Bilateral Boomer Story

[David]

Congratulations Boomer!
Cheers to a smooth forward recovery!
D.

[hernanu]

We have the pain under control now and I have regained my composure. Off to take a shower and do some stairs and then I'm going home. I have outpatient PT starting next Tuesday. I'll do PT every Tuesday and Thursday for ten weeks.

I think we all have that one bad night when things slide a bit. I' through mine. Dr. Rector came by for a visit, which was comforting.

Looking forward to slipping back into my recliner.

Boomer

Sounds great Boomer. Don't know if you're into movies, but here's some light stuff that I liked during the rehab:

• Lone star state of mind.
• Flipped
• Milagro Beanfield War
• Tangled
• Better Off Dead

Action:

• The Fighter
• War Horse
• Taken
• Battle for LA
• True Grit
• Leon The Professional

Whatever entertains during the rest/ice/walk/exercise cycles.

[Tin Soldier]

I had that bad night, but it was only on the first one and it was the first day home.  Just take it easy, ice, ice, and more ice and enjoy the recliner.   I played a bunch of video games.

[Boomer]

I am home sitting I'm my recliner with my Game Ready pants on thinking about how wonderful it is to have two new hips, and a fresh start on an active life. Can't get my arms around it completely yet, probably due to the Percocet, but at some point in the next day of two it will settle in.

Fantastic!

We did it. One more successful Hippy for all of us to celebrate. Congratulations to everyone and special thanks to Pat.

Boomer

[WTW15]

I have tears in my eyes for you Boomer as I raise my beer in your honor!!! 
    SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!   

Hiking Boots and Mtn Bikes.  I know you are slow and steady, so you name the date and I'll be there! 

Keep the Good Vibes Going!

[hernanu]

Had a Black and Tan for you Boomer.

[Kiwi]

Congrats Boomer - I had a Hop Rocker for you, a local brew.
Worst part's over. All the best for a speedy recovery!!
Cherz
S.

[Dan L]

Hey Boomer, how you holding up? 

Hope you're doing as well as possible at this point, drop the thread a line when you get a moment.

Dan

[Boomer]

Dan - Been getting my ass kicked , and thought I wouldn't bring the Hippy world down by singing my blues. Don't know why, but everything about the second procedure was worse. Same surgeon, same hospital, sames nurses etc, but completely different short term result. The pain levels were off the charts for me this time. We were never able to get ahead of the pain.The narcotics, which I never needed the first time, were essential this time, and my body didn't respond well. I didn't sleep for five days. Pat says, every procedure is different. This one overwhelmed me, and I knew what was coming!

Turned the corner yesterday with my first night of sleep, and today is my first day off narcotics. First PT session yesterday with the same PT I had after hip number one. He thinks this one is way ahead of the first one, so of course he had some fun pulling at the drumstick.

I'm moving around on crutches. Took a solo drive today to visit my employees. Delightful to get out of the house and among friends again. nice to be able to raise a glass tonight.

I'm back on track now and see nothing ahead but adventure and a pain free life. There is no finer feeling than knowing both procedures are history. What a load to dump!

Thanks for staying with me through all of this. Some days I felt like Frodo on the road to Mordor.

Much love to all you Hippys. Boomer is back.

Boomer

[Kiwi]

Excellent Boomer! Though sorry to hear about your bad sleeps & reaction to narcotics.
Sounds like the worst bit is over.... keep chugging along to your destination my friend.

[Woodstock Hippy]

Boomer,  I'm glad to hear that you made it through.  Now you can work with the PT and let him or her get you back in shape.  This one should be easier in the long run now that the summer weather is here.

I'm now at 7 1/2 months and I'd say that my right side is 98% and the left is 95.  All I lack is fitness.

You'll be there soon, the future is ours again!

[Dan L]

Boomer;

Great to hear you're getting better, figured you were having a rough go when we had not heard from you, or that you had already started hiking up the rockies or something  :). 

It is really odd how different the 2 experiences can be, the good news is once past the first couple/few weeks, it should be pretty routine and uneventful hopefully.

When I first got out of the house after each one, I felt like my dogs when I take them to the park for a walk, giddy and thrilled just to be out of the house.  When I started driving same thing, independence and freedom euphoria.

Best wishes for a continued improvement, many here pulling for you pal.

Dan

[hernanu]

Hey Boomer, glad to see you're turning the corner on your second. Crutches at this time is fine, driving now is about when I got back to it. The way is clear, you'll be making good headway soon.

No gollums here, lots of Sams, so good things are coming.  ;D

[Boomer]

Hern, Dan, Woodstock and Kiwi - much thanks for the ongoing support. You guys have been helping me move forward for along time. I could not have made it without you.

I am grinding away one day at a time. Sleeping better, but still need the Ambien to knock me out. And, a cold beer chaser of course. Getting a good six hours of sleep now, which makes the world of difference. I'm doing lots of stairs with my cane, using the crutches for walks outside, and still cling to the walker when indoors. Pain is manageable now, stiffness is what limits my ability to keep moving. I am practicing walking correctly with walking sticks. Gradually the incision is starting to become less of a "pain in the ass". It was really sore and tight for the first week. I could not find a way to sit comfortably. Probably better that way, since it kept me in constant motion.

Yesterday depression showed up on my doorstep. I think most of us Hippys have met this challenge at some point during the journey. I knew what it was, told my wife it had arrived pretty much as expected. No big deal, just a strong urge to go back to bed and feel sad and hurt. I am not giving in when I am this close to turning the corner. My psychiatrist had prepared me for this prior to my first resurfacing. It's normal. Don't be afraid. Fight it off and it will go away. Keep moving forward.

I was able to begin taking short walks unassisted at 14 days post op after the first hip. I am shooting for the same goal this time.

Kiwi, my son extended his stay in New Zealand by nine days so he could see the entire country. He
hooked up with KiwiExperience.com and is doing the Sheepdog Backpacker tour. I reviewed his itinerary, and it blew me away. He's taking twenty three days to soak it all in.

Thanks again for staying with me guys. Things are picking up. I'll be better about posting now that I am making steady progress.

Boomer

[hernanu]

Yeah, Boomer, the 'D' seems to make an appearance each time, you just got to walk up to it, shake hands, arm around the shoulder, talk to it and gently show it the door when time comes.

It's there, but can be dealt with by considering the positive future coming your way.

[morph]

Hi boomer. Your op was the day before mine. Although I think you had more pain than me to start it sounds like I have a similar experience now. I too have had problems with sleeping initially, seems to have sorted itself now. Stiffness has been there too, especially when I have been over zealous with the rehab. Like you I am waiting to turn the corning and I feel it is close, things are improving all the time. I suppose the depression is not helped with the lack of sleep and sitting around bored all day with some pain. All the best with your recovery. Onwards and upwards.

[Kiwi]

Boomer, yes I too recall the "D" knocking on my door early post op - as you said, it's something most of us hippies experience at some point to varying extents. You seemed prepared for it this time around & as you know it doesn't last forever. I used to try distract it by reading, watching movies, playing online golf etc but more often than not found myself up at all hours on this site. Somewhat comforting knowing there's so many others going through similar. Just to reiterate Hern & Dan - The end game is within reach  - and as you'll know there's so much to look forward to.

I had a look at your son's itinerary - spectacular. Happy to see my 'must see' recommendations are all there. He will have an absolute blast I'm sure. It's winter here - I hope he's used to the cold  ;)

Cherz
Kiwi

[Boomer]

I have been slugging it out, suffering through my expected slow recovery. It has been far more difficult than I could have imagined. Today, almost eight weeks since surgery number two, and eight months since surgery number one, I finally reached a breakthrough. The details are not important, but what is important is to let everyone know who has been supporting me from my very first post, that I am going to be OK. Woodstock, Hern, Oxi, Curt, Kiwi and Kirk, and all you other great Hippys, thank you for all the wisdom you have shared, and the strength you have shown. It took me eight weeks to walk the mile and  quarter around the lake by my house. I failed the first three times last week, and had to be helped home by family. Humbling for sure, but I could not get around the lake prior to surgery, so this is not disappointing. Yesterday, I finally made it around the lake! Not a headline event, unless you have OA. Having suffered thorough the downward spiral over the years, this is the beginning of the new life we all beg for during the dark times. A breakthrough to be celebrated.

I have been working hard every day on PT to help my recovery. There have been days when I wanted to throw in the towel. Not really a choice when you are part of the Hippy community. It means a lot to belong to this fabulous group of athletes. I am constantly inspired, and never saw an opportunity to quit. It's just not an option once you sign on. Keep moving forward, there is so much to enjoy, when you have reached the other side. 

I don't expect to post much in the future, because I need to put this chapter of my life in the rearview mirror. However, if any of you prospective Hippys are in Colorado, and need some guidance from someone who has been down the road twice, send me an email, and I will do my best to help you along. My home is your home, and my family is here for you. No reason to do this alone. You are welcome here.

Pay it forward. I can never pay back the debt I owe to the Hippy community, but I will make an honest effort. I get stronger every day, and know that my future will not be limited by OA. My wife and I are riding from Prague to Vienna next summer to celebrate my recovery. I didn't do this alone. I am so humbled by the entire experience. What a lesson in life! I am so humbled.

Thank you to everyone who was there when the dark times were closing in. Thank you Pat, for hosting this most amazing website. How many lives have you saved? You should smile every night when you lay your head down, because you have made a difference. Honestly, who else could we turn too?

I just want to say thank you to the Hippy community. Nobody does this alone. To you would be Hippys I offer encouragement. You can do this!

Thank you.

Boomer

[hernanu]

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|               HIPPY TIMES              |
| ----                                     ---|
|              Boomer is Back!!!        |
| ----                                     ---|
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Thought I'd give you a headline...

Great to hear you're on your way Boomer! Breakthroughs is what we all live for, glad you hit your first. Don't worry about posting too little in the future, the best thing to see is that you're living that life. There's tons of gathering of your life to do still, some of it in Prague and some in Vienna and along the way apparently.

Really happy for you. Check in on anniversaries, I always got a kick out of reading those early on.

[Woodstock Hippy]

Keep moving forward, Boomer, you've got mountains to climb on and off the bicycle.

Good luck with everything.