BHR by trochanteric osteotomy - Day 0 onward

[Svcsvc]

Well second time lucky with this post - tried to attach some pics but because they were oversized the post didn’t upload and I lost the text - I’ll try and upload pics later.

Today I had my BHR by trochanteric osteotomy completed by Professor Griffin, I thought it would be useful to others (and kill some time for me) posting about my post surgery recovery, which I’ll add to this post regularly.

Day 0
Following travelling down to London last night, I got a taxi to The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth in St John’s Wood for 7am. All the staff were, and continue to be fab. Luckily for me I was first on the list, so after being taken to my room for pre-op checks and questions I was taken down to theatre for just after 8am.

There is not a lot to say about the pre-op room or theatre, because after checking my vitals and having a quick chat I was given my general anaesthetic and 3,2,1 … Zzz … next thing I know I feel like I’ve woken up from a lovely sleep in my room! The operation was c.3 hours but I was under for c4.5.

Back in my room my anaesthetic and nerve block was wearing off, so I was sorted with pain medication to keep me comfortable, I then had my lunch - which was lovely I have to say!

At 3pm the physio came to see my and taught me how to get out of bed using my good (left) leg to support my right, I got out of bed and did a very short walk using a frame; I’m only allowed to put a maximum of 1/3 body weight through my right leg for six weeks - but tomorrow I’ll progress to crutches. I had a wee (yes!) then got back into bed where I was taught some exercises to do in bed.

Professor Griffin came to visit me twice to check all was well, and said he was very pleased with how the surgery went, also giving guidance on what I can (and can’t) be doing over the coming hours / days - he’ll check in tomorrow too. On his second visit he presented me with some trophies (my words not his) of 4D models of my own hip, before and after surgery. The second is more for fun, but the first is made using CAD and the scans of my hip, using the computer the exact location of the proper centre of my hip is found, and from this a jig is made specific to me so that when drilling / reshaping  in theatre the Prof can be sure he’s getting the exact angle. Very clever!  I’ll try and upload pics at some point.

Tomorrow I think it’ll be more rest, more walking, and a trip to the hospital gym to go on the stationary bike!

[Svcsvc]

Day 1
Today has been a good day overall.

I didn’t sleep great last night, nothing to do with pain - I thought it was because the room was too light even with the blinds shut. But apparently it’s quite normal following anaesthetic. I’d still recommend packing an eye mask though - as with hindsight I think it would help, maybe ear plugs too.

Nonetheless I’ve not felt tired today, I’ve had two physio sessions, one of which included a trip to the gym and a go on the stationary bike with no resistance. I’ve been told that when I go home I’ll be able to do this at the gym for a max of 2 x 10 min sessions per day. I can also do upper body stuff if I wish using weight machines (where you’re not carrying weights about). I’ve also been on 3x3 laps of my ward by myself on crutches, trying to be disciplined and walk ‘properly’.

The pain has been a little worse today due to the nerve blocker wearing off, but the hospital gives me pain relief whenever it’s needed to keep me comfortable. Professor Griffin also popped in again to check all was well and to see if I had any questions - he’s going to help me sort a physio, but I’ll next speak to him now on the 28th when we have a check up and remove my dressing together.

Other than the above - not sure where the days have gone! Eating some lovely food, reading and watching TV .. and generally making the most of the rest lol

[Pat Walter]

Congratulations!  Thank You for sharing your story.  I wish you a quick recovery.  Looking forward to your updates.   Pat

[Svcsvc]

You’re welcome Pat. This site was really helpful to me so I wanted to repay the favour.

Day 2
… it’s definitely the lighting at night impacting my sleep. Pack an eye mask and earplugs if you’re staying over - I’m sure it would help! I won’t mention this again lol.

Another good day today, resting, relaxing and eating. I’ve done a few laps of the ward myself of crutches. I’ve also been to the hospital gym twice with the physio where we did; walking forward and backwards using the bars, leg swings to open up my operated hip, and ten minutes on the exercise bike, each time. I fell asleep after dinner today for the first time since being in - so it must have taken it out of me a little!

Other than the above, I’m still comfortable and doing little things like getting in and out of bed and going to the toilet seem to be getting easier. I’ve been using the ice machine twice daily to ice my hip and manage swelling.

[Svcsvc]

Day 3
More of the same today!

Rest, physio in the gym, a few crutches-aided laps of the ward on a number of occasions. All seems well, and movement is getting easier and easier - I think due to me relaxing and therefore the muscles relaxing too, allowing more movement.

Professor Griffin popped in again today just to check I was okay and have no questions - none to ask though as so far it’s all been really clear and gone to plan!

I’ve also seen a copy of my xray from yesterday along with the report and all appears to be well 😃 I’m going home tomorrow morning.

[Svcsvc]

Day 4

Discharge day today! Time to say farewell to the staff at St John and St Elizabeth. I’ve  enjoyed my four days in hospital, but am equally ready to go home today, so to me four nights in felt just right. Discharge was sorted really easily this morning, I was all ready to go by 10am and the porter kindly took me down to the car via the pharmacy to pick up my meds - on this point I didn’t get all of the medication I require from the hospital, favouring instead to get a few days worth then get more via my GP on an NHS prescription, this was really just down to cost (eg 26 more days of the anticoagulant would have been about £100!)

My journey home from London was a c.2 hour drive, I thought we may need to stop on the way, but I was actually really comfortable and managed to go straight through.

Apart from moving round the house today I’ve not done any further exercise today, favouring instead a snooze on the sofa! I’ll pick up my walking and cycling again over the weekend. I’ve found getting on with stuff at home easier than I expected it to be prior to going into hospital. I’ve managed to go up and downstairs, toilet, make drinks and lunch without any issues so far!

[Svcsvc]

Day 5
Don’t feel that I got a fantastic amount of sleep last night, but haven’t felt bad for it today. I struggled to get comfortable in bed - combination of things I think; first time back in my own bed, a bit hot, a bit of pain - it’s also possible my afternoon snooze didn’t help!

First full day at home, managed to get about alright, make breakfast and lunch etc.
I didn’t leave the house today but did some indoor-walking, along with some of the exercises the physio gave me. Pain has been manageable with pain relief and ice packs.

[Svcsvc]

Day 6
A brief update today as very similar to yesterday.

My sleep was better - I think I’ve found that using two pillows stacked under my leg from me knee down to my ankle, is the most comfortable position to sleep in. It alleviates strain on my upper leg / knee and also keeps my ankle off the bed on the operated side - so I don’t feel the need to ‘shuffle it about’.

Today mainly consisted of resting, exercises and more resting. I ventured out for a very short walk on crutches. Tomorrow I hope to get a lift to the gym so that I may have a couple of short goes on the exercise bike. 

[Svcsvc]

Day 7&8
Sleep seems consistently okay, I tend to sleep through until about 5/6am then pop to the toilet and take some more pain killers then manage to get a couple more hours sleep.

Swelling around my hip is still present but is going down, I continue to ‘ice’ but need to make sure I do this more often, as today I only did this once. Monday (day 7) I felt a lot more flexible in my right leg, both when walking and doing exercises, and just generally positioning myself on the sofa etc. 

I went to the gym today for the first time since leaving hospital - it was short due to my partner, who gave me a lift, having limited time, but I did 10 minutes on the bike with no resistance and some chest machine stuff. I’d have liked to have done another 10 minutes on the bike to end my session.

Tomorrow morning I have my first physio session since hospital, I’m using a local physio Professor Griffin has a longstanding relationship with, as he’ll be well versed on the protocols.

[Svcsvc]

Day 9-11

Things continue to be going well. Similarities across all the days - rest, exercise, pain relief, repeat! I forgot to ice at all yesterday so need to get back in the habit with this.

I had my first non-hospital physio session on Wednesday, it went well and in the main I need to continue with the exercises I’ve been doing. His only additional advice was to try and move away from sleeping with a pillow under my knees ASAP, as although it alleviates the pain it’s not allowing my hips to stretch out, which will lead to muted hip. I’ve taken his advice and have started sleeping without the pillow, it actually wasn’t too bad, but I’ve found that c5am I need to use the pillow to raise the leg, mainly to take the pressure off my heal (I think because my right leg is static all night it puts  pressure on my heal).

[Svcsvc]

Day 12 -24

I can’t believe I haven’t done an update for 13 days! All is still good though, some highlights…
- I came off both the stronger pain relief and paracetamol after two weeks at home, and overall there is no pain - which is good.  On a few occasions I’ve taken paracetamol before bed just to make sure I have a good nights sleep
- Talking of sleep, I found out that I can sleep on my side (don’t think anyone actually told me I couldn’t) which has been a blessing as I’m not used to sleeping on my back
- I had my post-op consultation with Professor Griffin; we reviewed the xray - he was happy with how everything was positioned, and we removed my dressing - the scar is looking neat and healthy!
- I’ve continued to have physio weekly, the main focuses at the moment is to ensure I stretch my hip flexors to ensure full extension, but I also have some ROM and strength exercises to do to

I have another 2.5 weeks of only being able to weight bear 1/3 on my operated leg, hopefully after this I’ll be able to ‘ditch’ the crutches asap and fully weight bear.

[sergioms]

Hi Svcsvc,

Just wanted to let you know that you are an inspiration to me, as we share many common issues. But you have been way braver than me up to now ;)

In some months (October '24) I am scheduled to have the bilateral procedure with Dr. De Smet. Very worrisome though.

It is so good that you are getting better everyday!  Keep on updating us please!

Take care.
Sergio

[Svcsvc]

Hi Sergio.

Glad the updates are of use, I’ll keep them going!

Good luck with your procedures when you get there -  the worries are very normal  :)

Sam

[Svcsvc]

Days 25-41
All has been going smoothly since my last update. I’ve been continuing with physio and the gym; as of a couple of weeks ago I’ve been incorporating leg curl, leg extension and leg press into my workout at very light weights, with the aim of building / preserving muscle on my operated (right) side. I’ve seen in increase in the weight I use week on week.
I had an xray on Friday (day 39) and a meeting with Professor Griffin 9am Saturday morning, he confirmed that he was happy with how everything has healed and that I can proceed to fully weight bear, and there were no longer restrictions on lateral movements.
It’s been great to get rid of the crutches; yesterday I was able to do normal things like take the dog to the park and mow the lawn etc! I also did some swimming after the gym - the first time since the op. I was doing breast stroke and the first few lengths felt a little awkward and I didn’t know how many lengths I’d manage, but then quite quickly everything eased up; I ended up doing 20 lengths, and it was time rather than fatigue that made me stop there - so I’m looking forward to building up from there.

Over the coming weeks I hope to continue to build strength and ROM in my legs and hopefully build out my flat as a pancake right glute lol

[sergioms]

Congrats!! Keep on the good work!
Thanks for sharing with us!
Sergio

[GlasgowP]

This is so well planned out and textbook Sam, great to read.

It’s definitely something to aspire to. I’ve been told no gym work or the likes for six weeks, even seated upper body work. Nothing about standing bike either. Yours seems like an athlete’s style of recovery.

[Svcsvc]

This is so well planned out and textbook Sam, great to read.

It’s definitely something to aspire to. I’ve been told no gym work or the likes for six weeks, even seated upper body work. Nothing about standing bike either. Yours seems like an athlete’s style of recovery.

Thanks GlasgowP, fingers crossed the recovery continues in this way. I’m really surprised you have to be so limited in your recovery period. Seems Uber cautious! Surely some (careful) movement aids a more speedy recovery

[Svcsvc]

Days 41-61 (approaching week 9 post op)

All seems to be continuing positively, I do feel the ROM is improving but it’s slow progress, I’m still tight round the joint and this is limiting. I’m told this is normal though and gradually eases - which I can feel happening. I continue to have physio once a week, but as my physio said he can help but he can’t speed up the body’s natural healing process - be patient!

In the gym I’ve managed to increase the weight week on week on things like leg curl and leg extension. I also added in some DL and Romanian deadlift this week at light weights. I tried squats last week and there was just no way my body was going into that position yet, but then a couple of days ago I tried the hack squat machine and was able to squat on there. Just shows that my range of movement is restricted still and I just need to pick my movements carefully. I also have poor ROM in my right ankle anyway (not connected to this op), so that doesn’t help the situation!

Swimming is good, I find this really helps loosen me up. Hopefully soon I’ll be able to attempt something like yoga as I feel this will help with all round flexibility, but don’t feel the time is right just yet.

I’m missing CrossFit, my plan is to defo go back in July though as I think I’ll be ready, but with quite a few modified / scaled moves for sure!!

[GlasgowP]

Days 41-61 (approaching week 9 post op)

All seems to be continuing positively, I do feel the ROM is improving but it’s slow progress, I’m still tight round the joint and this is limiting. I’m told this is normal though and gradually eases - which I can feel happening. I continue to have physio once a week, but as my physio said he can help but he can’t speed up the body’s natural healing process - be patient!

In the gym I’ve managed to increase the weight week on week on things like leg curl and leg extension. I also added in some DL and Romanian deadlift this week at light weights. I tried squats last week and there was just no way my body was going into that position yet, but then a couple of days ago I tried the hack squat machine and was able to squat on there. Just shows that my range of movement is restricted still and I just need to pick my movements carefully. I also have poor ROM in my right ankle anyway (not connected to this op), so that doesn’t help the situation!

Swimming is good, I find this really helps loosen me up. Hopefully soon I’ll be able to attempt something like yoga as I feel this will help with all round flexibility, but don’t feel the time is right just yet.

I’m missing CrossFit, my plan is to defo go back in July though as I think I’ll be ready, but with quite a few modified / scaled moves for sure!!

Loving the updates Sam, you've given me markers to push for. I think you're right, my advice was from a physio, but then Nurses were saying different and I'm pretty sure the Surgeon was far more, "see how you feel, listen to your body" type of thing.

I went out for a walk yesterday on crutches around my home and it's very hilly. Feeling that today, but I think I needed to get out and just feel like there's progress. I have Physio once a week, week 3, 4, 5 that the hospital are offering as outpatient services. I might ask them if I can get more sessions though when I see them in week 3.

Really interested in your gym work, I can't wait to get back to legs, I've missed it, and the fact you can use the hack squat and do RDLs is very positive! If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing on your leg work weight/rep/set wise?

[Svcsvc]

I caveat that I’m no expect, but I think trying to build up your walking distance with the crutches does help you expedite your walking when you get the okay to walk without them.

Oh the weights were super light to start with
Leg extensions I started with 30kg joint and then 7.5kg for single leg. Up to 65kg joint and 22.5kg single now
Curls was 40kg joint and 10kg since, now 60kg joint and 30kg single
And I’ve only done hack squat once. Started with just the empty machine but built up to 40kg for sets of 10. RDL, again only done once but 60kg