recovery resurfacing w/ Dr. Su

[jjmclain]

Fantastic!!!!

[ScubaDuck]

Excellent report on your progress.  You are definitely embracing this new lease on life.

Thanks for honoring those who have served.

Best wishes.

Dan

[hernanu]

Great progress, David! So long as you listen to your body, more power to you.

[dwbitt]

Hi David,
Good to see you progress so well, I'm several weeks behind you, 12 days today from LBHR with Dr. Su.
As a cyclist I decided to get on the trainer about day 8, getting on was pretty challenging and I only did a few minutes of no resistance spinning. I was able to increase the workout a bit and did 15 minutes yesterday.

Here is my concern/question; I have noticed tenderness on the operated leg from outboard of the operated knee up toward my incision since Iv'e been on the trainer, it's more tender closer to the knee and feels much like an overuse of the Iliotibial Band. That would make sense since my pre-operative pedal stroke was pretty lame and I'm now using muscles that haven't been used properly for quite awhile.
My healing is otherwise uneventful, I did notice some minor swelling in my left ankle but it has subsided, in house PT guys is happy with my progress and is urging me to use one cane (as you know Dr. Su wants us on 2 crutches for 3 weeks so i'm trying to comply).

Dan, if your reading this, I noticed you had some tenderness on the outside of your thighs early on, clearly they resolved satisfactorily.
Aeriel, I'm wondering if you had anything develop after getting on the trainer?
I'm happy to accept this soreness with PT but I want to be aware of any DVT symptoms as well.
To reiterate, i have no swelling, no redness and no increase of pain with pressure, just a tenderness very similar to the quad pain we experience after a long, hard and hilly day on the bike.

So I know you folks are not Drs. but your experience is what makes this web site work, Pat, I have read your posts on this subject and I have great respect for the possible consequences of DVT, thanks for sharing that info.

Thanks,
Dave

[ScubaDuck]

Dave-

I have always had tight IT band, especially on the left side.  I had pain and tightness on the side of the leg for weeks after surgery.  I stretched and did lots of exercise.  On the exercise bike I made a conscious effort to bring my knee inline.

Now all that pain is gone on the outside and my leg tracks nicely.  I occasionally get some pain in the groin if I overdo it.  I think it all goes away as we strengthen the muscles for our new motions.

Best wishes.

Dan

[David]

Dave,
I felt like shit on a shingle for almost 3 weeks post op.  I honestly was questioning why the hell I did the operation.  I thought they f'd me up so bad because I had so much pain and tenderness in my leg.  (insert much more shit here) Got Dr. Su to give me a rx for pt and things got better the first day I went. Just go with it and strengthen, you will be good...
On the current front...I just did 12 miles with my bud in his Veteran's Day walk...He did 59 miles...this bud of mine was on the couch 5 years ago from PTSD and has since done RAAM and IM HI...anything is possible with good coaching, support and team mates...
Best...
David

[dwbitt]

Congrats David, and thanks for showing your support!

Dave

[David]

How's the leg tenderness Dave, getting better?

[dwbitt]

Sorry David, didn't see your question till now.
What leg tenderness?
This is amazing, Ice, massage and some sensible PT are all making this "Recovery from Major Surgery" (a term my wife is getting sick of hearing!! ;D) a real piece of cake.

As you have previously stated, it just gets better every day.

Thanks,
Dave

[David]

Had my 3 month post-op appointment with Dr. Su today...thumbs up...all looks good...
He gave me the go ahead on a January winter hike...just have to keep the pack light...
Laid out my mid and long term goals and liked the way his face lit up...he must have been mirroring mine...keep on plugging :)

[Jimt]

Great news David!  I join the club Friday.  A little nervous, but these posts help ease the anxiety.

JimT

[David]

Hey Jimt nervous=human.  All is shining much brighter on the other side of the fence.  Be positive and you will be good.  Dr. Su and the entire staff at HSS will put you at ease...

[Jimt]

Thanks David!  Much appreciated.

[ScubaDuck]

Jim-

Best wishes on your surgery.  I was definitely nervous but comforted by the fact that I did everything in my power to insure a good outcome.  You have an excellent surgeon using a proven implant.  Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Dan

[David]

OK, I'm in...here's my winter hike.
Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim...
January 13-15...2012
Dr. Su gave me the go ahead with a big grin...
There will be some snow on the rims and yes some snowshoeing.
It's 45+-miles of some elevation...
I'll be at a little over 4 months post-op from my RHBHR...
I've been slowly gearing up...
I've been hiking my ass off with progression...
It will be amazing...
Best...
David

[David]

and by the way...
Pat,

Why don't you get me some sponsorship from Smith & Nephew or someone...
because I'm going to do much in this regard to promote BHR...
:)
David

[Pat Walter]

Hi David

Glad you want to share your story and tell people how great BHRs are.  We need everyone to help spread the good news about hip resurfacing.

Unfortunately, I have no way of getting sponsorships or anything from any medical company.  I started my website in 2005 and worked on it full time for years before I even had an ad to place on it. I paid for everything.  Not easy to get companies or doctors to support a website or efforts to educate about hip resurfacing - I know because I have been doing it for 7 years!  I just do it to help people learn.  I hate it when orthopedic surgeons don't even tell people that they have any other option than a THR. 

So keep on telling your story and let everyone know how well you are doing.  If you can find a sponsorship - more power to you  ;)

Pat

[Aerial]

Hello-  You were on your trainer 8 days after surgery? I just had my surgery on 12/05 and I was told no trainer until after 6 weeks.  I'm just curious, did you have your doctors blessing to get on the trainer? It seems to me that really easy pedaling would help rather than hurt.  I respect my doctors opinion on this (and will comply) but I was a bit disappointed.  I also understand there is a lot of variation in post-op instructions based on doctor.  Congrats on what look likes a good recovery!

[Jimt]

Aerial,

Dr Su has instructed me to get on a stationary bike as soon as I can sit on the seat.  No resistance though.   I rode 30 minutes 5 days post surgery and plan on riding again tomorrow.  He wants range of motion as much as possible

Jim

[Aerial]

Aerial,

Dr Su has instructed me to get on a stationary bike as soon as I can sit on the seat.  No resistance though.   I rode 30 minutes 5 days post surgery and plan on riding again tomorrow.  He wants range of motion as much as possible

Jim

Very interesting, are you riding a bike on a trainer or stationary cycle at a gym?  Have I misinterpreted Dr. Gross on this issue (cycling)?  It's possible two very good docs differ on this.  I want to ride my bike on my trainer!