3 Months Post Op Feel Good Story

[lori.36]

Hi,
Let me first thank Pat for this website, becuase this is the first Hip resurfacing website that I found.  If it was not for this website, I would not have known about this option, because the 1st OrthoSurgeon did not mention hip resurfacing to me. :P  It is because of both surfacehippy and the hipresurfacingsite that I choose to get hip resurfacing.  I also did searches on the doctor that I choose on this forum and followed bdaughtry throught the entire process with the surgery and the surgeon.  All of this gave me the courage to make my decision for surgery and produce an action plan on how to accomplish the surgery and recovery.  So Thank you to everyone that attributed to me being here.

Yesterday I had my 3 months follow up appointment with Dr Rector and he was amazed with my flexibility and strength.  Stating that I am further along than most on ROM with a 3 month post op appt.  I am able to kick my leg out to the side with full extension, bring my knee to the chest, bent knee rotate in and out.  I have been released to do Yoga, Pilates, Snowboarding, Skiing, Rollar Blading, Hiking.  I am not allowed to do high impact sports, like running or basketball, which is convient for me because they are not my favorite. 

I was thanking Dr Rector for giving me my life back.  I am living without pain!  I am able to walk as far as my mind wants, I am able to play with my kids, I am able to grocery shop.  I am able to live life and be happy.  Again I am just really thankful for my life to be given back to me.  Thank you!

[Boomer]

Thank you for posting your Feel Good Story. Stories like yours, particularly your impressive recovery and positive outlook, are inspirational to those of us still in the waiting stage. When my time comes, I will not hesitate.

[jjmclain]

You are an inspiration Lori!!! ;D

[Aerial]

So cool with yoga.  I practice Anusara yoga and really hope to get back to that after surgery.  Glad to hear you are able to come back so soon!

[ScubaDuck]

Lori-

I aspire to be like you at 3 months.  I am now at day 16 and feeling great.

I have never been the most flexible person.  I really want to not only get my range of motion back to where it was but actually improve it.

Did you have regular PT?  If so, for how long and how often?  Was it general PT or did it have an athletic focus?

Thanks for the update and congratulations.

Dan

[lori.36]

Dan,
I am a hypermobile person, meaning very flexible.  The only PT that I did was deep soft tissue work.  He would give me exercises, but it is from walking and biking that I have gotten the strenth back.  At 16 days, I was still walking with one crutch but was thrilled that I found a way to crawl down to the floor and back up.  Enjoy each day as it comes, because with it comes a new break through.  I remember I so wanted to walk without aid at 2 weeks and was quite bummed when it did not happen, but now I am so thrilled that I took it easy and listened to my body.  Only do what your body wants to do, but do it carefully.  Soon you can hit the pool. ;D

[Anniee]

Great news, Lori!  I remember how you were a little bummed that you were using crutches for a few days longer than I did after the surgery, and look at what you are doing now!   I have enjoyed following the progress of your recovery.  (Still haven't quite figured out how you managed to shave your legs a few days post surgery - the shaver taped to a stick did not work for me)! ;D

I hope you will keep posting - I may need some moral support for my next hip!

[Tin Soldier]

Nice job on the fleibility - Lori.  I'm hoping to be near that in a year or so.  I think my capsule tissue is slow to turnover or something.  My brother was visiting this weekend and we went to the local crags to do some climbing.  I was impressed with his flexibility.  I tried the same route and couldn't even make it a few feet up the wall.  Someday.

[hernanu]

Great news, Lori! The flexibility gets better and better, as to the break through moments, they still come at almost a year for me.

I went to a Latin club deejayed by my niece and was able to do about an hour of dancing. The last hip was a little weak, but no pain and the only breaks were dictated by my lack of stamina; a brazilian woman kicked my behind doing a samba and I sat down, completely out of breath but hips felt fine.

Keep up the good work, it's really good to see you progressing well.

[John C]

Hi Lori,
Great report!
One question; when he said no impact sports like running and basketball, did he give you an idea of when that would be approved, or was that permanent?

[lori.36]

Annie, I was able to shave my legs the day after surgery, without the stick, just propping my leg up while I was sitting.  The OT could not believe that I wanted a shower that morning, non the less that I could shave.  I know I am a show off.  So you are going in for the 2nd hip?  are you going to do it this year?
Heremanu~  Wonderful news that I will see more progress, I am just amazed by how much this surgery has given me.  I am thrilled to have my life back.
John~ Doc said that at the 1year mark he will release me for those.  Funny because I really dont care about that stuff right now.  I guess I know that my body is not ready for it.  How far along are you?

Thanks everyone for all of the encouraging words and all of the motivation to get this surgery done.  It really has changed my life dramatically.

[Luann]

Thanks for the update, Lori, glad you are doing so well! Lu

[Anniee]

Lori, I tried propping my leg, and I just could not do it - still could not reach far enough to shave my legs!

I'm having my left hip resurfaced on October 12, at noon.  I will make sure I shave my legs that morning.  Last time, I thought I had planned everything well, but I did not think about the leg shaving issue!

[newdog]

Lori,
Nice report! Especially about being able to do everyday things. It's great to run and jump and play, but to walk again with dignity and confidence is amazing. You are doing great!

[bdoughty]

Hi, Lori. I've been away from site for awhile - things have gotten quite busy at work, just got back from week in Seattle, heading to Atlanta next Thursday for 10 days. Good to hearing you're doing what sounds like extraordinarily well. I've been on the bike and walking, walking, walking last week. My back is still cranky, but we're working on that. But the hip is amazing. Keep up the good work.

[lori.36]

Bill,  It is really good to hear from you.  I know about not being online too much, just been busy enjoying the new hip.  I did fall of my bike the other day and got some road rash.  I fell on the opposiste side of the surgery, I think I was over compensating.  All is well though.  I have been hiking and did Hanging Lake with the family, it was so wonderful to enjoy the scenery in Colorado again. 
Have you been for any hikes?  Thanks again for all of the information and experiences that you shared with me.   ;D