Cold Therapy Devices

[oldsoccerplayer]

I'm not sure what Dr. Gross' team used on me. The anesthesiologist came into the prep room and told me he uses the same stuff they used on Michael Jackson with one major difference; this guy knows what he's doing. I remember looking up in the OR and seeing spotlights pointing down and thinking "oh no, I'm still awake" but that's the last thing I remember. I don't even remember coming back around in the recovery room (though I might have closer to the time). I do remember waking up in my room with the ice pack cooler running and feeling very comfortable. As others reported it was a couple of days before my water started flowing but other than that I don't recall any major pain or discomfort, but I was pretty groggy for the first few days post-op. The first major change you notice is that your hip doesn't hurt any more!
Good luck, and let us know how it works out.

[oldsoccerplayer]

Getting help from your wife is not cheating! I didn't get one of those sock grabbers so I was getting spousal help getting socks on and off and getting in / out of the shower for several weeks.

[Comfortably Numb]

Based on what you all have said, my guess is that something like Versed with Demerol or Fentanyl is administered through the IV first.  This is not a knock out combo at low dosage, but it does make you very relaxed and forgetful of the experience.  This is the combo that was (and still may be) used for many colonoscopies. 

The "spinal" is not an epidural catheter but, instead, is a single injection nerve block.  The Michael Jackson drug is propofol.  So that is probably added to the IV when they want to put you completely down for the surgical procedure.  As I mentioned earlier, my gastroenterologist now uses propofol for all endoscopies.  My experience with this drug was wonderful as compared to Versed which was used in two prior colonoscopies.  I think the post-op bowel, urinary, and groggyness issues mentioned have a lot more to do with narcotics (i.e. oxycontin, etc.) than sedation (i.e. propofol).

I appreciate everyone's input on this.  Your comments combined with my past experience have pretty much answered this question.

[seahip]

Congrats! I'm about 4.5 years now and have great hips

Keep the ice up as much as you can. Always allow 15 to 20 minutes to go by after icing before reapplying, you don't want to add frostbite to the list of things you're dealing with.

Like the joke says ... "Doctor, it hurts when I do this!"  .... "Well don't do that!"

Keep the pillow there while you need it. I used pillows for a long time.

One thing I've described before, and a really good way to move your leg when you get in / out of bed is to get the other one involved:

When lying down at the bed

• Tuck the unoperated leg under the other at the ankle.
• Use the unoperated leg to lift the operated leg ankle slightly off the bed
• Move 90 degrees to the edge of the bed with your leg up, supported by the other at the ankle
• Using your other leg for support, lower the operated leg to the floor.

When sitting at the edge of the bed

• Tuck the unoperated leg ankle behind the operated at the ankle.
• Use the unoperated leg to lift the operated leg ankle up level with the bed
• Move 90 degrees to the the bed with your leg up, supported by the other at the ankle
• Lay down on the bed. 

This was the best for me, and since I was living alone, was great since I needed no help.


You are still (and will be for a bit) dealing with both the effects of the surgery and the chemical changes from the anesthesia, etc. Be patient with your body, it will return to good balance in due time.

Thanks Hernanu.  That's great you managed on your own and devised some neat tricks! Congrats on your 4.5! Thanks for the advice. 6th day now and feeling a lot better. Off narcotics completely. Swelling is bad, as to be expected, so icing it. Constipation gone too. I had bad dysplasia, so my placement doesn't look as optimal as some out there, but I trust the experience of the doctor and am sure the best was done for my circumstance.

[seahip]

Getting help from your wife is not cheating! I didn't get one of those sock grabbers so I was getting spousal help getting socks on and off and getting in / out of the shower for several weeks.

Agreed!

[seahip]

Just got done with a bhr by dr Pritchett.  I know someone had posted this question here before with no answers. Surprising given I've seen at least a few blogs with surgery by dr Pritchett.  Anyways I want to ensure I get great PT so would appreciate recommendations. I live on the Eastside. I'm thinking about Erik Moen with corposano pt since he is one of the best cycling pt's around and also is on the list. He did my bike fit and it was the last one I needed.  I'm thinking it would also be a great way to target getting back on the bike.

[mari]

 My experience was similar.  The last thing I remember is being wheeled from the pre-op bay to OR.  I must have fallen asleep on the way.   I don't remember getting the spinal or anything else until I awoke in recovery with nice warm coverings on me.  Pain was very minimal.

[Leela3325]

I am a Flight Attendant with a Regional Airline and was wondering if there are any other FA's out there that have had HR?  How long did before you could return to work?  I am scheduled for LHR with Dr. Books in June and am just trying to plan my life.  Also, was wondering how much time I should wait before I have the right one done.  Thanks to all that respond.

Lisa

[Beth]

mickymoko,
Where was your bone spur?
Still waiting for my phone call. The discomfort is less, but I am using my forearm crutch to assist, esp on stairs and not doing much but sitting.
Was there any discussion of other testing?
Beth

[Beth]

Dan,
Loved your report!
Even though I am having a bump in the road, I believe my RBHR is ok and will think of you after my RBHR, planned for June.
I really do have a whole lot of faith in Dr Brooks.
Beth

[ecchastang]

Just got home from Dr. Rector's office, and he said due to enlarged deformed femur head and shallow socket, I am not a candidate for resurfacing, and he would not even be comfortable doing a replacement.  What is the best way for other opinions of dr's that have done complicated cases.  I am 35 athletic male with very strong bones. 

[Dannywayoflife]

Really sorry to hear that. I'd say your best bet would be to email copies of your xrays to Dr Gross, De Smet and Bose they do free consultations and are very experienced

[Torontogirl]

Hi Lisa,
I was a flight attendant for 33 yrs and 2 1/2 yrs ago had both hips resurfaced(same time)so I certainly understand the challenges of the job. All I can say is a minimum of 6 weeks but you want to be sure that your gait is completely normal i.e. no limping so realistically-more like 2-3 months, but it really does vary. Your  work days are long and you are on your feet most of the time and you do a lot of twisting and bending, so you will need to work on regaining muscle strength-I would recommend going to a really good PT once you are able, one who us experienced with Hip Resurfacing is best! Good luck with your surgery!

Angy

[Comfortably Numb]

Really sorry to hear that. I'd say your best bet would be to email copies of your xrays to Dr Gross, De Smet and Bose they do free consultations and are very experienced

I second this recommendation.  I was initially told that I have "adult hip dysplasia." I am also approaching 67 years of age.  Mailed my xrays to Dr. Gross and the rest is history.  He is doing my surgery in April.  You should not pass up the opportunity to have him review you records and history.  He will do this long distance.  His PA, Lee Webb, is extremely helpful with facilitating all of this.  If he says he can't do it, then believe it.

[ecchastang]

I emailed Dr Gross with my x-rays and heard back already and he said that I am a perfect candidate.   

[Jon]

Just FYI for anyone thinking about skiing post resurf, went to Vail a couple weeks ago.  Last day we skied 42,000 feet vertical and covered 84 miles.

Derek McMinn, thank you!

[rburns]

Sorry, I can't help you re: physios, but I just had a consult with Dr. Pritchett and would be interested to hear your feedback on the surgery experience.
Thank you!

[petemeads]

That's more like it! I had a deformed femur head which was pushing its way out of the socket, no problem to my surgeon and so far recovery has been brilliant. Just the problem of deciding when to get the other one done...

[oldsoccerplayer]

I emailed Dr Gross with my x-rays and heard back already and he said that I am a perfect candidate.   

WOW!!
I'm so lucky that I happed upon Dr. Gross because he's relatively close to where I live.

[Comfortably Numb]

I emailed Dr Gross with my x-rays and heard back already and he said that I am a perfect candidate.   

Congratulations!  You have found one of the best in the business.  I live in the Columbia area and have been fortunate to have had 3 separate consultations with Dr. Gross and staff over the past 4 years.  He has not rushed me into this.  In fact he recommended an injection that bought me 2 years, nearly pain free.  Finally I'm bone-on-bone and we agreed recently to pull the trigger.  Good luck.