First, THANK YOU for this website. The information and stories shared here are invaluable. I wanted to share my story earlier but things have gone so smoothly I was afraid I would jinx myself!
-Background: I am a 61 yr old female runner (21 marathons). I had issues with my right leg/hip for years before running downhill became impossible due to pain. I stopped all running and visited 3 different doctors before getting the OA diagnosis and offer of total hip replacement. I sent my Xrays to Dr. Gross and he agreed hip resurfacing was a good option for me.
-Outpatient surgery was done 5/20/19: uncemented Biomet Magnum, 48mm. The only snag was an extra day in SC due to orthostatic hypotension. The last oxycontin taken was the morning of the 4 hour drive home as a precaution. I have experienced very little pain following the protocol given. Because of low bone density I am on the modified recovery program: used a walker for 2 weeks 10% weightbearing on operated leg; 2 more weeks on crutches still 10%; 2 weeks on crutches gradually increasing weigh bearing (all of this doing the simple PT given post surgery and functional walking only). Also taking Fosamax generic to improve bone density.
-At my 6 wk checkup I was given the go ahead to use a cane, beginning with short walks. The incision was fully healed at this point so I could also swim. I used the cane for 4 weeks. I was 10 weeks post resurfacing before I began walking unaided.
-Now at nearly 6 months I swim (~1k yards) each morning, walk about 6 miles each day and alternate weightlifting (<50#) and low-resistance bike spinning in the gym. Generally the joint feels a little different from the unoperated left side, but just tight not painful at all. I continue to do the prescribed leg raises and stretches.
-11/20/19 is my return to running date. It will be 14 months since I last ran a step. I am excited and anxious to see how the resurfaced hip performs. I have a 3 day/wk program plan that begins with 2 min walk: 1 min run X 10 and builds slowly. I am expecting progress to be slow since it was 5 months before I could dress standing up. Balance, strength, and range of motion are all continuing to improve slowly.
Dr. Gross and absolutely everyone I encountered at his practice have been phenomenal. Best medical experience of my life.