I haven't been on the site in a while and I thought I'd check in. Tuesday, 2/28 was 10 weeks since my surgery with Dr. Brooks and I really couldn't ask for my recovery to go any better. I'd like to give my body credit for a little of it and a LOT of credit to Dr. Brooks and the excellent care I got at Cleveland Clinic.
The worst pain I had was in my quad muscles for about two weeks after surgery, as they recovered from being retracted. I had almost no bruising. Pain meds did little for me so I think I just stopped at 10 days. I did no "real" PT other than the six exercises Dr. Brooks gave me to do at home. At two weeks and one day, I could put my shoes and socks on with little difficulty. Got off crutches at six weeks and immediately after, hired a triathlon coach. Normally, I run marathons but since I can't run for a year (and I see some docs aren't as conservative as Brooks is, but I'd rather be safe than sorry) I'm focusing on swimming, biking, and weightlifting so I can do some aqua/bike events this year. My flexibility and range of motion is almost as good as it was before surgery.
I don't mean to sound like a big brag, but I was a nervous wreck before surgery so I get anyone who feels that way - and I feel so good now. If you are thinking about having BHR and have nerves - I understand, but I want to tell you: my experience has been 100 percent positive. If you are hesitating: DON'T. Get it over with and re-start your life. And I unconditionally recommend Dr. Brooks. It has been a huge relief to realize this surgery hasn't negatively impacted my life in the way I anticipated it would.