Hip Talk Forum About Hip Resurfacing

I have been doing a lot of research and my health insurance plan mandates using a FDA approved device for marketing.  Only two qualify;  Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Device and Cormet 2000.  Dr. Gross, South Carolina is using the Biomet device, Dr. Amstutz, Los Angeles is using the Conserve Plus Device.  So I'm leaning toward Dr. Su, New York who uses the Birmingham Device and has over 700 installations.  I'm also considering Dr. Schmalzried, Los Angeles who uses the Cormet 2000 and Dr. Mont, Baltimore who uses several devices.

The Biomet device is approved, but must be used as THR in an "off label" manner. Email or call Dr. Gross's office and they can explain. I know it sounds stupid.

Mike


Dr. Gross
Bilateral
Left 6/23/08  Right 6/25/08

You can't go wrong if you choose Dr. Su IMO.

Vicky

I believe Zimmer with the "Durom" cup is one of those "off label" devices.  Zimmer has recently suspended sales of their device due to failures of the cup.  Check out the news at www.hipresurfacingnews.com.

Hi

Here is the explanation of how the Biomet, Wright C+ and ASR are covered by insurance and are approved components by the FDA and used off lable.  They are not approved as a system, but the components are FDA approved.

http://www.surfacehippy.info/fdaapproval.php (http://www.surfacehippy.info/fdaapproval.php)

Yes, Zimmer has pulled it's acetabular cups and that stopped it's FDA approval according to the article I posted on Hip Resurfacing News.

Hope that helps.

Pat

I have searched the FDA web site and I found that Wright Conserve, Biomet and ASR have been approved for use on a femoral head for a partial or hemi hip resurfacing.  These devices have been found substantially equivalent according to 510(K) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness.  A partial hip resurfacing does not use a new socket.  I did not find where the socket devices have been approved unless they are used with an approved total hip replacement system.  Wright Conserve-Plus total hip resurfacing system is under review by the FDA and has not yet received approval for marketing.  Biomet is currently doing clinical trials (at Dr. Gross's clinic) of their total hip resurfacing system.

Yes the cup side is approved for use as a THR.  It is all legal for the doctors to use the devices off label, they just can not market it that way and it gives the insurance companies another way to deny you.

Vicky

There is a pretty good article on this web site by Dr. Gross addressing this and other issues. After reading it you will have to admit the man does not mind stating his opinion when it conflicts with that of a peer.

Mike

Bilateral
Dr. Gross
Left 6/23 Right6/25

PS I walked two miles tonight without a cane or a limp. It was off label, of course. LOL

I read Dr. Gross's statement.  I also read D. Brown's successfull insurance appeal of Blue Cross's initial denial of the Conserve Plus device in California.  Utltimately 2 of 3 Drs. on an independent review panel agreed with his claim.  See "insurance appeal" on the home page of this web site.  I do not particularily want to go through this review process to get my future health care reimbursed.  My health plan clearly states the device must be approved for marketing by the FDA.  An health insurance rep. from my insurance company has confirmed this.  Maybe I could have a non FDA approved device for marketing installed, submit the claim and it be processed without objection, but I do not want to chance this.

Your best bet in the U.S would be Dr. Su in NYC or Dr. Ure in Mt. Shasta.

I think you said Dr. Rogerson is not in your plan right?  There is also Dr. Raterman in Tampa, FL, Dr. Clsrke in Syracuse NY.

Vicky

Thank you for the additional Dr. references.  Yes, I am focussing on Dr. Su.  I priority mailed my latest hip x rays to Dr. Su last Wednesday, but they haven't been delivered yet.  I emailed year old hip x rays to Dr. Mont a couple days after chatting with him on July 16 but haven't heard back yet.  I listened to Dr. Rogerson video interview and was impressed by his responses.  My insurance will pay for travel to the nearest facility that does hip resurfacing which is Seattle since I live in Douglas, Alaska.  Dr. James Pritchett does hip resurfacing in Seattle.  I've read information provided by his web site and information provided on your web site.  Right know, I am most confident with Dr. Su at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York as this hospital was recently awarded the No. 1 ranking in Orthopedics by U.S. News and World Report for the second year in a row.  The current issue on the newstand rates Best Hospitals in U.S. for all disciplines.

I find it odd that it seems not much hip resurfacing is done at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota as this hospital is ranked no. 2 in Orthopedics and no. 2 (Best all around behind John Hopkins in Baltimore).

Dr. Su is outstanding.  If I had to have surgery here in the U.S. he is the doctor I would go to.  The hospital infection rate is the lowest in the U.S. too, which is a BIG issue here right now.  Hospital infection rates are becoming an epidemic and definitely a major concern for anyone having surgery IMO.

Vicky

Well, the Hospital for Special Surgery received my x-rays yesterday, but Dr. Su is on vacation until August 18.  They will have somebody else do a preliminary screening and advise if I am a candidate for hip resurfacing, but Dr. Su will need to review and have the final say.  I got a copy of my local orthopedic surgeon's report from my visit on 7/21/08, when x-rays were taken.  After reading this, I'm wondering if my left hip is too far gone for hip resurfacing.  Maybe I should send x-rays to Dr. Schmalzaried in Los Angeles, as I have their patient package with all of the legal forms, medical release forms, medical history and assessment of hip condition form.  I need to pay $350 out of pocket for their review and telephone consultation.  I understand Dr. Schmalzaried installs full size metal hip replacements if hip resurfacing is not indicated.  My local orthopedic surgeon does not install full size metal hip replacement because of metal ion issues.  He recommends "Strong as an Ox" hip replacement which has a oxinum metal femoral head and the surface turns into a ceramic for better wear resistance.  The socket is still metal with a polyethlyene liner and the femoral head is undersized.

If you have a complicated case, your best bet again would be Dr. Su here in the U.S.  He also does the large Metal on Metal THR's if you did not qualify for resurfacing.  I know one patient of his that was given a 50/50 chance of getting resurfaced by another top doctor and Dr. Su gave him a 90% chance.  The patient has a BHR and has been out skiing again at four weeks and again at 8 weeks.  He just sent me videos of him skiing after getting resurfaced.  I will have Pat post the videos on her site.  I would NOT go with any poly type device at all. But, please do not jump the gun, wait until you get a definitive diagnosis first from Dr. Su.  If you would like, you can also just email your x-rays to Dr. De Smet and Dr. Bose to find out if you are a candidate for resurfacing?

Vicky

Wow, everything is coming together.  I just received a email answer back from Dr. Mont, Baltimore regarding the one year old x-rays I sent on July 21.  I could be a candidate and I need to call him.  Coincidentally in an hour and a half at 8 PM EST, another live chat with Dr. Mont is scheduled on this web site.  I don't want to miss this.

I just received an email from Dr Su's office and I am a good candidate for hip resurfacing, but this will need to be confirmed by Dr. Su when he returns from vacation on August 18.  If not he installs large metal femoral head total hip replacements and smaller oxinium femoral head hip replacements.

I don't particularily want to have a hip resurfacing if screws are needed to hold the socket or cap on femoral head.

I also contacted Dr. Mont's office in Baltimore by phone and left a voice mail.  I learned a lot from chatting with him twice of this web site.  He has nearly double the hip resurfacings (1400 vs 700) than Dr. Su and also does total hip replacements.

I still favor Dr. Su at the Hospital for Special Surgery and because of the Hospital's no. 1 rating in orthopedics by US News and World Report.  Since I will travel from Douglas, Alaska and New York is just as far as Baltimore, why not go to the best hospital unless Dr. Mont is the best surgeon? 

Hi Steve

Just wanted to say Hi and that I am following your journey.  Vicky is giving you a lot of good information.  You can't beat trying to use the most experienced surgeon you can find within your insurance coverage.

HOpefully, you have plenty of good choices at this point. 

Good Luck,

Pat

I talked to my health insurance administrator today.  They will pay for lodging and travel to the nearest facility that does hip resurfacing, which is Seattle, since Dr. James Pritchett works there.  They no longer provide credit (for travel to Seattle to be applied to travel to New York).  So I will need to pay for lodging and travel to New York.  They will pay for surgery in Belgian or India.  If the total surgery plus lodging and travel is cheaper than US surgery, they will pay for everything.  I need to pay up front and keep all receipts.

If there was an emergency after surgery in India or Belgium, they will pay travel to the nearest facility from that location.

They will also pay for surgery, lodging and travel for another location in the US if the total expenses are cheaper than Seattle.

I need to have the FDA approved device for marketing installed (Birmingham or Cormet) even for overseas surgery. 

Hi Steve

That sounds like pretty good news. 

You almost have your choice of surgeons.  Paying for travel would not be like paying for a whole surgery.  You have Dr. Pritchett close, Dr. Su in Ny and the overseas doctors.

I can't imagine surgery in Belgium or India could be anywhere as expensive as in the US.  I think most people going to Belgium have to pay up front, then get reimbursed later.

I guess you are going to have to do some homework to get all the expenses together for the doctors you are interested in.  That is not always easy, but I am sure you can work on it.

Sounds like you are going to be busy getting all the info together.

Pat

I will need to compare the costs for surgery in Seattle vs Belgium or India.  They will reimburse necessary overnight lodging up to $80/day max.  I need to read more about Dr. Bose and Dr. DeSmet (and watch the videos).  I know either is highly recommended by Pat and Vicki.  I primarily have been researching the US doctors so far.  Do their hospitals compare to the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York which has received the no. 1 rating by US News and World Report, two years in a row (especially low infection rate)?  I will email x-rays to their web sites.  These x-rays are a year old.  I have only hard copies of more recent x-rays taken 7/21/08.  I can mail these express mail.

I imagine my post-op lodging reimbursement will be limited (e.g. a day or two after hospitalization vs 2 weeks recuperation?)

I'm looking forward to the upcoming chat with Dr. Bose.   

If your insurance is covering the cost for you, then you need to look at what it would cost them.  I am pretty sure their costs for you to go to Seattle would be well over $50k.  In India, you stay in the hospital for a week post op, so the stay in the hotel is only for one night prior to checking into the hospital the day before your surgery, then for about 4 days after you get out of the hospital prior to flying home, then your airfare.  All of that is still less than $12k U.S. to the insurance company.  Yes, the infection rates are lower in both Belgium and India than any U.S. hospital.  I have yet to hear of anyone getting an infection that have gone to Bose or De Smet.  They take such care that it is unreal.  I know my experience with Dr. Bose, they cut your toe nails and finger nails prior to surgery, they make sure women remove all polish.  They do not allow flowers in your hospital room.  They bring your meals completely sealed up in plastic including your drinks.  They take way more precautions over there than they ever do here in the U.S.   Seriously, if I ever needed surgery again, I would never have it here in the U.S. if it were my choice, not after the incredible experience I had in India.  Take a look at the website with pictures of the Platinum Ward.

http://hipresurfacingindia.com/New_Hip_Surgery_Facility.php

The doctors will need recent x-rays, if you can, take your x-rays and put them on a light box or with a light background, like a Word document if your computer screen is large enough, then snap some digital pictures of them.  Much easier to email then to mail them overseas.

Vicky

The Summer olympics is on going.  Who is the best hip resurfacing surgeon in the world?  Who would get the Gold?  Who would get the silver and bronze? 

The Gold would go to the one who sucessfully does YOUR surgery. In my case Dr. Thomas Gross in Columbia, SC is the Michael Phelps of resurfacing.

Mike
Bilateral
Dr. Gross
L - 6/23/08 R - 6/25/08

I scheduled hip resurfacing surgery on my left hip with Dr. Su at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York on September 29.  I have a pre-op on September 25 and a post-op on October 6.  My sisters will return through New York from a vacation in Maine so I'll have support during and after the surgery.

Hi Steve

Congratulations on your surgery date.  I hope you will keep in touch as you recover and we can follow your post op journey.

Dr. Su is an excellent surgeon.

Good Luck.

Pat

I depart Juneau, AK AST tomorrow at 7:35 AM arriving at Newark, NJ airport at 11:24 PM EST.  Traveling from Alaska to the East Coast is almost like traveling from the East Coast to Europe.  I'll be staying at the Belaire Guest Facilities next to the Hospital for Special Surgery.  I reserved a handicapped room and a "hip chair" will be provided.  I suppose this is some sort of a recliner.  My pre-op is on Thursday, Sept 25 and surgery by Dr. Su is on Monday, Sept 29.  I'm staying in New York for a week after surgery.  My post-op is on Monday, Oct 6.  I am traveling roundtrip first class (cashed in 80000 miles with Alaska Airlines) and I requested wheelchair service.  The hotel rate is not cheap at $500/nite.  But I got a two bedroom, two bath suite with a roll-a-way and my sisters(2) will share a room.  They will be returning from a vacation in Maine.
I'm proceeding with hip resurfacing surgery on my left hip at age 55, mainly to restore function.  I haven't experienced much severe pain.  Mostly I have a dull ache and when I overdo it, I have mild to moderate pain.  I walk with a chronic limp and use a cane for longer walks.  I've been active in past years with downhill skiing, hunting and using the eliptical machine.  I quit playing racketball 12 years ago.  With hip resurfacing, I hope to restore function, eliminate that nagging ache and limp and resume my active lifestyle.

Hi Stevel

I want to wish you Good Luck with your upcoming surgery with Dr. Su.  He is an excellent surgeon with many happy patients.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

I will look forward to hearing about your surgery and recovery when you return to Alaska.

Good Luck.

Pat

Good luck Steve... you'll be amazed at how much better you'll be after it's all over.  I'm only 7 weeks post op and I can do things that I could not have done the past 2 years.

Glad to hear you got everything hashed out and are heading in the right direction.




Chuck

Steve,

You certainly did your homework on this! My first decision was to go with Dr. Su (I'm originally from NY but re-located to SC 10 yrs ago). He is awesome. I did go with Dr. Gross instead since he was in my opinion on the same level as experience of Dr. Su and a hell of a lot closer (2 hrs vs. 12 hrs).
My sister has had 2 total knee replacements at HSS and the staff took great care of her. Get yourself a dirty water dog (Hot Dog) and a street pretzel while your there. Hopefully you will have a view from your room of the East River to watch the boats go by.

Good Luck with your journey to hippy land and keep us updated.

Lisa
Uncemented/Biomet/Gross/6-23-08

I had a full day at the HSS.  I was examined by Dr. Martin Nydick, Internal Medicine.  I attended a patient education class for hip replacement and hip resurfacing patients.  They explain pre-op, surgery and post-op parameters.  I was examined by Dr. Su at the end of the day.
He estimates a 90 to 95 % probability of installing a BHR.  Otherwise he will install a full size THR.  I am definitely ready for surgery as I walk with a chronic limp as one leg is shorter than the other.  He will operate to restore leg length and recommend physical therapy to restore muscle memory.
Tomorrow, I will have a x-ray taken of my left hip to establish leg length.  I will have a blood-type test taken.  They will notify me tomorrow of the scheduled surgery time on Monday.

Hi Steve

Sounds like you had a big day and a lot more coming soon.

Good Luck.

Pat

I had a blood type test, pelvic x-ray and cross leg x-ray today.  My surgery is scheduled for 1:00 PM, Monday, Sept. 29.  I check-in at 10:00 AM.
I walked a couple of miles along the East River and back along 1st Avenue, tonight.  I used a cane.  I've seen people in worst shape before surgery, but I am ready.  I'll probably be in the hospital for three days, before I can update my posts.

Have a good weekend.

Make good use of your bad hip because it won't be with you much longer!!!

Good Luck.

Pat

Steve,

I walked all over Manhattan at 5 weeks post-op, even went to the top of the Empire State Building. I used a cane but had NO hip pain...Good Luck and Best Wishes for a Speedy Recovery!

Lisa
Uncemented/Biomet/Gross/6-23-08

Lisa: tell the truth you brought your golf cart to NY.  LOL

Steve--- wish you well, you have a good surgeon and a good attitutude.  We (except for your family) want to know first how you made out, we're keeping our fingers crossed it's a resurface, but either way we wish you the best of hippie health.

See you on the other side.


Chuck

Success!!  I had a left Birmingham Hip Resurfacing device installed by Dr. Su on Monday afternoon, Sept 29.  I had lots of bone spurs but no cysts or collapse in the femoral head.  Dr. Su compensated for the shorter leg by more than 1/4 inch.  I suppose he sculpted the femoral head accordingly.  I received a combined spinal/epidural anaesthesia.
I checked out the the HSS at 3:30 PM today and I am now standing and using the office computer at the Belaire Guest Facilities.  I have not taken any pain pills today other than aspirin.  I even put on my TEDS with a sock puller and grabber.  It's quite remarkable I am bouncing back so fast but I heard Dr. Su's patients usually do so.  The staff at HSS were great and the food was great.

I have a post-op visit with Dr. Su on Monday and return home to Juneau, AK on Tuesday.

If you need anymore details, let me know.

Stevel

Congratulations!  You are an official Surface Hippy!

Glad to hear you are doing so well. 

You are talented to be able to get the TEDS on with sock helper!!!

I hope you continue to recover fast and have a great flight home to Juneau.

Enjoy your weekend the best you can.  I found eating was the easiest activity to do after surgery!

Good Luck.

Pat

Steve,

Congratulations. I'm impressed with your ability to use that damn sock helper. My size 14's were (are) way too big to even fit through. Glad to hear you are doing well.


take care,

spencer

Steve,

Welcome to Hippy Land! Good Luck on your trip home and to a speedy recovery..

Lisa
Uncemented/Biomet/Gross/6-23-08

I am 10 days post-op and back home in Douglas, Alaska.  I have had swelling down to my left foot (operated side) and need to raise my feet above my chest at night and periodically during the day.  I take a couple of pain pills at night, but none during the day.  I walked one block to the post office yesterday, using a cane.  Otherwise I have walked several blocks and returned with both crutches.  Today, my visiting physical therapist evaluated my condition and recommends out patient physical therapy, starting tomorrow.  She instructed me to properly enter my Ford F150 4wd pick-up truck.  The truck has automatic transmission and my left hip was resurfaced, so tomorrow, I will drive 3 miles for out patient physical therapy.  They have all of the exercise equipment and are adjacent to the health club that I belong to.  I have a prescription for the type of physical therapy recommended by Dr. Su. My left leg had atrophied due to the osteoarthritis in my left hip (and favoring my right side) so I will need to work to regain muscle strength in that leg.

Friday, I saw the out patient physical therapist.  We reviewed the stretches and exercises HSS gave me.  Basically, I will follow these at home.  She will have the Theraband to do some of the exercises when I return on Monday.  I need to find a stool with rollers to do some of the other exercises.  I was surprised physical therapists are in such demand here in Juneau, AK.  Most are booked 3 weeks in advance.  This therapist took me in, but she is leaving for a vacation in two weeks, so I will switch to another to complete my prescribed 6 weeks of physical therapy.

I couldn't be happier with my progress.  I am 12 days post-op with LBHR, Dr. Su.  Yesterday, the swelling in my left calf and foot relented so I slept without raised pillows under my feet.  I walked about eight blocks with my crutches and even raised my crutches and walked about a block without the crutches.  I was rewarded with more pain in the hip and swelling near my incision afterwards, but I am making progress.  I took one pain pill last night.

Steve,

Just caught up with your story this evening.  I've had BHR's on both hips in the last 10 months and wanted to offer my congratulations and encouragement to you.  I'm sure there will be times when it seems like things are moving slowly (sounds like you've already dealt with the swelling), but be patient, everything will come along in its time.  I was impatient, but listened to my doctor and physical therapist and I'm glad I did.  Best wishes for a full and uneventful recovery.

Jim

I visited the physical therapist at 2 weeks post-op.  I am clear to use a cane and can drop the crutches.  We worked on my gait and quads.  I need to sit down evenly as I still favor the unoperated leg.  It almost seems my operated leg is a bit short but it evened out after the stretches and exercises.  The left leg (operated) is smaller (less muscular) due to underuse and I need to regain strength and even the weight distribution on both legs.  Afterwards I went shopping and walked through three different stores with a cane.  I have not any clunking or squeaking.  The incision is sore but I am applying ice tonight.  I am very happy with the progress so far.  :)

Steve,

Your recovery sounds great. Keep up with your exercises and walk walk walk. Oh and of course ice ice ice...

Lisa
Uncemented/Biomet/Gross/6-23-08

This afternoon, I walked several blocks with a cane and a couple of blocks without a cane.  I had a bit of a limp without a cane but otherwise no problems.  I am 2 1/2 weeks post-op from Left BHR Dr. Su 9/29/08.  I still have swelling at the incision area and apply ice at night but haven't been taking any pain pills.  I visit the out patient physical therapist, 3 times a week.  We are primarily working on stretches and exercises to regain range of motion for the left hip.

Visited the out patient physical therapist today and I am clear to exercise indoors with a bicycling machine.  I still have swelling near the incision but otherwise OK will no pain or squeaking or clunking. :) 

Hi Stevel

Glad to hear you are progressing. 

Just wanted to say Hi and Good Luck with your recovery.

Pat

I shoveled snow from my driveway and walkway this weekend at nearly 4 weeks post-op LBHR Dr. Su 9/29/08.  We received two dumps of about 4 inches each day in Juneau.  The snow is about a month early.  I have some swelling near my incision, so I iced at night.  I walk without a cane for short distances.  I still have a limp and use the cane for longer distances.  My physical therapist says my range of motion for my left hip is getting closer to my right hip.  She measured all of the position angles last Thursday.  I need to send in x-rays of my left hip at 4 to 6 weeks post-op.  I'm very pleased with my progress so far. :)

I walked 1 1/2 miles this evening without a cane.  I did not notice much of a limp.  I ride the exercise bicycle daily for 35 minutes.  My physical therapist says my muscles are still tight on the operated side.  I need to improve my flexibility and range of motion with stretches and exercises.  I am nearly 5 weeks post-op from a LBHR.

Dear  Stevel....I am now 15 weeks into my new life as a HIPPIE. CONGRATS  to you for choosing what you felt was best for you ! It seems as if you are doing great...remember your journey and progress...sometimes I have to stop and remember that I had a procedure...it feels that good  ::) Nobody would even know that I had a resurfacing done...if it were not for the  5" scar  :o  . Keep on the right track at the right pace...best of luck in the future !

        Big Bill  C.A.S.H.   7/9/08   8)

Thanks Big Bill,

I read your posts leading up to my surgery and was comforted by your successful outcome.  I am updating my posts so other prospective patients can be informed.  I was pleased to see the BHR on the x-ray film in the post anesthesia care unit.  Dr. Su had estimated a 90 to 95 per cent probability of getting a BHR, otherwise I would get a full size metal THR.  My physical therapist and I are amazed how fast my recovery is and how normal my operated hip feels.  I have had no squeaking or clunking.  I'm just about over the healing phase of soft tissue and muscles.  Its great to be improving every day rather than deteriorating every day due to osteoarthritis prior to surgery.

I am six weeks post-op and doing great.  I walk about 3 miles a day and no longer have swelling or aches.  I still use a cane as I have a bit of a limp.  I walked some distance last night without a limp.  I drop the aspirin today (used for blood thinner).  I visit my physical therapist in 40 minutes.  She mostly massages my incision with cream and stretches my pelvic muscles.  I have two more weeks of physical therapy, according to my prescription from Dr. Su.

I am nearly 7 weeks post-op and my physical therapist added strengthening exercises to my regimen.  I am doing two hip abduction exercises with Cyvex machines with about 25 pounds.  Next week, I will add knee exercises and the following week, another leg exercise.  I will need to work on strengthening and stretching my left side to overcome the leg length difference, as I still have a slight limp.  The Dr. says to exercise up to 6 mos to regain parity.  I favored my right leg so much before surgery, my left leg is much underdeveloped. 

I'm nearly 8 weeks post-op LBHR Dr. Su and dropped the cane a couple of days ago.  I walk with trekking poles and ice creepers for longer walks in the slush, ice and snow in Douglas, Alaska.  If I plant my heel first, I don't have a limp.  The physical therapist added knee extension exercises with two nautilus machines.  I don't notice any squeaks or clunks.  In fact, my left hip with the implant feels as normal as my unoperated right hip.  I have a little bit of swelling after 40 minutes of aerobic exercise (bike and eliptical) and stretching and strengthening exercises.  Each week gets better.  I'm following the Drs protocol (no lifting over 20 lbs for 3 months, then 50 lbs is OK for 6 months, then over 50 lbs and impact activities are allowed).  Looks like I'll miss the ski season (maybe two weeks in April) so I'll try snowshoeing instead.

At nine weeks post-op from LBHR Dr. Su on 9/29/08, I'm progressing so well that I could downhill ski at three months post-op.  However Dr. Su and many other Drs. advise waiting 6 months before beginning impact activities.  Dr. McMinn advises waiting 12 months.  Dr. DeSmet says skiing at three months is OK.  He says femoral neck fracture is due to notching or osteopenia in female patients and occurs about 1/100.  Bone in growth for the socket could occur within 6 weeks.  Several athletes have done marathons or triatholons in 3 months with no problems.  Pat, is the 6 months restriction based on hard data or is it a catch-all limit that covers patients with marginal bone quality or are smalled boned females/males? 

I'm doing gait training with my physical therapist.  It seems the leg length discrepancy has nearly resolved at nearly 10 weeks post-op.  I do leg strengthening exercises every other day and aerobic exercises for 40 minutes daily.  I'm nearly back to normal except waiting until 3 months to lift 50 pounds and 6 months to lift over 50 pounds and resume impact activities according to Dr. Su's post-op protocol.  Fortunately we haven't had much snow yet.  I will be tempted to "cheat" and go skiing in January to March, but I'll hold off until March 29 which will be 6 months post-op from a LBHR.

My physical therapist is recommending nordic skiing (cross country)  :D to help strengthen my pelvic muscles.  If not outdoors, then indoors on a machine.  My gait has improved.  I have a bit of a Trendelenberg since the left pelvic muscles (operated side) are weaker than the right.  I can correct the Trendelenberg gait by planting my right heel first.  This seems to keep my pelvis aligned horizontally.  A Trendelberg is a drooping of the pelvis due to weak muscles on one side.  What do you think about outdoor nordic skiing at this stage of my recovery?  Of course the caveat is "Don't Fall!  :( "Or if I fall, I'll be sure to fall into a pillowly, powder laden snowbank  :) rather than onto a chopped up, cruddy snow berm  :(.

I'm three months post-op and I'm clear to do low impact sports and lift up to 50 pounds.  I'm improving my gait by working with my physical therapist and walking in front of mirrors for about 30 feet at the aerobics studio at the health club.  My left side hip and glut muscles are still weaker and not a flexible as my right side.  This is noticeable when doing the bird-dog stretch.  I'm doing several stretches and hip exercises on nautilus machines as prescribed by my physical therapist to regain strength in my left hip.  Most of my leg length discrepancy has resolved.  I need to wait 6 months post-op before doing high impact sports such as downhill skiing, racketball and hunting over mountainous terrain and lift over 50 pounds to avoid fracturing the femoral neck as the bones are still healing.  I do about 35 minutes of aerobics daily such as indoor bicycling and elliptical.

I'm very pleased to have reached the three month post-op milestone in my present physical condition and can hardly wait for the six month post-op milestone to return to high impact sports.  This is why I elected hip resurfacing at age 55 rather than hip replacement :)

I've read your accounts with great interest.  While I have felt my recovery has gone relatively well, as I approach my 3 week anniversary I am still unable to walk without one crutch and I am experiencing significant "clunking" which I am interpeting is just the metal touching metal.  I am a little younger at 52 but a bit over weight and a little out of shape around the core.

I am wondering how much the size of the incision is affecting my recovery..?  You said you have a 5" incision if I recall correctly, and I have nearly a 14" incision.

Anyone have any thought on this aspect of recovery?

I've seen many people who have had the longer type incisions and done fine recovery wise.

Just my opinion, although the opinion comes from reading a lot, I've found from reading that it seems that those who were the best of shape seemed to recover the fastest. 

Of course other things that affect recovery like age, bone density etc and what procedure what performed.

Mudpro I would not worry about your speed of recover, as long as you are progressing well you're doing fine.


Chuck

Mudpro,

According to Dr. DeSmet's website, incision length has no effect on post-op rehab.  His hip resurfacing patients' incisions vary from 6 to 12 inches.  See FAQ's #27 & 28.

My incision was 6 inches and Dr. Su used the NCP (neck capsule preservation) approach which allowed me to bend without the usual restrictions after surgery.  Although my left leg was atrophied, I used the ellipical machine for 40 minutes every other day prior to surgery.  So I was in fairly good shape before surgery, which helps in my post-op recovery.  I used a cane until 8 weeks post-op.

As Chuck said, everybody recovers at there own rate, so as long as you are making progress, you are doing fine.

Hi Mudpro

The size of the incision has no bearing on a patient's recovery.  In some cases, like De Smet, he uses a large incision to get in and get out quickly doing most single surgeries in 45 minutes.  The large incision gives him good exposure so he can do what needs to be done and not bother any muscles or ligaments in the surrounding area.  It is his surgical technical which allows for the quick recovery - not the large incision.  You can read many of the De Smet stories on the Hip Stories section to learn how quickly De Smet Patients recover.

I was on one crutch at 4 days and none at 4 weeks.  Typical of the 8 patients I was with.  I was sight seeing at 5 days post op and flew 8 1/2 hours back to the US on day 9 post op.  By day 12 post op I was walking about 1 miles at a time with one crutch.  I thought I would try some PT, even thought De Smet said I did not need it, and they only kept me 2 sessions. They could not find anything to do with me since I had recovered so quickly.  They did not even think I needed a crutch at 3 weeks post op.

Most De Smet patients have typical recovereis with large incisions.  The incision is covered with a waterproof bandage and patients are in the pool the day after they leave the hospital - usually at 3 days post op for one hip.

Sometimes the mis surgeries actually cause more healing problems because the doctor has to push everything around and manuver in such a small incision.  They still have to do the same proceedure as the doctor using the large incision.  So think how much more difficult it is to stretch and push everything thru a small incision.

Larger muscular men and people overweight also need larger incisions.  THey just have to be able to get exposure to do the acetabular portion of the hip device and the less they can easily see - they more difficult it is for the surgeon - especially the newer surgeons.  So normally the less experienced surgeons are also working with larger incisions, then as they get more experineced they start using smaller incisions.

Dr. Gross explains that in the video interview I did for him.

So don't worry about your incision size - it has almost nothing to do with your recovery. 

Good Luck.

Pat

Visited my physical therapist on Monday and I have a much improved gait and the left calf has increased in size to more closely match right side.  My pelvis was stiff at 9:00 AM so she had me warm up for 8 minutes on the elliptical.  I need to work on improving strength and flexibility for my left hip.  I have a variety of stretches and strengthening exercises to do.  I can alternate on different days.  I will continue physical therapy, once a week, for another month.  I am 3 months, 1 week and 2 days post-op. 

16 weeks post-op, today, and I'm seeing my physical therapist once a week on Mondays.  Today we analyzed my gait when I walked a distance of about 35 feet toward full length mirrors in the aerobic studio at the local health club.  My left side (operated) leg was a bit stiff and straighter than my right side.  She attributed the stiffness to a stiff lower back on my left side which affects my pelvic rotation and my gait.  So she gave me stretching exercises to regain my range of motion for my lower back and pelvis.  The back stiffness is due to limping and favoring my left side for so many months (years) prior to surgery.

I sure am pleased to have a physical therapist diagnose my problems and return my left hip function back to normal.  Some hip resurfacing doctors have said patients don't need physical therapy, but just walk for therapy.  This is BUNK!  Refer to my prior posts for the progress of my physical therapy. 

Quote from: stevel on January 19, 2009, 05:34:36 PM

I sure am pleased to have a physical therapist diagnose my problems and return my left hip function back to normal.  Some hip resurfacing doctors have said patients don't need physical therapy, but just walk for therapy.  This is BUNK!  Refer to my prior posts for the progress of my physical therapy. 

Not to be argumentative but that is an awful broad statement.  Many doctors do not reccomend PT after surgery, some will allow PT after a period of time, some ask that you start soon after your surgery.  It's a mixed bag full of patients who had very succesful results.

At 6 weeks I was permitted to take PT if I asked for a script, but except for startup stiffness I am better than I've been for years by rehabbing on my own and working out at Bally's.  I'm feeling well enough that I am planning playing old man softball this Summer.

I think many doctors like Gross do give you phased excercises that get more difficult as you go on and of course in special circumstances PT is warranted.

Chuck

Pat's summary about "Everybody recovers at a different rate" under "Recovery Issues" on this website, sums it up well.  In my case, I had a leg length discrepancy due to loss of cartilage and limping about for months before my surgery.  My physical therapy has pertained to restoring muscle strength and range of motion.  Lately, I've been doing back stretches since my back was out of kilter due to limping.

I suppose for some patients who are not athletic (e.g. do not do much sports other than walking and gardening) and who do not have much muscle imbalance due to leg length discrepancy, could get by with walking as physical therapy and not require a professional physical therapist.

My physical therapist gave me a lunging exercise to do where you attach a waist belt and pull a cable with about 40 pounds of weight.  I felt the weight was light and increased it to 60 pounds.  She cautioned me about the 50 pound weight restriction Dr. Su has from 3 mos to 6 mos post-op.  I replied this pertains to carrying or lifting weight, not pulling weight horizontally.  Anyway she wanted me to warm up with 50 pounds before increasing to 60 pounds.

I read about some spectacular recoveries by "Athletes" and I will need to visit Dr. Su to be evaluated in person before accelerating my recovery beyond his normal post-op recovery.  The only sport I'm missing is downhill skiing and I doubt he will say OK before 6 months post-op.  I'm nearly 4 months post-op, so what's a couple more months?

I'm looking forward to the PT to get my flexiblity back.  Seems like so long ago since I wasn't compensating for pain and truly active.  I would think that PT is warranted for most everyone if for no other reason than to reafirm that total recovery and function are met.  I'd love to go for a few weeks and have them say--we have nothing else to offer you that you can't do yourself.  You're right, 2 more months is a short amount of time to have to wait Stevel.  Consider the setback that premature return might cause...the only drawback to 2 more months is Springtime! 
good luck.

Todd,

I have four more weeks of PT.  I'm down to one visit per week.  I have PT on Mondays, so I'll see the physical therapist tomorrow.  Its great that my insurance is fully paying for the PT at $116 per visit (earlier visits were $205 per visit).  She has progress notes and has sent them to Dr. Su.  She has requested an extension of my prescription for PT a couple of times.  My intial prescription was for 6 weeks starting 11 days after surgery and I have had two six week extensions.  I am basically fine tuning my gait and range of motion by stretching my back, doing lunges and several other hip and leg exercises with Nautilus or Cybex equipment.
Hopefully at the conclusion of my last PT visit, she will say "Your gait is normal and your range of motion and flexibility is fine.  You have no leg length discrepancy and no Trendelenburg.  You are clear to resume impact sports at 6 months post-op (although she said to start with alpine hiking with a knapsack this Summer prior to alpine hunting for Dall sheep which involves carrying up to 80 pound backpacks - e.g. wait another season to hunt!)".  Also since the ski season ends April 12 at our facility in Juneau, Alaska, and I will be 6 months post-op on March 29, and since the facility is only open on weekends in April, I might just wait until next year to ski.

I saw my physical therapist today at 17 weeks post-op (I will be 4 months post-op on Thursday).  My gait has a bit of rotation in my left pelvis.  My back muscles on my left side are still a bit stiff which contributes to this glitch in the gait.  Nobody would notice this when I walk down the street, but she noticed it when I walked in the aerobic studio.  When I outstretched my left leg laterally to the side and turned to pick something off the floor, the stiffness was noticeable.  I was able to lean over and stretch my fingers to within 12 inches from the floor on my left side and to within 2 inches from the floor on my right side.  I have three more weeks of PT on Mondays.  She said I should be OK to continue stretching and strengthening on my own after my prescription for PT expires and I shouldn't need to extend the prescription for PT.  I have no Trendelenburg or leg length discrepancy (which I had earlier in my recovery).  I should not need a heel lift.  When I woke up this AM, my hip ached a bit from laying on my left side.  This disappeared after arising from bed.  I worked out yesterday at about 6 PM.  I did not notice any swelling on my left side.  The aching did not affect my sleep.  Otherwise I feel I'm nearly back to normal.  I just need to wait for 6 months post-op for the bones to fully heal and remodel before resuming impact sports such as downhill skiing, racketball and hunting in mountainous terrain. 

Stevel,

Back to normal sounds absolutely great!  Can you remember the first days after surgery and where you are at now?  Big difference I bet.  Hunting sounds good too.  We've got some pretty steep grades where I normally hunt near home, and in the last couple of years it has been unbearable to both maintain balance and get up the hills without falling down in a heap.  More than once last year I found myself on the ground shaking my head in disbelief as to what I had become. Thank goodness there was some relief out there.  I look forward to dragging a big whitetail up and down the ravines and staying on my feet...next fall!

Todd,

Yes, I remember the first few days after surgery.  In fact my sisters visited me at the hospital on the day after surgery (afternoon) when the physical therapist had me walk around the nurse's station with a walker.  My sister snapped a photo when I exited the hospital room into the hallway.  I look at the photo as a reminder as to how far I've progressed.  She also took photos when I walked in the hallway with crutches.  After discharge from the hospital on day 4 post-op, I spent the weekend in the hotel.  I walked several blocks with crutches to several nearby restaurants.  Lot's of good food within a few blocks at upper east side manhattan.

The hip resurfacing device is quite a miracle to allow patients to return to unrestricted athletic activity within 6 months.

I saw my physical therapist today at 8:45 AM at 18 weeks post-op.  Stretching my outer leg laterally, pointing my toe outward and rotating my trunk over to the side to pick-up a ball (about 7 inch diameter) is much improved from a week ago.  I can reach down and touch the floor on my right side (unoperated side), but just barely pick-up the ball on my left side (operated side).  I need to practice this at 10:30 AM, 12 PM and 1:30 PM positions in addition to 9 AM and 3 PM positions.  This will improve my gait.  My gait was much improved from last week.  I needed to warm-up on the elliptical for 5 minutes as my hip is still stiff in the AM.  She said the stiffness could last until about 6 months post-op.  I didn't notice any aches or swelling during the week.

I saw my physical therapist today at 19 weeks post-op.  I'm still a bit rickety when stretching over on my left side to pick-up 3 Kg medicine ball, but I'm much improved from last week.  She added an exercise to raise the side of the pelvis when standing on the opposite leg to strengthen gluteus minimus.  My left side was noticeably weaker as I could barely raise my pelvis on this side.  Yesterday, I walked a brisk pace (4.5 mph) on the treadmill for about 35 minutes.  This was my first exercise on the treadmill (I've been spinning, using the elliptical machine and walking outdoors) and I was stiff this morning.  My left hip ached a bit after 20 minutes but I completed the exercise as it ached a few more times every 5 minutes or so.  This tells me my muscles are still strengthening.   

I saw my physical therapist today at 20 weeks post-op.  My range-of-motion is much improved.  My glutes and quads still need improvement in range of motion and since I expect to return to downhill skiing after 6 months post-op, I will be training on the Pro Fitter Cross Trainer next week.  This device simulates the side to side motion of downhill skiing.  My left hip ached a bit after 35 minutes on the treadmill (4.5 mph, 2% incline) combined with hip strengthening exercises so I need to pace my exercises better (10 minutes on treadmill followed by hip strengthening exercises followed by 20 minutes of indoor bicycling).

Yesterday, I read BHR Surgical Technique - US.  This is a very descriptive outline of the procedures necessary to install a BHR device.  Illustrations show the special tools to align, drill, ream and cement bone.  On page 44, Important medical information, warnings and precautions, patient education, the following is stated:

"Caution the patient to protect the joint replacement from unreasonable stresses and to follow the treating physician's instructions.  In particular, warn the patient to strictly avoid high impact activities such as running and jumping during the first post-operative year while the bone is healing."

Warn the patient that artificial joint replacement devices can wear out over time, and may require replacement."

Now, this follows Dr. McMinn's post-op protocol, who developed the BHR device.  He has case histories and studies of the BHR device from 1997 in Australia, Europe and recently the US to develop this protocol.

I am following the "treating physician's instructions" e.g. wait 6 months post-op before resuming impact activities.

I wonder for all of us BHR hippies if we should wait 1 year or 6 months (several US doctors say 6 months is OK) before resuming high impact activities?

Steve,

I have pondered, worried and sent myself near crazy thinking about this subject, as you know...different doctors have such different views on this subject.

I am mr impatient and for me not to train and coach is testing, however I have made the early decision to WAIT for the twelve month rule to apply, I know this is difficult but we have all had to endure pain for what may have been many years....why rush it now, for the sake of a few months, but I also appreciate if a patient has been given the green light at say six months then who would argue. I can understand the twelve month reasoning, so the bone has fully grown into/around both cup and ball.

I suppose were all in un-known terrain with regard to the long term, but with new advances always being made...who knows, we already have the mid head !!!

Regards

Terry

Terry,

Femoral neck fractures are rare after six months.  The femoral cap is cemented for a BHR, so bone in-growth is not an issue.  Bone in-growth for the socket is essentially complete at 6 months and socket loosenings after 6 months are also rare.  Bone densities continue to improve around the femoral neck, increasing from 95% at 6 months to about 120% at 24 months depending on the zone.  So I feel comfortable gradually returning to impact sports at 6 months.  About 3 weeks remain for the downhill ski season, and I'll visit the ski area on nice weather days and ski moderate slopes (I'm not going to push it this season).  It will be nice to be out there on a sunny Spring day.  I don't normally run or jog and I haven't played racketball for 13 years.  I'll begin playing racketball by getting my strokes back and play a moderate game or two.
Fortunately, I was able to ski the entire 2007-2008 season without restrictions prior to my surgery in September 2008, because my condition was not that disabling or painfull.  My condition really went downhill last Summer.  I was lucky to get the most out of my natural hip (and not miss out on activities) before replacing it with a BHR.

Steve,

Good luck mate and enjoy...

Best wishes

Terry

Well, I just saw my physical therapist this AM at 21 weeks post-op.  I had no problem using the Pro Fitter machine which simulates the side to side motion of downhill skiing.  My gait is much improved with hardly any pelvic rotation.  My stretching and range-of-motion is greatly improved.  I have about 4 weeks of physical therapy remaining (one visit per week) and I will work on the Pro Fitter machine.  In fact, since the physical therapy office is down the hall from the health club, I can use the machine when I visit the club.  The physical therapist is a bit cautious and believes I should wait until next year to resume skiing, since only about 3 weeks will remain for this season when I am at 6 months post-op.  I will gauge my strength, flexibility and weather conditions before I head up to the mountain at the end of March. 

5 months post-op today :).  I still have restrictions to prevent fracture of the femoral neck.  No impact sports or lifting over 50 pounds until 6 months post-op.  Femoral neck fractures are rare after 6 months (no different than a normal hip);  perhaps they are unusual after 5 months.  I feel more at ease, nonetheless.

The progress note (2/17/09) from my physical therapist to Dr. Su says "Hip extension now is approximately 8 degrees.  External rotation still tends to get tight, particularly if we do not follow through with stretching.  He is showing improvement with gait, particularly since we started strengthening glute minimus."

I have three more weekly visit of PT remaining and I am using the "Fitter" which simulates the side to side motion of downhill skiing.

I have read several recent posts of surface hippies experiencing pain between 6 months to a year when returning to sports.

I wonder if Dr. McMinn's protocol is worth considering e.g. no impact sports until 1 year?

I need to ask Dr. Su about this.  I suppose it depends on the health and condition of the individual patient.  Some well conditioned athletes return to running at 3 months.

Has anybody received an ID card with the lot numbers for their device?  I received a BHR card but the lot numbers were not completed.  FYI, the FDA issued a recall in 2007 due to mismatched sizes (femoral cap/socket) for the BHR device.  Are Biomet/Conserve Plus/Cormet/ASR hippies receiving ID cards?  My hospital bill states that I received a 54 mm femoral cap and a 60 mm socket so I wrote the sizes on the card for future reference.

Durom hippies need not respond.

Week 22 update:

My physical therapist says to continue to improve my range of motion.  Two weeks ago, my hip extension was 8 degrees and should be 12 to 15 degrees.  Hip extension is when you extend your leg backwards, when standing.  Yesterday, I stood on a circular platform which rotated about a 4 inch ball.  I practiced tipping the circular platform from edge to edge.  I also did step overs where I stepped on a 4 inch ball in the center of the platform.  I wrapped the session up using the pro fitter machine for 15 minutes (simulates side to side motion of downhill skiing).  I am amazed of the items that need improvement that the physical therapist discovers.  This is well worth the fee my insurance company is paying.  I mainly need to strengthen my glutes.  She improved my form when doing hip hitches.  She believes I won't need to fly to New York City see my doc for a 6 months post-op, as she is supervising the functional recovery.  I could have x-rays taken locally and sent to doc for evaluation of the bone healing.  I requested a prescription if he wants x-rays.  I believe the next x-rays are a 1 year post-op, according to the docs website.  She would have added a heel lift early in my recovery to correct a "Trendelenberg" gait and then back off as I improved, but my doc said not to use a heel lift, my body would adjust and he was right.  Needless to say, listen to your Doc, not somebody else's doc, not your physical therapist, not your nurse etc. when you feel an important item needs direction.

Week 23 update:

Sunday, I hiked a mile along a groomed ski run, gaining 500 ft in elevation.  I snowshoed across an alpine meadow before climbing a ridge and gaining another 500 ft in elevation.  My left hamstrings tweaked a bit halfway up the ridge, but I continued.  The physical therapy has paid off!  I had no aches or pains the next AM.

I'm delaying downhill skiing for another 2 1/2 weeks (six months post-op) according to Dr. Su's protocol, but my function is essentially back to normal.

Week 24 update:

Last Sunday on March 15, I hiked and snowshoed from the ski lodge at elevation 1200 ft nearly to the top of Mt. Troy at elevation 3000 ft.  The downtown portion of Juneau is shown in the first photo.  The route I descended on snowshoes is shown in the third photo.  I was envious of skiiers who hiked up and skiied down.  Oh well, Dr. Su said I can downhill ski next week on March 29 at six months post-op.  I had no muscle aches or pains the next day.  On Friday, March 20, I had my last visit to the physical therapist.  My muscles are still tight around my left hip as my hip extension was 8 degrees and should be 12 to 15 degrees.  I have done better.  Maybe I need to take yoga.
Yesterday, I hiked a couple miles up Perserverance Trail east of Juneau (the valley behind Juneau in the first photo).  The North wind was breezy and temperatures were below 32 F, but it was nice to be alone in the wilderness as nobody else was up there.

Hey Steve

Great Photos.  Thanks for sharing.

Glad you are doing so well.  I know many people will enjoy reading your story and seeing your photos. 

Wish I was there!

Good Luck.

Pat

Six months post-op update:

Hee Haw!  I downhill skied at Eaglecrest for 5 hours today.  I started on two green (beginner) runs and moved over to two blue (intermediate) runs on the lower mountain.  I moved to the upper mountain chair lift and skied a couple of green runs.  I moved over to blue runs and finally a black (expert) run.  I traversed and skied down the West Bowl (advanced).  I then hiked to Pittman's ridge and skied down the West Bowl.  I finished the day with another run down a blue run.  Nice partly sunny day with about six inches of fresh powder.  My ski tips got crossed a couple of times making turns and I fell, but I wasn't going very fast, so no problems afterwards.  My physical conditioning and physical therapy has paid off.  My left hip feels completely normal.  I don't notice any difference than my right hip.  My agility and timing is almost back to normal.  I will return for more skiing the next couple of days.  I had a couple of Alaskan Amber beers to celebrate afterwards.

The first photo is at the top of Hilary's, which is a blue run (intermediate).  The chair lift is in the foreground at the bottom of the mountain.
The second photo is looking at Mt. Stewart.  A black run (expert) descends from this point.
The third photo is also at the top of Hilary's looking down the valley toward the Juneau Airport in the foreground.

Hey Pat - You can copy this post on the skiing and snowboarding site, if you wish.

Seven months, 11 days post-op update:

Bagged three blue grouse (hooters) today.  The grouse sit in sitka spruce or hemlock trees and "hoot" during the Spring to attract hens.  The difficult part of the hunt is climbing to the tree and finding the grouse in the tree.  The grouse are usually high in the tree and are on steep mountain sides.  The hooting has a ventrioloquist effect, so the grouse location is difficult to pinpoint.  The weather was great and my left hip performed great.  I hiked up 60 degree slopes with a 25 pound knapsack, sunk in the snow up to my thigh at times, glissaded down snow slopes on my rump and crawled over logs to cross a stream.

7 1/2 months post-op update:

I bagged two blue grouse yesterday.  Both grouse were "hooting" on the ground and were easy to locate.  I almost walked up on them.  They were strutting and fanning their tails.  The grouse were about 300 yards apart, high on the ridge and I had to sidehill across a couple of snow chutes and brushy slopes.  The second photo shows how steep the snow chute and ridge is.  I'm very pleased with the performance of my new left hip resurfacing :).  I have hunted 3/6 days and have bagged a total of 6 grouse.  I have hiked steep, uneven terrain carrying a 20 pound knapsack plus a 0.22 LR rifle.  I felt great at the end of the day and I've had no stiffness, soreness or pain the day after hunting.  About the only activity remaining to test my new hip is to bag a deer and pack it out over similar terrain.

Try that with a conventional THR!  I've heard of patients experiencing thigh pain for a THR since the metal stem flexes the bone differently.  A hip resurfacing simulates a natural loading.  I believe a hip resurfacing should be your first choice if you are young and active or even if you are old and active.  I'm 55 and still do extreme activities as described above (downhill ski black diamonds, hunting and mountaineering and racketball).  And hopefully it will last my lifetime.  A conventional THR would wear out in 10 - 15 years (or less) doing these activities.

I believe my physical therapy (under direction of a professional physical therapist) allowed me to return to these extreme sports without any problems after the Doctor said OK at 6 months post-op.

 :)  Yahoo!  Thanks for all the sharing.  It feels like a very long time away, 2 months until surgery and then another 6 months (or more since I'll be bilateral?) to recovery and full activity --  but I know the time will go by one way or another and I'll be on the upward path!  Thanks for the sharing,  Marilyn

8 months post-op update:

I bought a pair of excellent running shoes (Asics Gel Kayano 15) and I fast pace walk (4.8 mph) for 15 minutes, followed by 7 strengthening exercises (instructed by physical therapist) on Nautilus or Cybex equipment (3 sets of 15 reps each) followed by running (6 mph) for 15 minutes on the treadmill.  I feel great afterwards.  I planned on running on the dirt shoulder of a highway today to celebrate my 8 month anniversary (I haven't ran outdoors for at least seven years due the deteriorating condition of my left hip), but its raining and I don't want to dirty my new shoes.  I'll run on the treadmill instead and run outdoors on a sunny or cloudy day.

Life is sweet.  I feel like I'm 30 years old again  :)

11 month anniversary update:

I changed the title from post-op to anniversary, since I've been doing great and I feel fully recovered.  I realize the muscles continue to improve and the bones continue to densify for up to one to two years after surgery.  I've been using the eliptical and recumbant bicycle for cardio exercise.  I strained a muscle in my right heel by running on the treadmill too soon before warming up, so I've backed off on the treadmill for the last few weeks.  I still do the lower body strengthening exercises on the nautilus and cybex machines to keep my core muscles strong.

Next up is my 1 year anniversary and I've been mulling a visit to Dr. Su but New York is a full day's air travel away from Douglas, AK and I could just send in my 1 year x-rays.  Anybody have any comments about seeing the Doc at 1 year, when everything is going great?

I heard back from Dr. Su's office and I don't need to travel to New York for a 1 year follow-up.  I will have x-rays taken locally at the end of the month and I will send the CD disk to Dr. Su for evaluation.

Hi Steve,
I live in AZ and my surgeon is in San Diego - 5-6 hr by car. Like you, everything is great for me. I went for an in person 1 yr follow-up. I got a bit more out of it than if I had sent xrays via email, but really it was just a chance to talk to the surgeon for 1/2 hr and ask a few questions as we looked at xrays. I had good fortune that the assistant was an avid cyclist, so he was able to suggest a few hip-friendly IT-band stretches.
Bottom line, if I didn't have relatives in San Diego and combine visits, I would have been perfectly happy to just send xrays via email.
Great to hear of your good progress!
-Dirk

Hi Dirk,

I'm not going for a 1 year follow-up for the same reason I didn't go for a 4-6 week or 6 month follow-up.  My physical therapist was evaluating my progress and sending reports to Dr. Su.  I sent in x-rays at one month.  With no leg length discrepancy, no pain and good range of motion, she said I was OK at 6 months and I won't need to see Dr. Su at 1 year.  I suppose I could combine a Dr's. visit with tourism in New York for about a week.  I didn't see much a year ago because of my condition.  It would be nice to see Dr. Su, Blaire (physician assistant), Dr. Nydick (Internal Medicine) and staff again.  It's a bit weird to put your faith in these people and have a major operation a long distance from home and have a great outcome and possibly never see them again.

I returned from a 1 week combined goose/grouse/moose hunt in Gustavus, Ak.  I didn't bag a moose but bagged several canadian geese and a couple of blue grouse.  I walked twice daily over meadow marshland for a couple of miles carrying a shotgun, rifle and day pack.  I packed my decoys and set-up in a field about a one mile distance from the road.  When successfull, I carried the bagged birds in addition to the equipment.  I'm happy to report that my new left hip did great.  At the end of the day when I was sitting in the chair cleaning my rifle, I had some minor aching in the left hip area, but otherwise no problems noted.

Next week is my one year post-op date and I'll have hip x-rays taken locally and send them in to Dr. Su for evaluation.

One year anniversary plus 6 days update :)

I had my x-rays taken locally and sent them to Dr. Su for review.
I received his response this AM and and he said "Absolutely perfect! Enjoy it!"
So I'm going to enjoy it.  I haven't had any change in activities since my 6 month date, when all restrictions were lifted.
I feel more confident about doing very aggressive activities now that I have passed the one year mark and my bones have fully densified and my muscles and tendons should be fully healed.

Other than a minor ache after strenous activities, I haven't had any symptoms.  The left hip feels completely natural.

Hat's off for perfect placement!  For future surface hippies, I recommend you push, pull or drag your body to the most experienced hip resurfacing surgeon you can go to and pay a portion out-of-pocket (travel and co-pay) to ensure perfect placement and no future problems.

I won't have much to post about my recovery in the future since I feel fully recovered but I'll continue to monitor this website and post comments as a "one year plus veteran."

13 months plus 11 days post-op update:

I experienced some pain in the left hip joint area after a workout on Tuesday.  As I walked or stood, the left hip joint definitely "barked" at me.  It was not groin pain or crest pain but in the joint area.  I finished two consecutive days of workouts, before this occurred.  On Monday, I did deadlifts and squats with free weights, several leg exercises on Cybex equipment followed by running on the treadmill for 30 minutes.  On Tuesday, I did several hip exercises on Nautilus equipment and Cybex equipment followed by 30 minutes on a recumbent bicycle.  On Wednesday, I rested and the joint feels OK.  I presume the new left hip is still improving and I need to continue to listen to my body and adjust my activity accordingly.  From what I have read, the "break-in period" can extend to a couple of years. 

Hey Steve,

Congratulations. It sounds like you're hitting it hard. If you don't mind, I'd  suggest that you don't squat and deadlifts on the same day. Are you adding variety to your set and rep schemes? Are you performing other exercises like hang cleans, power cleans, box jumps, thrusters, front squats, etc.? Let me know if I can help?

take care,

spencer

Hi Spencer,

Thanks for the suggestions.  No, I don't have variety with free weights.  I'm doing 3 sets of 10, 165 lbs for squats followed by 3 sets of 10, 145 lbs deadlifts.  I started these about a month ago.  A body builder already corrected my form for deadlifts to take it easy on my back.  I'll look into the other exercises.  I do have a lot of variety with the Cybex and Nautilus equipment.

FWIW, I like to do deadlifts in conjunction with back (lats), not legs....

Nearly 18 months post-op update:

I am attaching a photo of me at the top of the East Bowl ridge, Eaglecrest ski area, Juneau, Alaska enjoying the sun and an Alaskan Amber Beer.
I hiked from the Black Bear chairlift exit some 750 ft elevation below to the peak at 3000 ft.  I carried my skis and a knapsack with lunch, two thermoses and a few beers.
This concluded four days of skiing after running 30 minutes on the treadmill at a 10 minute mile pace on Wednesday night.  Needless to say, I am quite pleased with the results of my new left hip resurfacing, as I am back to full impact athletic activity with no reservations or aches and pains (other than some aching Wednesday night from running on the treadmill, which I haven't done for a while).  I even crashed in 12 inches of powder on Friday.  Life is sweet :)  Hats off for a perfect BHR placement by Dr. Su.

22 months post-op update:

Last night I jogged on the treadmill for 20 minutes at a 10 minute mile (6 MPH) pace and I had absolutely no aches in the hip joint afterwards.
I warmed up with a fast pace walk for 5 minutes and stretched afterwards.
I haven't jogged on the treadmill for several months as I was having hip joint aches afterwards.  I have been exercising on the elliptical machine and recombinant bicycle.
I believe soft tissue repair and bone densification continues up to two years post-op.
Maybe tonight I will try jogging outdoors along the dirt shoulder of a scenic highway, something I haven't done in ten years.

Steve,

Congratulations!!  Keep up the good work! I found trail running much easier on the hip. And I agree with you about feeling much stronger at 2yrs than 1yr post op.

take care,

spencer

Spencer,

Oops! I meant a 10 minute mile pace or 6 MPH.
Still, I'm happy with the results with no aches.

Two year anniversary:

Dr. Su evaluated my hip x-rays taken at two years post-op and said "X-rays look terrific.  Bone and implant are SOLID!!
So I celebrated today by running outdoors along the dirt shoulder of a favorite stretch of road.
I ran 3.6 miles in 34 minutes which is about a 9 1/2 minute/mile pace.
I haven't ran this leg for about 10 years due to the deteriorating left hip.
This matches the workout on the treadmill.
No problems during or after the run.
I am attaching a photo which shows the view along this stretch of road.
Sure beats the drudgery of the treadmill.
I feel completely rehabilitated and expect to enjoy active sports for years to come.

Happy 2 Years, Steve!  Glad you are doing well and getting great use out of that hip.  Dr. Su is definitely one of the best in the US.

Good Luck.  Thanks for updating us.

Pat

Two years five months update:

My partner and I won A bracket doubles at the Alaska State Doubles Racquetball Championships last weekend.  I have been playing racquetball since last October after a 15 year break.  Last Fall, I had some lower back fatigue and strains as I was getting used to playing racquetball again and breaking in my new left hip resurfacing and surrounding muscles.   Last month, I played three singles matches in one evening without any issues.  Next up is the Alaska State Singles Racquetball Championships in early April.  So life is great to play the active sports (skiiing, hunting and racquetball) again with the new hip resurfacing parts!

Amazing! It's great to hear from you "old" hippy vets. LOL! It's very inspiring and reassuring. Wonderful post!

2 years 6 months update:

Results of blood chromium test 1.4 ug/L (ppb) and blood cobalt test 1.4 ug/L (ppb).
Dr. Su's PA Brett, says the results are well within normal range.
I've been skiing alot the past two seasons and played racquetball this season and I'm delighted with the blood test results.
I'm home free and only have to wonder how long the device will last? (20, 30 or more years since the long term data is unknown but the indicators are positive for a lifetime of use).

Great to hear your updates! I'm only 7 months and 4 months along (both were done), so it's really good to hear your story. Please keep posting updates.

Thanks for the update. Please, more, more!!

2 years, nearly 8 months update:

Yesterday, during a rigorous blue grouse hunt in the alpine and snow, I heard occasionally heard squeaks from my left hip when crossing logs, etc.
Last night, when rising from bed to go to the restroom, it squeaked once.
This AM, when rising from bed and stooping over, it squeaked once.
I have never heard any squeaks during the entire post-op period, until now.
I read Dr. DeSmet's discussion of squeaks for some patients during the break-in period, up to 2 years post-op.
I thought it was odd to hear these squeaks for the first time at 2 years 8 months post-op.
I did get a bit dehydrated during the hunt, since I'm not always close to water, which may have contributed to the sqeaks.
Any comments?

Steve, I think dehydration may definitely play a part in the squeaking, that metal needs fluid. Take a water bottle or camelbak next time and see how it goes. I'm a cyclist and drink constantly, I prefer Guinness post ride.

Hope this helps, moe

Steve - those are some sweet metals concentrations.  Lots of fuss now with the new FDA request for more data partly on metallosis.  A few of us have gotten a little concerned.  As Newdog says, your stories are inspiring.

Thanks   

Three year anniversary:

I am attaching a photo of a 6 x 5 Roosevelt elk I bagged on Mt. Shakes, Etolin Island, SE Alaska on October 1, 2011.
The hunt entailed hiking up a 60 degree forested slope to the alpine, then hiking a mile across the top of the mountain to bag the elk.
My partner and I each staged 3-4 loads (80 pounds plus) to pack the meat, cape and antlers to the base camp at Lake 1314 (elevation).
We completed the pack on October 6 and returned to Ketchikan.
My hip squeaked a bit after the kill, then the sqeaking diminished over the next couple of days and didn't squeak at all on the last pack.
I had no discomfort in the muscles and I didn't need any ibupropen.
So I am completely rehabilitated for the new left hip as I have accomplished the most rigorous feat to date.

Nice. I'm not much of a hunter but I am a carnivore extroidinaire. Whats the best way to cook elk ? I can honestly say I've never eaten elk before. But I live in so cal with all the conservative fruitcake liberal greenies who would freak if elk showed up in the supermarket hahaha. How does it compare to the cows and pigs we eat down here ? I thought I heard it somewhere it was a lot less fatty ?  Glad your hip is trouble free !!

Good to see a hippy in situ.

Incredible scenery.

Quote from: stevel on October 09, 2011, 01:09:49 PM
My hip squeaked a bit

I am sure the elk squeaked too.

D.

Great story, Steve - only time I'll say this to a guy or woman - nice rack!!

Great to see your hip doing so well, looks like you're having a great time. That was quite the test for the hip, seems like the squeaking for a "healthy" resurface is more from dehydration (need that synovial fluid).

The fruitcake liberal greenie  ;D who would still like to taste Elk (meat lover),

Hernan.

Thats a nice beast stevel! Its one of the things on my bucket list to go hunting in alaska! We just dont get beasts like that on my side of the pond!
All The Best Danny

Hi Bill,

We cooked elk tenderloin steaks at the alpine camp and they tasted great! Different from deer or moose but very good.  The steaks were a bit tough so I am having the butcher tenderize the rest of the steaks.  This is the first elk I have taken but I have eaten lots of deer and moose.  I don't eat much pork, beef and chicken since I eat moose, deer, elk, grouse, ducks, geese and cranes.  I supplement the wild meat with wild seafood such as crab, salmon, halibut, rockfish, razor clams and shrimp.  Wild meat is lean and tasty and my cholesterol numbers are consistently low.  Locally, Fred Meyer carries commercial Bison and another store carries commercial Elk so you might check your local grocery stores for availability.

Yummy....my kind of diet. It would totally offend my new-age green and very vegetarian son. Nothing better than fresh seafood.....especially if you catch it yourself. Love swimming scallops...they show up about 100 feet below the surface and are sooooooooooo sweet.

Luanna

Sounds good Steve. We eat a lot of chicken and fish, and steaks or ribs on the weekends.  I somehow became allergic to shellfish when I got older, so no more shrimp, crab or lobster for me, bummer cause I like em all. I can still eat clams, scallops, abalone and fish, just nothing with a red shell, something to do with iodine I believe. (If San Onofre blows no iodine pills for me, oh well we live about 2 miles away so hopefully we'll go quick haha) I was curious if you grilled the elk, or pan fried it with some veggies or whatnot, any secret seasonings or recipes for it ?

Bill,

I just pan fry the steak in cooking oil and season it with pepper.
No salt since I need to keep my blood pressure down.
No difference than if it was a beef steak.
Same with roasts.  Bake it in an oven and baste it with water.

A friend of ours hunts Elk in Colorodo, he brings home the meat and I will tell you there is no better meat than a good elk steak. 

Steve, I can only imagine what those elk backstraps tasted like, must be really good.

Most of the time I have to settle for whitetail deer backstraps, they are really good though.


Chuck

Last night I pan fried a portion of moose steak and a portion of elk steak.
The elk steak had more flavor but was tougher.
The butcher tenderized the elk steak (similar to cube steak).
The elk required several rifle shots to put down and was chased which contributed to the toughness of the meat.
The moose steak was a sirloin cut and was tender, similar to beef steak.
I'd like to try wild bison as I've heard that meat is the best.
Its remarkable that each wild meat I have eaten (blacktail deer, Roosevelt elk, moose and dall sheep) has its own distinct flavor, but they are all great.
I also ate a spike (6 inch horns) rocky mountain goat.  The meat was OK but not as tasty as the aforementioned critters.

4 year, 1 month anniversary update:

Hip x-rays look great!
Chromium 1.7 ug/l
Cobalt 1.3 ug/l
Metal levels are also great, indicating that the joint is functioning well and not creating much debris, even though I've been very active.
I've been playing racquetball, downhill skiing and hunting (blue grouse, dall sheep, moose and ducks and geese.  Local Dr. says my chloresterol levels are good (below 200) since I've been eating a lot of wild game meat and Alaska seafood.
Attaching a couple of photos from a recent dall sheep hunt in the Wrangell Mountains, near McCarthy, AK.  Didn't bag a sheep, since none were legal size (full curl) but snapped some photos of dall sheep (one with a 7/8 curl) and a hawk.

Thanks for the photos, and congrats on the 4(+) year anniversary. That's my next step, hope to have the same results!

Great to hear.

5 year, 1 month update:

Bone is solid when reviewing x-rays.
Chromium 1.4 ug/l
Cobalt 0.9 ug/l

Next x-rays and blood metal test at 2 year intervals instead of 1 year, for awhile.
I've continued to play racquetball, downhill ski and hunt with no problems and have basically ignored that I have a left hip resurfacing device.

Congratulations on your 5th anniversary, you feel great and the tests corroborate.
Thanks for keep posting updates, specially for us newbies.

Congrats Steve! beautiful pics and a great hip. Can't ask for better....

Yes, I couldn't ask for more perfect results!
I've been enjoying the heck out of my new left hip resurfacing for five years.
Now only if they had similar technology for my arthritic right shoulder.
I had to quit playing racquetball after 4 singles games last night since my right shoulder was throbbing big time!  I can still play racquetball a couple of days a week.

It would be nice if this was a generic procedure for all joints, with the same success.

Six year update:

I've continued to be active downhill skiing, racquetball and hunting with no problems or discomfort noted.
No x-rays or blood metal ion test this year as the tests are on two year intervals for a while.

Hi Steve

Congratulations on the 6 year anniversary!!!!  Great that you continue to stop by and tell folks about your hip resurfacing.

I got your story caught up with all the updates so everyone can read them.

http://www.surfacehippy.info/hipresurfacing/stories/dr-su/607-steve-lee-hip-resurfacing-dr-su-2008 (http://www.surfacehippy.info/hipresurfacing/stories/dr-su/607-steve-lee-hip-resurfacing-dr-su-2008)

Looking forward to next years update.

Have fun!

Pat

Seven year update:  X-Rays look great.  Chromium 1.2 ng/ml;  cobalt < 1 ng/ml.
Next exam in 2 yrs.  Didn't ski much last year.  Local resort was only open for a few days due to lack of snow.  Played racquetball and won 2nd place in 40+ age division at Alaska state singles tournament in April even though I was 61 years old playing 40 year olds.  Also hunted for blue grouse, moose and canada geese.  No grouse or moose but got several geese.  Will retire in May, 2016 and have more time to travel and recreate.

Nine year update:  X-rays look great.  Chromium 1.6 ng/ml;  Cobalt < 1 ng/ml.
Retired May 1, 2016.  Skied at least 40 visits last winter.  Playing racquetball during the winter/spring.
Bagged 6 blue grouse last spring.  Bagged forked horn moose 10 days ago and packed entire moose out in quarters over 1/3 mile.  Used combination sled over several inches deep water and backpack.  Moose backstrap ate like tenderloin as moose was young at 1 1/2 yrs.  Also bagged 6 Canadian Geese.  Just turned 64 and very pleased with performance of LBHR with no issues.

Cool.........

Great to hear Steve.  It is so nice that you stop by each year to let us know how well you are doing.

I added your update to your story.

I wish you the very best.

Pat

10 year 10 month update:

X-rays of left hip BHR implant look great.
Blood tests for both cobalt and chromium below 1 ng/ml

Rt hip now has severe osteoarthritis with apparent bone on bone contact at superior joint space (upper left)
Progressive joint space narrowing over the years.  Became painful over a year ago and stopped playing racquetball.
Looks like I'm due for a right hip BHR and I'm awaiting Dr Su's evaluation.
I'm 65 now and had my left hip done at 55.

Great news on the HR hip, Dr. Su seems to be a great surgeon, so good luck with it.  I joined the bi hr club nine years ago, am very happy I did. Good luck...

Scheduled surgery on Friday, November 1.  A lot better shape going in compared to left side and I expect the recovery will be faster.

11 year anniversary today, LBHR.
Happy with the device.
I've been active skiing, racquetball, hunting and fishing.
-1 month, RBHR.
The right hip is not as bad as the left hip was, but it is bone on bone and I know better so I'm proceeding with the surgery earlier.
Looking forward to relieving that chronic ache and getting a new right hip resurfacing device for activities.

Steve Thanks for your update.  11 years with a great hip resurfacing - doesn't get any better.
I wish you the best with the new hip resurfacing.  Hope you will be up and running soon.
Thanks for sharing your stories.
Pat

Pat, thanks for your support.
I'm grateful to have found this website 11 years ago to lead to my left hip resurfacing.
I have drifted away my participating in hiptalk over the years (other than reporting annual and biannual x-rays and metal ion levels) enjoying activities with the left hip resurfacing but I have returned lately since I need a right hip resurfacing.
Glad you are still monitoring.
Less than a month to go for surgery and I expect to recover faster since my muscles are in good shape this time.

Quote from: stevel on October 07, 2019, 06:41:01 PM
Pat, thanks for your support.
I'm grateful to have found this website 11 years ago to lead to my left hip resurfacing.
I have drifted away my participating in hiptalk over the years (other than reporting annual and biannual x-rays and metal ion levels) enjoying activities with the left hip resurfacing but I have returned lately since I need a right hip resurfacing.
Glad you are still monitoring.
Less than a month to go for surgery and I expect to recover faster since my muscles are in good shape this time.

Steve,
Great new on your 11 yr old BHR. Good luck with the new on coming up!
Matty

Matty,  thank you.  Two weeks to go!  I've had great results for over 11 years with a LBHR and expect the same with a new RBHR.  I have a larger size BHR and the metal wear is negligible.  Amazing device performance considering my activity level.  I've worn out my natural right hip socket as it is now bone on bone and the new RBHR will allow me to continue unrestricted impact activities.

I reviewed my X-ray's for my left hip in 2002 and they are similar to my right hip in 2019, e.g. bone on bone contact at superior aspect.  My regular doctor said the left was not disabling but avoid impact activities such as running and racquetball.  So I modified activities gradually over the next 6 years and the left hip was completely deteriorated with no cartilage, bone spurs, atrophied left leg, tilted pelvis due to shorter left leg and severe limp.  Then I had LBHR surgery in 2008.  For my right I decided to have RBHR surgery earlier and not let it degenerate over 6 years and become disabled for even activities of daily living.  I am currently only limited from doing impact activities such as running, racquetball and cardio stair stepping and turning, without suffering mild to moderate pain during and after.

I saw Dr Su today and my bone quality is good and he is 98% certain that I will receive a RBHR.  Post-op recovery is better and may be discharged from the hospital the following day.  Muscles and flexibility are good so post-op rehab should be faster.

Success!  I am now a bilateral surface hippy!  Dr Su said my bone quality was excellent and my muscles are in great shape.  I'm in the hospital room, had a light meal and I'm on pain, anti-inflammatory, antibiotics and blood thinner meds.  Pain is moderate when I move about in bed.

Congratulations Steve. Great that it is all done and you are now on the mend, although it be a slow mend for awhile.
I wish you the very best and a quick recovery.  Looking forward to your updates.
Pat

Congratulations Steve,

Glad to hear you're on your way to a better, pain free and fulfilling life.  The coming months will present challenges you will will enjoy overcoming as you learn how to re-use your body like a 3 year old kid in his first set of Buster Browns that just wants to Walk, walk, walk...... just take your time.

I am now at the hotel room at the Hemsley Medical Tower, two days after surgery.  On Tylenol and blood thinners.  Not much pain or swelling.  Already had two large bowel movements today.  Using crutches.  Hip is stiff.  Doing basic PT in hotel room.  Virtual PT tomorrow morning with HSS using smartphone.  On the road to recovery.

2 bowel movements?  I'm envious.  Seriously- good decision on the surgery and surgeon.  Take your time healing and enjoying the relief from pain and restriction.

Quote from: stevel on November 03, 2019, 05:13:59 PM
I am now at the hotel room at the Hemsley Medical Tower, two days after surgery.  On Tylenol and blood thinners.  Not much pain or swelling.  Already had two large bowel movements today.  Using crutches.  Hip is stiff.  Doing basic PT in hotel room.  Virtual PT tomorrow morning with HSS using smartphone.  On the road to recovery.

Great New!! I am 2.5 weeks out with Dr Ball. Crazy Nervous but Im going for it.

Just walked six blocks with crutches.  Began to feel soreness so returned.  Have ice pack on.  Feels OK sitting.  Dropped Tylenol as not feeling pain.  Very pleased at 3 days post-op.  See Dr Su and get X-ray's in the morning for follow up post surgery.

Just saw Dr Su at post-op.  OK to use one crutch or cane while in NYC.  Cleared for travel.  OK to drive short distances when returning home, if not on oxycodone.  Need to inject blood thinner and put on TEDS stockings for long flight home.  Feeling great!

Back home in Douglas, Alaska!  Left hotel at 6 am EST and arrived home at 9 pm AST, 19 hrs later.  Wore TEDS stockings and got up to walk several times while on plane.  Took a couple Tylenol before bed and slept 8 hrs.  Swelling has subsided a lot.   Feeling great at one week post-op!

Two weeks post-op update:   Doing out-patient PT per Dr Su's 2-6 week rehab videos.  Walked about a mile and a half without a cane, including walking up a long flight of stairs.  No pain pills, swelling or icing.  Delighted with the progress!

Three week post-op update:  Doing PT per 2-6 week rehab videos on Dr Su's website.  Won't see PT until 5 weeks.  Then we will review rehab videos 6-12 weeks.  Rode stationary bicycle 10 miles at level 15 for 45 minutes yesterday.  Feeling great!

I woke up this morning and noticed that knot feeling in my newly operated right hip is gone.
The right hip is beginning to look and feel normal.
I can sleep on that side.
I'm continuing PT and stretching.
Looking forward to the one month post-op date this Sunday when I can lift over 20 lbs up to 50 lbs and get follow-up x-rays of the new RBHR.

Thanks for the updates Steve
Glad you are making good progress!
I know what you mean "Knot in my hip" thing.

I am 5 days post op.
Keep up the good work!
Matty

Your welcome, Marty!
I am adding to my journal for my RBHR in the same thread for my LBHR installed over 11 years ago so that it informs others about hip resurfacings.
Happy Thanksgiving!

One month post-op update:  X-rays are OK with no signs of distress.
Worked out on the elliptical machine for 45 minutes at level 18/20, gradient 2% after PT stretches.
No aches or pains during or after.
Feeling great!

Six week post-op update:  Completed prescription regimen of high strength aspirin (blood thinners), anti-inflammatory and a stomach lining protector from aspirin.
Beginning phase III rehab videos 6-12 weeks post-op per Dr Su's website.
Hip flexors were stiff during gait analysis by physical therapist, so emphasizing Thomas stretching.
Exercising on treadmill at fast walk, 4 mph with 3% grade for 35 minutes.
Feeling great!

Seven week post-op update:  Added lateral elliptical machine at level 18 resistance, lateral level 7 cross resistance for 45 minutes.
No issues.

Steve   Sounds like you are progressing very nicely.  Thanks for the updates. 

I wish you the best.
Pat

2 month 5 days post-op update:  Examined by physical therapist today and got an A- for strength, flexibility and gait.  Need improvement in clamshell exercise and seated leg cross.
Basically waiting for 3 months post-op to begin low impact sports and exercises and lift over 50 lbs.

Good Job! Right behind you.....Keep up the good work!! I am feeling some klunking but progressing good otherwise.

Thank you Matty!
I'm itching to go skiing since Juneau just received a foot of fresh powder with more coming.
The physical therapist says I could ski except for the bone healing.
Alas!  I shall wait until Feb 1 at 3 months post-op to begin skiing the green(easy) and blue(intermediate) runs and avoid moguls and backcountry.  No bumps or jumps until 6 months post-op.
You probably feel the same about returning to surfing!

11 week post-op update:  Continuing rehab and feeling great!
Getting ready for resuming low impact skiing, racquetball and gentle jogging on the treadmill at 3 months post-op.
The ski slopes are currently groomed with no ice or obstacles.
I will pick my day and slope to resume skiing.

12 week post-op update:  Continuing rehab and feeling great without any noticeable pain in the operated hip.
Pondering resuming aforementioned impact activities next week at 3 months post-op.
Anything new about the bone healing timeline and resumption of sporting activities since my left hip resurfacing over 11 years ago?
I had to wait 6 months, 11 years ago but now Dr Su's PA says OK to resume gentle jogging, racquetball, downhill skiing and lift over 50 lbs at 3 months.

Well, instead of buying a ski pass, I bought a swimming pool pass yesterday and I have began swimming laps and walking against the current in a channel pool.
I'll take it easy on impact sports for the next three months until 6 months post-op.

13 week post-op update:  Aqua walked against the current, 15 laps yesterday.  48 laps = 1 mile.  Water is waist deep and current is fairly strong.  Also swam 10 laps in lap pool.  Great PT which I should of done earlier in my recovery.  I didn't know about the walking against current pool.  Feeling great with no pain.  Tomorrow is 3 months post-op.

3 month post-op update:  Today I can lift over 50 lbs and do everything but high impact such as running and jumping.  Other high impact activities are subjective so it is good to be prudent until all restrictions are released at 6 months post-op.

I skied for 3 hours today.  The local Eaglecrest ski area received 44 inches of fresh powder in the last 4 days.
I started on the mid mountain groomers then finished from the top of the mountain on ski cut powder starting down a black (hard) hill.
I had one minor spill on the opposite hip and I'm feeling some aches in the operated hip but I had a great day enjoying partly sunny skies.

That is Awesome!

Thank you Matty!

3 1/2 month post-op update:  I have skied 4 days on groomers and ski-cut, greens, blues and blacks.  Even fell a few times on opposite hip at low to moderate speed with no issues.  I'm avoiding high impact such as skiing moguls. I never did jumps or cliffs and I'm not about to start.  Delighted to have such a rapid recovery!

Great to hear you are doing well and back to the slopes.  Take it easy!  I guess you understand that anyways.
Have fun.
Pat

4 month post-op update:  Last visit to PT today.  Need improvement in clamshell, 90 degree position, using red theraband, supine lateral leg raises using red theraband and Thomas stretching with operated leg dangling over bench but otherwise OK.  I feel 95% recovered.  I've been skiing the entire mountain, three hours a day, two days in a row with no issues.  I've even hiked and skied from a ridge.  I've been swimming 20 laps using the overhead stroke, a couple days a week.  I've been using various leg machines for strengthening using weights over 50 lbs a couple days a week.  Next milestone is 6 months when all restrictions are removed and I will be able to run or ski over jumps but the ski season will be over.  I currently can gentle jog such as on a treadmill but I've been skiing and swimming instead.  Feeling good!

Steve
Glad to hear things are progressing so well.  Thanks for the update.  I wish you the Best.  Pat

Steve,

That is great news. I am right behind you.  3 months out now and doing good other than a few clunks here and there. Do you get any clunks at all?

Matt

Matty,

Occasionally I notice slight clunking which has improved over time.

Thanks Steve.

1 year anniversary RBHR and 12 year anniversary LBHR:
X-rays OK
Lab report:  Chromium 2.4 ng/ml, cobalt 4.2 ng/ml OK
I've been active hunting, fishing, skiing, swimming and jogging on a treadmill and feeling great!

Hi Steve. I read through your journey.  Congrats on the recent results!


I had my first hip done in 2012, and just had my other done 10 days ago.  I'm chomping at the bit to do more, but my wife is reeling me back in.  I can't wait to get back to real exercise.  Best of luck to you.


Andy

Thank you Andy!  What a journey it's been dealing with hips since 1988 at age 34.  I hope you have a rapid recovery!

Skied backcountry yesterday.  Preseason skiing since the Eaglecrest ski area doesn't officially open until Dec 5.  I hiked up with skins attached to skis from the lodge to the top of the mountain.  I had a late lunch in the warming hut at the top.  I removed the skins, adjusted the bindings and boots and skied down and felt great!  The snow had stiffened up later in the afternoon as temperatures dropped and was crusty and daylight was fading after sunset so I stayed on the cattrack coming down. I burned 2500 calories during the event as I have a heart rate monitor that also counts calories.

Thanks for the update. Great you are back to your sports!

Thank you Pat!

5 ft of snow in 10 days!  Hee Haw!  I've been skiing nearly every day with no issues with either hip!

Sounds fun!  It'll be 75 degrees here today, so no skiing... ;D ;D ;D

Thank you, Andy!   Yesterday was awesome skiing!   I'm heading out this AM to ski another day.  Feeling great!

1 year, 6 months post-op RBHR update:  I went grouse hunting yesterday and bagged two sooty grouse.  Hiked a couple miles over mostly settled or frozen snow.  Right hip began squeaking after reaching upper alpine bowl.  Squeaked occasionally after post-holing in snow.  Was dehydrated since no open water and ate snow.  I think squeaking is related to dehydration.  First incidence of right hip squeaking.  Hip did not squeak when hiking backcountry with skiis but I kept hydrated.  Also post-holing is an unique movement when the boot sinks into the soft snow up to the knee or deeper and you need to pull out and extend forward.  Also probably strengthening muscles and tendons for this unique movement.

Usually squeaking is from dehydration as far as the many personal posts I have read. My hip, 15 years later, will still go bump when I do something like your post-holing in the snow. But, not a problem - ever.
Glad you are out, pain free and enjoying your bionic hips!
Pat

Thanks Pat.  I went hunting again yesterday and bagged 3 sooty grouse.  I packed 1/2 gallon water and lunch and kept hydrated but my right hip still squeaked after reaching the upper meadow, but not as much as before.  I think I am still breaking in the muscles and tendons supporting the new RBHR as the LBHR does not squeak.  The LBHR also squeaked for a couple years after surgery when climbing the mountains.  No pain and I am enjoying my bionic hips!

This might be the longest thread in SurfaceHippy history!

I believe one more post and I'll become a hero member! :)

Post on Steve.  Thank You for your contributions thru the years!!!!!!!!!!!
Pat

Pat,  your welcome!  And thank you for maintaining this website, which I researched again for my recent RBHR.

Congratulations on being a HERO MEMBER.  Always great that people visit after their hip resurfacing to continue to share their stories and answer questions.  Thanks for your help and input.
Pat

Thanks Pat.  I joined this group nearly 13 years ago and have enjoyed posting and reading posts.  I hope my story and posts helps people be fitted with successful hip resurfacings as I have.

I went grouse hunting several more days spaced 3 days or so apart.  Squeaking of my RBHR hip has diminished.  Yesterday, it only squeaked once during the hunt and once later in the evening when climbing into the bathtub.  Supporting muscles must be strengthening.

13th anniversary for my LBHR.  Feeling great!

Awsome! 

I hope grouse hunting is going well.  Those thing are too fast for me.  In my youth I was was a pheasant hunter in my home state of SD.  We had a little elbow room out on the prairie.

Thank you Larry Bud.  I shoot these grouse from sitting on a branch high up a tree, about 30 to 40 yards distance.  I locate the grouse from their "hoots" mating call in the Spring.

2nd year anniversary for my RBHR!  Feeling Great!  No issues.  I had hip xrays and blood metal levels done on Friday.

Congrats!  My 1 year anniversary was October 28th on my right, 9+ years ago on my left.  Life is good!

Xray report OK
Blood test 6.2 ug/L chromium 6.6 ug/L cobalt

Thanks Andy!  Enjoying my bionic hips!

I skied 4 days from Thursday through Sunday.  Skinned (uphill trekking with skis) to the top and skied down on Thursday and Friday).  Opening day was Saturday for the Eaglecrest ski area and I skied 3 hours each day on Saturday and Sunday.  Feeling great!

I will pile on.
Last week we did 2 days hard XC (Nordic) skiing at Lake Placid. Just booked 10 day Lake Tahoe so it will be a full season.
This will be 11 years since I had both hips done, miss just the first winter during recovery, skied last 10 years.

Great activity!  I'm fully rehabbed for my RBHR two years ago with no squeaking, clunking or muscle fatigue.  I skied 3 days from Friday through Sunday with lots of hiking.  Life is good!

Concluded another successful Spring sooty grouse hunting season!  Bagged this grouse high in the mountains.  Hips are doing great although I had occasional squeaking in my newer right hip resurfacing after a few hours of hiking the steeper slopes in the snow.  I definitively try to stay hydrated during these hikes!

Big bird, nice.  Beautiful country there.

Thanks, it is beautiful in the mountains, skiing, hunting or hiking!

14 year anniversary for my LBHR.
Skiing, hunting, mountain climbing, swimming and jogging with no issues or pain!

Happy 14th Anniversary SteveL  Thanks for the update.  I wish you many, many more anniversaries with your BHR.

Thank you Pat!

3-year anniversary for RBHR:
Skiing, hunting, swimming and jogging on a treadmill with no issues and both hips feel great!
X-rays were OK.
Blood metal levels were retested as metal free glass test vials were not available through Labcorp, which can add 5 ug/L to the test levels is metal free vials are not used.
Chromium:  8.0 ug/L
Cobalt:  6.8 ug/L
Dr Su's office says these levels are within normal limits for a bilateral hip resurfacing (<14.0 ug/L).
I am to continue yearly x-rays and blood metal level tests.

15 year anniversary for my LBHR.
Skiing, hunting, hiking and swimming.
All is good!

Quote from: stevel on September 29, 2023, 01:48:30 PM
15 year anniversary for my LBHR.
Skiing, hunting, hiking and swimming.
All is good!

Hi Steve…fantastic!

I want to ask you, what was skiing like before your first resurfacing?

I had mine done a year ago. I went skiing 5 months prior to that, with zero internal rotation on the bad leg. Looking back I think it had alot to do with that week ending early…. One ski flapped in the wind trying to turn in one direction.

I am going skiing for the first time post op next year and am understandably apprehensive.

Hi,  I skied OK the season before.  My hip really deteriorated the Spring - Summer season after ski season.  I didn’t do field work in the Summer or hunt in the Fall and had surgery on Sept 29, 2008.
I worked with a PT to specially return to skiing and did so at 6 months after LBHR and 3 months after RBHR.

4 year anniversary for my RBHR.
X-rays show both hip resurfacings are stable.
Blood tests are 4.0 ng/ml chromium and 2.5 ng/ml cobalt.
Skiing, hiking, hunting, fishing and swimming.
All is good!

Dr Su’s PA reviewed my recent X-rays and blood metal tests today and everything looks great!  I can extend my annual exam to every 3 to 5 years unless something arises.

16 year and 5 year anniversary:

All is good.
I was getting annual x-rays and metal ion blood tests but exams are now extended to every 5 years since all is good.
I will get an annual wellness exam with lab tests next week with my family practice doctor.