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Todd's Bilateral Story...as it happens

Started by Todd, January 12, 2009, 06:16:49 PM

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Todd

Terry,

Maybe I was an anomaly.  I took one trip around the nurses station with the walker, and then they gave me the cane. I work shift work in a paper mill and we also have a home based business.  I don't know when I will try to get back to the mill, my guess is around 8 weeks.  It can be pretty physical, and working shifts can be tough to get enough rest when one is healthy.  I don't plan on rushing back considering I have to do the other hip next anyway.  We'll see how things progress.  As I said in an earlier post, I overdid things on Saturday, and still feel some pain and discomfort.  I will lay low for a day and let things settle down.  I have  a bit of a competetive nature to me, and unfortunately that can be troublesome when trying to recover and get better.  Pain is a good reminder of where your boundries should be.  I learn, but sometimes the hard way...


I'm sure you are excited for the surgery.  My advice is to let your body tell you what to do once you begin recovery.  The only difference I would consider in the hospital (and I'll have my chance on hip #2) is to get more ice, more often, and I realized later that I should have had a little higher pain med dosage early on.  That had interrupted my sleep more than I thought.  The nurses I had were phenomenal!  They poked and proded quite a bit, but they also brought me P & J toast and juice any time of the day or night.  Dr. Palmer did 6 BHR the day I was there, and to be in a facility where you know they've seen it all and they know what they are doing eases the mind.  Dr. McMinn will take good care of you I am sure.  Good luck, take it day by day, and let me know how everything goes.

todd 
Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

Todd

#21
1/21/09 + 14 Days

A milestone day, 2 weeks post-op.

By the end of the day yesterday, the fatigue in my leg had set in as I was on my feet at my daughter's basketball practice for 2 hours followed by an hour watching my son's nordic ski race.  I didn't have as much a pain as a total lack of strength left to raise my leg or get in/out of the car.  I didn't use my cane indoors much, but did take it to the ski race for stability in the uneven snow.  Being that I didn't hurt it yesterday, I was hoping that an overnight rest would yeild an improvment again, which it did.  I've been without my cane today so far and as long as the leg isn't fatigued, I don't have too severe a limp, and I don't feel that I have to compensate for it nearly as much as in previous days.  Lateral movement is still understandably slow and methodical.  There aren't any quick movements to change direction or anything, but walking around is not any issue today.  I do expect as the day wears on that I will find I need to use my cane for that added stability as the leg fatigues, but all in all it is good to begin relying on the muscles to regroup and do what they are supposed to do. 
I've been using only tylenol for pain, although there were times during the last couple of days that I would have liked to take the vicodin again.  Sleep has been decent, but I am still waking at least once a night.  I wasn't perscibed any anti-inflamatory (ibuprofen), so I called the clinic today to see what they thought.  My ongoing issue seems to be inflamation rather than pain.  Anyway, they agreed that would be most effective at this point to take 800mg ibuprofen 3x/day instead of the tylenol or other pain meds.  We'll see what kind of effect that has.
So, not a whole lot of issues to contend with today.  I'll probably do 1/2 mile on the treadmill and get the rest of my exercise at basketball practice again tonight. See how things feel by bedtime.
Have a great day!
todd
Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

Todd

1/22/09 +15 days

3/4 mile on the treadmill today.  Once I got loosened up I was able to put on my sock--barely.  I got the first loop of my shoe tied, but couldn't complete the deal and had to ask for assistance from the wife.  We'll try again tomorrow.  No cane at all today.  I can't believe the steady improvement I have felt in the last few days.  There is no pain, just some tight and weak muscles.  The speed on the treadmill is still pretty slow, but every stride has become a bit less labored and more natural.  We'll let those muscles find their way and keep testing them out.  I meet with a PT tomorrow to see if she thinks I'm ready to get into some more strengthening and ROM stuff.  Happy to be plugging along at a steady rate.  Now if I can only get rid of the sweating and dry skin.   
todd
Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

Todd

1/23/09 +16 days

Woke at midnight, drenched (as usual).  Toweled off and slept fine.  In the morning my face looked like I had soaked it in salt brine during the night--all dry and wrinkley, but not as bad as the day before.  I had my 2 week check in with my primary doctor today.  She was very impressed at my progress after 2 weeks.  I was very proud.  She gently checked my hip rotation and it was clearly far more mobile than my un-operated hip.  No pain, just tight.  She thought the sweating and dry skin is likely due to my body working on healing the hip.  My body can only focus on one thing at a time and my face is on the losing end.  Oh well, can't be healthy and beautiful at the same time I suppose ;D  I met with the PT who has been working on a friend of mine whose BHR hip is 35 days older from Dr. Palmer as well (12/1).  I'm set up for MWF next week and we'll start working on getting better. 

I felt pretty good again today, but have some tendonitis and a little swelling in my knee.  Nothing major, but noticeable.  I did 3/4 mile on  the treadmill this morning before my Dr. appt, and once loosened up, I was able to get my shoe tied.  I did have to sit on the stairs and pull my leg up close to my body, but I  got it done. 
Have a great weekend everyone!
todd
Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

obxpelican

Tying your shoes on day 16?  That is great.

Good job Todd.

You are a rabbit rehabber for sure.


Chuck
Chuck
RH/Biomet U/C Dr. Gross/Lee Webb
8-6-08

Todd

Chuck,

Thanks.  It wasn't pretty, but it got done. I had to contort myself on the stairs (hip was in a safe position).  It's amazing what a body is willing to do when the joint isn't grinding itself into oblivion. 
Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

Bionic

So, I take it from your shoe-tying success, Todd, that your doctor hasn't imposed a 90-degree restriction on your hip?
Right uncemented Biomet Recap/Magnum
Feb. 11, 2009 with Dr. Thomas Gross and Lee Webb

Todd

Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

obxpelican

Some doctors do not impose the 90 degree rule, (looking over shoulder for Dr. Gross) I broke the 90 degree rule a bunch of times and nothing fell out.

Chuck
Chuck
RH/Biomet U/C Dr. Gross/Lee Webb
8-6-08

Bionic

I've heard some doctors says that adhering to the 90-degree rule can actually cause your hip to be stiffer when it heals.

I want to talk with Dr. Gross about this restriction.  Obviously, people need to be conservative.  It's not impossible to disclocate a resurfaced hip during the first six weeks, but it isn't easy either.  Some of the restrictions seem a little bit overdone.

On the other hand, one doesn't want to do anything to undermine proper healing.
Right uncemented Biomet Recap/Magnum
Feb. 11, 2009 with Dr. Thomas Gross and Lee Webb

obxpelican

#30
Bionic,

Actually as he Gross told me, doing stuff pigeon toed where you turn your foot inward too much can cause a disloction pretty easily.

When I would accidently turn my foot inward I would get a bad pain in my hip feeling like I was going to dislocate it.

Every doctor is different, where some doctors make their patients use teds Gross has you self inject arixtra for 10 days then aspirin for a short time.   I've read where some doctors just used asipirin.

Chuck
Chuck
RH/Biomet U/C Dr. Gross/Lee Webb
8-6-08

Bionic

I can see that that movement would tend to rotate the femur out of the socket.  Come to think of it, isn't that the exact move the surgeon uses to dislocate the joint during surgery?
Right uncemented Biomet Recap/Magnum
Feb. 11, 2009 with Dr. Thomas Gross and Lee Webb

obxpelican

Exactly, they turn your leg inward to dislocate it.  Like I said before, I did break the rule, probably everytime I got into our car, now our blazer never.


Chuck
Chuck
RH/Biomet U/C Dr. Gross/Lee Webb
8-6-08

stevel

#33
I also noticed the wide variety of post-op protocols by even experienced hip resurfacing doctors.  Dr. Su prescribes a daily dose of regular strength aspirin (325 mg) for six weeks as blood thinner whereas some doctors prescribe Coumadin.  He has no bending restrictions since he uses the NCP approach and other doctors have 90 degree bending restrictions up to six weeks.  He prescribes physical therapy after discharge from the hospital whereas other doctors prescribe PT after 6 weeks or none at all, just walk.  He recommends TEDS for three weeks whereas some doctors say no TEDS are necessary.  He allows high impact activities at 6 months whereas Dr. McMinn says wait 1 year.  It would be nice to cherry-pick the most advantageous post-op protocol from the patient's perspective ( e.g. I'd like to downhill ski at 3 months as Dr. DeSmet & Dr. Schmalzied allow it) but you have to follow your doctor's post-op protocol.
Steve
LBHR 60mm/54mm Dr Su 9/29/08 age 55
RBHR 60mm/54mm Dr Su 11/1/19 age 66
Age 71

Todd

Interesting stuff.  Dr. Palmer didn't have a 90 degree restriction.  I was to wear the TEDS for 2 weeks (I wore them until 9 days).  Aspirin for 30 days. I begin PT at 21 days, but I don't know if there is protocol for that.  I found the TEDS helpful in keeping the swelling in my thigh rather than moving down to my knee or lower.  I used the Teds to stuff ice packs in to help hold them in place.  I felt more comfortable and that they were providing support during that first week. Once the swelling went down, it didn't feel right to wear them anymore--like I didn't need them, so I stopped.  I was able to stretch out my new hip on the treadmill last night.  I did an additional 1.25miles (23 minutes) which really felt good.  I haven't been able to exercise for so long.. I can hardly wait to run again!

Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

obxpelican

There was one device that I got from the hospital was a polar ice kit... it uses a soft mat that has water pumped through it, when I awoke from the surgery they had my hip wrapped in it and they kept it on the whole time I was in the hospital.  When I got home I used it on my lazy boy and it really helped a lot.  I guess for th $2500 deductable I had to pay it was at least something that I had to show for it, that and my new hip.



Chuck

Chuck
RH/Biomet U/C Dr. Gross/Lee Webb
8-6-08

Tarhoo2

Todd,

As many others, obviously, I am enjoying following your progress.  I have been on this site for over a year and your posts have been among the most descriptive and accurate I've read -- at least as far as my experience(s).  Thanks alot for your dedication to relating what you've been going through.  Sounds like you're doing great.

I am surprised that you didn't have a 90-degree limitation, which is unusual.  Also, I would not want to suggest to others that they should shed their TED's when they think the time is right.  My understanding is that TED's are intended not-so-much to prevent swelling as to stimulate circulation and prevent blood clots, etc.  I would be concerned about conveying the message to others that they should ignore their doctor's recommendations.

Jim

Todd

#37
Thanks Jim.

I didn't mean to suggest that I was the one to determine how long to wear the TEDS.  The directive instructions from the hospital say to wear them as much as possible for 30 days, at least for 12 hrs.  There came a point when I had them on that they would no longer stay up, as I was moving, walking, etc. and they weren't staying up it was more difficult to have them on than to take them off.  Truly, I should have not made that determination on my own.  I  do have a bit of an independent streak, and I think I am smarter than I am from time to time.  (at least I recognize this, and my wife provides good calibration for keeping me in line).  Follow the advice of your surgeons.  As I asked questions before leaving the hospital--As Chuck and Bionic have mentioned, each doctor seems to have a different protocol, and there is a reason.  Each has different techniques, experience, and control measures so that all together, they provide a comprehensive recovery plan.  If and when something goes wrong, they are able to determine a cause/effect based on these controls that they have in place.  I can see how important it is to have these constants when you consider the variables they have to contend with in patients.  So, long story short.  Stick to your doctor's plan.  Consult with him or his staff.  This is all uncharted territory for us, and I for one have called Dr. Palmer's staff numerous times to discuss my own personal recovery--meds, swelling, sweating, driving, walking, pt, etc.  They have been exteremely helpful, and in most cases have validated what I felt was best for me.  Each patient is unique.  Each recovery is unique.  A conservative, generic recovery handout from the doctor to me is a guide.  Be active in your recoveries and get advice  based on your individual situation.
ps.  thank you all for validating these posts.  It is very theraputic for me, and all the better if you are gaining some insight from what I am going through.
Have  a great Sunday! (Chuck, I'm rooting for the Steelers since the ViQueens have let me down for the 39th consecutive year!)
todd
Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

Todd

Living in a small town, most everyone hears the news of everyone else.  I mentioned in previous posts that a teacher friend of mine (42years old)  had a BHR with Dr. Palmer 30 days before me (39 years old).  Big news in a small town--you guys are too young for a hip replacement.  Similar background, similar recoveries.  What really surprised me in the past couple weeks is the number of people here in town who are relatively young who began describing symptoms so similar to my osteoarthritis--pain after sitting for long periods, trouble straddling a four wheeler, pain when sitting on the toilet, trouble tying shoes, bending over, running, pain after activity, etc.  Many of these people reached that pain threashold where they finally went to see a doctor as I did, realizing that their pain wasn't just "aging" or being out of shape.  Xrays confirmed that they had cartalige damage.  Resurfacing is something they had never heard about, never knew existed. 

It still troubles me that after going through my hierarchy of good doctors and surgeons in Duluth, which is a highly regarded regional medical center, that the best advice they could or would offer me was a THR.  My pain and my lack of patience had me trusting this opinion, but my gut told me to keep searching.  I had heard of resurfacing, and needed to learn more.  Here I am early in recovery now and so totally certain that resurfacing was the best possible option.  I have been telling all those people who have been sharing their stories with me to look into it.  Relief is out there and within your reach. 

My wife suggested that I call the local paper and have them tell my story.  Now as a northern Minnesota of Finnish heritage, my natural instinct is to avoid attention at all costs.  An old joke:  What's the definition of an extrovert Finn?  He looks at your shoes when he talks to you.  Pretty true in this part of the country.  However, I feel so strongly that our stories need to be told and need to become understood, I think I will pursue her idea.  I wonder how many people have settled for second best?  I wonder how many people live with their pain without seeking relief. 
Todd
Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

obxpelican

I've had similar experiences, many people telling me I was too young for a new hip (49 years old)... I also had trouble getting my regular doctor to sign off on my surgery.  It took me the better part of 20 minutes to get him to realize that it was in my best interest to get a hip resurfacing.

Todd.... hope those night sweats have gone away.


Chuck



Quote from: Todd on January 25, 2009, 10:51:25 AM
Living in a small town, most everyone hears the news of everyone else.  I mentioned in previous posts that a teacher friend of mine (42years old)  had a BHR with Dr. Palmer 30 days before me (39 years old).  Big news in a small town--you guys are too young for a hip replacement.  Similar background, similar recoveries.  What really surprised me in the past couple weeks is the number of people here in town who are relatively young who began describing symptoms so similar to my osteoarthritis--pain after sitting for long periods, trouble straddling a four wheeler, pain when sitting on the toilet, trouble tying shoes, bending over, running, pain after activity, etc.  Many of these people reached that pain threashold where they finally went to see a doctor as I did, realizing that their pain wasn't just "aging" or being out of shape.  Xrays confirmed that they had cartalige damage.  Resurfacing is something they had never heard about, never knew existed. 

It still troubles me that after going through my hierarchy of good doctors and surgeons in Duluth, which is a highly regarded regional medical center, that the best advice they could or would offer me was a THR.  My pain and my lack of patience had me trusting this opinion, but my gut told me to keep searching.  I had heard of resurfacing, and needed to learn more.  Here I am early in recovery now and so totally certain that resurfacing was the best possible option.  I have been telling all those people who have been sharing their stories with me to look into it.  Relief is out there and within your reach. 

My wife suggested that I call the local paper and have them tell my story.  Now as a northern Minnesota of Finnish heritage, my natural instinct is to avoid attention at all costs.  An old joke:  What's the definition of an extrovert Finn?  He looks at your shoes when he talks to you.  Pretty true in this part of the country.  However, I feel so strongly that our stories need to be told and need to become understood, I think I will pursue her idea.  I wonder how many people have settled for second best?  I wonder how many people live with their pain without seeking relief. 
Todd
Chuck
RH/Biomet U/C Dr. Gross/Lee Webb
8-6-08

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