RBHR  March 20, 2008 Dr. Rogerson

I just had my right hip resurfaced by Dr. Rogerson 3/20/08. You cannot do any better than Dr. Rogerson’s surgical skills and the comprehensive program (including rehab) he has set up.

Was in the hospital for 2 days (standard), then discharged to go directly to arranged rehab. My husband drove me about 1 mile to Meriter Heights (a retirement & rehab complex in downtown Madison). We checked into a 1 bedrm apt – 3 or 4 diamond by AAA rating standards – but with grab bars in bathroom, cold packs in the freezer, etc. I had both land and pool PT over the next several days – discharged mid-day Wednesday (6 days after surgery). It is necessary that a coach/caregiver stay with you the 5 days in the apt – they sleep on a sofa sleeper. There are 2 very reasonable small restaurants in the complex – you can have carryout, too.

Lots more info I can provide to any interested persons. ANY questions about my experience – Dr. R’s program and protocols OR anything about the Madison area – please email me.

I am doing MUCH better than I ever dared expect (had read a lot about the procedure on this website and other places). Can use one crutch if I need to carry something. Two crutches are for balancing & gait – I have NO problem with full weight bearing. No pain -only soreness (I switched from pain meds to Tylenol 2 days after surgery when discharged to rehab). The soreness is about 3 different kinds (sore from being secured during surgery; sore from actual surgery and muscles sore from changing biodynamics) – but the soreness is WAY less painful than a torn soleus/achilles I had 1-1/2 yrs ago. The most noticeable thing now (8 days after surgery) is weakness when I have to move my leg up into bed – but it noticeably improving each day.

Peg 3/20/08 RBHR Dr. Rogerson

February 14, 2009

Was standing on my good leg, operated leg was at about a 90 degree angle while I put some cream on my knee. Probably bent forward and flexed my hip a bit, the operated side knee rotated in and I started to fall. Tried to push with the operated leg to right myself, NO STRENGTH. I collapsed and fell back, noticing a strange friction in the hip joint after landing on my butt. Called my surgeon’s office and they got me in right away. They took x-rays. Dr. Rogerson said I apparently partially dislocated the hip and it re-located when I fell. Said he had seen this once before. Another tall woman who can hyperextend her elbows like me (flexible joints) dislocated while squatting. He told me to go back to post surgery safeguards (no crossing midline of body, sleeping with pillowbetween legs, etc) and to follow up with him in a week.

Apparently my long bones (leverage) and flexible joints put me at greater risk for dislocation. Still not sure how limiting this will be – know that my instincts about not taking a yoga class have been well placed. My risk for dislocation would have been even greater with traditional hip replacement, so am still better off with the BHR.

Bring this up as a caution to other small boned tall women (men?) with flexible joints. Pay attention to your body, especially if you notice extra clunking or slippage-like feelings when doing PT or exercises. I am temporarily very sore (hip capsule) and a little discouraged. VERY relieved not to have had a more serious dislocation experience. Feel very fortunate to have been seen within hours of the event with the good news nothing was broken, the BHR and bone look good.

Peg 3/20/08 RBHR Dr. Rogerson