Bilaterals with Dr. Marwin 11/15

[hernanu]

Great stuff, Woodstock. You've made some really good progress. How's the gait?

[Woodstock Hippy]

It feels like I am walking correctly, but slowly.  I watch my shadow to make sure I'm not rocking side to side.  Saturday and Sunday my left leg was weak and I had to work hard to keep from leaning left but I think the pool work Sunday afternoon really helped and I felt strong today.

[Woodstock Hippy]

And, I just got up from my kitchen chair for the first time with no hands.  What a day!

[David]

good to see you progressing Woody...

[Two4One]

Look, Mom, no hands!  Congrats on your achievement:)

[Woodstock Hippy]

Your surgery is just around the corner. Good for you,  best of luck.

What does your schedule look like?  How long on the hospital?  Are you going to a rehab hospital?

I spent 3 days on the post-op floor and then I walked with a walker to the rehab section of the hospital and spent 6 days ther.

Today is my one month anniversary, and I couldn't be doing better.  I left my cane in the closet this past weekend, I'm doing great workouts in the pool, riding my tri bike on the trainer, doing PT three times a week, and walking outside almost every day. 

Be prepared for a lot of muscle soreness and tightness and work hard on your PT.  It will pay off.

[Woodstock Hippy]

On day 32 after surgery I walked 2.4 miles in 1:02:00 on the trail by my house.

I love my new hips!

[ScubaDuck]

Great news!  Isn't it grand!

It is beautiful and sunny here on the Oregon Coast.  I will be using my new hip for a walk on the beach later.

Dan

[Aerial]

On day 32 after surgery I walked 2.4 miles in 1:02:00 on the trail by my house.

I love my new hips!

 . Yeah!

[curt]

    Aerial, that's great.  Never liked walking for exercise as much as I do now.  You only appreciate it after its gone!!

Curt

[Two4One]

Hey Woody -

So Cool!  I quoted your achievement in my journal...'cause that's gonna be me too real soon.  Thanks for sharing!!!

I'm scheduled to be in hospital for 3 days and then go home, but I'm going to ask my surgeon for the most aggressive rehab I can do....so that might be their rehab wing if they have one.  I was planning on having in home PT immediately upon getting home, but I like the idea of really going at it, medically supervised of course.

[Woodstock Hippy]

Don't be in a hurry to get home, three days is mighty fast for bilaterals.  Are you going to Detroit Medical Center? The Rehab Institute of Michigan is right there and they can take great care of you.  At Rusk in NYC they worked me like I was in boot camp for three hours every day.  Staying in house for that week was very important to my success.

Just remember that we are all different and all surgeries and rehabs are different.  Work at your own pace.  Your body will heal at it's own pace.  And remember most of all that this is a marathon not a sprint.

[Two4One]

Yes, I am going to the Detroit Medical Center Huron Valley- Sinai Hospital tomorrow.  Thank you very much for 'The Rehab Institute of Michigan' suggestion.

Last night, I emailed Dr. Schmitt (posted below) with my one month post op goals and asked him if a week at a rehab facility would help me get there.  First thing this morning, Marcy emailed me that "I have forwarded your email straight to Dr Schmitt he should advise me or yourself within the next couple days."

Hi Marcy,

I hope to be physically fit and active in 2012, back to doing all the sports I love.  After one month post op, my goals are to be able to go to the pool, ride my exercise bike, do PT three times a week, and walk outside almost every day.  On line, I'm seeing my fellow bilateral patients doing the above by working consistently and in increments.  I want to work super hard, but obviously I would not do anything that would risk my successful recovery.

After my 3 day hospital stay, does Dr. Schmitt think I could achieve my goals and benefit from going to the rehab section of the hospital for an additional week of aggressive PT?  What does Dr. Schmitt think about:

Polar Ice Machine
Extended Rehab at Huron
Accelerated and Aggressive PT
Waterproof Incision Patch so I can do pool exercise/PT?

Also, does he know my ball size and angle?
Does he use an X ray to determine the angle is not too steep before closing me up?

I am prepared for a lot of muscle soreness and tightness and to work hard on my PT.  I know it will pay off.  Thanks.

[Woodstock Hippy]

Tomorrow's the day.  Best of luck to you but I'm sure that everything will go great.  I was told at the hospital that all bilateral patients were encouraged to go into the rehab hospital for 7 to 10 days and it would be fully covered by insurance.  If you can post from the hospital, start a thread on the first page and see how much support you'll get from all the other Hippies.

[hernanu]

Hey what Woodstock said....

Good luck tomorrow, two4one, keep us posted.

[Pat Walter]

Good Luck tomorrow.  We will all be thinking about you.

Why don't you start a new topic about your second surgery - if you want. This one is getting long and maybe it would be easier to have a second one for the next hip.  I am not sure - but do what feels right.

Looking forward to hearing about your quick recovery for the new year!

Pat

[Dan L]

Best wishes for a smooth and boring recovery, take it easy when needed and follow the program carefully,mand all will be well.

Dan