Hip Talk Forum About Hip Resurfacing

Monday 1/12/2009 +5 days
I thought it would be a good opportunity to track my progress and experience as I will be undergoing the second half of my bilateral BHR later this spring.

Brief history:  Male 39. 185lbs.  Over the past 5 years hip pain had progressed to the point where I couldn't run, bend, sit for any length of time...etc. Finally got xrays when I realized that the pain wasn't normal aging.  Xray revealed severe osteoarthritis in both hips, a flat spot on each ball that likely contributed to the early deterioration and such.  I played basketball in college, and was very active at one time, and as the pain progressed over the years, I slowly became less active. It was subtle enough early on that I never considered that it was anything except age catching up with me.  The trigger that got me to finally go to the doctor was on a vacation to the Black Hills and a family trail ride.  Ever get on a horse with hip pain?  Well, not to disappoint the kids, I somehow hoisted myself up using my upper body to get me onto the saddle.  I had tears in my eyes by the end of the bumpy ride. 

I progressed through the initial treatments of cortisol injections into each hip.  There was no noticeable relief after 1 week.  Next step, meet with the local Orthopedic Surgeon.  The Dr. I met is very highly regarded locally, and I believe he is very good at what he does.  Unfortunately, he recommended a THR for me at 38 years old.  Now I had done very little research, and already had heard positive things about resurfacing.  When I asked him to clarify "why not" the resurfacing, he said that there were no real long term benefits to it.  It really chapped me that a highly regarded surgeon would not have better understanding of options for someone my age.  I wonder how many THR have been done on people who would have benefited from the resurfacing.  the number must be staggering.  So as an layperson with a computer, I researched more and more--a lot on this site.  Obviously I went to get a second opinion and tracked down a surgeon in Stillwater MN, Dr. David Palmer.  Now I found a surgeon who was regarded by many to be the best in the state of MN (including Mayo Clinic).  Dr. Palmer performs both THR and resurfacing, and clearly understands the benefits of each.  I got my answer from him.  "You are a perfect candidate for resurfacing".  This reaffirmed what I knew in my gut. 

So we looked at my insurance and the timing, and found that January 2009 would be best for the first, and we'd follow up with the second as recommended based on recovery of the first (late spring).

Here we are 5 days after my left hip resurfacing. 
Surgery was in the afternoon on Wed. 1/7.  I remember being asked to lean forward for my spinal, and next thing I knew I was up in recovery.  I was Dr. Palmer's 4th of 6 resurfacings for the day.  I was nauseated the first night whenever I tried to sit up, but I was hungry and felt alright other than that.  Lay down for a few minutes, and I was fine again.  No need to get out of bed until Thursday.  I never felt much "pain" after the surgery when lying still.  Of course there is swelling, and I was pretty surprised at how weak my leg was.  I could move my toes, but there was no way I could lift the leg on my own.  I had an IV with anitbiotics and fluids, and I did get a coffee, broth, sherbert dinner-it was pretty good considering, and the nurses said as long as I felt ok they could bring me toast and juice which I had during the evening and in the middle of the night. Pain meds were given orally, and initially I was given 1 Ocxycodone which they increased to 2 as the throbbing leg was keeping me up.  After that, no real pain issues.
Got some real food the next day and in the afternoon did a lap around the nurses station with a walker.  Pretty wobbly, but not so bad.  My unoperated leg is strong, and I felt pretty comfortable moving again.  It was more of a mental struggle to walk properly again.
I did some PT on Thursday and Friday, and met with the occupational therapist on Friday prior to discharge.  I learned the most helpful thing from her to use my cane to help support and lift my operated leg.  With the cane upside down under the foot and the shaft supporting the inside of the leg, it helps to keep the knee out, move the leg safely and reduces the chance of tweaking it. 
I was discharged on Friday and had to crawl right into bed after the 2.5 hour ride home.  Felt pretty sick being upright for so long in the car.  After lying down again I felt good.  Over the next two days, I had what I believe was a spinal induced headache that was my only real complaint.  That cleared up by Sunday. 
Leg strength and movement with my PT exercises has improved by leaps each day.  I felt so much better on Saturday, then on Sunday, then today.  I am pretty vigilant with icing.  I've wrap my leg with the ice packs I've got and the leg stays chilled and elevated as much as possible.  I've been icing when I go to bed, and when I wake for my pain meds.  In the morning I go through my exercises and move for a while, then ice like crazy again.  The swelling moves from my operated thigh across my butt to the un -operated leg.  It has subsided a lot since Saturday, but I expect it will come and go for weeks to come yet. 

At night, I have woke in a total sweat and chilled on occasion.  I think I will stop the vistirol at night to see if that may help.  Maybe I'll stop the icing at night too.  A few strange dreams at night don't help either, so we'll have to see if we can get that to change.  More to  come.
todd

hey todd,

Congratulations on your new hip! I lived in Stillwater when I was in college at UW- River Falls a long long time ago. All of your symptoms are typical. I had a lot of initial swelling that dissipated by day 9. You'll have good days and days after you overdo it. Don't worry we all go through it. Relax and rest as much as you can it takes your body a while to heal after major surgery.

take care,

spencer
rbhr 6/26/08

Congrats on your new hip! What part of MN do you live in? I'm in Eden Prairie, and have both my hips resurfaced. I had dysplasia, so my cartilage wore out early. I'm only thirty two now, but have know for tewnty years that I had bad hips. I'm headed to New York today for my six week checkup on my right side(I'm for months postop left side).

Maybe we can start our own Hippy Reunion, MN!

Happy Recovery!
Ben
Dr. Su LBHR 9-11-08
RBHR 12-5-08

Ben,

I'm in Esko which is on I-35 between Cloquet and Duluth.  So 32 years old and 6 weeks into the new hips--how do you feel?  Did you do both at the same time? And had you considered Dr. Palmer in Stillwater?

Good luck!

Tuesday 1/13/09  +6 days

This morning I scheduled my 2 week check with my primary care physician and also scheduled my 6 week follow up with Dr. Palmer. 

I didn't have a very restful sleep again last night.  Woke up often either chilled or sweating several times.  What is interesting is that it wasn't a condition that was long lasting.  I would feel a wave of chill go through my body, then be fine.  I'd wake up an hour later soaked, but not feeling hot.  To get up and go to the bathroom my body was quivering badly as one might experience when sick.  OK, lots of symptoms, restless sleep, etc.  I spoke to one of Dr. Palmer's nurses to see if we could switch up medication or to determine if there might be other issues.  She asked about pain near my incision--none, no additional swelling, and I didn't have a fever.  Apparently the sweating isn't too uncommon, and can be a personal reaction with the Oxycodone.  The vistirol that I stopped taking would actually help some of my night symptoms, she said.  I asked about taking tylenol as an option.  We decided to try Vicodin perscription to see if getting off the Oxcycodone might help things out.  The tylenol may be fine, but she wanted to be sure I had something available that was strong enough if the tylenol wasn't.  I'm not in a race to get off meds, and it's early enough in my recovery, so I will try the vicodin for now and see what happens.  It should give me some data for the next hip at the very least. 
My wife and I have a big trip to Walmart planned this afternoon to get the meds.  I am excited to walk for some distance rather than back and forth in the house.  Too much snow and below 0 all week here to attempt an outdoor adventure yet.  Maybe by the weekend...

I did my beginner's PT exercises again this morning, followed by ice.  The leg strength is coming back.  I'm anxious to get the flexibility to come around now.  Standing, I can raise a bent knee so my foot is 13" off the ground.  Prior to surgery, a 9" stair tread would cause pain, so we've made some progress I think.  My groin is a bit sore from yesterday's exercises, so I don't think I will try to push so much today, but get through the routine with as many reps as is comfortable.  We'll push again in a day or 2. 

Todd,

So much of your experience thusfar resonates with me.  While I didn't play b'ball at the college level. I did play at HS level and played IM's at UVA and UNC.  Did and still do love the sport.  Also relate to the pain you went through before surgery and inability to run and exercise for several years.  While I still have a couple of months to go before I can think about running again, I'm doing the recumbent bike 40-50 minutes a day and/or walking 45+ minutes per day.  I can golf again, as the weather here in Virginia allows, and hope to get my game back this spring.

In a previous post you asked about bi-lat hippies.  Well, I had my first 12/18/07 and my second 4/4/08.  I had alot of swelling both times (and with the first, bruising from my lower back to my toes) and learned the importance of icing and elevation.  BTW, I'm 48 and in good health.  Timing on my second BHR was accelerated because the condition of the non-operative hip really deteriorated rapidly during the rehab of the operative hip.  My OS generally likes to allow 6 months for recovery on the first hip before he does the second, but we didn't have that luxury and my physical therapist discussed my situation with him and they agreed that we needed to go ahead with the second hip.  So, I've been where you are and want to encourage you and reassure you that things will be good.

There will be times when you will feel like things are not moving forward as quickly as you would like, but be patient.  My own mantra has been "I walk because I can," given how bad things had gotten before I had my BHR's.

I look forward to hearing about your progress and will be here, along with many others, to cheer you on.

Jim

Jim,
I appreciate your perspectives as I go through what you've experienced.  I hope that as I tell my story that others who are considering the surgery, or those who have been through it find some common themes.  It sure helps to know there are others out there who understand...I'm getting ready for a quick jaunt to WalMart--I hate shopping and WalMart, but I can hardly wait to walk around a little.

I'll let you know how it goes.
todd

Hey Todd,

Happy 1 week anniversary!
My "1 week old hip" is doing well. I feel like a totally different person then I did a week ago, Amazing!
Established a routine of PT, ice, walking, and rest. still have some swelling and bruising is starting to
appear. Have my first post-op appt. with dr clarke on Tuesday 1/20. Looking forward to getting the staples
removed, (hopefully?). Do you have stitches or staples?  Keep up the good work on the road to recovery.
Let me know how your doing.


jharpjr (John)

John,

Thanks and Happy 1 week anniversery to you as well.  I've got dissolvable stitches and steri-strips over the incision.  I think what has been most beneficial is the amount of icing I've been doing. 

I know from having endured some horrible basketball ankle sprains over the years, that ice-elevation-compression cycle is the biggest time saver during recovery. I am happily surprised thus far that I haven't "tweaked" my hip yet. Getting in and out of bed is where I am most fearful/cautious.  All it will take is a heel to drag across the bed or a twist of the body to set me back.

I still have quite a bit of swelling that is pushed around my thigh and rear.  Seems to get a little better each day.  My trip to Walmart was uneventful!  That is a good thing.  I was able to stretch out my gait and practice moving normally.  What a difference a week makes.  By the end I was in a pretty good sweat and in need of my nap, but it felt good to stretch out.  I certainly have quite a way to go yet, but so far so good. 

Last night was my first on the new pain meds.. I stopped the Oxycodone and got a script for Vicodin, which may prove to be more agreeable with me.  I guess I slept a little better, but still woke in a sweat.  Seems the vicodin isn't quite as effective a pain med because I certainly felt more dull pain than I had while on the oxycodone.  We'll give it a few days to see how it goes. 

These last few days I've been low on stamina which is probably similar to most of us.  If I'm upright and moving or doing anything, I can only go around 3 hours before I feel the need to lay and nap or rest.  I had my afternoon nap today post walmart, so now I'm good to go for a couple hours.  Maybe I'll take in my 5th grade daughter's basketball practice tonight.
todd

Thursday 1/15/09 +8 days

Last night's sleep was the best so far. So far I've been sleeping on my back with a pillow or two under the knee of my new hip, and then over my good leg.  This has taken the pressure off the hip and kept my knees apart and has given the leg a secure feeling.  Last night with a pillow between my knees, I laid for a while on my operated hip.  It still feels like a golf ball is in there, but wasn't horribly uncomfortable.  That will be something to revisit in the coming days.  I slept on my good hip most of the night with knees bent and a pillow between.  I've been able to move my hip more freely in the last 24 hours, and can adjust position without too much pain which makes side sleeping possible.  I've regained enough strength to lift and maneuver my leg even with a blanket over it.  There was one moment where I moved to adjust and a muscle within the hip began to contract and knot up.  Fortunately I was able to roll onto my back and take the pressure off that muscle.  I'm assuming the day's workouts were just a bit too much. 

I did a couple flights of stairs up and down going foot over foot yesterday.  The strength and stability has felt really good, and with a cane and hand on a railing, I was able to move pretty well.  I wouldn't attempt this without the support of the cane or railing yet, but it was certainly a good milestone. 
After morning exercises today, I've been icing again.  I've got more muscle soreness in my groin the past couple of days, and the swelling continues to go down. 

More to come.
todd

Todd,
It's great to hear that you are doing so well.  You seem to be advancing quit well.  I had my RBHR by Dr. Palmer 11/19/08 and I am very satisifed with the entire experience.  The pain I had in that darn hip was really cramping my style (such as it is).
Keep up the recovery (and don't slack on the PT).
JohnS

Good to hear from another of Dr. Palmer's sucess stories! How did you hear about him--are you local?  You are almost 2 months out with the new hip,  How long did it take to feel "normal"?  Similar pain experiences early on?  When people have asked how my pain has been, I keep wondering if I should be feeling worse than I do.  I have to think that Dr. Palmer takes some extra care with the handling of the muscles and doing some detail work inside to help reduce the post op problems.  When did you begin PT?


Thanks!
todd

1/16/09 +9 days

Another pretty uneventful day.  Did some striding out at the mall for a couple hours. It feels good to get everything all warmed up and moving, but by the end, I could feel the leg had enough.  I iced pretty thoroughly after my pt exercises and the walk.  Swelling is down overall again, and still feeling muscle soreness in the groin down to the knee where bruising is showing now. Everything felt just a bit better than the day before.  Slow steady progress...I'm able to bend over to my un-operated foot to do a shoe and sock, but am still a way off from the new side.  I was able to make it through the night without a 4am pain pill, so on the pain front that's an improvement.  I'll give X strength tylenol a chance tonight so I can get back to driving again-soon. 
todd

Todd,

It's good to read your posts.  I hope others who are contemplating hip resurfacing or have are scheduled are following along.

Sounds like things are coming along pretty well.  That's great!  Taking stairs foot-over-foot after eight days, especially with just the rail and a cane, is good progress.  Swelling sounds familiar: I was swollen and bruised from lower back to my toes for 2-3 weeks.  In the case of my left leg, it swelled to about 125% of it's normal circumference at calf level.  That was after the first surgery and I believe much of that was due to my failure to elevate the leg regularly enough.  I learned from that and the second go-round was much better.

Hang in there and be patient; progress may seem slow at times.

Jim

Jim,

Thanks for the well wishes.  I don't expect any of my entries here to be too exciting, but I imagine that someone out there will be or has already experienced some of the same things during their recoveries.  For those contemplating resurfacing surgery, I hope that you'll get a sense of what to expect..what's normal...etc.

I was up and around the school most of the day with elementary basketball practices, and took in a HS game as well.  I'm curious to see how the swelling and fatigue has set in as I didn't do as much walking as I did hanging around.   
I did drive today with no issues.  I've been careful getting in and out of the subruban, and have been pretty lightfooted as I make my way from the snow and ice to the indoors.  Pretty treacherous stuff.  I've moved on to the x-strength tylenol as my pain meds haven't seemed to necessary.  A friend of mine had resurfacing done with Dr. Palmer about a month ago, and has had a pretty similar recovery so far.  He mentioned that a leg press with very light weight has been helpful for ROM.  Any other ideas or suggestions for getting the flexibility working?

todd

Knowing that I would be going through it twice, I bought a recumbent cycle, which provided a pretty good workout without violating the 90-degree rule (no longer a constraint).  I need to drag my elliptical trainer back out and get to work on it, but right now I'm doing 40-50 minutes per day on the cycle, walking 45 minutes to 1 hour, or both, pretty much every day.  My doctor does not want me to run until I reach the 12-month mark, which will be in April.

Hey Todd,

I appreciate your journey, i'm due my LBHR 23/01/09... two weeks earlier than expected, it's been helpfull tracking your nine days. I would be happy if i can have a similar recovery to you.

Keep posting please.

Cheers

Terry

Terry,

Good luck to you!  During my evening pt exercises I realized that I had pushed it too hard today.  My legs were fatigued as it was, and I hadn't iced much today.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was up and around most of the day--more than any previous.  I was lying on the bed doing straight leg abduction (scissors) when the operated leg cramped and cramped good.  I know when you get a cramp in the calf you pull up on the toes to help clear it.  I had no idea how to clear up a leg abduction type cramp.  Breathed through it and realized that I had crossed the line.  Ice like crazy before bed, and I think I'll be a bit more gentle tomorrow.  I've been told by many to listen to what my body is telling me during recovery.  This was a good case in point.  Go into your surgery with a positive attitude and know that it is going to take some time--Each day you will reach a new milestone.  (I didn't get out of the bed until the next day).  Slow, steady, forward progress.  Let me know how you are doing prior to and after the surgery.

todd

1/19/09 +12 days

After my "overdoing" it on day 10, on day 11 I decided take it easier and focused more on simple movement rather than working on finding my limits.  That was a good decision I think.  In addition to my daily dozen exercises, I was able to do a 1/2 mile session both morning and evening on the treadmill.  It certainly wasn't fast, but it sure helps to stride out and move.  I iced thoroughly as always.  Overall, my swelling is minimal now.  I do feel the baseball bulge on the hip especially after working it, but not much of an issue--I was able to put on some jeans yesterday.  Finally slept through the night and able to sleep on my side.  I haven't needed pain meds during the day yesterday, and only took tylenol before bed, so that is a bonus.  I'm going to schedule real PT sometime this week, and we'll see how that goes.  I don't know quite what to expect or if I'm actually ready.  Although I like to have my cane with me just to walk without limping, I am able to get around without it now.  It seems I spend more time looking for where I left it in the house than actually using it while at home.  Outside the house it is nice to use just for the stability and aid especially as the leg gets fatigued.  No big push to get rid of it until I feel I can walk without limping--might as well begin walking like a human again rather than waddling like a duck. 
todd 

Todd man,

You seem to be making great progress, i had my pre-op accessment today and i was so impressed with how detailed the whole process was and i feel so much happier now, ready for Friday.

So correct me if i'm reading this wrong....you are now off your crutches and using a cane !!! Mr McMinn expects crutches for six weeks before the use of cane, when do you feel you will be ready to go back to work " obviously your job could be physical".

Cheers mate

Terry

Terry,

Maybe I was an anomaly.  I took one trip around the nurses station with the walker, and then they gave me the cane. I work shift work in a paper mill and we also have a home based business.  I don't know when I will try to get back to the mill, my guess is around 8 weeks.  It can be pretty physical, and working shifts can be tough to get enough rest when one is healthy.  I don't plan on rushing back considering I have to do the other hip next anyway.  We'll see how things progress.  As I said in an earlier post, I overdid things on Saturday, and still feel some pain and discomfort.  I will lay low for a day and let things settle down.  I have  a bit of a competetive nature to me, and unfortunately that can be troublesome when trying to recover and get better.  Pain is a good reminder of where your boundries should be.  I learn, but sometimes the hard way...


I'm sure you are excited for the surgery.  My advice is to let your body tell you what to do once you begin recovery.  The only difference I would consider in the hospital (and I'll have my chance on hip #2) is to get more ice, more often, and I realized later that I should have had a little higher pain med dosage early on.  That had interrupted my sleep more than I thought.  The nurses I had were phenomenal!  They poked and proded quite a bit, but they also brought me P & J toast and juice any time of the day or night.  Dr. Palmer did 6 BHR the day I was there, and to be in a facility where you know they've seen it all and they know what they are doing eases the mind.  Dr. McMinn will take good care of you I am sure.  Good luck, take it day by day, and let me know how everything goes.

todd 

1/21/09 + 14 Days

A milestone day, 2 weeks post-op.

By the end of the day yesterday, the fatigue in my leg had set in as I was on my feet at my daughter's basketball practice for 2 hours followed by an hour watching my son's nordic ski race.  I didn't have as much a pain as a total lack of strength left to raise my leg or get in/out of the car.  I didn't use my cane indoors much, but did take it to the ski race for stability in the uneven snow.  Being that I didn't hurt it yesterday, I was hoping that an overnight rest would yeild an improvment again, which it did.  I've been without my cane today so far and as long as the leg isn't fatigued, I don't have too severe a limp, and I don't feel that I have to compensate for it nearly as much as in previous days.  Lateral movement is still understandably slow and methodical.  There aren't any quick movements to change direction or anything, but walking around is not any issue today.  I do expect as the day wears on that I will find I need to use my cane for that added stability as the leg fatigues, but all in all it is good to begin relying on the muscles to regroup and do what they are supposed to do. 
I've been using only tylenol for pain, although there were times during the last couple of days that I would have liked to take the vicodin again.  Sleep has been decent, but I am still waking at least once a night.  I wasn't perscibed any anti-inflamatory (ibuprofen), so I called the clinic today to see what they thought.  My ongoing issue seems to be inflamation rather than pain.  Anyway, they agreed that would be most effective at this point to take 800mg ibuprofen 3x/day instead of the tylenol or other pain meds.  We'll see what kind of effect that has.
So, not a whole lot of issues to contend with today.  I'll probably do 1/2 mile on the treadmill and get the rest of my exercise at basketball practice again tonight. See how things feel by bedtime.
Have a great day!
todd

1/22/09 +15 days

3/4 mile on the treadmill today.  Once I got loosened up I was able to put on my sock--barely.  I got the first loop of my shoe tied, but couldn't complete the deal and had to ask for assistance from the wife.  We'll try again tomorrow.  No cane at all today.  I can't believe the steady improvement I have felt in the last few days.  There is no pain, just some tight and weak muscles.  The speed on the treadmill is still pretty slow, but every stride has become a bit less labored and more natural.  We'll let those muscles find their way and keep testing them out.  I meet with a PT tomorrow to see if she thinks I'm ready to get into some more strengthening and ROM stuff.  Happy to be plugging along at a steady rate.  Now if I can only get rid of the sweating and dry skin.   
todd

1/23/09 +16 days

Woke at midnight, drenched (as usual).  Toweled off and slept fine.  In the morning my face looked like I had soaked it in salt brine during the night--all dry and wrinkley, but not as bad as the day before.  I had my 2 week check in with my primary doctor today.  She was very impressed at my progress after 2 weeks.  I was very proud.  She gently checked my hip rotation and it was clearly far more mobile than my un-operated hip.  No pain, just tight.  She thought the sweating and dry skin is likely due to my body working on healing the hip.  My body can only focus on one thing at a time and my face is on the losing end.  Oh well, can't be healthy and beautiful at the same time I suppose ;D  I met with the PT who has been working on a friend of mine whose BHR hip is 35 days older from Dr. Palmer as well (12/1).  I'm set up for MWF next week and we'll start working on getting better. 

I felt pretty good again today, but have some tendonitis and a little swelling in my knee.  Nothing major, but noticeable.  I did 3/4 mile on  the treadmill this morning before my Dr. appt, and once loosened up, I was able to get my shoe tied.  I did have to sit on the stairs and pull my leg up close to my body, but I  got it done. 
Have a great weekend everyone!
todd

Tying your shoes on day 16?  That is great.

Good job Todd.

You are a rabbit rehabber for sure.


Chuck

Chuck,

Thanks.  It wasn't pretty, but it got done. I had to contort myself on the stairs (hip was in a safe position).  It's amazing what a body is willing to do when the joint isn't grinding itself into oblivion. 

So, I take it from your shoe-tying success, Todd, that your doctor hasn't imposed a 90-degree restriction on your hip?

That is correct. 

Some doctors do not impose the 90 degree rule, (looking over shoulder for Dr. Gross) I broke the 90 degree rule a bunch of times and nothing fell out.

Chuck

I've heard some doctors says that adhering to the 90-degree rule can actually cause your hip to be stiffer when it heals.

I want to talk with Dr. Gross about this restriction.  Obviously, people need to be conservative.  It's not impossible to disclocate a resurfaced hip during the first six weeks, but it isn't easy either.  Some of the restrictions seem a little bit overdone.

On the other hand, one doesn't want to do anything to undermine proper healing.

Bionic,

Actually as he Gross told me, doing stuff pigeon toed where you turn your foot inward too much can cause a disloction pretty easily.

When I would accidently turn my foot inward I would get a bad pain in my hip feeling like I was going to dislocate it.

Every doctor is different, where some doctors make their patients use teds Gross has you self inject arixtra for 10 days then aspirin for a short time.   I've read where some doctors just used asipirin.

Chuck

I can see that that movement would tend to rotate the femur out of the socket.  Come to think of it, isn't that the exact move the surgeon uses to dislocate the joint during surgery?

Exactly, they turn your leg inward to dislocate it.  Like I said before, I did break the rule, probably everytime I got into our car, now our blazer never.


Chuck

I also noticed the wide variety of post-op protocols by even experienced hip resurfacing doctors.  Dr. Su prescribes a daily dose of regular strength aspirin (325 mg) for six weeks as blood thinner whereas some doctors prescribe Coumadin.  He has no bending restrictions since he uses the NCP approach and other doctors have 90 degree bending restrictions up to six weeks.  He prescribes physical therapy after discharge from the hospital whereas other doctors prescribe PT after 6 weeks or none at all, just walk.  He recommends TEDS for three weeks whereas some doctors say no TEDS are necessary.  He allows high impact activities at 6 months whereas Dr. McMinn says wait 1 year.  It would be nice to cherry-pick the most advantageous post-op protocol from the patient's perspective ( e.g. I'd like to downhill ski at 3 months as Dr. DeSmet & Dr. Schmalzied allow it) but you have to follow your doctor's post-op protocol.

Interesting stuff.  Dr. Palmer didn't have a 90 degree restriction.  I was to wear the TEDS for 2 weeks (I wore them until 9 days).  Aspirin for 30 days. I begin PT at 21 days, but I don't know if there is protocol for that.  I found the TEDS helpful in keeping the swelling in my thigh rather than moving down to my knee or lower.  I used the Teds to stuff ice packs in to help hold them in place.  I felt more comfortable and that they were providing support during that first week. Once the swelling went down, it didn't feel right to wear them anymore--like I didn't need them, so I stopped.  I was able to stretch out my new hip on the treadmill last night.  I did an additional 1.25miles (23 minutes) which really felt good.  I haven't been able to exercise for so long.. I can hardly wait to run again!

There was one device that I got from the hospital was a polar ice kit... it uses a soft mat that has water pumped through it, when I awoke from the surgery they had my hip wrapped in it and they kept it on the whole time I was in the hospital.  When I got home I used it on my lazy boy and it really helped a lot.  I guess for th $2500 deductable I had to pay it was at least something that I had to show for it, that and my new hip.



Chuck

Todd,

As many others, obviously, I am enjoying following your progress.  I have been on this site for over a year and your posts have been among the most descriptive and accurate I've read -- at least as far as my experience(s).  Thanks alot for your dedication to relating what you've been going through.  Sounds like you're doing great.

I am surprised that you didn't have a 90-degree limitation, which is unusual.  Also, I would not want to suggest to others that they should shed their TED's when they think the time is right.  My understanding is that TED's are intended not-so-much to prevent swelling as to stimulate circulation and prevent blood clots, etc.  I would be concerned about conveying the message to others that they should ignore their doctor's recommendations.

Jim

Thanks Jim.

I didn't mean to suggest that I was the one to determine how long to wear the TEDS.  The directive instructions from the hospital say to wear them as much as possible for 30 days, at least for 12 hrs.  There came a point when I had them on that they would no longer stay up, as I was moving, walking, etc. and they weren't staying up it was more difficult to have them on than to take them off.  Truly, I should have not made that determination on my own.  I  do have a bit of an independent streak, and I think I am smarter than I am from time to time.  (at least I recognize this, and my wife provides good calibration for keeping me in line).  Follow the advice of your surgeons.  As I asked questions before leaving the hospital--As Chuck and Bionic have mentioned, each doctor seems to have a different protocol, and there is a reason.  Each has different techniques, experience, and control measures so that all together, they provide a comprehensive recovery plan.  If and when something goes wrong, they are able to determine a cause/effect based on these controls that they have in place.  I can see how important it is to have these constants when you consider the variables they have to contend with in patients.  So, long story short.  Stick to your doctor's plan.  Consult with him or his staff.  This is all uncharted territory for us, and I for one have called Dr. Palmer's staff numerous times to discuss my own personal recovery--meds, swelling, sweating, driving, walking, pt, etc.  They have been exteremely helpful, and in most cases have validated what I felt was best for me.  Each patient is unique.  Each recovery is unique.  A conservative, generic recovery handout from the doctor to me is a guide.  Be active in your recoveries and get advice  based on your individual situation.
ps.  thank you all for validating these posts.  It is very theraputic for me, and all the better if you are gaining some insight from what I am going through.
Have  a great Sunday! (Chuck, I'm rooting for the Steelers since the ViQueens have let me down for the 39th consecutive year!)
todd

Living in a small town, most everyone hears the news of everyone else.  I mentioned in previous posts that a teacher friend of mine (42years old)  had a BHR with Dr. Palmer 30 days before me (39 years old).  Big news in a small town--you guys are too young for a hip replacement.  Similar background, similar recoveries.  What really surprised me in the past couple weeks is the number of people here in town who are relatively young who began describing symptoms so similar to my osteoarthritis--pain after sitting for long periods, trouble straddling a four wheeler, pain when sitting on the toilet, trouble tying shoes, bending over, running, pain after activity, etc.  Many of these people reached that pain threashold where they finally went to see a doctor as I did, realizing that their pain wasn't just "aging" or being out of shape.  Xrays confirmed that they had cartalige damage.  Resurfacing is something they had never heard about, never knew existed. 

It still troubles me that after going through my hierarchy of good doctors and surgeons in Duluth, which is a highly regarded regional medical center, that the best advice they could or would offer me was a THR.  My pain and my lack of patience had me trusting this opinion, but my gut told me to keep searching.  I had heard of resurfacing, and needed to learn more.  Here I am early in recovery now and so totally certain that resurfacing was the best possible option.  I have been telling all those people who have been sharing their stories with me to look into it.  Relief is out there and within your reach. 

My wife suggested that I call the local paper and have them tell my story.  Now as a northern Minnesota of Finnish heritage, my natural instinct is to avoid attention at all costs.  An old joke:  What's the definition of an extrovert Finn?  He looks at your shoes when he talks to you.  Pretty true in this part of the country.  However, I feel so strongly that our stories need to be told and need to become understood, I think I will pursue her idea.  I wonder how many people have settled for second best?  I wonder how many people live with their pain without seeking relief. 
Todd

I've had similar experiences, many people telling me I was too young for a new hip (49 years old)... I also had trouble getting my regular doctor to sign off on my surgery.  It took me the better part of 20 minutes to get him to realize that it was in my best interest to get a hip resurfacing.

Todd.... hope those night sweats have gone away.


Chuck

Quote from: Todd on January 25, 2009, 10:51:25 AM
Living in a small town, most everyone hears the news of everyone else.  I mentioned in previous posts that a teacher friend of mine (42years old)  had a BHR with Dr. Palmer 30 days before me (39 years old).  Big news in a small town--you guys are too young for a hip replacement.  Similar background, similar recoveries.  What really surprised me in the past couple weeks is the number of people here in town who are relatively young who began describing symptoms so similar to my osteoarthritis--pain after sitting for long periods, trouble straddling a four wheeler, pain when sitting on the toilet, trouble tying shoes, bending over, running, pain after activity, etc.  Many of these people reached that pain threashold where they finally went to see a doctor as I did, realizing that their pain wasn't just "aging" or being out of shape.  Xrays confirmed that they had cartalige damage.  Resurfacing is something they had never heard about, never knew existed. 

It still troubles me that after going through my hierarchy of good doctors and surgeons in Duluth, which is a highly regarded regional medical center, that the best advice they could or would offer me was a THR.  My pain and my lack of patience had me trusting this opinion, but my gut told me to keep searching.  I had heard of resurfacing, and needed to learn more.  Here I am early in recovery now and so totally certain that resurfacing was the best possible option.  I have been telling all those people who have been sharing their stories with me to look into it.  Relief is out there and within your reach. 

My wife suggested that I call the local paper and have them tell my story.  Now as a northern Minnesota of Finnish heritage, my natural instinct is to avoid attention at all costs.  An old joke:  What's the definition of an extrovert Finn?  He looks at your shoes when he talks to you.  Pretty true in this part of the country.  However, I feel so strongly that our stories need to be told and need to become understood, I think I will pursue her idea.  I wonder how many people have settled for second best?  I wonder how many people live with their pain without seeking relief. 
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,

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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 (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knackered).

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 :) ).

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

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. 

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 (http://en.battlestarwiki.org/wiki/Cylon_Centurion), from Battlestar Galactica (http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/).  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).

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.

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

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


Chuck

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.

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.   

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,

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

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?

Good thanks,

Just working on trying to get that gait right !!! at five days i'm happy with the way i feel, i think it is so easy to forget it is a major op, so i keep reminding myself to just relax and try to enjoy the experience.

I'll post day 5 once i've had my dinner.

Cheers

Terry

1/30/09 +23 days

Seem to be sleeping better each night.  I do think now that the sweating and dry skin are due to the body trying to heal the hip, and we're getting there.  I had my 3rd PT session today and it went much better than the Pain and Torture sessions earlier in the week.  Ever since that first session on Monday I was very sore around the hip and that pain was as much as I had felt for quite some time.  Today when I woke the hip was firm and I had the "monkey fist", but no pain or soreness.  The exercises repeated from Wed. PT session were much easier and smoother.  Did 1.25 miles on the treadmill at 4mph--without a limp for the first mile. Fatigue sets in of course and that's good.  I did another 2 miles on the bike, and felt pretty good.  My old hip doesn't travel in a vertical plane like the new hip, which is a reminder to me that we need to fix it later this spring.  I was on the leg press for a while too.  For me, the challenge remains lateral stability and trust in the hip.  To lift my other leg to put on pants is more than I trust, and I have to have a hand hold to balance.  The PT exercises that offer the biggest challenge are also in maintaining balance with the new hip.  It feels stronger than earlier in the week, but still has a way to go yet.  Flexibility is not bad.  I am kneeling on my other knee to tie the shoe of my new hip.  That is not necessarily comfortable to do, but as the flexibility improves, it is do-able at least.   
The differences and improvements are more subtle than they were in the first few days, but we're still moving in the right direction.  No complaints, no hurry.  We'll just keep the pace we're on.
todd

2/2/09 +26 days

Subtle improvements continue.  Took it easy on  Saturday, and got on the treadmill and bike on Sunday.  Did some theraband exercises during the superbowl--Chuck, I knew your Steelers would pull it out.  Iced for an hour before bed, and will have PT later today.

I cancelled my Wednesday PT and will be going ice fishing with my brothers instead. That will be a "real-world" PT. We'll be in the BWCAW (boundry waters canoe area wilderness) no motor vehicles allowed.  We ride snowmobiles in to the boundry and walk the rest of the way.  I already told them that they'll be pulling me in a sled if necessary, but as long as the trail is solid, it will provide some good movement for me.  My wife's a little nervous, but I'll be in good hands I think.  Being pulled in a sled by my older brothers will be just like the old days as a youngster.  Maybe I'll have them bait my hook too!  We'll let you know how big the lake trout are.

Todd,

I am sooooooooooo jealous, you're going fishing and I will be working.  Ohhh well.  Yes that is great threapy, get out and do stuff.  Good luck, catch some biguns.  My first love is surf fishing but any kind of fishing would be great!

Yes, my Steelers pulled it out for me.  I feel bad for Mud, errrrr ummmm ok, no, I don't feel bad for Mud  ;D  Maybe Mud will become a Stillers fan next year.

The Cardinal have nothing to be ashamed of though, they were warriors.


Chuck

I have to admit that I perdicted the Steelers to win before the game, but was silently rooting for the Cards when my Minnesotan #11 Fitz took it to the house.  Great game!  Sorry Mud...

Chuck,

I'm no Cardinals fan, but the Steelers were so lucky. That end of the half turnaround really saved it for the Steelers. It could've been 14-10 Cards going into half. Harrison made a great run. He should also consider boxing or MMA as well.

Enjoy your win it was well deserved.



spencer

2/3/09 +27 days

Another pretty normal day.  Helped get the kids off to school, did some paperwork, and went to the fitness center at the high school.  My lateral stability has improved a great deal from Monday's PT session.  I really think that she's finding and working some muscles that wouldn't get attention just by walking or cycling right now.  The day of PT the exercises are pretty taxing just getting the muscles to cooperate, but already today I have noticed an improvement.  I was up to 4.4mph for 15 minutes today with pretty normal striding.  Just to see, I picked up my knees and tried a light jog, but that extra force is just too much to handle. Clearly not ready for that yet.  The leg strength is good, but there is definitely pain at the hip when doing this.  I also did some strength work with some leg extensions and curls as well as some leg press, and repeated the speed and time on the treadmill.  Got my gear ready for fishing in the morning.  We'll give the leg a good test in the outdoor elements...gently of course.

todd

2/5/09 +29 days.

Well, I survived the fishing expedition.  We left my brother's house early Wed. morning, it was -31F, and it warmed up to -29F  :o in the hour it took to drive to the lake.  Nice day in Minnesota!  1 mile ride on the snow machines and we set up in 50' of water 24" of ice.  We caught a couple 6 pound lake trout and missed a couple more, so the fishing was really pretty good.  By noon the temperature came up to +6F, so we were basking in the weather. 

My hip performed pretty well, but it was certainly more difficult to maneuver with heavy clothes and boots on than what I've been used to for the past few weeks.  I was able to handle walking on the breaking snow crust and uneven terrain.  Did some adduction and abduction work using the snow as resistance along with walking.  Maybe I can convince my PT to do the next session while fishing?  Kills 2 birds with one stone I suppose.  It was really good to get out in the real world and give it a little test.  I clearly have a way to go yet as I woke up a little sore in the flexor this morning, but all in all we're progressing.(//)

Sweet.  How did you get the fish to smile like that?

I just tickled his funny bone.

Todd,

That is so cool that you went fishing just a few weeks post op, you are an animal    :o

I am an avid surf fisherman, I fish the outer banks of NC and I really missed doing it the last years so I made up for it in November by fishing almost every day all day.  My hip did extremely well, actually I do better walking on my hip than I do sitting. 

Nice trout.  Next year I might go back to lake Erie for some steelhead fishing, that was always a lot of fun.

Way to go Todd.


Chuck

Quote from: Todd on February 05, 2009, 07:08:07 AM
2/5/09 +29 days.

Well, I survived the fishing expedition.  We left my brother's house early Wed. morning, it was -31F, and it warmed up to -29F  :o in the hour it took to drive to the lake.  Nice day in Minnesota!  1 mile ride on the snow machines and we set up in 50' of water 24" of ice.  We caught a couple 6 pound lake trout and missed a couple more, so the fishing was really pretty good.  By noon the temperature came up to +6F, so we were basking in the weather. 

My hip performed pretty well, but it was certainly more difficult to maneuver with heavy clothes and boots on than what I've been used to for the past few weeks.  I was able to handle walking on the breaking snow crust and uneven terrain.  Did some adduction and abduction work using the snow as resistance along with walking.  Maybe I can convince my PT to do the next session while fishing?  Kills 2 birds with one stone I suppose.  It was really good to get out in the real world and give it a little test.  I clearly have a way to go yet as I woke up a little sore in the flexor this morning, but all in all we're progressing.(//)

Thanks, Chuck.

I "surf" fish in the winter on Lake Superior here for a stocked hybrid kamloops rainbow trout, and have done some steelheading quite a few years ago..can't beat the atmosphere of being out in the elements and waiting for the big one.  I agree that the hip usually does better walking than sitting.  I was on a 5 gallon bucket for a while yesterday, but found I was a lot better off standing or kneeling.  We had been fishing at 25' down, and I pulled my jig to about 5' under the ice to watch the action and make sure it was doing what I wanted it to do when WHAM.  Fresh laketrout for dinner tonight. 

Todd,

That sounds like good eatin'. Do you guys use a portable shed or are you out in the elements the whole time? Man I'm a cold weather wimp, I cringe when it dips below +40.



spencer

We used a portable house with a small propane heater.  The low temps keep the air very dry, and the cold isn't as potent with that low humidity.  Wind is more biting than anything, and we were fortunate to have calm air most of the day too.  Any surface hippys wanting to have a physical therapy session on the ice, let me know.  Bring some warm clothes and I'll take care of the rest. 

2/9/09 +33 days

Last week between PT and treadmill and bike, I had overdone it a bit.  Took it easy this weekend and worked mostly on stretching and flexibility.  Each week I've been measuring the distance I can raise my foot from the ground with a bent  knee.  My unoperated leg gets to 13", and my new hip allows me to get my foot 23" off the ground.  My kids like to show off and show how high they can put their feet--on the table and back of the couch. I'm not there yet, but much improved from pre-op and compared to the previous week.  I've been doing lunges and groin stretches, and not much walking as the pain around my hip has been causing me to limp a lot more than in previous days.  When doing ROM during PT, I'm getting more clunking in the hip.  When the therapist puts a firm hand on the hip, the clunking is reduced or eliminated in some instances.  She suggests that we do more to strengthen those lateral stability muscles (adduction and abduction) rather than extending the ROM.  Try to avoid too much clunking until the muscles can take over. 

We worked on my gait today.  It really takes some concentration for me to walk without waddling, but we're making some progress.  I've been testing the hip against things I couldn't previously do.  Going up stairs 2 at a time is now pain free.  Can't say the same for my unoperated hip.  I am looking forward to having that one done around the end of March.  I can tell it's starting to hold me back. 

I told my wife today that the progress from day to day is nearly as dramatic as it had been initially, but having some benchmarks and small goals helps to recognize that there is progress.  I would highly recommend to anyone having the surgery to make note of little things that you can and can't do, and use that to mark progress after surgery.  For the past week I've been trying to get my pants on without having to stabilize myself with a wall or the bed.  Standing on the new hip is alright, but the strength and stability to balance while the other leg is raised and bent has been too much.  I try everyday, and that will be another small benchmark of progress. 

Have a great day!
todd

Todd,

Your progress is great mate, I'm really impressed with your work ethic...I think because of the difference in sugeons protocols it's easier for me not to try and push to hard, because if I was told to go jump through hoops I would mate.

Keep up the good work..

Not sure if I could face having my other hip done for a while, as pleasant as the whole experience has been I want time to fade my memory a little.

Cheers

Terry

Terry,

It is strange the different protocols between surgeons, and you are right--we follow what they tell us to do and not to do.  Eventually we all reach the same point of "normal" again.  Part of me dreads having the next hip done because it is a long slow road back.  On the other hand, I have seen what can be with one new hip, and I can hardly wait to get it over with so I can prepare for a summer of activity! 

2/11/09 +35 days

I've been nursing my hip for the last few days after overdoing the treadmill last week.  I was more concerned with getting a good workout rather than tending my hip, and am still feeling the hurt this week.  So, I've laid off the treadmill until further notice.  I did 10 minutes on the bike to warm up prior to my PT today.  I've seen some questions on this site about whether PT is necessary or not, and in my experience, it has been extremely helpful.  If for nothing else, to help give you peace of mind that you are progressing.  I get a hip massage, stretching, various exercises and rom work, theraband variations and walking practice.  There are muscles that are being worked that haven't been active for some time, and they need to be retrained.  My therapist is going to develop a PT protocol for hip patients using my experiences as a guide--I never dreamed I'd be a hip model. 
Although I'm a bit impatient, I still notice the subtle improvments from day to day.  A bit better flexibility, better ROM, and after each therapy session we do a gait check where I try to walk like a human.  Today was easily the most normal I have felt walking. It does take some concentration, and being loosened up makes it easier (I'm limping and icing now) but it was progress again.  I have to remember to heal my hip before concerning myself with getting my workout in.  It's just hard knowing that pain is nearly gone and I can hardly wait to start playing hoops again.

Hi Todd,

John (jharpjr) here from Syracuse NY. Glad to hear you are becoming a "famous model" in the hip resurfacing PT world.
Just take it easy and be patient. I too over did a PT session and now realize it wasn't worth the pain afterward. I'm learning the best mix is for a successful recovery is a good PT program and patience. Happy 5 week anniversary, keep
working and you'll be back to normal activities before you know it....

John,

You're absolutely right. Patience is not easy to remember sometimes.  If we look back at where we were to where we are in 5 weeks though, what a difference!  There are many small improvements that are evident from day to day that I have to remind myself of.  Happy 5 week anniversary to you too! 

Todd, I think I already know how you feel.  My doc strictly limits activity for the first 6 weeks.  I can't even ride my recumbent bike.  Still, my Bowflex is waiting for me downstairs, and the PT at the hospital told me I was free to workout anything above the waist as long as it doesn't affect my hips.

I even at 6 weeks post-op+++ find myself seeing imrovements.  For instance a few weeks ago I was able to pull my knee up towards my chest as far as my non operated hip, today we took my daughter and friends bowling, I have not bowled in 3 years!!!  I bowled without even a twinge of pain. 

So many things that change everyday, it's amazing, lately I've noticed sometimes I get zero startup stiffness unless I am seated a long time, I was told that could last a year or better.

You are doing really well, you should be very pleased.


Chuck

Quote from: Todd on February 12, 2009, 09:49:44 AM
John,

You're absolutely right. Patience is not easy to remember sometimes.  If we look back at where we were to where we are in 5 weeks though, what a difference!  There are many small improvements that are evident from day to day that I have to remind myself of.  Happy 5 week anniversary to you too! 

Thanks Chuck.  I am really thrilled with where I'm at considering where I began this journey.  I keep reminding myself that it's still very early in the recovery process, and I have to take it one day at a time.  What a great feeling to be able to do an activity without pain or compensating to avoid pain!  I bet that was exciting! Were you able to break 100?

Hey Todd:

Had my 6 week post op doctor's appointment this past Friday, 2/20 and received the following news:

  1. all hip restrictions have been lifted
  2. took me off blood thinners (awesome!)
  3. can go back to work at the office.
  4. can start working out with weights, aerobics but not impact stuff (running, etc)
  5. will keep going to PT 3x/week for another 4 weeks

I'm pretty excited about this. Wasn't expecting this news until 12 weeks post op appt. I will continue to do the PT too which I credit my "speedy" recovery, along with patience. My improved flexibility is drastically noticable and ROM is improving everyday. Most importantly, I no longer have pain in my left hip, lower back, or down my left leg. That alone was worth all we've been through. Workouts will start out slow and light on stationary bike, eliptical orbitor, some walking outdoors (weather permiting) and weight training. I'm 20 lbs lighter than the day of my surgery and want to lose another 20. I hope all is going well for you. From your recent posts, it sounds like it is. Keep me updated.

John from Syracuse

PS: Happy 6 weeks.....

Wow!  John, sounds like you're doing spectacularly!  20lbs is fantastic--It's amazing how much easier exercise can be without the joint pain.  Just wait until you can start running and really getting active.

I meet with Dr. Palmer on 3/5 when he returns from vacation.  Recovery is going pretty well for me too.  I'm continuing with PT 3x week for a couple more weeks, and I've been lifting weights and riding the bike either before or after therapy since I'm in the fitness center already.  With the snow and ice we have outside, it's been harder to get out and walk, but I'm getting around just fine.  I've slipped on the ice a couple times, and last night I was riding my 5 yr. old's scooter in the basement and tweaked my hip a little.  What's encouraging is that the pain was sharp initially, but not horrible. I definitely have some healing to do, but seem to be getting closer to normal every day.  Patience is the key, isn't it.

I expect I will go back to work by the end of March, and plan on working for the month of April.  Depending on Dr. Palmer's schedule I'll have my right hip done in early May.  Recovery and rehab will be a little easier without the snow and ice to contend with. Looking forward to getting back to normal by mid summer.

take care!
todd

Glad to hear you're doing so well at 6 weeks--it will only get better!   

2/26/09 +50 days  Wow...that went quickly

Seems like yesterday in some respects, but where I was on day 1, where I am now, and where I expect to be in a couple months it is truly amazing.  ROM is better than it has been since--forever.  In comparison to my bad hip, it is unbelievable how bad it had been. 
I am going about my daily activities almost without thought of protecting the hip.  In our lovely MN weather, my hip has had to deal with snow, ice, and uneven terrain.  The stabilizing muscles have kept me on my feet although I have slipped and felt a twinge on occassion.  Fortunately, the pain wasn't too severe, and wasn't lasting.  Mostly it gave me confidence that I was getting better.  At the end of a rigorous day however, I've been sore and the hip felt weak.  It certainly isn't fully healed, and needs time to get the strength and stamina back.  I've been conscious of that fact and haven't tried to push it once I felt that fatigue. 

During PT we've checked my ROM against the bad hip, and will monitor that in the coming weeks and when surgery on the bad hip is done we'll have a baseline.  PT in the last week has been a lot of stretching and massage, with some spinning and strengthening.  My PT and I have a pretty good rapport and we are making steady progress without overdoing things.  I've got a pretty good sense of my recovery and status from day to day, and she has been great in recognizing where I'm at and what will be effective on a given day. 
I'm still feeling some pain when putting full weight on my hip in a running/jogging action, so I've been staying off the treadmill and not pushing that envelope yet.  I do check to see if the pain is there every couple of days, and I've found that after a good day of rest that the pain is pretty much gone.  That leads me to believe that it just needs some more time and healing and I need to be patient and let things run their course. 

I continue to limp before getting things stretched and loosened up, and each day is a bit different.  The limp goes away with some concentration and good stretching, so we're still making progress there too.

All in all, I'm satisfied with where I'm at today, and I'm looking forward to seeing Dr. Palmer in a couple weeks to see what he thinks.


In these past 2 months, I've talked to more people with hip issues (OA) than I would ever have expected.  Many have been told (as had I) that THR was their best option, and to wait as long as they can.  Don't take that answer as your only option!!! Please get an opinion from a surgeon who deals with both THR and HR.  You can get your "normal" life back.  Like many people you will read about on this website, there were many days that I didn't have pain, or it was tolerable.  The problem was that I stopped doing the things that I liked to do because of the pain, and I wanted to get back to living without compromising the things that were important to me.  I'm so glad that I found this website and got educated.  Hope you all do the same!

3/13/09 +65 days...9 weeks right?

Hi everybody.  It's been a busy few weeks wrapping up the youth basketball seasons, playoffs, kids, etc.. and this week we are exhibiting at a wholesale tradeshow in Minneapolis (5 days). 
I had my 6 week check-up with Dr. Palmer last week (actually 8 weeks post-op).  The drive from home is 2.5 hrs, 20 minutes in the waiting room, 15 minutes for xrays, 10 minute wait for Dr.P, 5 minute check-up, and home again.  Not really worth the drive... He had me walk to check my gait which he said looked pretty good, looked over the xrays and everything looked great. 
My ROM is as good as I could hope for at this point.  In the past week my stamina and strength on the bike have improvded considerably.  I'm still having start-up stiffness and some sorness walking which is better some days than others.  The lateral strength/stability is still improving as well.  I've been having an interesting pain that my PT wasn't sure of...When I do an exercise that compresses the joint like a squat or lunge, I am pain free until I release to a standing position and take the load off the hip.  Any ideas folks?  If I had to guess, it seems the elasticity of the muscles hasn't come back fully and that is the source of the pain.  It goes away rather quickly.

I'll return to work at the paper mill next week.  I should be fine to do everything I need to do, and they're pretty good to help ease the burden if needed.  It will be interesting to see how things hold up after a 12 hour day, although I'm sure the hip will be fatigued. 
Right hip is scheduled for May 5.  I look forward to rehabbing that without snow and ice to contend with this time. 
todd

3/24/09 +76 days (I think)

Completed my final PT session on Friday, and was set free into the wild.  I'm still experiencing start-up stiffness and soreness when I walk.  That goes away once I am stretched and loosened up.  My flexibility and ROM is hugely improved and I can't wait for the day I can run again, but that won't be for a while as there is still significant pain during the testing I do periodically.  We'll try to be patient.
I return to work on Monday 3/30.  I've been very fortunate to have the extended time off to recover and rehab without worrying about work, and I will return without restrictions, but clearly I'm not at 100% with much of anything, and I'll have support from my employer to help me get through the day as needed. 
Hip #2 is scheduled for May 6, so I will return to work for only one month and then go through this one more time.  It will be helpful to have the snow off the ground and the weather more conducive to outdoor walking, but looking back, there were plenty of indoor walking options with malls, schools, etc. for those of you wondering if you should wait for summer to have surgery-- not that big a deal. 
For those of you preparing for surgery, here are some of my experiences:
1.  PT was extremely helpful for me.  I began at 3 weeks (could have waited another week).
2.  Don't overdo your recovery.  Patience in letting your body heal is difficult, but time is the factor that is needed most along with your bed exercises.  I made the mistake of trying to speed things up by going an extra mile or a little faster.  It did more harm than good.
3.  Use this website to help you through recovery.  People here have experienced what you will be wondering "is this normal".  It eases the mind and helps to hear from those who have gone before.  Your family will get tired of hearing about how your scar looks, but people on this site will appreciate it.
4.  Follow your Dr.'s protocol and ask questions.  Each has their own way and after 500 or  5000 surgeries, it's best to go with what they tell you to do/not do.   
5.  Finally, from my perspective:  There is a lot of discussion on surgical approach, technique, metal/ceramic implants, metal ions, and all sorts of things that I really know very little about.  I never asked my surgeon to explain all of these things, because to me it didn't really matter.  These topics can be debated, but no clear significant difference in quality or patient outcome presents itself.  If there was, we would have studies and published trials that showed such.  A surgeon's preference and experience in approach, technique and implant device is far more telling in how successful a surgery will be.
There remains only one debatable topic in which there is clear consensus among surgeons who do both: RESURFACING is a far better option than THR in most instances.  Find a surgeon who does both (from this site) who has done significant numbers of resurfacings, and can offer you an educated opinion.
-Todd

Todd,

You make an excellent point at the end of your post today ...... Find a surgeon that does both resurfacing and THR that can offer an educated opinion.

Just by chance 2 years ago I was introduced to someone who was 3 weeks post-op from resurfacing with Dr. Marwin. I had been to 2 other surgeons previously and they told me my only cure was THR.

I educated myself on resurfacing and decided to make an appointment with Dr. Marwin who does both resurfacing and THR. I spent an hour with Dr. Marwin reviewing my x-rays and the pros/cons of both procedures. I went home and after a year of educating myself I decided that resurfacing was for me. The obvious reasons for the first 2 surgeons recommending THR was that they did not perform resurfacing. When I went to my primary care doctor for surgical clearance, his comment was "your going for that new fangled thing". He all but told me I was crazy.

I'm sure glad I opted for resurfacing.

The saga continues. I'm officially a bilateral as of 5/6/09.  I had forgotten how weak and useless the operated leg is during the first 24 hours, however I am Happy to report that all went well and I expect a smooth recovery.  It's nice to have been through it once to better know what to expect. 

Hi Todd

Congratulations on the new hip.  Just give it a little time. 

Good Luck.  Keep in touch.

Pat

Quick update:  Day +10 on the right hip;
In looking through my own posts from my first hip in January, I'm on a similar recovery pattern with better results so far.  This time, I took a more active role in the hospital in getting enough ice to keep the swelling down.  That has been a huge benefit!  I'm without my cane except for long excursions now, and have been able to ride a bike (leisurely) as well.  Swelling has been down enough that I'm only icing after exercise now.  Got off the narc. pain meds on day 6 and am taking tylenol as needed.  Strength and stability has returned more quickly this time and I haven't overdone things yet.  I know how setbacks happen when doing too much too quickly, so we've set a steady course rather than a sprint. 
todd

That's great news!

Todd,

I can't thank you enough for your wonderful posts to this site.  You have helped me so much in gaining confidence to take the plunge when I go for my initial visit with Dr. Palmer in Stillwater on June 4th.  I talked with you yesterday on the phone after finding you on Surface Hippy and that was so nice of you to take time with me.  You talk as eloquently as you write, and that's saying something.  I don't know what you do at the paper mill in Duluth, but you need to be in the HR department (no, not Hip Resurfacing...which is what HR stands for in my mind anymore with all this reading).  Your story via this blog is so informative and allows me to know what to expect if and when Dr. Palmer approves me for a bilateral BHR.  I've been hurting since 2000 and have reached a point of "I've had it with this shuffle routine!"  I'm no longer intimidated by this surgery, and in fact am looking forward to it.  I had two Ortho docs tell me to do the THR, but I'm soooooo glad I found this site and did the research on BHR.  Thanks again for your writing, and your phone conversation.  You da man! 
Rick

Maybe I'll go into politics...I have gained a lot of insight from this website, and I am so glad that sharing my experiences have helped ease the way for you!  I wish you luck and as I said on the phone, keep us informed. 

Todd

Todd:  Congratulations on your second resurfacing and welcome to the Double Surface Hippy Club!  Glad to hear things are going well for you.  My second (3-1/2 months after my first) was much easier as well.

Rick:  I think Todd speaks very eloquently for a host of us.  His story is pretty typical in terms of the very positive experience he has had.  As I have said many times before on this site, my first surgery went so well (including the tremedous relief in the pain I had been experiencing) that I actually looked forward to the second operation.  I knew what to expect and was very comfortable with the whole thing.  This procedure has been life-changing for me.

Personally, while I'm sure the concurrent bilateral hip surgery is very doable, I'm happy that I had some time between my surgeries.  The pain is very manageable, but I was not fully prepared for how unstable the joint -- muscles having been cut, etc. -- would be post-surgery.

Best wishes to both of you!

Jim

Thanks Jim!  Glad to be in the elite club.
I think knowing what to expect certainly helps when recovering the second time around.  The family and I took a 9 mile bike ride (day 18) today. Leisurely ride with a gentle down slope, so there was not a whole lot of effort other than staying on the trail.  We left a vehicle at the end of the ride to transport the bikes back.  I'm trying to decide whether to go to PT again or not.  I'm a little bit concerned because I feel like I'm progressing well on my own, and I don't want to get pushed beyond what I'm ready for.  I kind of like the pace I'm on right now.  With my first hip I thought that the PT I had was very helpful.  With the nice spring weather though, I may be best to work through my recovery on my own.  We'll see how the next week or two progress.

Hi Todd

I've just discovered your thread - it makes very interesting reading.

Like you, I'm a double-hippy, though with nearly four years between operations.    I'll be posting something about how it worked out for me fairly soon.  The main reason for the gap was that the second hip didn't need doing at the same time as the first - I could more than cope with it.   

I've found lots of ups and downs in recovery - it is easy to overdo things.    I haven't had any PT apart from the few days I was in hospital and then only a couple of very brief sessions.     I have, however, been doing lots of stretches and exercises.

I hope your recovery continues well.

Ed

Hi Todd,

The pt thing is really subjective, I had only two sessions which were a waist of time, I think if you are motivated enough to do what is needed for the hip on your own and listen to your body then you can progress fine, that said pt is a real help for some of us..ie strengh and stability etc, I know that I found the wobble board really helpful for a 2/3 week period early on.

I over pushed my own pt once and it took me a week to get over it and as you say you have the spring to get out and about and do stuff.

Good luck

Terry