I'm leaving for Madison, WI tomorrow from Arizona. My date with destiny has finally arrived and Dr Rogerson has accepted me for resurfacing on Thursday. I've been active all my life competed and raced in triathlon and duathlon for over 20 years. Although I haven't been able to run or the last 4 years (a bike crash caused the insult to my right hip), I have still been biking, lifting and teaching spinning classes 5 days/wk. Although the constant ache at night reminds me of my daily transgressions from overindulging at the altar of sweat. I have been lurking on this site for some time and have decided to come out of the cold (or the hot as it is in the desert today). Thanks to all who contribute here and I hope to add some insight or at least some motivation for folks in the very near future.
The recuperation and rehab period will probably be just as tough on my wife (if not tougher), because I make a lousy patient. I'll keep you updated and be happy to answer any questions.
thanks,
spencer roberts
Hi Spencer
Glad you came out of the cold. That way we can all wish you Good Luck!
Dr. Rogerson is a wonderful hip resurfacing surgeon. Since you are in good shape and Dr. Rogerson has a great rehab program, let's hope you sail thru and won't be a lousy patient.
You will have to be slowed down for a bit - but in a few weeks, you will be on your way to recovery.
Maybe you will be one of the surface hippies that returns to triathlon. A handful of others have.
We will look forward to hear how you do after surgery and hope you will be active again. I will looking forward to some photos of you biking and running again.
Be a good patient!!!! It's not that hard! You have time to dream about what you want to be doing next summer.
Pat
Way to go ....I am scheduled for resurfacing on July 9th... please keep in touch... you are welcome to email me personally about your ongoing adventure into Hippyland Best of luck !
Big Bill
Bill and Pat,
Thank you both. I'll send a report soon. We're leaving for the airport soon. Long travel day.
take care,
spencer
Hey everyone,
It's Monday afternoon in beautiful downtown Madison, Wisconsin. I had surgery last Thursday and discharged to the hip hab on Saturday morning. I've had several PT session and experienced my first water therapy this morning. I am down to walking with one crutch and have taken several walking ventures downtown with my wife for a few lunches and dinners. The only issue is with swelling in the upper thigh. It's not painful but just contributes to tightness. But everyday gets better. I can now lay flat on my back with no pain.
I can't say enough about Dr. Rogerson and his staff. They are the tops. We'll be headed back to Tucson Wednesday evening. I can give you more details if you'd like.
take care,
spencer
Hi Spencer
Congratulations you your new hip!
Glad to hear you are doing so well.
If you care to write more of a story, just send it to me and I will post it on the website. You can also post it here too.
I hope you continue to have a quick and easy recovery and your trip back to Tucson goes well.
Best of Luck.
Pat
Hey Spencer----way to go !!! How was the water session? I am still doing my water aerobics class 3 days a week --- resurfacing surgery is July 9th ! How do they cover your incision area? What can you do in the water? How does it feel? Please post some info on the water therapy. It gave me back my high activity level, along with swimming. I know how important it can be. Congrats...you are now an official Hippie !! Stay in touch....shoot me an email now and then!
Big Bill
I'm now back in Tucson from Madison. The trip was definitely tough on me. But I bounced back this morning and am going to see a PT here this afternoon. I've been cleared to begin starting slowly on the elliptical trainer.
Pain from the swelling was considerable after the plane trip but is much less now. Looking forward to improving a little each day.
take care,
spencer
Hey it's me again,
It's Saturday, July 5th and it's hotter than hades here in Tucson.I'm 9 days post op. I Just watched the first stage of the Tour de France...my favorite bike race and the world's toughest endurance event, 23 days of racing over 2000 miles with only two rest days.
I did the elliptical trainer for 10 minutes yesterday and some pt exercises. I have virtually no pain except for early morning and it's still hard to get in a comfortable position to sleep. I'm using 1 crutch and when I'm walking or exercising I'm not using anything. Just going very easy, slowly and letting my body tell me when to ease up. Still taking tylenol in the morning and evening, celebrex-1x/day, iron 2x/day and lovanox injections at night. The support hose are ridiculous looking but I take em off at night.
I'm icing the hip at least 4-6x/day and the swelling is slowly receding.
I'm just about to go get some pt in.
take care,
spencer
Hi Spencer
Sounds like you are doing well with your recovery. Things will get better in few weeks. Good to hear you are not needing heavy pain meds.
I took heprin shots to my tummy for 14 days and I felt those sorta buzzed me and kept me from sleeping well. Once I stopped them, I slept much better.
Glad to hear you are on one crutch. Stay cool! Good Luck.
Pat
Spencer - Great to hear your story. I'm tantalized to hear about your rehab activities. I didn't think you could go into the water for a while (since we have a pool and I would love to do some water exercises) , and my doctor has ordered me to stay on crutches (20 percent pressure) for 3 weeks. He all but told me that he's just trying to slow me down. I'm 6'5" and (formerly) athletic.
Good luck. I'll be curious to hear how it goes.
- Tom
Hey Tom,
The water PT at the hip hab is part of the program. They seal the incision in tagaderm(think sticky saran wrap).
I was instructed not to go into my own pool until the incision is totally healed (scab free). I'm not going to chance infection but once the incision is clearly healed, I'm in the water.
take care,
spencer
Thanks Spencer. Hang in there. Keep us posted. I think we can all motivate each other.
- Tom
Hey Sencer and Tom....Thanks for your replies!!! Goin' in on 7/9 .... the "Big Day" for "Big Bill" . Staying in the gym and the pool till the last day!!! Did a good 2hr weight training session on Tue. & Fri.... 1hr water aerobics and swimming laps on Wed. & Thur. I will be back in the gym on Sunday nite and finish up in the pool on Mon.& Tues--Sad to say... that will be my last time to hit it good for a while! Getting tons of support from Family ,Friends, Co-workers, Gym & Pool rats...LOL out there from all the Hippies, too !!! THANKS !!! Glad you all are doin' well... I hope to follow your lead...keep the progress reports coming thru!
Big Bill
Big Bill,
You'll do great. The support is so important. Make sure you get some good easy massage post-op, it's been a key for my recovery also get some gel ice packs really helps with swelling and tightness.
Tom,
My rehab exercise for the past two days has been as follows:
10 min on LifeFitness elliptical trainer at level 3
With a green exercise band attached around my waist at one end and a pole at the other, perform:
---20x(3steps forward/3 steps back)
---20x(3 steps backward/3 steps forward)
---20x(3steps sideways/3 steps sideways back to start)
---20x(same as above but facing other way, leading with opposite side)
20x ball squats careful not to go more than 90 degrees (I'm not even close to 90 yet)
takes about 20-30 min to complete then it's time for lunch :)
Hey guys - Why don't we post all of our messages to each other in this topic so we don't have to keep searching around to all of our various messages? That way we can follow you progress Bill, and also post our own PT regimens. Sound good?
Spencer, that sounds like a good program you have. I really look forward to getting back at it. I didn't do as well as either of you guys to keep the training up before surgery. I got too discouraged by the pain and lost my motivation. This will help me start back up again.
For now I'm still doing the PT program they gave me at the hospital - some reclining, some seated, some standing. About a dozen lifts, butt crunches, extensions - 2x per day. I figure I'll get more serious in a week or so.
Power to you all - Tom
Spencer .... My wife and I were talking about the ice therapy just this evening...thanks for the reminder about the gel packs ! Good news about your progress...the gentle massage sounds interesting ...can you elaborate? Thanks , Big Bill
Big Bill,
Two days and counting! It'll come and go very quickly. Regarding massage: Have the person massaging you (for me it was my wife) start at the foot and work their way up to the hip with gentle kneading with fingertips and palms. Even massage the incision in small circles very gently. Ice right after the massage. Massage should feel good with no pain.
Good Luck!
spencer
Hey everyone,
Just a quick update. I'm 3 weeks post op today(RBHR). I am rid of the TED hose today which is fantastic because walking in Arizona in July is hot enough. I did my first stationary bike ride yesterday (35 minutes) at the PT clinic. I am walking 2 miles/day with a cane handy but mostly just carrying it. Only slight swelling around the incision, no pain. My right leg has atrophied compared to the left but I'm sure the strength will come back.
I'm still icing after exercise and resting during the late afternoon. My early mornings have been devoted to watching the Tour de France which motivates me to get back on the bike. I am also doing acupuncture and massage which are providing beneficial results. My goal is to be back training folks after week 4.
If anyone has any questions especially around exercise please don't hesitate to ask.
spencer
Thanks Spencer. I'm a week behind you so I'm interested to hear how you're doing. My doc has me on crutches and 20 pct pressure for another week (probably because I'm 6'5" - 260 lbs) but I'm looking forward to getting more active and resuming training for rowing. I also have some atrophy in my right leg.
I'm curious - what pain meds are you taking, if any? I still have some soreness in the incision area.
Good luck - Tom
Hi Spencer
Sounds like you are doing great at 3 weeks. It is wonderful to be able to go out and walk, isn't it.
Tom - your incision will remain tender for a long time. Mine still itches at times and I am 2 years post op. If I sit on a hard chair - it still bothers it. I am older and have very sensitive skin, but we get some pretty major cutting so it takes time to heal completely.
Good luck to both of you.
Pat
Hey Tom,
I've been taking 1 aleve in the morning and one at night before bed. I've been lightly massaging the incision area but it's the most tender area for sure. Don't worry it'll heal.
Hi Pat,
It's been great getting outside but it is very hot here in Tucson at 8:30am. But it's nice to work up a sweat fairly easily. Take care. How's your foot?
spencer
Thanks Spencer and Pat - Actually, I'm not concerned about the incision itself so much as some lingering soreness in the muscles, joint etc. from the surgery. Nothing major, and certainly nothing compared to the old pain. I just want to compare my progress with that of others.
Feels like ROM is still a little restricted but that's mostly from lingering tightness/swelling in the joint. I'm sure it will be fine.
Thanks, Tom
Tom,
Don't feel like the lone ranger on the joint tightness and swelling. I like gel ice packs to help relieve that plus the aforementioned aleve for mild pain. take care
Hi Spencer
Thanks for the message. I am now in a knee high fiberglass cast because my foot wasn't healing after 5 weeks. I was in an aircast boot but my foot was moving around too much. I am looking at 6 more weeks in the cast!
Worse than hip resurfacing. It is much more difficult to walk around in a cast than after a hip resurfacing. I am wearing my recliner chair out keep my foot up much of the time with the laptop in my lap.
It is discouraging, but at least I can keep doing all my website work from my recliner. That gives me something to do along with watching my husband take care of our 14 dogs! He has had to do a lot of extra work which doesn't make him very happy. He liked my hip resurfacing recovery much better. More fun in Belgium tasting all the 450 beers of Belgium.
Good Luck.
Pat
Pat,
I hope you heal fast. You've definitely been keeping busy on this site.
Belgium does have the best beers and ales in the world.
14 dogs!! wow....what breeds? We have three, 2 poodle mixes and a whippet.
take care,
spencer
Well ...the mile markers on the road into Hippyland are getting greater. Had my 1st post op visit yesterday...all is good ...picture perfect ! Got the OK to drive 8) . Walking unassisted today ;D. Going to the gym later today....gonna play a little ;) . All I can say is WOW...and how grateful and blessed I feel. :) ;) ;D ::) 8)
Big Bill --Cormet Anterior Surface Hippy, C.A.S.H. 8)
Sounds good Bill!
I see a lot of happy faces on your posts!
;D :) :D
Pat
You go Bill! You're boosting everyone's spirits around here. I passed the 3-week mark and went from crutches to cane (and sometimes no cane!) Walking around the neighborhood and up and down stairs. Starting at a sports rehab clinic tomorrow. Feeling great. Doc says I can go into the pool for another couple of weeks, which bums me out, especially as I watch my wife and kids cooling off in our pool.
Told my rowing buddies that I hope to be back in a boat, at least recreationally, by the end of the year.
It just occurred to me again how helpful this website is in keeping up morale and also realizing how everyone's recovery is a little different. The main thing is that we're all united in the joy of having new hips and losing that old pain and suffering.
Cheers everyone!
- Tom
Tom ...thanks for the compliment ;D I would like to think I am about on the normal side ::) ...I am really just amazed with the anterior procedure and not to be in pain anymore 8) I feel very fortunate and blessed to have so much support. It has built my confidence and ability to strive for more. Thanks to everyone... and let us not forget Pat...a special thanks to you ;) . Well... today is my 2 week post op date...all is well. I was a bit concerned yesterday when I got a call from my surgeon's (Dr. Stefan Kreuzer) office. They wanted to know if I could come back in ???....I was just in for my 1st post op visit on Monday,so I asked ...what for ... something wrong ???...their reply was that since I was doing so well that they wanted to do a video of me about my progress! This would be something outside of the Cormet Study, for Dr. Kreuzer. I will happily do so. After all, Dr Kreuzer and his team have given me more than I could have hoped for ! Talk to you all soon!
Big Bill--- C.A.S.H. 8)
Hey everybody,
Four weeks post op today and I taught my first spinning class since June 23rd this morning. I didn't push it too hard but my heat rate was way up. Even though the class was only 50 minutes, I was very tired afterward. I'll take it easy the rest of today, watch today's stage of the Tour de France and get motivated to teach again tomorrow!
take care,
spencer
Hello everyone,
Five weeks post op today and I went for my first road ride on my bicycle. It felt great to be on the bike as I tooled around our hilly neighborhood for just over an hour. It's hot here in Tucson in the summertime (duh)
so after the ride I took a dip in the pool. Now I'm ready for a nap :D
I sent my xrays to Dr Rogerson Tuesday and yesterday he called and released me from any restrictions.
Although I can barely get past 90 degrees and put my socks on, it feels good to be "independent" again.
My energy levels are still not back to normal yet but I'm gradually improving. Still doing PT 2x/wk and walking.
If you have any questions regarding training or exercises, I'm happy to help.
take care,
spencer
Great news Spencer. That must feel great to get on the bike again. I had a long walk with my wife this morning - up and over the hill around our neighborhood in the early dawn - and it was great.
You mentioned your energy levels. I've noticed the need to take long naps in the mid-day. The hip is feeling great, but it just seems like recovery is deeply exhausting. I sleep well at night, too, even in this tropical-style Pittsburgh summer heat.
Hang in there!
- Tom
RBHR 7-1-08
Hey Tom,
Sounds like your recovery is going very well. Also, enjoy those naps I know I do. I know our energy will return.
Hangin'!!!
take care,
spencer
Well fellow hippies... been away for a few days(busy walking ,excercising and taking naps ;D) Look at everyone's progress !! Way to go Spencer and Tom!! I will feel comfortable just jumpin' on in ::) ....not really jumpin yet.... but put in my first 2 miler ;D :o 8). I did about 20 minute miles....used to do three miles in 20 minutes years ago! I am just grateful to have my active life back ! It has been 23 days since my resurfacing---WOW what a journey ;D . Pool day is Monday...I can't wait ! Got some new goggles just waitin' to be used... you all keep up the good work!
Big Bill C.A.S.H. 8)
Hi guys and gals. I had my 6 week post op visit today with Dr. Gross, his NP, Lee, and his clinic nurse Nancy. First let me tell any of you considering Dr. Gross that he and his staff are top notch. Phone calls are return, emails are answered, concerns are addressed, prescriptions are phoned in. When I go from the lobby to the exam area, I'm greated with smiles and hugs. Good people! If you have an appointment, they will be running late because they give each patient the time they need, so don't get to upset, your turn will come and you will not be rushed.
My check up went great. I was a little early since I'm actually only 5 weeks post op.The x-rays looked good. My progress is ahead of schedule and they were as excited as I was. No cane, no limp, and walking 1.5 to 2 miles most days. My range of motion was excellent. Dr. Gross and Lee reviewed the Phase II PT exercises with me and answered about 10 questons I had. He still likes walking better than any other excercise, but my options inculde most any exercise that does not involve pounding, like running. Six months post op I am allowed to do most any activity. He told me (to my surprise) I could now take a stab at golf, just not to over do it. I can break his 90 degree rule now and tie my shoes. He is very consevative in his post op protocol. I have followed his instructions and it has paid off. When he and I parted, the smile on his face told me that he was as happy as I was for this sucessful outcome.
I still have stiffness after sitting and I have to tell you the six hour round trip drive from Atlanta to Columbia was a bit uncomfortable, but it was out weighed by the knowledge that I am on my way to a complete recovery. I take a small amout of pain meds in the evening so I will sleep. I don't go back to see Dr. Gross for another 10 months.
Prior to this surgery I was scared silly. I received emails and phone calls from people I met on this web site that helped me prepare myself metally for this adventure. I am returning the kindness and helping anyone who contacts me.
Regards to all,
Mike
Bilateral
Dr. Gross
Left 6/23/08 and Right 6/25/08
Orchestrated by God
Hey Big Bill - Glad to see you back. You have been uncharacteristically silent these past few days. ;)
I really went hog wild yesterday - walking all over, PT, and more walking, and I'm feeling a little sore today. Nothing serious.
Hang in there!
- Tom
Hi Mike
Glad your check up went well. It will be good to tie your shoes again.
I think most of us really had that start up stiffness around the 6 week point. It will eventually get better.
Enjoy your golf game!
Good Luck and let us know how you are doing now and then.
Pat
Tom ...walked about 2 miles today... with my just about 10 year old son ( he will be 10 Nov.4th ) Me being able to walk again has opened the opportunity for him and I to do more "stuff" together. I know what you mean about doing a little too much ::) , it will make you a bit stiff later on...in a good way ;D. When are you going to attempt a little rowing? I bet you have the itch...you will know when it is time ! Best of luck on your journey !
Big Bill C.A.S.H. 8)
Pat ...do we need a "classified ads "section somewhere ??? Used Hippy Gear ??? Donation site ???
::) I recently had a great Cormet Anterior Resurfacing---- ;) ... Free to a good home ---
Beautiful aluminun crutches....barely used...large, long TED stockings ....CLEAN.....NO
RUNS !!! ;D ....Will post used gel Ice Packs soon ::) :o Havin' some fun over here!!!
Big Bill
Hi Big Bill
I will do that for you. I know people on the Yahoo Discussion group have donated some of their gear to other upcoming surface hippies.
I'll put up Classified Ads - Trade & Barter Corner
You always have a lot of good ideas! ;D
Pat