;D
I see so many posts from very active people, but would love to hear from some who do NOT run marathons or do yoga or ski down hill. Any average overweight happy housewives out there who needed a hr due to some oa and a labral tear?
My activity is yard work, laundry and running errands for kids. I used to be in acrobats as a kid so I am very flexible until my rom was stolen by pain.
I make the joke that when the pain made it horrible for s*x and shopping then something needs to be done!!!!! ;)After 5 years of searching for answers, lots of dr and pt, I found this sight and felt like there was hope for me.
I could use some encouragement. Surgery is 5/23 with Dr. Gross.
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50 yo homeschool mom of 5
Me! I am not an athlete. I needed my hip resurfacing done because 20 years ago I had a nasty car crash. I used to do karate as a kid and sometimes my right hip used to play up then. When we are young having this op the cause is that u were either athletic or traumor I am unfortunately the latter. I have suffered with my for 10 years with it gradually getting worse. However feel like I have been given a second chance so will be definitely getting more active. Good luck on the 23rd!
Rach
Hi
I can't give you a real number, but my guess in only, maybe 25%, are real hard core athletes. Sorry if I am offending anyone, but if you are not a pro or semi pro - it is for fun. Only a very few women were into running or karate, etc. Hip resurfacing is for the normal person to stay active while not loosing a large hunk of your femur bone, not having a long stake pounded into your cut off femur bone and not having any restrictions while having a natural gait. It has many positive effects on your body and you don't need to be a big time athlete. Anyone that walks is being active and can use a hip resurfacing.
So although there are many serious athletes with hip resurfacing, most of us are normal joes that like to have some fun in the sun. Now - all you golfers, bikers, martial arts, tennis players, horse riders, mountain climbers, weight lifters, etc. etc. etc. - don't get mad at me. You are serious about your sports, but not paid money to do them. ;D
We all can benefit from hip resurfacing.
Pat
Hi Dee Dee
When I got my revision surgery in Belgium, one of the many patients getting resurfaced by Dr. De Smet was my roommate in the hospital room who was a 68 year old man (not particularly athletic). He recovered marvelously from the surgery and was walking with one crutch a few days after. His wife was a heavyset women who had previously had both hips resurfaced by De Smet. The older of the two surgeries had been done more than eight years earlier and she was very happy with the results.
If you look here, in the first picture they are the couple on the left (i.e. the couple on my right):
http://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/photos-surface-hippies-pets-and-environment/hip-surgery-can-be-fun-medical-tourism-in-gent/ (http://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/photos-surface-hippies-pets-and-environment/hip-surgery-can-be-fun-medical-tourism-in-gent/)
Hi Dee Dee, you've just described me! Had one HR, unlikely to get another but still trying. Having problems with my first HR but I think I'm just difficult. With dysplasia, suspected metal allergies and other stuff. I had 9 years of great mobility and no pain. Check your metal sensitivity but otherwise don't hesitate. Good luck! Sal
Thanks for the encouragement . :D Surgery is tomorrow. Dr Gross seems very confident that I am ready for this surgery (bone on bone and possible mild displasia) and that my weight is not enough concern to prevent me from proceeding. I will be taking fosomax because of my >30BMI to help protect from fracture, but my bone density is good for now so I can be 100% weight bearing. 8)
I am a little worried about the drive home to Alabama. I just wonder about keeping the pain under control since I have OA in my neck and back also and I will be off my Diclofenec for 2 weeks more. My hubby booked another hotel and broke the trip up so I won't have to be in the car for 7 hours straight.
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50 yo homeschool mom of 5
Right HR with Dr Gross 5/23/12
Best of luck tomorrow! You have picked a wonderful surgeon. I don't think you have to worry too much about the drive back to Alabama. You will still be on pain meds, and many people have driven much further than from Columbia to Alabama after the surgery without problems. I hope you will have the PolarCare machine on the trip - it will help a lot with controlling pain.
PS - I am not an athlete, although I'm very active. I was 65 years old last year, when I had my surgeries. I had very few problems with recovery, and pain was very manageable. I was off the strong painkillers by the 4th or 5th day and walking with one crutch or a cane less than a week after surgery.
I am 6 days post surgery and was also apprehensive about travelling home. I travelled on Sunday and did not have any problem in the car. We rented a minivan in Columbia and had a Ford Explorer for use in Colorado. The trip was about 2 hours in the car and 3.5 hours in the air. I did have some swelling which took about a day to subside. Do you have a way to cool/ice your leg while in route?
I can remember being fairly comfortable both in the car and on the plane. The only time I had pain was getting in and out of the car or up/down from the bed or chair. I was so much more comfortable when I got home. The bed was a little to soft at the hotel and it was hard to get up out of bed.
Best Wishes.
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, Dee Dee - you will do just fine! Dr. Gross is brilliant and his team has the entire process down to a science. Please let us know how you are doing as soon as you can! I am at 4 months post-op now and completely pain-free! I am not a hard core athlete...I followed Dr. Gross' instructions to the letter. He has tons of data to back up his orders, and it has all worked out beautifully for me. I get teary thinking about the new life this surgery opens up for people who have been suffering in silence for years. Best wishes!!
Good luck today, Dee Dee!
Hope it all went well!
Hi,
When you say some OA and labrar tear what do you mean, at what level. Are you bone on bone? You sound like me. I'm not an athlete but I would like to be more active. Why it took so long for you ( you said 5 years). I've been in pain for almost 5 years.
Thanks!
I did it! It was nice to wake up with no pain, unlike the hysterectomy 3 years ago which was awful.
Surgery went well. Evedently my weight was not an issue. Dr. Gross told my hubbie fortunaley i have very strong bones but that I had hip dysplasia which patially accounted for my extreme flexibility and probably caused the deterioration to bone on bone. I will post my whole hip story later.
I wanted to walk and stretch so at 4 hours post op I took a little cruise down the hall. It felt so weird but good to be up even, for a short while.
Unfortunately, the pain kicked in once the epidural wore off and I have to wait for more of the fast acting meds. (on extended release) it shouldn't be too much longer. :o
this sight has been such a wonderful resource. :)
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50 yo homeschool mom of 5
Right HR with Dr Gross 5/23/12
I wish you a speedy recovery...lyn
Congrats Dee...
Well done, Dee Dee! Take it slow and steady with your recovery. Life is on the up! X
Congrats for your new hip, and hope you have a boring and uneventful recovery. Ice will be your best friend, stay ahead of the pain, meds when needed as prescribed, and follow the restrictions and other discharge instructions, and you'll be doing great in no time.
Best wishes,
Dan
Congratulations. The trip home will be fine....just take the pain meds on schedule, like clockwork. Don't let the pain "get ahead of you". It won't take long to wean off them.
Welcome to the other side.
That is great Dee Dee. You're getting good advice, just be patient and positive, keep us posted when you can.
Good job DeeDee. BTW - there are lots of folks here that don't run marathons/triathalons or do other intense enduro sports. I'm really active but I chose HR so that I could run, if I wanted to, or play soccer, and also to do yardwork, ride my bike for a few miles, or simply walk without pain. You'll be much happier with this behind you.
Also there's a lot of support here if you have questions about recovery and anything HR.
Hi Dee, I reckon us moms do more than athelets! :)
You`ll be fine, take it slow is the best way!!
Thanks for the encouragement. I head home today if all is well. I really like Dr. Gross, Lee and Nancy. The hospital experience has been less than satisfactory.
I did have some trouble the night of surgery. After the epidural wore off I proudly took my first jaunt down the hall. But after that, My pain spiked so bad that I was overwhelmed, aggitated, frustrated and emotional. Unfortunately I tried to get help during shift change and it took the nurse an hour , before they finally got me a shot of demoral. That helped only a little but enough to get my emotions back in check. After that I stayed ahead of the pain and I feel much better
Another thing happened with the catheter. I was drinking alot of water and I told the nurse that I could feel my bladder filling up. He checked the output and said I was producing urine and that some people just have that sensation while on the catheter. I tried to get him to take my request more seriously so he talked to the on-call Dr to see if I could have it taken out. The Dr said no, so meanwhile my bladder is getting uncomfortable. I was just about to call the nurse again and make him feel my full bladder when I discovered that I was sitting in the hose and it had a kink!!! Once that was resolved my bladder emptied and I felt so much better.
The next morning I had a battle with low blood pressure when OT tried to get me up. I almost passed out. They helped me back to bed and got that under control. No more BP problems after that.
Combined with some other communication problems, I would have to say my experience at Providence hospital has been slightly disappointing.
They sent my husband to the wrong room post op so he wasn't there to greet me when I got to my room. That was tough, I just wanted to see his face.
My first nurse seemed a little frazzled and grumpy. I became frustrated that my husband was not in the room and she did not seem to want to help find him. . She even scolded me later on another issue.
I was told not to bring any medicine from home, but their pharmacy did not have 2 of my Meds so I had to miss a day of one. I had questions some of the Meds they were giving me post-op and the nurse did not know what I had been given pre-op.
The vp of the hospital did come by to talk to us as well as the clinical director but she did not know that the vp was in earlier. I told my stories to each, but I really wasn't trying to get anyone in trouble. I am frustrated with the lack of coordination / communication.
I am just so glad to be heading home today. My hip feels pretty good. I am sore of course.
I will probably be getting my left hip done so I will know a lot more next time .
Oh dear, you have been unfortunate there, didn`t exactly lift your spirits! Still, look on the bright side now, the operation is over, soon you`ll be home, just concentrate on taking things easy and slow! Believe me that`s the best way, there is no rush, in actual fact I read after one year all people whether athletes or not reach the same stage :)
I was lucky where I had mine done, the doctors and nurses were wonderful. Had a blood transfusion on the second day which soon worked. You just have to learn to turn a blind eye when you`re home to housework even if you get help! Just look forward now, you`ll soon be relaxed and in better spirits. Look forward to hearing your updates!
Wow it is great to be home. We made it all the way in one day. It was not too difficult a drive on me, but my leg and ankle did swell after 8 hours on the road even with some walking breaks. I am better today but still stiff.
I appreciate all the encouragement from you experienced hippies.
I admitted that i was suprised how good i actually felt and Dr. Gross just grinned when he dismissed me. He must really enjoy helping people get there lives back. I am glad he keeps the statistics but that we are more than a number to him. My husband always supported my decision to pursue a long distance dr and felt very satisfied once he met Dr. Gross and his staff.
My experience so far is suprisingly good. I thought I would be in more pain at 3 days out and I am not. I thought it would be hard get around the house especially stairs and it is not that hard, just tiring.
It is easy now because I don't have any responsibilities other than to rest, do my exercises and walk.
I am staying on the long acting pain meds and slowly backing off the short acting ones since I don't hurt that much.
I am sorry that I fussed so much about the hospital. In hindsight it was a lot of mostly
little things that just added up. They were very attentive and apologetic when they realized the snafu. I told everyone going in that waking up fom anesthesia makes me grumpy until it is out of my system. I guess they all got to see that ;)
I will post more later.
Sounds like you're doing very well, Dee. I'm glad you've got the pain under control, make sure you stay ahead of the pain, there's no medals for being in pain, your comfort is the important thing. You do want to make progress, and low pain will make that much easier.
Don't worry about fussing, this is the place to complain if you want to, to people who have been there and back and understand.
So glad you feeling better Dee :)
:)
Today I am 2 weeks post op! I am having a good recovery. my hip is sore but not really painful. Every once in awhile I will get a quick sharp pain in the groin, but I realize I broke the 90' rule and bent too much. I assume that pain is normal. Any body else feel that pain?
I am down to a cane around the house. I use 2 crutches for my distance walking because my left un-operated hip is symptomatic and is buckling so 2 crutches are safer. I actually went over a mile by accident when I got out to do a little shopping with my hubby at Sam's club. I used the pedometer ap on my phone to track and did not realize how far you walk in the big box store when you zig around shopping.
I have been off the narcotics for a few days now, but Last night i took a quick acting pain med because i was so achy. I think I am overdoing due to boredom and have vowed to back off and sit by the pool and read a book the next few days. I just wish I could get in the pool, but it is off limits until after 4 weeks.
Thanks for all your stories here!
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Right HR Dr. Gross. 5-23-12
Dee Dee,
I am at eight weeks (today) and still get the occasional sharp groin pain. I got one today for example. I was getting out of an unfamiliar car and moved wrong/slipped and got a quick sharp pain. It receded quickly and was completely gone in a minute or three.
I don't think (at least in my case and probably yours) that this is any problem at all. This is just a major surgery and it takes a while for all your muscles to heal and re-adjust. They got disrupted big-time during the surgery.
Mike
Quote from: Miguelito on June 06, 2012, 10:02:40 PM
Dee Dee,
I am at eight weeks (today) and still get the occasional sharp groin pain. I got one today for example. I was getting out of an unfamiliar car and moved wrong/slipped and got a quick sharp pain. It receded quickly and was completely gone in a minute or three.
I don't think (at least in my case and probably yours) that this is any problem at all. This is just a major surgery and it takes a while for all your muscles to heal and re-adjust. They got disrupted big-time during the surgery.
Mike
Very common. I had it at eight weeks. Im at 12 weeks now and its gone. Its just week. Practice lunges. Hold on to a door knob, table, counter, when doing them. I'm 3 months out and still can't do a perfect deep lunge. I have to hold on to something so I can go deeper. Thats what got rid of that pain for me.
Thanks Mike and Zap about your experience with the sharp groin pain. It is reassuring.
It's funny how one day can feel terrific but the next is achy and tired. I remind myself I am only 2 weeks post op.
Friends from my Sunday school class are bringing meals every other day. I am so blessed! They are all I'm awe of how well I look and am getting around.
This site is so informative and helpful and encouraging! Thanks Pat.
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Right HR. Dr. Gross 5-23-12
Dee Dee,
I just wanted to let you know that my first two weeks went better than I had expected. I mean it was rough, but I had prepared myself for the worst so was favorably surprised that it wasn't as bad as I thought.
But I then got my hopes up and weeks three and four were worse than I then expected. I had a minor setback and frankly was at the same point at the end of four weeks that I was at 2-1/2.
In the second month I have had stretches where I could do twice what I could the previous day for four or five days in a row. Then I would hurt my back mowing the lawn and be barely able to walk for a day.
My point is that my recovery has not been the linear progression I imagined. There has been tremendous progress and I am very happy where I am, but I know that I was unprepared for the two steps forward, one step back nature of my recovery. If I could go back in time I would tell my two-week self to expect setbacks so I that was not (as) frustrated by them when they happened. If there are people here who never had them, god-bless, but I think most people do.
Regards,
Mike
Agreed Mike...athlete or not, it's a two step forward one step back process for a while....
Best to you all...
:D
18 days
I started walking around the kitchen today with no aids!! The countertop was close in case I felt weak. I did not limp after steps 1-2, but I did have to think about my steps. I think my muscles aren't sure about their capability, but after the first few steps it almost feels like normal. I am so amazed at recovery!
I am using the cane most of the time. Distance walking is with the crutches. I don't need them but they are there in case my left hip buckles( it will catch and give way which is how my right leg started 5 years ago, but my leg muscles support me enough to not fall. I don't want to take chances hence the crutches for extra support)
Anyone have knee issues flare up after surgery?
I think I stressed the quad of my unoperated leg close to the knee towards the inside. Certain moves feels like fire! I have tried to rub it and avoid that move. Also the knee of the operated leg hurts on the outside below the patella, it was slightly sore before surgery but now it is quite tender and complaining. Any thoughts?
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Right HR. Dr. Gross. 5-23-12
A lot of folks mention knee pain after surgery. I had it for both legs and I think it was in that area near the patella on the outside. I don't know the knee very well, but I suspect the pain will go away in a few weeks as your body readjusts to the new hip. I think all of the knee pain I had was pretty short lived, but I've heard of others having several weeks of it. You might discuss it with your PT or doc. They might be able to give you some stretches or exercises to reduce it.
Thanks Tin for the info about knees. Mine are tender, but I hope to get to pt after my 6 week check up.
Today is 21 days post op
I went to the grocery store on my own but started feeling weird, so i did not take my distance walk for the last 2 days because of weird symptoms probably from changing/ starting new meds but could have been something I ate. Tingly lips &tongue, racing heart, headache and diarrhea
Only a headache today - the docs are informed.
Just want to share that I finally made it all night in bed without moving to the anti-gravity lounge chair!!! I know it has to do with the fact that I can sleep for longer periods of time on my unoperated side. Poor hubby has to endure me shifting several times with the pillow between my legs. But it felt great to wake up in bed. The lounge chair was awesome for sleeping, but I prefer the bed.
I am eager to walk today and hope to make it to 1 mile. At about 1/2 mile both hips get tired. My left hip is unstable. I have to be careful. I want to get out in the yard and pull the weeds so bad, but I can't do that with out breaking the 90 rule. Patience is hard when you see weeds taking over the garden ::)
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Right HR Dr. Gross. 5-23-12
You'll always have weeds to pull.
Well I am 6 weeks out and doing well. I go for my check up next week.
Despite all the mom hype, I plan to ask for a left hip resurfacing to be scheduled before the end of the year. I hope My X-rays say I am ready, cuz my body does.
I have been walking every day and enjoying being outside even in the Alabama extreme heat. It has been tough with having lots of leg muscle issues and lower back issues that have kept me from feeling 100%. The buckling has become worse in the unoperated hip. Yesterday i went for my 1 mile walk and I started limping half way through on the un- operated side. It was the weirdest sensation to know my right hip was good and strong and the left hip pain kept increasing the further I walked. I think it was the first time that I could really feel the OA pain was truly gone in the right hip!!
I am hoping that the lower leg pain along the shin ( not all the time but definately annoying) will resolve with more excercises. The lower back pain is from spondilolisthesis which I had pre-op. dr. Gross said if the back symptoms get really bad, injections( which helped in the past) are ok by him anytime post-op. I think I just need to get to PT which will get me some strength and flexibility back.
I have been in my pool the last couple weeks to beat the heat. I have been pedaling around and doing a few laps. It feels good, but since I was never in shape I wondering if I am making myself sore!!
Anyway, Just an update. I will let you know if I get to be a bilateral after my appt next week.
Dee
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Right HR. 5-23-12. Dr. Gross
Congratulations Dee Dee. This is the beginning of your new life. When you go back to the doc, you should insist that the other hip gets done as soon as possible. Stabilizing the hips just might help with the back problems. My back used to bother me all the time and it hasn't hurt at all since my surgery. Keep working hard on yourself. You'll be all back together soon.
Great news Dee, glad to hear from you, get the other done asap!!
Great to hear you are doing well Dee Dee, small steps = good recovery. It is a good feeling to be starting a new life without the pain, hope your other hip holds up. Sal x
I will be a bilateral on Dec. 5, 2012 :)
Because my right hip is so much improved after surgery, I asked to have the left hip done. You may recall that I have symptoms in my unoperated hip such as random buckling, ROM pain and great pain while walking my prescribed 1 mile for rehab on the operated hip.
Dr. Gross said I probably have a labral tear causing the buckling and that the displasia will continue to contribute to the degeneration of the hip. He said the OA is NOT bone on bone in the left hip, and I could consider other options to hold off the surgery such as a hip injection or arthroscopic repair. I told him that Dr. Byrd in Nashville(expert in Arthroscopic repair) said he could do the left hip, but the recovery is worse than a total hip and that I would still probably need that down the road. BTW, I plan to write to Dr. Byrd's office and encourage him to consider referring patients for HR instead of THR.
Dr. Gross agreed that I would probably still end up needing an HR after a repair becasue of the dysplasia. He wanted me to know that I had choices, but that HR would solve the problems with my hip. So I scheduled surgery!!
It is weird to think that I am electing to do this all over again, but my right hip is so much stronger and no OA pain - I want that for my left hip. I am hoping that my spondilolisthesis back issues will improve when I am walking better with 2 new hips.
One of the reasons to do it sooner than later is because recovery has been pretty amazing. I do not have the ROM yet that I so desire but I am only 8 weeks out. Dr. Gross warned me not to push too much in ROM until after six months. I can already move in a pretty far range, but I have a painful catch in the groin on certain moves. Lee explained that there is still a lot of healing going on, blood in the area, bone growth etc. and to wait until 3 months when I should notice much improvement.
Just thought I would share my update. Thanks for all the support.
Great news Dee! You`ll be bilateral a day before my first anniversary. So pleased you`re making a good recovery, think you`re definately making the right decision!!
Dee, that's great. I know the feeling of wanting the amazingness for the other side. For me, having both done was great.
I mowed the lawn yesterday! Using the new hip in all the turning and twisting felt a little strange, but it certainly worked great. My husband did the string trimming and mowed the difficult banks, but I did the main area and with the bagger attached. It is a self-propelled walking mower so that helped going uphill.
I wore my SI belt since my back was a little cranky. It felt so good to be walking behind the mower and I got the benefit of a nice looking yard. I iced my lower back when I finished and rested the remainder of the evening. Unoperated hip was aching all night!
It is true that once you are in motion, you feel better! I still have a sharp quick groin pain when stretching my ROM and I am really weak when doing leg lifts, but each day I am noticing improvement.
I don't have a running goal or a specific sports activity that I want to return to, but I do like taking care of the yard and being able to go for walks. I am encouraged by my ability to walk again. Pre-op I could hardly go around the block (1/3 mile) especially on bad days. Post-op I can feel the strength in the new joint and my left hip gets weak and achy limiting me to a mile. But I can go to the grocery store again without fear of giving out!
Just a little update.
Good for you, Dee! Nice to begin to get back to regular activity. I also had my undone hip complain in between surgeries, was thankful when it was finally done, since it seemed more achy as the other got better.
You're at three months or so now, so need to be careful not to do too much lifting or pushing. It's easy to get carried away when you're starting to really feel good.
Thanks for sharing Dee- great news, so glad for you. So many people just want to be able to do resume everyday activities, remember being so thrilled could actually bend down to the washing machine again!!
You know what i'm looking forward to the most... being able to climb the stairs without having someone watching me in case I fell.
Nice one Dee Dee. So glad to hear its all going well ;D