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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

Still sweating, but not as bad in the last couple days.  I do line my pillow and the bed with towels that I can remove and wash rather than sweating up the whole bed.  Sounds fun doesn't it.  I figure if that's the biggest worry I've got I'm doing alright.  I think my wife appreciates the effort too.

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

Bionic

Todd,

I just want to thank you for all the time and effort you've put in to this thread.  My surgery is just 2 weeks away.  I feel as if I've gone through your surgery vicariously (minus the pain and the night sweats, of course) and that my own surgery will feel as if it's the second time around for me.
Right uncemented Biomet Recap/Magnum
Feb. 11, 2009 with Dr. Thomas Gross and Lee Webb

Todd

Bionic,

I am glad you are enjoying the posts.  It really is a new journey for us all, so the more we can share, the easier it is when we have to face some of the difficulties.  I mentioned early on that for me waiting that 2 weeks is like a kid before Christmas.  As the date got closer, I remember trying to exercise and do things that would aggravate the hip so it would validate the need to have the surgery.  You know there are days where the pain is tolerable and others where it isn't.  I don't envy your having to wait, but the rewards are worth it.  Hang in there.

It occurred to me that prior to surgery (if your pain isn't too bad) it would have been helpful to have done some of the bed PT exercises so that you know what to expect, have an idea of where your strength is now, and have a point of reference while recovering.  Having a second bad hip is nice in a way because I can see the difference in function--it is really amazing the difference already.  I can hardly wait to finish the second and get on with my life!

I had my first official PT session today.  It's pretty amazing to see the ROM of the new hip exceed that of the bad one.  We did some normal in bed exercises along with a few new abductor exercises, and did some time on the recomb. bike.  Again, its my old/bad hip that is causing me trouble as that leg doesn't travel in a straight plane, but the knee will edge out to keep the hip from hurting.  Other than lack of stamina and some soreness, the bike was fine.  She had me walk trying not to limp or compensate, and we made some progress, but years of training need to be undone along with gaining the flexibility again.  I'm happy with the progress and just working those muscles again.  It will be nice to shed a few pounds hopefully. 
I did put out a few pictures to chronical the first operation on my FB site if anyone is interested.  New friends welcome.
Todd Rengo
Happy Monday to you all!
Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

Bionic

I am just now accepting the fact that having a good day does not mean I don't need the surgery.  I've been exercising quite a lot.  I've gotten in very good shape, and the leg lifts, hip exercises, and ab work I'm doing really do make my hip feel better. 

Does this mean surgery is now unnecessary and I can wait another year or two?  I don't think so.  Even though I'm in very little pain today, I know it's a temporary state.  I won't always be able to exercise like I can now, and exercises won't always be as effective as they are now (sometimes even now they're not effective).  I know that if I push it, I'll be in a world of pain even with the exercise.

I plan to do some bed PT, as you suggest, before surgery, just to learn how it feels.  I'll also practice hobbling around on crutches. 

I am only slightly nervous.  I've been waiting so long to have this surgery (since 2001); I wonder what life will feel like on the other side.
Right uncemented Biomet Recap/Magnum
Feb. 11, 2009 with Dr. Thomas Gross and Lee Webb

Pat Walter

Hi Todd

Glad to hear you are continuing to do well.  Thanks again for sharing your story.  I know it will help many others who will come after you.  Getting the story as it happens is a great way for people to learn.

Good Luck.  Keep up the great recovey.

Pat
Webmaster/Owner of Surface Hippy
3/15/06 LBHR De Smet

Tekka

Hi Bionic,

It's strange you saying ...do i need this op or can i wait. I was the same, my training was going well, my training partners were commenting on the fact i had'nt trained this well for years....Bionic its all in the mind mate REALLY.

My wife burst my bubble, pointing out the fact i could'nt get out of my chair without pain.

I put on a postitve face and i was 100% up for it, but if your not nervous you not normal mate, it is major surgery but the outcome is also amazing.

I leave hospital tomorrow and i am really really knackered, its just the way it is...day by day.

Good luck

Terry
LBHR 23/01/2009 Mr Mcminn

obxpelican

#46
Bionic,

Don't worry, especially after your meeting the day before with Dr. G and Lee, they have a way of getting your mind at ease.  At no time was I ever in screaming pain, it was discomfort but it was never as bad as one of my really bad days when the day before I pushed it too much. 

After you get your happy meds and you've marked your hip and you answered them 1000 times which hip they are supposed to do you won't really remember much.  I reccommend the full treatment so that you're completely out of it, but you do have the option to be awake or half awake.  The only minor recollection I have is some big nurse pulling me up to her in like a bear hug so they could give me the spinal, and that is very vague.

When I woke up I asked them 1) did I get a hr or a th and 2) when could I get up to try it out.  After I got to my room I felt pretty good although you might get sick in your stomach from the meds, I did for about the first 10 hours or so, but I still got up and walked the first day.  Waking from the surgery was like waking from a nap and it was really fast.

One nice thing they do at the hospital is they pre-admit you so the morning of the surgery all you do is sign in, go wait then they come to get you, after prepping you your wife will be able to come in to sit with you till they take you for your surgery, by then you may already have your happy medicine, if you can bring us some happy meds back, I always kid Lee that if they could package that and sell it they would be rich.

Which surgery time did you get?

You sound as ready for this surgery as any I've read.... btw, good idea, take a couple of garbage bags to put on your seats so you can easily spin on your rear end, silky shorts also help, an ipod, lap top helps too.

Good luck, if you need to chat with someone live send me a message and I'll give you my cell phone, I've probably had all the same feelings you are having.

I can't wait to hear your take on your surgery, but you will turn out fine.


Chuck


Quote from: Bionic on January 26, 2009, 04:10:03 PM
I am just now accepting the fact that having a good day does not mean I don't need the surgery.  I've been exercising quite a lot.  I've gotten in very good shape, and the leg lifts, hip exercises, and ab work I'm doing really do make my hip feel better. 

Does this mean surgery is now unnecessary and I can wait another year or two?  I don't think so.  Even though I'm in very little pain today, I know it's a temporary state.  I won't always be able to exercise like I can now, and exercises won't always be as effective as they are now (sometimes even now they're not effective).  I know that if I push it, I'll be in a world of pain even with the exercise.

I plan to do some bed PT, as you suggest, before surgery, just to learn how it feels.  I'll also practice hobbling around on crutches. 

I am only slightly nervous.  I've been waiting so long to have this surgery (since 2001); I wonder what life will feel like on the other side.
Chuck
RH/Biomet U/C Dr. Gross/Lee Webb
8-6-08

Bionic

Quote from: tekka on January 26, 2009, 05:18:37 PM
My wife burst my bubble, pointing out the fact i could'nt get out of my chair without pain.

My dose of ibuprofen from lunch (or was it breakfast) just wore off, so today's party is officially over.  The pain and the limp are back.  At least I think I'll remember how to walk normally, once my new hip will let me.

Quote from: tekka
I put on a postitve face and i was 100% up for it, but if your not nervous you not normal mate, it is major surgery but the outcome is also amazing.
An "amazing" outcome would be most welcome.

Quote from: tekka
I leave hospital tomorrow and i am really really knackered, its just the way it is...day by day.

They tell me your strength comes back gradually, and thanks for teaching me a new word: knackered.
Right uncemented Biomet Recap/Magnum
Feb. 11, 2009 with Dr. Thomas Gross and Lee Webb

Bionic

#48
Quote from: obxpelican on January 26, 2009, 05:50:07 PM
Don't worry, especially after your meeting the day before with Dr. G and Lee, they have a way of getting your mind at ease.  At no time was I ever in screaming pain, it was discomfort but it was never as bad as one of my really bad days when the day before I pushed it too much. 

I really trust Dr. Gross et al. to control the pain adequately.  My nervousness right now is more about this crazy surgery idea that I discovered on the Internet suddenly becoming my reality.  I'll be the first person in my family, and the first of my friends, ever to get a hip resurfacing.  I'm a pioneer, for G-d's sake, and I'll have the arrows in my back (sutures in my butt) to prove it.  It's a leap of faith and trust.

I mean, how do I know you're all not some Artificial Intelligence bot written by Biomet to lure me into a medical trap!  :D

Okay, I'm not that paranoid.  But, as you did, I am going on trust and faith in my own research and in all the materials I've read over the years.  The moment of truth is approaching.

Quote from: obxpelican
After you get your happy meds and you've marked your hip and you answered them 1000 times which hip they are supposed to do you won't really remember much.  I reccommend the full treatment so that you're completely out of it, but you do have the option to be awake or half awake.  The only minor recollection I have is some big nurse pulling me up to her in like a bear hug so they could give me the spinal, and that is very vague.

I'll try to write extensively on all the things I won't remember.

Quote from: obxpelican
When I woke up I asked them 1) did I get a hr or a th and 2) when could I get up to try it out.  After I got to my room I felt pretty good although you might get sick in your stomach from the meds, I did for about the first 10 hours or so, but I still got up and walked the first day.  Waking from the surgery was like waking from a nap and it was really fast.

My mom has already warned me not to lift my head for 8 hours after the spinal--to avoid headache and nausea.  However bad it will be in the beginning, I am sure it will also be a blur.

Quote from: obxpelican
Which surgery time did you get?

Don't know yet.  I'll find out when I get there.

Quote from: obxpelican
You sound as ready for this surgery as any I've read.... btw, good idea, take a couple of garbage bags to put on your seats so you can easily spin on your rear end, silky shorts also help, an ipod, lap top helps too.

Thank you.  I'll be flying coach, and the first leg of my return trip is on puddle jumper with no bulkhead seat.  Fortunately, it will be a short flight, but your g-bags will come in handy.  I've bought some extremely unfashionable fleece pants that look like they can handle any degree of swelling and will make me as comfy as possible.

Quote from: obxpelican
Good luck, if you need to chat with someone live send me a message and I'll give you my cell phone, I've probably had all the same feelings you are having.

I can't wait to hear your take on your surgery, but you will turn out fine.

Thanks, Chuck.  I look forward to spilling all the details (although I may keep some of the psychedelic drug fantasies to myself :) ).
Right uncemented Biomet Recap/Magnum
Feb. 11, 2009 with Dr. Thomas Gross and Lee Webb

obxpelican

Bionic,

That thing about not raising your head, that is ONLY on the rare instance that they puncture your spinal cord sac, in the case you lose some spinal fluid, they can try a blood patch, but it usually heals on it's own, but I hear those headaches are murder.

I had that worry about the spinal headaches, I though you had to keep your head in place but it's rare from what Lee told me.  I was overweight and I heard that it makes it harder for needle placement, but I asked Lee that and she told me that you had to be morbidly obese in order for your weight to be a problem.

I am surprised they did not tell you your time, did you get your surgery orders?  They should arrive soon if you have not gotten them yet, it will have the time on it.  I would call and ask, the only reason I say that is if you are the later surgery you might find a cancelation that will allow them to take you earlier.  Being later is not a problem, but the PT guy leaves for the evening around dinner time.  Also, you won't have to go so long without food.

BTW--- I am not some program written by Biomet, although I've played one on TV.  Besides, programs require logic, when have you found me to be logical?

Chuck

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

Todd

Speaking of food, I had a standing order for peanutbutter and jelly toast.  The clear broth dinner that I had wasn't going to cut it.  My wife picked up some pringles (funny craving) for me too along with other snacks.  Once I found that the broth stayed down, they allowed me to eat a bit more.  Growing up the youngest of 3 boys, I guess I was always worried that I was going to miss out on the food, so even now I like to have a back up plan in case I am hungry.  Waking in recovery was just like someone snapped their fingers and I was up.  Not groggy, but curious.  All I recall was the anesthetist saying you might feel a little poke as they numbed my back for the spinal--last memory before waking up. 
Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

Bionic

#51
Quote from: obxpelican on January 26, 2009, 06:57:56 PM
Bionic,

That thing about not raising your head, that is ONLY on the rare instance that they puncture your spinal cord sac, in the case you lose some spinal fluid, they can try a blood patch, but it usually heals on it's own, but I hear those headaches are murder.

I had that worry about the spinal headaches, I though you had to keep your head in place but it's rare from what Lee told me.  I was overweight and I heard that it makes it harder for needle placement, but I asked Lee that and she told me that you had to be morbidly obese in order for your weight to be a problem.

That's good to know, but I think I'll keep my head down at the slightest sign of trouble (I don't want my mom saying, "I told you so").

Quote from: obxpelican
I am surprised they did not tell you your time, did you get your surgery orders?  They should arrive soon if you have not gotten them yet, it will have the time on it.  I would call and ask, the only reason I say that is if you are the later surgery you might find a cancelation that will allow them to take you earlier.  Being later is not a problem, but the PT guy leaves for the evening around dinner time.  Also, you won't have to go so long without food.

The paperwork has been a little slow in coming.  I was also expecting a letter about a pre-op clearance from my PCP, but that hasn't come either.  I'll give Charlene a call in the morning to check.  My PCP appointment is Wednesday, where they'll do a chest x-ray, EKG, and blood test.

Quote from: obxpelican
BTW--- I am not some program written by Biomet, although I've played one on TV.  Besides, programs require logic, when have you found me to be logical?

Oh, sure!  It was only the first generation programs that were logical.  The new ones can't be distinguished from fallible humans (I am told).

BTW, my avatar is of a Cylon centurian, from Battlestar Galactica.  The Cylons were originally robots, but they evolved to have human form.  I hope I don't wake up from surgery to discover I'm a frakin' toaster (inside joke, if you're a fan).
Right uncemented Biomet Recap/Magnum
Feb. 11, 2009 with Dr. Thomas Gross and Lee Webb

Bionic

Quote from: Todd on January 26, 2009, 07:05:23 PM
Speaking of food, I had a standing order for peanutbutter and jelly toast.  The clear broth dinner that I had wasn't going to cut it.  My wife picked up some pringles (funny craving) for me too along with other snacks.  Once I found that the broth stayed down, they allowed me to eat a bit more.  Growing up the youngest of 3 boys, I guess I was always worried that I was going to miss out on the food, so even now I like to have a back up plan in case I am hungry.  Waking in recovery was just like someone snapped their fingers and I was up.  Not groggy, but curious.  All I recall was the anesthetist saying you might feel a little poke as they numbed my back for the spinal--last memory before waking up. 

It was a good sign that you had any appetite at all.  I was thinking I'd bring Balance Bars.  But it turns out they're loaded with chromium.  I'll have to watch that going forward.
Right uncemented Biomet Recap/Magnum
Feb. 11, 2009 with Dr. Thomas Gross and Lee Webb

obxpelican

Bionic,

LOL

It will be when you stand up that you'll find out what those meds can do to you.  They give you a patch or 2 for behind your ears pre-op and medicine to keep you from getting ill and I still got sick.  It was funny, when they came to get me to walk the first time I had to stop every 20 steps to be sick, but I was bound and determined to walk that first day.  

What amazed me a bunch, when I woke up and both legs could lay flat on the bed like they were on a board.




Chuck

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

obxpelican

Hey Todd, it looks like we hijacked your subject, sorry buddy.


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

Todd

Not a problem.  The subject is hips, and you guys are all part of the story.  Wouldn't be where I'm at if it weren't for those who went before me and were willing to tell the tales.  Keep at it.
Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

Todd

1/27/09 +20 days
Night sweats and dry skin not quite as bad overnight.  A minor inconvenience at this point.  I'm pretty sore this morning after my first PT session from yesterday.  I guess we worked a few muscles that hadn't been tested in the previous weeks.  Hip flexor is stiff and sore, probably from the bike.  It just feels so good when peddling that it is hard not to over do it.  I will gently work it today and stretch a little.  I'm limping more today due to the sore muscles, and I need to let them heal up before PT tomorrow so I don't think I will do much on the treadmill other than loosen up.   
Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

Todd

1/28/09 +21 days

2nd PT session this morning.  I didn't do any of the exercises I had been given on Monday as I was too sore and the leg was fatigued from my Monday session. Although I was stiff when I started, I went for a couple minutes on the bike to loosen up which helped.  PT consisted of some soft tissue massage around the scar and the hip. It felt good like scratching an itch would feel.  We then did some roation and movement exercises which isolated some of those muscles and areas that haven't been tested for the past several years.  With the joint pain gone, it is nice to have some help figuring out which muscles and movements are possible again.  Lots of retraining to get them to work again.  I have a tendency on the bike to rotate my knee out due to years of hip pain.  It takes some concentration to get it back in line and to realize that it no longer hurts (can't say the same for my un-operated hip).  It's really interesting to compare the new and the bad hip as far as range of motion and movement.  What a difference already in the two hips.  I did a little on the eliptical and the bike again, but not as much as on Monday.  Thought I better ease up a little and see how I feel this afternoon.  I can always get back to it, and do some of the theraband work that I was given too. 
Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

Tekka

Todd,

You have made really good progress, it's ok to have a lazy day..we have spent years not being able do do the stuff we would like to do.

The pt session will be still be there tomorrow.

Cheers mate

Terry
LBHR 23/01/2009 Mr Mcminn

Todd

Exactly my thoughts. I'm willing to endure some muscle soreness, but at the same time my body is clearly telling me it needs some down time.  As you mentioned, some of those muscles haven't been awake in the past several years, so it is a shock to them to have to finally do some work again. How are you doing today?
Todd  LBHR, Dr. David Palmer 1/7/09; RBHR 5/6/09 St. Croix Orthopedics, Stillwater, MN

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