BHR April-2022, Dr. Brooks, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio

My top BHR thoughts/comments

Thank you Pat…for all of the “surface hippy” info, stories, help, etc.  The site info is priceless.  I visited the site often, prior to my surgery.

I visited (4) surgeons…two that did only THR…and, two that did both THR and BHR.

A few reasons why I chose hip-resurfacing > I’m very active, on the bigger-side, wanted zero restrictions, my surgeon’s qualifications, and I liked the THR option just in case I “screw it up” (my BHR).

I was 59 when I had my BHR with Dr. Brooks. I’m nearly 18 months post surgery now. Bottomline, I am 100% satisfied with my results.

You’ll hear a consistent theme here…that your surgeon matters.  I couldn’t have asked for better care from Dr. Brooks and his “team”.

Post surgery though…as long as everything looks good…take the attitude that mentally/physically it’s ALL on you.  Recovery is not a cake walk…you’ll have to grind though it.  Hopefully you’ll have help…I did (my much better 1/2). You’ll need it.  Follow your doctor’s “plan”.  All of my PT was on my own.  Dr Brooks didn’t want anyone who didn’t understand or work previously with a BHR patient to touch me.  Stay motivated.  In the end, if you choose to have a BHR, I hope your result is as favorable as mine.

I was 75% weight-bearing (on my BHR) for 6 weeks, with a few restrictions for the first year.  Somehow, 100 days post surgery, I was hiking in the Tetons, Yellowstone, and Glacier NP.  In hindsight, I wasn’t really ready but it was a bucket list trip my family had previously planned.  I didn’t do anything “crazy” (just trail hikes) and used my walking sticks 100% of the time.  I was able to do a few 8 mile hikes but tapped out on a few also.  My point is…know your body, know your limits…stick to your PT plan.

Here’s a revelation. Soon after I woke up from surgery, my nurse told me…the pain you’ll start to feel is surgical pain…your joint pain is gone.  I didn’t appreciate that statement for a few weeks. After doing some PT…lying flat, just trying to be calm/quiet…and for a moment I felt absolutely zero pain, anywhere…and I realized there was hope.  Then I had to move again!  But, in all, it took me around a year for the muscles, ligaments, tendons around my new hip joint to become totally stress free…and now I hardly even think about my hip.  Now, I hope I still “qualify” for a BHR when my other one goes!

I wish you luck in your journey.