Hip Resurfacing with Dr. Clarke March 2008

After three years of groin pain, I began researching options to improve my quality of life. In 2005, I met with two different Orthopedic surgeons both of whom recommended surgery as the only option. While visiting a friend @ Community General Hospital, I saw an information board regarding “Birmingham Hip Resurfacing”. I talked about the technique with my Orthopedist and his recommendation was a Total Hip Replacement. Dr. Michael Clarke, who is in the same practice, was an Orthopedist specializing in BHR and I immediately made an appointment with him. Following the initial meeting, I began a quest to learn as much about the BHR technique as possible. Your website “Surface Hippies” was of great value. I scheduled my surgery for a LBHR with Dr. Clarke on March 19, 2008.

I was Dr. Clarke’s first surgical patient of the day. I went into the OR @ 7:30am and was in recovery by 9:00am. I woke up around 11:00am and was transferred to my room. In addition to the patient administered catheter, Dr. Clarke uses a post-operative “painbuster” catheter that infuses medications directly into the wound. (Day 1): walking with the aid of a walker. (Day 2):physical therapy and step climbing, up two steps, cross a platform and down two steps then walked back to my room. (Day 3) physical therapy in the morning and headed for home around noon. (Days 4 thru 7):switched from narcotics for pain to extra strength Tylenol as the narcotics tend to have a paradoxical effect. Lots of swelling initially but diminished as activities increased. Some difficulty sleeping at night. Both a nurse and physical therapist visited the house and a plan of walking and exercising three times daily began. (Days 8 thru 14): feeling better each day, sleep is improving , transitioned from walker to cane on Day 9.

Began driving short distances on Day 14. Eating is back to normal and overall body strength is improving. (Days 15 thru 17): Feeling great, the surgical area is tender and I have to change positions frequently. Just got back from a three quarter mile walk. I must admit it tired me out. I begin outpatient therapy on April 9th, so I will follow-up at the conclusion of next week. Thanks for your support

Steve