My Story at 3.5 months. Some questions

[Gretsch6]

Hi All.  I had my right hip resurfaced Feb 16.  After about 5 years of problems ( I am 50 yrs old)  - in both hips - i decided to have the procedure.  The pain was manageable.... worst part of my OA was the lack of range of motion. Hated giving up running, skating, lower body weight lifting etc....  It also affected my posture... my pelvis was tilted forward etc. 


I am extremely pleased the far with the results thus far!  I went into surgery in  tremendous physical shape - mostly thanks to upper body lifting and exercise bike.  Surgery was at 8:00 am.  Was up walking at 3pm however that lasted only a few feet as the pain meds and anesthesia caused dizziness.  I went home the following afternoon once i was able to maneuver on the crutches.  The worst part of my experience was the 6 days that followed.... Anesthesia and pain med combo was terrible.   Felt car sick!  Constipation obviously was not fun!!! 


I used two crutches for two weeks and one crutch for one week.  Didn't like the cane.  Worked on basic strengthening exercises during few weeks and graduated to more advanced moves....per surgeons instructions..  Started up body workouts about 7 days post op.  All were done with no use of hip/ lower body.  I started riding my road bike outside at the 8 week mark.  felt fine.... not a lot of power however..  I hit golf balls at the 9 week mark and played first round shortly after... got a bit stiff towards the end of the round... all in the hip capsule area.


About two weeks ago i started  working on stretching.  I am very tight ...i can tell its a different tightness.  its not in the joint but rather muscles  - Glute, IT band etc.   


My bike rides are getting more intense... i am pushing my stretching - trying to get more ROM.... glute/ quad strengthening moves are getting more advanced (body weight squats, light dead lifts etc).   I am golfing  frequently (spending time at driving range) as weather has turned nice ( I live in MN).   


Now for some questions.... due to this increased activity, I am more sore at the 3.5 mark than I was at the 2 month mark... I realized i am much more active .  Should I rest more? Stretch more?  Lift More?  Soreness in around Glute, IT band and Hip capsule.  I still ice a lot after excersise and golf.  I know Its still early but thought I would get some of thoughts from fellow hippies!  Thanks All and Thanks Pat for this great site! 

[Quig]

Gongrats on the procedure, it sounds like you're off to a great start.


Only advice I can give is to listen to your body! If you're tired and sore, rest! Seems simple enough but I know it's tough. I'm a hard-charger too and tend to push through anything. I tried that with my recovery but there were times were my body told me enough was enough and I learned to listen.


It's early still, don't be afraid to rest. You have many, many, many years to enjoy your new parts... don't hesitate to relax a little and let your body heal.


Good luck!

[Pat Walter]

Hi Gretsch6

Glad to hear you are on the mend and things are going well for you.  Thanks for the update.

What surgeon did you hip resurfacing?  I like to add personal stories and usually categorize them by the surgeon.

I hope everything continues to go well for you.  Stop by and give us another update when you can.

Pat

[Linedawg]

Hi Gretsch6

I just got a resurfacing 9 weeks ago from Dr. Palmer at Twin cities orthopedics, just curious where and who did your resurfacing? After much reading on this great site, and many others, I've come to realize that all surgeons are different, including their recovery advice, and all patients are different in their recovery process and timelines.
I've had somewhat of a hard time with my recovery, as I thought because I was athletic and in really good shape(53-play hockey, bike, golf, work-out), that I would be at the upper end of the recovery spectrum, when in reality I fall somewhere in the middle. As of now I go to the gym and do upper body and ride bike, and try to incorporate my PT exercises and stretching in whenever I can. I'm back to playing golf, but I have to use a cart because I still have a bad limp. I can ride bike forever with no problems, but when I walk it still hurts and affects my lower back. I know it's early and the body is adjusting, I'm just inpatient to get back to the things I want to do.
I always thought that I would start skating at 3 months(not playing hockey-just skating!), does that seem like a possibility where your at in your recovery? I'm sorry I didn't answer any of your questions as I'm a newbie myself. It's nice to have this site to get feedback from many different people who have , and are going through this. Good luck in your recovery, keep working at it!

 

[karlos.bell]

  Yo .. Amazing but take it easy................ it takes time for new tissue to regenerate not weeks sometimes years. But the better you do it the better off you will be. 1 day on two days rest... cheers K

[Gretsch6]

Pat , Linedawg...My surgeon was Scott Anseth of Twin City Orthopedic.  Phenomenal surgeon and wonderful staff!  Highly recommend him!  I chose him as he was referred by a friend.  I do know he has done a around 500 procedures...not as many as Palmer but still a lot.  Plus.... I live about 5 minutes from the hospital ! 


As i said before ... i am extremely pleased with the results.  I am way ahead of where I thought i would be.  walked 18 holes yesterday with no real issues... I am still a bit tight in around the incision area / IT band.  Ive been biking and a fair amount and even added some weights to my lower body workouts.  Still need to get more ROM.....working on that.  I do have issues on left .  I imagine i will have that one done in next 2 - 4 years .  left hip now clicks due to the impingement - never did before my surgery on right side.  I think my BHR has improved my posture  bit causing the left one to act a bit oddly.  Yes, very strange.  I haven't skated yet.  can't wait to give it a try.  Oh ...One last thing that has helped - I am seeing a specialist who practices deep myofascial massage .. really helps with tight scarred muscles .   all of pro hockey players see him.  He has helped immensely with my recovery.   Direct message me for his details if you wish.  Thanks!