Cathy’s Hip Resurfacing with Dr. Schmitt 2008
Update March 8, 2017
Hard to believe it’s been almost 9 years! My BHR is doing great! After my surgery on May 8, 2008, my recovery went very well and I biked over 600 miles from June – September of 2008. That might not be normal but I can tell you it was much easier to bike than it was to walk in the beginning. I used a cane for awhile because I was told to use it until I could walk without limping. My back pain subsided and I have been able to run a 5K every year. I limit it to that because I do not want to cause problems. I walk/hike quite a bit — up to a half-marathon, and bike even more. I rarely mention my hip issue but when I do, everyone is so surprised! The only issue I have had is when I walk a very long distance, especially after sitting at work for long periods without walking, I occasionally feel a fatigue-like pain in my hip. Resting cures it. I try to exercise at least a small amount almost everyday. I am thinking about scheduling an appointment with Dr. Schmitt in the near future for a check-up just to make sure everything is okay. The only other issue is at the airport screening but I try to select the body scanner so I don’t have to go through the pat down.
Cathy’s Original Story
May 7, 2008
Tomorrow, May 8th is my big day for a RBHR with Dr. Schmitt at Huron Valley Hospital. I’m a little nervous but looking forward to being more active again, as I’m sure all of us are. I biked 25 miles a couple days ago knowing that it was probably my last decent bike ride for awhile. I want to thank everyone for sharing their stories. You are all an inspiration for me! I was in a serious car accident 32 years ago, at the age of 16. It was one of those life-changing moments. Not knowing that I had cartilage damage to my hip, I continued on with my running, biking, swimming, racquetball, you name it, while the pain in my hip and low back got worse. This website has given me the knowledge I needed to make the decision to have a BHR. I have also learned so much by reading what to expect after surgery. I think I’ll fall somewhere in the middle as far as recovery goes. I know I won’t run a marathon in 6 months but maybe a 5K? I would be so grateful for that! I’m a little nervous about the allergic reaction possibilities and the metal ion issue but I believe the pros outweigh the cons. Pat, thank you so much for creating this amazing, informative website! Cathy
May 12, 2008
So far so good! The first 48 hours were tough but they are behind me now. I feel a little better every hour. It is so odd to be able to sleep on my back. I haven’t been able to do that in year. I believe my hip resurfacing realligned my spine in the process as it is no longer pinching bone on bone. I don’t care much for the vicodin. It puts me on edge rather than relaxing me. I will take a tylenol PM to get to sleep tonight. I can’t say enough about all the wonderful information you have organized into one location. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!! Cathy
May 25, 2008
I still get up a couple times in the night with pain and have a hard time finding that comfortable position. Like you, they also gave me a prescription for ambien after 3 sleepless nights, but I only took about 1/3 of it each night for the next 3 nights and then stopped. That’s was a huge help!
Compared to my ACL surgery 2 years ago (soccer injury), this has been more difficult. Everyday I get a little better though. PT comes to my house 3 times/week. As soon as I’m able to drive, I will go to a local PT place. Having someone help with stretching and moving my leg laterally and challenging me to raise my leg to the next stair riser,and all the other numerous exercises has increased my strength & mobilty. I started using one crutch a week ago and am using a cane intermittently now. My 2 week post-op was May 22 and he said everything looked great. I’d like to attempt using my elliptical this week. I can hardly wait to get on my bike and get back into my exercise routine. I hope you continue to make a speedy recovery so you can get back to doing the things that bring you happiness. We are lucky to live in a day and age where we have this type of medical option to improve our quality of life. Thanks again to Pat for creating and maintaining this 5-star website. Cathy
May 26, 2008
I did manage to spend 15 minutes on the elliptical this morning. My husband helped me get on and off, just to be safe. Once I was going, it was no problem. Looking forward to hitting the trails as soon as possible.