Bilateral story

[Dan L]

Thanks 2for1 and Boomer, I really appreciate it.

The second one is a wierd dynamic-- you know what is coming, you know what to expect, you know all the little oddnesses and things that crop up (mostly because of this incredibly helpful discussion group), but you still go through the similar stages of acceptance (maybe like the stages of grief..?....)as you move through it just the same (but with less magnitude).  This one being easier sort of lulled me into the groove, but I've had similar journey this time, with more and quicker acceptance of the long term implications of having metal hips and making sure I do everything possible on the "care and feeding" front to make sure they last for the rest of my life.

I've been such a "see food diet" eater over the years ("I see food and I eat it"), and having carried 25 extra lbs since college days, I'm still amazed I've been able to change my ways, and actually act like I'm not 19 any more (only took me 31 years to realize that!!) and eat responsibly.  It is a really nice silver lining to the whole thing.

All the best,

Dan

[Woodstock Hippy]

Congratulations Dan, once this one heals up your journey will be over and the fun can begin.  While you're working on recovery jut think of all the good things you've had to give up and look forward to returning to them

Good Luck!

[Dan L]

Thanks Woody;

Looking forward to getting on my bike this summer and at least getting up to 15 - 20 miles, my pre-op normal max, from a few years ago, without that grinding feeling on every revolution of the pedal.  Last summer I tried one time-- a new low-- and realized it was not going to work.  That plus some decent hikes in western NY will be extremely well received.

Thanks again and continued success my friend.

[Dan L]

Had my 6-week checkup today, off the crutches, and the new (and Oct) implant look perfect on the x-rays.  Time to start walking the dogs again, and catching up on yardwork.  I feel really quite well, seems to be a couple weeks at least ahead of hip #1. 

Restrictions for 10.5 months to come then free to be myself.

My 6-month anniv of my left BHR is this week; that one has been a bit sore hauling me around the place, hoping it will now settle down now that the right leg is back on terra firma 100%.  Overall feeling really great to be through this phase.

Dan

[mslendzion]

Two perfect hips... Now what?  Enjoy, possibilities are endless right ?

[Kiwi]

Awesome Dan, glad to hear you got through those first 6 weeks unscathed. Great work!

[Boomer]

Yard work? You went through all of this twice so you could do yard work? Say it isn't so please!

Boomer

[WTW15]

LOL Boomer!   
Congrats Dan L and enjoy whatever you want with your perfect hips!  ::)

[Two4One]

Great news on your checkup.  I'll be thinking of you as I walk my dog today too!

One

[Dan L]

Thanks everyone, very nice words of encouragement, those hit home.

Boomer: yardwork is just the tip of the iceberg, but having sat inside through the early warm spring and seeing everything grow while I sat inside has me a bit antsy.  So antsy, I did cut the part of the lawn the dogs used, with one crutch (shhh) before I was able to walk.  Plus the outside time here in OH and in western NY this time of the year is certified 100% "car salesman free" zone,  :) which I know you can appreciate more than most.

I am chomping at the bit to get back to the things I really like to do, hiking and some biking as well.

thanks again everyone

[Boomer]

The hip Dr. Rector put in me is a special Birmingham Hip known as the "play hip". It's not designed for yardwork, painting or any other form of labor. It's best used for riding bikes, fishing and playing at the beach. If I am properly warmed up, my "play hip" is also very good at bending over to get a cold beer out of the cooler. You should check to make sure you got the "work hip" and not the "play hip". You don't want to risk anything by trying to do any kind of labor on a "play hip".

You are going to enjoy your first bike ride more than you know. Other riders will wonder why you have such a big smile on your face. In fact, you will be smiling so much people are going to be concerned.

Have fun Dan!

Boomer

[ScubaDuck]

Boomer-

Love it!  I didn't realize it until now but my doc definitely implanted the "play hip."  The other day I was running in driving rain and cold with a big ol' smile on my face.

Dan

[Dan L]

Just a quick update, 10+ weeks after #2 and one day shy of 7 months on #1.  Doing quite well overall for sure.  Get some soreness and muscle fatigue on both sides when turning over the garden, or push mowing (particularly in the 88 degree heat yesterday), but the ultra smooth "buttah" feeling when the hip joint moves is just incredible.  It makes me smile, automatically.

Little things: sometimes now getting in bed the old way (not backing up to the bed in reverse as I have been since last Oct.); I can get in the car the old way no problem (step in), able to cross legs, do socks, trim toenails, and much of that kind of small but noticable stuff is about 75% normal.

[Boomer]

Thanks for the update. Curious about whether or not you are still icing both hips after exercise. Seems to help me when I remember, but that could just be psychological. Also curious about how often you need to take any NSAIDs. I generally take one ibuprofen before a long bike ride or a long PT session to keep the pain and stiffness at bay. Not sure it's needed but along with icing it seems to be a good thing.

Congrats on your progress. Sometimes we have to look carefully to notice the little things that you mentioned. My wife mentioned that I don't make the same painful old man noises now that I used to make before and right after surgery.

Boomer

[Kiwi]

Excellent to hear Dan, can't believe 10 weeks has gone for you already! Really good work & glad those 'little things' are getting easier. Makes you realise how much we take for granted when at near full health.

[Two4One]

Those 'little things', Dan, are not shabby at all!! 

I can get in the car the old way no problem (step in) - Dan L

I still back into the car slowly, lower myself down whilst squarely facing the open car door, center my butt on my bucket like car seat's special tushy pillow that I carry around to sit on, then swing my ouchy right hip's leg in like it weighs a hundred pounds, and tuck in my left leg in like it ain't no thang. 

End Whine.

2fer

[Dan L]

Boomer- I haven't been icing, but have been doing hot soaks for general muscle soreness.

2Fer, Kiwi, thanks for the great comments and feedback.  The time is flying by for sure, had my first plane trip last week, was uneventful, but took aspirin a couple days before and after to help revent DVT's.

All the best, Dan

[Dan L]

Just passed the 3 month milestone on #2, and have been very active, with very few issues since off crutches at 6 weeks, see my response to Boomer in this thread: http://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/hip-resurfacing-topics/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-my-birmingham-hip/ for details on what the hips have allowed me to do.

Start up stiffness when rising from seated position, muscle soreness (healing related) when doing too much work, and some squeaking in hip #1 that seems to be hydration-related and resolved by gatorade (http://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/recovery-issues/squeakapalooza/) are the only minor difficulties I've been having.

It continues to get better almost every day.  I feel so incredibly fortunate for the outcome so far, and for the support of everyone in this forum.

Dan

[hernanu]

All sounds about right, Dan - you're cruising along. Awesome.

[Woodstock Hippy]

''and some squeaking in hip #1 that seems to be hydration-related and resolved by gatorade''

That's funny.  I'll have to stay on top of my hydration so it never happens to me.