1. Dr. Gross uses a minimal invasion procedure, the incision
is only 4 inches. Special tools have been designed in order to
work effectively through such a small opening, however, I believe
because of this I had very little post op pain and in fact and was
able to comfortably fly back home 4 days post op without pain meds.

2.For the surgery, I was given a sedative and then a spinal.
I was never under a general and therefore had no nausea after
surgery, just sleepy. Just prior to surgery some blood was collected
from me and sent to the lab where they used a centrifuge to
concentrate the platelets and then used this concentrate in the wound as
they were closing up to accelerate the healing process.

3. The swelling in my hip was controlled through meds and by
the use of a small cooling machine that pumps cold water through a
plastic waffle that is secured against the operated hip with
Velcro
straps. The size of this machine is the size of a small six pac
cooler and its yours to take home. I had no swelling and wore the same
loafers home that I wore to the hospital. The pain medication I was
given was Vicodin. I needed to use it only once, the day after
surgery.

4. I met with a physical therapist the first day after
surgery and
was taught how to navigate steps and some exercises to use
at home.
I did not need to find a physical therapist at home.

5. 3 weeks post op and I’m walking with a limp but without a
cane or
crutches. The two other people who also had their hips
resurfaced on
the same day are also doing as well.

LIFE IS GOOD!!!!

Bob Hoag
Gross 4/5/06