For those who have gone before did you have preop jitters and if so what did you do about?
I am two weeks from my bilat surgery with Dr. Gross and I find myself anxiously visiting this site multiple times a day. I almost feel a panic that I don't know enough to have the surgery and maybe the answers are hidden somewhere in posts on this forum. However, I tend to avoid those sections about complications and bad outcomes.
It seems as my surgery approaches, time is slowing down and my the pain and soreness are becoming worse. Probably the latter is because I have stopped the anti-inflammatory prior to surgery and Tylenol isn't as effective. Only good thing about the greater pain is helping me to overcome the rising anxiety and not chicken out of the approaching surgery. I don't think not having the HR is an option.
Alan/Denver
Alan,
If you like you can email me privately or private message me here and I'll give you my phone number, I was operated on 8/6/08 of last year and I know of 3 other surface hippies who have agreed to help folks by phone.
Dr. Gross and his crew are awesome, I was never in more pain than I was on my worst day pre-op, a good one to follow on this now is Bionic's blog he was just done a short time ago and he is very descriptive about his journey.
You are in really good hands, believe me.
Chuck
Hi Alan
You are in good company - many people have the pre op jitters. Try to stay positive and don't go looking for the negative. There is very little negative when you are using the top surgeons. Sure it is major surgery, but you have the odds in your favor with Dr. Gross and team.
Spend your time planing on what you are going to be doing this summer. Picture the new life you are about to have. See yourself active and pain free! Now that's something to spend a lot of time thinking about. Plan some new things you have never done before to test those new hips out.
New hips are not only physically life changing - but an emotionally positive gift since you will be happier than you have been in years. You will be getting a new lease on life. You no longer have to worry about pain and what you can't do - you will be a "can do guy."
Normally, you can still take the meds like Darvocet or Vicoden before surgery. Why don't you ask Lee if you can take that and then get a prescription from your family doctor. I was able to take Vicoden right up to the day before surgery since it is not a NSAID. I looked like a traveling pharmacy when I flew to Belgium with my bag full of drugs! I needed them on the 8 1/2 hour flight.
Remember what Lee once told me - you can't know all about the surgery since you are not a doctor. We all get on those big jets and don't know how to fly, we have to put our faith in the pilot and plane. Put your faith in Dr. Gross and Lee. You don't need to know anything about the surgery for it to be absolutely sucessful.
Good Luck and start dreaming about what you can do - not what can go wrong! Our thoughts can make our reality, so go for the positive!
Pat
Hi Alan,
I'm glad that my 1yr post gave you some encouragement. It's probably impossible to put yourself in a recovered perspective, but to the extent you can, it would probably help. As I recollect the anxieties and hassles both immediately before and after the resurfacing, it seems much less significant from my current perspective. For e.g., my surgeon's standard practice is to prescribe a course of lovenox blood thinner shots for 2 weeks after surgery. At the time, I recall the emotional hurdle - it didn't hurt bad, it was just a hassle - of the daily shot. Every day it was a big event - 7 days post-op; 1/2 done with the Lovenox, 12 days post-op, almost done. Now when I look back, it's like "no big deal, it was just 2 weeks of a little pin prick." After your successful surgery, you'll be riding your bike and enjoying an active life with no need for anti-inflammatory meds!
Good luck,
-Dirk
Alan,
Not to worry. The morning of surgery goes fast. They'll ask you questions. Discuss your anesthesia, usually a spinal plus an epidural and a twilight. They'll shave your hip area and wash down with bentodine. Finally they'll put an IV in your hand. Shortly after they'll roll you into the OR. Once in the OR, you'll get onto the operating table. THen they'll turn on the twilight via the IV and you won't feel, hear of remember anything. While you're in the twilight they'll administer the spinal and the epidural. You won't know it until you wake up in the PACU, or Recovery Room. When you first wake up you will feel no pain. You may notice you have a few extra IVs in you for another 12 to 18 hours. One IV in you arm is to monitor pressure, etc.. the other may be in your neck and is there in case you need blood. I had a bi lat and didn't need any so don't fret over blood.
When you wake up your legs may still be numb and you may not able to move them. THe spinal will wear off over the next few hours. During this entire time you will feel no pain and minimal discomfort, maybe some from the swelling. They'll take the epidural out in 18 to 24 hours. Before that narcotics will be metered out and you will have a button to push if you need more. This should be the least of your worries. Even after the epidural is removed the oral meds work fine. I was on Percoset.after the epidural. At first you get two tablets every 3 hours or so. While in the hospital you may wean down to one tablet every 4 hours or so. By or shortly after discharge some people are down to Tylenol Don't rush it though b/c you want to do your physical therapy exercises with out pain.
While you may be on crutches for 3 to 4 weeks its primarly to keep weight off the hip. It is not b/c you couldn't walk without them That was my experiece and i had both hips at once.
At 3.5 weeks out I was off the crutches and I walk anywhere I want to go. I walk much more not than pre surgery. Most important I walk with out pain.
You can do physical therapy in the hospital and when you are discharged. I went at PT a little earlier and harder than some suggest. Listen to your doctor. My regimen worked for me though. Now I can use the tredmill and I begin pool exercises this week.
As a side note, the day following my surgery,shortly after I got into my hospital room from the PACU I called a friend that has not slept in his bed for two years b/c of two bad hips. I told my friend to listen hard b/c I will probably never admit this again. I said." I'm admitting to you that I am an idiot for not getting the surgery done three years ago. I am also telling you that if you don't get it done real soon you are a fool." My friend told me that he sent his xrays to Dr. Su last week. I it makes you feel any better the surgery is a piece of cake, especially in comparison to the fears and anxiety that your mind is creating for you pre surgery. I can say that b/c my mind tried doing that to me.
Please let us know how everything goes. But meanwhile, don't fret this is going to be MUCH EASIER than you think.
Best of luck.
Alan,
We all had pre-op jitters, it's normal.I stopped taking my anti-inflamatory 2 weeks prior to surgery and those two weeks were hard for me to get by as I was still working (construction) til the day before surgery.I got nervous three days before surgery but i was in such pain i kept thinking how good it will be to be pain free, and that is what i focused on.The morning of surgery I drove to San Diego, left my house at 4:50 in the morning so it was still dark, it is a hour drive to the hospital from where I live.As i was half way there an incredible shooting star went streaking by and somehow I just knew everything was going to be fine, from that moment on i was worry free.Just think of all the things you will be able to do again in just a few short months. Good luck.
Wayne
Alan,
The moment of truth is approaching. I think it's natural and even essential to question everything as the surgery approaches. After all, this is a voluntary decision on your part. It's important that you get it right!
From my point of view, at almost 3 weeks post-op, I can say that I have no regrets. I had an uneventful surgery and nearly uneventful recovery. I feel perfectly healthy and people are astounded at my rapid progress. I'm already feeling like my old self again and quickly forgetting all that awful arthritis pain.
My hip is still a little weak, but it feels perfectly natural. It's actually hard for me to believe that the surgery was done and it's finished. But the lack of pain, weakness in my hip, and, oh yeah, the incision, convince me that this really happened.
I've been walking 1 or 2 miles each day during the last week. I could not have done that before surgery. No way! And what a pleasure it is to be out walking with the birds chirping and the trees and even a little snow here and there. It's a thrill to be standing on my own 2 feet and actually to be able to rely on them to get me from here to there.
Alan,
I was relieved to finally reach the pre-op room, where I was prepared for surgery. Another patient shared the room and was actually smiling before her opposite knee replacement surgery. Think positive as you will be getting rid of some crud and will wake up with new parts and the arthritic joint pain will be gone.
Hey Alan:
We all definitely felt this way...you can see my preop jitter posting on the Yahoo surface board.. :)
What worked for me is that I waited over 20 years to "hope" they would come out with something besides a THR, and was excited about resurfacing.
To help, I watched Dr. Gross' surgery video on his site....I looked at a lot of complicated cases on Dr. Bose's (India) website = xrays there. I flooded my brain with some much of it and the steps pre-surgery off of Dr. Gross' website...
Then I finally met Dr. Gross and Lee Webb in person (the day before surgery)...and all my anxiety went "poooof"! I remember Dr. Gross saying do you have any questions, and I said nope! I know you're going to fix me...and then I was fine...
Think (and of course, feel) the pain you deal with now? Well its all going to go bye-bye ;)
When its all healed, and your restrictions are lifted....you will be like a re-born!
Alan
If you don't have any anxiety before your surgery you are most likely brain
dead.
You have just recieved some great advice from the surface hippi's on this site and you have taken the first step and posted your concerns.
My advice is to pick up the phone and call or pm one of these people who
have offered to talk.
We all have been in your shoes and we know how your gonna feel when its over.
Remeber this side of the surgery is much better than the side your on.
We are all here cheering for you.
Hipshot
FYI
I am a Dr.Bose Patient and am 5 weeks post op and am back to work full time and am having the time of my life. ( I am also willing talk at any time.)
Alan,
I'm 6 mos post-op and I'm completely thrilled with the results of my surgery with Dr. Gross. I could not be more pleased!
Stay focused and follow through with it. I bet you'll be happy you did.
Jeanie
Thanks everyone for the positive and encouraging words. I have reread your post three or four times and am feeling much better about what is ahead. I have also sent my wife the link to this thread. I know she'll be so glad to have me back to normal and not the continuous old grouch who is the big party pooper and unable to do all the things we used to take for granted.
She keeps telling her friends she can't wait for me to be fixed. Wish she wouldn't put it quite like that since it cause both me and the dog to cringe. :D
A couple of folks sent me there phone numbers and encouraged me to call and talk. This is such a great support forum.
Thank you once again.
Alan
Alan,
Any time. I understand your feelings re: your wife's remarks. My wife and 13 y.o. son were saying almost the same things as your wife. Now my son just asks when I can play basketball again, so he can beat me without the excuse of my bad hips.
Contact me anytime you want off line.
Best of luck!
Quote from: uberalan on March 02, 2009, 11:53:55 PM
A couple of folks sent me there phone numbers and encouraged me to call and talk. This is such a great support forum.
Thank you once again.
Alan
This is the greatest forum for surface hippies in the world!!!! No other forum comes close! And of course Dr. Gross is the bestest hippie surgeon in the world too. ;D Right SteveL? ;D <JK>
If you feel the need Alan, go ahead and drop the quarter and call us.
Chuck
Dr. Su gets the gold medal since he successfully did my surgery.
This discussion group gets the gold medal. Since I signed on last July, I have gleaned tons of information to allow me to be at this point in my recovery. I have lately been hashing my return to impact sports. What else is there, except to share my success with expectant or newly recovering surface hippies?
Hey Alan, I believe these surface hippy veterans have covered about everything I could. I will say I had the pre-game jitters but the pain had gotten so bad -- like yours -- when I had stopped the meds that I was ready for some relief. Most anxiety I had was prior to going into the hospital. Once I got into the robe I was well taken care of like these other guys described. I agree with what Pat said "You are in good company - many people have the pre op jitters. Try to stay positive and don't go looking for the negative. There is very little negative when you are using the top surgeons. " ... and I believe you have picked one of the top guys in the world! Let me know if I can help with anything.
Many thanks for all the encouraging thoughts. I'm going in for a right hip resurfacing with Dr. Malchau at Mass General in Boston on Tuesday (March 10), so I appreciate the positive comments from the veterans. So much of the anxiety can be overcome with the right attitude and support. Thanks again and I'll see you on the other side!
Ross
Again, thanks for the encoruaging posts.
The good thing was this past week was really busy and the bad thing is that this past week was really busy.
It good because I didn't have a whole lot of time to think about what lies ahead of me in SC.
It was bad in that I traveled to Dallas for factory acceptance test on Monday and Tuesday and suffered all the "creature comforts" of an airline economy class seat, terrible hotel bed and lots of walking and being on my feet and all with only ES Tylenol.
Pat, thanks for the suggestion to call Lee Webb and ask for a prescription for the pain. She had Dr. Gross prescribe some Celebrex, but unfortunately it took until the end of the week to actually get the meds. For me, Celebrex and other anti-inflammation drugs are effective and while under their influence, I sometime question if I really need the hip resurfacing. However, they longer you are on them, the more dire the adverse side effects can become. So experience life with two bad hips and only Tylenol for relief confirms I am doing the right thing.
The rest of my week seemed to go quickly as I was trying to get everything in order to turn my responsibilities over to my coworkers. I was in so much discomfort by of the day and just down right exhausted from the pain, I came home and crashed into my recliner and got nothing else done.
This is my last weekend at home before leaving for SC on Thursday and seems so much to do to have everything ready for my return and recovery.
Alan/Denver
Soon to be Gross Hippy R(3/16) & L(3/19)
Alan,
What lies ahead for you should be excitement that the pain you now suffer will be gone and you will have a brand new lease on life. Four months post op and I hardly even think that I've had surgery cause everything feels so normal now ;D ;D ;D. Good luck and keep us posted.
Wayne
P.S. Enjoy the time off after surgery because before you know it the grind of everyday life will be back.
Alan,
Another "Go for it!" The pre-op double-think is normal. I am 4 months post-op and was out to eat today. Also at the restaurant was my primary physician who took out my staples (I live 2.5 hours away from surgery site). As I walked by his table and greeted him, he said, "You are doing well." I was taken back - ah, of course, why wouldn't I be? Then he said, "I can't tell any limp and you move so smoothly." It then registered and I remembered I had had surgery. I told him I was so glad I had the procedure.............I was going home and cut the grass and yesterday, I biked back and forth to work. What a wonderful thing to kiss arthritis good-bye!
Again, Go for it!!!!
Dwight V
Dwight, Way to go. I am so looking forward to people commenting on my lack of a limp rather than on my limp. ;D
Wayne, Great advice. I have built a new PC over the weekend and loaded some new games, so I am looking forward to some downtime. :)
My wife and I met with Dr. Gross and Lee Webb today for my pre-op appointment. They are everything that has been reported on this forum. Words to describe them: Comptent, Compassionate, Confident and Passionate. I feel very good about my decision to come to SC for my surgery.
They took new xrays and Lee remarked that she was surprised that I was still able to walk given the picture of the right hip. Dr. Gross confirmed the need to also do the left.
Both Lee and Dr. Gross were very patient and unhurried in answering all my questions. Being an engineer, I sometime venture too far "down in the weeds" but Dr. Gross answered even these questions. We had an interesting discussion of how combining CTSCAN imaging, computer aided design and CNC technology, and robotics may lead to some break throughs in locating and "installing" the acetabular sockets in the future.
Dr. Gross and Lee Webb are very passionate about what they are doing and for a patient that is great. I feel like they are continuing to look for opportunities to improve their technique and make things better for their patients.
Alan from Denver
Soon to be Gross Bilateral Hippy: Dual Biomet Magnums R=-3/16/09 & L 3/19/09
Alan,
Big week in front of you! Relax and try to enjoy the ride. There will be bumps on the recovery road, but you will be a new man, with a renewed outlook on life, with a more positive perspective in problems. Hope you will give a post or two on the other side of surgery.
It IS a source of great joy to have folks comment on the lack of my limp. It's even more enjoyable to ride the bike, cut the grass, and be active without pain!!!
Dwight V
11/18/08 RBHR Dr. Jinnah
Hi Alan, I to was overly anxious. I was a "furniture walker". I waited to long to get to a surgeon. Now as I look back, It is a couldof, should of story. I am starting my fourth month and walking around just fine. I also wish I had known about this web site before my surgery, it would have been very helpful. Looks like you have lots of helpers now. Good luck.
Sunny
Alan,
Just another surface hippy -- actually double surface hippy -- sending a shout-out to you. Everything will go fine and you'll be very glad you had the surgery. The surgical pain I felt in the recovery room after my first resurfacing was less than the pain I had been experiencing from the OA in my hip(s). Based on that experience, I actually looked forward to having the second done. I'm almost at one year on the second (15 months on the first) now and I couldn't be happier and more grateful for what my orthopaedist was able to accomplish.
We'll be here for you on the "other side" and have plenty of advice and support then too!
Best wishes to you!
Jim
Dwight,
Thanks for the encouragment. I am anticipating that same joy of folks commenting about my lack of a limp!
This morning my wife and I went shopping for some final items for my hospital stay and just walking around the store was such an effort. It seems like my condition has become so much worse since I set my surgery date.
I was walking daily for almost an hour last fall and now that seems like such a monumental tasks (not to mention the five miles I used to run daily at noon just a few years ago seems like something from someone's else life.)
Alan/Denver
Double Gross Hippy Biomet Magnum Recap R 3/16/2009 and L 3/19/2009
Quote from: dvander on March 14, 2009, 05:32:50 AM
It IS a source of great joy to have folks comment on the lack of my limp. It's even more enjoyable to ride the bike, cut the grass, and be active without pain!!!
Dwight V
11/18/08 RBHR Dr. Jinnah
Jim,
Thanks for the encouraging words from another double dipper :)
I was dreading this weekend with the thought of just waiting around for Monday morning to walk across the parking lot to the hospital and roll the dice on my future. Forecast was from rain.
But it hasn't been bad at all. My daughter drove down from the D.C. area and spent the weekend with us. Saturday we drove down to Charleston and took a bus tour of the City. the rain even stopped for awhile. I would have loved to have gone on a walking tour through the streets, but now that is just not possible. I made a mental commitment to return within a year and actually take a walking tour with my wife and my two new hips.
We enjoyed a great meal lat night and had a great time with our daughter.
Sunday morning we did some shopping in the rain, sent our daughter back to D.C. and this afternoon I am keeping busy reading unexplored areas on The Surface Hippy web site and posting comments.
There is so much information here. I feel I am prepared for Monday morning and playing with a pair of "loaded dice" with Dr. Gross and Lee Webb.
Quote from: Tarhoo2 on March 14, 2009, 08:32:19 PM
Alan,
Just another surface hippy -- actually double surface hippy -- sending a shout-out to you. Everything will go fine and you'll be very glad you had the surgery. The surgical pain I felt in the recovery room after my first resurfacing was less than the pain I had been experiencing from the OA in my hip(s). Based on that experience, I actually looked forward to having the second done. I'm almost at one year on the second (15 months on the first) now and I couldn't be happier and more grateful for what my orthopaedist was able to accomplish.
We'll be here for you on the "other side" and have plenty of advice and support then too!
Best wishes to you!
Jim
Alan,
All the very best mate...good luck from the UK.
Regards
Terry
Alan,
Things will happen quicky tomorrow, if you're already registered at the hospital you will go in, hang out until they come and get you and not long after they see you in pre-op they will give you the "I don't care medicine" and you won't care at that point if they tell you they are going to give you a mohawk with green stripes.
As soon as they give you that special happy med things go really well, I remember some big nurse pulling me up towards her for the spinal I really do not remember much after that except waking up in recovery asking them if I got the HR or a THR, then asking when I can go for a walk on my crutches.
The good thing about you Alan is that it does not matter if they do the wrong hip.... they will both be done anyhow. ;D
Take care, post when you can and you are feeling better, God speed be with you!!!
BTW--- if you can sneak a couple hundred doses of that happy medicine for me I would be greatly indebted to you :D
Chuck
Chuck
It is official . I am now a surface hippie! I arrived at the hospital at 8:45 this morning where I was quickly ushered through admissions to pre-op preparations. The hospital staff was very helpful, unhurried and professional. The last thing I remember prior to surgery was bending over for the spinal tap. I then woke to a surreal environment created by drugs and a return to consciousness. While in recovery, Dr. Gross came by and said the operation was extremely successful. I am now in my room, and with the exception of some nausea, doing very well. The floor nurse indicated I would start physical therapy tomorrow. I can truly say that at this point I have felt no pain from the operation. We'll see how it goes tomorrow... (My wife is typing this for me from the hospital room)
Congrats, Alan! You made it to the other side! Suggest you medicate as your medical team suggests and not try to "tough it out." Also, you will find that ice and elevation are very good friends. Take your time and be patient.
Best wishes,
Jim
Another Gross Surface Hippy.
So the bug juice got you too? ;D
Good stuff, huh?
Chuck
Congratulations on the beginning of your new life!! Like Tarhoo2 says "Ice & Elevate" and use the pain meds! Please tell Lynn and the PT folks Tim D from Atlanta says hello. I am sure Thursday will be just as smooth!
Let me add to the congrats and best wishes for getting your life back! I read your post about foregoing the coffee-weaning, so I hope your recovery starts with a good cup of coffee in the morning :-) . And I had to chuckle recollecting my immediate post-op evening. Before I got the warning about potential nausea, the dinner nurse came in and I ordered a 3-course meatloaf, potatoes, veggie, dessert, etc. Luckily I didn't have any post-op nausea.
-Dirk
Good to hear things went well. Isn't it nice to have that bone on bone pain gone. The road has just begun for you but every day will get a little easier and better. May your recovery go as smoothly as your surgery.
Wayne
The first night was not too bad,well not bad considering it was in the hospital. I slept well (even fell asleep during 24). Still no pain. Dr. Gross came by to check on me. He warned me (as others here on the forum) about not waiting too long before asking for the pain meds.
PT is scheduled for this morning and afternoon and Occupation Therapy for tonight at 1000 AM. Knot sure how much it will hurt the frist time I stand.
One down and one two go on Thursday.
Thanks for all the encouraging posts.
Alan
I wanted to wish you Good Luck on Thursday. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
I hope you continue to recover from the first resurfacing and by this time next week, will be crutching around on 2 new hips.
Good Luck.
Pat
Pat,
I really appreciate the prayers and good thoughts.
This morning I did my first PT session. I walked on crutches for about 50 ft and I had very little pain.
I also received my daily living kit consisting of a leg lift strap,a sponge on a stick, a "picker-upper" and long shoe horn. Given the two ice cooling machines, I am wondering how we can bring it with us on the return plane.
This afternoon I walked about 200' on crutches and was feeling pretty cocky about my recovery. The feeling lasted until I went to the bathroom and suddenly passed out. I remember thinking I am going down and better keep my leg out in front of me. My wife was "riding shotgun" and helped to lower me to the floor.
Turns out my BP dropped to about 60/40. I had read another forum member's posting about passing out due low BP. Very fortunately it appears my hip was NOT hurt as I went down. I will definitely be more carefull regardless of how I feel.
My right leg feels so tight and packed, someone described it as being a dead log. Don't want to think having two of these dead stumps after Thursday. I will think positively about not having arthritis pain.
Alan,
You'll be surprised how quickly those logs turn back into legs..... Lee told me the magic day is around 9 or 10 days and things really begin to progress for you so when you get back home take advantage of the pampering because you'll be cutting grass soon.
That picker upper and the sock tool rocks, I really did not use the other stuff.
Sorry to hear about your BP, that is VERY common so don't worry, it's due to the drugs you were given during surgery.
Chuck
Thanks Chuck.
Last night my hip hurt for really for the first time and I asked for pain meds. Dr. Gross had warned me that the second day is often the peak in soreness.
Dr. Gross and Lee both came by this morning to check on me. I wished all doctors were like Dr. Gross, what a great man. Both said I was doing great.
I got up and one of my "other" biological systems restarted and while in the bathroom I shaved and cleaned up. Feel really great.
I went double the distance from yesterday in this morning PT with Joe and Carter. Also learned to do stairs. I have another session this afternoon.
The left hip is scheduled for tomorrow at 0730 AM and Joe said we would try doing a PT session tomorrow afternoon.
Question for other Hippies: Did you polar ice machine have a manual pump that allowed you to use it on the plane? The pump in my hospital room appears to be electric only. Do they give you a different than the one you used in the hospital room.
Have your wife look under the plastic bag in the box, my hand pump was under there. You get the machine that you have right now.
Chuck
Hey Alan:
Congrats on your successful surgery :)
Doesn't Carter remind you a little of Katherine Hepburn?
Anyways my BP had issues too, and my nurse at Providence said "everyone" on this floor has low BP right now...that floor was all bone surgery.
There should be a hand-pump with your ice machine (if there isn't make sure they get you one or another machine).
You can not use the ice machine on the plane. I used the hand pump in the car. We flew into and out of Myrtle Beach, SC because of a cheaper deal. So we had to drive back from Columbia to Myrtle Beach...stay overnight at a hotel and fly out in the morning.
The hospital will give you the two cardboard boxes that fit those ice machines, so you package them up and check them in at the airport.
Hey stay away from coke-cola....everytime I drank that...the food came back to say "hi"...try to drink just water.
Chuck,
Found the pump and I guess I ill get another one tomorrow.
Karen,
You're right about Carter reminding you of Katherine Hepburn. We just finished my PT for this afternoon. We did two full flights of real stairs and I went up and back for three corridors. Did one with just one crutch. Carter and Joe both commented on my rapid progress.
I thought I had read of people using the polar ice machine on the airplane, but after seeing the size I don't see how. Did you have any problems getting through airport security with the new hip?
We fly out of Charlotte and change planes in Atlanta. The shuttle is scheduled to pick us up at 0800 AM and we arrive in Denver at 0350 PM (all times EST) and probably home in another hour, so it will be a loooong day.
Dr. Gross and Lee Webb resurfaced my left hip this morning. All appears to have gone well. I only felt a slight amount of nausea when they brought me lunch, which I only took the liquids and by dinner my stomach in a much better condition. I cautiously ate light and had no problems.
The PT trainer got me to my feet and I was able to stand with out crutches and then with the crutches I took a few steps to the hall and back.
My left seems more sore than my right, but I am looking forward to being at day + 10, which most folks here have described as some break through where the trauma from surgery doesn't detract from having pain free joints.
Alan
Hi Alan
Congratulations on being a bi-lat. 2 great new hips!
Glad to hear things went well. You are right, in a week or so you will be feeling much better.
Just hang in there for now and take your pain meds!
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Keep in touch.
Pat
Hey Alan,
We're going to give your info out when someone is nervous about their surgery..... it was really not as bad as you thought, right?
I'm very glad to hear everything went well, I wish you God speed on your trip home Sunday.
Chuck
Quote from: uberalan on March 19, 2009, 11:13:57 PM
Dr. Gross and Lee Webb resurfaced my left hip this morning. All appears to have gone well. I only felt a slight amount of nausea when they brought me lunch, which I only took the liquids and by dinner my stomach in a much better condition. I cautiously ate light and had no problems.
The PT trainer got me to my feet and I was able to stand with out crutches and then with the crutches I took a few steps to the hall and back.
My left seems more sore than my right, but I am looking forward to being at day + 10, which most folks here have described as some break through where the trauma from surgery doesn't detract from having pain free joints.
Alan
Pat and Chuck,
Thanks so much for the prayers and a special thanks to Pat for your web site.
The pre-operation anxiety was much worse than the hip resurfacing operation. Speaking of the surgery and recovery itself, the worse part for me was when they removed the catheter. It could make a grown man cry, but thankfully it is over so fast.
Today I have two sessions of PT,which will be interesting with the game of musical chairs my right and left legs have been playing.
Alan,
Now it's your turn to "Pay it forward" ---- Please be both an advocate for HRs and be a supporter to those who will be starting their journey to walking straight lines without pain on this forum, we need all the help we can get.
BTW--- did you meet nurse Lynn yet?
Chuck
Good Morning,
This is my first posting on the site and I wanted let everyone know I had my surgery on Monday and feeling great. I had some post op worries, mostly concerned about having to have a Total Hip Replacement in place of the Partial, what would the pain be like afterwards, and would I bounce back. Well I very happy to say that all is well. I had a successful partial, am using one crutch and moving to a cain this weekend, spent two days in the hospital, am home working on PT, very satisfied with my choices. My attitude was: I am supplying the Hip, Dr. Macauley from Presby in NYC was providing the expertise, and now my family and I are supplying the rehab. Positive attitude, great medical care, and a little pain med, will get you through your entire process. I am a 51 yo male runner who stopped running last year due to pain. It took me 10 months of research and procastination to finally make the decision to have the procedure done. I could not be happier. You will do just fine. The pre-op panic I would think would be normal, especially if you never set foot inside a hospital before (like myself). Follow the direction of the medical professionals, check the site often, (there is a lot of great stuff here), and stay positive.
Good Luck,
Rob
Alan,
Congratulations and welcome to surface hippydom! See? We told you it wouldn't be so bad! Keep us posted through your recovery.
Best of Luck!
Jean
Chuck,
I will be glad to pay it forward (if not a little back as well.) The surgery is done, now the recovery begins. The surgery is all about the surgeon, but the recovery is about the patient and as Rob mentions the family members. I will continue to post about my recovery and ask questions of those who have gone before.
Was Nurse Lynn also a early Gross Hippy?
Quote from: obxpelican on March 20, 2009, 09:56:34 AM
Now it's your turn to "Pay it forward" ---- Please be both an advocate for HRs and be a supporter to those who will be starting their journey to walking straight lines without pain on this forum, we need all the help we can get.
BTW--- did you meet nurse Lynn yet?
Rob,
First welcome to hip talk and this exclusive club of being a surface hippie. Congratulation on your surgery and sounds like you are well on the way to a speedy recovery.
It took me about 18 months to progress from being told by the first surgeon that I need a THR and should suffering daily to put it off as many years as possible to having double resurfacing in the same week. Pat's web site was instrumental to my research and bring me to South Carolina and Dr. Gross.
I liked the way you stated your attitude:
Quote from: rpurvis on March 20, 2009, 11:46:32 AM
Good Morning,
My attitude was: I am supplying the Hip, Dr. Macauley from Presby in NYC was providing the expertise, and now my family and I are supplying the rehab. Positive attitude, great medical care, and a little pain med, will get you through your entire process.
and I think it will lead you to a remarkable recovery.
Jean,
Thanks for the welcome. I will post updates for my recovery for others contemplating "simultaneous" bilateral surgeries
The two PT sessions yesterday and the one this morning has me ??? questioning the wisdom of doing the bilaterals in the same week. What was I thinking?
I am sure it will get better and this time next week I hope to be able to report it was a good idea. The task for today is being discharged from the hospital and traveling across the parking lot to the handicap accessible room at the Courtyard Inn.
Tomorrow's task is traveling from Columbia SC to Denver.
I knew this would be the worst part.
Quote from: JeanM on March 20, 2009, 11:22:52 PM
Alan,
Congratulations and welcome to surface hippydom! See? We told you it wouldn't be so bad! Keep us posted through your recovery.
Best of Luck!
Jean
Alan,
Take some of the pain meds you got for the trip home, they will relax you to the point of making the trip very tolerable, if you got wheelchair service you'll be fine.
Glad to hear that you'll be another helper around here, it's always good to have a fresh surface hippy around who is bound to remember how things went.
Chuck
Yes! Nurse Lynne was one of Dr. Gross's early hippys.
Forgot to answer that one.
Chuck
Quote from: uberalan on March 21, 2009, 11:55:02 AM
Was Nurse Lynn also a early Gross Hippy?
Quote from: obxpelican on March 20, 2009, 09:56:34 AM
Now it's your turn to "Pay it forward" ---- Please be both an advocate for HRs and be a supporter to those who will be starting their journey to walking straight lines without pain on this forum, we need all the help we can get.
BTW--- did you meet nurse Lynn yet?
Alan,
Congratulations on the successful surgeries. I know having done both seems a little overwhelming right now but it will get easier to get around and do things sooner than you think. For me the first five days were the hardest and then after that it was all uphill.Good luck with your recovery and may it go smoothly for you.
Wayne
We made the trip home and it was not the most pleasurable experience but was doable. I started the day with taking two Celebrex and two Vicoden as Dr. Gross had recommended. The Columbia Shuttle picked us up from The Courtyard Inn and I was placed in drivers side middle seat,which was probably the easiest seat get in and out of. We decided to check everything we could. One tip that other bilateral hippies might find useful is to borrow some packing tape from the desk at the Courtyard Inn and tape both Polar 300 boxes together to form on piece of luggage, avoiding an extra $50 extra baggage charge.
We flew Air Trans Airlines from Charlotte to Denver and splurged with seats in business class for the flight back. Having bulk head row seats made it much easier embark and debark the plane.
The worst part of the trip was arrival and check-in at Charlotte with Air Trans. Their curb side check in wasn't staffed and my wife had to figure out how to get all the luggage to the check-in counter by herself.
You have to check-in before they provide a sky cap with a wheel chair. I had to stay on crutches while this took place. The airline personnel directed me to a "handicapped" seating area to wait while my wife checked in. The waiting area had four seats and all were occupied by able body individuals, who just eyed me up and down as I approached on crutches and then choose to ignore me! I tried to not to let my anger show and found a computer kiosk to lean against.
The skycap brought a wheel chair and took me through security. I was impressed how nice the TSA personnel were. I was expecting much worse, but they were very respectful and gentle with the pat down. The flight to Atlanta was less than 45 minutes and went off without problem.
The connection in Atlanta was tight with only about 35 minutes to change planes. A wheel chair was on the jetway but no Skycap was insight, so I loaded into the wheel chair and my wife pushes me up the jetway. I am in bad need of a bathroom break having not wanted to go on the plane. While I was in the restroom a sky cap has taken over for my wife and he wheels to the gate in time to be the first to board.
The flight to Denver was almost three hours long and we again had bulk head seats in business class. I began swelling up and an economy seat would have been much more uncomfortable. My right leg, ankle and foot looked like an over inflated balloon. Lee Webb had warned me that this might happen and I also had read other people's post that had similar swelling. One of the benefits of this web site is being able to read about others experiences, so you are not surprised when it happens to you. My foot swelled so much that I had to take my shoes off.
Our daughter and son-in-law meet us at the airport and drove us to our house. As soon as I arrived home we unpacked the polar 300's and elevated both legs and the swelling slowly began going down. I was exhausted, but so very glad to be home.
Alan,
That swelling will disappear soon and you'll forget all about the trip home although it did not sound too bad. Glad to hear that you are home and relaxing, don't get too used to getting pampered because soon you will be cutting grass all by yourself. ;D
I am jealous that you got 2 polar machines.... I may work on my left hip so I can get another. ;)
Keep us posted on your recovery.
Chuck
Thanks Chuck. I look forward to the day where even think about cutting the grass is something other than pure fantasy!
This thread about my pre-opt anxiety has pretty much run it course and to prevent further "subject drift," I will begin chronicaling my recovery in the Bilateral Stories.
I want to thank everyone who as contributed and tell you how much your reassuring words and recounting your pre-operation jitters helped me.
My surgery is scheduled for July 15th with Dr. Rector in Boulder, CO.
I am so glad to read all of these stories - preop anxiety is at a minimum - I am just looking forward to having it done!
uberalan - any reason why you decided to go to Dr. Gross instead of using either Dr. Rector in Boulder or Dr. Dayton in Denver?
cj