Hip Talk Forum About Hip Resurfacing

Hip Resurfacing General Questions => Hip Resurfacing Topics => Topic started by: WTW15 on January 07, 2012, 06:37:58 PM

Title: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on January 07, 2012, 06:37:58 PM
From what I've read, I see Mountain Goat, Imgetinold, Mslendizon, HippyLiz, and myself having January Hippy Surgery.  Who else is out there starting the New Year off with a New Hip? 

Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: mslendzion on January 07, 2012, 07:29:03 PM
Glad to have hippy comrades and veterans on my side.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Jbennett on January 07, 2012, 08:44:12 PM
I wish. 3/14 with Dr. Gross.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: marcus on January 08, 2012, 12:40:06 PM
hello due in 11th jan with op early 12th
with Treacy in uk
trying not to think about it too much
hips being really good
typical :)
marcus
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on January 08, 2012, 12:48:09 PM
Best Wishes to you Marcus from across the pond  ;)

Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Dannywayoflife on January 08, 2012, 12:53:22 PM
Hay Marcus im seeing Mr Treacy on the 11th for a check up! Good luck to you mate.
Danny
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on January 08, 2012, 01:00:32 PM
Add Lynne123 to the list - I just saw she's scheduled for 1/12/12  Best Of Luck for Ya Lynne! 
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on January 08, 2012, 01:23:09 PM
And Baby Barista 1/23/12 

Look at us Gals GO!  Seems like they had a "special" on HR's for women in Jan LOL    (not to infer that all are women, We have Marcus and I'm not sure of Imgetinold's gender)  hehe 
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on January 08, 2012, 01:25:38 PM
The more I read, the more I find.  Skedaddle 1/11/12.  Best Wishes for you too!! 
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Baby Barista on January 08, 2012, 05:42:41 PM
Yep, two weeks now. I have my pre-op physical tomorrow. Bright and early 5:40am check-in on the 23rd!
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: n4085b on January 09, 2012, 05:49:23 AM
Getting ready to get my L hip resurfaced by Dr Gross on 1/11/12 if pre-op exam goes as planned. Just hanging in the hotel counting the hours!
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Hippyliz on January 09, 2012, 07:10:11 AM
Good luck!! I hope you feel well enough to post after your surgery -- I'll be interested in hearing about your experience. Do you have to travel a far way to get home?
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: marcus on January 09, 2012, 09:57:51 AM
thanks WTW good luck to you and all you boys and girls in the US of A
thanks danny dont upset Mr  Treacy on 11th :)
cheers marcus

Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on January 09, 2012, 10:32:14 AM
Sending Positive Vibes to MsLendzion right now!   :D
Hoping she can post up in a day or two and let us all know it went GREAT! 
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: hernanu on January 09, 2012, 10:47:38 AM
That's right!! Good luck mslendzion ! hope to hear from you when you can.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Dannywayoflife on January 09, 2012, 11:18:23 AM
Quote from: marcus on January 09, 2012, 09:57:51 AM
thanks WTW good luck to you and all you boys and girls in the US of A
thanks danny dont upset Mr  Treacy on 11th :)
cheers marcus
Ha I'll try not to Marcus! :-) good luck for the 12th mate.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Davinai on January 09, 2012, 04:20:45 PM
I just had my LHR done on 12/27 with Dr. Pritchett and I am back to work today, so I am starting 2012 with a new hip.  So far so good and I am also a woman.  Davina
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: FlbrkMike on January 09, 2012, 04:21:42 PM
Good luck to all the new and future hippies!!

My one year anniversary is coming up on February 11.  This time last year I was nervously counting down the days.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: hernanu on January 09, 2012, 04:24:21 PM
That's awesome, Mike! Will light a few fireworks in your name.... Ok, maybe not, but will definitely wish you well on your anniversary.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Luanna on January 09, 2012, 04:35:13 PM
Excellent news Davina,
Be sure and take it as easy as possible as you start back to work. Well - as easy as you can. Be sure to ice, rest, and elevate. Especially after PT sessions!

All the best to you and all the new hippies as you make your way through your recovery journey in 2012.

Luanna
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Two4One on January 09, 2012, 10:42:25 PM
Greetings, WTW15!oth

Does it count as starting the New Year with 2 newly resurfaced hips on December 20th?

Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Barbara on January 10, 2012, 02:47:38 PM
Yes, I'm starting the year with 2 new hips............yet again. Ive started a few years recently with new hips due to the failure of my metal on metal BHR's :(
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Two4One on January 10, 2012, 03:03:13 PM
Hey, mslendzion, you're a Schmitty Hippy NoW!!!  I can't wait to see your cool new experiences!
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: mslendzion on January 10, 2012, 05:30:58 PM
All is well. Things went very good. Thank you.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: hernanu on January 10, 2012, 07:10:15 PM
That's great mslendzion, how do you feel?
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: mslendzion on January 10, 2012, 08:16:52 PM
Good. Able to bear my full weight with no pain. Leg is a bit swollen and sore. I'm no pump needed today for pain. There is none at all sitting or laying. I was a bit nausaus (sp) but they gave me pills to help. So far so good.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Two4One on January 10, 2012, 08:55:51 PM
mslendzion, I knew you would be a no pump girl!  I'm so happy for you to get it done and over with.  Who are your RNs and Clinical Assistants @ Huron Valley Sinai?  My favorites were Nancy, Gigel, Thom (I called him Possum), Jessica, Debbie, and a couple more that I need to look up to send a Thank you note to.

Just think, we'll do all our healing during the snow months and feel so great this summer and work on our tan!  We should hit the beach with MGM and a few other Schmitties & have a volleyball game & cold beers!
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on January 12, 2012, 10:47:53 PM
Keeping Marcus in my thoughts today - well, over there it's already Tomorrow - so I'm sure he's ready to get up and going by now! 

Cheers for MsLendzion!!!  Good to hear.  Makes me excited for mine in 1 week! 

Barbara - fill us in - are you getting 2 new THR's this month? 

One > I love your story and your progress!  You are definitely starting the New Year right!
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on January 12, 2012, 11:17:31 PM
Need to add Happy Healing to Imgetinold! 
So many getting a new lease on life   ;D
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: imgetinold on January 13, 2012, 08:32:04 AM
For the record, I am a male.

Congrats to all of our January hips.  Recovery is okay for me.....day 2 was not fun.

Marcus:  I had the same issue.....hip playing nice for the last couple of weeks.  I actually went running on Monday morning for 4 miles, with only moderate post-running hip pain.  I just tried to remember the weeks where I couldn't walk the grocery store without a lot of pain.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on January 14, 2012, 05:01:34 PM
I'm finding comfort in seeing who's 'done' and who's coming up.  May be just Keeping my mind busy. 

January Hippies:
MsLendzion  1/09
Skedaddle    1/11
N4085b        1/11
Imgetinold    1/11
Lynne123     1/12

I heard from Marcus and he did not have surgery.  I'll let him share his story if/when he chooses.  But he's with us all in hippy-spirit

Coming up this week:

HippyLiz    1/16
Me           1/19   ;D

And rounding out the month:

Baby Barista   1/23
Mountain Goat  1/23 & 1/25  GO BILAT! 

Wow - that's 10 Hips!     (did I miss anyone?) 

POSITIVE HIPPY VIBES TO EVERYONE! 

Adding DOZER26 for 1 of 2 hips in January. 
This just in:  Fuzzy8Ball  BILAT!  1/17
ALEX3 also getting it done this month!

** 2 more Joined our January Group **
Zeke
BLKHANK
Welcome!!!  Happy Healing!     15 HIPS  in January!!!!   WOOHOO

Good Luck to all the February Hippies - Speak Up - Start a Post so we can cheer you on! 
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: marcus on January 15, 2012, 09:31:47 AM
hi WTW yes no surgery for me
had to cancel day before op
had what i thought was a routine heart scan as 52 and  no symptoms
(but bad family history)
sadly they found 3 narrowings and advised to delay until these are soughted
may need stent or worse :-(
sure puts worrying about my hip in perspective
well done hippies, I will be have to get hip sorted later :-)
I'll be still watching your progress tho
cheers marcus
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: hernanu on January 15, 2012, 04:54:27 PM
Good luck, marcus - my brother in law had a mini hip put in by Dr. Snyder, despite the fact that he does have heart issues (is on medicine for it). I'm sure once they stabilize that issue, you'll be able to do the surgery.

My brother in law is having a great recovery and is at five months now. You'll get there!
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on January 17, 2012, 09:16:18 PM
Adding Dozer26 to our Jan Hippies - 1 of 2!  Keep us posted - we'll keep you in our thoughts! 
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on January 18, 2012, 08:58:47 AM
Sneaking in just under the wire is Fuzzy8Ball who had Bi-Lat 1/17   :P
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Hippyliz on January 18, 2012, 01:07:28 PM
Hi WTW! How are you doing today? Are you nervous? I'm so excited for you and I know you will be so relieved when you wake up after surgery!

Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: mslendzion on January 18, 2012, 01:12:45 PM
WTW. Best of luck to you. No worries.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: hernanu on January 18, 2012, 01:48:23 PM
Good luck tomorrow WTW!!! You'll be feeling great on the other side.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on January 18, 2012, 02:17:57 PM
Quote from: Hippyliz on January 18, 2012, 01:07:28 PM
Hi WTW! How are you doing today? Are you nervous? I'm so excited for you and I know you will be so relieved when you wake up after surgery!

Thank You!!  I am excitedly nervous - but you all know that feeling!  :-) 
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Two4One on January 19, 2012, 01:50:22 AM
Welcome to the other side today, WTW15! 

You're gonna love it here.  Promise: Cross my Heart and Hope to Fly!  Press your pain pump every 8 minutes and time will fly by in a pleasant haze.   Then the fun part is when you get to walk and the OA pain is Gone with a Capital G, and all you have left is some scar, surgery, and muscle soreness pain - and that gets better so much so every day that you won't believe it!

You are in my prayer/vibes/best wishes.  May your surgeon be guided to supremely and  expertly to install the perfect hardware for you.  May you feel the love and support of everyone around you, and may you always keep noticing that darn glass is half full!
I wish you perfect healing, a recovery at just the right pace for your body, and a calm & relieved spirit of joy and exploration.

Amen.

I'm excited to read about all your upcoming experiences as you navigate the twists and turns, hills, valleys, and even a few temporary dead ends, never taking your eyes from your final destination of having your life back!

'One
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: lori.36 on January 19, 2012, 09:42:59 AM
Good luck today.  Thinking of you.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Tin Soldier on January 20, 2012, 04:26:02 PM
Hey WTW - nice job on all the dates for everyone.  I'm very impressed.  We do like to throw a bunch of support posts to folks who are going in for surgery, don't we.  IThey might be short and seem simple, but I think its really cool.  Both times I went in for surgery I had a lot of support from folks here, it gave me inspiration and brightened my day.  It's nice to know that there is a community of folks that are supporting you.

Go team!
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: alex3 on January 23, 2012, 06:24:28 PM
1st Surface Hippy post.   Doing my right hip this Friday(1/27) at St. Josephs in Denver.  I'm definitely nervous, but good to see feedback from so many others who have done it and are now thriving.  Appreciate any last minute advice or words of encouragement you might have.   thanks !
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Two4One on January 23, 2012, 06:40:49 PM
Congratulations and welcome Alex3!  Get super Big Pants, maybe with a drawstring, that you'll be able to fit in post surgery.  Also, slip on heel less shoes are good to accommodate your swollen feet after surgery.

Lastly, cruise around the site and put in search terms and you'll learn just about anything you need!  I'm happy for you; it will be so nice to be rid of your debilitating OA pain and feel the healing of recovery instead!

Good Luck,
2Fer
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on January 23, 2012, 10:13:21 PM
WooHOO~  I'm on the other side and feel great - Thanks EVERYONE for the support!  Good luck to those still in the staging area!  It IS worth it! 
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: mslendzion on January 24, 2012, 12:13:57 AM
wTW15, hope you are feeling well. The hard part is over.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: marcus on January 24, 2012, 04:11:41 AM
wtw good for you, well done
take your time with recovery
marcus
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: hernanu on January 24, 2012, 11:12:44 AM
All right WTW !!! was waiting to hear from you...
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: hernanu on January 24, 2012, 11:17:08 AM
Quote from: alex3 on January 23, 2012, 06:24:28 PM
1st Surface Hippy post.   Doing my right hip this Friday(1/27) at St. Josephs in Denver.  I'm definitely nervous, but good to see feedback from so many others who have done it and are now thriving.  Appreciate any last minute advice or words of encouragement you might have.   thanks !

Welcome Alex! Like 'One said, check around the site, I'm sure we've all chimed in. One of the things that really helped me was to get the stretchy laces for my sneakers (my male ego just couldn't take backless shoes, it's my own failing). They are easy to slip into and hold on well when I was walking.

You're going to be fine. The actual operation passes by in an instant for you. I fell passed out the way to the operating room and woke up in my room with a nurse telling me everything had gone great. I can't call it falling asleep, since there was no delay - just pass out and come to quickly (to me). You've chosen a great way to step forward.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Hippyliz on January 24, 2012, 08:55:55 PM
Best wishes to Amy (Mountaingoat)! I'm anxious to hear how she is doing. She's scheduled for a bilateral with Dr. Gross (yesterday and tomorrow). Give us an update when you can, Amy! The first week will be over before you know it!
Liz
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Tin Soldier on January 25, 2012, 05:06:42 PM
WTW - excellent.  I wondered how it went.  Congratulations.

Alex - good job on getting this far.  I think as others may have said this, surgery is scary, but really it's not that bad.  Don't overthink it, let the docs do what they do best and soon you'll be nibbling on ice chips and before you know it you'll be in your room happilly eating hospital meatloaf and watching reruns of Mash, and slamming down the fluids.   
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: alex3 on January 25, 2012, 05:52:45 PM
Thank you for the words of encouragement and advice hernanu, two4one, Tin Soldier, and WTW15.  It really is helpful to hear from others who have already been through this.   T minus two days.  Go Ducks Tin Soldier.  I graduated from UO in 99
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Pat Walter on January 25, 2012, 07:07:00 PM
alex3

Good Luck with your upcoming surgery.  Thank You for your kinds words about the website and my work.

I look forward to reading about your recovery. 

Pat
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: ScubaDuck on January 25, 2012, 07:27:28 PM
Alex - I think Tin leans toward Oregon Agriculture College.  ;D

I am a fellow Duck but preceded you by a few years.  BA Mathematics 1984

Best wishes.

Dan
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: alex3 on January 26, 2012, 12:13:12 PM
Thanks Dan.   I think everyone that went to Oregon had an unofficial minor(or major) in agriculture.  Same deal in Colorado.   I think my expertise in agriculture will help with my recovery   ;)
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Two4One on January 26, 2012, 10:13:05 PM
Way to go WTW and Mountain Goat; you have arrived on the other side!  You now have your work cut out for you, but hernanu has some excellent words of wisdom to help you through:

QuoteI was just happy throughout the year of recovery when I was able to retrieve pieces of my life back. It was like a scavenger hunt for the pieces of my life I had dropped as the OA took control. Priceless. - hernanu

Blessings/Vibes on you both and Godspeed with your healing!

2fer
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on January 27, 2012, 09:22:12 AM
Positive Thoughts for Alex today!!! 
WTG MtnGoat! 
This January group is Great!!! 
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Two4One on January 28, 2012, 01:12:17 PM
Go Alex! Go Alex! *Finished doing the Wave* and sat down to eat my lunch.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: alex3 on January 31, 2012, 12:33:51 PM
I'm came home yesterday and I'm sitting in my recliner right now.  feeling pretty good.  I feel like the worst part is behind me. Slept ok last night.  Pillow underneath my knees helped.  I'm sure I will sleep better as I feel better.  thanks for the support and especially Two4one for the wave.    ;D
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: hernanu on January 31, 2012, 12:49:51 PM
You're right about the sleep, Alex. What are you doing for pain?
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: blkhank on February 01, 2012, 12:35:48 AM
Hi, I just had mine done Jan 6, so far so good. My butt hurts from sitting.and I'm 50% weight bearing ,my walker and I have become close . 8)
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Two4One on February 01, 2012, 11:27:35 AM
Welcome, blkhank!

Have you put wheels on the front of your walker yet?  That made ALL the difference for me and resulted in a much easier flow and gait.

Good Luck,
2fer
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: lynne123 on February 01, 2012, 11:38:45 AM
Yep, count me in,  I had mine done one week and four days ago.  Doing well.  Still resting a lot and getting through my evenings with pain meds.  Yesterday was my first big day out of the house and to the store for a few items.  It wiped me out!   
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on February 01, 2012, 06:48:46 PM
Welcome BLKHANK!!  Congrats and take it easy - take it one step at a time and you will make progress.  Don't dwell on the over-doers and just come along with all of us for the ride.  It's different for each person. 

Jan Hippies - keep checking in - this is a good group and we definitely need each other.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: alex3 on February 02, 2012, 03:31:25 PM
Hernanu- I'm taking dilaudid every 3-4 hours.  How long are most on the pain meds after surgery ?  just a few more days worth of meds, but I won't be ready to stop them them in a few days.  Hopefully they will give me a refill or maybe give me something else that isn't as strong
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: hernanu on February 02, 2012, 05:05:59 PM
Don't go by other people, everyone is different. If you need pain meds, call your doctor. You can work with them, but you can call the shots on this. 

I was prescribed oxycodone for pain control, but didn't use it - did ok with Tylenol (a good amount of it), but I doubt they'd hassle you over pain meds.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on February 02, 2012, 09:58:03 PM
I am down to 1/2 percocet in the AM when I get up with 1 xtra strength Tylenol.  then about 6 hrs later and after my exercises 2 extra strength tylenol.   before bed another 1/2 percocet and tylenol with a valium to let it all relax so I can try to sleep.  Seems to be working and weaning off the percocet, but not quite ready give it all up as I get ready to ramp up to out patient PT.  Dr gave me a refill on the perc so will use it sparingly but as needed.  Not going to make it too hard on myself. 

Listen to your body - be nice to it.  I tried to go off it all too soon and was miserable. 
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: Two4One on February 05, 2012, 06:55:26 AM
Hi Alex3!

You are talking to the former human medicine cabinet of narcotics.  I hope my story reassures you that in my opinion, your medications are just fine, and by all means get a refill, if needed.  (Your surgeon's and pain management doctor's opinions are the only ones who count.) 

Alex3, my case was a bit unusual.  Going into my bilateral resurfacing on December 20th, I was finally told that I had undiagnosed end stage bone on bone OA for over 2 1/2 years, due to the very rare and the most painful location possible that coincidentally was also the blind spot in ALL my prior dozens of various films.  In that entire pre hip resurfacing 2 1/2 year period of time, I was on Dilaudid 8mg up to 6xDay, an 100mg Fentanyl Patch that I changed every 3 days, Promethazine 25mg 4xday, Ambien10mg, and as much Docusate and enemas that I could handle, yet my pain never dropped below a level six at best

Here's the kicker: I showed several of the dozen or so Indiana orthopods the written diagnosis from the number 2 and number 3 arthroscopy surgeons in the U.S., who'd kindly looked at my films for a second opinion, but the local yokels ignored their findings that I needed a bilateral THR STAT and still insisted I had healthy cartilage and hips and told me in so many words that I was a drug addict.

The only option I had left was to stay bedridden and heavily medicated while being on the number One arthroscopy guy's year and a half waiting list.  I flew out to see Dr. Philippon in Vail, Co twice this year because he had via email said upon reviewing my films and history I was a revision candidate of my bilateral failed arthroscopic surgeries for labral tears and FAI, circa 2009. 

At the end of July, my first visit was with one of his fellows, I didn't even get to see Philippon that first trip >:(, and by that time we had already spent over 24K that we didn't have for our out of pocket insurance deductibles from the previous 2years!  Then, this surgeon, through his fellow, said that I was required to wean off all narcotics as part of his pre op protocol, to lose 20 lbs from my 158 lbs on a 5' 9" frame, and to do an hour of PT every day before my scheduled Right Hip revision on November 1st.  My 2nd and last visit to him was November 1st where he announced, oops!, I actually needed a bilateral THR.  I was disgusted with the money I'd spent on a guy who has the world at his feet and more money than I will ever see, but I started calling and researching that day until I found Dr. Philip Schmitt who, thanks be to God, The Universe, serendipity, or what have you, started me on my road to total use of my hips about a year from my surgery date of December 20th.

About 2 weeks after my bilateral resurfacing, I began to taper my narcotics.  Right now at 48? days post op, I'm weaned down to 3 Dilaudids a day, 3 Vicodins, and of course Promethazine for nausea.  Per my pain management doctor, we'll first eliminate the Vicodin's and then tritrate the Dilaudid down into nothing.  I'm real happy with coming off the junk and feel a lot better for it.  Alex3, I recommend talking with your doctors, staying out of pain, and staying on the Dilaudid until the time is right for you to start your own taper.

Good Luck and Godspeed your Healing,
2fer

P.S. Sorry for the novel.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: alex3 on February 09, 2012, 10:18:45 AM
That's good info 2fer.  So sorry for everything you've been through.  Makes my resurfacing look like a walk in the park.  I don't understand how you could get both done at the same time.  How do you do rehab if you don't have a good side to work with ?

  I asked my doc for a refill of dilaudid and he had no problem doing that for me.   I've graduated from the walker to one crutch after 10 days, so I'm pretty happy about that.  Left the house for the first time last night to go to my son's basketball game.  Felt good to get out.  Things are progressing well.

Alex
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: hernanu on February 09, 2012, 01:34:27 PM
That's good news Alex, you're using the right approach. Isn't one crutch (or a cane) great? You can carry stuff, etc.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: alex3 on February 10, 2012, 06:20:21 AM
One crutch was great until I went to the doctor yesterday and they said it's too soon to be using one crutch.  Definitely a setback for me as I had been told weight bearing as tolerated until yesterday
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: WTW15 on May 19, 2012, 05:19:20 PM
Just thought I'd revive this post to see how the Class of Jan 2012 Hippies are doing.

I'm week 17 1/2 or so and feel like I'm about mid-pack at this point in healing.  Not on the "fast-track" but don't seem to be going to slowly.  I am walking 3.5 miles or more a day, and have added lunges during the walk.  Did 125 on Thursday.  I do maybe 4-5 walks a week.  I try to do my PT 3-4 times a week, but  it's soooooooooooooooooo boring.   I'd rather DO something to rehab than just work out in the home gym.  (Ok not really a gym, my son's bedroom since he moved out) 

I have mtn biked a few times, but between work and weather, it's been hard to get out on the bike.  I did do 13 miles 2 wks ago on some open-space easy trails and it felt GREAT.  I paced myself and took breaks frequently but it was so nice to really "move". 

I am looking at increasing the Mtn Biking the next few weeks as I approach my 6month mark.  My appt is 7/19 and if all is good, we'll have our motorcycles loaded up that night and headed out for an easy moto ride on 7/20!   ;D  I have totally set my self up to be crushed if I can't ride on 7/20, but will try to remember that I'm in this for the long-term.

I'm still stiff and a little sore transitioning from sitting to walking.  I still get weird pains up/down the scar/muscles.  I still think about my hip most of the time.  If I get a weird pain, I have a moment of panic.  But I lay there at night and 'try' to feel that O/A pain and you know what - It's Gone!!!  I feel nothing inside the hip joint.  All my aches and pains are muscular and that's so awesome!!!  And by reading more and more here, I know these issues will resolve with time.  That's so awesome!!! 

So - January Hippies - post up and let us know how you are doing.
Title: Re: January 2012 Hippies - who else is starting the New Year with a New Hip?
Post by: stephen1254 on May 19, 2012, 09:42:33 PM
I'm approaching week eight and I have nothing to complain about. We did a 2.5 hour hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail today and are taking out the paddle boards tomorrow. I basically need a new excuse for not being able to keep up - surgery on the hip is passe.