1/4/21 Biomet Magnum Uncemented Right Hip Resurfacing by Dr.Gross and Lee Webb

[MarvinB]

On day 10 of rehab, still off work, planning on heading back next Tuesday.  Walked my daily recommended .25 miles starting 1/11.  Actually, according to FitBit, .33... don’t tell Dr.G!   Ready to throttle up to .5 miles daily starting Monday.  Was able to walk fine with crutches hours after the surgery.  Outpatient procedure.  My wife and I stayed at a nice hotel in Columbia SC the night after surgery.  A home health nurse visited that evening to check on us and Dr. Gross visited the hotel the following morning.  I was released to go home before noon checkout time!  An absolutely amazing process!!!

If you haven’t seen them, there are YouTube videos (an 8 part series of 8 or so minute vids) with Dr. Gross explaining the entire process.  I used to be EXTREMELY squeamish about watching surgery videos, but i became fascinated with the mechanics and structure of what Dr. Gross repaired and how AMAZING the procedure is.  I’ve watched those videos, Dr. Su’s, Dr. McMinn’s and Dr. Pritchett’s videos several times now.  They all have their subtle differences.  Most of the videos show a cemented procedure... Dr. Gross now uses uncemented implants and has made other refinements as well.  I asked him during his visit if he plans to do an updated uncemented procedure video.  He said that the cost of producing one is crazy.  I would think a couple of well-placed GoPros (sterilized, of course!) might bring the cost down and provide some more educational material for those considering the surgery.

Even though I’m only 10 days in and admitting I had a moment of doubt that I made the right decision after the pain flared up last Friday and haven’t been sleeping well, I am a 100% confirmed evangelist for this procedure.  My hip feels smooth and no longer crunchy when i walk.  I can feel the muscles slowly getting stronger each day.  My sleep is improving, thanks to some Surface Hippy tips (using TWO pillows between my knees...who would’ve thunk?).  I thank Dr. Gross, Lee Webb, and their wonderful team at Midlands Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery for giving me my life back.

More than happy to answer ANY questions and help out any way I can.  After being told by three orthopedists that total hip replacement was my only option, I want to get the word out that THERE IS ANOTHER OPTION!!!

Cheers!

[MarvinB]

Day 14 tomorrow and progressing as expected.  Sleep is getting a little easier, but still wake up every 45 to 90 minutes needing to reposition for some reason or another.  Have to watch the diet a bit since I’m only doing the recommended 4 exercises on Dr. Gross’s plan twice daily and walking .25 each day.  Looking forward to the .5 mile walkies tomorrow.

A little backstory... this whole mess started about 5 years ago on a trip to North Myrtle Beach SC.  My wife and I were staying in a rental with her brother and sister-in-law on one of the canals in Cherry Grove.  We had walked about a mile to a nature park to check out the marsh, dunes, boardwalk and a nice view of pristine, uninhabited Waties Island.  I was walking on flat sidewalk when i doubled over with a sharp pain in my right groin.  My wife thought I had stepped on a nail.  I told her I just had “a hitch in my giddy-up”, as we usually say concerning passing aches and pains.  A few seconds and it was gone.  I thought I had walked it off successfully.  About 50 yds later, it happened again.  Uh-oh.  But it disappeared again.  I was fine on the uneven sand and boardwalk of the trail, about 1.75 miles.  On the way back, flat level ground, it happened again.  Oh crap.  What is this?  I don’t remember having any other issues until we returned home and were walking over to the sports complex near our house.  It has a nice mile track; great place to watch dogs and kids having fun.  On the way there, BAM!  Ok, this is not cool.  Time for the big guns...

After talking with my primary care doc and shooting some x-rays, I made an appointment with a local orthopedic surgeon.  More x-rays and an MRI later, I was told I had a femoroacetabular impingement.  A what now??  I was told I needed a total hip replacement.  I went home and sulked about the diagnosis.  Full hip replacement?  At 50 years old??  Advil and Aleve became my friends.  I also found the extra beer seemed to tame the pain, at least for a little while.  Glad I didn’t develop a problem.  I very well could have.

Two years went by.  My wife and I went to the Adirondacks for a vacation.  Climbing the mountain trails... no problemo.  Walking downtown on the sidewalk to dinner in Lake Placid... BRUTAL!  I consulted two other orthopedic surgeons, both saying total hip replacement was in my future.  I was almost resigned to this as the only solution for what had become a chronic, nagging pain.  Somehow another two years slipped by, but this is becoming unbearable.  The last three months were bad.  Sciatic pain was starting to numb the outside of my right foot and I would wake up with periodic lightning strikes down my right leg.

Being the analytic type and not willing to settle, I started doing some Internet research.  I have got to do something about this.  I couldn’t stop thinking about this:  why would these guys want to cut off perfectly good bone?  I didn’t have any fractures...the bone was strong.  The problem was no cushion left in the joint... wear and tear had deteriorated all of the cartilage.  The labrum was pretty much in tatters as well.  Isn’t there something that can be slid in there to replace the cushion and let me get on with my fairly-active life?  Well, it seems the human body is a bit more complex structurally than current science is capable of remedying.  But...

I came across Birmingham Hip Resurfacing.  What’s this?  Someone in Alabama figured out a way to fix hip joints?  Birmingham, England, silly man!  Complicated surgery.  If someone could do 3 total hips in the morning and 3 in the afternoon, why would they take this on?  That explains the diagnosis of “You need a total hip replacement.”  Hmmm.  After reading more and thinking this made perfect structural/engineering sense, I thought, “Wonder if anyone on this side of The Pond does this sort of thing?”  I found articles by Dr. Edwin Su and some surgery videos on his procedure.  New York?  Might be worth the trip.  Dr. Pritchett in Seattle?  Always wanted to go to Seattle.  Wonder if there is anyone closer to where I live in South Carolina?  Wait... WHAT??? Dr. Thomas Gross... Midlands Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery... Columbia, SC!  BINGO!  Appointment made November 3.  Cordial, friendly, knowledgable, and thought that he would have to CONVINCE ME that hip resurfacing was the way to go.  I was already sold.  My wife expressed her concern that, since we had just lost her mother to complications from a hip surgery in July, she could not bear the thought of anything bad happening to me.  What happened next sealed the deal.  Dr. Gross turned his attention completely off of me and on to her, expressed his sympathy, asked what had happened and assured her that everything would be fine.  I knew right then and right there:  this is my guy.

I was originally scheduled for January 11, 2021, but got a call the Monday after Christmas and was offered an opening on January 4.  After checking with the Mrs.’s schedule, we booked.  It’s been quite a ride, but with everything going as planned, I cannot be happier.  More to come...

[Pat Walter]

Marvin
Thanks for the update. Sounds like you are moving right along in your recovery.
I wish you the very best and look forward to reading about your progress in the future.

[imgetinold]

Fantastic.  Your story sound so similar to many of us, albeit with variation.  I agree.....Dr. Gross is simply the best.  I really hope he trains someone to take over once he retires.  My first hip started going bad in waves.  Pain for a day, fine for months.  Pain for 2-3 days, fine for a month.  Fast forward 5 years and adding tennis playing 3-4 times per week, it eventually got to the point of constant pain for 1-2 weeks, pain free for 3-7 days.  That's when I knew. 

Like you, I was told I needed a hip replacement (I was 44).  Needless to say, I started doing all the research and ultimately found Dr. Gross (I like in a suburb of Atlanta, GA.......under 3 hours away).

A year from now, this will all be a distant memory.  Well done, and best of luck.

[dannythebeerman]

Sorry to hear MarvinB your mother-in-law passed from complications of a hip replacement.  Just another reminder that these surgeries, things go wrong.

What happened to her?

I had first symptoms for hip replacement when I was in my late 40's and held off for 7 years because some had said a THR would last me less than 10 years, likely 7, and the ideal age to have my first was 65.  How many times can they revision a femur?  Also was acutely aware of complications of the surgery.  Had friends and an alarming amount of acquaintances that had complications from their operations, a high sampling of post operative infections.  Things go wrong.

When I had exhausted all treatments including veterinarian.  I started looking at local doctor's webpages in Baltimore and Washington, DC and found they mentioned this fabulous method of resurfacing. Called them, they weren't really doing them, just too much effort to update their webpage. Thank God they didn't, else I would not have found surfacehippy and doctors with great outcomes.  And I thank God for a series of events that the stars aligned for me, Amen.

To answer your question from another post about my username, for many years I worked part time at the stadiums around Washington and Baltimore slinging suds, I was pretty good at it, Wall Street Journal did a feature article on me and my brother in the last millennium, so that was my five minutes of fame, but it makes me old.

[MarvinB]

Wow, Danny!  What a story!  A veterinarian??  That’s covering ALL the bases!

Her hip was just the beginning of the end.  She had advanced Parkinson’s and osteoporosis, but wanted to bravely attempt hip revision to get some quality of life back.  With her advanced age, other health issues and the onset of pneumonia, it was all she could take.  Some make fun of or speak ill of their mothers-in-law.  Mine was a remarkable woman and I loved her dearly from the moment I met her.  Her wonderful daughter has been taking excellent care of me, both before and since my surgery.  We’ll celebrate our 30th anniversary this year.  I couldn’t have done this without her.

[MarvinB]

Thanks Andy and Pat.  Dr. G mentioned my left hip might hold out another couple of years before it’s going to need the job done on it.  I’m with ya on that, Andy... I asked him if he would be available to do my left.  He said he’s hoping not to retire until 70!  The man is amazing!  So looking forward to my 6 week followup in February.  I told him I didn’t get a chance to hold a sample implant, so he’s going to have one at the office for me to play with.

[MarvinB]

Monday the 25th will begin week 4.  Starting to ween off the forearm crutch that i’m using for a cane.  I have 54 stairs to the third floor of the building where I work.  Since returning the day after MLK day, i’ve been walking them twice a day... one foot at a time.  Yesterday, i was able to do foot over foot on the stairs with right hand on the rail and left hand crutch.  Progress!

I ordered these from Amazon for 49.99 prior to surgery and used one as a cane.  They are AWESOME!  https://www.amazon.com/ORTONYX-Walking-Forearm-Crutches-Pair/dp/B079635LK9/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=Forearm+Crutches&qid=1611411225&sr=8-8

[dannythebeerman]

Sorry to hear about your mother in law, glad you are progressing.  I held onto a crutch for a couple of months, more so after getting up from resting. 

[MarvinB]

Thanks, Danny!  The crutches are now in the corner.  Walked the stairs 4 times yesterday with the rail, foot over foot!  Yay!  Sleep was rough again last night.  Found the sweet spot on my non-op side at 4am.  Grrr.  Probably should’ve taken Tylenol before bedtime.  There seems to be a “good night/bad night” trend with gradual improvement.  May have to resort to taking something after all... maybe Tylenol PM.  Don’t want to get back on the heavy stuff.

[MarvinB]

Tomorrow will begin week 5!  So looking forward to walking over to the sports complex next to our neighborhood and doing the mile track again.  Rained all day today, so Lowe’s and Home Depot were the only walkies I got today.     I’m also looking forward to the 6 week followup and getting some new exercises.  It’s amazing to me how everything is progressing right on schedule, including having to reign myself in to keep from overdoing, even though I feel great.  Sleep is gradually getting better, although still waking up a lot and having to reposition.  More to come...

[MarvinB]

One month anniversary today!  2 walks to the sports complex this week (mile and 1/2 round trip) and mile around the neighborhood today!  Sore muscles are still trying to figure out what to do while mending.  The “clunking” issue I’ve read about is definitely a thing.  Feels like something moving around in there from time to time.  Still feeling better and stronger everyday!

I spoke with a co-worker who had a THR done in November the week before Thanksgiving.  She was out the rest of November and all of December.  Still has a pronounced limp after two months.  We discussed hip resurfacing prior to her surgery.  She wasn’t offered the option.  Tried to get her to see Dr. Gross for a second opinion, but her surgery was scheduled for the end of the following week and she was committed.  No osteoporosis, no femoral fractures or other bone issues, just osteoarthritis in the hip.  And we’re about the same age!  She can never squat, get down on all fours, cross her leg or ride a horse or motorcycle ever again, according to her doctor.  Couldn’t believe that when I heard it!  I would feel robbed!  Maybe there were other factors that put her on the THR path instead of hip resurfacing, or it could be that THR’s are all her doctor does and that’s all that was going to be offered. I am SOOOOO glad I did the research!!!!   

[Saddlepal3]

Marvin, Not sure why your friend with the THR is so restricted. I have a resurfacing in my right hip and a THR in my left. The only restriction I have for the THR is to avoid leg weight machines or our rowing machine which can torque the joint. I have a very small component. Other than that, both hips feel great and recovery was equally smooth. Perhaps your friend has a condition that impacts her specifically?

[MarvinB]

Other than the osteoarthritis, none!  She works in our mail room and used to heft boxes of paper like they were nothing.  Very active lady.  I’ll ask what kind of implant she got.  I’ve heard the small fem head one’s are prone to easy dislocation.  Which one did you get, Saddlepal, if you don’t mind me asking?  Metal-metal?  Ceramic?  Poly?

[MarvinB]

Oops!  Ran my wife’s FitBit tracker on the sports complex walk today.  It’s 1.75 miles!  Is the one mile on week 5 a rule or more of a guideline?     Feeling so good, I really want to walk more.  Guess I’ll be answering to Dr. Gross and Ms. Webb at my followup.  In trouble again!   

[MarvinB]

Tail end of week 6!  Follow up with Dr. Gross and Ms. Webb scheduled for this Tuesday.  I decided to try Advil tonight to see if it will stave off the pain that keeps waking me up.  I can’t figure out if I’m accidentally exceeding the 90 degree rule or fidgeting in my sleep and letting my legs cross, or what.  My kingdom for a solid night’s sleep!!  Haven’t been on a walk for the last two days because of rain here.  Tomorrow, it’s a rain jacket and hiking boots, dernit!  Hoping to get clearance for the next stage of exercises and get back to stretching and light yoga.  I was happy to hear a couple of co-workers tell me last week it looked like my limp was gone.  Even though a muscle will misfire occasionally,  I can maintain a pretty brisk pace walking for over a mile.  More to come!  Happy Valentines Day, Fellow Hippies!

[blinky]

How to beat that one mile limit! I used to play games with distance walked to walk more because I felt so good.

Thinking about your co worker...is she older? Was her doctor less of a hip specialist? Young athletic people who get THRs here from solid specialists get fewer restrictions. But they do get restrictions. I interviewed one local doc who did a lot of hips, but not resurfacing, and he would let me run, but not cross my legs. He used an older prosthesis, tried and true, and it had some limitations to it.

Best of luck with your follow up. I was so so happy to have it and be freed to the next level. My only bit of advice would be just because you are allowed to do something doesn't mean you can do it. I was dying to get on the floor. Sit on the floor. Lie on the floor. Finally allowed to do it and I was so stiff it was a struggle. I envisioned myself going up and down with ease and I couldn't. (Now I can.)

[Saddlepal3]

My THR is ceramic. Couldn't tell you what size, but it's small.

[MarvinB]

My co-worker is in her late 50’s, just a year older than me, and her doc is one of several surgeons in a local practice.  He specializes in hips and shoulders and did my Mom’s THR when she broke her hip at 78.  He told my co-worker the same thing he told me:  “You need a total hip replacement.”  I’m not against THR when it’s appropriate, but to not offer ALL options is a disservice to the patient.  She was at the point where her surgery was looming and figured it was too late to get a second opinion.

[MarvinB]

6 week followup scheduled for tomorrow.  The Mrs. and I took our 18 year old pup around the block as usual this morning, about half a mile.  He wanted to do the long block walk instead of the short one and what he wants, he gets!  Fresh sniffies!!  We’re heading over to the sports complex for an additional 1.75.  Still dreary out, but needing my walkies as well.  IS THERE NO SUN IN THIS CURS-ED LAND?!?      Slept better with two Advil and the hip only woke me up once last night and the night before.  Progress!!  Looking forward to the checkup and new exercises.  I’m ready!!!  More to come...