I'M BACK!

[stephen1254]

Haven't been here for awhile, as it was 2.5 years since my surgery, but I'm now 8 days post-op from my second BHR. I now have a matched pair!

As we recently relocated to the East Coast, this resurfacing was done by Dr. Raterman out of Tampa Bay. He's done 1000's of resurfacings, and is able to take an anterior approach for certain patients with a specific type of musculature. The difference from the last hip to this hip is pretty dramatic - less pain, greater strength right after surgery, was able to sleep in my bed immediately, etc.

That doesn't mean, of course, that it has been all fun and games. The surgery still causes significant trauma to the leg, and I'm still dealing with pain and swelling - the swelling seems about the same. The recovery does seem a bit faster. I transitioned from a walker to the cane as soon as I came home, where it was 6 days before, and I'm not using the cane around the house at 7 days post-op, where it was 11 days before. The limitations on certain activities - like an exercise bike or light weights, is about the same.

I do have a question about PT. Last hip I didn't have any - the PT said I was doing fine on my own. This time the Dr. insists on PT with a pretty strict regimen working on ROM and strength. My session yesterday left me very stiff and sore, to the point where I had to go back to the cane. This morning it is better, but still stiffer than before the PT which was done about 24 hours earlier. My instincts tell me it is too much too soon, but my instincts might be completely wrong. Can anyone chime in on their experiences with PT?

[chuckm]

Well done Stephen! Big yep in my opinion - too much too soon. Communicate clearly to your PT. Do not irritate the psoas (groin area) with leg lifting etc. Don't do too much stretching there either or it will just stay sore. I'm not an MD but that is a constant theme on this site. With resurfacing the bursa and the psoas tendon have to endure a lot of trauma and need time to heal.

Chuckm

[Dannywayoflife]

I was told by my surgeon that pt was not needed. I saw a pt for 1 session I think and she tried to break me!! I instinctively knew what she was found was wrong so I never went back!!!

[Granton]

My surgeon also said PT not required. However, after my second BHR, I hurt my back so GP sent me for a few sessions.

She was very helpful, just adapted the standard daily exercises to make them more interesting and appropriate for me. Certainly did not try to make me do more than the surgeon had specified.

Hope you make good progress.

[Dannywayoflife]

I think some surgeons have had failures due to over the top physios. I remember the 1 session I had at like 19 days post op and she was trying to force my knee to my chest and doing all manner of other things! I think that's part of the reason I was really slow at recovering at the start.