After thoroughly researching hip resurfacing my wife Rita and I boarded a plane from New York to Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday May 6th 2014.

I have always been very active and was afraid that hip surgery would drastically change my lifestyle. Rita’s sister, Renee Burke has been a PA for Dr. Rogerson for many years and she has always talked about the wonderful work Dr Rogerson does.

Ed at six weeks post op

Wednesday May 7th
I had a consultation with Renee and Dr. Rogerson explaining everything that was going to happen. You know you are in a comfortable place when there are chocolate chip cookies and coffee waiting for you.

Thursday May 8th 2014
Arrived at Stoughton Hospital at 8am for my hip resurfacing scheduled around noon. The check in process went very smooth. I was definitely nervous even though I was told what to expect and had read numerous articles on the procedure. I was so curious about the procedure that I had downloaded a video from the McMinn Centre that documented a whole year of one person’s recovery. Seeing how he progressed really helped give me peace of mind. Renee Burke, PA was also a very calming factor by explaining the procedure and what to expect. Also, prior to receiving a packet with all the rehab exercises from Stoughton Hospital, I downloaded a video of all the rehab exercises from the McMinn centre. Doing the exercises before the surgery made me more comfortable after the surgery.

Thursday May 8th 2014
I went into surgery earlier than I expected. Everything went like clockwork. I didn’t remember the recovery room, woke up in my hospital room. I felt sore but not from my arthritic hip. Just the pain from the surgery. Within hours they had me up using a walker. Dr. Rogerson and Renee talked to my wife, Rita. I was still pretty out of it.

Friday May 9th 2014
Boy they don’t waste any time here at Stoughton Hospital. Dr. Rogerson and Renee came in and said everything went great. I then had sessions with PT and OT. Went right to crutches and was walking down the hallway and doing exercises. A little sore but feeling good. Ate 3 meals that day (best hospital food ever) and had the best night’s sleep I’d had in a long time. I thought sleeping on my back would be rough but so far no problems. My bed was very comfortable.

Saturday May 10th 2014
Had a great night sleep last night. Had a PT and OT session this morning. Walking with forearm crutches with no problems. A little ache mostly from the surgery. The hip feels great.
Can’t say enough about Stoughton Hospital. Everyone was so nice and attentive. Food was great and they even gave us a loaf of homemade bread from their bakery as a going away present. I speak from experience that the hospitals in New York could learn a thing or two from Stoughton Hospital. Stoughton treats you like a person and not just an ID number.

Sunday May 11th 2014
Woke up at 7am and had breakfast. I’m feeling stronger every day. Walked outside and went up and down some stairs with no problems. Walked down the block then did my exercises. There is a Walgreens just 3 blocks up on the Capital square. They sell everything. I have a therapy session at 1. The hardest part (besides going to the bathroom when you are 6-2) is wanting to get back to normal and also being afraid you are going to damage your hip after the surgery. Every snap,crackle,pop freaked me out. The apartment we are staying in is great. Just wish the bed could be a little higher. Going to take a ride this afternoon to see family. Feel really good. Just finished PT. walked up and down stairs both with and without using the handrail. Just crutches. Legs are a little sore I am going back to ice up my thigh muscle. Went out to have dinner with family and came back and did my 3rd PT of the day.

Monday May 12th 2014
Have 8 am pool session.
Desiree met us at the Wellness Center where she applied a waterproof bandage. Then walked down ramp right into the pool. Water was 92 degrees. Did all the exercises I had been doing on land but with the water buoyancy it was a snap. It’s only the 4 day post op and I feel so good that I have to be careful not to do things I’m not supposed to do like crossing your legs and bending past 90degrees. My lower back feels a little sore. But I was told that was normal.

Just an aside – Hiphab has been as essential as the actual operation.
My wife said the foldout couch was the best she has ever slept on. Seriously

Monday May 12th 2014 second session
Walked with just one crutch. I couldn’t believe it. Desiree said I should use 2 crutches if I start to limp or feel tired. She also showed me how to massage my leg to relieve the swelling. It really does work. Dr. Rogerson came over to check me out and asked if I had any questions or concerns. I have been so impressed with the attention to detail from everyone involved with my surgery.

After dinner Rita and I walked and then I did the exercises I learned at the second PT session. Have to be careful not to overdo it.

Tuesday May 13th 2014 am session
Just finished my morning land PT. Walking with crutch handle backwards (simulates a cane). Kept forgetting to use it, lol. Desiree gave me some additional stretching exercises plus a protocol sheet what to do for the next 6 months. She has been a pleasure to work with. I can’t say enough about the quality of care from all the people that helped me, from Dr Rogerson’s team to Stoughton Hospital and Hibhab.

Pool session this afternoon. Last session before we leave HibHab.

Tuesday May 12th 2014 2nd session
The pool went way too quickly. I still can’t believe it was only last Thursday that I had my surgery.
Went back to our room and took a shower before being released. Diseree gave me all my information about rehab once we get home, plus all her contact information in case I or my therapist had any questions.
Checked out of HapHab this afternoon and will spend 2 days with family before heading back to New Jersey Thursday night.

Final thoughts Thursday May 15th 2014
Finally back in New Jersey and when I opened my mail the first card I saw was a thank you card from Stoughton Hospital signed by all the nurses and staff that took care of me. That was really special.
I can’t thank them enough for making me comfortable during my stay there. In fact everyone involved with my resurfacing surgery from Dr. Rogerson’s team, to Stoughton Hospital, to HipHab did everything to make me confident and comfortable. I felt like a “Rock Star”.

So if you want “Rock Star” treatment I would recommend Dr. Rogerson and the whole Madison, Wisconsin hip resurfacing team.