's not good.  He usually uses cement on those patients that drink beer the night before.  Did you tell them you drank the night before?

Important!

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Just kidding

[Dayton96]

VC,

I'm scheduled for a HR with Dr. Gross on March 23, so reading the posts from recent Dr. Gross patients is very reassuring.  I relate to your story of chasing your 3-year-old and not being to catch him.  I have an 8-year-old who loves to play sports and is full of energy.  A year ago we were playing tennis all the time, then heading over to the batting cage for some practice hitting, and then heading out on bikes with friends.  Now I can barely climb on a bike.  So in a sense, your surgery is for your kids, as well as for yourself.

I agree with Bernie.  While you wait, why not celebrate your soon-to-be new hip.  Wine, song, great food, celebrate how lucky you are to have a great surgeon giving your active life back to you.

And VC, I'm always open to restaurant reviews.  If you find a great seafood restaurant, let me know.  Micro brews would be nice too. 

Best wishes,
Mac     

[23109VC]

Thanks for all the kind words.  I will look out for good restaurants.  Tonight we were rushed and just ate at an apple bees... It was close to the grocery store we went to. Tomorrow we will get out and check things out more. 

I realized I didn't put my real name in my thread.... My name is Sean.

I use 23109VC on a lot of the websites I visit..the handle is car reated...and i read a lot of car websites.     It's an inside joke ...  I am a county prosecutor, and I have a lead foot...or at least I used to..I used to have a porsche but sold it... Kids n stuff make those things less practical!  Anyway, in California, the vehicle code section for exhibition of speed is 23109.  So the abbreviation is 23109VC.  I used to joke I'd get that asca custom plate if I bought another sports car.  so please all me Sean.

Steve... 2/24 I will be one day post op! Stop by please!  Would love to meet you in person! 

I wanted to have a beer but I just got over a cold and have a mild lingering cough that I hope is gone by Wednesday...so decided to cut out anything like alcohol that would slow down my immune system.  AFTER the surgery I'm going to celebrate with something for sure.  A cold beer, maybe a scotch!  I bought a bunch of groceries tonight, we r staying at a hotel with kitchens, so we can cook and not have to eat out every meal.  I bought a bottle of wine...maybe I'll pop it open the night before and enjoy a glass!

I will talk to Dr. Gross and his staff about my fears.  I'm hoping they wil give me something when I show up to relax me....that would help.

This is the first time my wife and I have been away from all our kids for an extended time period.our kids are 3,5,9.  We did a Hawaii trip once years ago when we had one...and he was with grandparents a week, but since we've had all three this is the first long trip without them.  One thing we have done is use FaceTime/ skype to video chat.  We have an iPhone and an iPod touch. Both can FaceTime on a wifi network.  Our house where the kids r is wifi, and the hotel has free wifi. So we can call the iPod and FaceTime with my parents and ll our kids.  It's nothing like a real hug but it sure beats a regular phone call.  If you have a phone or laptop that will do that, and small kids you will leave at home...try to set it up before you leave so you can video chat with any loved ones you will be missing.  We r new to video calls...so maybe ouall are already doing it....  I like it, especially to see the litle ones!

I'll keep posting! 

And yes, this surgery is for my kids too....the whole family will benefit from having daddy at 100%!

Sean
2/23 is "D Day".... (drilling day). :)

[obxpelican]

Sean,

When u have your face to face with Lee and Dr. Gross you will feel better, what you are feeling is what most of us dealt with.  The morning of my surgery I woke up worried at 4:00AM, my family was still sleeping, even though they were in the room I was the most lonely person in Columbia at that moment.  When we finally got to the hospital something clicked and I said to myself "ain't nothing to this but to do it" I sat calmly and read the newspaper and I just relaxed.  I was fine after that.  That happy medicine you get just before surgery is great!

Ain't nothing to this but to do it Sean.

Chuck

[toby]

Sean,
Once I finished work on the Friday( for a Saturday op) and sorted all the final home/domestic stuff etc, I felt.. this is now my time and the start of my new hip journey. My wife drove me to the hospital at 5.30 am, such a memorable day, I genuinely felt calm and excited to begin the process of rebuilding. Maybe I was lucky-(but lots of us have felt the same-modern surgery and anaesthesia is superb), I found the whole experience wonderful. I'm from the UK but all I have read and heard about Dr Gross leads me to believe that you too will have a fantastic experience and outcome. You are in safe hands, go with the flow and enjoy your hip journey.
All the very best
Toby

[FlbrkMike]

Sean,

I know it's hard to leave your kids but it's great that you are able to get this done now rather than later, and you will be thankful that you did.

For over 7 years I was one of the adult leaders of my son's Boy Scout troop (he's now an Eagle Scout and a freshman in college).  For the last 2 or 3 years I had to pretty much avoid most of the fun activities.  It's hard to keep up on long hikes with 15-17 year old kids, hard to sleep on the ground, and almost impossible to get in and out of small sailboats with the hip pain and limited ROM that I was experiencing.  At the time I had no idea what my problem actually was, and was just living with it.  I really wish I could have gotten my hips fixed 4 years ago and not missed out on so much stuff.  No regrets on finally getting it done, though.

You've still got most of your kids' childhoods ahead of you.  Enjoy them as much as you can, and good luck on your surgery!

Mike

[Dayton96]

Sean,

Great idea about the video chat.  I'm getting ready to buy a new laptop to take to SC.  I'll see if I can set it up to do a video chat with my wife and son. 

Mac

[23109VC]

Thanks everyone.  Today was just a fun day.  My wife and I made breakfast in our room and then we headed to charleston.  We have a. Jefe who goes to college there and we had told her we would visit and take her out to dinner.  We went to the downtown area and took the ferry out to fort Sumter.  It was listed on the "things to do in Charleston" websites and it was actually pretty neat.  If you are into historical things you would enjoy it.  You take a 30 minute ferry ride out to the fort, which is out is out in the harbor, then you get one hour to walk around and see it, then you ride back.  Lots of cannons, brick walls....  I enjoy that kind of stuff.

Off to bed and tomorrow I meet Dr. Gross and his staff.

I'm about to get my life back!

[23109VC]

Update-

Today i met with Dr. Gross and Lee Web.  I was there for about three hours total.  Everything went very smoothly.  I first was taken to do the dexa bone scan and new x rays.  After those, i was in an exam room and met with Lee Web.  Actually, before that his nurse Nancy went over some info with me.  Lee came in next and answered a lot of m questions.   I then met with Dr. Gross and probably spent 30 min or so talking with him and then looking at my xrays.

Good news on my dexa scan.  My numbers we good, so i will be on the faster track for recovery.  I was worried i might have low numbers because apparently is has very little to do with health or exercise...its more hereditary....  I guess i got lucky on that one...

They got me situated wih m crutches, the ice machine, and my prescriptions.  They gave me my prescriptions and they want you to fill them that day.  They gave me anti inflammatory celebrex, some thing to help coat the stomach to counter the celebrex....i guess it can burn our stomach,  make it upset.  The gave me two painkillers.  One is nucynta and the other ix oxycontin.  You start taking this stuff right after the surgery....

I told Lee I was nervous and she reassured me that the pain killers and sedatives I would get in the waiting areas would have me knocked out and groggy...she said most patients don't even remember getting the spinal or anything else going into the OR.....that made me feel better.  

They let me see the implants and check them out.  I had always thought the ball and socket part "snapped" together....like it had to be popped into the cup...I now know that's not the case....the ball just rests in it, and it's the muscles and tissues that hold it all together.  The devices look cool....it was weird to think those things will be inside me tomorrow....

After that, we drove back to Charleston and visited the Magnolia Plantation.  It was interesting.  Nothing out of this world, but it was something we wanted to check out and it kept me busy.  We had dinner with my niece again...in downtown Charleston.  I had a beer, some good seafood, and really wasn't worried at all about the surgery.

It's midnight here.  My surgery is at 1:30... So I'm going to be hungry, so I got a hamburger and ate it so that I would get through thaw day without being hungry.  


I'm really not that worried at this point.  I know what I need to do.  I'm anxious about the unknown, but very optimistic and excited to live without pain.  

In about twelve hours I'll be at the hospital getting ready to go in the OR.  I'll post from my room when I am up and "on the other side"!   ;D

[Dayton96]

Thanks Sean.  I appreciate the details.  How far out from the surgery are you supposed to quit eating?  What other restrictions did you have prior to surgery?

Mac

[halfdone]

Good luck!

[obxpelican]

Good luck Sean, tell Lee and Dr. Gross I said hi.

Everything is going to be fine, nothing to it but to do it, and after they give you the happy juice you will not remember the spinal or even know they are doing it.  All I remember is a good sized nurse pulling me towards her and then waking up asking if I got the HR and if they were done.


Chuck

[einreb]

Good luck Sean!

[hernanu]

Good luck Sean...

[FlbrkMike]

All I remember is a good sized nurse pulling me towards her...

:o
A scary thought.  Brings back memories of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

;D

[obxpelican]

Well, I have been called nuts before and I think the nurse's name was Miss Ratchet????


LOL


Chuck