Resurfacing Aussies - 6 months Post Op

[david2009]

Hi All,
March 24th signals the six month milestone for my RBHR. The journey has been both exciting and challenging. I quickly read some of my previous posts and noted some of the issues I was facing. The first one that came to mind was the fact that my first couple of steps after sitting were with a pronounced limp. I am happy to say that I no longer walk with any noticeable limp.
I am now back to full duties at work. I am an inflight manager with an international airline in Australia. Dr. Kohan restricted my flying duties until I reached the five and a half month mark as a precaution for DVT. Last week I completed a fourteen and a half hour duty, only pulling up a little weary on the feet. I cannot say the same for the jet lag!! Am well and truly out of practice with that. (It is now 0300 in the morning).
I still have a sore low back on my operated side, but X-Rays have shown atrophy in my facet joints on that side. I continue with the stretching, swimming and regular visits to my chiro and feel that this is improving. My left knee no longer hurts!!
Dr. Kohan has given me the all clear to return to cycling but not yet mountain biking. His main concern is a fall and trauma to the femur on the operated hip.
I cannot tell you how good I feel in comparison to pre surgery. People comment about the spring in my step and my upbeat and fresh demeanour. I did not realise how depressed I had gotten with my arthritic hip. This alone is worth the venture into surgery.
I would like to say a big thank you to Pat and all the site contributors. This resource has certainly given me all the options, much reassurance and the power to make very informed decisions. To those considering this surgical technique/prosthesis, make sure you are well informed. Seek experienced orthopeadic surgeons who surround themselves with clever and caring teams, and rest assured you are not on your own.

[Pat Walter]

Hi David

Great to hear you are doing so well. Good to be a bit conservative even at 6 months.  Have fun, but let your body continue healing.  We don't often realize how hip pain keeps us from being active and happy.  A lot of people have the same comment - that others notice the smile on my face now that I have a new hip and am active again.  That constant pain and lack of activity really takes a toll on us both physically and mentally.

It does take time for the whole body to heal including the back, knees and other hip when you have hip problems. The body has been out of balance and compensating for the bad hip for a long time. 

Good luck and stay in touch.