Hello All,
This is my first post and I am scheduled for bilateral hip resurfacing by Dr. Bose in July this year.
I am nervous as hell as I have never spent time in hospital let alone an operation of such calibre. I am scared of the general anaesthetic the most and how I will feel when (if) I wake up.
My background is that I am a 44 year old male that has had quite an active earlier life. I played basketball in my younger years and also to some degree gymnastics although not so good at it. I played golf, football, cricket, skiing and surfing. My flexibility has been always quite rigid and at the age of 34 I was told that I had early onsets of OA. This was from a chiropractor that I had once seen because of a sore lower back problem. He insisted that I get an xray on my hips and he called me the following day with this news. Basically he said in 10 years that I will need total hip replacement and he was 100% correct to the year.
In the years following this announcement my hips did become more stiffer up and til today I now have great difficulty tieing up my shoelaces, picking things off the ground and walking more than 500m without pain. If I sit for 5 or 10 minutes I can then continue some more. My quality of life has suffered as I avoid any activity that requires walking. I am lucky that my job is office based and I can sit in the luxury of my desk but there are times I should go to work sites which always put myself in awkward situations having to explain my condition.
I have chosen bilateral although my right hip is probably 1 to 2 years ahead of my left in OA stages. My thinking is to get it over and done with and rehabilitate both hips at the same time evenly. Due to my fear of operations I think I could only endure this once!
I aim to post my progress on this forum and I am looking to read about everyones experiences to hopefully get the confidence and support I need to be ready for this surgery. I am hoping to be able to return to some normal sporting activities by the end of the year but not sure if this is a tough ask. I will be happy just to be able to walk unlimited kilometres.
Regards,
Paul
Paul, That sounds exactly like my story (except I'm 54). I had bilateral surgery at the end of January and it was the right decision. The hip pain is gone and I can now put on my socks while standing.
I could barely get my socks on and couldn't spend any time on my feet. I was very tight in the adductors, groin and hip flexors. My right hip was worse than my left. Prior to surgery I measured the spread I could get between my knees lying on my back with my feet together, it was 18". I'm now up to 23" and still improving. I doubt I'll ever sit cross legged again, but the results are very encouraging.
Doing both hips at the same time was the right choice for me. The early recovery is a little more difficult but you only have to to go through the surgery once and it cuts the rehab time in half. They had me walking the day after surgery and home after two nights. I did need to use crutches for 4 weeks per the doctors instructions. I could have walked without the crutches sooner, but I followed all of with doctor's instructions. I got the crutches that clamp on your forearm rather than the underarm crutches.
My right hip has been slower recovering. My left hip has been good from the start but on the right side I've had pain in the inner hip radiating down the adductor and sometimes the inner hamstring. It's been slowly improving and it's almost gone now. It could be from going to the gym every day that irritates it, or possible from sitting at a computer all day with work.
My hips and legs are still weaker than before but it's coming along slowly with exercise. I just returned from a scuba diving vacation in Roatan and had no problems at all. I'm looking forward to getting back to pain free hockey next winter and skiing.
The hardest part of doing them both at once was sleeping because you don't have a good side to lie on and I'm not a back sleeper. I setup the spare bed in the living room beside the recliner and alternated sleeping on them, and that helped alot. I found I could sleep on one for about 3 hours then I'd need to switch.
For the surgery, I avoided the anesthetic and just went with the spinal. I was given the choice of being put under, staying alert or something in between. I chose to stay alert because I was interested in the surgery, and I didn't like anesthetic from a past experience. They gave me the option to be put under at any time it I couldn't take it, but I found it fascinating. It's a little surreal to hear them grinding and hammering on your pelvis, but you don't feel any pain.
Good luck with the surgery.
I have had my bilateral surgry January 2014. It was my best decision! You can read my story in "China Lady's Diary".
I understand, that most surgeons only make one side each time. Because I wanted to be through the recovery very fast, I asked Dr. Brockwell, Hongkong, if it is possible to do both sides in one go. He simply said: of course!
I could not walk "2 miles in week three", or whatever I read very often on this site. But it doesn't matter, in the end result I was faster.
My best wishes for your surgery! And try to stay patient with yourself.....
Thank you both for your replies and comforting thoughts. I have so many questions running through my head and I feel a forum such as this is the best to get answers from people that have been through this procedure.
I am thinking now about the before and after ROM that I will be able to achieve. If I take a measurement as you have done below I only get 13" which I guess is not good. I was in a resort last year in Spain and I could not even straddle a jetski so I guess I am quite a bad example. What ROM should I expect with this bilat BHR?
I know I will never be able to do the splits but would be nice now to imagine what life will be like.
Dont worry so much. I was in a very bad shape before surgery. I looked like a walrus when I mounted my BMW G650GS, even with the seat on low. Now it's absolute easy. I dont now the degrees or numbers, but everything is back again. Even better than years ago!
Paul, I don't know what kind of ROM one can expect from this surgery. I do know that now my adductors and hip flexors aren't so tight and painful I can work at stretching it out and it's slowly improving. It is slow going so you need to be patient.
Another place I've improved is on my back with one leg stretched out straight and bending the other leg up (like in a seated position). Before surgery I couldn't barely get to a 90deg position, and I had to pull my leg to do it. I can now get my knee about another 20deg closer to my chest.
I've been doing a yoga stretch class and that helps a lot. Some positions I can't get into very well, especially the hip openers, but it's improving. There's a position called child's pose that I couldn't come anywhere close to doing correctly before but I can now almost do.
When I was starting to get back into the gym I found my adductors were still feeling really tight so I went for a massage a few times (about 3 months after surgery) and that seemed to help.
You'll find that right after surgery you won't be able to lift your legs so someone will need to help you get them into bed, but every day they get a bit stronger. Walking wasn't too much a problem, I mostly went with the crutches and just used the walker a couple of times. The biggest issue with crutches is trying to carry a mug of coffee.
Quote from: China Lady on May 26, 2015, 09:40:00 AM
Dont worry so much. I was in a very bad shape before surgery. I looked like a walrus when I mounted my BMW G650GS, even with the seat on low. Now it's absolute easy. I dont now the degrees or numbers, but everything is back again. Even better than years ago!
I was like that with my bicycle, I had to tilt it to the side to be able to get my leg over the seat. Now I can get on it like a "normal" person 8)
:) Hi Paul I had mine done 29th April Belgium Dr De Smet.
Operations yes they are not the best things but if required so you can have a life its worth the risk. Me I had 2 back operations, 1 stem cell, 1 hernia, 2 hip arthroscope. The only one really required was the recent hips. All others were unnecessary. I picked renowned surgeons so there was little risk for stuff ups so I made it through. Similar I had very, very deep hip sockets so I was never going to make it an old age with my hips. "It is a known fact". I was very active as well. Hunting, motorbikes, mountain bikes, running, tramping, skiing, road biking, flying, wake boarding, water skiing, So I am here like a lot of others and blessed to have some new hips. Dr Bose seems a very good surgeon so be patient you should be fine. Good luck. Kind Regards K
Hi Karlos thanks for the confidence and I now feel that I have accepted my fate and as the days count down to July 23 and July 28 I feel more at ease. Just yesterday I setup a team building (foosball tournament!) day for my employees and when I found that my level of participation was minimal due to back pain from my aching hips, all I could think about was the sooner the better.
I had a few years ago a friend that recommended the arthroscopy but I never went for it. Did this help you?
On arthroscopy, my surgeon told me I was 10 years too late for it, but it only lasts 7-8 years of benefit typically, so I was about where I would have been anyway.
I was in a similar frame of mind to you once the op was scheduled, sooner the better. But I remained uncertain even having walked up to theatre, sitting chatting with the nurse while I waited them getting ready for me. That was the scariest time. About to board a one way train.
But so far so good. And your anaesthetic etc fears ... It's difficult to imagine, but from the moment they give you it, it is literally like blinking. One blink closed, the next open and you are in recovery with a BHR. No passage of time, it is instant.
Millions of anaesthetics daily. You have every reason to expect a great result, and no problems.
Good luck.
Just 2 weeks (or less) until I fly out to India. Getting super nervous and also just saw an article on the recall of BHR components?
http://www.smith-nephew.com/news-and-media/media-releases/news/statement-regarding-bhr-system/ (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/smith-nephew-recalls-hip-replacement-components-2015-06-04)
Is this going to be an issue now?
I also have a question in regards to exercises before operation. How best to physically prepare?
Paul, everything is fine. It's not a recall. Smith and Nephew decided not to sell the small sizes anymore.
The United Kingdom's 'National Institute of Clinical Excellence' (NICE) has recently singled out hip resurfacing and changed the outcomes requirement from 90% to 95%.
The small sizes of BHR 46mm and under, according to the UK national registry, are having good outcomes under 95%. So what used to be acceptable to them when the bar was 90% they have changed their minds. So Smith and Nephew, who makes the BHR has simply said they are no longer selling those small sizes.
Anyone who needs larger than 46MM (which would be almost all men and some large boned women) will still be able to get the BHR which has an outcome average above 95%.
Chuckm
I'm 173cm, 72kg, and got a 48mm if that helps you in case you're now wondering about what size you will likely be.
Ten weeks today, going well. Better than pre op now for "straight" stuff, like walking, swimming, cycling. Not yet rowing. Hip flex ROM up from about 85 max pre op, probably about 110 or 115-120 if I use my hands to pull knee higher.
Will be trying a bit of gentle golf at end of July.
Hi Chuck and Matt,
Thanks for the quick responses. I am understanding day by day more and more about the mechanics now of the hip resurfacing procedure and myself being 184cm and 92kg I guess I will be getting a larger size ~50mm so therefore the recall and reasoning makes more sense. I notice that for the smaller head sizes are at greater risk of failure so I feel totally comfortable now being at the higher end.
Trying to now prepare mentally and physically for this operation and watching videos helps then it scares the sh%$# it out of me seeing the scars and thoughts of waking up after the procedure. There is no option for me but just to do it now as to hit it home for me I will just go for a short walk until I get some pain to make myself realise I will soon be over this!
2 weeks until surgery from today :O
Glad to here your recovery is going well Matt!
Paul, judging from what you wrote I predict in a few months you'll feel even better than you did 10+ years ago. Good luck and keep us posted!
Pre-op day
I am finally here in Chennai lieing down in the Raffles suite in a very relaxed and calm mode. I am finally ready and all fears are aside.
I have today undergone all pre-op investigations and been cleared for surgery tomorrow morning.
Looking forward to this time tomorrow!
Hi Paul,
That's great! Good luck with your operation tomorrow!
Best,
Dean
Good luck tomorrow, Paul!
Operation Day 23/7/2015
At 8am I was transferred to the surgery room to have my right hip installed with the BHR. All I remember is seeing Dr. Bose friendly face and before I knew it I was awake in the recovery room. Waking up was fine and my first words were "is it finished?" as I was so surprised it was over so quickly.
When I awoke, I had very little pain as a nerve block was in use and I generally felt alert and ok. Dr. Bose visited and said everything went perfectly which made me feel at ease.
The PT came at one stage and I talk about 6 steps with a walking frame. The legs felt ok but it was the dizziness that made me stop.
I spent 6 - 8 hours in the recovery room and I was keen to get back to my room and watch movies on the flat screen but I was told I must pass urine first. I didnt think it would be a problem but it was. I struggled for a few hours and insisted it would be easier from my room. I thought it was more nerves with all the people around but was later told it was the anaesthetic. After a few hours more I finally managed which felt like the biggest achievement for me.
I went to sleep on my back with leg socks compressing and decompressing all night.
Congratulations, Paul. Good luck with your recovery and with your next operation.
Dean
You had to wear the leg compressors that are operated by an air compressor and continually expand and contract? I had to wear those for 3 days after prostate cancer surgery and they damn near drove me insane.
R BHR (52 mm) post op day 1
The first day after the operation went well. So far I had slept on my back as it was the easiest for now.
In the morning after the PT exercises I went for a walk on the frame again. This time no dizziness and I felt that there was no limit to how far I could go. I maintained the exercises during the day and in the afternoon I went again for a walk with the frame, further again.
In the evening I had a higher temperature and after some further pain killers it had subsided.
Snowbound, the leg compressors were soothing as it was like a massage and kept me comfortable during the night:)
So far, so good.
R BHR (52 mm) post op day 2
This day I awoke well and high temperature had gone. I continued exercises and walking with the frame was painless.
Nerve block was removed in the morning and all medication shifted to oral ingestion. The incision dressing was changed with a waterproof type and I now plan to shower myself. I am also able to get in and out of bed on my own and therefore going to the toilet is now normal.
Post operation x-ray was taken and the results were excellent.
Each day feeling better but wondering now how movement will feel like after left hip resurfacing on Tuesday.
R BHR (52 mm) post op day 3/4
As each day progresses becoming more confident and stronger. Walked on crutches and at first itvfelt uncomfortable but more due to lack of skill using them In the afternoon they started to become a part of my walking as confidence grows.
Anyway back to square one tomorrow as left side gets done. All tests completed just that haemoglobin on the low side (9) and likely blood transfusion may take place.
L BHR (52 mm) operation day, R BHR (52 mm) post op day 5
Finally the hardest part for me is now over and I am now an official bilat hippy :)
Everything went well today and so far left leg feels quite good and strong.
Now for a good rest and the start of a new life begins :)
L BHR (52 mm) post op day 8, R BHR (52 mm) post op day 13
I think a very good decision to recover by the sea near Chennai in the Ideal Beach Resort as per recommendations. I have taken to walking along the beach still on 2 crutches but pushing the distance a little further each time. The hot days and seaside is a healing in itself.
My right leg feels perfect but my left hip feels like there is a "bubble" around the hip region and taking slower to recover from what my right did to now. In fact my right feels after 13 days better than pre-op!!
Has anyone had this bubble feeling near the hip post surgery before? What exercises best bring it down?
Also after walking I only get swelling in the left foot/ankle but not on the right which I also find interesting why? The swelling goes down after a good nights sleep.
Regards,
Paul
Hi Paul,
Does Dr Bose have a recovery protocol which specifies what he wants you to be doing? If so, I would follow that. Maybe you could ask him or one of his team. I'd be cautious about adding your own exercises.
Dean
L BHR (52 mm) post op day 21, R BHR (52 mm) post op day 26
I have finally returned home from Chennai and back at work already. I drove my car without difficulty and getting in and out is no problem.
I have been following the PT religiously and also have been walking each day now about 2km. There is just slight stiffness in the left leg thigh region which if anything has slowed a fast recovery. It is possible that this was due to the fact that it was my good leg previously and was taking the majority of the load pre-op making the muscles tighter.
I am still nervous to walk long distances without both crutches which now are more or less like hiking poles for me. I do try some baby steps without crutches and just need to build confidence. All I need is a surface to touch or hold and I walk around my house or office without crutches.
My biggest surprise was the lack of swelling as it only occurred for a few days in the left foot after my walks and then disappeared all together in subsequent days. From what I have read people have swelling for weeks and have endured a lot of icing and cold packs. This was not an issue at all for me and swelling went down after a good night sleep.
All in all recovery is well on the way and I am in no rush to fast track any healing process.
Sounds great! Your recovery is going well. Congratulations!
Dean
It is now close to 9 weeks since surgery and my recovery has been going great. I was initially worried about tightness in my left hip from what I had assumed was a form of bursitis but this is steadily decreasing and no longer becoming an issue for me.
I have stopped using crutches a week ago totally. I have gone from 2 crutches to no aids as I feel stable now and can walk up and down stairs without any issues. I am now walking about 1 to 2 km without any issue. I find any longer a bit of stiffness but it subsides after a short rest.
I find now that I am walking without any limp once I get going. It is nearly difficult already to tell that I have had surgery. I was able to stand at a function for close to 5 hours without needing to sit which is the first after many years. I was also able to deliver a 2 day training session without getting back pain the next day since 10 years ago.
Life is getting better every day!
Such great news! Really happy for you.. It gets better too. You'll start to feel increasingly less "fragile" as time goes on.
Paul, that's sounds great! 5 hours standing is impressive. Keep up the good work.
Just a short update, more than 4 months now, I go to a PT 3 times a week and it has helped immensely. I can step up quite high (put my foot on a chair as example) and my walking is now endless. I do 3 km each day. Maybe a bit over doing it at the moment as I did get a right hamstring strain. The PT helped me stretch it out so seems to be ok now.
Looking forward to the new year so I can take it up another notch :)
Paul
Thanks for sharing your story. Looking forward to your posts as you take it up another notch! Dr. Bose is the best.
Pat
Its now over 6 months and my activity level is nothing short of amazing. I walk between 4 to 6km each day pain free and I am planning to get back in to tennis in up and coming weeks. I am starting to jog a little but nothing serious yet as I look to make sure all muscles adjust to this new demand on the body. I have not walked like this for over 10 years so it has been a massive change in life style!
Great to hear Paul. Slow and steady is the way I think. Would you describe your overall Indian hip experience as excellent? It had crossed my mind should healthcare deny me but ended up with cover which was great. But I have a friend without healthcare insurance who might be interested. Cheers.
Paul,
We are similar in how long we lived with the hip pain. I have not been able to run since 2006. I had my surgery 3 months ago and I am now walking quite a bit each week. I think it is a lot different for people who have not been able to run in a decade. There are a lot of things that need to be worked out other than just my repaired hip. I feel the need to lay down a strong foundation walking to get all the muscles in both legs working correctly. I am enjoying the rehab and look forward to the new things I can do each month.
You are wise to take it slow - when you have gone 10 years what is a few months. Keep us posted and enjoy your new hip.
Hi Matt,
The experience in India was fantastic and highly professional. The 2 weeks afterwards at a beach resort with 35C weather made it the perfect environment for recovery. The beach walks each day gave some super memories.
Hi Kingrob,
Fully agree and I believe to set the foundation in walking and slowly move up to jog and then run. I had some tightness in left hip muscles and had to stop every kilometre or so but now that seems to have past as the muscles have rebuilt their strength and I walk without any stops now.
Its about a tad over 8 months now and I am walking between 7 to 10 km a day, I feel that its the right distance for me.
I find that if I have a lazy weekend (2 to 4 days), no exercise and loads of sitting, I will be quite stiff when I try to walk again. My right hip muscle (possibly the piriformis) will spasm a bit and I would stop walking for 3 seconds and continue again. Depending on how long I have been lazy, the more stops I would have. It usually goes away after the second day of walks but its annoying and a good reminder to be more active.
I also played tennis on the weekend for the first time. It was my biggest active day as I had walked 11.3 km with about 1km of jogging and then in the afternoon played a set of tennis. I had been looking forward to this and although a bit puffed, I managed to with 6-4 against a much younger opponent! I felt ok on the court, a bit nervous at first in chasing the drop shots but I found that I was able to do so without too much strain or pain.
This is my 10 month update and all seems to be going well.
I find that I must maintain regular activity otherwise if I am too lazy, sitting around for 3 or 4 days, then I get cramps in my left side when I go for long walks. I therefore maintain a walk regime of about 7.5km a day and I now include short runs and play tennis on weekends. I will start gold as soon a possible which I believe will be no problems at all.