On day 10 of rehab, still off work, planning on heading back next Tuesday. Walked my daily recommended .25 miles starting 1/11. Actually, according to FitBit, .33... don’t tell Dr.G! :) Ready to throttle up to .5 miles daily starting Monday. Was able to walk fine with crutches hours after the surgery. Outpatient procedure. My wife and I stayed at a nice hotel in Columbia SC the night after surgery. A home health nurse visited that evening to check on us and Dr. Gross visited the hotel the following morning. I was released to go home before noon checkout time! An absolutely amazing process!!!
If you haven’t seen them, there are YouTube videos (an 8 part series of 8 or so minute vids) with Dr. Gross explaining the entire process. I used to be EXTREMELY squeamish about watching surgery videos, but i became fascinated with the mechanics and structure of what Dr. Gross repaired and how AMAZING the procedure is. I’ve watched those videos, Dr. Su’s, Dr. McMinn’s and Dr. Pritchett’s videos several times now. They all have their subtle differences. Most of the videos show a cemented procedure... Dr. Gross now uses uncemented implants and has made other refinements as well. I asked him during his visit if he plans to do an updated uncemented procedure video. He said that the cost of producing one is crazy. I would think a couple of well-placed GoPros (sterilized, of course!) might bring the cost down and provide some more educational material for those considering the surgery.
Even though I’m only 10 days in and admitting I had a moment of doubt that I made the right decision after the pain flared up last Friday and haven’t been sleeping well, I am a 100% confirmed evangelist for this procedure. My hip feels smooth and no longer crunchy when i walk. I can feel the muscles slowly getting stronger each day. My sleep is improving, thanks to some Surface Hippy tips (using TWO pillows between my knees...who would’ve thunk?). I thank Dr. Gross, Lee Webb, and their wonderful team at Midlands Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery for giving me my life back.
More than happy to answer ANY questions and help out any way I can. After being told by three orthopedists that total hip replacement was my only option, I want to get the word out that THERE IS ANOTHER OPTION!!!
Cheers!
Day 14 tomorrow and progressing as expected. Sleep is getting a little easier, but still wake up every 45 to 90 minutes needing to reposition for some reason or another. Have to watch the diet a bit since I’m only doing the recommended 4 exercises on Dr. Gross’s plan twice daily and walking .25 each day. Looking forward to the .5 mile walkies tomorrow.
A little backstory... this whole mess started about 5 years ago on a trip to North Myrtle Beach SC. My wife and I were staying in a rental with her brother and sister-in-law on one of the canals in Cherry Grove. We had walked about a mile to a nature park to check out the marsh, dunes, boardwalk and a nice view of pristine, uninhabited Waties Island. I was walking on flat sidewalk when i doubled over with a sharp pain in my right groin. My wife thought I had stepped on a nail. I told her I just had “a hitch in my giddy-upâ€, as we usually say concerning passing aches and pains. A few seconds and it was gone. I thought I had walked it off successfully. About 50 yds later, it happened again. Uh-oh. But it disappeared again. I was fine on the uneven sand and boardwalk of the trail, about 1.75 miles. On the way back, flat level ground, it happened again. Oh crap. What is this? I don’t remember having any other issues until we returned home and were walking over to the sports complex near our house. It has a nice mile track; great place to watch dogs and kids having fun. On the way there, BAM! Ok, this is not cool. Time for the big guns...
After talking with my primary care doc and shooting some x-rays, I made an appointment with a local orthopedic surgeon. More x-rays and an MRI later, I was told I had a femoroacetabular impingement. A what now?? I was told I needed a total hip replacement. I went home and sulked about the diagnosis. Full hip replacement? At 50 years old?? Advil and Aleve became my friends. I also found the extra beer seemed to tame the pain, at least for a little while. Glad I didn’t develop a problem. I very well could have.
Two years went by. My wife and I went to the Adirondacks for a vacation. Climbing the mountain trails... no problemo. Walking downtown on the sidewalk to dinner in Lake Placid... BRUTAL! I consulted two other orthopedic surgeons, both saying total hip replacement was in my future. I was almost resigned to this as the only solution for what had become a chronic, nagging pain. Somehow another two years slipped by, but this is becoming unbearable. The last three months were bad. Sciatic pain was starting to numb the outside of my right foot and I would wake up with periodic lightning strikes down my right leg.
Being the analytic type and not willing to settle, I started doing some Internet research. I have got to do something about this. I couldn’t stop thinking: why would these guys want to cut off perfectly good bone? I didn’t have any fractures...the bone was strong. The problem was no cushion left in the joint... wear and tear had deteriorated all of the cartilage. The labrum was pretty much in tatters as well. Isn’t there something that can be slid in there to replace the cushion and let me get on with my fairly-active life? Well, it seems the human body is a bit more complex structurally than current science is capable of remedying. But...
I came across Birmingham Hip Resurfacing. What’s this? Someone in Alabama figured out a way to fix hip joints? Birmingham, England, silly man! Complicated surgery. If someone could do 3 total hips in the morning and 3 in the afternoon, why would they take this on? That explains the diagnosis of “You need a total hip replacement.†Hmmm. After reading more and thinking this made perfect structural/engineering sense, I thought, “Wonder if anyone on this side of The Pond does this sort of thing?†I found articles by Dr. Edwin Su and some surgery videos on his procedure. New York? Might be worth the trip. Dr. Pritchett in Seattle? Always wanted to go to Seattle. Wonder if there is anyone closer to where I live in South Carolina? Wait... WHAT??? Dr. Thomas Gross... Midlands Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery... Columbia, SC! BINGO! Appointment made November 3. Cordial, friendly, knowledgable, and thought that he would have to CONVINCE ME that hip resurfacing was the way to go. I was already sold. My wife expressed her concern that, since we had just lost her mother to complications from a hip surgery in July, she could not bear the thought of anything bad happening to me. What happened next sealed the deal. Dr. Gross turned his attention completely off of me and on to her, expressed his sympathy, asked what had happened and assured her that everything would be fine. I knew right then and right there: this is my guy.
I was originally scheduled for January 11, 2021, but got a call the Monday after Christmas and was offered an opening on January 4. After checking with the Mrs.’s schedule, we booked. It’s been quite a ride, but with everything going as planned, I cannot be happier. More to come...
Marvin
Thanks for the update. Sounds like you are moving right along in your recovery.
I wish you the very best and look forward to reading about your progress in the future.
Fantastic. Your story sound so similar to many of us, albeit with variation. I agree.....Dr. Gross is simply the best. I really hope he trains someone to take over once he retires. My first hip started going bad in waves. Pain for a day, fine for months. Pain for 2-3 days, fine for a month. Fast forward 5 years and adding tennis playing 3-4 times per week, it eventually got to the point of constant pain for 1-2 weeks, pain free for 3-7 days. That's when I knew.
Like you, I was told I needed a hip replacement (I was 44). Needless to say, I started doing all the research and ultimately found Dr. Gross (I like in a suburb of Atlanta, GA.......under 3 hours away).
A year from now, this will all be a distant memory. Well done, and best of luck.
Sorry to hear MarvinB your mother-in-law passed from complications of a hip replacement. Just another reminder that these surgeries, things go wrong.
What happened to her?
I had first symptoms for hip replacement when I was in my late 40's and held off for 7 years because some had said a THR would last me less than 10 years, likely 7, and the ideal age to have my first was 65. How many times can they revision a femur? Also was acutely aware of complications of the surgery. Had friends and an alarming amount of acquaintances that had complications from their operations, a high sampling of post operative infections. Things go wrong.
When I had exhausted all treatments including veterinarian. I started looking at local doctor's webpages in Baltimore and Washington, DC and found they mentioned this fabulous method of resurfacing. Called them, they weren't really doing them, just too much effort to update their webpage. Thank God they didn't, else I would not have found surfacehippy and doctors with great outcomes. And I thank God for a series of events that the stars aligned for me, Amen.
To answer your question from another post about my username, for many years I worked part time at the stadiums around Washington and Baltimore slinging suds, I was pretty good at it, Wall Street Journal did a feature article on me and my brother in the last millennium, so that was my five minutes of fame, but it makes me old.
Wow, Danny! What a story! A veterinarian?? That’s covering ALL the bases!
Her hip was just the beginning of the end. She had advanced Parkinson’s and osteoporosis, but wanted to bravely attempt hip revision to get some quality of life back. With her advanced age, other health issues and the onset of pneumonia, it was all she could take. Some make fun of or speak ill of their mothers-in-law. Mine was a remarkable woman and I loved her dearly from the moment I met her. Her wonderful daughter has been taking excellent care of me, both before and since my surgery. We’ll celebrate our 30th anniversary this year. I couldn’t have done this without her.
Thanks Andy and Pat. Dr. G mentioned my left hip might hold out another couple of years before it’s going to need the job done on it. I’m with ya on that, Andy... I asked him if he would be available to do my left. He said he’s hoping not to retire until 70! The man is amazing! So looking forward to my 6 week followup in February. I told him I didn’t get a chance to hold a sample implant, so he’s going to have one at the office for me to play with.
Monday the 25th will begin week 4. Starting to ween off the forearm crutch that i’m using for a cane. I have 54 stairs to the third floor of the building where I work. Since returning the day after MLK day, i’ve been walking them twice a day... one foot at a time. Yesterday, i was able to do foot over foot on the stairs with right hand on the rail and left hand crutch. Progress!
I ordered these from Amazon for 49.99 prior to surgery and used one as a cane. They are AWESOME! https://www.amazon.com/ORTONYX-Walking-Forearm-Crutches-Pair/dp/B079635LK9/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=Forearm+Crutches&qid=1611411225&sr=8-8
Sorry to hear about your mother in law, glad you are progressing. I held onto a crutch for a couple of months, more so after getting up from resting.
Thanks, Danny! The crutches are now in the corner. Walked the stairs 4 times yesterday with the rail, foot over foot! Yay! Sleep was rough again last night. Found the sweet spot on my non-op side at 4am. Grrr. Probably should’ve taken Tylenol before bedtime. There seems to be a “good night/bad night†trend with gradual improvement. May have to resort to taking something after all... maybe Tylenol PM. Don’t want to get back on the heavy stuff.
Tomorrow will begin week 5! So looking forward to walking over to the sports complex next to our neighborhood and doing the mile track again. Rained all day today, so Lowe’s and Home Depot were the only walkies I got today. >:( I’m also looking forward to the 6 week followup and getting some new exercises. It’s amazing to me how everything is progressing right on schedule, including having to reign myself in to keep from overdoing, even though I feel great. Sleep is gradually getting better, although still waking up a lot and having to reposition. More to come...
One month anniversary today! 2 walks to the sports complex this week (mile and 1/2 round trip) and mile around the neighborhood today! Sore muscles are still trying to figure out what to do while mending. The “clunking†issue I’ve read about is definitely a thing. Feels like something moving around in there from time to time. Still feeling better and stronger everyday!
I spoke with a co-worker who had a THR done in November the week before Thanksgiving. She was out the rest of November and all of December. Still has a pronounced limp after two months. We discussed hip resurfacing prior to her surgery. She wasn’t offered the option. Tried to get her to see Dr. Gross for a second opinion, but her surgery was scheduled for the end of the following week and she was committed. No osteoporosis, no femoral fractures or other bone issues, just osteoarthritis in the hip. And we’re about the same age! She can never squat, get down on all fours, cross her leg or ride a horse or motorcycle ever again, according to her doctor. Couldn’t believe that when I heard it! I would feel robbed! Maybe there were other factors that put her on the THR path instead of hip resurfacing, or it could be that THR’s are all her doctor does and that’s all that was going to be offered. I am SOOOOO glad I did the research!!!! :)
Marvin, Not sure why your friend with the THR is so restricted. I have a resurfacing in my right hip and a THR in my left. The only restriction I have for the THR is to avoid leg weight machines or our rowing machine which can torque the joint. I have a very small component. Other than that, both hips feel great and recovery was equally smooth. Perhaps your friend has a condition that impacts her specifically?
Other than the osteoarthritis, none! She works in our mail room and used to heft boxes of paper like they were nothing. Very active lady. I’ll ask what kind of implant she got. I’ve heard the small fem head one’s are prone to easy dislocation. Which one did you get, Saddlepal, if you don’t mind me asking? Metal-metal? Ceramic? Poly?
Oops! Ran my wife’s FitBit tracker on the sports complex walk today. It’s 1.75 miles! Is the one mile on week 5 a rule or more of a guideline? :D Feeling so good, I really want to walk more. Guess I’ll be answering to Dr. Gross and Ms. Webb at my followup. In trouble again! 8)
Tail end of week 6! Follow up with Dr. Gross and Ms. Webb scheduled for this Tuesday. I decided to try Advil tonight to see if it will stave off the pain that keeps waking me up. I can’t figure out if I’m accidentally exceeding the 90 degree rule or fidgeting in my sleep and letting my legs cross, or what. My kingdom for a solid night’s sleep!! Haven’t been on a walk for the last two days because of rain here. Tomorrow, it’s a rain jacket and hiking boots, dernit! Hoping to get clearance for the next stage of exercises and get back to stretching and light yoga. I was happy to hear a couple of co-workers tell me last week it looked like my limp was gone. Even though a muscle will misfire occasionally, I can maintain a pretty brisk pace walking for over a mile. More to come! Happy Valentines Day, Fellow Hippies!
How to beat that one mile limit! I used to play games with distance walked to walk more because I felt so good.
Thinking about your co worker...is she older? Was her doctor less of a hip specialist? Young athletic people who get THRs here from solid specialists get fewer restrictions. But they do get restrictions. I interviewed one local doc who did a lot of hips, but not resurfacing, and he would let me run, but not cross my legs. He used an older prosthesis, tried and true, and it had some limitations to it.
Best of luck with your follow up. I was so so happy to have it and be freed to the next level. My only bit of advice would be just because you are allowed to do something doesn't mean you can do it. I was dying to get on the floor. Sit on the floor. Lie on the floor. Finally allowed to do it and I was so stiff it was a struggle. I envisioned myself going up and down with ease and I couldn't. (Now I can.)
My THR is ceramic. Couldn't tell you what size, but it's small.
My co-worker is in her late 50’s, just a year older than me, and her doc is one of several surgeons in a local practice. He specializes in hips and shoulders and did my Mom’s THR when she broke her hip at 78. He told my co-worker the same thing he told me: “You need a total hip replacement.†I’m not against THR when it’s appropriate, but to not offer ALL options is a disservice to the patient. She was at the point where her surgery was looming and figured it was too late to get a second opinion.
6 week followup scheduled for tomorrow. The Mrs. and I took our 18 year old pup around the block as usual this morning, about half a mile. He wanted to do the long block walk instead of the short one and what he wants, he gets! Fresh sniffies!! We’re heading over to the sports complex for an additional 1.75. Still dreary out, but needing my walkies as well. IS THERE NO SUN IN THIS CURS-ED LAND?!? :D Slept better with two Advil and the hip only woke me up once last night and the night before. Progress!! Looking forward to the checkup and new exercises. I’m ready!!! More to come...
Whoo hooo!!! 6 week followup success! X-rays looked “perfect†according to Ms. Webb. No problems with motion of the repaired hip and strength was better than expected. I received clearance for the next set of exercises as outlined on Dr. Gross’s webpage. A bit disappointing that I won’t be able to bike or kayak on our late April beach vacation, but the 6 month “mind that hip†rules shall be followed to the letter. Many beach and mountain vacations in the near future and I WILL be healthy enough to enjoy them with ZERO restrictions. Got to hold an implant similar to mine, although smaller. Much heavier than expected. The smoothness and range of movement between the two Biomet components was incredible! They fit together so well that there almost seemed to be suction or magnetism holding them together. Neither of course, just awesome design and machining. On to Phase II exercises!
I think last night may have been the first uninterrupted solid night of sleep since OCTOBER!!!! Not sure if it was the new exercises that I did twice, one set before dinner and one before bedtime, or just the total activity of the day, or the two Advil at bedtime, maybe just because I feel so doggone GOOD, or a combination of several factors. I am just plain GRATEFUL for an excellent night of sleep. Did the new exercises this morning before breakfast. Tied my shoes for the first time since before the surgery. So happy to finally be able to touch my toes again. It truly is the little things in life... gave myself a toenail trimming!! Advice to you Future Hippies: trim the toenails the morning of your surgery or treat yourself to a pedi. You’ll thank yourself later. Almost started poking holes in my socks! The new exercises are tough. Starting out slow doing only as much as I could without discomfort, but pushing through a little bit. I found that both sides are a lot weaker than I thought, but managed to go from only 5 reps yesterday to 10 this morning with no problems. Stay tuned!! :D
Managing more reps on the exercises. It’s amazing the improvement from day 1 (“AAAAHHHHH!! I CAN’T EVEN DO THREE!!!â€) to day 4 (“Gee, I don’t have time to do twenty...). Since being cleared to exceed the 90 degree rule, i’ve been able to tie my shoes all this week. Again, it’s the little things that you take for granted that can bring you the most joy and will NEVER be taken for granted AGAIN!! Laced up the hiking boots for the first time since last year to go for a woods hike with the family this morning. Didn’t get to do our annual New Year’s Day hike in Hitchcock Woods due to Covid and poor weather so we’ve been looking forward to this. Heading to the woods in a few...
2.2 miles in the woods yesterday!! Mostly flat walking with not much elevation change. Last night’s sleep was good initially, but woke up at 12, 2, and 4 with hip pain. Don’t think it was from the hiking, just that annoying “sleeping the wrong way†or accidentally letting my legs cross in my sleep. I told my wife I was going to invent a human rotisserie that you strap yourself into. It will slowly roll you around during the night to keep the blood circulating. Might make getting up to pee interesting! EMERGENCY STOP!!! :)
Managed 15 reps each on the new exercise regimen. Guess I need to start shopping for those ankle weights I’m going to need soon. Heading back to a different trail today with the family. Really missed the woods walkies!!
2.7 yesterday! Still mostly flat, but navigating some very wet sand and puddles from all the rain we’ve had. Beautiful cool sunny day. Great to be outside and hiking without a bum hip! The woods are good for the soul. Didn’t have have any residual hiking pain today, but took two Advil before bed last night, just in case, and slept really well. Think I’ll do the same tonight.
Hey Arthur-
Great to hear your recovery is progressing so well. It's a wonderful feeling to experience Life again without the OA pain, isn't it? Congratulations and keep on keeping on. Gonna be good again. One recommendation I got from another poster here- avid elite skier/surfer- was the Bosu ball. Started using it at the health club and worked up to single leg partial squats. Great for regaining strength and stretch of the external rotators that take a hit from the surgery, but it was a good several months before I could start those. They helped a lot in finally getting the last of the scar tissue released and working again. Take your time and enjoy every pain free day.
Thanks Jimbone! That it is! I saw those at our Planet Fitness, but didn’t know what the were called. When we get back to the gym, I’ll try them out. I’ve been working the non-op leg along with the involved just to keep even and aligned. The involved side catching up to the non-op faster than I thought it would! No Advil last night and slept well. Happy for that!!
I’ve been considering NOT going back to the gym. I’ve been really enjoying mixing beginner yoga poses into my prescribed strengthening/stretching exercises and putting on a yoga lesson on YouTube. Some relaxing nature scenery and soothing music seems to be more beneficial to me than a noisy gym and rushing after work to get there. A nice walk in our neighborhood listening to the birds and dogs barking, kids riding their bikes, and folks walking their dogs is SO much better than a treadmill. Plyometrics and light stretching just seems good for the soul. Think I’ll stick with this for a while at least until these “challenging times†are over. May reevaluate if the muscles start getting saggy. :P
I was around 40 when I first started having symptoms, and also was told I'd need a hip replacement. I waited for years until the pain was too much, and started researching. I actually found out about resurfacing early on in my research, because I was so young and I was (am) very active. I live in a suburb of Atlanta, and found a doctor in Atlanta that did them. When I had my appointment with him, he said he doesn't do them anymore, but he assured me that a THR was just as good.
NO THANK YOU.
So, I did more research and found Dr. Gross, who is just 3 hours away.
I find that doctors who don't do resurfacing actively discourage it, and they even use statistics that are not resurfacing-specific (metallosis) to disparage the procedure, even though those statistics include THRs. I can't remember exactly which article I read that pointed this out, but it's out there.
Best of luck!
Totally agree, Andy. I hate to think it would be because of greed, since a patient’s future and quality of life is on the line. Why would a surgeon be motivated to do one of these complicated yet beneficial surgeries in the morning and one in the afternoon when they can make more money doing three THR’s in the morning and three in the afternoon and charge the same amount for each procedure? I still believe its a money thing...
Walkies are getting longer, hip is feeling better, yoga stretches are getting easier... life is good! I felt some twinges in the non-op hip this last week. Reminded me of the first shots-across-the-bow I had when the right hip pain started 5 years ago. Dernit, I was hoping for at least a couple of months pain-free. I was planning to hold out for another 2 years before visiting Dr. Gross again, but age and nature may have other plans. Don’t want to go back to Advil and Aleve like candy just yet!
4/4 will mark 3 months of progress. Yay! We’ll be out of town visiting family on the coast, walking on the beach and enjoying some great food and family time, so probably no time for logging. Will be enjoying whatever my Bro-in-law has on tap in his Kegerator (hear that, Dannythebeerman?) ;D. The Mrs. got her second vax yesterday and I had mine in February, so we’re ready for some quality active time with the fully-vaxed family. I’ve been adding back some yoga stretches I haven’t been able to do since before surgery. Feeling good. Still getting the “clunk†or “thunk†as some call it: the muscle moving over the implant. Not uncomfortable, just weird! Feels like something is going to give, but I’ve been able to do all kinds of floor stretches and standing stretches with no issues. We’ve been walking almost two miles every day. Getting stronger, but need to work on the winter/COVID belly now. Definitely feel good enough to get it done.
Have fun! Expect some extra tiredness and possible soreness from walking on the beach. I went for a weekend visit to Folly Beach, SC at about the 3 month point. A 2 mile or so beach walk and my glute was done. Much different (to me) than walking on the sidewalk/road.
Hope your follow up with Dr. Gross went well. I am a Dr. Gross Hippie from August 08. I was one of the earlier uncemented patients of Dr. Gross and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
I am a side sleeper and I remember the first time I could roll and sleep on my side, it was pure heaven.
Glad to see folks are still utilizing Miss Patty's forum, this is arguably one of the best hippie forums around for sure.
-Chuck
Quote from: Arthur Plastie on February 13, 2021, 09:55:21 PM
Tail end of week 6! Follow up with Dr. Gross and Ms. Webb scheduled for this Tuesday. I decided to try Advil tonight to see if it will stave off the pain that keeps waking me up. I can’t figure out if I’m accidentally exceeding the 90 degree rule or fidgeting in my sleep and letting my legs cross, or what. My kingdom for a solid night’s sleep!! Haven’t been on a walk for the last two days because of rain here. Tomorrow, it’s a rain jacket and hiking boots, dernit! Hoping to get clearance for the next stage of exercises and get back to stretching and light yoga. I was happy to hear a couple of co-workers tell me last week it looked like my limp was gone. Even though a muscle will misfire occasionally, I can maintain a pretty brisk pace walking for over a mile. More to come! Happy Valentines Day, Fellow Hippies!
Thanks, Andy and Chuck! No soreness whatsoever from the soft Carolina beach sand. Spent the day playing bocce with the family and chased my very-active 6-year old great-nephew around the playground at Huntington Beach State Park! He crashed on the way home... I was ready for more! Beautiful day in the sunshine. Needed that extra vitamin D after this winter.
I’ve noticed more occasional jabs in the left hip in the past couple of weeks, just as Dr. Gross predicted. My retirement present to myself in 2 years may be to become a bilateral Surface Hippy. I definitely will not put it off or cover it up with NSAIDS this time. I haven’t had to take ANYTHING for over three weeks now. THAT’S progress!
By the way, dannythebeerman, it was Wicked Weed Pernicious IPA and Terrapin Hopsecutioner IPA in the Kegerator. 8)
A straight month now with no NSAID’s... not even Tylenol! :D. Walking over 2 miles every day. The left hip is behaving itself for now, so that’s good.
We lost our little walking partner of 19 years on March 31. He was a little machine on the walkies and quite an inspiration and motivator to the very last. We miss you, Cisco!
I’ve kinda hit a plateau on exercises. Trying to do a straight set of 30 leg lifts and there is a jabbing pain in the psoas muscle (which has been recently renamed to “sorea$$ muscle). I back off a bit and do 15 to 20 for a few days, then try to add a few more every day. Back to that whole “two steps fore, one step aft†progression again. I figured to be adding the 1 lb ankle weights by mow, but I’ll be patient and not overdo. All good things in time, I suppose.
More to come!
Have you been doing clamshells and sideward walking with resistance bands? Not so much for the psoaz but the rotators. I found strengthening them was a challenge that supported the other and the core. Next step for me was squats on the Bosu ball, same purpose and same results. Sounds like you're progressing one step ahead of the other. Congratulations.
Clamshells yes, but without the resistance bands. Those I will add at 6 months. July 4 will be true Independence Day! I managed 15 leg lifts on each leg, holding for 10 secs, then down, switched to the non-op leg for 15 more, then back to the op leg. I think both legs are pretty much even now, so that’s good.
Ready to walk on the sand of the Florida panhandle for our vacation next week. Can’t ride a bike until 7/4 or squat to get in my kayak, but lots of walkies will be just fine!
Wow, I could get used to this! White sugary sand and boat drinks! The toughest decision every day is...left or right? 8)
Went on a five mile round trip in soft sand in the state park on Monday with no issues. Walks of about a mile up and down the beach two or three times every day. Built sandcastles yesterday and received the approval of a young lady who put us to shame with her artistry. She looked to be about six. I think for fifty years older, we gave her a little competition. Serious sandcastle building is hard work, but about as Zen as you can get. My knees got a serious pumicing, but haven’t felt this good in years! It’s never too late to have a happy childhood! :D
I think the extra doses of vitamin D every day are not only good for hip recovery, but the soul as well. No painkillers needed. The frozen margaritas haven’t been required, just appreciated! Unfortunately, we will head home Saturday and back to work on Monday. I’ll do my best to keep the activity level high upon our return. Now where do I put that sandbox in the back yard? ???
The walks in the sun on the sand have done wonders: three days in a row of 30 straight leg lifts on each side. The op leg is now as strong as the non-op! Yay! Ordered these while on vacation: http://ironwearfitness.com/anwrirhawran4.html I’m all about buying American! Will keep up the straight 30 for another week or so while waiting for these to come in. I have the stretch bands on standby for the 6 month mark.
I noted on our first morning walk since coming home from the beach that the non-op hip started misbehaving again. Nasty groin pain that didn’t really bother me at all last week. Seems the stride I can do on flat pavement aggravates more than the short steps on the beach. The clock is ticking louder...
Started with one pound on each ankle this last Monday and can still do a straight 30 leg lifts and side lifts with no problem. I think I’ll continue with the one pound for another week and then add the second pound to each. Counting down to July 4 Independence From Restrictions Day! :D I’m planning to start gentle stretching so I can hunker down again and work towards that goal of sitting crosslegged in front of the Christmas tree. Golf, bicycling and kayaking just in time for the hot Southern summer… oh boy! 8)
Up to two pounds on each ankle now and doing 15 reps on each side twice. No issues. Still a little soreness and lack of total mobility on the op side, but very tiny progress every day. I’m figuring by July 4, I can start the clamshells and TheraBand external hip rotator exercises on the Dr. Gross regimen. We started a floor repair job last week, fixing some wood rot in the laundry room. The Mrs. and I will lay tile next weekend. Lots of hunkering down, squatting, and hands-and-knees work. No issues after last weekend, reframing the floor. So happy with the results!
Hey Art-
Don't forget: Knee Pads are your Friend- maybe keep you from another prosthesis which I understand is a different kind of recovery altogether. I do a lot of remodeling these days and don't leave the shop without them.
That down on your knees trade work really stretches those glutes. Had a long time getting back to where it was comfortable again but when I did felt like, "Yeah. OK, I'm back now".
Good to hear about another positive recovery. Next year you can re-roof the house!!
Oh, no way, Jimbone! In fact, i’ll be hiring out for the kitchen and foyer tile! Job is done, but tile is tough! Took a week and a half to get it all done!
Well, here it is, friends…. Independence Day!! My 6 month surgery anniversary and the beginning of NO RESTRICTIONS! WHOO HOO!!! I started the Theraband exercises this morning, tying the band around the leg of the dining room table and wrapping it around my non-op leg first. I had to hold on to the table to keep from pulling it across the floor! My op leg? Not so much. Couldn’t even budge the band. No pain, but no strength either. None! I’ll be adding these every morning along with the ankle weights and yoga stretches.
Planning on a bike ride tomorrow with the Mrs. Hope it will be different, as I’ve never ridden without a clicking in my right hip for as long as I’ve ridden a bike!
Only took three days, but now the op leg is almost as strong as the non-op! Went for a nice bike ride over the holiday weekend for the first time in over 6 months and for the first time in my life, no clicking in the right hip when I pedal! No soreness after or the next day.
We’ll be heading to the mountains of North Carolina next week for some hiking. Can’t wait!!
This is great to hear Arthur! It gives me a goal to shoot for.
Glad you're doing so well!
Hi Chuck
Nice to see that you stopped by. Chuck has been a great supporter of my website and this discussion forum. He contributed a lot of information, support and answered questions for many people.
I wish you the very best and Congratulations on your 14 year anniversary. Have fun. Life is good with 2 good hips.
Pat
30 year anniversary with the Mrs. at Olympic National Park! She deserves an award for putting up with all my crap and aches and pains for 30 years!! Trekked the Hoh Rainforest yesterday and Rialto Beach’s tide pools Sunday. Heading to Third Beach for more hiking today. Putting the new hip through it’s paces. Still trying to get down to tying the hiking boots and having trouble stretching it out. I can put my nose on my left knee but only get about 6 or so inches from my right. I’m adding more stretches for that side, carefully of course, and monitoring progress, which is SLLLLOOOOWWWW!! No problems at all on the rocky trails or loose rocks on the beach. The beaches here sure are different from South Carolina…
You're at my favorite place in Washington! I love Olympic National Park and the Olympic beaches. Glad you're enjoying it. If you have a clear day and you have a car (which you must or I don't know how you're getting around) try and make it to the top of Mt. Walker. The view is to Seattle and beyond, and you can see all the nooks and crannies of Puget Sound in between. Look it up. Of course, there are tons of hikes and other things to do there. I'd suggest the Cape Alava loop, but the tides won't be low enough for it for another week. Dungeness Spit is cool, you can walk a short distance or all the way out to the lighthouse. Check the tides. They don't have to be as low as Cape Alava. Have a great time!
Thanks, Cat! We’re on the move from the Quillayute River Resort to Bainbridge today. Awesome place and very highly recommend! Unfortunately we’re turning off 101 before we get to Mt. Walker. Sounds neat! It is quite beautiful here. Bald eagles, Canada geese, plenty of birds for the birdwatchers, otters and a pack of coyote right outside our door!
The hike to Third Beach was 1.4 miles one way with a 241 foot elevation drop in the last 700 or so yards down to the beautiful stretch of beach sand. We walked about a half mile on the sand to look at the tide pools on the north end. All in, about 5 miles round trip…. No problems! Felt great, stretched the hip out, slept like a baby when we got back. Thanks again, Dr. Gross! Couldn’t have done it without ya!!
Bainbridge Island was beautiful! Hikes in their many, many parks were excellent. The weather was surprisingly lovely in the Seattle area. Took the ferry into the city and walked to Pike’s Place Market, then hiked to the Museum of Popular Culture. A long day of a lot of walking to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary and 7 month post-op anniversary! I’ve added a couple new stretches to the morning yoga routine that are helping and still working to get my nose to touch my right knee. Getting a centimeter or so closer every day. Slow but sure! We’re now planning on trying a winter cross-country skiing trip in Maine for our next vacation. Hopefully COVID will be out of the picture by February ‘22. Guess we’ll see. More to come!
Pat,
I wish I could have given 1% of what you have given to the hippy community, you have put out so much useful information over the years. I was honored that you trusted me to be an admin on this site, although it was a pretty easy task because of the super nice members you've had over the years.
August was my 13th year anniversary and my hip is going strong, still one of my only joints that does not bother me.
Chuck
Quote from: Pat Walter on July 12, 2021, 08:11:45 AM
Hi Chuck
Nice to see that you stopped by. Chuck has been a great supporter of my website and this discussion forum. He contributed a lot of information, support and answered questions for many people.
I wish you the very best and Congratulations on your 14 year anniversary. Have fun. Life is good with 2 good hips.
Pat
I seem to have hit a wall on the op leg stretching. I can get my nose to my left knee with no problem and sitting cross-legged goal has been met 4 months early! Still working slowly towards the nose to the right knee. Putting shoes and socks on is still a challenge 8 months post-op, but walking, hiking, climbing-no problemos! The yoga every morning is both relaxing and beneficial. Heading to the shelter today to bring home two new walkie partners. Looking forward to playing with them, running around and just being foolish! ;D
Two year post-op anniversary on Jan 4! Wife and I retired last year 3/31 and we’ve been on the go ever since. No problems with yoga, walking, exercise. The “klunk†has disappeared. No gait problems whatsoever. Folks find out I’ve had resurfacing done and they’re amazed! The left hip is starting to fire off a few warning shots, but had my 2 year follow-up x-ray and everything looks good on both sides!
Planning on hitting the slopes in Jackson, WY next month. Dr. Gross assured me that skiing double black diamonds would be no trouble, but since I’ve only skied twice in my life and 25 years ago, I’ll stick to the slow downhill. We’ll just CROSS a double black diamond trail and say we skied on it! ;)
Hope all you Hippies are doing well! Happy New Year!
Looks like it’s time for another lap around the mulberry bush. :) Had an appointment yesterday with Dr. Gross and the team at the Midlands Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery in Irmo, SC. He told me when I had my right hip resurfaced in January of 2021 that I would be back to see him in 2 or 3 years for my left hip. Well, 3 years 4 months later, here we are. He’s an excellent prognosticator as well as a super doc!
My left hip had the same bone-on-bone problem as my right but was not symptomatic. I believe the right hip resurfacing job Dr. G did gave me some extra time on the left. I didn’t start getting the zingers and “night lightning†until around October of last year. So, we’re off…
I’m not looking forward to the drugs, lack of sleep, putting my wife through waiting on me hand and hip, or hobbling around on crutches (Dern this two-story house!). But I SOOOO look forward to walking and hiking again with no pain, as my fixed right hip has allowed me to for almost 3 years. We’ll keep you posted!
I guess you can gauge how well things are going when you start to miss anniversaries. I can’t remember when I stopped celebrating quitting smoking in 1998, but all of a sudden, as the years went by, it just didn’t seem that important anymore. It’s just life now, still happy about it when I remember, but, meh…
I forgot January 4 celebrating 4 years with the new right hip. I really just don’t think about it anymore. Still happy about it and very thankful to the skill of Dr.’s Gross and Webb! My left hip has pretty much returned to 100% and it hasn’t even been a year yet. I’ll post on my left hip thread at 1 year. Hopefully, I’ll remember… but if I don’t… meh! :D