I am just over 2 weeks post op from second half of Bilateral. The first week was definitely a challenge. I took the pain pills before I felt I needed them and that worked great, not much pain to deal with. I was a little unprepared for how useless my legs would be, a good deal of swelling even with the ice machine. I guess the big downside from Bilateral is not having a good leg to help out. I defintely questioned the wisdom at first but now I’m sure it was the right way to go.

When I first arrived home from Columbia it was all I could do to walk from the car to the house, but each day was noticeably better. After the first week at home I made it around the block, roughly a mile, and I have continued to do that walk daily, getting faster each day. I hope to lose the crutches soon. there is still a measureable difference in the recovery between the first and second leg that I find interesting. So far so good, hope to head back to work next monday 4/23 ( 3 weeks post op)- Back at work, no real issues just need to prop my feet up as often as I can to minimize any swelling. Using one crutch, mostly just carrying it around for balance. I also went to the health club and rode the stationary bike for half an hour, pretty stiff but no real pain. I can’t wait until I can finally tie my own shoes… 4/30 Walking without a cane, riding the stationary bike for about 30 minutes a day, I even cut the grass a couple of days ago. Stairs are still a little dicey. I have to remember all the things I’m not supposed to be doing as I am definitely tempted to push it a little bit.

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2 year followup

I have to say except for setting off the detectors at the airport, I never give a thought to having had bilateral over 2 years ago. There is very rare startup stiffness but for the most part I do whatever I want with no pain. The range of motion in my hips is so much better than before surgery. I used to develop lower back pain from being on my feet too long, that is all gone and I am free to bicycle and RUN after my kids which I was not able to do prior to surgery…