8 day update

[Carlos]

Hi there....I too am having my RBHR done by Mr McMinn on Tuesday 28th April, we'll have to have a race down the corridor on our crutches....or have a surface hippy convention. I had my LBHR done by Mr McMinn in October 2014 and it has been really great.
Good luck for Tuesday.

[MattJersey]

Hello Carlos, ha ha, look forward to the race :o)

Good luck also, I'm checking in Monday, so will ask staff to let you know where I am.

[hernanu]

It sounds solid Danny, especially after your inauspicious start with this one, and is great progress really. Inspiring.

I'm curious, a few days to go now, tying up loose ends at work etc today, what kind of atrophy should I expect?

When I had an Achilles sheath stripping op in 1991, I had plaster for two weeks. I was amazed at how my leg wasted. Never seen my right calf so skinny, and my thigh also wasted a lot.

Right now, I'd say my legs are pretty even. Should I expect similar like having had a plaster on, even though I'll be up and trying the next day?

It's not any atrophy caused by the surgery, but any that developed over the years as your body responded to the arthritis. In trying to deal with it, sometimes the body assumes new walking patterns and compensations that put more stress on some muscles and don't use others.

The need for that is gone once the surgery and proper bone annealing with the device is done. WHat you're left with is that your body has gone back to a healthy architecture, but your muscles are still at their previous, compensating state. With some muscles stronger than others, and some not quite strong enough.

That's why (I think) there is so much emphasis on walking and getting back to activities, to have those muscles that were abused over the years to get back to normal function.

[petemeads]

Good luck to you pair tomorrow - strange to think you are only a few miles down the road from me - from a member of the class of November 2015. This morning was so beautiful I went for a run down the canal towpath, 6.6 miles at  9 minute pace, and had no problems at all with my new hip which is going to be 23 weeks old tomorrow. I hope you both get to do as well as I have, not that I am suggesting anyone should follow my example but my surgeon is happy with my progress and activity levels. Cheers!

[MattJersey]

Thanks Pete. Positive stuff.

All pre-op stuff done, brief meeting with Mr McMinn who inspires quiet confidence (although not enough to neutralise my nerves! I liken this to having a root canal appointment in about 4 hours, although a root canal is a rather more unpleasant experience to undergo, for the time you're being operated on!).

Met Carlos, we should be racing on Thursday!

One comment to make at this stage is my deflation at the discipline of Mr M's first six weeks plan. I had a good chat with his research assistant yesterday and fully understand why, so I'll be sticking to it. 97% at fifteen years is why, so what's six weeks in that context? It's not as much to do with the bone and implant, but more about not overstretching or tearing a muscle that's been stitched and should be holding it in place. If that happens, the risk of dislocation or other issues with the implant increase. So, a cautious six weeks ahead.

Few hours to go, will update when able in next few days.

[Carlos]

Yes here we are waiting next door to Matt. Like Matt had all pre op stuff done....looking forward to tea this afternoon and getting over the first hurdle. Then the fun will begin.

Matt says Thursday for racing but I'm getting some practise in tomorrow. I have a few years handicap, so I need all the help I can get. Then again I have already got a head start with the LBHR done in Oct 2014 and the right is being done today.
I did ask if it was buy one get one free only to be told no, it was buy two and get one free!

[Comfortably Numb]

You guys are a hoot!  Tag-team hippies no less.  I hope Dr. Gross is ready for me this time tomorrow morning.  I've already got my Pink Floyd arrangement prepared for the OR.  We start with "Comfortably Numb" move to "Breathe" and end with "High Hopes" and "Run Like Hell".......

Good luck to you both!

[Carlos]

I'm back....can't say I'm ready for racing right now at only 4 and a 1/2 hours after surgery. All good but hip was pretty bad. All went well and sitting up drinking tea and noshing biscuits....I have to build up my stamina for Thusday's race!
Saw Matt also in recovery very quickly but he didn't see me...he was still fast asleep and I was on my way back to my room.

Good luck tomorrow Comfortably Numb..we will be rooting for you...now I know why you chose that username....I'm pretty much like that myself right now. I don't intend to be back for a third time.....thank goodness. Looking forward to getting up on my feet tomorrow.

[MattJersey]

Yep, racing will have to wait. All good as far as I am told, felt a bit sick for a while afterwards, and naturally one thinks the worst (well naturally for me!) but, a few burps (sorry Carlos, I have been like Barney out of the Simpsons http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barney_Gumble) sorted me out.

Suddenly my renowned (in my house) biscuit appetite returned and I'm now in proper recovery mode.

It's difficult to imagine the hero stories right now, and how some of the notable co-hippies here are up and putting miles on the clock 9 days post op etc. but, I guess it's just a series of improvements. I hope to wake up much better tomorrow. I'll dust off the spikes and get some training done for when Carlos and I go Mano a Mano Thursday. I hear Sky, HBO, and Showtime are putting us up on box office, tickets for the race outstripping Mayweather Pacquiao!

CN, best wishes for tomorrow, sincerely hope you feel as well as us both after a few hours.

Carlos your buy two get one free offer made me laugh. If/when I need number two, is your third transferable?!

Matt

[Comfortably Numb]

Glad you both made it through OK.  I won't have a way to update my situation from the hospital, so I'll have to wait until I get back home--probably late Thursday, provided I can learn to urinate on my own again :'(  You guys hang in there and enjoy the good medication while it's still available 8)

[MattJersey]

Hi CN, I figure you're probably not far out of recovery. Hope it went well and runs smooth.

Personally speaking I had a few minor issues:

• felt nauseous when I awoke, passed after two hours.
• had rough first night, took a while to get pain sorted. No,idea why as was on epidural.
• had more nausea getting up to try Zimmer frame. Managed ten steps in afternoon, surprisingly hard work! But was also dizzy and nauseous.
• didn't have best night second night, but much better.
• would advise taking offered laxative as soon as. Last night I was bloated, and uncomfortable. Once I had the laxative I was burping when I sat up, and then farting like ten second farts! Feel much better on that front now.
• i don't feel well prepared for race with Carlos today ;o)
• but I do feel incredibly positive. The progress from not being able to move one way in morning to getting it in afternoon is really encouraging, and I have awoken feeling ready to try crutches etc today.

In the context of what the op entails, it's really no massive deal.

Looking forward to a shower today too.

M

[Carlos]

Hi Comfortably Numb.

Yes I too hope your BHR has gone well...remember every day gets better.
We can all now sing in true Roy Orbison style that "It's Over, it's over....."
Good luck with the rehab to all.
By the way, we now have 3 in the race  up the corridor this afternoon, 2 bilats and a RBHR.....wagers now being taken.
Best regards Carlos

[JHippy]

Videos of the races or it didn't happen ;). Seriously, glad you guys are doing great. And hopefully Comfortable Numb is doing great as well.

[KevinHalicki]

Hey Matt

Good to hear you're on the road to recovery. Look forward to see how you make out the next few days and when you will be allowed to fly home. I am now in the Canadian medical system (means my Canadian health care pays the cost) and off to Calgary Alberta for surgery May 22nd. It is a little shorter flight, just over 1.25 hours but they want to keep me there minimum 10-14 days. I guess each surgeon has their suggested protocol.

All the best,

Kevin

[MattJersey]

Well, there was a gathering at a start line but I had to withdraw due to light-headedness. The two bilats revving their engines frightened me!

Shortly after that I had aspirin on empty stomach and ... Had an even emptier stomach. Seems to have steadied my ship though. Managed with cocodamol only at 1230 yesterday, one paracetamol during the night, but will go back on cocodamol this morning. A little worried that it is causing the dizziness, but probably had morphine still sluicing around system. Will see this morning.

I've had a roller coaster week really, relatively speaking more like the kiddies rides when compared to some stories, but some great highs (wow, I can move my leg like that now!) and a couple of lows (nausea and puking is never nice) that are not really serious in the great scheme of things.

Feel much better today, shaved, will shower too, yippee. And will eat normal portions today instead of treating it like an all-inclusive holiday resort, don't think that helped.

Hope ComfortablyNumb is going well, and good luck to you Kevin. I'm optimistic of getting the green light to fly home tomorrow.

Best wishes to all.

M

[toby]

Hi Matt and Carlos congratulations on your new UK implanted BHRs-and to CN over the pond for all of you guys your new shiny hips are just gonna get better and better and aint no doubt you will all be racing in the near future.
Best Wishes
Toby
ps Matt shame your jetting out and not maximising our lovely spring weather!

[Comfortably Numb]

Well, I made it through without any major problems.  Escaped the dreaded in-out catheter but just by a hair.  The nurse went to get the ultrasound and while she was gone, I had my wife guard the bathroom door.  I stood in there about 15 agonizing minutes and produced 22 oz.  Very painful as most of you know. When the nurse saw the urinal, she said I'm good to go.  My main problem now is getting in/out of my bed and chair.  Also, beginning to feel some nausea for the first time.  I wish you all continued success in your recovery.

[MattJersey]

Cheers Toby, only jetting South to Jersey, and I hear the forecast is similar. Right now I feel so positive and excited for future I'll feel it's sunny all the time! Had a quick chat with Mr M's research director/assistant surgeon earlier. It lifted me still further to hear the word "textbook" with reference to my X-ray.

Comfortably Numb, I have had an up and down week, nausea I think was the pain meds, I simply didn't need all I was given and couldn't process it all. It was tough during the lows, easy to get down, scared, with over-analysis of the worst! In a few days you'll be past the rough stuff. Best wishes.

[RAGraham]

MattJersey and Carlos -- you are now both experiencing your first weekend post-op. I hope all is going well at this point. You are both approaching the one-week mark, which felt like a milestone to me and I hope you both feel the same. I confess that I had a lot of strange dreams that first week - along the lines of knowing (in my dream) that I had surgery, but being able to move as if I didn't. Then I also had other dreams that were just so strange. I would find myself in a situation (in my dream) where I was stuck or stumped and could not work my way out of the situation and it was very frustrating. My wife thought that was my frustration over a lack of control in real life. But truly, after the first week, I really felt like I was improving my leaps and bounds.
I am 16 days post-op and feel pretty darned good overall. Can walk decently well (obvious limp) if I don't push it, although the "startup" when just getting out of bed or chair is still frustratingly awkward. And it seems impossible to find a decently comfortable sitting position still. Sure makes it easy to get up and walk around frequently!
I hope both of you are feeling positive and optimistic. I loved your attitudes as you were approaching surgery and if you maintain those, you will do phenomenally! Please keep us all posted!!!

[Comfortably Numb]

I've been taking walks around the house (inside) ever since I arrived home Thursday.  Just returned from an 800 ft. round trip to the mail box without any problems.  I think I'm more surprised at how physically weak I am than anything else associated with this.  I expected pain but that weak, lightheaded feeling sucks.  I'm going to get off of the Nucynta very soon if not today.  My pain seems to be confined to the groin and the incision, along with a very tight muscular-spasm pain in the glute.  I was having a lot of trouble getting in and out of my LazyBoy.  My son came over yesterday and built a platform out of 6X6's and plywood.  Then he temporarily screwed the plywood to the rockers of the chair.  This has made a tremendous difference.  Best wishes to all.