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.