First wanted thank Pat and all the hippies for making this site possible! Its an AWESOME resource! A coworker turned me on to the site and I spent many many hours going through all the various threads and trying to learn as much as I could. I finally chose Dr Gross based on everything I read here.
A little background on my story; Back in '99 I dislocated and fractured my left hip while riding my dirt bike in Houston. There were other injuries as well but not important here. As I was being carried on the stretcher to the ambulance my hip popped back into place...."Great deal!"....or so I thought. Got to the hospital and it was determined that they had to get into the hip to clean out some bone fragments and install some pins (2) as the femoral head appeared to be broken (think a small china bowl that has been broken/shattered). As the years went on the hip deteriorated and range of motion decreased and the pain became constant. I do remember the Ortho Dr in Houston telling me I was too young for a THR (37) and to hold out as long as possible in the hopes that technology would catch up. At almost 13 years later here I am!
My dealings w/ Dr Gross and his staff have been exceptional. Everyone there is awesome. They were very helpful with all of the paperwork/insurance/and scheduling issues. I had to reschedule due to work 3 times over the past year. We flew in from home in TX to Columbia, SC (CAE) with a connection in Houston (IAH) (about a 3 hr trip flying time not counting the connection time in IAH). Heads up on flying into CAE; none of the major airlines fly full size jets into CAE anymore (at least that I could see), just 50/70 seat regional jets and turbo props....the issue with that for us was 1)that with fewer seats, the flights fill up quickly and 2) I don't fit in the smaller jets too well, very little leg room at 6'5" this might be an issue for me on the way back after surgery. We rented a car in CAE as there is no shuttle service from the Courtyard Marriott. The hotel is practically in the parking lot of the Providence NE hospital where the surgery will be done. You could probably walk it (even with a walker) in 5 minutes! The hotel has been great! Nice quiet place and friendly staff as well. We were able to get a handicapped room too. The staff at the hospital was great as well, very helpful and couldn't have been nicer!
1-10-2012 was the pre-op exam at Midlands Orthopedics on Lake Murray Blvd. You will need wheels if you are staying at the Courtyard. It's about a 20 min drive from the hotel if traffic isn't too bad. We didn't want to deal with waiting for shuttles or cabs, thus the rental car. They did the mri/bone density test first and then followed that up with some xrays to make sure nothing had changed since I sent in my x-rays a while back. Talked with Nancy and Davita to make sure all my insurance/documentation was completed and ready to go. At this time I rcvd the ice machine and was instructed on how to use it (forgive me, I don't remember the young lady's name). Then talked to Lee and she explained what I could expect the following day in surgery. She was very calm and reassuring that this was going to be a great day after so many years. Dr Gross then came in and we discussed the particulars of my case. He was very patient and answered all my questions. I was also given the prescription for the pain meds which I picked up from Long's Drugs right across the street from the hotel. I left the office with the feeling that I had made the right choice. Everyone told me I would be in great hands...they were right!
1-11-2012 Surgery day! 8:00am checkin w/ a last going over of paperwork (ins/wills/power of atty, etc). From there went to the prep room to get undressed and IV'd for the procedure. Everyone there was really nice and they will put you at ease. Talked to the anesth. Dr and he told me what to expect with the epidural etc. They also pulled blood to be mixed with some other chemicals to use on the incision and femoral head itself to promote faster healing. Lee then came in to mark the area with sharpie and gave me a last minute pep talk. Got into the OR at 10:28am everyone in the room was quite friendly and appeared to be in great spirits. They had a small stereo system in the room to listen to music during the procedure....I requested some metal \m/...don't know if I got it or not cause I was OUT shortly after!
I came to at about 1:30/2:00pm with almost NO pain. compression stockings were already on as well as the ice machine. Spent a little while longer in the recovery room joking around with the nurses and then wheeled into my room. All the rooms are private at the hospital with a small couch/bed for a spouse or whoever you want to bring along. At approx 4:30pm the Phys therapist (PT) came in and talked about some various occupational concerns in regards to getting around and what to avoid so you don't injure yourself. Also discussed some exercises to do. I was able to crawl out of bed pretty much unassisted and shortly after that I was standing with a walker taking my first steps! I ended up walking the entire length of the corridor and back to my room and back to bed with very minimal assistance. Was still a little light headed from the anesthesia but very little pain still....more like sore muscles after working out. A few times on the walker I had almost full weight on the left hip still with almost no pain...just pretty stiff is what it felt like. Had a small dinner at 5:00pm and was able to eat it all! I was HUNGRY!!! didn't eat since about 7pm the night before! So no issues with nausea at all. As I type this it is about 4:52 am the day after the surgery and still very little pain without even taking any of the prescription meds we bought the day before! (unless there was something in the IV?) I am able to move my leg in and out of bed with no problems...have not tried to sleep on my L side yet but the PT said go for it if I want to.
I will keep you guys up to speed with the recovery and travel issues. I hope this helps some of you with upcoming surgeries. Let me know if you have any questions! Good Luck!
PS..the nurse just came in and pulled my catheter....that's been the worst thing so far! :o
Jess
Jess,
welcome to the other side! I too am a very young patient for a joint replacement but we just have to play the hand were delt! Im sure that you will have a great recovery and hopefully will never have to have your HR revised. Your surgeon has a great reputation on here.
All the best Danny
Jess
Congratulations on the new hip! Thank You for taking time to tell us your story. I know it will help many others to come in the future.
Meanwhile, take it easy and start planning a fun summer!
Good Luck.
Pat
That's a great report. Now you are on the road to recovery.
I think my catheter stayed in for 24 hours. What a pain in the...well you know. And quite a relief when it came out.
Congratulations on your successful surgery and welcome to the other side!!
Congratulations, Jess! Sounds like things went very well, and you're on your way.
I didn't have to deal with a catheter, although the nurses did threaten me with it if I didn't "go". So of course I feel superior to everyone else... or maybe just luckier.
Quote from: hernanu on January 12, 2012, 12:57:02 PM
Congratulations, Jess! Sounds like things went very well, and you're on your way.
I didn't have to deal with a catheter, although the nurses did threaten me with it if I didn't "go". So of course I feel superior to everyone else... or maybe just luckier.
Actually you should feel deprived...
Ooooh... :( Now I feel deprived.... que lastima!
How did you get so lucky Hernanu? I agree with Jess that the catheter coming out was the worst part. I felt the effects for days afterward.
Best wishes Jess on your recovery and subsequent rehabilitation.
Dan
Hey, Jess. It was a pleasure meeting you today. I also had surgery on 1/11/12, and everything he said about Dr. Gross, the staff, and the hospital are spot on. Really....I can't imagine a better experience.
Jess, You've got a lot longer period of time in a seat, so keep to your meds. I REALLY stiffened up on the ride home. The ice is helping not.
Have a safe trip back.
Andy
Congrats Jess, life just keeps getting better from here on.
Your N# caught my attention, used to earn a living driving N65B 20 years ago.......
Best,
Dave
Really great report, Jess! Everything you said concerning the day of your surgery is just the way it was with me last year. Wonderful people. Welcome to the Hippy world!
Thanks for the great report Jess - I'm just 1 week away with Dr Kelly in Colorado.
Did you still ride moto? If so, did the dr say how long you should stay off? I'm hoping just 6 months of good healing and I'll be cleared to ride.
Your story and confidence here makes me even more excited to get this over with! Thanks!!
Thanks for the warm welcomes and well wishes everyone! Having a community like this gives a tremendous boost in confidence and if nothing else, illustrates how much in common we have with our hip experiences pre and post op. It was great to actually put some faces to the names in therapy yesterday! Nice meeting everyone there. Thanks for the heads up, Andy, it'll be an adventure getting home I'm sure. WTW15, my motox days are long gone now. I never saw my CR250 again after my wreck at Rio Bravo in Houston. I sold it while I was in the hospital, much to the wife's relief! I still needed a fix for my "need for speed", so got a shifter kart instead......much to the displeasure of my wife! Now I'm content just watching the pros! I believe Dr. Gross said 6 mos before any "full contact sports" but he did say that the resurfacing, once its all healed, will be just as strong as your original hip was. dwbitt, my dad and I spent many hours in 85B...lots of sentimental value there for sure.
1-12-2012 Day 1 post op; No real pain to speak of....the constant arthritis pain is gone. It is pretty swollen around the incision and just kind of stiff. I was able to roam around the hospital at will by this time on crutches without getting too tired. The occupational therapist came in and showed us how to use the "hip kit" to get dressed/undressed. Was able to take a shower no problems. Physical therapy again stressed the importance of not crossing your legs, not going beyond 90 degrees in hip flexion, and not turning your toes inward....I've caught myself getting careless about those a couple of times...my advice...just go slooowww in your movements like getting out of bed or getting in/out of a vehicle.
1-13-2012 Day 2 post op; No real change in pain levels (almost none) I am on the oral
pain meds (nucynta) now, but have not noticed any increase or decrease in pain. Still pretty stiff and some muscle pain is about the best way to describe it. Doing the phase 1 exercises seems to loosen it up a little. PT today just consisted of walking on crutches the length of a couple of the corridors in the hospital. After that we got discharged from the hospital. The nurse went over all the things to do and schedules as far as taking the various meds. The next stop will be the 6 week
check up. I can feel improvement in strength/coordination already, even my wife has noticed an improvement in my posture (even on crutches!). One unexpected plus has been the relief on my lower back pain...preop with the limited range of motion in my hip, it would cause my pelvis to rotate in such a way that it would "torque" my lower back...it was worst when laying on my back. Postop....its gone altogether!
Jess,
You will notice yourself standing and walking so much straighter. I think I went from 5 feet 7 inches to over 6 feet after my surgery! Not really, but it sure felt that way. People around you will notice your improved posture and improved facial expression. :( to :) .
Check with Dr. Gross or his nurses. Unless the rules have changed it is no full contact stuff until after 12 months. Full contact meaning anything that involves hard impact on the new joint(s). After 6 months you are cleared to run, ride a bicycle, play tennis, basketball and similar sports but no martial arts, skydiving, football, rugby, etc. until 12 months. From 6 to 12 months you still have to be aware of the new hip but after 12 months you can do anything. See what they say to be sure. They can explain it more thoroughly. Protect that new hip.
newdog is right. It is 1 yr. Good catch! Thanks!
Totally agree with you on the lower back pain prior to surgery. It was very also very uncomfortable for me to lie on my back. Even my shoulder on my bad hip side was out of whack by the time of surgery. Post surgery, much better! Tremendous relief almost immediately. Dr. Gross is awesome. Best wishes for your recovery.
Thanks, Jess -- your posts are giving me a great idea of what to expect. I'm headed up to Columbia this afternoon for my 9 am surgery tomorrow. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!
Jess, great to hear you're doing well. I had the same relief from back and knee pain. Keep it up!
Quote from: Hippyliz on January 15, 2012, 07:40:51 AM
Thanks, Jess -- your posts are giving me a great idea of what to expect. I'm headed up to Columbia this afternoon for my 9 am surgery tomorrow. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!
Best of luck!
Well today is Day 5 post-op. No real changes- still pretty swollen (feels like a rolled up wash cloth), not much pain, icing regularly, taking meds orally with no probs, able to get in/out bed and vehicles pretty easily, moving around on two crutches and able to stand w/o crutches. went to a restaurant last night and had no problems sitting on the wooden bench and eating like a horse! Back to normal in the restroom dept (the meds/anesthesia messed with that a bit). Still doing the isometric exercises. Feeling better everyday!
Thanks again for the well wishes!
J
Jess,
How goes it on day 9? You and I were the same day with Dr. Gross. I was the big mouth chatterbox during our last PT session.
You post on day 5 pretty much pegged where I was, although getting into/out of vehicles was not that easy at that point for me. Today I can walk a mile w/ a cane, am only taking tylenol, and getting stronger every day. Hope you're doing the same.
Andy
Imgetinold, how is your swelling? Any knee pain, mine is killing me today. I think it was from an aggressive stretch yesterday?
No, no knee pain. I used to get knee pain when the hip was hurting, so none since the surgery. Actually, the hip had been playing nice for weeks before surgery, so none for a while.
The only pain I've had is what I've read about somewhere in this forum, which was a bit of pain in the front "crease" of the groin, but just brief and mild.
I'm afraid to stretch anything, although my leg/glute is screaming for a good stretch. What stretches are you doing?
Hey Guys! Sorry for the delay...been catching up with sleep and the mountain of mail!
Hey Andy...so far so good! Pretty much off the pain meds just an occasional tylenol. Swelling is down substantially but still have a ways to go. Still some "tightness" in the hip area and around the front of the hip joint (groin)...not painful just stiff. I'm able to stand full weight bearing no problem, but trying to move..not so much. I can get around the house on one crutch pretty easily though now. I do still have to be careful with my movements...a couple of times my knee has slid inward while in bed and felt like I was close to dislocating! That precipitated some muscle spasm/cramps for a short time...Yikes! :o
1-18-2012 was 1 week post op. The bandages were starting to come off by this time so we peeled them off completely. Holycow was that scary! The bandages had some kind of black coating on them and when we took them off a lot of that coating stuck to the wound...it just looked bad thats all. changed the bandages and also put on the anti bacterial gel and we were good to go. Luckily I was feeling pretty good because that was the day we flew back home. From the time we left the hotel till we pulled into the driveway was 11.5 hrs! That was the part that I worried about the most and it went surprisingly well! Just took the meds and the pain was mild at worst. No problems sitting in the cramped regional jets...we did get a bulkhead seat so that helped some. No problems being out of bed that long either but did lay on the floor with my feet up on the seats in the gate areas while waiting for the flights. Still a pretty good amount of swelling but not really too painful.
Sounds like we're pretty much in the same place, recovery-wise...which makes sense I suppose. It's really unbelievable, isn't it?
I last took Tylenol on Saturday, and reserve its use for only when I have pain. Tightness and a little soreness doesn't count, and I've been fine.
That black gook is pretty nasty looking, huh. My wife - much to her dismay - was helping scrub some off today. Of course, she now can't look me in the eye.
Glad you got home without incident!
-Andy
Yeah still have some on my leg as well.....too afraid to scrub it off at this point! I did roll over and lay on the operative side the other night by accident/without thinking about it...and it wasn't too bad, but did break the incision open a little bit...it started to drain slightly in one area. Not a big deal but just leaving the bandages off at this point to air the wound out as much as possible and using the antibacterial gel to be safe. Congrats on the recovery so far! Wives....couldn't have done it without them for sure! We're going to go shop for a cane after dinner tonight as well....if I remember right, Evel Knievel had a pretty awesome cane!
J
I've got a hand-me-down cane from my wife's grandmother....so nothing cool at all. Keep posting.....it's fun to see how close we both are in our recoveries.
1-25-2012 2 weeks post op. Getting around pretty well on the cane only. No pain meds, just the celebrex to prevent heterotopic bone growth, and the blood thinner (xarelto) to prevent clots. Leaving the incision open as much as possible (its almost completely healed). After showering I do apply the antibacterial gel and if I wear something other than shorts and go out, I will put new bandages on just because the gel is very sticky. The swelling is getting better...I would describe it somewhere between the size of an elongated golf ball and tennis ball along the length of the incision. Mine is about 7" long and "L" shaped due to my previous 12" scar from the accident and resulting scar tissue below. He also needed more room to remove the 2 previous screws from the femoral head as well...thus the odd shape? No pain really...just stiffness. Andy mentioned in a previous post that it just feels like the hip and quads/hamstrings just need a good stretching, and I would agree. Am able to drive an automatic easily and get in and out of various vehicles ranging from Camry's (low) to pickup trucks (higher). Still haven't tried to drive my standard yet, but feel pretty confident that I could. I do have much more strength/stability/control in the hip as far as lateral motion...that was a small problem for me early on. Now I don't think about it as much. No pain at all while walking...not sure of the distance daily....just walking around the house and running errands I would guess 1/4 to 1/2 mile..maybe more? I have started off a couple of times without thinking about it and forgotten the cane! Still no pain, but a pronounced limp... psychological maybe? Not sure. It is almost as someone described it in another thread, like coming off of training wheels...if you don't think about it, its almost automatic/natural if that makes sense. Anyways, thats about where I'm at so far! Feel free to add to the thread or ask questions!
J
Sounds good Jess. This was about the time I started really watching my gait, you want to tighten up that walk and get rid of any limp. Won't be possible for a while, but keep up the good work.
Thanks hernanu! I did notice that the cane wasn't as "stable" as the crutch and it forces you to use more muscles in the hip to stabilize yourself. Our mailbox is about 1/2 mile from the house and the weather today is finally descent enough that I might give it a try. We'll see how it goes!
Sounds great, Jess. I find that if I walk without the cane around the house, I "dip" when I step on my operated leg unless I really concentrate. However, when I go for my walk, and I've gotten warmed up, I can walk fine without my cane...no limp. I went about a mile last night holding my cane as I went.
I am just over a week behind you guys and your input is so encouraging!!! I've been walking around the house with just one crutch and really concentrating on heel/toe - good form and moderate weight bearing. Feels good but hard to trust that leg really just yet. I have a LEKI adjustable cane that we'd bought for my mom years ago when she was dx'd with MS and was still walking. Had it sent to me and have not tried it yet - maybe after my post op visit on Thurs depending on what the dr says.
Also hoping to get my driving privileges back :-) just in time for another snow storm - perfect! will feel good to go spin some hoolies!
Jess and Andy - keep up the good posts!
Good job W! I'm finding "slow and steady" is the way to go. I find myself getting a little too exuberant sometimes!
2-1-2012 3 weeks post-op. Swelling is down, but still have a ways to go yet. The stiffness is decreasing as well. Off the pain meds. Still taking the Celebrex and the anti-clotting med, but thats it. The scar is pretty much healed up and looks way better than the "Frankenstein" scar I got back in '99! I can also sleep on the op side now without even thinking about it...I was a bit tentative before. I am able to walk without crutches/cane off and on. I tried going to the mailbox with only the cane a few times, but it turns out our box is .7 miles from the house so its a 1.4 mile round trip that I was able to do in about :40 min. Its also slightly hilly in our neighborhood so that didn't help! I was sore after those so reverted back to both crutches for a day or two then back to one crutch/cane then no cane around the house. Its easy to over do it....take your time! Also doing light yard work but have to be slow/gentle while doing things. I do notice while in bed if I have my op leg in certain positions I sometimes get muscle cramps about where the incision is...not a big deal just move it to a position that doesn't cause it to cramp! It may be a result of the muscles getting stronger/growing back together? Overall though, so far so good!
Jess
0.7 miles to the mailbox! Wow....I want your yard!
Mine is about 40 feet. Sounds like you're doing really well. My Celebrex was gone a week ago, and I noticed a little more swelling after it was done, but that's gone now.
I also get some cramping depending on how I've been sitting or how long. Especially in the driving position in the car. If I splay my operated knee to the side, it helps me.
Congrats on the recovery so far......
Hey Andy congrats on the steady improvement! Yeah, sitting is where it bothers me too....seems to stiffen up some. I have to shift my weight off the op side to get comfortable sometimes...still feels like sitting on a rolled up wash rag or something. Our insurance wouldn't cover the extra Celebrex till feb 2 ( they allow only x amount per month?) the label says 1/day, but the instruction sheet says 2/day. Oh well gonna refill tomorrow. I have noticed after a good soaking hot shower that I can immediately get around without a cane and NO limp or restricted motion in my gait (which is so unbelievable after 13 years!) and NO pain! If I do so after sitting or lying down, it takes a few steps to loosen up after which everything is good. (not sure if its mental though!) Ha! I wish our yard was that big! we have one of those neighborhood or community boxes whatever they're called. Good to see everyone coming along so well!
Jess
Well my dreams of walking to the community mailbox have be quashed by 12"++ of snow - so will make laps down the 23 steps to the garage, around the garage (it's huge, over 900sqft) we jokingly call it building a house around the garage and then the 23 steps back into the house. Mountain Living!
Doc was OK w/ me using the cane so it's a go. Drove home too - got to get my "slide on" just a little as the snow was just starting to fall. I love sliding the 'burb! so predictable. LOL Old movies and naps on the schedule for today. TGIF everyone!
Sounds great - you're really starting to kick into gear. Have fun and by the way (... GO PATS!...).
2-8-2012 4 weeks post op. Off of all meds at this point (celebrex and xarelto). I did notice a weird side effect today (2-11) that may be related to the celebrex.....ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Still need to call the dr's office maybe a coincidence who knows. Otherwise swelling is almost gone. The incision is healed but a little sore to the touch or uncomfortable laying on it for long periods of time. Still some muscle stiffness/soreness but not bad once I get moving. It seems worse after sitting for periods of time. Range of motion is ok so far...still trying not to push it till after the 6 wk chk up. No pain while weight bearing. I have noticed the "clunking" while standing at the sink washing dishes or brushing teeth..not audible just feel it. It doesn't hurt or anything just a different feeling. I do occasionally go back to the crutches or cane for a day or two if I over do it on the walking or working around the house. Otherwise no real issues. I am scheduled to head out to Columbia about mid march for the 6 whk chk up (it'll be more like 9 wks at that point due to airline scheduling). Not anticipating anything bad. We'll see what happens! Hope everyone is doing well!
Jess
2-22-2012 6 weeks post op. So far so good..no real problems other than some muscle stiffness/soreness. The hip itself has NO pain from arthritis. I do notice as others have, that while sitting I do get pretty stiff/sore and it takes a few steps to loosen up, but once underway not much as much soreness. Range of motion is pretty good and should get better with the phase 2 stretching. I have noticed quite a bit of muscle weakness and control in motions other than standing and walking. For instance while laying on my stomach with my legs bent 90 degrees at the knees, there is not much strength in trying to keep my left foot from swinging inward or outward (dangerous!). I've also noticed that bending over to pick things up (like a golfer would) is a little weak and unstable on the left side too. I do also notice my left leg is much weaker in climbing stairs obviously. I seem to lead with my right (strong) side out of habit for so long. I think a lot of it is mental as well. Phase 2 should bring back a lot of that strength and stability. Hope everyone is doing well!
Jess
You will be surprised by just walking how much better things will get in the next month.
Walking is one of the best excercises.
Chuck
Sounds really good, Jess - keep it up.