Ed R’s Hip Resurfacing with Dr. Su 2010
January 6, 2010 I had my right hip resurfaced 8 days ago by Dr. Su at the Hospital for Special Surgery. The surgery went well according to Dr. Su, about 95 mins. No cartilage was remaining in my right hip. 2 nights in the hospital, then home. The Hospital for Special Surgery is very organized and well run; the staff there competent and friendly; a good place to be a patient.
I am walking around in the house, and have been doing about a half mile a day on crutches on the road – my wife drives me to the end of our snowy, icy driveway. I have some pain in the incision area, and some groin pain intermittently. I have taken the pain meds sparingly – they tend to give me a headache, and I have not needed them too often.
Had my first PT appt. this morning, mostly did the exercises I was shown in the hospital, just more reps. Dr. Su has not placed any precautions on me; leg/ankle crossing, 90 degree rule, etc. It’s interesting to see the degree of variation around this topic, even in the hospital, some of the nurses would place a pillow between my knees to keep me from crossing my legs. I can’t wait to get back in the pool, and to take a real shower!
I live about 100 miles north of NYC. Luckily, I was able to stay with friends near the hospital the night before the surgery. The Hospital for Special Surgery contacted me the day before the surgery as to what time I should arrive. HSS holds a preparatory class (I found it to be quite useful) in which they distribute information about places to stay for those who might need it. My wife was able to pick me up from the front door of HSS upon discharge for the ride home (they are very accommodating).
I did have some brief PT sessions while at the HSS. The focus was mostly on getting to know how to move around on your own, using crutches. They have a small set of steps to practice on, which came in handy since I have a flight of stairs in my house. My last PT session also introduced some exercises for muscle strengthening.
The HSS set up my at home PT appointments through the Visiting Nurse Service of NY. Right now i am going to have in home PT 3 times a week. I don’t believe Dr. Su specified the type of PT. He told me to walk, and to try and do a little more each day.
I did not ask Dr. Su about cysts. I sent my Xrays and MRI to Dr. Su in the mail, and he reviewed these first. Prior to my surgery, I had one appointment with Dr. Su, at which I met his PA for the first time as well. Most of my contact has been with Dr. Su’s office staff. Ben and Christina have been very patient and helpful in answering my concerns. Dr. Su responded to e-mailed questions right away.