I just thought that I'd post info about my upcoming scheduled resurfacing. I've been helped a lot reading others experiences, so I thought that I would add to that with my own experience of surgery and recovery.
I'm 40 now. I had Leggs Perthes as a kid and my hip is pretty much toast.... bone on bone, decent sized cyst, etc. I'm an 'engineer' by trade and so I've completely over-analyzed the options. I had actually scheduled for 8/16/2010 and backed out thinking I could put it off a bit longer.
I'm scared, nervous, and excited. I have purchased slip on shoes and.... running shoes! I ran a marathon in 2002, it was my last run over 2 miles. I bike a good bit now, but even that is something that I pay for afterwards. I doubt that I'll do marathon length again since I never really enjoyed it anyway, but I look forward to being able to go for a quick run or hike with my kids.
The mental aspect of this has been tougher than the physical pain for me. I've had to come to terms that there is no 'perfect' solution, no perfect time, etc. I have researched it and am now able to put myself into the hands of those that I feel can best take care of the problem. Its a good opportunity to spend some 'mindful' time.
-Bernie
Don't worry you're in really really good hands, from beginning to end your experience will be a good one. Everything is timed and done in a way to keep you comfortable. Most Dr. Gross patients will tell you the pain was very minimal, especially immediately post-op when the pain could be the worst.
One word of advice, go for the spinal, you will wake up feeling like you just woke up from a good sleep. You may have some nausea, that was the worst thing for me, some never had nausea.
Chuck
Good luck Bernie. Like you, I spent a lot of time researching, interviewing different doctors, and asking questions. Like you, I finally chose Dr. Gross.
Your ongoing story will go into Pat's data base for future researchers like us. I hope you will include everything, including the good and the not-so-good.
Best wishes,
Mac
Bernie-
I know EXACTLY how you feel! I am scheduled to have my left hip done by Dr. Gross on 2/23!
I have been dealing with pain in my hip for almost a decade, but it's only been "bad" the past year or two. It was bad enough 6-7 years ago that I have up most serious sports... I used to play a lot of racquetball and THAT hurt so I gave that up... but up until 4-5 years ago I could still run. the lateral motions of racquetball hurt..but normal jogging was ok. as of the past 2-3 years running was out too. now i limp all the time. I don't consider myself crippled or anything like that.. i have some good days where I can get by on two aleves and not limp...but I have days when my hip aches, my knee aches, and I limp all over.
I seriously thought about doing it about a year or two ago, but watched a youtube video of the surgeyr and that was enough to convince me to wait. :) now the pain is worse, my limitations are worse, and while I'm nervious about what will happen to me... i'd rather just get it over with and move on with my life.
have you got to the point where you can't put on your own shoes or cut you toe nails? :) I got there this year. I can still get my sock and shoe on, but it's a PITA. I really have a hard time cutting my toe nail... i think if I waited two more years...and I got progressively worse, at the same rate I've degrated these past two years - i'd be seriously screwed... like cane all the time screwed.
i really feel sorry for people who had to tdeal with this 20 years ago and did not have this procedure availabl.e must have been miserable. i'm sure in 20 more years they will have some wonder pill you just eat and your hip socket grows back... ok maybe not.. but there will be some new cool fix that beats what we have now.. but at least we have something.
Dr. Gross sounds great. i've heard nothign but great things. i think you and ME will be in good hands.
i'm looking forward to geetting on with the rest of my life.. I"m only 38 and have a lot of stuff I plan to do with my new hip!!!
GOOD LUCK!!! please post how you are doing when you get threre.. let us knowhow you're doing... and post when you are done. i paln to be online as soon as I can once done to let you all know how I did.
i hope the hopsital was wifi!!
Good luck to you Bernie. I get my LBHR on 2/11. Even though I've been working on getting this scheduled since last October the prospect is still quite daunting. But...I'd go and do it tomorrow if I could.
I'm having my first on 2/22. Can't get the shoe and sock on very well. I think the worst part is simply being grumpy much of the time. The decrease in general health probabaly takes a greater toll on the system than one might expect.
Tin Soldier,
I had never been a grumpy person until the pain in my hip got so bad! I am at 2 1/2 months post op now and one of the main things I notice is that I am always happy...no more hip pain, even with all the cold and snow and sitting at the ice rink for hours watching my son play hockey. Being pain free really changes one's demeanor!!! Good Luck to you!!!
June
Pretty common amongst many of us here, I think. Gradual decline in physical activity resulting in parallel decline in energy and general health, combined with increasing grumpiness and general depression.
Sometimes I get so frustrated I almost feel like crying.
Mike
Quote from: Tin Soldier on February 03, 2011, 12:09:30 AM
I'm having my first on 2/22. Can't get the shoe and sock on very well. I think the worst part is simply being grumpy much of the time. The decrease in general health probabaly takes a greater toll on the system than one might expect.
I find it amusing that I'm worried how long it will take after surgery to put my sock on, but I can barely do it now. :)
I think it takes a huge toll both physically and mentally. I should be at 170 lbs, but I'm at 185. In the evenings, I exercise less, eat more and probably have an extra beer or glass of wine where I wouldn't have in the past since I used to run or bike early in the morning. I spend a huge amount of 'thought time' processing the situation, surgery, etc. Frankly, I'm looking forward to not thinking about it. Hearing that folks forget about their hip after a while sounds wonderful.
Random drug note for the archives...
I took advil on and off for years, switched to diclofenac for the last 9 months with no noticeable side effects. It was easier just taking 2 pills a day rather than advil every 4 hours. My primary care doc gave me a vicoden prescription a week ago and I've been taking that occasionally at night and I sleep much better. I had been trying to avoid the 'hard stuff' for as long as possible, but I think the benefits of a good nights sleep are worth it at this point. I'm curious what it will be like off the diclofenac for the week before the surgery since its on the Gross no-no list.
The mental and emotional turmoil is there before surgery, not after. There will be some discomfort and challenges, but not that bad. Bernie, I went through the same anxieties as you and others. Believe me, when your surgery is over you will see that it's not anything like we imagine. The imagination runs wild and you think of all of these "things". I had both done Jan. 10 and 12. It just doesn't seem possible that the surgery was performed on me and four beautiful pieces of artwork and technology were implanted in me. (How's that for colorful description?!!) It's just not near as scary and bad as we imagine. I pictured myself freaking out as they wheeled me into surgery. It's not that way. You will be relaxed and won't remember that much. When you wake up in recovery, you will be very comfortable. My first words (at least the ones I remember) were, "Is that it"?
Providence Hospital is amazing. Wonderful, friendly staff. When you meet with Dr. Gross, Lee and Nancy, tell them how you feel. They will talk as long as you want and it will make you feel better.
I'm sure others will tell you that they questioned their sanity at times about getting this done.
Something that helped me was, think of what you can't do now. Think of what you had to give up. For the first time in over two years I'm looking at backpacking gear. Less than one year ago, I thought those days were over for me. One word that I don't say anymore is "owww"! You will see. It still seems unreal.
Steve
Bernie and Mike -
You guys will be ahead of me. I look forward to hearing how things go. I probably won't be posting from the Swedish Hospital overlooking Puget Sound, but I will when I return to home. I wish the best for both of you.
Can't wait to run again, like a golden retriever on a sunny beach in a goofy dogfood commercial! ;) How's that for happy thoughts?
Bryn
I've heard that the hospital I will be in has wifi in the rooms. I'm having my wife bring me my Kindle and my laptop. I'll try and post here ASAP when I'm done.
It may look something like this:
39543ojgto4309it4po[jk$%TYUHJ
...buy I'll still try.
so... wtf is leggs perthes? no one really knows what causes it. apparently during a growth phase in childhood (4-8?) the 'ball' of the femur gets starved of oxygen in a bad growth plate and 'dies'. you grow out of it, but at that point, the ball is deformed. at some point, you 'grow out of it' and the bone recovers, but is no longer a nice uniform shape. it may be a minor change or a major change. for me, i get the impression that it was a bit worse than average. I also have a decent cyst in the ball in the top.... i suspect that its right where the rod in a resurface goes into the bone.
normal hip....
(http://www.engineeredit.com/HIP_2010_04_14/9_Small_good.jpg)
my perthes hip...
(http://www.engineeredit.com/HIP_2010_04_14/9_Small.jpg)
(http://www.engineeredit.com/MedImages/ctscans/4BE9D5F4.jpg)
(http://www.engineeredit.com/MedImages/ctscans/4BE9D48F.jpg)
Bernie, I don't know anything about Leggs Perthes, but that sh*t looks painful. You need surgery, and soon. ;)
That's my analysis.
Sincerely,
Another "engineer"
You shouldn't show pictures of the normal hip. Makes my envious of all those healthy hips out there. >:( The spacing is so consistent, no osteophytes, no cam, no pincher, so beautiful. Never thought I'd be so into an x-ray of a hip. Mine are gonna look pretty cool soon though. Bionic and all and perfectly round.
I've seen a few posts about leggs perthes, I have no idea what it is, but it looks painful.
Good luck.
Ha... that hip served me well for many years... just not the last 8 or so. I played high school hoops and soccer, 2 marathons, 10's of thousands of road biking miles, multi day backpacking hikes and some pretty decent mountain biking.
For the archives:
Once diagnosed with perthes (2nd grade?), I spent a couple months in traction, a couple months in a wheelchair and 3 years in leg braces. It was a bit annoying, but I didn't think much of it. I suspect it was rougher on my mother worrying about me than it was on me dealing with it.
Not a lot of resurfacing doctors have much perthes experience. I spoke with five surgeons while in the decision process. I think that Bose and Gross both commented that they have done 60-70 or so perthes hips each with both of them having resurfaced hips in 'worse' condition. I'm curious to talk to Dr Gross pre-surgery as to how it will affect his process. I imagine that the measuring and instrumentation devices are not built for that sort of anatomy.
He uses all sorts of gauges and alignment pins, once he finds dead center on your hip the bad parts will be probably ground off.
BTW--- you cannot see that big hole in the head of your femur? You got a really good sized one, Dr. Gross will be busy doing bone grafting to fill that hole. On the 2nd and 4th x-ray you can see the cyst, you can see it much better in the 4th one down.
Don't worry, Dr. Gross does a lot of difficult surgeries, I bet you come out of this ok.
Chuck
(http://www.3riverspc.com/ouch.jpg)
Quote from: obxpelican on February 05, 2011, 09:20:26 PM
you cannot see that big hole in the head of your femur
No... I see that. :) I found that image after writing the text thinking I just had the xrays. That's from the CAT scan. Its the image that originally scared me into scheduling the surgery.
He didn't actually think that much of the cyst (neither did Bose) and has dealt with much worse apparently.
Gross said I had both, I could not spot them on my x-rays, but on yours they were so obvious. I think I could sink a putt in your cyst ;)
I am sure Dr. Gross has done worse, actually I've seen worse deformaties in x-rays and Dr. Gross fixed them up just right.
Chuck
Actually you have 2 cysts, not just one.
Chuck
8 Days to Go...
I stopped the diclofenac yesterday. A couple days earlier than required by Dr Gross, but I figure if I'm going to over do everything... I might as well start now. I may take the occasional vicodin at night, but will try to avoid that too.
Its a good to get a fresh reminder of how much my hip hurts without any sort of medication. I'm going to spend a little extra time stretching every day. A PT friend gave a couple of suggested stretches. No clue if they will help, but it gives me some sense of control. I've also been dong some light upper body work at the gym to prepare for the additional load of pushing/pulling that my arms will do post surgery.
Good Luck and keep us posted!!!! ::)
Bernie,
So, where are you staying in Columbia? Driving down or flying?
Mac
Quote from: Dayton96 on February 08, 2011, 04:43:55 PM
Bernie,
So, where are you staying in Columbia? Driving down or flying?
Mac
Flying down Monday. Staying at the Couryard Marriot, then the hospitol :) and then a Doubletree Friday night in Charlotte near the airport.
We have a 7am flight back Saturday morning. I'm a bit freaked out by that being so early, but I suspect I'll just want to get it over with and get home.
Bernie - you go in this Monday, right? From what I've read on here, Gross knows his stuff. I think you picked the right guy. Hope you're doing ok without the pain meds. You've got to be pretty stoked to get this going and move on. I wish you all the best.
Don't be alarmed if you are swelled up the morning after you get home, it's very normal. I did not swell up till after my trip home to Pgh in the car.
Chuck
Quote from: einreb on February 08, 2011, 06:37:07 PM
Quote from: Dayton96 on February 08, 2011, 04:43:55 PM
Bernie,
So, where are you staying in Columbia? Driving down or flying?
Mac
Flying down Monday. Staying at the Couryard Marriot, then the hospitol :) and then a Doubletree Friday night in Charlotte near the airport.
We have a 7am flight back Saturday morning. I'm a bit freaked out by that being so early, but I suspect I'll just want to get it over with and get home.
Good luck, Bernie.
My 2 year anniversary with Dr. Gross is tomorrow, and I am extremely satisfied with my outcome. My kids remind me regularly how much more fun they have with me now than when I was walking with a cane and could barely play with them.
I think you've made a good choice.
Bernie,
No worries, you are in good hands. I am four weeks post-op and am doing fine. I'm using a cane and can tell I won't be long using it. Like Chuck said, don't worry about swelling, it's normal. Elevate and ice. Mine were swollen also probably due to riding home in a car to central Pennsylvania. It was a 10 hour ride (split into two 5 hour days) and I was never in any kind of pain the whole way home. I could have done it in one day but my wife did all the driving and she doesn't like driving at night. I don't mean to ramble, I know you are flying, I'm just trying to help ease any worry about post-op discomfort.
Those are fascinating x-rays. That is one awful looking hip. I'm am actually excited for you, the difference will be incredible. I wish I could be there when you first feel the relief from the pain and misery of your old hip surfaces. You'll see what I mean.
Keep us posted, good luck.
Steve (newdog)
Good luck Bernie!!
I'm taking the plunge on Friday. See you "on the other side."
Quote from: FlbrkMike on February 09, 2011, 11:10:03 AM
Good luck Bernie!!
I'm taking the plunge on Friday. See you "on the other side."
Thanks! Good luck to you too!
Quote from: newdog on February 09, 2011, 09:58:56 AM
Those are fascinating x-rays. That is one awful looking hip.
the weird thing about that hip is that its served me well for 40 years. Sorta. Too bad i cant bronze it and put it up on the mantle. :)
Quote from: Bionic on February 09, 2011, 09:11:49 AM
I think you've made a good choice.
Yup... I think the surgeon decision is a sound one especially considering his experience with weird/bad hips like mine and his confidence in the success of the resurfacing.
Quote from: Tin Soldier on February 09, 2011, 12:33:53 AM
Hope you're doing ok without the pain meds. You've got to be pretty stoked to get this going and move on. I wish you all the best.
Oddly enough, I've had a raging headache since I stopped the diclofenac. Apparently thats not that uncommon. I'm almost enjoying the hip pain since its a reminder that I'm doing the right thing.
Bionic,
I thought you fell off the face of the earth...... nice to hear a fellow 08er is doing well.
Chuck
Quote from: Bionic on February 09, 2011, 09:11:49 AM
Good luck, Bernie.
My 2 year anniversary with Dr. Gross is tomorrow, and I am extremely satisfied with my outcome. My kids remind me regularly how much more fun they have with me now than when I was walking with a cane and could barely play with them.
I think you've made a good choice.
Good luck Wednesday Bernie! The wait is nearly over. You're with the best. Looking forward to future reports of your recovery and life beyond pain and pain meds on the other side.
Thanks. Flying out this am... will likely post tomorrow after my pre-op appointment at midlands.
My hip was talking to me last night... its getting angry! :)
-B
Good luck Bernie!! I had my LBHR done on Friday and am home now, getting around the house on one crutch. It was a lot easier than I expected, and I hope that yours goes as well or better.
We'll see how I feel after starting PT (hopefully today).
Mike
The pre-op visit was as advertised with regards to how well run Dr Gross's office is and the people staffing it.
The surgery is ON for tomorrow 9:30am and I'm ready.
However, the bone density dexa score in my bad hip was -2.3. That's pretty bad for someone at 40 (apparently i have the right hip of a 22 year old). This means I go on the slow recovery process which I think involves 10% weight bearing for the first 4 weeks, 2 more weeks of crutches and then a cane.
This has me a bit bummed since I was secretly hoping for that 'rock star' recovery, but I am able to get my head around the importance of taking it slow and making it to the magical 6 month mark.
Was that a typo? A 22 year old?
Good luck, you'll do fine, remember in regard to recovery, the turtle still won the race and the turtle lives longer too.
Chuck
Quote from: obxpelican on February 15, 2011, 02:45:04 PM
Was that a typo? A 22 year old?
Ha... that may have just been an off the cuff remark by Lee regarding my good hip. I was a little freaked out as they explained my bad side and the ramifications on the recovery, but I'm up for the challenge.
What else did you have to do today to get ready for the surgery? Were there any "night before," instructions or restrictions?
Mac
Good luck!!!
I'm leaving San Diego on Saturday. I'm getting there a bit on the early side, but I want to sight see for a day or two before... I meet Dr. Gross on 2/22 and surgery is 2/23. I got a cough the other day that I'm trying to shake before my surgery....I would be upset to get a week from surgery and miss it because i caught a cold.....
I'll be anxious to hear how it all goes... I'm right behind you!
Quote from: Dayton96 on February 15, 2011, 05:50:40 PM
What else did you have to do today to get ready for the surgery? Were there any "night before," instructions or restrictions?
Mac
No, other than the no-no list like aspirin, advil, etc. we went for a 2 mile walk at the state park near the hotel, then went out for dinner in columbia for some good food and a beer.
Quote from: 23109VC on February 15, 2011, 06:36:55 PM
Good luck!!!
I'll be anxious to hear how it all goes... I'm right behind you!
Thanks! There was a guy in from NY in for his 6 week checkup. He came to talk to me and was absolutely glowing with his comments on the entire experience. The whole thing is as good as it can get with regards to the staff and the experience so far. I can honestly say that I'm ready and looking forward to having it done tomorrow.
You will do just fine! I'll be there next Thursday the 24th for my 6 week post-op check up. Hope I can talk to someone and help them feel better. After tomorrow your life gets better!
Wow... On the other side. Absolutely no post op pain. The staff here has been wonderful. I was told I should be up and around today.
4 hours post op
Pain at 0
right leg sorta normal, hip leg has numb toes
Hey, do us a favor, rate your pain level 1-10 when you post so others will know what to expect.
Glad everything went well. Someone should get you up soon, if you are an AM surgery they usually get u up.
Chuck
I'm now about 8 hours post surgery. I went for a walker walk down the hall and did the pt exercises.
There is now a bit of soreness in the hip, but its a different sore than the old bone on bone. I'd rate it as a 2? Very tolerable considering what just happened!
-b
Congrats on your shiny new parts Bernie. Welcome to the other side. Best wishes for a smooth recovery and rehab.
HD (x2)
Congratulations on the succesful surgery Bernie!
I too had very little pain coming out of surgery, mostly because the epidural was still in and I was still getting some morphine. Next day some of the soreness set in but, as you said, very tolerable considering, and different than the old pain. My ROM was almost immediately better than before, and the really amazing thing is that my foot now points in the right direction!!
I'm now at day 5 post surgery and seeing great improvement every day. The most challenging thing for me is to have patience. I want to get up and walk more outside. I don't want to be so careful in how I move my leg. I want the pain and stiffness to go away. I want to go back to work (my colleagues want me back too). These things will come but it takes time.
If possible, try to get up in a chair for a little bit tomorrow, stay as active as possible and keep doing those foot pumps!!!!
Keep us updated on the pain numbers.
Now on to some good healing for you.
Chuck
Quote from: einreb on February 16, 2011, 05:47:44 PM
I'm now about 8 hours post surgery. I went for a walker walk down the hall and did the pt exercises.
There is now a bit of soreness in the hip, but its a different sore than the old bone on bone. I'd rate it as a 2? Very tolerable considering what just happened!
-b
Glad it went so smoothly Bernie. So, now what do you do until Friday? Do you have plenty to read? Do they have cable? By the way, how about a review of the food!
Mac
Quote from: obxpelican on February 16, 2011, 07:13:38 PM
Keep us updated on the pain numbers.
Now on to some good healing for you.
Chuck
I'll be honest... it hurts a good bit now at 8pm. The pt person forgot to plug the ice machine back in and it took me a while to notice it.
The pain has moved to a 4-5. I think that i took an Oxycontin before the surgery at around 7:30, so that may be wearing off now since its 8 pm here now. I think I get another at 10 that should last overnight.
I asked for the optional pain pill and took one. I'll get asked in 30 minutes if I want another and they last for 4 hours. I'm also on Tylenol every 4 hours.
So far, the staff has been very good.
As for food... we went out to dinner last night on Gervais Street in Columbia. There are a lot of restaurants there. We ate at an oyster bar called Pearlz. It was pretty good.
The food at the hospital has been better than I expected, but I expected horrible food. :)
So exactly what is your schedule for the rest of the week? I understand there will be PT, but what else will you do to fill your hours? Do you know yet when you will be released on Friday? When can you take a shower again? When can you swim again?
Sorry to hear about the pain. I'm not a big fan of drugs, but I've been told that the time to take something for pain is before it gets out of control. My thought is to take the meds while I'm in the hospital and on the way back to Ohio, then ease off as soon as I'm home.
To show how naive I am, exactly what does oxycontin do for you? Does it make you groggy? I'm hoping for a 42" TV in the hospital room so I can at least watch the NCAA tournament while I'm down there. I've never had the luxury of staying home from work before to watch the tourney. As it would happen, my surgery is Mar 23, and the regionals run 24 - 27 March.
Hope you're able to sleep through the night.
Mac
Wow! I'm jealous you are done! I'm a week away...I'm bummed because i caught a cold a few days ago and so ive been home from work all week trying to kick it.... The staff said if i w sick...obviously, they can't do the surgery.... Wish me luck to kick this cough and congestion before Wednesday !
Hey, does the hospital have wifi in the rooms?
wow, lots of questions... :)
Single room, tv with cable.
I have a couple of books
2 pt sessions today, one of them is a group session with other hippies.
Not sure on the shower or swim.
The Oxycontin is a slow release pain killer. It makes me a little fuzzy, but not tired.
The have free wifi here.
I think I got behind on the pain medicine yesterday. I should have taken the secondary pain killer when they first offered it.
I got a small morphine shot at around midnight. I then got a solid few hours sleep until they came in at 4 to draw blood for labs.
Going during the tournament is brilliant... :)
You will be allowed to shower before you leave the hospital, swimming is a no no until your incision has healed without scabs.
Stay as active as your body will allow, if your body will allow you to sit up in that nice chair do it.
Chuck
Bernie.
You did it! Every day and every week gets better. The Oxycontin made me a little fuzzy too, not drunk-like. I had trouble keeping count of my exercises with the therapist. Even though you will get written instructions on post-op drugs, make sure you understand them before you leave. You won't have to take the heavy narcotic stuff for long.
The physical therapy with the other hippies is fun. It's great to meet the others on the floor who went through the same thing you did.
Don't be discouraged if you feel like a slug when you get home. It's normal, you just had major surgery. Like Chuck said, move as much as you can, don't just lay there all the time.
You done man, look forward to pain free activities this Spring and Summer!
Steve (newdog)
This is a great time of the year to have it done, it's going to be spring soon, then summer, by the time summer comes along he'll be active again.
Chuck
30 hours post surgery. I'm feeling good. Just a little achy on the operated side.
I can really notice that my legs are now the same length. I was short 1cm and Dr Gross was able to correct that.
I ended up with a slightly 'special' acetabular component that has 3 small spikes in it. Apparently my socket was worn a bit bad because of the mis-shaped head and Dr Gross felt this was the right component to use.
3 pt sessions today. Occupational, exercise and then the group event. It was nice to meet some other folks in the same boat. There were a few bilaterals that were doing well. I was the only one on the restricted recovery program.
I'm looking forward to heading home saturday and seeing my kids.
Keep it up, listen to Dr. G and you are going to be great this summer!
Glad to hear you are doing well.
Chuck
Good job Bernie, I'm getting nervous, next Tuesday is when I go under in Seattle. I'm waiting to get it over with before committing on the hip. I agree, even if I have both done this spring, I'll be "waking up" for summer. Can't wait to get through recovery and feel normal again.
So what are your plans for the new hip?
Mac
Are you flying or driving home?
I'm traveling to dr gross from california. I am not sure if I will feel up to flying home right away upon release from the hospital or if I will want to stay local for a couple days before I go.
I have a short flight from Columbia to Charlotte, then about a four hour flight to san diego. I had planned to stay in Columbia over the weekend and try to fly home mon or tues. My surgery is wed, so if I waited to tue, I would be almost a full week post op.... Is that too long?
My wife and I will want to go home as soon as we can. Relatives will bevwatching our kids and like you, inknow we will be anxious to get back to them.
To give you something to compare to, I'm now at 7 days post-op (though with a different surgeon), and feel like my recovery has gone extremely well. At my second home PT appointment yesterday the therapist said I could pretty much discard the second crutch unless needed for longer walks.
For myself, I think a cross country flight with one plane change would be challenging but doable. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to check in, and take it very easy on the connection (assuming you have ample time between flights). I would feel pretty confined on the cross-country leg if I was sitting in a standard coach seat, unless possibly an aisle seat with my operated leg on the aisle side. No problem sitting but would want to get up and walk a bit periodically. Sometimes if I'm sitting too long, or otherwise overdoing things, I start to get sort of a cramp in my hamstring area and the only way to get rid of it is to stand straight up. You'd have a real problem trying to do that from a window seat in the coach section.
That being said, if you have some painkillers take the maximum dose and try to sleep through the whole ordeal. ;D
This is just my opinion, providing you can get wheel chair service on both flights and you got decent seats so that you are not cramped it's VERY doable.
Now, worst case, you don't get help at the airport and you fly coach, I would wait and fly out on Monday or Tuesday.
In a car I could stretch my legs and stop and get out and stretch, Saturday you will feel better probably but you would be feeling better on Monday or Tuesday when the meds have all worn out.
If you do flyout on Sat, before you get on that flight to Cal take the maximum dose of pain meds that you can handle.
IMHO.
Chuck
Thanks. I appreciate all the advice. I talked to the airlines and they said i woud be in coach but woud get q bulkhead seat... So i should have more legroom than a normal coach seat. My wife jokingly said we should rent q car and drive back...see the country.. But it would take a long time, a lot of gas, and i don't know if Id be up for sightseeing.... ;)
I'll see how i feel on mon or tues, my tickets are standby so i can leae whenever i want, but of course i want to leave sooner vs later.
Hey, another question... Now that i am days from leaving Im starting to pack, what do you suggest taking as far as clothes? I'll just bring jeans for the few days Im there before surgery, bu once i get into the hospital' do they have you in a gown the whole time' or could i wear sweats ror athletic pants? Smething light and with an elastic bandlll comfort would be high on my list of priority.
And what about shoes? Should i just use slippers or someti ultra comfy and easty to put in the hospital? I'm thinking i should have stuf that i can just slip on... Wen i fl back, pajama type slipper might not work so well, but mane soemkind of s upper comfort slip on shoe would be a good idea...
Any other last minute suggestions before i leave?
glad to hear you are doing well. I am kicking m cold and it looks lke i will be good to go for this Wednesday. Like everyone else has said , i feel nervous and excited.... Worried about all the what ifs, but excited to think bout all the things i have given up being within reach again...
I was in a hospital gown at first but, as soon as all the tubes were removed on the second morning, I wanted to change ASAP. They offered me some hospital pajama pants, but even the XL wouldn't fit over my swollen butt. I took some loose athletic shorts (which I used for two days) and a couple of loose t-shirts. I also had some loose sweatpants, which I ended up not using. You will be much more comfortable in your own clothing. I was very happy that I took an extra shirt because I had a fresh one to wear home on day 3.
When I woke up from surgery I was wearing knee high TED stockings, and socks with some kind of non-skid rubber thingies over my feet. These were useful for hallway excursions. Also some air pressure cuffs over my calfs to help prevent blood clots. The stockings and socks stayed on until I got home, and I never wore any shoes until I was ready to leave. I have some clogs that are really easy to put on and remove, which I wore for the ride home.
Again, I was in a different hospital, so your experience may be different.
Best of luck on your surgery. Once you get there you'll be amazed at how fast it goes.
Mike
About the shoes. I bought a pair of CROCS (I think that's how you spell). They are soft rubbery shoes that slip on and have a strap that goes over the heel. Even if you don't use the strap, they stay on very well. I never had a pair before and was amazed how well designed they are. They fit very well, easy to slip on, won't fall off, very cushiony on the bottom. They seem to grip well on wet surfaces. I like them so much, I'll wear them a lot even when I'm able to tie my shoes. Other than a pair of slip on slippers that I wear around the house, that's all I have worn for 5 weeks now.
Buy yourself some of that silky type gym shorts, they allow you to rotate on your rear when you are put in a car, get them on the large size they are easy on easy off. Make sure to have an elevated toilet chair, we bought ours there, they also have a kit that you can buy that has a sock puller and a grabber, those itmes are very good to have.
I was in a gown early on but then I decided to put my shorts on, they made me much more comfortable than the hospital gown.
Bring something to wear out for dinner the night before, have a good time when you are out your surgery will go well.
Columbia SC in August was hot and humid, the pool was in the mid to high 80s then, but I would check the weather channel to see what the weather will be like when you go.
The whole trick is bring casual, comfortable stuff.
Read this before you leave, it's our Dr. Gross tips:
http://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/index.php?topic=1512.0
Chuck
We're now at the doubletree in charlotte. They don't have wireless, so I'll do a longer update tomorrow when I get home.
The leg is swelling a bit, but feels stronger. My Sherpa wife has been a great help. :)
Chuck, thanks for the link and tips.
Great info! I will be one of you guys in a matter of days... A surface hippy!
A few random questions...
What time on Friday did they discharge you? I'm curious if they keep you there most of the day or are getting you out early?
If you had to say what was the best and worst part of the whole process, what were they?
How soon were you able to ascertain that your old hip pain was gone? As I typemthismi can feel that always constant dull throb in my left hip.... I was thinking how it will be great, but in some ways, strange to have no more hip pain....the pain has just been something I accepted and grew to tolerate... It will be weird to have it be gone... Don't get me wrong...I won't miss it at all... It's just almost hard to believe I'm only days away from putting it all behind me!
How long is your trip home? Where r u from?
I'm going to dr gross out of San Diego.
We left yesterday at noon.
Worst part was the first night. I should have gotten ahead of the pain with meds.
I sat at a table for dinner last night with no pain. Granted, it's weak and hurts with certain motions, but it was a taste of what is to come.
Made it through tsa. Slow, but curtious. Headed back to Chicago this am.
God Speed be with you buddy, your venture is almost over.
Chuck
Bernie,
Thanks for posting about your trip to SC. If you are bored, I would certainly enjoy reading about your first week back home. By the way, are you going back to SC for your six week checkup?
Mac
I'm home. It felt good to hug my kids. I certainly missed them.
Thanks a lot for listening to my banter. It helped to talk it out through the process, hear the experience of those that had gone through it, and hopefully provide some insight for those about to have it done.
I will either add to thi thread or start another as I make it through my slow recovery rehab.
Feel free to ask if you have questions while the experience is fresh. I should also note that I tested the raised toilet seat!
I stopped the oxycotin today ( I may take one tonight, but I'm not sure) and just took a nucynta (similar to vicodin) and a tylenol preemptively to doing my exercises at noon. I napped this afternoon and rolled to my operated side as well as my stomach. I can already feel an increase in strength with the exercises. I've been icing a lot. I think that has helped me.
In hindsight, I'd lean towards more pain meds than less! I felt nothing when I woke up and was surprisingly alert and happy. Once I felt the pain, I should have loaded up on the meds.
I'm not sure if they do the same for everyone, but I think I got ocycotin prior to surgery along with celebrex. They then gave me oxy and celebrex every 12 hours along with tylenol more frequently. The nucynta is 'optional' and I initially declined it. I should have taken it when I first started feeling the pain the first evening. Once I got up to 2 nucynta every 4 hours... the pain was never really an issue. (again, this was my experience!)
I barely feel like I need any meds 4 days post op, but I learned my lesson the first day!
Most Dr. G patients fair pretty well, I still had a lot of the vicodin left when I stopped taking them. I think I was day 7 before I stopped taking pain meds, I usually needed one a day or more.
YMMV.
Keep us updated.
Glad you are doing well.
Chuck
Day 6 post op.
I have very little swelling and only took the Tylenol and Celebrex this morning. I wont hesitate to take narcotics if I feel something coming on... I learned that lesson the hard way. :)
I suspect that my 10% weight bearing limit and extensive use of the ice machine may be limiting the swelling. I feel strong for all my exercises done twice a day.
I had a few questions that I fired off to Lee Webb yesterday. I'd always been confused as to why if the leg is at its weakest at 3 months that they would be limiting me for the first 6 weeks to crutches and not longer. Her answer makes a lot of sense.
A femoral neck fracture does not just suddenly happen at 3 months post op, it is a gradual occurance related to stress on the bone. This stress starts early post op and eventually results in a "stress" fracture of the femoral neck. We have you 10% weight bearing to take the load off the hip, in particular the femoral neck to avoid this stress impact. You are correct, there is a balance of impact to stimulate bone, after the 6 weeks, it actually helps the bone by weight bearing. We just don't want you to be doing high level activity at 3 months when the bone is still weak (we know you won't but trust me, there are some who push the limit). Hope this helps.
I was also concerned about the Fosamax prescribed since its a bit controversial. Her response that they have had 0 fractures for those with weak bone on the slow recover process and taking Fosamax was reassuring. You cant beat 0 fractures. I don't plan on being #1 and screwing that up.
We have been using this for quite some time with excellent results. We have seen our fractures gone from 1% to 0 on the Fosamax.
I think that an additional weapon that they have is the extensive amount of data that they collect and mine to see what works best for each situation as they continue to improve. I suspect that the overall protocol improvements that Dr Gross makes will continue to limit the failures. A protocol resulting in 0 neck fractures on high risk patients is a huge deal.
What makes Dr. Gross's uncemented numbers so really really good is that he takes patients like you who are at a higher risk for fractures and he makes it all work with great results.
I am glad you are doing well, keep it up you will be walking before too long.
Chuck
8 days post op
The 'slow recovery program' (10% weight bearing for 4 weeks) has me bouncing off the walls, but I am trying to keep it in perspective that I need to invest this relatively short slowdown time for a long term solution.
I can easily crank through my PT exercises with very little pain after. I throw in extra reps since I feel strong. I still have serious weakness moving my leg in certain directions, but It looks like that strength is regained in the phase 2 exercises.
I drove yesterday (no narcotics during the day) to pick my kids up from school and we all went out to dinner. I took an oxycotin last night when I went to sleep. I don't know how much I need it for pain, but it makes it very simple to fall asleep. That stuff knocks me out. I think I may try to skip it tonight. I wonder if 8 evenings on that stuff will have me feeling odd when I stop. ::)
That short time on a narcotic should not hurt you, other than loose stool when you stop sometimes. I was on it for months before my surgery and I had some minor stomach issues but it went away in a week or so. YMMV.
Keep up the great rehabbing. The phase II are more wicked, even my PT told me she was surprised the excercises were as much as they were.
Chuck
Can you guys describe your Phase I vs. Phase II exercises? Are these exercises you can do while lying on the bed vs. standing up and holding position against gravity?
They are on Dr Gross's website...
http://www.grossortho.com/forms.htm
17 days post op. No more pain meds, no celebrex, no advil etc. I'm pretty comfortable around the house and generally have no pain at all, but sleeping at night is restless and has its moments. I tend to get up super early now and am pretty tired during the day. I now enjoy grabbing a nap when I get the chance.
The 'slow recovery mode' has gotten to a frustrating point since I can fly through my exercises and there really isn't much for me to focus on other than not putting more than 10% of my weight on my leg. I've had moments where I know I've put more on accident since I'm feeling good, but I don't suspect that's a big issue and it doesn't freak me out. I'm trying hard to stick to the 10%.
Just stick with what the doctor says and kmow that whole in the short term it stinks.....it will pay off in the long run. It's like an investment in your future.
Thinkmof it this way, if you do what you have to do, suffer through the first six weeks, and wind up with a positive result it will all be worth it.
If you push things too fast, and wind up as the 1% who has a femoral neck fracture....you will hate yourself for not sticking to the program....and you will ne haunted by thoughts of what could have been....
I empathize with you for being in the slow recovery group....I remember doing my dexascan and being relieved that I had good scores....had I been in your shoes it would have been a mich longer road to recovery..... But...you found a good doctor, went through a tough surgery...and I'm the big scheme of life, 6 weeks of staying of your leg is not that long.
Do you have a ps3? :). If not, get one tomorrow, buy Black Ops and we an play online together... You will be hooked and the next few weeks will be an excuse to play your brains out..... :)
My online handle on ps3 is "seanandrew". See you on the battlefield... :).
Ha! Thanks.... no PS3. I have the attention span of a mouse. (I'm assuming that they have a short attention span.) My post came off as a little whiny... its not that bad, I'm just bouncing off the walls ready to go and figured that I would post it here just to be honest about the experience. Its the sort of thing that I generally wouldn't complain about. My wife is out on an 18 mile run this morning getting ready for the Boston marathon. I'm sitting at the computer.
As for passing time, I'm self employed and do a lot of software work so I was essentially back at work from the home office the week after surgery. I've actually gone to the gym a few times to do my exercises and some very light upper body work.
How many weeks after surgery can you get in the pool? I know it has to do with the surgical incision healing, etc., but how long does that usually take? Once you are allowed to go in a pool, does your controlled recovery allow for increasing pool work.
Mac
Quote from: Dayton96 on March 06, 2011, 01:38:54 PM
How many weeks after surgery can you get in the pool?
Mac, Dr. De Smet's patients go in the pool from day two on. Use waterproof dressings.
D.
The dressing Dr. Gross used on me was water proof looking but his instructions said to avoid baths or soakingin water... A pool workout would be good!
Are you guys doing upper body workouts? Are we allowed to do that? I domt have weights at home, but do have a cheesy set of resistance bands that are not half bad....
O can't see how doing pure upper body stuff would hurt, but I'm in no rush to do anything I'm not supposed to....
BTW.. call of duty is excellent for people with short attention spans. It's not a strategy game where you spend countless hours building walls and crops for your troops... Imhate those games.
COD you turn it on, instantly join a battle and have immediate gratification, shooting, running, jumping, grenades... Then after 30-60 minutes..whatever you can take you shut it off. The Fun part is playing the online games..you play against real people....some people are jerks and talk rude, but you van mute them. If you have a wifi headset you can talk while you play!
im doin daily light upper body work with no prob at all and enjoying it immensely (4 weeks out RBHR).
using the resistance strap also with plenty of reps...
on another note, im geting sick of using crutches, i have actually gone to walk without them a couple of times and caught myself just in time..... with some luck after i see my surgeon in 2 weeks time, i can go to a stick ... just got to get my head around another 2 weeks of the bloody awkward things ... ::) :D
if theres one thing i am sure of thats that i will be strong enough to take what ever comes next ... ;)
as far as boredom goes ive read 7000 novels (lol) or feels like it haha .. ;D ;D
im a golfer, so ive been playing a free online game that has excellent graphics etc and is very challenging .. pm me if anyone would like the link as im not sure if allowed to post it here ..
cheers all
Paul
So Sean, once you remove your dressing you can do pool workouts? How long does the dressing stay on?
Mac
It is up to your surgeon when you can go in the pool...usually when the incision is healed. You don't want to risk infection. I was allowed in at 4 weeks post-op after my first appointment.
I'm pretty sure that the pool restriction is tied to the incision being healed since I don't have the waterproof dressing. I cant imagine that a light flutter kick would be bad. No frog kicks!
Also on the upper body workout, I am doing it occasionally... mainly just to get out of the house for some 'me' time and something different.
Of course, I'm just itching to do the things I'm specifically not allowed to do.... go for walks and bike :)
I will put a great weight on what Dr Gross's office advises, but I'm also going to make decisions based on my situation. If the only reason at week X to not be on a bike trainer is the risk of falling off... I will take that actuarial gamble.
My focus now is to make it the next 10 days to the point that I can put some weight on it. Then 14 more days till the cane. I'm breaking it up into little chunks. Again, I have nothing really to complain about... just voicing some of the minor frustration. Thanks for the banter :)
A couple of thoughts that you might check with Lee Webb about:
My memory is that Dr. Gross allowed me in the pool when it was clear that the incision was completely healed, meaning absolutely no scabs left.
Being in the pool was the best, not just swimming, but being able to walk, and even run, around in waste to chest deep water, which allows natural walking movements, while being able to control the amount of weight bearing by the depth, and therefore flotation, of the water. You might see if they would allow you to walk around in the pool while you are still under weight bearing restrictions.
I know when I asked Dr. G said pools were a no no until all the scabs were gone. Although I have to admit we have a pool in our backyard and I was in with scabs YMMV.
Chuck
Quote from: einreb on March 07, 2011, 09:24:07 AM
I'm pretty sure that the pool restriction is tied to the incision being healed since I don't have the waterproof dressing. I cant imagine that a light flutter kick would be bad. No frog kicks!
Also on the upper body workout, I am doing it occasionally... mainly just to get out of the house for some 'me' time and something different.
Of course, I'm just itching to do the things I'm specifically not allowed to do.... go for walks and bike :)
I will put a great weight on what Dr Gross's office advises, but I'm also going to make decisions based on my situation. If the only reason at week X to not be on a bike trainer is the risk of falling off... I will take that actuarial gamble.
My focus now is to make it the next 10 days to the point that I can put some weight on it. Then 14 more days till the cane. I'm breaking it up into little chunks. Again, I have nothing really to complain about... just voicing some of the minor frustration. Thanks for the banter :)
Start with a spin bike first...it is easier to get on and off until your range of motion increases. Once the 90 degree rule is lifted and you can get on a spin bike, do that, get back some range of motion, and then it will be much easier to get on and off your bike trainer without fear of falling!!!
We love biking here in Pgh in the Fall, the one thing that bummed me out is that Dr. G was adament that I was not to be on a peddle bike as he was afraid of a fall and subsequent fracture.
Chuck
I am with Chuck. That is exactly why I will not ride out on the road until the 6 month mark or longer if my surgeon says so. What is a few months when we will (hopefully) have these devices for a lifetime.
I'm 2 days away from the 4 week mark that will allow me to transition to weight bearing with the crutches. I'm excited to get to this point, but apprehensive. I do have a general fear and lack of trust of my new hip and putting weight on it. I suspect that I will just have to work through that.
Its been weird being on crutches. I've had some odd flashbacks to my youth since I spent three years on crutches starting at 8 as a result of my leggs perthes. I'm quite comfortable with them around the house, but its a pain to carry things. My wife and daughters have been wonderful helpers.
I have very little pain at all even at night. I'm able to sleep on the operated side but most comfortable on my back or other side. I can feel a little strength in my abductors and I think that helps a ton. I cant wait to get my leg strength back.
I've been pretty tired during the day and have tried to make it a point to cut down on my work load. I was pretty much back to work Monday after surgery (self employed/software stuff).
I've had a few emotional ups and downs, but I am trying to be aware of them and not let it get me too far down. The weather in Chicago is improving and I'm looking forward to spring!
Hi Bernie,
Thanks for keeping up this thread. I'm scheduled to see Dr. Gross Tues morning and then my surgery is Wed. In addition to getting packed this weekend, I will review the recent posts that you and Sean and the others have posted about your recent experiences in SC and during your recovery. Thanks for taking the time to write. I've found it very helpful.
Since you mentioned Chicago, I'm trying to decide if July would be too early to schedule a trip up there to see the Cubs play. We went last summer and had such a good time that my son has been after me to get tickets again this year. I'm trying to decide if I can face the subway crowds and climbing up to our seats.
I did go back and look at the x-rays you posted a while back. It is truly amazing how far you have come and how far you are going to go. Hang in there and be patient (trust me, I know that is not easy).
Mac
mac,
I assume that you are in surgery today! Good luck. :) I would suspect that taking in a cubs game in July will be a piece of cake for you. Maybe its a good excuse to buy lower level seats, even though I suspect you would easily be able to hike to the upper deck.
-Bernie
Thanks Bernie,
I guess I was writing too fast. My surgery is March 23.
I'm not a big baseball fan, but it is my son's favorite sport. I find myself taking him to professional baseball games at least three or four times during the summer. There is something about a little boy holding up an oversized glove while he really, really hopes to catch a ball.
Mac
I have not been in a pool yet but would love to.....while I don't have a pool in my backyard.... I have a very nice community pool that is walking distance from my house that is very nice... The rule on Dr. Gross's paperwork says no pool until the incision is fully healed. Mine is coming along nicely, but still has scabs.... I live in so cal and our weather is pretty nice all year... I've got plenty of time to get in the pool so I will be patient and wait until it is healed up.
A public pool may not be 100% maintained and chlorinated.... If it got too dirty and you got in with an open incision...wouldn't it be susceptible to infection? My pool is very nice, but there are lots of kids...and we all know what they do in the pool!
Good luck next week!
Thanks Sean. Since you and Bernie and the others have done such a good job documenting your experiences, I probably won't bother starting another topic about my own experience in Columbia, although I may post a summary after I get back. Thanks to you guys, I feel like I'm ready for the surgery. Now, I'm thinking about the recovery process.
Mac
That is the only reason I went into my pool even with scabs, I know what is in it and I even cranked up the clorinator so I was really not taking any chances.
Pool time will come and it's very good for hippies as it takes so much weight off.
Chuck
Quote from: 23109VC on March 17, 2011, 02:01:45 AM
A public pool may not be 100% maintained and chlorinated.... If it got too dirty and you got in with an open incision...wouldn't it be susceptible to infection? My pool is very nice, but there are lots of kids...and we all know what they do in the pool!
Good luck next week!
Well... 6 weeks have passed and I've moved to the cane. It's good to move to the phase 2 exercises since they will present more of a challenge.
All pain that I've had has been a good muscle workout type pain and I've felt stronger. Its still been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but there have been many more ups than downs.
Keep on healing Bernie!
Don't be discouraged with the phase II exercises. When I started mine I thought, "No way!" Believe me, it doesn't take long to notice the progress. Just do what you are able to do. I still do the heal slides and butt squeezes. I think the heal slides make my knees feel much better too.
Glad to hear you are doing well and are onto a cane! You had the longer track recovery because of the weight bearing restriction, so you must be relieved to be onto a cane! Based on my experience, once you get to the cane, I think healing speeds up... I got onto the cane at around week 3-4, and at first it made both my legs sore, as they adjusted, but I think my operated leg got stronger faster. You can't put as much weight on the cane as you can on crutches, so your leg works harder. I think the fact that it works harder also made it improve faster!
Don't push it though! I got strong enough that I was walking without the cane about a week ago, and so I went two days without using it. I felt great until the evening of day 2, my hip and leg were kind of sore. So the next day I felt like i needed the cane again....i used it for a day, and the following day I was back on no cane. I got to a point where I used the cane for longer walks and not at all for shorter walks pretty fast....you will too! I'm now at five weeks and this week I think I have finally hit the "I don't need no stinking cane" point.... ;D
You are progressing well, before we know it we will both be doing cartwheels soon!!!
7 weeks down... only 3 more with the cane!
I've given myself the 'treat' of walking a bit on occasion without the cane (10-20 feet) and its pretty exciting. I have a pretty decent limp, but am hoping to strengthen things within the current limits so that when I drop the cane in 3 weeks the limp will be less. I actually spent an hour today with a pt person doing some exercises and it was great to be challenged physically in new ways. Dr Gross doesn't suggest that you use formal PT, but my insurance pays for it and I find it to be a real learning experience as to what is going on with my body.
Again, no more hip pain... some muscle pain as I work it harder. I still don't sleep well and I'm pretty tired by the end of the day, but it has steadily gotten better.
One thing to note is that its odd to be 40 and walking with a cane. I get the occasional funny look, but people have been awfully nice in general.
I think canes are kind of cool - of course I'm a ripe old 55.
I just got permission to dump my crutches and I'll be using my cane for a while when tired or going on longer walks. If I thought I would be using one for a more extended period I'd think about getting one with a stiletto, maybe a small cask for booze, and/or some kind of exotic wood and carved head.
http://www.fashionablecanes.com/mens_walking_canes.html
I think you should get one of those walking stick umbrellas like John Steed from the Avengers. It is fashionable and has some rather useful hidden features......
I brass fillet brazed a cane out of 4130 cromoly bike tubing. I was gonna make a fancy lugged one, but got lazy.
Somebody had a picture of one recently that they made that looked awesome... sorta like a hip bone and femur.
9 weeks down. One more to go with a cane.
I'm sleeping a lot better. I'd actually qualify it as 'normal'. If I've hit the PT particularly hard I'm a bit achy, but its a good pain.
Abductors are getting stronger, but still a ways off. I can focus and walk in a straight line without a limp, but I don't do that much since I'm supposed to be on a cane. I'm looking forward to putting some walking miles on it starting next week. There is a 9 mile wooded/gravel loop near me that is my goal for sometime this summer.
Bernie,
Quote
The mental aspect of this has been tougher than the physical pain for me
Some months ago, I was feeling exactly as you are describing, with a strange mix of excitation and stress.
The reason of that stress was due to the fact that I had a lot of questions without clear answers.
Then, I found this wonderful site (thanks Pat !) and also my surgeon give me very precise answers.
A member of this forum said "I like to understand the logic behind the why". So, do not hesitate to ask your surgeon, I think it will help you a lot.
Then you will be able to start some mental preparation, like accepting in your mind the surgery as the best possible option.
Cheers
Yesterday was the first real 'no cane' day and it felt great. I started doing formal PT at week 6 within the prescribed limits and I think it really paid off. Good psoas stretching, abductor exercises, etc all added up to very little limp when I dropped the cane.
Yesterday was my 'load bearing' PT exercises. Its absolutely amazing how they can target exactly what is weak or tight. The little stabilizers are in need of lots of work in addition to just gaining strength. I was hurting this morning, but it was all muscle pain.... almost felt good.
In hindsight, I agree with all the cliches... I should have done it sooner, I'm glad I went to a top doc, etc.
Looks a lot like my Legg Perthes hip. I'm 53 and am finally getting to a point where surgery has to be seriously considered. I really want to go the resurfacing route. I have consulted with two NYC area surgeons. One highly experienced (700+ BHR surgeries) surgeon said maybe to resurfacing (decision to be made once he opened me up). The other surgeon with considerably less BHR experience, said absolutely no to resurfacing.
Sound like the resurfacing of your Legg Perthes hip was successful. Do you have any advice for me.
Quote from: LAR on March 04, 2012, 08:47:41 AM
Sound like the resurfacing of your Legg Perthes hip was successful. Do you have any advice for me.
Yikes... I went to update this thread and saw that i missed a question. Only 3 months later. Not sure that you will read the response, but my main advice would be to get a surgeon that has experience with Perthes hips. Bose and Gross felt very comfortable with doing it... Dr Rogerson in Madison WI did not, but it took me a while to get it out of him that he had not done one like mine.
General update at 16 months.... WOW!!! My leg is stronger than its been in a decade or more. I don't remember ever feeling less pain/ache ever, but i guess I must have before the Perthes kicked in 35 ish years ago.
I put nearly 200 miles on the bike last week. That has been my drug of choice. I'm down at least 15 pounds since surgery and nearly back at my early 20's weight.
-Bernie
Awesome Bernie. We're about at the same place with my second. I'm going to hit my 2 year mark this August 24th on hip # 1.
Will have to learn how to do a jig so I can do it. I'm used to salsa, this may put the hips through the paces ;D.
Awesome, Bernie! I can't believe I missed this thread, as I was posting a LOT in the few months leading up to my surgery, and for several months after. It's amazing how the Dr. Gross patient experience is so incredibly similar. If any new pre-hippies are reading this, then I hope they pay attention to the "stay on top of the pain" part. I, too, waited to take pain meds until it hurt....bad idea. Once I took everything on a schedule, I never had any pain over a "1". And, still stopped everything by day 7 or 8.
Enjoy your summer!
Quote from: einreb on June 12, 2012, 04:48:15 PMI put nearly 200 miles on the bike last week.
I've done 2 Criteriums and 1 Road Race on the bike since that post. Best finish was a 4th, but I'd consider it a success. At 17 months out, I don't have the 'power' yet on the bike for sprints, but I also haven't worked at it while training. That is next on the list. :)
-Bernie