Hip Talk Forum About Hip Resurfacing

Since my surgery won't be until March, and since I don't plan to disappear between now and then, I thought I would start my own thread to document what I hope will be another successful journey to a more able and pain-free life.

I came looking for this site because of fairly continuous and often severe right hip pain, and the considerable disability that goes along with it. 

I've had hip pain in one form or another since at least 1998, although I waited until 2001 to see a doctor.  I was not quite 40 at the time.  My symptoms were a loose feeling in the hip joint--kind of like it could be pulled apart.  It felt like there was a gap between the ball and the socket.  I had the sensation that parts inside my hip were shifting.

The hip usually didn't hurt, but occasionally it did, and occasionally it was severe.  At times it was so severe that I could not put my full body weight on it.  Most of my pain was toward the outside of my hip.

Interestingly, it was not a grinding, deep pain, like the "tooth pain" some people describe.  When I got the pain it was intense, but I usually didn't get it.

Believe me that arthritis was the last thing on my mind.  Correction, it was not even on my radar screen.  I had no idea that arthritis might be my problem.  That was for old people.  I was young and very fit and strong.

In fact, the reason I waited so long to see a doc in the first place was I thought this was an athletics-related problem.  I had been a big-time weight lifter in my 20's and 30's, routinely squatting and benching some very heavy weights.  But late in my 30's I decided to go back to school.  The weight lifting slowly fell away, and my muscles slowly receded.   My hypothesis to explain my hip pain was that, since I had lost muscle, there must have been more space left in my joints.  My ligaments hadn't caught up with my reduced muscle mass.  Given enough time, I thought, everything would come together and I would be fine.

You can imagine my shock when the doctor matter-of-factly informed me that I had arthritis.  It was like everything went silent.  He said something about my perhaps having sustained an injury in my youth, which damaged my femoral growth plate, but I couldn't remember any injury.  My right foot had always turned out slightly, as does my father's.  That gave me trouble from time to time, like when I ran on the track team.  My coaches always told me to pull in my feet--that I would run faster if they were straighter.  Maybe that caused my problem.  Who knows?

The point is, like many of you, I was shocked at my diagnosis.  I looked around the doctor's office and saw that most of the patients appeared to be in their 80's.  There I was, not quite 40, in their same company and with a hip in nearly their same condition.  That was a mind-warping moment.

In the years that followed, the pain became more consistent and there were several more doctors visits.  Each time I was offered THR as a solution, but I was also told that I was really too young for that and my best bet was to learn to live with it.  I gave up my stairmaster; it hurt my hip too much.  I bought an elliptical trainer.  It was awesome, and I loved it.  I got fabulous workouts and started getting in great shape.  I picked up a second hand Bowflex and went to town on that, too. 

Hey, I could live with this, I thought.  I often walked with a limp but felt generally okay most of the time.  I was able to stay in shape.  No need for surgery.  I even lost 50 pounds of fat I had put on while going to school and working full-time days.

Then, around 2004, came a truly spectacular workout on the elliptical.  Sixty minutes at level 6 got me sweating and puffing like a locomotive.  Man that felt great!  The athlete was back!  But in the hours that followed that workout, a different story was told.  By that evening I could not walk.  The pain from my right hip was intense.  I dragged myself around, essentially by hopping on my left leg and pivoting off of furniture and walls.  I took lots and lots of ibuprofen.  That was eventually enough to get me to work on Monday and back on my feet, but I was never the same again.  I don't know what I did.  Perhaps I opened up a huge lesion somewhere.  Whatever the injury was, I did not go near my elliptical machine after that, and have not been able to get back on it since.  It still sits in my basement calling to me!

Determined to stay in shape, I started swimming.  Swimming was fun, but I'm not a natural swimmer.  I'm not especially boyant or fast through the water.  It got a little boring.  MOre than that, it really didn't help my hip.  I was often in more pain coming out of the pool than I was going in.

Fast forward to stationary bike, and then recumbent bike, where I am now.  I even ride an outdoor recumbent (Yes, I'm one of THOSE!).  So far, the recumbent feels great on the hips, and it's my primary line to fitness.

But you can see the progression.  One thing after another has fallen away.  There's just so much that I can't do right now.  Not just for exercise, but for everything.  I went camping for the first time in my adult life this year, and it was hellishly painful.  I can't walk long distances.  I can't go hiking.  I can't even play ping-pong!  At any time, I might get an attack of acute pain when I can't walk at all.

Meanwhile, as I've continued to decline, my surgical options have continued to improve.  It is not unreasonable now to expect a resurfacing to last 15, 20, or more years.  At my current age of 47, I could get a resurfacing now, a THR in 20 years, and that would be all I would need.  Hell, the resurfacing might be all I ever need.  The traditional argument against surgery just does not hold up any more.  I'm ready to get my active life back, and I'm eager to join this distinguished group we call surface hippies.

For your reference, I have attached a recent x-ray.  This is a composite of right and left films that were originally separate, but which I stitched together in Photoshop.

I am very interested to get impressions from other members as to how my hip looks on x-ray compared to how yours looks or looked before surgery.

Do you think this is bad, or is it "nothin'" compared with what you had to deal with?  I'm not asking to test my manhood or anyone's tolerance for pain, I just honestly want to know.

The infuriating (or life-saving) thing to me is that, now that I have a fairly inactive lifestyle, I can actually go for several days straight with minimal pain.  Especially now that the weather's turning cold, I feel better.  It's quite a contrast from this autumn.  This invariably leads to second thoughts.  Am I ready for surgery?  Should I wait for it to get worse?  Shouldn't I really be waiting until I'm in pain all the time, or nearly so, before operating?

Bionic,

It looks bad enough.  My left hip x-ray also looked bad.  At most I had moderate pain.  This Summer I had loss of function.  I gimped about a lot and used a cane.  After mowing the lawn, my left hip was toast for a couple of days.  So I proceeded with LBHR on 9/29/08 and I'm doing great at 10 weeks post-op.  See attached x-ray of left hip, which was taken 8/6/07.  It didn't change much prior to surgery.

Hey Stevel,

Thanks for posting your x-ray.  You have the same bone-on-bone contact at the very top of the acetabulum that I have.  It appears that you had more cartilage elsewhere than I do, but I think I also see a large osteophyte right at the apex of your femoral head.  I could see that causing some pain.

By the way, after seeing your excellent, generously sized x-ray, I went back and reprocessed mine.  It's now bigger and easier to read.

My new surgery date is in February.  I am now eager to get this done and to move on with life!

(By the way, I am the same "Bionic" listed above--the thread starter.  I had to recreate my account, which reset my post count, among other things.  But I'm the same guy as above.)

Hi Bionic,

Congratulations on scheduling your surgery!  I researched from Februray through July of last year before finally taking the plunge on Sept 29, 2008.  I feel great at nearly 16 weeks post-op with no complications.  Is your surgery also on the left side?  If so, you might update your footnote to distinguish between bi laterals and right side implants.

The right side for me, Steve (I just updated my signature).  I was initially concerned about having the surgery during the winter (I live in New England) but then decided I was more worried about the economy.  I want to be able-bodied as soon as possible.

Congratulations on your trouble-free outcome.  I am hoping for a similarly successful recovery :).

Surgery is just 2 weeks away.  I recently had a DXA scan, as required by Dr. Gross.  Thankfully, my results were normal.  The spine was quite good (72 percentile for my gender and race overall, 78 percentile for my age, gender, and race).  The hips weren't quite as good.  The left (healthy) hip was 38 percentile overall, 69 percentile for my age.  The right (arthritic) was 61 percentile overall, 78 percentile for my age.

This is a little strange.  I would have expected bone density to have been higher in my healthy hip, since I favor it very strongly, but it was lower.  It could be that the measurement was off for the diseased hip due to the arthritis.  The test report gave a warning indicating that the results for the right (arthritic) hip may not have been reliable on account of the unusual bone growth and sclerotic bone.

Now the issue is getting insurance to pay for the test.  The bill for the DXA scan came Friday, for $422.  My insurance company denied payment because the claim was submitted under the code for "osteoarthrosis."  I'm going to try to have them resubmit it under "osteoporosis," which my insurance covers.

It really pays to make sure the doctors and hospitals submit their claims under the proper codes.

Bionic,

I wish you well during your journey.  If you have a laptop bring it with--pretty invaluable to have some outside contact when stuck in bed.  That way you can report your status soon after! ;D  You will wake up in that hospital bed a new and truly BIONIC man.  Enjoy the experience as it is a new beginning.

I like the BIONIC image: "We can make him better than he was.  Faster, stronger."  Maybe Steve Austin was before your time?  Although super-human abilities would be most welcome, I would happily accept 70-80% of my previous capability.

I plan to bring my computer, along with Season 1 of "The Wire."  I hear it's great but I've never managed to watch it.

For those who are paying attention, I should apologize for mixing robotic metaphors in my user profile.  "Bionic" refers to Steve Austin and the like, humans with mechanical or robotic parts.  But my avatar is not of a bionic man but rather of a Cylon, a non-human robot, which over time evolved into a human form.  Any other BSG fans out there?

Once my second hip is done and healed up, I'm going to find a surgeon who is willing to try out abs of steel (or maybe the cobalt-chromiom molybedenum abs) on me.  I'll be sure to post my detailed recovery plan and progress.  Should be very interesting.

Last Wednesday was my pre-op appointment with my primary care physician.  It consisted of a general physical (really, a quick once-over), EKG, chest x-ray, and blood test.  The results just came back and everything thankfully looks good.

I confirmed with Dr. Gross's office today that everything was in order.  All that's left is for me to show up.

I leave for S. Carolina on Monday.

Do you have a surgery date?  If so, you might update your signature.

Good luck on your journey towards walking straight lines without pain.


Give Nancy, Lee and Dr. G and the rest of the crew our best.

Chuck

Quote from: Bionic on February 03, 2009, 08:13:17 PM
Last Wednesday was my pre-op appointment with my primary care physician.  It consisted of a general physical (really, a quick once-over), EKG, chest x-ray, and blood test.  The results just came back and everything thankfully looks good.

I confirmed with Dr. Gross's office today that everything was in order.  All that's left is for me to show up.

I leave for S. Carolina on Monday.

Surgery is now 5 days away, and I'm feelin' good!  Well, that may be overstating it, since the ibuprofen stopped last Saturday.  But the pain has been worse.

I'm in good physical shape and even have gotten close to my "fighting weight."  I've kept up my recumbent bike routine: 45 minutes per day, 5 days a week or so.  I've also been doing some weight lifting on the Bowflex, including leg extensions and leg curls, which don't bother me at all. 

My hope is that all this fitness will serve me well and help to speed my recovery.  I would like to move from crutches to cane as quickly as possible, while applying all due caution, of course.

Good luck mate,

I had a cancllation come through in the end for me, so I did'nt have to much time to think to much about it all.

How are you feeling.....

Terry

I'm feeling good, Terry.  Thanks.  Not too nervous.  I just want to get it over with!!

Don't worry about the surgery, just worry about the dye job that Lee is going to give to that mohawk.

You're going to be fine, you're prepared, you know what to expect (except the mohawk) just let the doctor do his thing, sit back and enjoy the time off.  Although I suspect you're a type A who will probably drive your wife crazy for 6 weeks.


Chuck

 :)

I'm heading off to South Carolina today.  A weekend of rushing around to get ready, without ibuprofen, has reminded me of why I'm doing this.

I'll try to post again before surgery.

Good Luck Bionic!  You will soon be posting about your miraculous recovery and the state of the hospital food.  We want to hear all about it!
todd

Arrived in S. Carolina last night.  The airport is small but modern and very clean.  It was a $60 cab ride (including tip) to the Residence Inn, which is just across the street from Providence NE hospital, where my surgery will be performed tomorrow.  "Just across" is a bit misdescriptive, since the distance walking from the hotel to the hospital is about 1/4 mile, if my arthritic hip is properly calibrated.

The feeling of driving to the hotel at night was like entering the middle of nowhere.  Just a road with no discernable features and then, without warning, you're there.  It seemed to be the periphery of civilization.  But then Wendy's, Long's Drugs, and Cracker Barrel came into view, and I realized that this was probably more an outpost of civilization.

A vague concern was rising up in me.  Was this for real?  Was this truly where I could find the pinnacle of medical procedure and technology? 

Any emergent fears were quickly quashed when I entered the hotel.  I was greeted by a smiling and good natured young man.  I'll call him "Joe."  I told him I was there for surgery with Dr. Gross and noticed him immediately suppress an even bigger than usual smile.  He said he'd have something special for me, but he was keeping it a secret.  Civilization or not, I had definitely arrived somewhere and was already starting to feel welcome.

Okay, I thought.  This is nice.  Then Joe said the "evening social" was just wrapping up, and we might be able to catch the end if we hurried.  The "social" room was just opposite the front desk, so we stopped there even before dropping off our bags.  They were serving spaghetti and salad.  This was a surprise.  I had thought it was just drinks.  After a long plane ride without dinner, the spaghetti and salad hit the spot and more or less made up dinner.  I knew that the the price at the Residence Inn included breakfast, but I didn't know the social could pass for dinner as well.  Good deal, I thought.  The serving lady kept calling my wife "honey" and "sweetie."

The Residence Inn is very new and clean.  You get two rooms.  The living area has a kitchenette with a fridge, stove, microwave, sink, granite counters, dishwasher, plates, and coffee machine.  The living area isn't huge, but it's easily roomy enough for two.  The sofa has a fold-out bed.  There's a table and two chairs, as well as a coffee table and TV.

The bedroom has a queen-sized bed, dresser, closet, and TV.  The bathroom is off the bedroom.  I asked for a handicapped-accessible room.  You can literally wheel a wheelchair into the bathroom and the shower.  There's no ledge to enter the shower.  You can roll right in.  The shower has a seat and a removable shower head.

We got the munchies last night and went hunting for food.  We found a fridge and freezer next to the front desk, with very reasonably priced food and drinks.  I bought a chicken pot pie and bottle of G2--for less than $5.  My wife asked Joe if they had any vanilla ice cream.  He said no, and there was that suppressed smile again.

Today, we were out and about dealing with doctors and the hospital.  We came back around 3 to find Joe back there again.  He asked us to wait up and then came back with a half gallon of vanilla ice cream for my wife (no charge) and a get well card and balloon for me.  The card had Joe's signature and those of lots of people I hadn't met yet.

So this is Southern Hospitality!  I knew I was missing something.

Bionic,

Glad to here your accomodation is so good.

Good luck tomorrow and you can look forward to no more pain mate.

All the best.

Terry

Wow!  The food at the hospital must be horrible if they are feeding you so well at the hotel.  Really, that's fantastic.  Wouldn't you be surprised to see Joe looking down on you with his supressed grin in the operating room assisting Dr. Gross?  Maybe he's just moonlighting at the hotel.  Sounds like your adventure has gotten off to a memorable beginning!
todd

Thanks, Terry and Todd.  This week has been a b*tch, with all the rushing around to get ready for this trip without ibuprofen.

I had my appointment with Dr. Gross today.  First I met with Nancy, who had me complete a pre-op questionaire.  She also described pre-op and post-op procedures and gave me a heads up on what to expect in the hospital.  Then Lee came in.  She fielded my many questions, explained my x-rays to me, and checked my ROM on both legs.  

She observed that the foot of my right (affected) leg turns out, and noted that it would most likely straighten after surgery.  That was nice to hear, as I've always been self-conscious of my duck-walk.  

She said the leg length discrepancy I was experiencing was most likely not a true length difference but rather a result of my foot turning out.  She called it some sort of contracture--I forget exactly what--and was the result of osteophytes and perhaps other deformity in the joint, which the surgery will correct.  She told me to throw away my heel lift--I won't be needing it and will need time to adjust to the new skeletal/muscular configuration.  The heel lift will just interfere.

Lee also confirmed her earlier statement that I was the "ideal" candidate for this surgery, which was a great comfort to hear.  It turns out I am exactly the median age for Dr. Gross's patients--47.

Lee left to get some sample implants and returned for the show and tell.  My first impression of the implants were that they were surprisingly small.  I suppose I could have measured how big 60mm was, but somehow I expected them to be bigger.  This impression made the surgery appear even less invasive than I had previously imagined.

Dr. Gross soon followed.  We chatted amiably about his implants, the FDA, insurance companies, and, of course, my case.  He was not rushed and answered all my questions patiently.  We had a laugh because I ran out of questions to ask about my hip and moved on to my knee!

He spent a lot of time answering questions about the implants. It turns out their inner surface is not tapered internally but rather cylindrical, and semi-circular at the top.  During surgery the femur is shaped so that it's about 1 or 2 mm larger across than the cylindrical inner diameter of the implant.  This makes for a tight press-fit that has absolutely no tendency to lift off.  It looks like it should work!

I also learned something about how the components mate.  We've heard a lot about "clearance."  I remember one doctor saying the ASR implant had a very low clearance, meaning space between the implants (inner diameter of acetabular component minus outer diameter of femoral component).  I had always thought the ideal "clearance" was 6mm, but that is wrong.

It turns out the clearance is really much smaller, more like 150 microns!  It is just large enough to leave room for lubrication--synovial fluid.  The 6mm number refers to something else--the outer diameter difference of the two implants, I think.  In any case, that number has nothing to do with the bearing surfaces.

Dr. Gross told me that the original BHRs were made with very tight clearance--less than 150 microns.  This caused problems with some patients as the acetabular component sometimes can deform when it's pounded in and develop an equitorial (football-shaped) distortion.  This distortion, if severe, can cause excessive friction between implants, high wear, and high ions.

There appears to be a tradeoff involved.  Tight clearance is generally a good thing, as long as there's some room for lubricant, but too tight can also be a problem since it can lead to accelerated wear.  Dr. Gross believes the clearance of the implants he uses represents a good compromise between the different factors.

Dr. Gross said he has now done about 600 uncemented femurs.  The data still look very good--certainly no worse at this point than cemented femurs, although it's really to early to tell for sure.  The benefit potentially is on the far side, 10 to 20 years from now, when the uncemented implants are likely to still be attached whereas the cemented ones may or may not be.  

Who knows?  It's imponderable.  Dr. Gross inspires a lot of confidence, and that was no small part of my decision to go forward with these implants.  Of course he made no promises.

From the clinic, we went straight to the hospital (a 15 minute, $40 cab ride).  There, I met "Terry" (not her real name, but a real person).  I had spoken to Terry previously on the phone.  She was so nice.  You know you're not in Kansas (Boston) anymore when the lady behind front desk gets up from her seat and personally escorts you around the hospital.  She showed us the dining area, the pre-op area, and the check-in area.  She personally delivered me to the woman in charge of registering me.  There's that southern hospitality again!

I spent a nice, unrushed time registering--and paying.  No escaping that, even in the South!  I signed all my paperwork.  Then, once again, I was personally escorted to the pre-op area, where I had blood drawn for blood typing and possibly some other test.  I got a wristband identifying my blood test number, which I'll wear to the hospital tomorrow.

From here, it's no food or drink after midnight and no over-doing.  I'm due back at the hospital at 8:30 tomorrow morning.

One of the highlights of my surgery with Dr. Gross was the way you are treated at every step of the way.  I still think the food sucked though, for hospital food it was ok, I guess.

Good luck tomorrow, I suspect we're going to see a post from you by mid afternoon. 

Now tomorrow you're going to tell them a thousand times which hip they need to operated on.   :D


Chuck

Right!  I mean, "correct."

Hey Bionic,

Good luck tomorrow.  I had great food after the first day when they weaned me on soft liquids and soup.  I even had a fillet of salmon for dinner.  I was asked many times my DOB and Dr. Su even initialled my left thigh before surgery.  My surgery was scheduled for 1 PM but it was moved up due to a cancellation.  I zonked out from anesthesia at 12:45 PM and woke up in the PACU (post anaesthesia care unit at 3:30 PM).  A technician was taking a supine x-ray of my hip and I confirmed it was a BHR.  I stayed there five hours until the effects of the spinal anaesthesia wore off (numb feet) and I was moved to a semi-private room at 8:30 PM.  Limited visitation by immediate family was allowed during this period (to minimize infection).

Thanks for all the details!  I am watching your progress with much interest, since I myself will be there a week from today, going through the same process. 

Where will you be staying, Mari?

Another thing about the Residence Inn.  They leave you a shopping list pad in the room.  Just write down what you want and leave it at the front desk.  The groceries show up in the afternoon.  You pay for the groceries, but there's no charge for the shopping.

Hey Bionic,
Continue to enjoy that great southern hospitality. When my wife and I were there for my surgery, we decided that the whole world should visit that area, just to see how people should really treat each other.
When you wake up from the surgery, you will be delighted at how good you feel. Say hello to Dr Gross and Lee from all of their fans!

John

Best wishes for a successful surgery and good recovery.
I'm nearly a year post surgery, and am still amazed at the reverse-aging phenomenon - as time goes on, I feel better and better. I hope you get significant parts of your life back!
Keep lookin up,
-Dirk

John C, Stevel, and DirkV,

Thanks for all the good wishes!  I'm heading off for the hospital shortly.  I'll ask my wife to bring my computer along later.  Maybe I'll post if I'm up to it, but, after only 3 hours of sleep last night, I wouldn't hold my breath!

Off I go ...

It's done.  Got a little sleepy in pre-op. I remember being moved to the OR table, noting that it was firm and comfortable, and feeling that the temperature was cold.

Next thing I remember I was lying in a different bed and asking when the surgery was going to be, only to find out it was done.  Damn, I missed the whole thing! 

I am perfectly comfortable and pain free.  The surgery's been done for hours.  I just slept a long time afterward.

I feel slightly medicated, but not bad or groggy.  I feel like myself, except that a few hours are missing.

Apparently, part (or all) of my surgery was filmed.  Maybe you'll get to see my bones on line!

Dr. Gross also told me he had already fimed a complete uncemented procedure, to be posted soon.

I have no nausea.  I just ate dinner and I was fine.   The food was not bad--pot roast, carrots, and mashed potatos, served with a small Shasta Twist.


The feeling is now starting to return to my feet.  Maybe I'll get some pain soon, for for now it's good to go!

(can't type well--my finger is connected to a heartrate monitor)

we will be staying at the Courtyard right next to the hospital.  My husband decided he wanted to be close enough to walk over, and I wasn't sure how close the Residence Inn actually was.   

Good luck on your recovery!

Still can't type right.

I continue to be pain free (did they really do this operation?).  Fell asleep last night around 11 and woke up at 2:15.  Aside from a little dozing, that was it for sleep.

Feeling a little woozy.  This morning I got my catheter removed.  Then PT came in.  The therapist taught me some exercises and gave me lots of cautions, like the 90-deg rule.

I managed to get out of bed and stand up, but I still couldn't walk--I was simply too dizzy from the medication.  My blood pressure is really low--90/38.

The PT told me that my worst days would be tomorrow and Saturday, as far as pain is concern, but currently there is no pain at all.  Let's hope I get walking today.

Congratulations Bionic!  You are with the living again.

The dizziness will subside and blood pressure will come back in time.  Mine was pretty low too after surgery.  I recall being upright standing for about 5-10 minutes before I needed to lay down and rest.  Enjoy the experience.  No pain is a great way to wake up, and you'll be dancing a jig in a matter of weeks. I have a feeling you'll get a nap or two in during the day, and sleep will come easier tonight.  Keep getting better and let us know of those little milestones as they happen.  Celebrate!
todd

From what Bionic said the positives about the Courtyard is that it's close and I think it's a bit cheaper.  Looking back it would have been nicer for my family had we stayed at the Residence with that extra room though.... the Courtyard is nice though.

At least you guys won't have to deal with the heat like we did in August, it was 109 the day of my operation.  We swam in an outdoor pool that was 92 degrees the night before my surgery, it was like a bath tub.... too warm for me though. 


Chuck

Quote from: mari on February 11, 2009, 11:38:04 PM
we will be staying at the Courtyard right next to the hospital.  My husband decided he wanted to be close enough to walk over, and I wasn't sure how close the Residence Inn actually was.   

Good luck on your recovery!

Hey Bionic,

CONGRATULATIONS...mate, everything you say reminds me like it was yesterday.

Like Todd says, each little improvement is milestone.

I still can't believe I am pain free, and you to will be amazed as well, I'm sure.

Keep us posted.

Regards

Terry

Hi Bionic,

Congratulations!  The arthritic pain is gone.  Your road to recovery will be in positive progressive increments.  This is exciting.  I was inspired to do the PT to get better.

I just managed to walk up and down the hallway.  :D  Certainly I was a little stiff.  There were also a couple of very quiet clunks coming from the joint.  I was surprised to have done as well as I did.

Unfortunately, the good times rolled straight on past me, as my BP once again crashed.  I went gray and felt like I was at risk of falling down.  The therapist brought me back to my room.

I was supposed to have climbed stairs today, but given my BP problems, that won't be happening until tomorrow, at the earliest.

At least I'm sitting up and feeling okay.  Pain has moved from a zero to about a one or two.  I think maybe the walking had something to do with it.  It's also been awhile since my last pain pill.

I saw Lee Webb, the nurse practitioner who assisted Dr. Gross in my surgery.  She reiterated that everything had gone extremely well.  My bone was very hard, and they were able to get excellent component placement.  I should have my post-op x-rays soon, so I'll be able to confirm placement myself.

She also said that I was completely bone-on-bone and that it was a good thing I didn't wait any longer.  Life with my old hip was not going to get any better.

I had one small cyst, which they grafted.  Otherwise, the femur was clean.  Needless to say, I am hoping for the best!

Thanks for all the good wishes!  It is upward and onward from here!

Clunks are normal, so is a feeling like a sucking feeling and release that I got.

You're walking now, tomorrow will be better.   Keep doing your excercises and moving that old log around you're doing well, the low blood pressure thing does happen.

Your travel day will tax you a bit, but you'll do fine, you may also find Sunday that you're swollen, ice and elevate.

So you were an end stager too.  Cool!

Chuck

Bionic,

Don't worry.  The feeling fine one minute, then wondering if you'll make it back to bed without falling on your face sounds familiar.  Rest yourself.  You've been through some serious surgery and your body is telling you it's not ready to take on the world yet.  You'll be skipping through the halls soon enough, so best not to mess up your face by taking a header in the hospital.  Good luck!

Quote from: obxpelican on February 12, 2009, 02:46:13 PM
So you were an end stager too.  Cool!

You can check out my x-rays at the first post of this thread and see how bad mine look compared to yours.  My arthritis felt pretty end-stage to me, but I did not wait to become totally crippled (like some people ;) )

I just had my dressings changed.  This new one should last for 7 days, and I will be able to shower with it.  Of course I stood up to allow the nurse to change them.  I figured I was okay since I had been sitting a long time and was pretty clear-headed.

But no! :(  After about 10 seconds I was turning gray again and barely made it back to my chair on time.  Now I'm receiving another bolus of IV, in an attempt to raise my BP.

The nurse thinks I'm still suffering the after-effects of the spinal.  It can cause the veins in the legs to dilate, which means all the blood flows to my legs whenever I stand.  Let's hope for a better day tomorrow.

Quote from: Todd on February 12, 2009, 03:14:49 PM
You'll be skipping through the halls soon enough, so best not to mess up your face by taking a header in the hospital.  Good luck!

Yes.  Face replacements have not come nearly as far as hip replacements ;) (by which I mean to include resurfacings).

At least my brain sort of works when I'm sitting down.  I have to say, though, that I'm finding myself forgetting a lot of what happens to me.  I'm still drugged on narcotics.  When was my last pain pill?  Don't remember.  I think the BP issue is also making me forgetful.  It's a good thing my wife is with me, to be the official rememberer.

I had a spinal too, and had similar symptoms.  2 minutes laying down with my feet up cleared up most of the issues when I went grey.  On my 2 hour ride home from the hospital, I felt pretty good until the last 15 minutes where I barely made it into the house and into bed--5 minutes on my back and felt fine again.  I also had some pretty stiff headaches for a couple days after getting home which I was told were likely due to the spinal still wearing off.  You've got so many fun, new things to look forward to, but it's all worth it in the end!

I believe this comment pertains mostly to men, but maybe also to women.

I got a Foley catheter for surgery and recovery.  It was removed this morning.  Peeing through a Foley was not a problem, but I did find it became more difficult this morning than it was last night.

After the Foley was removed, there was a period of time when I felt that I might not be able to hold back my pee.  One of the nurses gave me a hand-held urinal, and I just set that up to catch anything that might drip out.

After a couple of hours, I started to feel more in control.  I felt like I had to go and I tried and tried, but to little avail.  I sat there for 20 minutes trying to pee.  The most I could accomplish was a little squirt here and there.

This improved on the second attempt just before lunch this afternoon.  It took only 15 minutes this time, and I was able to eliminate a much higher volume of urine.  Finally, at 4:30 today, I tried going for a third time, and it was a much more normal experience.  Thank goodness for that.

The nurses have been really very respectful of my privacy.  Not every one is happy to drop trou in front of a team of nurses.  Without my even asking, they took care to only expose me as minimally as necessary.  I thought this was nice even though I frankly was prepared for much worse.  I have to say I've feel very comfortable with the nursing staff here.

Number 2 has not been an issue for me yet.  I simply haven't had to go in over 20 hours.  One of the nurses mentioned that this was normal, as was the trouble peeing, since the bladder and bowels are the last things to "wake up" after receiving a spinal.

Sorry to be gross, but I think lots of people are probably interested in how their bodily functions are attended to in the hospital.

Bionic,

Ask for some juices tonight, also make sure they are giving you stool softeners.  Your problem won't be #1 as all of your descriptions were right on.  It's my opinion that the more you drink the better to flush your system out, including all of those drugs they gave you.

Pain meds will cause a massive case of constipation, I mean you will feel like you are passing big sharp rocks----ask for several glasses of fruit juices and also grapes are good too.

Pain meds always drive my system crazy. 



Chuck

I just got my surgical report.  It looks like it my acetabular component's inclination is about 35-degrees, if I'm reading it properly.  I'll ask Dr. Gross to confirm when I see him tomorrow. 

You missed perfect by 5 degrees if your measurement is correct.


Chuck

Bionic,
Congratulations and welcome to SurfaceHippydom!  I've enjoyed reading your posts!  I also had issues with my blood pressure and my heart rate during my time in the hospital.  My heart rate was so low that anytime I drifted off to sleep, my heart rate dropped into the 30's, so I would set off the alarm on the heart rate monitor and all the nurses would come running into my room.  I thought that it would be great to go into the surgery in the best shape possible.  LOL!   I didn't anticipate that having a low resting heart rate would pose such a problem!  Anyway, they finally re-adjusted the threshold on the heart rate monitor and that solved that problem.  But, my blood pressure was really low too.  I was very weak and every time I got up to walk to the bathroom, I got very dizzy and nauseous.  My surgery was during the week of the Democratic Convention and I'll never forgot that I was vomiting into a bucket while watching Barack Obama  giving his acceptance speech.  All I could think was 'this wasn't how I pictured this moment!'.  By Friday (discharge day, my numbers started to come up to normal levels and I felt much better. 

Regarding the catheter, it can pose an issue for women too.  After they removed my catheter, I drank and drank, my bladder become fuller and fuller.  But, I had no sensation that I needed to pee.  The nurses kept asking me if I peed.  I kept saying no.  They kept saying 'well, we won't be able to release you tomorrow unless you pee, so drink more'.   I drank more.  I tried and tried.  But, I still couldn't pee!  They finally measured my bladder and then it turned into a total emergency situation!  My bladder was way too full.  So, then they brought a team of nurses in and installed another catheter (Ugh!) right on the spot to drain it!   Talk about losing all inhibitions and having no sense of shame at this point!  Anyway, once they drained that all out, the sensation to pee returned and everyting functioned normally.  Whew!  Their explanation was that after having the spinal it can take awhile for everything to 'wake up' and start functioning normally. 

In any case, you will be surprised how quickly you bounce back in the next couple of days.  Remember, your polar care ice machine is your best buddy.  Best of luck to you!!

Jeanie

Jeanie,

I'm sorry you had such problems, but it's good that your sense of humor came through intact.  Misery loves company, I guess, and it's great we can share all of our miserable stories here.

My nurse referred to me this morning as a "complicated case," because of my problems with blood pressure.  I've been drinking and peeing as never before--peed about 1.5 liters last night!  I hope that means I'm flushing the spinal anesthesia out of my system.

I'm supposed to be released today, but I don't think they'll let me go if I can't walk or climb stairs.  I also desperately need a shower.  It's Friday and my last shower was Wednesday morning.

The nurses cut my narcotic dosage in half because they thought it was contributing to the BP problems.  The goal is to get me through PT this morning (without collapsing).  As much as I like the nurses here, it will be a relief to be back in the hotel.

By the way, the food here really is not so bad.  I've enjoyed all my meals.  I actually had grits for breakfast yesterday.  I guess you could call that a treat.  I also ate scrambled eggs, sausage, juice, milk, coffee, and wheat toast.

I was very cold last night, despite my 2 blankets and thermostat being set to 75.  Maybe it was the polar ice machine, or perhaps a sign that my parasympathetic nervous system is finally waking up.

Still no BMs.  After Chuck's depiction of his first after surgery, it is not something I look forward to.

My hip still feels pretty good, but the front of my thigh is achy and extremely weak.  As others have reported, I cannot lift my leg at all.  I got my "hip kit" yesterday, but it's now sitting in my hotel room.

I understand Dr. Gross is expected to come by soon.  I'm looking forward to seeing him.

Chuck: Are you saying 40-degrees is "perfect?"  I've been looking for some guidelines for optimal inclination.  Where did you see the 40-degree number?

Frankly, 35-degrees doesn't seem bad to me.  Maybe it's not optimal for motocross, but it seems okay for walking, running, and biking.  Metal ions shouldn't be a big issue.

Bionic,

To the best of my knowledge 40 degrees is optimal.  Dr. Gross could probably enlighten you better, but I think that is correct.  Compare your x-ray to the one on Pat's home page, I think that is optimal.

Get some grapes for the hotel tonight, although I guess it's possible they might hold you over another night due to your blood pressure issue, I've never heard low blood pressure not working out in the end.

Did you get the kit yet?  The grabber, the sock puller are excellent, I myself never used the sponge..... my wife helps with that kind of thing.   ;D

I expect you to be released walking without any assistance going to Hooters for beer and mussels.   :D

Don't get down, you have a temporary delay in your rehab due to BP, but we're all different.  Make sure you do those excercises and plenty of foot pumps.

Chuck

Bionic
Good luck with getting released today!  I remember there was a world of difference between how I felt on Thursday vs. Friday.  I hope this is the case for you too!  By Friday, I felt pretty much back to normal and all of my stats returned to normal.  I was released from the hospital around noon. I guess one thing I did have going for me is that I had no pain, so I didn't have to take any of the narcotic painkillers and they also didn't give me the Lyrica because of my low blood pressure.  So, I didn't have the additional challenge of trying to tolerate all those additional medications. 

Best of Luck!

Jeanie

Jean,

You followed me by a few weeks, was it still hot in Columbia the end of August?

How are you progressing now?



Chuck

Things are looking up!  My BP seems to have stabilized at around 125/60.  That was enough to be allowed down the hall and back on crutches and up and down the stairs, and therefore to meet the discharge requirements.

Since I had had problems with BP, I was told I was to stay in the hospital until the afternoon; I will probably be released around 2pm.  The really good news is I've taken a shower!  My nurse moved the commode chair into the shower, which allowed me to clean up all the sweat, urine, and Betadyne encrusted on my skin (thanks to some help from my wife).

I also managed my first BM in two days, and it was (thankfully) uneventful--not at all like broken glass.

So, all systems appear to be working.

I'm getting along better on crutches, although I find it painful to put my full weight on the operated leg.  I have one more PT session today, before I'm released.

So I appear to be pulling out of my fog.  I'm eager to get back to the hotel.

Dr. Gross stopped by for rounds earlier today.  He thought 35-degrees was pretty good.  He had previously seen a guy with 25-degrees who had awesome ROM.  The bigger issue is that you don't want to go above 55-degrees.  That causes the region of maximum stress on the acetabular component (I think he called it the "scar") to be located right on the edge of the implant.  That can cause high wear.

He also pointed out that those OR x-rays are not especially accurate for measuring implant angle, and can be off by +/- 5 or 10 degrees.

I'm back at the hotel and feelin' fine.  I've got my ice machine chugging away, got some hydrocodone on board, and expect my in-laws to arrive for a visit shortly (they live about an hour away).

One downside of the Residence Inn--the hospital attendant can't wheel you back there after you're discharged.  I had thought someone would arrange transportation, but no one did.  After some confusion with me waiting outside in a wheelchair, the attendant wheeled me back into the hospital.  I was expecting a long wait, which wasn't really welcome since my pain meds were wearing off and I was feeling my first real, deep pain since the operation.

Thankfully, one of the nurse managers took mercy on me (it is a Catholic hospital after all!) and personally drove me, my wife, and our luggage over the hotel.  These people literally go the extra mile.

So, here I am, back in the hotel where I started.  Did all this really happen?  Am I truly a surface hippy?  With the help of narcotics, the experience has been a bit surreal.  But the 4-inch incision in my butt tells me it was not merely a dream.

I go home tomorrow.

Look at all these wonderful Dr. Gross hippies! Woo-hoo!

Congrats Bionic...I hope you have smooth travelling going home.

ICE, ICE, Baby (to keep the bruising/swelling down)....I left that ice machine on constantly.

Karen
RH Biomet uncemented / Dr. Gross (SC) 04/02/08

Hi Karen,

I feel honored that you made your first post in this thread.  I plan on keeping my ice machine going as long as possible.

By the way, does anybody manage to sleep after surgery?  3 or 4 hours is about all I've been able to manage, including last night.  Ugh!

I fly home today.

Sleep was difficult and interruppted for a couple weeks in my experience.  Be thankful you aren't sweating like you're in a sauna.  Actually, in the days after leaving the hospital, I was up at least once or twice a night for many nights.  Always had to pee.  The nurses got me overly worrried about being able to go #2 once I got home due to constipation.  That added (unnecessary) stress didn't help either.  It was several days until I had what was a normal BM.  No real issues to speak of other than the worry as I was expecting some horrific pain and suffering if I didn't go as soon as they expected.  I mentioned earlier about sweating which bothered me for a couple weeks after surgery.  In addition, I would wake up freezing and shivering/shaking.  I would think that is somewhat common after surgery as you are getting the meds out and your body is regrouping after being cut open and rebuilt. 

Dr. Gross hippies routinely use the polar ice machine.  Do they have more swelling and pain than usual because of the minimal invasive surgery approach with the 4 inch incision?  I listened to an interview with Dr. Peter Callander, SF, CA and he describes minimal invasive surgery as more importantly being gentle on the soft tissues rather than a small incision.

Actually many HR patients use ice for pain and swelling, many use frozen peas or frozen corn, but the polar ice machine is just easier to use and it does not give your frost bite feeling because it's cold water being pumped through a pad.

Dr. Gross likes the ice water machine as it's an aid to healing and it does help the pain that you get when the area of the incision is sore.

I never had anything more than what could be explained as a bad cramp, the ice machine helped a lot.  My pain never was any worse than a bad hip day pre-op.  Most Dr. Gross patients never really have bad pain post-op.

My family has used the ice machine a lot since my surgery, my daughter is real active in softball and my wife is always doing something to kink or twist something, when ours breaks I am buying a new one, they are awesome.


Chuck

I used a large cloth covered gel pack that straps around the waist and hip.  The gel pack has small compartments to even the cold distribution.  I had two gel packs that I alternated when one thawed out.  While I was in the hospital, the nurses regularly replaced the ice packs (ice cut in small cubes).

One item that was modern at the Hosital for Special Surgery (HSS) was they had internet, TV and telephone wired to the hospital bed.  The monitor pivoted about the bed similar to the food tray.  The keyboard was extra.  The service was extra and they billed your credit card.  I decided not to use this service as I brought a book "The SeaWolf" by Jack London.  I had meaning to read this book since I bought it a couple of years ago.  Great read!

I jotted down my progress on paper instead on posting on this website.  I had my first bowel movement on the third day after surgery.  It was firm and about 12 inches long, 1 1/2 inches in diameter.  It broke in two.  What a relief!

If anybody wants more details about my immediate post-op recovery at the HSS, let me know and I will provide.

Steve,

Why don't you post your recovery on the recovery topic that Pat setup? It helps all whether it be slow or fast, bad or good.

Yours sounded positive and it would good to hear Dr. Su's post-op protocols.  I think one of the most interesting parts of everyone's surgeries is the varying techniques each doctor uses to get you walking straight lines.

I wish I would have kept a contemporaneous log of my post-op recovery.  I knew of a Dr. Gross patient from Chicago who got the knife one week after me and we became phone/email recovery buddies, so I had to go through all of my emails to him to figure out where I was at each week.

Chuck

Chuck,

Will do.  I will post it under "Recovery Issues" with the title "Dr. Su post-op recovery."  I have about 5 pages (8 1/2" x 11") before I returned home.  I refer to them every now and then but they will be of most value to a prospective Dr. Su & HSS patient, so I will post them.

Sounds good, I'll be looking forward to reading.

I think you'll find your observations, the good and bad of your revovery will help people even if they have chosen another surgeon.

Posting things that helped you and things that maybe you would have done differently helps everyone.  For instance, if I had the chance to go back in time I would have gotten the surgery done much before what I did.


Chuck

Chuck,

I have posted a hip story under Dr. Su's section of this website which chronicles a lot of my pre-op, surgery and post-op experience.  I notice Karen Mitchell, John Crews and Lisa have also posted their story under Dr. Gross's section.  I don't see your story yet.  My immediate post-op recovery (including the day of surgery) details a time log for the first few days. 

Steve,

Very Nice.

Hey, did you just post that recently or have I missed that?

I'll have to talk to Pat about getting my story posted with all of the other Dr. Gross surface hippies.


Chuck

Love your avitar, Chuck   ::)   ::)   ;)   :)   :D
(what a game)

Wait a minute.... a girl who loves the steeler and who is a fellow Gross Surface Hippy?  Will you marry me?   ;)  OOOOOooops!  I'm Married!

Welcome to the board Karen.  We can always use another surface hippy willing to post their experiences and give others support.

Hope your uncemented hip has not fallen out yet.   :D


Chuck

Chuck,

My story was posted in mid December, 2008.  I wrote it and sent it to Pat when I was 10 weeks post-op.

Did you read Karen Mitchell's story under Dr. Gross's section and notice that she is karenj_m?

I arrived home uneventfully yesterday afternoon.  The Polar ice machine was my constant companion on the plane and in the airports.  I think this really helped me to arrive home feeling fresh and pain free.  Of course I took my meds religiously, realizing that yesterday was going to be a challenging day. 

The flight itself consisted of one leg from Columbia to Charlotte (about 40 minutes) and another from Charlotte to Boston (about 2 hours).  A woman on the first leg had had a THR 2 years earlier and told me she went to rehab for 2 weeks after her surgery and left rehab using a walker.  I was already agile on crutches just 3 days after my surgery.

There was a 1-hour layover in Charlotte, during which time I rode the electric skycaps around the airport and then crutched around looking for fresh ice.  The connection was rather tight, and I actually broke a sweat hunting around.  All the activity made me feel exhilerated and not at all ill, which I took as a very good sign.  I was starting to move more easily.  My range of pain-free and twinge-free motion was expanding.  I actually worried that I was feeling too good.  Maybe I would push it too hard and hurt myself?

I made it home, had dinner, and soon felt very tired.  I pushed it a little bit and tried to watch some TV.  But I started to crash and get a little woozy.  So I went to bed early.  I couldn't get the ice machine working right.  Also, I was really tired and just wanted to sleep.  I was worried that, without the ice, I'd wake up hugely swollen, but I was desperate for sleep and took a chance.

I woke up at 6 this morning.  I had slept through the night!  What a relief it was to sleep!

But I was swollen and in pain.  It had been nearly 12 hours since my last pain pill, and I had had no ice to relieve the swelling.  I quickly took a hydrocodone and got some ice on my butt.  The pain was deep and real.  It was approximately the same as what I had felt waking up in the middle of the night with arthritis pain after sleeping with my leg twisted.

After about an hour and a half, the pain subsided and I got on with my day.

Today has been great.  I'm a little tired, but otherwise fine.  I took a walk outside with the crutches, up and down my street--not quite 1/4 mile.  It felt great going downhill.  Uphill on the way back was more challenging.  There was a bit of slightly painful tugging in the front of the hip.  I slowed down and took it one step at a time.

Now I'm looking forward to a relaxing evening.  I hope my kids cooperate.

Of note, I have no "tennis ball" or "monkey fist" in my butt.  Okay, that didn't sound right ;).  What I mean is there's no huge, hard, localized swelling.  My right butt cheek is certainly larger than usual, and it projects further out to the side as well as behind me.  But there's no hard spot that makes sitting or lying down painful or uncomfortable.  I can sit just about anywhere, even without a cushion.

My only source of concern from the past days is that there's been a little leakage from my incision.  Some of it is bloody, some just looks wet.  I may have tugged at it a little too hard when sliding across the bed two nights ago.  The incision doesn't currently hurt, and it isn't especially hot.  I'm not running a fever, so I figure I'm probably okay.

Overall, I can't believe I feel this well.  I still need two crutches and can only manage to be fully weight-bearing on the operated leg for an instant, but the days keep getting better.

On the downside, my Polar machine isn't holding up as well as I am.  Maybe it's clogged.  It just doesn't seem to pump water anymore.  I'll have to look into it.

Bionic,

Usually it's a kinked hose or the water level is too low, I've had both things happen.  Follow the hose both ways make sure you find no kinks or awkward bends.


Chuck

Bionic,

Sounds like you're feeling pretty good!  I didn't get that monkey fist feeling in the hip until a couple weeks post op once all the swelling seemed to be gone.  Glad to hear you're moving around well.  Each day will get better as you've heard...just remember to give yourself time to rest and recover.  Most of us have pushed too hard at some point in recovery, forgetting that it's a marathon, not a sprint.  Slow and steady.  Nice to be home I bet!
todd

Too Funny Chuck .... hahahahaha....(Troy  #43 is my favorite, I call him Spiderman...he is EVERYWHERE)

Right now, I'm waiting oh so patiently for Bass fishing weather....winter is soooo long here.

As for as posting, I usually post on the Yahoo Surface Hippy Group alot, but this website was my "go to" when I was trying to get hip resurfacing....it IS the ultimate info site (I believe).

Karen
(Karen Mitchell)

Quote from: obxpelican on February 14, 2009, 09:35:48 PM
Wait a minute.... a girl who loves the steeler and who is a fellow Gross Surface Hippy?  Will you marry me?   ;)  OOOOOooops!  I'm Married!

Welcome to the board Karen.  We can always use another surface hippy willing to post their experiences and give others support.

Hope your uncemented hip has not fallen out yet.   :D


Chuck

I was asleep by 9pm last night and managed to stay asleep until 5am this morning!  Not only that, I managed to sleep on my (unoperated) side, nearly the whole night.  I tried that the night before, but only managed it for a short time before I started feeling some uncomfortable tugging over my greater trochanter.  Last night I used a fatter pillow between my legs and had no problem at all.

Today, I'm feeling more like myself than ever since the operation.  I woke without pain, despite not having had any medication for nearly 12 hours.  Swelling is down.  I still took a pain pill and iced for about 45 minutes.  Now I'm looking forward to a shower and nice walk.

OMG she fishes too!  Ok Karen, I'll fall over and die if you tell me you like surf fishing too.   ;)   Maybe this is my long lost twin sister?

Troy is one of my ultimate favs, although it would have been really tough not to have had Hines Ward this season too, I love his smile when he hits someone.... now in Pittsburgh we have to wait 9 months before we have "sports" again, our Pirates have stunk now for 17 years.  We used to be season tix holders but gave up after the fire sales of the late 90s.

Ok.... all kidding aside.

We're so glad to have you here Karen, and yes, I consider this the best site for information on hips in the world, we also have the best posters of any site I've ever seen anywhere.


Chuck

Hey, maybe your day 9-11 is going to be your day 5, wow, you sound like you're doing VERY well.  Must be the water in New England.

Keep up the good rehabbing dude.


Chuck

Quote from: Bionic on February 16, 2009, 09:24:10 AM
I was asleep by 9pm last night and managed to stay asleep until 5am this morning!  Not only that, I managed to sleep on my (unoperated) side, nearly the whole night.  I tried that the night before, but only managed it for a short time before I started feeling some uncomfortable tugging over my greater trochanter.  Last night I used a fatter pillow between my legs and had no problem at all.

Today, I'm feeling more like myself than ever since the operation.  I woke without pain, despite not having had any medication for nearly 12 hours.  Swelling is down.  I still took a pain pill and iced for about 45 minutes.  Now I'm looking forward to a shower and nice walk.

Bionic....

There is only butterfly stitches on the "outside" of your wound...so maybe that's the reason for the little leakage. Did you get the silver bio-bandage put on by the nurses before you left? That stays on I believe for about 10 days...and it draws out the yuck from the incision.

Yeah...make sure to get the ice machine working and unclogged...I wore that thing non-stop and it really kept swelling and bruising down. I did get this cool "zorro like" Z on the back of the op leg knee...kinda amusing.

I added extra ziplocks of ice around the knee and groin area once a day...I had started getting muscle spasms on the outer side of the knee - holy smokes that was brutal, I didn't know where to put myself...so I called Nancy Smith and see called in pills to my pharmacy. It passed about 3-4 days later.

During the day is where you will feel the strongest...take advantage of it, and do a little trek around the house...then back to icing. Make sure to try out different seats in the house...don't live in your bed.

Emotions may get a little whacky, this is normal and usually is from lack of sleep and medicine. Give your family a "heads up"...so they don't think your the patient from hell.

Be sure to use your home aid tools. I had trouble the first week trying to lift my leg with the leg picker upper by myself...but got better by the end of the first week.

I did sit in a good solid straight back chair but did NOT lean forward, so I didn't  break that 90 degree rule. But I wanted to get my body use to sitting properly since I sat very funky from the 20+ years of damage to that hip and muscles. It was pretty amazing sitting normal.

Try to get out (someone else driving you)...you can zip around in one of those blue hair racers at the mall...staying in the house may make you crazy.

Let me know if you have any questions...

PS: try to be patient with yourself...there's alot of healing that needs to happen.

I just left a message at Dr. Gross's office about the leakage around the incision.  I'm waiting for a call back.  In the light of day, I can now see that the spotting isn't really so bad--just a few blobs of yellowish-red along a single line.  There's also some bruising just below the incision and below that puncture that they made near my ilium. 

The reason for my concern is that I was afraid I damaged the incision by sliding on my bed Friday night.  Maybe this is normal?  I'll find out when the doctor's office calls back.

My Polar Care machine is dead.  It works for 3 or 4 pumps of the handheld bulb.  Then the pressure builds up and the bulb can't be pumped anymore.  No water moves.  Sometimes the machine "burps" and I can resume pumping.  Sometimes I can't.  I have to open up the unit and drain it internally.  When I hear something fall inside the stem of the unit, I know the pressure is relieved and I can pump it again, but this is clearly a problem.  Maybe the doctor's office can help with this, too.

Karen,  I am a little crazy right now.  I'm used to taking care of everything myself but now have to let others do things.  But I'm grateful that they're here.  I feel great today but am still very sensitive to getting tired.  At the first sign, I sit or lie down.  When I'm feeling okay, I'm all over the house, including up and down stairs.  Eventually, maybe today or tomorrow, I hope to find my way to the Bowflex downstairs from some easy upper body work.  That will make me happy!

My biggest physical problem today is my left vastus lateralis muscle (outer quad).  With my right leg weakened, that muscle is working double or triple time, and it's starting to complain.  I'll make sure I give it plenty of rest between exertions.

Hi Bionic,
Holy Cow - You need to get that Polar Care machine replaced!  You should definitely tell Dr. Gross' office that you got a lemon.  Perhaps they can arrange for a replacement machine to be overnighted to you.  I can't imagine post-op without the Polar Care.  I had mine running almost constantly.   Is the machine running when plugged in?  Or, is it only the hand pump that's problematic?

You might want to put a large plastic garbage bag on the bed to help you slide on and off the bed more easily.  This works like a charm!  You don't necessarily have to sleep on the plastic.  You can put it on your nightstand and spread it out over the side of your bed when it's time to slide off. 

Keep your spirits up!  It's great that you're sleeping so well.  That will really help your recovery.

Jeanie

Hey Jeanie,

Yea, the PolarCare unit doesn't work with either the bulb or the electric pump.  The problem appears to be in the stem of the cover--the one that runs down into the cold water reservoir.  Something in it gets stuck and stops moving water.

The plastic bag idea works great!  I've been using that ever since Friday (learned my lesson).

I decided to take my folks to the town center for coffee this afternoon.  We went for a nice walk; I probably went nearly a half mile.  I'm a little swollen but not bad.  It's suddenly not seeming so farfetched that I might be moving from crutches to cane in a couple of days.  Two days ago it seemed impossible.

I'm a little freaked out by my progress!  The turning point for me was definitely being able to sleep normally.  Life improves dramatically after a good night's sleep or two.  Once I move from crutches to cane, I'll be essentially where I was just prior to surgery.  Then it will be upward and onward.

I've been trying to understand why I think I'm doing so well.  I attribute it to three things.  First, I chose an excellent doctor who has a record of patients with good recoveries.  Second, I was in very good physical condition before the surgery, both in terms of strength and endurance.  Third, I was exceedingly well hydrated after surgery.  This is perhaps very important.  Because I had problems with low BP, I received two I-V boluses and drank literally gallons of G2.  I couldn't have been better hydrated without floating away.  I'm still pushing fluids and don't plan to stop anytime soon.

I just got off the phone with customer service at Breg, the makers of my PolarCare unit.  We tried debugging the problem over the phone and it couldn't be fixed, so they're overnighting me a new one, which will arrive by 10:30 tomorrow AM.

That's excellent Bionic....that ice machine is really important to have right now during your recovery.

Karen

Time to sign that boy up for a marathon next week.

Sounds like a really smooth recovery, save for the polar unit going out on you, usually it's a kinked hose.

Whatever you're doing, keep it up.  Walking is great excercise--- what did they say about your incision?

Chuck

Quote from: Bionic on February 16, 2009, 04:00:36 PM



I decided to take my folks to the town center for coffee this afternoon.  We went for a nice walk; I probably went nearly a half mile.  I'm a little swollen but not bad.  It's suddenly not seeming so farfetched that I might be moving from crutches to cane in a couple of days.  Two days ago it seemed impossible.

I'm a little freaked out by my progress!  The turning point for me was definitely being able to sleep normally.  Life improves dramatically after a good night's sleep or two.  Once I move from crutches to cane, I'll be essentially where I was just prior to surgery.  Then it will be upward and onward.

I've been trying to understand why I think I'm doing so well.  I attribute it to three things.  First, I chose an excellent doctor who has a record of patients with good recoveries.  Second, I was in very good physical condition before the surgery, both in terms of strength and endurance.  Third, I was exceedingly well hydrated after surgery.  This is perhaps very important.  Because I had problems with low BP, I received two I-V boluses and drank literally gallons of G2.  I couldn't have been better hydrated without floating away.  I'm still pushing fluids and don't plan to stop anytime soon.

Still waiting to hear on the incision, Chuck.  The doctor's office called back when I was out having coffee (of course).  I'm hoping to talk with somebody in the morning.

Hi Bionic

Reading your posts.

Congratulations on your new hip.  You are finally an official Surface Hippy.

Glad everything went pretty well.  You can try a bag of frozen peas on your hip until your new ice machine arrives.

I just wanted to wish you Good Luck with your recovery.  I am sure you will be up and "running" soon.  Well, at least moving about more normally.

Wishing you the best.

Pat

Bionic,
A few days ago, when you were miserable in the hospital, didn't I tell you that you'll be amazed at how quickly you bounce back?  It truly is amazing.  It reminds of having the flu and being absolutely miserable, then you wake up a few days later and feel fine!   I felt absolutely terrible in the hospital.  But, as soon as I got out, I felt pretty great all things considered.  I agree with you that picking a great doctor and going into the surgery in great shape are key to happy and quick recoveries.  . . . and yes, I'm sure all the fluids help to flush out your system and renew your insides more quickly as well.

If your using two crutches, you might try ditching one tomorrow and see how that feels before going to the can..  I quickly found that it was much less awkward to use one crutch rather than two.  Then, it's a more dramatic step to go the cane.  It's amazing what a big difference between one crutch and a cane.  I was stuck on my cane for awhile.  I just loved that cane.

I'm glad to hear your doing well and thank heavens you'll get a new Polar Care tomorrow morning!

Jeanie

Jeanie,

I keep waiting for something bad to happen, because so far this seems too good to be true.  Yesterday was really a great day.  I felt strong and energetic.  I was able to walk a long ways without tiring.

The only way I "paid for it" was when I took off my jeans last night (yes, "jeans" not sweats) and saw that my thigh had swollen up to a never-before-seen volume.  There was no pain, just a little stiffness.  I guess that in my enthusiasm to get back on my feet, I had stayed there too long and forgot that I was supposed to elevate.

After sleeping (about 10 hours!) with my foot on some pillows, the swelling was much reduced this morning, but still not completely gone.  I'm afraid I'll have to keep that foot up for a while today.

THe new PolarCare machine should arrive soon.  I've been thinking I can load it in my backpack and take it on walks with me.  Maybe that's too much trouble, but it's a way of keeping the coldness flowing without giving up mobility.

Pat,

Thanks for the good wishes.  It was the Internet chat right here with Dr. Gross that really got me interested in him and that lead me down the path to the good place I find myself today.  Thanks so much for your website and support!

The new PolarCare machine arrived at 9:58 this morning.  Now that's service!  I am now enjoying some cold treatment rocking in the glider with my feet up.  We'll soon have an outing to Costco.  I can easily rack up 1/2 mile crutching around there.

Day 8: my 1-week anniversary

Walked all around Costco yesterday.  Experimented with one crutch on and off.

Today, I walked down the hill of our street about 1/8 mile on one crutch only.  Walked most of the way back on two crutches.  The challenge with one crutch seems to be keeping my pelvis level.  It requires more strength from the gluteus minimus, I think, which was cut or at least "trimmed" during surgery.  I felt tired when I got back, but like I had accomplished something.

I'm now officially off Vicadin for three days, and have only used Tylenol occasionally.

Bionic,

When your body tells you try a few steps without your sticks, add a little more everyday and you'll be ditching your sticks before you know it. 

You are really moving through your recovery.   You might want to check to see if Gross actually stuck the hardware in  ;)


Chuck

Way to go Bionic!  I recall my first outing to Target and Kohls.  Exhausted by the end of it, but it sure felt good to move around.  Each day will be a bit better than the one before.  Keep at it.

Quote from: obxpelican on February 18, 2009, 01:01:10 PM
You are really moving through your recovery.   You might want to check to see if Gross actually stuck the hardware in  ;)

Hey Chuck,

The only proof I have right now is that I did set off the metal detector in the airport.  That was a first.  Oh, plus the fact that my arthritis pain is gone!

Maybe I'm overdoing it.  I went to the mall this afternoon with my wife and kids.  I figured it was my obligation go to help them score a handicapped spot :).

I walked around on one crutch most of the time, but found it tiring after a while.  Also, I started to "clunk" with each step until I remembered to keep my pelvis level.  When that become too hard, I switched back to two crutches and the clunking vanished.

Now, I'm just icing and elevating.  That's my routine: exert, ice, and elevate.

I was about 192 pounds going into surgery.  I thought I had lost fat in the hospital but, given the weight of the implants, expected to more or less break even after surgery.  But I was 198 on Monday, which made no sense until I looked at my right thigh.  I was down to 196 today, which agrees with the reduction I see in the size of my thigh and hip in the mirror.  I actually fit into a pair of moderately fitting jeans today.  The tight ones are still too painful.  I forgot to warn my wife not to put them in the dryer.

Todd, I actually drove today for the first time.  I had a few little twinges--one in my butt near the incision and one in my groin.  I decided to leave my right (operated) leg propped against the center island and brake only with my left foot.  All the twinges disappeared when I did that, but I have to say I was still happy and a little relieved when the trip was over and I could just stretch out.

Day 9:

Today started pretty much like yesterday.  Felt healthy but a little stiff from lying in bed so much.  Hobbled around on one crutch, with a little bit of clunking, wondering whether I had overdone my walking yesterday.

Went for a walk outside after my shower.  Any fears that I had hurt myself quickly vaporized.  It felt great to walk!

Without thinking, my strides started to open up, until I was walking with one crutch at a near normal pace.  Reached the bottom of the hill and met a neighbor.  After a brief chat, I turned around to head back up to the hill and home.  This is where I had problems yesterday and had to revert back to two crutches.  Not today.  One crutch felt great.  Maybe the rest at the bottom of the hill helped, but the effect was that I walked quickly and evenly back up the hill.  I actually enjoyed the hill, and even felt my skin getting a little moist.  I decided to over shoot the house, and continued walking up a steep hill to the next block.

I turned to walk home, now down a steep hill, and was thrilled that my strides naturally lengthened to cover the ground quicker.  I worried that I might be pounding on my implants too hard, so I "applied the brakes," but, boy, was it a great feeling to return home after what turned out to be nearly a brisk walk.

Day 10:

I'm starting to walk with a cane.  I'm a little wobbly and leaning a little too heavily on it, but the crutch is never far away and I think with a little encouragement I'll be solid in a day or two.  I'll take a walk outside with the cane later today and see how I do.

The 7-day bandage should come off today.  I've had a little bit of spotting, which has progressed even to today.  The new spotting since yesterday is only a tiny little dot.  I may end up putting a band aid on that one little spot if it's needed.

One effect of the surgery that I haven't mentioned before is that I have a great deal of bruising on my inner thigh of the operated leg.  I can't account for this as a direct consequence of the surgical work, but I figure they must have had me in some kind of harness or stabilizer during the operation, which caused the bruising.  It goes all the way down my inner thigh.  There's even some bruising at the back of my knee and slightly down my calf.  It only hurts near the top of my thigh, and, even then, only when I push on it.  It's not a big deal, but something I just thought I would mention to see if other Gross Hippies have the same thing.

New sensations of pain have arisen has I've naturally tended to extend my activities and range of motion.  The most significant of these is pain in the side, or side-back, of my butt on the operated side.  I figure the origin of this is my minimus muscle, since that's about where it is and I know that muscle was manipulated quite a bit during surgery.  The pain arises mostly when I rise from a chair, especially when I don't bother to extend my leg in front of me when rising.  I'm not aware that I'm using the muscle to help me stand (I'm deliberately trying not to), but it is possible I'm stretching it more than usual.  At any rate, the pain can be avoided by keeping my knee extended with my foot out in front of me when I stand up.

Bionic,

So many new pains that you get to enjoy!  I had significant bruising that showed up on the inner thigh and in different areas of the leg away from the incision.  My swelling would also change positions from day to day and that caused some discomfort too.  I'm still finding new muscles that I haven't used for a long time, and doing so causes some pain and soreness.  I guess I didn't realize how much compensating for the bad joint I had been doing.  I've got to retrain the muscles to do their job as intended again.  You'll be surprised on how certain pain will disappear in a few days and you can move better each day.  Just remember to ice and elevate when not on the move. 

Well, Todd, the latest pain is in my knee!  Maybe it's just weak from disuse.  Another possibility is that the nice job the doctor did in straightening out my leg has put some new stresses on my knee, which it just needs to adapt to.

I think I said above that my right foot always pointed out, and it got worse as the arthritis progressed.  Immediately after the surgery I was pleasantly shocked to see I was walking with a perfectly straight right foot.  Of course, however, that's a whole new arrangement for the rest of my leg to deal with.

I'm getting better at walking with the cane.  It's not as easy a transition as moving from two crutches to one, however.  The cane is just a small step from walking with no assistance at all.  I hope that in another day or two the cain will be less troublesome.  I certainly don't want to revert back to the crutch if I can help it.

Bionic,
So glad to hear that you're doing so well!  I didn't have any bruising aside from around the incision.  But, I did have knee pain.  Before and after surgery, I had the opposite problem to you.  My foot turned inward instead of outward.  But, that caused a lot of pain in my left knee.  I was so disappointed when I had that pain after surgery.  But, both the inward rotation and pain resolved itself as my hip grew stronger.  But, it took a good amount of time, like 12 weeks or so.  So, don't fret if it takes awhile to resolve itself.

I also thought it was a big transition to go from one crutch to the cane.  You would think it would be nearly the same.  But, holy cow.  It's a big leap.  For me, it was an even bigger leap to get off the cane.  I loved that cane!  I could walk fast and very well with the cane.  Without it, I walked like a drunk!  I finally realized that I need to walk like a drunk for a few days in order to figure out how to walk without it and also start to build the strength to walk without it.  In hindsight, I wish that I had forced myself off it earlier.  I just felt so foolish trying to walk without it.  So, keep that in mind when trying to figure out what works for your body and mind.

Jeanie
 



 

Day 11:

I'm loving my cane, too, Jeanie.  I use it primarily for balance.  I briefly tried walking without it today and could only manage a "silly walk."  I had to waddle so that, when I put my weight on the operated (right) leg, I would lean way over to the right side.  I was able to do this for a number of steps, and could have kept it up indefinitely, I guess, if it didn't look so silly. 

I think my abductors are still weak.  Leaning way over to the side took all the stress off of them.  It was encouraging that I could walk unassisted at all, and now I think I know what's holding me back from being able to ditch the cane for good.  The abductors have got to heal.

So far, I have no PT for the abductors--walking is the only exercise that works them.  So I'm walking a lot.  I did three 1/4-mile walks today, spaced pretty evenly.  Each one felt better than the one before it!

I had knee pain on the first one only, but realized I could make it go away by (drumroll) turning out my right foot.  That's right.  Turning the foot out restored my old biomechanics, which my knee likes a lot better.  But that's not where I want to be in the future, so I'm working on gradually pulling that foot in as long as the knee doesn't get too sore.

On my third walk of the day, I noticed a lot of clunking in the new hip.  Sometimes the clunking seemed to come from directly in front of the hip, and sometimes from the outside.  Once again, I found I was able to make it go away by TURNING MY FOOT OUT.  Do you see a pattern here?  My body is used to my walking like a duck and likes it that way.  As I did with the knee, I obliged to some degree while gradually trying to pull in the foot.  This is going to take some time.

Overall, today was very promising.  Walking with the cane was much easier.  I think it's clear at this point that the crutches are not coming back.

Day 12:

Feeling no pain with the cane!  Went for my morning walk.  Had the cane in one hand and a cup of java in the other.  Finished the first 1/8-mile with no real clunking or knee pain.  On the way back, up the hill, I felt my stride lengthening and some real power coming into my legs.  I passed the house and kept going.  Went two more blocks, all uphill, met and chatted with a neighbor, then turned to come home.  I could have kept going.  No pain whatsoever; in fact, it felt great.  I couldn't imagine a better way to start my day.

It really feels like my body is thanking me for having its hip resurfaced.

Bionic

Your the man...day 12, you are making a great recovery !!

Those twelve days have gone by quickly.

Terry

Day 13:

I went for my first longish walk yesterday--about 3/4 mile over hilly terrain.  It was no problem.

So I repeated it this morning.  If I had stopped at the end it would have been perfect, but I pushed it another 1/4 mile.  The result was a slight crampy feeling in my right hip flexor.  It was not a full-blown charlie horse--more like a wave of crampiness that passed over the muscle and then disappeared.  It happened with about 1/8 mile yet to walk, so I just slowed way down and took little steps back home.  Now I'm icing and elevating.  So far, it's not a big problem, just something to watch.

What is more of a problem is the pain I'm having in my thigh.  It is not at the incision site; in fact, it's on the inside of my thigh opposite the incision.  It feels tender during the day--like there's some bruising there.  At night it becomes much worse.  Sometime around 2am last night I rolled over in bed to my side and placed a pillow between my legs.  Just the little force of the pillow against my inner thigh send waves of deep pain through my leg.  It made me almost want to scream.  The pain subsided after a few minutes, and I was able to sleep on my side.  Last night was the third night it has happened.  I think I'll email the doctor's office about it.

Bionic,

Welcome to the "I think I over-did it club".  We've all been there and we all recover eventually.  I also had significant bruising throughout the thigh away from the incision.  I'm guessing that you still have considerable swelling and the bruising should subside in a few days--keep icing.  It will get better.  I'm coming up to 7 weeks post op, and the overall improvement from day 1 is unbelievable.  I can now walk on uneven terrain, move laterally, and get around without much thought about hurting myself. Over the coarse of recovery and reading posts of those who have gone before me, I wondered if I would get to this point.  I did, and you will too.  The only advice I have is to take it day by day.  Exercise and moving around is important, but I have found that pushing myself for an additional 1/2 mile on the treadmill did nothing for me.  I was thinking I would get in shape and recover the hip at the same time which turned out to be counterproductive. I have come to the realization that the key to recovering is time.  Move around, stretch, do your exercises, and give your muscles time to heal, and they will.  I'll take this advice when I have my right hip done later this spring. 
Hang in there.
todd

Hey Bionic:

It sounds like aggravated muscles....don't forget the soft stuff in their (muscles, tendons) have to heal too...that does take longer than the bone.

Give yourself a few days of JUST your take home PT exercises, and good idea on icing....

One thing I noticed is some bruising at 13 days, that wasn't there earlier...so just take it back a notch.

Good to check in with your doctor too....

Lee says not to worry about the thigh pain.  It is normal and will go away with time.  Maybe I'll just take a couple of Tylenol before bed.

Todd, I understand what you mean about wanting to get into shape.  I am really chomping at the bit to get back on my exercise bike.  But Doc says not until 6 weeks.  Gulp.  I'll probably gain 10 pounds by then.  My weight still hasn't dropped below 196--4 pounds more than my pre-op weight.  And I know it's not all the implants!  And the swelling is practically gone, along with all my excuses ...

The funny cramp hasn't come back.  I took another, shorter walk this evening.  It felt pretty good, although I was a bit tired in the homestretch.  Maybe I should take Karen's advice and bag the walking for a day.  Or maybe I'll just make tomorrow an easy day.

There's reason to celebrate!  I took my last Lovenox injection today.  No more gut shots.  That was a milestone I was really looking forward to.  I'm starting to feel like I'm climbing over the hump.

Todd has given you great advice!  I agree with everything he says.  I freaked out many times during those first few months, worried that I screwed it all up by doing something that I should not have done.  You'll continue to have many and varied aches and pains that will evolve over the next many weeks.  You'll see changes day to day and even more so week to week.  Be patient with you body and understand that there's a lot of healing that needs to happen and it will take some time to work itself out.  Just go with the flow!

Bionic,

If I read your post right, seems like alot of us had that pain in our leg, felt like a bruise to the bone...if that is what your feeling, and it comes on when your at rest, the best thing for myself was to simply take a short walk, and walk it off...2 or 3 minutes of walking around really helped me get through that one.  I think it remember it was a painful thought to stand up...the first 3 or 5 steps hurt, then it simply got more and more of a normal feeling..like as in the circulation was the answer for me.  I was also using lots of pillows to adjust my leg and would change its position every few minutes or hours..and I used a long scarf(serong) and would use that to bend my knee, or even give me an indian massage there on the leg by one wrap and pull the ends one way then the other.  I know when I got my ankle closer to my rear end, the tightness of the muscle was there, but it would be relief when I straightened it out.  I do remember I posted that the walking thing was the best relief for me though.
Eric

Eric,

I think we're describing similar things, except my pain feels like it's coming from just under the skin, not from the bone.  It's always worse after sitting for long periods, especially at night, and during the night when I wake up from sleeping.  The best thing for it seems to be to get up and walk around a bit.  The pain wears off after a couple of minutes on my feet.

Jeanie,

I went for a walk today and did find myself slowing down a bit.  I decided not to push it.  I think I'm getting back into a more normal routine, and that means eating and sleeping a little less.  Maybe I'm a little tired.

I noticed that my weight finally dropped this morning.  I'm 194.4, which is getting close to my 192 pre-op weight.  I figure the implants minus the lost bone amount to about a pound, so I'm nearly back to where I started.  There's still a slight bit of swelling, which comes and goes over the course of the day.

Nothing really new to report today so far.  I'm spending some time at my desk and finding it comfortable.  I guess that counts as an improvement.  Tomorrow I think I'll get back to work.

Day 15: My 2-Week Post-Op Anniversary

I'm still walking with the cane, but I'm not pressing on it nearly as hard as before.  Walking feels good, but I find myself getting a little tired after 1/2-mile or so.  Maybe it's the shoes--I haven't changed out of my leather moccasins since the surgery.  Moccasins solve the problem of shoelaces, but maybe I'll try sneakers tomorrow.

I have a little tightness in my right hip flexor.  Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_flexor) tells me the "hip flexor" is not one muscle, but a whole group of them, which work together to raise the knee.  It feels like the tightness is coming from the point just forward of my hip, lined up with approximately the middle of my thigh.  The anatomy charts point to the spot where three muscles come together, the tensor fascie latae (different from the Starbuck's kind), rectus femoris, and sartorius.  See http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/Tensor_fasciae_latae.png

These were very tight before surgery.  In fact, I couldn't extend my hip as far as I can now.  I'm not trying specifically to stretch them (it's not part of my prescribed PT), but I am trying to let them unravel as I walk.

The nighttime leg pain was a little less last night than it's been in previous nights.

Progress has definintely slowed--at least the outward signs have.  Still, I continue to feel better each day.

Day 18:

I'm feeling stronger every day.  I thought I was suffering a setback yesterday because I felt generally tired and worn out.  I took a little nap in the afternoon, and that helped a lot.  Then I noticed that my son and my wife were both sick.  Maybe it wasn't my surgery, and I was just fighting off a cold?

Regardless, today is a new day.  My morning walk has been extended to nearly a mile, up and down some fairly steep hills.  This mornging I dared myself to a little game.  I would hold my cane up every other step and try to walk naturally.  To my pleasure and surprise, I was able to do this fairly easily. 

In general, I find myself walking away from the cane more and more.  I don't go far, but it's an encouraging sign.  Of course, the times I need the cane most are in the mornings when I first wake up and at night, when I get tired.

I'm still sacking out at 8-9pm.   I decided not to fight the fatigue.  I'm awake by around 5 or 6am, though.  It's great to be up early and have the whole day ahead of me.

The leg pain is slowly improving.  I went out and bought a case of G2 and have been slurping it non-stop.  I think the extra fluids and electrolytes are helping.  Last night wasn't nearly as bad as some previous ones.

Did I tell you I'm already walking more than a mile?  It sounds amazing to say, since there was no way I could have covered that distance on my old hip.  Even though I'm still very restricted and at the relatively early stages of healing, I'm already finding that there are things I can do now that I couldn't do before.

The next goal is to lose the cane.  I think I will plan to wean myself rather than stopping cold turkey.  I'll take it with me and use it as needed until I'm sure I won't be using it at all.  The "weaning" process has really already begun.

Bionic,

You sound really close to losing that last stick.  I gave up all my sticks Sept 1st, I was operated on August 6th you are right on pace or slightly ahead of me and Lee was real happy with my progress.

Keep up the great rehabbing, don't push it, but let your body tell you.



Chuck

I'm definitely catching a cold.  I don't feel horrible, but it does explain the fatigue I've been having.

I finally drove around my walking route.  I clocked the mileage at 1.05 miles.  Do you think that's too much at this stage?  There have actually been a couple of days when I've done it twice, not counting incidental walking here and there.

Tonight I managed to clean up after dinner without my cane at all.  I even walked outside, unloaded stuff from the car, and walked back in, all with no cane.

I find it easier to walk cane-free while carrying something.  I just hold whatever it is off to the right side of body, and it takes all the load off of my abductors.  With a 5 pound weight held out to the side I can walk perfectly normally.

Hey Bionic,
When I read your deal about driving your walking route it made me laugh cause I did exactly the same thing.I drove to see the mileage and when I read the odometer I was very pleased that I could walk that far so soon after surgery.I think 1.05 miles is just right for you at this time of your recovery.Keep it up.

Wayne

I've come to a troubling realization.  I don't expect much sympathy from the guys on this one, but maybe I'll hear from some of the ladies.

As the swelling around my incision goes down, it has become apparent that my right butt cheek has deflated.  It is flatter, lumpier, wavier and generally far less appealing to the eye than its partner to the left.  It was probably just as bad before surgery (except for the waviness and lumpiness); I think I must have been averting my eyes.

So my question is: Does the butt ever recover?  Am I destined to having a lopsided backside for life?  Should I consider a butt implant next?

Please be gentle in your responses.  You know that my butt can't take much more abuse!

Please!  Please! Please!  Please! Do not post pictures of your butt Bionic, ok?    ;D ;D ;D

All seriousness aside, mine took about 5 months before it started smoothing out, now at 7 months post op I have to feel around till I know where my incision is.  My incision is longer than Gross's 4" mark, probably around 5 1/2" or so.

Your butt will also get it's tone back too, mine is almost like it was post op now, not that my butt had a lot of tone to it though.   :-[


Good luck with your butt Bionic.


Chuck

:)

Bionic

Patience man!  You have been thru major major surgery.  It will take 6 months for major healing and a full year for full healing.  So why would your butt heal any faster!  That is unless you have a very specially talented butt!

Give yourself permission to become a patient person and stop worrying.  Dream about the great summer you are going to have.

Incisions and muscles take time - only your mind can heal in an instant! You body will take time for the muscles to heal and then become normal and useful again.  When people come out of casts for 6 weeks or more, their muscles are very athrophied.  They nomally come back with usage.  It will take your body longer than 6 weeks to heal.

Good Luck and think good thoughts about running about on a great new hip!

Pat

Thank you, Pat.  You can always count on the ladies to give a balanced perspective, even when it comes to imbalanced buttocks.

My right (operated) thigh is also 1" smaller around than my left.  I've apparently been walking around on one leg for the past 10 years.

Hi Bionic,
In the small world category, I followed a thread in the Yahoo group about playing hockey w/ resurfaced hip(s), and found out that one of the guys there played the same youth hockey program but one age group younger than me. Anyhow, this guy had a good posting about the long-term recovery and mentioned that specific aspect as something that very gradually got better until one day it back to normal.
I know my cheeks haven't filled in yet (at 11 and 12 months) but they are progressing. So I've kept that guy's post in mind when I consider worrying about my malformed butt.  :)
I guess that's a benefit of bilateral: you can't see the relative disparity and get concerned.
I would be interested to hear from longer term hippies if they noticed this at 1 1/2 yr or 2 yr or whatever.
-Dirk

3-Week Anniversary:

I figure it's time to stop counting in days, even though I continue to see progress on a daily basis.  There were several interesting developments this week.

First, it dawned on me that the dark incision I was seeing was actually a scab.  Why didn't I realize that sooner?  I made this momentous discovery when I noticed parts of the scab starting to flake off.  So it won't be this dark, crusty thing forever.  That was good news!   Even better is that the skin revealed as the scab falls off looks almost normal, both in terms of color and texture.  I may not have such a bad scar after all.

My incision length is hard to judge right now.  Once I have a plain view of the scar from one end to the other, I'll make a measurement.  Based on the scab and my eyeballs, I'd estimate it's about 5".

We've had a good deal of snow recently.  Rather than risk a fall on the ice, my wife and I went to visit our local suburban mega-mall for a walk indoors.  I had always regarded this as a huge mall.  I've walked that mall many times on my arthritic hip, sometimes wondering, with all the pain I was feeling, how in the hell I was going to make it back to my car.

I simply breezed though the mall yesterday.  I walked it back and forth, top floor and bottom.  I explored all the side corridors.  After half an hour, I concluded that the mall wasn't so huge after all!  What a difference a good hip makes!

I found myself grinning stupidly at my own mobility.  Feeling brave, I transferred the cane to my right hand and held it up in the air as I tentatively moved with unaided steps.  It felt like I was a 1-year old walking for the first time.  It was working, and I was giddy with the thrill of it.  I walked maybe 100 steps without my cane, working hard to balance but finding it to be not so hard after a while.  Then I used the cane on and off.  I had conquered the mall.

My wife is now telling me I'm walking straight, and it's the first time she can remember seeing that.  My kids are telling me I look taller.

This morning, upon awakening, I decided not to reach for the cane.  The first steps were tender and hobbled, but once the joint started moving they smoothed into something approximating a normal gait.  Now I'm keeping the cane, not at arm's reach, but across the room.  I can get it if I need it, but I don't want it if I don't.

Movement in general continues to get easier.  I can now sit at my desk as long as I want without getting uncomfortable.  Driving feels normal.  The discomfort in the seat has nearly vanished.  Swelling is almost completely gone.

Overall, the third week has been a triumph!

Bionic,

Your making great progress, it's funny how people comment how well we walk now..we must have been hobbleing like old men.

The cane, I find myself forgetting it when I go from room to room, like you I still can't believe how great the hip feels.

Well done, take it easy mate.

Terry

Thank you, Terry.

I left the house today for my daily 1-mile walk and got half-way down the driveway when I realized I had forgotten my cane!  I went back in the house to retrieve it, and I used it for about the first 100 yards.  Then I decided to try carrying it.  I managed the entire rest of the walk without it.  That was a milestone. 

My walk has some very hilly portions, including one portion with a 10 or 15-degree grade.  No problem.  I felt a little tightness in my hip flexors and glutes, which I took as a good sign that I was doing some real work. 

I felt the slightest discomfort when I first started climbing the big hill.  The soreness was in my outer quad (vastus externalis), just below the greater trochanter.  I slowed down a little and the discomfort passed.  There was also a little groin pain on startup.  I don't usually feel pain in my groin, but I decided not to freak out.  I figured that, if my implants had slipped, I would be feeling it big time, and it wouldn't be a little transient flash of discomfort.

The scab from my incision is almost completely gone.  The scar is smooth and narrow, except at the very bottom.  There is a very small area where it looks like the two sides of the incision healed at slightly different levels--the back side of the incision is about 1/10" higher than the front side, over a region of about 1/4" long.  There is kind of a step effect on the skin there, which I hope will correct itself.

Did anybody else get this?  Did it go away over time?

Bionic,

I'm six weeks today, yes that stepped effect on the scar does flatten out, mine has!!

Today I made a decision not to use my cane at work, I had it next to me but I did'nt need it, although by the end of the day I was labouring a little.

Little by little mate.

Terry

Good to hear it, Terry.  Thank you.  I actually think my "step" is a little flatter today than it was yesterday.  I think I'll wait to email Lee about it.

I'm still using my cane here and there--mostly around the house.  Chuck has talked about "start-up pain" a lot, and I have a feeling of start-up instability.  It gets better after a few steps, but it's good to have the cane around for those moments.

Hi everybody,

It's time for me to be moving on.  I've enjoyed chatting with you and wish you all the very best.  May all your strides and wiggles be restored, and stay that way :).

Bionic

Hello everybody.  It's been nearly a year since I've posted here, during which time I've been recovering from my right hip resurfacing surgery with Dr. Gross.  My one-year follow-up is next week.  I'll be doing it locally.

You wil not be surprised to hear that everything has gone very well.  A few aches and pains here and there, mostly under the incision.  A few times I've strained something and limped around for a couple of days.  But no significant setbacks.

Life is good.  I work out 3 or 4 times a week on an elliptical cross trainer.  I've actually gotten my pulse rate over 180 for the first time in years.  It feels so good to exercise!

General fitness and muscle tone are coming back.  You'll be relieved to hear that my previously flat butt cheek has plumped up and is now nearly symmetrical with its brother.  Fat is melting off.  I'm feeling more and more like my old self.

I've done a little running at about 2/3 max speed.  I'm not quite ready to go full out.  But, I'll tell you, even 2/3 feels phonomenal!  The joy of movement!

I'm back to 40 and 50 mile bike rides.  I played soccer this past fall with my kid's team.  I work out with weights and recently started doing squats.  I'm only doing about 100# for now.  I forgot how amazing it feels!

I got a pain in my hip after my first squat workout.  Then I realized it was the non-operated hip!

The only thing that persists as a problem is movement with my hip highly flexed.  There's some clunking and popping in that position, and it's a little uncomfortable.  So I just avoid it until I recover more fully.

After a day of hard work on the elliptical, I sometimes feel a little tight in the joint--like it needs to be stretched out.  I'm still guarding the joint and won't stretch too far.  Soon enough, I will, though.

All in all, this really feels like my own hip.  I've had no "foreign body" sensations.  My duck-footed walk has straightened.  I walk with my feet straight for the first time in my life.

I have no regrets about the surgery.  Quite the contrary; I am thrilled with the results.  And I continue to be grateful to the fine work of Pat and others in making information about hip resurfacing so easily accessible.  Many thanks.

Bionic: R U/C Biomet 2/11/09 Dr. Gross and Lee Webb

Hi

It's good to hear from you and even better to hear you are back to a very active, pain free life.  Glad everything is going well.  Hope to hear from you once a year!

Good Luck.

Pat

Glad to hear all is well with the hip, good things are happening I see.



Chuck

Good to hear this update from you Bionic!  I'm glad you're doing well!

Good to hear you are doing well.  I too, will soon celebrate a 1 year anniversary.  Things are going very well, a little clunking now and then and some crunching when I raise my knee up.  My scar is not flat; I am disappointed about that, but my body doesn't make nice scars.  I will be making the trip to see Dr. Gross for my one year checkup in March.  I am very glad I chose this over a total hip.

Two years and all's well!

I'm feeling great and am continuing to enjoy the freedom of movement.  My kids are happy not to have a lame dad!

I haven't had my 2 year x-rays yet, but there is no reason to worry.  The hip is solid and pain-free.  I walk, jog, run, bike, work out on the elliptical trainer, lift weights, and chase around my dog, kids, and wife.

I have very few lingering issues.  I still get pain in the muscle under the incision when I walk over 4 miles.  I think this is because I rarely do that and never gave my body a chance to adapt to it.

The hip still feels funny in some unusual positions--like lying on my stomach with my knee to my chest, but that's easily enough avoided.

On a typical day, my hip gives me no problem at all, and it functions exactly the way I need it to.

I'm still very happy I had the surgery, I'm happy with the doctor and implant I selected, and am grateful to this site for providing a great vehicle to learn about my options.

Thanks for checking in! I appreciate hearing from members that are years down the road and still feeling good; it helps for those us who are just starting compared to you.

Thanks for the update. At 4 weeks post-op, it is certainly encouraging to read posts from veterans like you. I can't fully appreciate my new hips yet but I'm getting there. I can't wait to feel that freedom of movement. What would we do without this site?

Wonderful story!

Steve (newdog)

Hello old friends,

My 4-year anniversary passed and I didn't even notice!  That's a great testimony to how well I'm doing.  It's almost a surprise to see my scar these days, as I have virtually no other indication that any work was done on the hip.

I'm not doing anything terribly strenuous these days, but the hip is still up for anything I decide to do.

I wish you all continued good luck with your own surgeries; I continue to be grateful for mine!

Not noticing is awesome. I'm looking forward to my fourth now that a couple of you graduates have popped in.

Excellent news, good luck and keep in touch.

Happy 4 year anniversary!  I wish you many, many more.  It is great that eventually you don't even think about your hip replacement.  We just get on with life and it becomes a distant memory.  Hard for people in post op recovery to believe, but that is what happens.

Good Luck and Thanks for stopping by!

Pat

Bionic it was good to hear from you here.  I remember talking with you by email between your surgery and mine; you were one week ahead of me; same doctor and hospital.
Glad to hear you are doing well also.  I am so glad I found this group when I was exploring hip surgery options.

Okay, this is getting repetitive.  But repeating good news is always a pleasure.  I'm now past my 5th anniversary and continue to have no problems.  The hip feels great and maybe even has gotten better.

I wish I had time for more physical activity, but the hip has not held me back from anything.  Thank you all again!

Great to hear, I'm heading to S.C. in two weeks.  Glad your doing so well:)

All good, Bionic... keep being repetitive.

Two years went by and I forgot to post.  Nothing to complain about, I guess.  All is still well with my hip!


I joined a gym, which has been fantastic for overall health and well-being.  I avoid resistance training with my legs, as I'm trying to stay somewhat slender, but I do spend 30 or 40 minutes each workout on the treadmill.  Not running, just walking fast with high incline.


I feel no discomfort up to about 40 minutes.  If I go longer, I can sometimes feel a little burning under my incision--probably stuck scar tissue.  No problem in the joint, however.


As I age (just turned 55), the ailments accumulate (neck, back, shoulder), but working out feels fantastic and really helps me to manage them.  I still marvel at my freedom of movement.  I'm quick and agile on my feet--not the lumbering limper I was for years!


My thanks again to Pat for starting this site and pointing me in the right direction.  I've never looked back :).  And, of course, many many thanks to Dr. Gross!

Good to know! I am 4 months out and quite happy with how things are going but it's good to read the stories of people much further along and to know all is well! Thanks!

Hello great people.  Just stopping back to say that I passed my 11-year mark without noticing.  The implants are still doing great.  I noticed that a small notch has developed in my femoral neck (see picture).  Nobody seems too concerned about it, and I am asymptomatic.  I'm still very happy I had this done.

Happy 11 year anniversary. So happy you are doing well. I appreciate you stopping in to tell everyone how well you are doing. Nice to hear from the alumni!  I wish you the very best and many, many more anniversaries.
Pat

Thank you, Pat.  So nice to hear from you!  I continue to be impressed with the great work you do here.

Thank You for your kind words. It is important work, but sometimes I need a bit of a break. Covid has changed our lives. Staying at home is not much fun and definitely slowed down hip resurfacing. I started playing accordion again and making videos for my friends to pass the time. It's a lot of fun and time consuming - which is good.  My hip works fine and does not bother my playing since my accordion sits on the resurfacing hip side. I think the old 30# accordion really injured my original hip. We played for hours and hours. Practiced everyday and played almost every night. My ex and I. Now it's just me and my squeeze! LOL 

https://accordionplayerpat.com/ (https://accordionplayerpat.com/)
I have been doing this since 2005. Important project with important information. I wish you the best.
Pat