I had my nine week followup with Dr. Pritchett today. I asked him about NSAIDs and recovery. I told him that there seems to be some conflicting information out there.
He said he prefers that patients not take NSAIDs since it is not recommended for spine and other bone surgeries. He thinks that there may be some issues with bone growth around the HR. He says there isn't any studies showing this though. He said that he has had many patients take NSAIDs without problems.
Fortunately I haven't had the need. I have been taking an occasional (maybe one per week) acetaminophen for pain. Ice has really been the big pain reliever for me.
Dan
Thanks for the clarification. He and Susan need to get in sync.
How was the nine week check up for you? Any restrictions left at all?
Luanna
Luanna-
He said everything looked great. He said the x-rays show the implant "is becoming part of my body." Apparently he can tell that the bone is growing into the implant.
He said that I have no restrictions except for impact sports such as running. I can start running at 6 - 7 months.
Dan
Great news! Congratulations on your recovery.
See Dan, you are becoming one with your implant, cyborg like, pretty cool huh.
I'm at 6 weeks today. Posterier restrictions removed, so my PT worked me over today, tried a little hip capsule mobilization. Good times with oversixed door stops and seat belts.
I'm hoping to start riding my bike to work, just in time for the crappy fall weather.
Luanna, you must be getting close to 6 weeks?
Congratulations Dan! Great to watch your progress. Your blog is helpful too.
Hi Tin Soldier - I'm at 5 weeks today and I feel like a slug compared to you and Dan. Tried to do your Salt Lake City 7 mile walk today but only made it 1 mile. You guys are an inspiration.
Keep sharing your progress.
Luanna
That walk I did actually set me back, so don't do it. I was thinking of popping some advil to reduce the inflammation, but heeded my doc's warnings, so I took nothing. I thought if I took acetaminophen that I would cause more inflammation because I would not notice the pain and continue walking. The key is to just stop walking.