Brian ROC Bilateral hip resurfacing Dr. Gross 2010
December 13, 2010 I’m happy to report that my right hip surgery is now in the books. The staff at the hospital has been great. They are all very friendly and willing to help out with anything I need.
My surgery was at 9:00 this morning. I was Dr. Gross’s second surgery of the day. I like the idea of being second. It gives the doctor a chance to get warmed up and in the zone, but not too tired as if I was number five.
When they were preparing me for surgery the put something in my IV to relax me. It really worked well, lol. When they brought me to the surgery room they the gave me a second drug though my IV to prepare me for the epidural. The next thing I remember is waking up in the recovery room around 12:15.
I was told that everything went well. I am in very little pain. I feel a dull ache my right hip, maybe like having a Charlie horse from being punched in the leg. I’m sure that will change went the drugs wear off though.
PT met with me this afternoon and went over some daily exercises. After that, they got me up and I walked down to the end of the hall and back with a walker. They said it was great. I had a limp but it seemed easier than I thought it would be and not too much pain.
I was even given a copy of my x-ray showing my fancy new hip. That is the short and sweet update on my day. If anyone wants more details or has questions I would be happy to answer them.
December 14, 2010 I was really quite nervous going in for the first surgery. As of right now, I am not nervous about the second surgery. If it goes as well as this one has so far it will not be anything to worry about. As far a pain goes, I would say my pain level has been about a one so far. I’m sure that will change at some point, but it has been almost pain free to this point. Being stuck in bed all day long has been the bigger pain. I have been taking the pain meds they having been offering me though. I remember someone on this site saying it was best to stay in front of the pain issue rather than playing catchup, so I have tried to do that.
When I woke up in recovery I did not feel as out of it as I expected to be. I was drowsy and dozed off a few times before I work up, but I did not feel like I was in a fog. Even once I got to my room I dozed off one or twice. I felt fine and then suddenly I couldn’t keep my eyes open.
December 15, 2010 Yesterday was mostly a good day. I did two PT sessions. The first was just going over the daily exercises and walking to the end of the hall and back on crutches and a walker. The second session was with the other four guys here who joined the surface hippy club this week. One other guy here is also joining the very select bilateral club. In the group we talked about our restrictions for the next six weeks and practiced going up and down stairs.
When they got me up to take a shower yesterday I was very much looking forward to it. By the time I walked to the bathroom I was pale and very lightheaded. My blood pressure had dropped quite a bit and that was the end of my shower before it started. I am happy to say that in the afternoon I was able to take a shower without any problems.
I had my left hip surgery this morning. I went from recovery back to my room. Lunch was waiting for me when I got here. I am not in any pain at the moment. My left leg is still pretty numb from the spinal.
January 8, 2011 I had bi-lateral hip resurfacing four weeks ago Monday and Wednesday. Prior to my surgery, I met with Dr. Schmalzried when we were back in SoCal visiting family. I also had a phone consultation with Dr. Gross. After speaking with both doctors, I felt either one would do a great job. I decided on Dr Gross for the following reasons: Dr Gross will do both hips in the same week. Dr. Schmalzried wanted to wait 3-4 weeks between surgeries. Dr. Gross is a bit more experienced than Dr. Schmalzried. Finally, since I now live in NY instead of SoCal, travel to South Carolina for surgery was easier than SoCal.
January 12, 2011 I am four weeks today on my left hip and four weeks and two days on my right. I was on two crutches for about two weeks, one crutch for another week and have been mostly crutch free for the past week or so. I have been walking without crutches for a week, but it has been more of a waddle than a walk. Today I really feel like I am walking more normal than the past week. I still waddle more when I get tired or first stand up. Dr. Gross said I was 100% weight bearing after my surgery, so my though is that as long as I feel that my hips/legs can support what I am doing I am alright. I do not try to overdo it, but still try to push myself a little bit in an attempt to see an improvement each day.
I am four weeks post op on my left hip today and four weeks and two days on my right hip. My left hip surgery was December 15th. After my surgery I was on two crutches until about December 29th. I remember thinking that it felt like I would never be able to move to one crutch and the next day I felt like I took a big step forward in my recovery. I started using one crutch around the house and kept to two when I went out. By December 31 I felt pretty comfortable using one crutch, but still used two when outside my house due to the ice and snow. Boy to I miss living in SoCal.
The first week of January I started going to the mall or Target to walk around some each day. I tried to go a little farther each day. On January 7th I went out for the first time without crutches. I was able to go into a store, buy something and come out on my own. I was pretty excited about that. At that point I still kind of waddled when I walked without crutches, especially when I was tired or first get up. Today, January 12th I feel like I made another big step forward walking on my own. Today I feel like I am able to walk much more normal. I still waddle some when I get tired, but I feel like I am improving more each day. My incisions have pretty much healed and my scabs are gone. I still have pain when I try to stand up, but it is much better than it was. I have my follow up appointment with Dr. Gross on January 20th. I’m hoping I continue to improve each day through then and get good news from Dr. Gross.
January 24, 2011 I had my six week follow up with Dr. Gross this past Thursday. Nancy, Lee and Dr. Gross were terrific. Everyone there is so friendly and helpful. Dr. Gross said my x-rays look great and he was very happy with how things looked. I am now into phase 2 of my recovery. I feel like the PT exercises are much more challenging but will really help with my strength and flexibility. I still kind of waddle when I walk. Lee and Dr. Gross said this is normal and I many patients walk with a limp for three months, especially bi-lateral patients.
I drove for the first time since my surgery this weekend without issue. It was no more difficult than driving was prior to surgery. The biggest restrictions in place now are no extreme stretching or bending until six months, no routinely lifting more than 50 pounds and no impact loading such as jumping or jogging.
October 29, 2011 I had bilateral hip resurfacing ten months ago, when I was 38. I had similar concerns about needing both hips replaced at my age.
Fast forward ten months and I am now doing things I was not able to do for years, like running, playing basketball, riding my motorcycle and putting on my shoes and socks without pain.