Six Days to Go!

[packman]

Nice report Brian - I could not even get an appointment with Dr. Young as a 2nd opinion in October, 2012 - that is how busy she is and kudos on your connection.
The Dr. at St. Michael's hospital is Dr. Emil Schemitz who did one of my friends HR - I signed all the papers January 5/13 at St. Mike's,  and have not even heard of a scheduled date - surprised that you got in at 9-10 months as I was told 12-14 months
I do not regret one bit, my decision to cough up the $ (fortunate enough career wise and financially), to seek out Dr. Gross in Columbia SC and turn it around within 2 1/2 months to a surgery date. My walking pain from OA seriously hobbled me in Nov/12-Mar/13.
I have previously commented that our Cdn. health system is fabulous for emergency situations (e.g. heart) or having babies. I am quite chagrined at the lack of access for specialty elective surgeries - no question we need far more ortho's and funding in Canada for this but I digress.
Yes ice is your friend as is patience not to push yourself but follow your doctor's instructions - not much more, and nothing less

[Brian Wilson]

I agree with you 100% Packman about our health care system. Nine months seemed fine at the time (and remember, our provincial governments don't include the time from seeing your GP until your referral as part of your wait time), but if I had been told nine months in early August, I would have done what you are doing. Any idea what your approximate out-of-pocket costs will be, not including travel costs?

By the way, IMHO, whomever calls HR an "elective procedure" is being disingenuous.

[hernanu]

That is standard, Brian and very good. Remember to ice, rest and exercise.

Confusing? sure.

[Brian Wilson]

Post-op Day 4. Deciding to drive to the cottage after my release from the hospital yesterday was probably a bit aggressive. I was comfortable enough on the way up in the truck, but I felt awful for several hours after arriving. I was feeling good enough by 10 p.m. to eat something and pop a DVD in and watch a movie, and I slept pretty well.

I woke up this morning feeling great - back on the curve. The strength and mobility in my bad leg is improving dramatically and I am getting around pretty well. I am also eating well. Must be the northern air! Here's to continued progress.

Reno, how are you making out?

[oldsoccerplayer]

I'm coming up on 6 weeks post-op. For the first couple of weeks I saw a marked improvement every day (though I didn't drive for a couple of weeks) and thought "this is a piece of cake, I'll be back to full activity in no time." After a while the pace slowed down and now I measure my progress week by week.
I'm frustrated by not having full mobility on my operated side, I can't cross my legs and put my left (operated side) ankle on my right knee like you do to put socks on. Funny how you start noticing things you used to take for granted. I'm hoping this too will pass.

[Juno]

Oldsoceerplayer--- I'm 7 1/2 weeks and I still can't do those things either-- no worries. Keep doing the the 6 week hip opening stretch and leg lifts. It's only taken me 2 weeks and I'm doing 30 front and side lifts easily 2x a day.  I do a lot of bridge lifts and butt squeezes too. I'm close to being able to do the three point leg cross while laying on the floor,  but not while seated.

Yesterday while at work I totally forgot I wasn't suppose to do deep squats and I squatted down to assist a child. I got down and realized what I had done. I kinda freaked out inside and immediately brought myself to my knees instead. But you know what, it felt ok and nothing dislocated! Lol!

But, today I walked 4 miles!! So, it all does get better. 4 miles and no hip pain is miraculous -- now my quads and hamstrings will feel it later, I'm sure!