Bilateral story

[Kiwi]

Dan, Sounds like you're having a pretty smooth recovery - really happy for you mate. Keep up the good work.

[Dan L]

Just passed 8 months on my first BHR, and it is doing really well.  Noticing the start up stiffness on that side, when arising from seated position, is noticably decreasing, as is the muscle soreness after activity.  The motion in the joint is incredibly smooth and completely pain free, and continues to produce spontaneous smiles.  Squeaking (not painful whatsoever) seems figured out and easily avoided by staying hydrated or by using sports drink to address dehydration when it does occur.

This may sound trivial, but moving to work/dress shoes with no heel during the work day seems to have really helped when walking, on both sides.

All good!

Dan

[Boomer]

Dan it sounds like you are doing great! Thanks for the update. I agree with you on the importance of comfortable shoes. I have to wear a suit during the week and notice that I am much more comfortable during the weekends in running shoes. I' m not running.

Boomer

[hernanu]

True on the good shoes, Dan and Boomer. I got a problem with my left foot middle toe due to incorrect loading of the foot while walking, according to a podiatrist I saw. It happened after my second procedure, an HR on the right hip. He thought I was overcompensating and putting too much emphasis on the middle of the foot (bad) instead of the outside / inside of the foot while walking, which is normal.

He thought my footwear contributed to it, so he prescribed better shoes and inserts. This was for an already existing condition, so may not apply to everyone. What I do think applies is that more than most, we need to have comfortable and good footwear. Just my opinion, not a shill for the better shoe manufacturers  ::) .

[Dan L]

Will reach my 6 month milestone on my right BHR this week, and about 10.5 months on the left side.  Mostly boring recovery which is exactly what I was hoping for.

Doing really well overall.  Some muscle soreness after exertion on the 6 month old BHR, particularly when activities include bending at the waist, but nothing to write home about.  Very occasional more extensive pain, usually following over exertion of various types or dumb things I may have done.  Taking less meds for pain that I have in probably over a decade, which is really, really nice.  Startup stiffness on the 6 month side is still present but noticably decreasing, all but gone on the other side.

I do seem prone to changes in the weather, a couple cool fronts and low pressure systems have come through over the past couple weeks, (we have had months of dry and fair weather), causing some muscle soreness and ache, but nothing major.

I remain thrilled with my resurfaced hips.  One huge added bonus has been the weight I dropped last year before the surgeries, and managed to keep off, which has lead to a much better overall health outlook, far better diet, all resulting in lower BP, better labs, ec, etc, and annual physicals that are markedly improved. 

Looking forward to 1st anniversary of #1 in October.

A truely sincere thank you to all of the people here that have shared so much, so unselfishly, that has made such a positive difference for so many people in the midst of difficult times.

[hernanu]

Awesome in all fronts, Dan! You'll have plenty of gotchas that go away eventually, but the overall progress is great. Congrats on the weight loss, I didn't start on that until a year had passed.

[bilateralbliss]

Great news Dan :)

[Tin Soldier]

Good job Dan.  Same for me, rather boring recovery, but that's what it should be.  Other than the excitement of being active again.   

[Boomer]

Dan,

Congratulations to you! Nice to hear your positive recovery story Dan. You have left the danger zone, and moved into the land of almost anything goes. Except yard work, of course. I was slightly behind you on both of my hips, and read your updates with great interest, since I expected to track your progress closely, even thought I am a bit older. I look forward to hearing about your anniversary celebration.

Thanks for being such a good guide. Keep posting please.

Boomer

[Dan L]

Thanks Hern, Bliss, Tin and Boomah.

Will keep posting for sure, although I can never add much more than the most here on the technical and healing issues (although I continue to absorb it like  a sponge and amazed at the level of detail many here provide)  I feel glad to add my simple story if it is at all helpful.

Forgot to add, no more squeaking at all, and none on the 6-month old device at any time. No nut-busting yard work in a while either, thanks to Dr Boomer's advice regdaring better treatment of these shiny new appliances, and drinking water more deliberately.

Thanks again

[Spanielsal]

I love to read the stories, you guys are all fledging with your new hips, it is very uplifting to hear how you are getting on. Especially all those with play hips installed!  ;D

[Dan L]

Had my "1 year" followup for both sides today (14.5 months for #1 and 10+ months for #2) and everything looks great according to Phil Golnick, Dr. Brooks PA.  Bone in-growth around the cup looks great on both sides, as does the femoral bone cortex adjacent to the femoral cap, and the angle of the cup is "right where Dr Brooks left them".  I'm still under the restrictions on the more recent side, but in about a month I'm allowed to get more aggressive, which for me means more hiking on bigger hills over longer periods than the past couple of years, and no worries when lifting/carrying anything.

Hip scores look great as well.

As I mentioned to Phil and anyone else who will listen, this outcome is like "magic", and I am forever grateful to the medical team and my extended family here at Surface Hippy.

Dan

[Boomer]

Well done Dan. You had a great surgeon and lots of support, but you did the heavy lifting when it comes to both of your recoveries. Nobody on this website will begrudge you taking a bow as the star in your own journey back to good health and big fun. My hats off to you for making this happen.

Congratulations on the very good news. One year is a big test, and you aced it.

Boomer

[hernanu]

Great news, Dan - like boomer says - take a bow.

[Ross]

Congrats DAnL....our livin the life. 

Hern.  I wanted to comment on what you said about shoes. I threw all my old shoes out the day before surgery and replaced with unworn.  My gait pattern will completely be different so why go back to bad old habits. Well I take it back I did not throw out my hunting boots but it will be a while before those one back out.
Cordially,
ross