My trip to hippy land begins

[Pat Walter]

Hi Spencer

Sounds like you are doing great at 3 weeks.  It is wonderful to be able to go out and walk, isn't it.


Tom - your incision will remain tender for a long time.  Mine still itches at times and I am 2 years post op.  If I sit on a hard chair - it still bothers it.  I am older and have very sensitive skin, but we get some pretty major cutting so it takes time to heal completely.

Good luck to both of you.

Pat

[sroberts]

Hey Tom,

I've been taking 1 aleve in the morning and one at night before bed. I've been lightly massaging the incision area but it's the most tender area for sure. Don't worry it'll heal.

Hi Pat,

It's been great getting outside but it is very hot here in Tucson at 8:30am. But it's nice to work up a sweat fairly easily. Take care. How's your foot?

spencer

[TomBuell]

Thanks Spencer and Pat - Actually, I'm not concerned about the incision itself so much as some lingering soreness in the muscles, joint etc. from the surgery. Nothing major, and certainly nothing compared to the old pain. I just want to compare my progress with that of others.
Feels like ROM is still a little restricted but that's mostly from lingering tightness/swelling in the joint. I'm sure it will be fine.
Thanks, Tom

[sroberts]

Tom,

Don't feel like the lone ranger on the joint tightness and swelling. I like gel ice packs to help relieve that plus the aforementioned aleve for mild pain.  take care

[Pat Walter]

Hi Spencer

Thanks for the message.  I am now in a knee high fiberglass cast because my foot wasn't healing after 5 weeks.  I was in an aircast boot but my foot was moving around too much.  I am looking at 6 more weeks in the cast!

Worse than hip resurfacing.  It is much more difficult to walk around in a cast than after a hip resurfacing.  I am wearing my recliner chair out keep my foot up much of the time with the laptop in my lap.

It is discouraging, but at least I can keep doing all my website work from my recliner.  That gives me something to do along with watching my husband take care of our 14 dogs!  He has had to do a lot of extra work which doesn't make him very happy.  He liked my hip resurfacing recovery much better.  More fun in Belgium tasting all the 450 beers of Belgium.

Good Luck.

Pat

[sroberts]

Pat,

I hope you heal fast. You've definitely been keeping busy on this site.
Belgium does have the best beers and ales in the world.
14 dogs!! wow....what breeds? We have three, 2 poodle mixes and a whippet.

take care,

spencer

[Big Bill]

Well ...the mile markers on the road  into Hippyland are getting greater. Had my 1st post op visit yesterday...all is good ...picture perfect ! Got the OK to drive  8) . Walking unassisted today ;D. Going to the gym later today....gonna play a little ;) .  All I can say is WOW...and how grateful and blessed I feel.  :)  ;)  ;D  ::)  8)

     Big Bill --Cormet Anterior Surface Hippy, C.A.S.H.   8)

[Pat Walter]

Sounds good Bill!

I see a lot of happy faces on your posts!

;D :) :D

Pat

[TomBuell]

You go Bill! You're boosting everyone's spirits around here. I passed the 3-week mark and went from crutches to cane (and sometimes no cane!) Walking around the neighborhood and up and down stairs. Starting at a sports rehab clinic tomorrow. Feeling great. Doc says I can go into the pool for another couple of weeks, which bums me out, especially as I watch my wife and kids cooling off in our pool.
Told my rowing buddies that I hope to be back in a boat, at least recreationally, by the end of the year.
It just occurred to me again how helpful this website is in keeping up morale and also realizing how everyone's recovery is a little different. The main thing is that we're all united in the joy of having new hips and losing that old pain and suffering.
Cheers everyone!
- Tom

[Big Bill]

Tom ...thanks for the compliment  ;D  I would like to think I am about on the normal side  ::) ...I am really just amazed with the anterior procedure and not to be in pain anymore  8) I feel  very fortunate and blessed to have so much support. It has built my confidence and ability to strive for more. Thanks to everyone... and let us not forget Pat...a special thanks to you  ;) . Well... today is my 2 week post op date...all is well. I was a bit concerned yesterday when I got a call from my surgeon's  (Dr. Stefan Kreuzer) office. They wanted to know if I could come back in   ???....I was just in for my 1st post op visit on  Monday,so I asked ...what for ... something wrong ???...their reply was that since I was doing so well that they wanted to do a video of me about my progress! This would be something outside of the Cormet Study, for Dr. Kreuzer.  I will happily do so. After all, Dr Kreuzer and his team have given me more than I could have hoped for ! Talk to you all soon!

               Big Bill--- C.A.S.H.   8)

[sroberts]

Hey everybody,

Four weeks post op today and I taught my first spinning class since June 23rd this morning. I didn't push it too hard but my heat rate was way up. Even though the class was only 50 minutes, I was very tired afterward. I'll take it easy the rest of today, watch today's stage of the Tour de France and get motivated to teach again tomorrow!

take care,

spencer

[sroberts]

Hello everyone,

Five weeks post op today and I went for my first road ride on my bicycle. It felt great to be on the bike as I tooled around our hilly neighborhood for just over an hour. It's hot here in Tucson in the summertime (duh)
so after the ride I took a dip in the pool. Now I'm ready for a nap :D

I sent my xrays to Dr Rogerson Tuesday and yesterday he called and released me from any restrictions.
Although I can barely get past 90 degrees and put my socks on, it feels good to be "independent" again.
My energy levels are still not back to normal yet but I'm gradually improving. Still doing PT 2x/wk and walking.


If you have any questions regarding training or exercises, I'm happy to help.


take care,

spencer

[TomBuell]

Great news Spencer. That must feel great to get on the bike again. I had a long walk with my wife this morning - up and over the hill around our neighborhood in the early dawn - and it was great.
You mentioned your energy levels. I've noticed the need to take long naps in the mid-day. The hip is feeling great, but it just seems like recovery is deeply exhausting. I sleep well at night, too, even in this tropical-style Pittsburgh summer heat.
Hang in there!
- Tom
RBHR 7-1-08

[sroberts]

Hey Tom,

Sounds like your recovery is going very well. Also, enjoy those naps I know I do. I know our energy will return.
Hangin'!!!


take care,

spencer

[Big Bill]

Well fellow hippies... been away for a few days(busy walking ,excercising and taking naps  ;D)  Look at everyone's progress !! Way to go Spencer and Tom!!   I will feel comfortable just jumpin' on in  ::) ....not really jumpin yet.... but put in my first  2 miler   ;D :o 8). I did about 20 minute miles....used to do three miles in 20 minutes years ago! I am just grateful to have my active life back !   It has been 23 days since my resurfacing---WOW what a journey  ;D .  Pool day is Monday...I can't wait ! Got some new goggles just waitin' to be used... you all keep up the good work!

                Big Bill  C.A.S.H.   8) 

[xocy]

Hi guys and gals. I had my 6 week post op visit today with Dr. Gross, his NP, Lee, and his clinic nurse Nancy. First let me tell any of you considering Dr. Gross that he and his staff are top notch. Phone calls are return, emails are answered, concerns are addressed, prescriptions are phoned in. When I go from the lobby to the exam area, I'm greated with smiles and hugs. Good people! If you have an appointment, they will be running late because they give each patient the time they need, so don't get to upset, your turn will come and you will not be rushed.

My check up went great. I was a little early since I'm actually only 5 weeks post op.The x-rays looked good. My progress is ahead of schedule and they were as excited as I was. No cane, no limp, and walking 1.5 to 2 miles most days. My range of motion was excellent. Dr. Gross and Lee reviewed the Phase II PT exercises with me and answered about 10 questons I had. He still likes walking better than any other excercise, but my options inculde most any exercise that does not involve pounding, like running. Six months post op I am allowed to do most any activity.  He told me (to my surprise) I could now take a stab at golf, just not to over do it. I can break his 90 degree rule now and tie my shoes. He is very consevative in his post op protocol. I have followed his instructions and it has paid off. When he and I parted, the smile on his face told me that he was as happy as I was for this sucessful outcome.

I still have stiffness after sitting and I have to tell you the six hour round trip drive from Atlanta to Columbia was a bit uncomfortable, but it was out weighed by the knowledge that I am on my way to a complete recovery. I take a small amout of pain meds in the evening so I will sleep. I don't go back to see Dr. Gross for another 10 months.

Prior to this surgery I was scared silly. I received emails and phone calls from people I met on this web site that helped me prepare myself metally for this adventure.  I am returning the kindness and helping anyone who contacts me.

Regards to all,

Mike

Bilateral
Dr. Gross
Left 6/23/08 and Right 6/25/08
Orchestrated by God

[TomBuell]

Hey Big Bill - Glad to see you back. You have been uncharacteristically silent these past few days. ;)
I really went hog wild yesterday - walking all over, PT, and more walking, and I'm feeling a little sore today. Nothing serious.
Hang in there!
- Tom

[Pat Walter]

Hi Mike

Glad your check up went well.  It will be good to tie your shoes again.

I think most of us really had that start up stiffness around the 6 week point.  It will eventually get better.

Enjoy your golf game!

Good Luck and let us know how you are doing now and then.

Pat

[Big Bill]

Tom ...walked about 2 miles today... with my just about 10 year old son ( he will be 10  Nov.4th ) Me being able to walk again has opened the opportunity for him and I to do more "stuff" together. I know what you mean about doing a little too much  ::) , it will make you a bit stiff later on...in a good way  ;D. When are you going to attempt a little rowing? I bet you have the itch...you will know when it is time ! Best of luck on your journey !

  Big Bill  C.A.S.H.   8)

[Big Bill]

 Pat ...do we need a "classified ads "section somewhere ???  Used Hippy Gear ???   Donation site  ???

        ::) I recently had a great Cormet Anterior Resurfacing---- ;) ... Free to a good home ---

     Beautiful aluminun crutches....barely used...large, long TED stockings ....CLEAN.....NO

     RUNS !!!  ;D ....Will post used gel Ice Packs soon  ::) :o    Havin' some fun over here!!!


         Big Bill