1st day post-op - Dr. Gross

[JHippy]

Well, I'm in the club. Had my left hip resurfaced yesterday by Dr. Gross and Lee Webb. I was originally scheduled for 2 nights in the hospital but I was doing well so he released me today. I'm staying in the hotel across the street until Sunday.

Dr. Gross' words today when the showed me the post-op xray was "perfect." 38 degrees, 50mm head, 56mm socket. 4-inch incision.

They tried to get me up the day of surgery but my operated leg was still somewhat numb from the spinal and wouldn't support my weight. Today was fine, though. Took a shower (as part of OT, which included how to put on socks, etc), did two PT sessions, and after leaving the hospital took a short trip to Kroger (a super-market) before settling in at the hotel.

Gotta say I'm really surprised how smooth this has been so far. The whole experience from the pre-op office visit to the stay in the hospital has been nothing but stellar. Everyone there is amazing. My girlfriend and I both felt like I was in very good hands every step of the way. I know there will probably be some more difficult days to come, but so far no pain. I'm "weight bearing as tolerated" on two crutches so I'm mobile (but still couldn't imagine doing this without the help of my wonderful girlfriend.) This is the first time I've been able to stand up straight in many years. It's a good feeling. My head is clear, minus some mild hallucinations from the narcotics (for example if I stare at the drapes for couple of seconds they look like they are moving, heh). I haven't swollen up much if at all, but I understand that'll come on days #3 and #4... and day #4 is my flight back, yikes!

It's obvious that Dr. Gross has quite a reputation around town. The pharmacist reassured me he was a great surgeon. Several nurses said the same. The hotel manager saw me on crutches and asked if I was a Gross patient and said "he's the man!" -- he said they get patients from everywhere and said they come in with crutches and in no time walking out on their own. And the hip class we attended pre-op had a mix of patients from different doctors. She would tell them what to expect, then turn to us and say with Gross patients you will _____ (quicker recovery, in less pain, walking sooner, etc).

Thank you Pat, and to everyone who has posted here. This website has been an invaluable resource for me. Hard to say where I'd be if this didn't exist.

[oldsoccerplayer]

Welcome to the other side! Your story brought tears to my eyes.
Remember the recovery process takes time, and expect physical and emotional ups and downs. Go at your own pace and don't hesitate to ask for help here or Dr. Gross' office if you need it.

[toby]

Congratulations on your new hip-great timing too -it's just going to get better and better and 2015 will be a great year for you.
Best wishes from over the pond.
Toby
LHR Adept-Prof Cobb-30-1-10

[Pat Walter]

Congratulations.  Thanks for sharing your journey of a new hip.  Yes, you are in good hands!  Take it easy and don't do too much early on.

Early Christmas present!

Pat

[hernanu]

Congratulations! Recuperation is not easy, but it is great, since as you've seen standing upright and other things that we compromise on will return happily.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Dannywayoflife]

Congrats welcome to the club! :)

[evant]

Best wishes for a good, strong post-op recovery.

[shabbis]

Congratulations and welcome to the club. I had a very similar experience, but with Dr Pritchett at Swedish Hospital in Seattle. It's quie amazing just how professional the doctors and staff are.

I Am entering week 4 post op, no crutches or cane, no pain killers anymore, and I have started the real PT.

[oldsoccerplayer]

My head is clear, minus some mild hallucinations from the narcotics

Hippies taking hallucinatory drugs - there's a shocker!  :D

[JHippy]

Hippies taking hallucinatory drugs - there's a shocker!  :D

LOL! Gotta have some fun, hehe.

[JHippy]

So now day 3. Been sleeping a lot. Short walks twice a day. Staying up on the meds and ice, and drinking lots of water. Feeling stronger today. Swelling is not too bad. Gonna run out to Starbucks shortly, just for the outing. Also hoping for a "movement" sometime today. :-o