6 weeks out Dr. Brooks Cleveland Clinic

[fenceman]

I had my 6 week post-op with Dr. Brooks yesterday and everything is going great.  He instructed me to get rid of the crutches and start walking.  I had a cane ready but he said I shouldn't need it.  I am limping on that side but he gave me an exercise to do (side leg lift) that should get rid of the limp.  I am to do low impact exercises like cycle, swim, walk ect..., but I should be careful and don't over do it for 1 year.  He doesn't want to see me until my one year anniversary. 

Dr. Brooks wants his patients to use crutches for the first 6 weeks and only put 70% of their weight on the new BHR hip.  Then no running, jumping, skiing :( or high impact for the first year.  He explained that the femora head is weak at the cap and compared it a paper clip.  If you keep bending a paperclip back and forth it will snap without warning.  The femora head is similar.  He talks of one of his first patients that was doing leg press with weights at the 4 month mark without his approval.  The head broke and he eventually had to have a THR. 

The first 2 weeks of recovery were tougher than expected but everything else  from the surgery until today has gone very smoothy. I currently have no pain except when I move my leg in an unusual direction.

Brett, if you are out there, I am wondering how you are doing?  Bill

[Pat Walter]

Hi Fenceman

Glad to hear you are doing well at 6 weeks post op.

Dr. Brooks is getting to be quite an experienced hip resurfacing surgeon now that he has done over 300 resurfacings.

I hope your recovery continues to go well.  Once you get walking and more active, I am sure you limp will go away.

Good Luck.

Pat