8 day update

[MattJersey]

CN, my first three days post op were tough, and only after a horrendous vomiting session and a better nights sleep did I awake Friday feeling like everyone else! I tried walking, I tried sitting up, and it seemed any "upright" time would make me dizzy and sweaty. I as weak, tired. But after the vomiting and getting pain meds under control, much better. I think your idea of getting off the hard stuff on to some less hard stuff (but hard enough) is a sound one.

But I have further learning. I tested the other night and today, is one 500mg paracetamol or cocodamol enough? No, feel tender, exercises feel too hard. Going to try two paracetamol this evening and see, but will continue on two cocodamol at midnight for sleeping. Will let you know how it goes.

Seeing others' rates of progress makes me envious but I've decided I'm not going to get upset if I have to take a day or two rest. I remain very confident that at my six week check I'll have reached the goals.

[Comfortably Numb]

Sorry you had such a rough go of it at first Matt.  Sounds like a reaction to the anesthesia.  I had a spinal block and then propofol all the way.  Second time in my life I'd had propofol, and I have to say there is nothing like it in terms of near-instant recovery.  I really didn't start to feel nauseous until I began to willfully withdraw from the opiods.  They gave me Oxycontin in the hospital and Nucynta ER and regular to take home.  I came to the conclusion yesterday that I needed to make a choice between hip pain and constipation.  My bowels have quickly become my top priority.

Each of us goes into this surgery with a different set of physical circumstances.  Obviously that has a lot to do with the level of post-op pain and the rate of recovery.  Unless someone else is exactly like you, then progress comparisons are probably meaningless.  Bottom line is we will all begin to get where we need to be when we're finally able to get away from the hard stuff, begin to sleep, and have regular bowel movements.  Good luck and keep us posted.

[MattJersey]

Quick update on my pain med "research". 2 paracetamols isn't really enough for me either, just feel a little too tender. I'll give it another try mid week.

Got a "seeking reassurance" question if anyone can help?

Probably a total of 5 times since the op, I have suddenly moved or twisted or jerked and had very sharp pain. Twice this happened whilst drifting off to sleep, couple of crazy dreams, one where my brother swung a golf club at the dirt and a divot came flying at me, so in my dream (and in reality in bed) I twisted my face/head/upper body away from it leaving my hip behind. Ouch!

So I have had a few of these, that was worst. Worrying I've broken something, stitches or whatever. Then of course, I link any clunk or pain back to those incidents, and so start a pointless worry cycle.

Any one else managed to have such twists etc and think they may have ruined everything?

And of course, I've had my share of more minor twists etc getting in or out of bed, sudden pain, whoops, readjust and try that move again!

[oldsoccerplayer]

Matt - I didn't experience those particular signs but I think just about everyone on this site has been through the post-op anxiety especially in the first few weeks. Every time you feel something unusual you worry about whether something serious has gone wrong. Keep reminding yourself that as long as it isn't persistent pain or discomfort then it's almost definitely a part of your body's temporary reaction to the surgery or realignment. It sounds like you are making some involuntary movements that your hip isn't ready for yet.
If the symptoms are there all the time or if you just need reassurance your best resource is the surgeon's staff. Hope this helps. From what you describe it sounds like par for the course.

[Carlos]

Thanks to everyone for their good wishes. I am now 5 days post op and like RAGraham I also have real stiffness in the thigh and groin area when getting up. It is a real trial getting up. However, once up it all starts to stretch and walking and post op exercises really help. There has been much said on this website about positive thoughts and nothing could be more crucial in the recovery from BHR. It takes dedication, motivation and a real want to succeed. If my right hip comes out anything close to my left BHR, then I shall be absolutely over the moon.

Matt - Having been operated on the same day as you, I am wondering why I haven't been having any of the dreams you talk about, perhaps they gave me the wrong medication! All jokes apart, I have had my longest walk of about half a mile today and felt good. A bit of post op swelling which is to be expected - nothing the ice gel packs can't handle. Everyday gets better.

[MattJersey]

Glad to hear it Carlos.

Positivity is key, you're right. I have now had two really good nights at home, have got a little walking in outside, find walking with the alternating crutches very easy, but also easy to lapse to poor form. It gives me the confidence that in a few weeks one crutch won't just be easy, it'll be nearly pointless.

Going much better now, oldsoccerplayers wisdom above is useful: I should stop worrying minute to minute. Twinges will come and go. If they stay, then look into it.

Cheers all.

[KevinHalicki]

Hey Matt

What day were you ok'd to fly and how did everything go on the flight?

Kevin

[MattJersey]

My op was Tuesday, flight Saturday. I would probably have been ok Friday too. My flight was a short one though, Birmingham to Jersey, about one hour. It was ok. Airport assistance was really good too.

[KevinHalicki]

Hey Matt, for some reason I thought you were travelling from New Jersey in the US!!! My flight from Calgary to Vancouver is on 1.25 hours and the surgeon wants me to stay in Calgary an additional 10-14 days before I fly home. Good to know that a short haul flight should be ok.

Hope your recovery is going well.

Kevin

[MattJersey]

So, it's been 9 days since the op, and I'm improving daily.

Summary so far:
Avoid too much of the heavy pain killers. In my case they were not necessary, I was simply after sleeping! But I should have been prepared for little sleep on first night, and general soreness. I am a light sleeper and it was always going to be hard sleeping in a hospital!

Take the laxative medicine if offered. I declined initially and ended up struggling and regretting my choice. However, my choice was because I was feeling sick (from other medication), so a problem of my own making.

Exercises from physio are crucial. In first week since op, I have managed to re-activate some lost muscles. My arthritis was such that adduction of my right leg was a no-no. And it was clear these muscles to control that had wasted over the years. But even after just one week, I can now move my leg a little (from being literally unable to move it!) and feel strength returning.

Walking is the only other requirement, on two crutches for six weeks. However, they are already just hiking poles, and I could easily have discarded one even at day 7. But I will stick to the protocol, they are a reminder not to do something "natural" and upset progress.

Yesterday, op+8, I walked 2k by accident. I am supposed to build up to a mile after six weeks. I just didn't realise how a few little walks quickly added up. I feel fine, but muscles around hip were definitely tired as a consequence. Hip itself continues to be quietly pain free!

On op+2 the physio showed me an adduction exercise (well, move really). Just laying on back, legs bent 90degree at the knee, open the knees slowly until tension. I was scared doing this, but needn't have been. This would have been like being electrocuted had I tried it pre-op, and I was delighted, nearly tears of joy, at having regained a motion lost nearly twenty years before.

So far, so good. Plan to stick to the protocol now to six week check up. Painkillers so far, 2x cocodamol every six hours, sometimes seven or eight hours pass. And one aspirin twice daily. Walking a few hundred metres each day plus whatever pottering about the house I do.

Should be back to work Monday, op day+13, but would expect a few early finishes and flexible working in amongst this for a week or two whilst I continue to recover. Have been having a nap each day for up to an hour which will make for a test come Monday at work!

Amongst all of this, I should note that every member of the team that I met or who was treating me, as well as other patients in my cohort, were all wonderful. Positive, supportive, responsive, caring. You couldn't really ask for more. Coupled with the supportive and informative forum here at surface hippy, I can't imagine any other orthopaedic operation being so ... Easy.

In detail ...

Clerking in day, Monday:
Arrived in afternoon at hospital, and was processed in. I had travelled alone, figuring my family life would be disrupted enough when I got back to warrant not putting them out through the week. Also, I imagined it would be quite boring waiting around the hospital, and expensive too, time off work, travel and accommodation costs soon add up. I knew the hospital had good wifi, so video and voice calls home would be (and were) easy enough.

I think I made the right choice in travelling alone given circumstances but if all practicalities could be ignored then having someone there would be nice. Met Carlos too today, which did compensate in a small way. His experience of having had one already was an inspiration and reassurance.

Surgery day, Tuesday:
A bit nervous, walked up to theatre, anaesthetist offered me a large Margarita at 2pm, and I awoke at 4.45pm. I couldn't tell whether I'd had any surgery at all, never mind whether it went well. That was some Margarita! Felt nauseous and lapsed in and out of sleep, sipping a little water offered by nurse. The surgeon's assistant passed through the recovery room and noted it had gone well. I went back to my room about 6.15pm and by about 8pm had a sandwich and started to feel better.

Muscle pumps were installed to help lower limb circulation so as to minimise risk of blood clots, and these were mildly irritating: noisy, and, well, just annoying. Still, if the surgeon says they're important, who am I to oppose, what do I know?!

Through that night I got little sleep, and by about 2 or 3am asked for more pain relief. Had some oral morphine, and managed a few hours of fitful sleep. Later, I had some tramadol too, and I think all the medication was getting too much for my system. I felt feint and remained so, and a little nauseous, for the two days after surgery.

Wednesday, post op 1
On this day I tried a few steps with walking frame, but got too dizzy after ten steps, and had to lie down again. Went through the bed exercises with physiotherapist, and managed to do those.

The pumps remained on my legs, irritating and helping, alongside all the other foreign noises of a night in a hospital, to prevent any good sleep. So, I asked for some help sleeping and I think that night had tramadol and oral morphine again. Still didn't sleep much at all.

In amongst all this, I felt very positive though, my hip operation had gone 'like clockwork' the surgeon advised. I had made ten steps, and felt good about how things would be in a few weeks' time.

Thursday, post op 2
My co-patients were all getting about on their crutches and I was having a hard time, it felt unfair. But I think a matter of the medicines and eating a lot (it was like being at a five star all inclusive resort!) were my downfall.

I tried to walk again today, but still a bit dizzy. Managed a little using crutches. Physiotherapist was surprised, as she felt I should be doing best of all the patients under her care given my age and physical condition.

In the evening, I decided to have only a light dinner, but before that had the usual medicine (aspirin) and proceeded to vomit. Whilst a very unpleasant episode, it was also cathartic and I did feel much better once cleaned up.

During the day the surgeon and his assistant visited, and noted again it had gone well. So, I was still feeling like I was lagging in my progress compared to my compadres, but felt very positive. The many stories I had read previously were a useful reminder that different people recover at different rates, and in lots of cases, the first week or two are tough. So I tried to think beyond the immediate, and relatively minor in the context of some stories, issues and remained positive.

Friday, post op 3
Awoke after a fairly good sleep (insisted no leg pumps as I felt they were preventing my sleeping) and felt much better. I shaved, used the facilities, and did my exercises all pretty good.

Eventually had a shower.

For some other patients, including my buddy Carlos who was having his second one, it was discharge day. Thankfully I was staying until Saturday, as it was necessary for me!

We were all due X-rays and ultrasound checks. I was lucky enough to be around long enough to see the surgeon's assistant again in the afternoon. He looked at my X-ray and noted it was 'textbook positioning'. This gave me a real lift, and I felt on cloud nine having also overcome my other nausea and dizziness issues.

Saturday, post op 4
This was my intended discharge day. But, I was of the impression that unless I had a bowel movement I wouldn't be allowed to go. So, it was all about trying to have a poo for the first hour or two of my day. It was very difficult, but eventually made it. Annoyingly, as is the case usually with such "traffic jams", when I got home in the afternoon my motions were restored to their former glories like I had never had a problem at all. Note to self: after operation, take the laxative immediately it is offered!

So, Saturday allowed me time to do some walking, pack, have dressing changed and so on. A busy morning, then I was released, out in to the world by myself with my new hip to get flight home.

Everything went smoothly.

I then had a great night's sleep, interrupted, but feeling stronger again.

By now, I was operating my crutches alternately, more like hiking poles, and it was clear I could move around quite easily with just a single crutch. But, it was important not to get carried away and have an accident.

Sunday to Wednesday, post op 5 to 8
Progress continues. Have been taking cocodamol roughly every six hours since Thursday last week, but have times when I just feel I don't need any. Have mixed in the odd paracetamol instead but mostly two cocodamol. They are lasting longer than 6 hours now though, so I am gradually stretching them out, as I'd like to stop soon.

Today, Wednesday, day 8, I walked a bit further than I should and really felt it, tired and sore muscles. Will take it easy tomorrow.

Have been able to do all my exercises easily enough, even when painkillers have nearly worn off. So, gradually, things are improving. I can easily hobble with no crutches, but this is pointless and risky. Best to be using crutches and developing good walking form, re-learning to walk properly without a limp.

Feeling very positive now, getting back to work will be a test on Monday (day 13), but by end of May I will be very surprised if I am not nearly back to normal, apart from carrying two crutches for no obvious reason (other than to remind me to take care!).

[Comfortably Numb]

Outstanding summary Matt!  Thanks for the information.  It definitely sounds like you've made substantial progress since the first few days.

I'm going to throw in some of my own thoughts and experiences--not for comparison--but to help others who may be following this "Class of April-May 2015" thread. 
--I am 8 days post-op and can't say enough good things about Dr. Gross, his surgical team, and Providence NE Orthopedic Hospital.  I was particularly impressed with the anesthesia protocol (spinal block + propofol) which left me clear headed and without a trace of nausea.
--My first day home (day 1 post op) was the most difficult mainly because of problems with getting in/out of bed and recliner.  Pain levels were otherwise very tolerable, but I tweaked myself many times when trying to move from one location to another.  I addressed mobility problems related to the bed by starting to slide in/out on a large garbage bag.  Remarkable improvement!  Also, my son built a temporary platform base for my Lazy Boy recliner out of 2x6's and a small piece of plywood.  Took him about 15 min. and turned my chair into an easily accessible throne!   
--On the morning of my 3rd day post-op I decided to stop the only pain medication I was taking (two types of Nucynta) and began to focus on getting my bowels to function. Fortunately I had been taking 3 stool softeners per day and eating a vegetable heavy diet for one week pre-op.  I drank two 6 oz. cans of prune juice on an empty stomach and waited.  It wasn't long until nature called.  I have continued with the stool softeners and one 6 oz. can of prune juice to this day and have had no problems.  I highly recommend this type of pre-op approach for everyone.  I realize that some will not be able to stop pain meds as quickly as I did post-op, but the sooner the better.
--I spent post-op days 1 and 2 walking around the house with two crutches trying to focus on proper steps, gait, use of stairs, etc.  On post-op day 3, I went outside and did an 800 ft. round trip with two crutches to the mail box and back.  On post-op day 4, I transitioned to one crutch and increased my walking distances to about 1400 ft. round trip on my long walk and 800 ft. on the second shorter walk.  On post-op day 5 I transitioned for part of the day to a cane and have continued to this day using my cane for the most part.
--My pain is confined to three areas:  the incision, the glute, and my groin.  I have had a couple of instances where I somehow caused a spasm in the groin.  This has been temporary but the worst pain of all.  Really breathtaking.  My glute pain feels like a tight sprained muscle, it is constant and is mostly a nuisance.  Pain around the incision is usually only noticeable when sitting in a chair.
--My main concern at this point is swelling around the incision and between my knee and foot.  I have a family history of DVT so I contacted Dr. Gross' office and asked for more detailed guidance on how to evaluate my leg swelling.  I think most of it is exercise related as fluids are responding to gravity, but I am keeping a close eye on things.

Best wishes to everyone for continued progress!

[oldsoccerplayer]

I had swelling earlier on, around day 4 post-op. Keeping the leg elevated helped (you probably already know that)

[ironwill]

I just had right BHR on 5/5/15 with Dr. Feldman.  I am 30 years old and I am pretty happy how things are going.  I am only on day 6 but I am ahead of where I thought I would be.  I remained as active as possible up untiil the day of the surgery.  This will be the longest period of my adult life without being active and lifting weights but it will be well worth it to get back to being as good as new.  And because my hip was so messed up I believe I will be as good as new.  I started a blog to track my recovery that I hope will help other people suffering from hip problems.    30yearsoldhipresurfacingjourney.blogspot.com

I look forward to reading about other's progress as well.

[Dannywayoflife]

I'm now coming up 13 weeks and today I cycled to the gym. I'm no where near what my ROM will be in time but it was already far easier to swing my leg over the bike than the lay time I rode about 6 months ago!

Also I'm back to work tomorrow :(

[MattJersey]

Well, here I am at 14 weeks and two days post op. Been on holiday past couple of weeks. Played golf two times, carried once (tiring) and pull cart second. Hitting the ball better than ever, and pain free. Looking forward to an exciting golf future for sure.


Over the past two weeks I have done pretty much everything I have wanted except on the odd occasion reigning myself in when tempted to chase after my daughter or run otherwise. Biking, walking, swimming, climbing the stairs to the pool slides countless times. One thing I haven't done is rope climbing in the trees and zip lining. Maybe next year for that.


Have managed to put my leg up, hip flex, and over my bike's crossbar, and today (well last night on getting home) I rowed for a minute, and five mins this morning. I am back!!!!! Not quite cranking my old level, but I can row with my knees inside my elbows. (Indeed, I think it will be a great exercise for gradually reestablishing the full hip flex ion range.)


All in all, I am a very happy bunny today. And it's only 14 weeks. I read stories on here of people forgetting they had the op after a year or two, and I can well believe it. Fingers crossed things continue on this current course, no reason to think they won't if I go steadily.


Anyone thinking about the op, and wondering is this all hype? Well, I'm only 14 weeks in but it all is consistent with my best hopes so far, and if you are a candidate, and you need some kind of op, you shouldn't hesitate if an experienced surgeon offers you this. (But do hesitate if the surgeon has no knowledge or no/only limited experience of this, and go see someone who has!)

[JHippy]

nice!

[MattJersey]

Saw Petenmeads update on another thread and figured I'd update.


I'm sixteen weeks now, and I am just so happy that I had this op. I really don't think much about my hip at all other than how happy I am about it. Like night and day the comparison. My rehab includes swimming. I was doing some pre Op and breaststroke would leave my hip sore afterwards. Not any more. And my golf ... Oh my gosh, why have I been struggling with erratic form for the past 19 years, thinking I'm just rubbish at times and great at others. I always suspected/knew it was my hip, and that is absolutely a certainty now.


I can't thank Mr McMinn enough at this stage. At about week 8-10 I recall getting worried about my good hip ... But it seems to have passed the little niggle I had and I just feel fantastic at the moment. Long may it continue! I am definitely one of those "wish I'd known about it and had it sooner" people now.

[MattJersey]

Update approaching two years here, on 28 April.


Been skiing today for first time in a while. Was tentative at first, but all fine, and going full steam by end of session, hip not a problem. Feels strong.


Left hip is another matter. And knee. Happy knee is ok really for skiing and golf at present, but golf aggravating left hip. Can easily see second resurfacing end of 2018 through the winter. Maybe I will last a year more into 2019 we will see.


But cannot fault my right hip. I hope I will be posting on here in another 10 years like some of the other long term hipsters.


To anyone needing this op but worried, I can wholeheartedly recommend it this far, life is so much better post op.


Good luck, and best wishes to all.