Read Chuck's list again; it is very good!
Wished those tips were mine, it was Karen's but we can sure add John's to the list. I took out the self injection part for blood thinner, Dr. Gross uses aspirin now.
Chuck
He's done over 1900 hip resurfacings
He does minimal invasive surgery (small 4 inch incision)
He uses your blood to make a mixture to put in the femur cap and along the incision for bone growth and faster incision healing
He uses a bandage that is some kind of bio-bandage that you can take a shower in and don't have to change at all until 10 days post-op where you take it off for good
He uses a certain cocktail of meds for nausea and pain management
He has them even put a patch behind your ear (for nausea) before surgery
He has been involved in Conserve (and presently) Biomet medical studies.
The Biomet parts he uses in patients (cementless) --- HE designed for better stress resistance and bone growth.
He is a young man as far as doctors go
I have been told by other posters from the board, that he finished some of his "fellowships" in his career in a way the most doctors envy
He REALLY knows what he's doing, and has it down to a science
He doesn't tell you bologna
He's quite strict with hospital personnel when it comes to the care of his patients
He's NOT a pompous ass
He explains your situation in a way that is not over your head
post-surgery, he gives you a detailed written report of everything done during your surgery
SOME Tips:
Prepare your home - move loose wires/rugs/things you might trip on.
Figure out which shower (if you have 2 bathrooms) is easiest to get in and out of with help
Don't bring a ton of stuff to the hospital, you'll never use it
Clothes that you bring should be loose or oversized
Make sure the hospital keeps your ice machine full of cold ice all night (they will send you home with the ice machine)
The first 5 days at home is a little tough because you are trying to figure out how to manuever
FOLLOW any restrictions Dr. Gross gives you - guard your hip!
Use the at home tools they will give you (grabber, sock-putter=oner, shoe horn)
Don't live in your bed at home..get up move about...then rest in another room
Use LOTS of pillows, and ICE every possible minute, it keeps the bruising to a minimum
YOu can add extra ice by using ziplock bags (besides the ice machine hip wrap they give you)
Do the phase I exercises faithfully (it will be tough at first, this is normal)
Your leg will be a bit like a useless log - don't be afraid, this will pass in a couple of weeks
You may have a sensation of clunking in your new hip...this is normal and will pass in later months
Don't do anything stupid to "see if you can do it now"....protect your hip
Switch up chairs, try the kitchen one, the couch, etc...find your happy place
If you have pets, keep them at bay by using your crutch (I have 3 dogs)
Make sure you have help at home
You may get depressed, emotional, angry, etc... this is normal
Try to get outside for a few minutes, and after a couple of weeks..have someone drive you to the store or mall and you can zip around in one of those cool driving carts
At the hospital, try to take a shower using the "sit down" chair....you will feel great.
TRY .... TRY to do what the PT folks ask of you even if you feel like crap....try!
Just a couple of minor tips.
Book first class airline seats for the trip home, even if you normally never would.
Take advantage of the wheelchair assistance if you have to move through any big airports, like Atlanta. The Columbia airport is a breeze.
If you have any time in airports between flights, find a way to elevate her leg.
Many of us found recliners to be our favorite spot for the first couple of weeks.
When I had my surgery with Dr Gross, my wife stayed in the Marriot next to the hospital while I was still checked in so that she could just walk over. We chose to stay a couple of days before flying back, and moved to the Marriot Residence, which is about three blocks away, and has full suites with kitchens and a small living area.
With Dr Gross's protocols, the entire hospital/surgical experience is usually very easy. The first week or two at home was challenging for some of us, so be prepared with lots of physical and emotional support.