December 14, 2007

I am having my left hip resurfaced this Monday (December 17th) in Galveston, Texas by Dr. Grecula.  During my pre-op appointment I was asked to consider having an epidural (plus general anesthesia) – the epidural would be used for pain control immediately post-op. I asked Dr. Grecula if this would delay my recovery, and he said that I would not be able to use my legs while the epidural was in place, but that many patients rested better after the surgery so that by the time I was ready to be discharged there was generally not a difference between those who had the epidural and those who used IV pain control meds. 

December 24, 2007

I had the surgery and opted for the epidural for pain control – which was placed prior to surgery (general anesthesia).  Unfortunately the epidural catheter must have slipped somewhat and I did not get maximum pain control coverage (actually I had more numbing on my right side, and the hip resurfacing was on the left). But overall, I had very little pain after surgery, so even though I had the PCA pump as a back-up(morphine), I did not push the button too often.

January 21, 2008

I was resurfaced by Dr. Grecula in Galveston, Texas on 12/17/2007.  Dr. Grecula participated in the Conserve+ Clinical trials so I know he has several years of experience with resurfacing.  He uses the BHR now, but also has limited access to the Conserve+, which is pending FDA approval.  Although I live in Houston, and only a few miles from the medical center, where there are several doctors that are performing resurfacings, I chose Dr. Grecula because I began seeing him before the BHR was approved. I believe he has done more total resurfacings than any of the Houston docs (because of the trials), but I don’t know this for sure.  A friend of mine was just resurfaced by Dr. Ken Mathis (in Houston) last week and she is very pleased.  I think Dr. Stocks has completed the most resurfacings in Houston.

Dr. Grecula is a wonderful doctor.  His recovery protocol is very conservative, but he truly wants to make sure his patients do not have any complications. 

March 13, 2008

I am just about 3 months post op (had my surgery 12/17/07) and I am finally getting to where I am not tired all the time. I don’t work outside the home, but found it tiring enough to do carpool, cook dinner, etc….any time I added anything new, I found that it really tuckered me out.  I asked my doctor if I was anemic…he did not re-check my blood but just suggested that I improve my diet. I have also not been able to do cardio exercises (my doctor is real conservative) and I personally think this has contributed to my tiredness/sluggishness. 

October 17, 2008

I had my left hip resurfaced 10 months ago (12/17/2007) by Dr. Gregula in Galveston Texas. The left hip is doing great…however, for the last 3+ months I have been having progressively worsening pain in my right hip (right anterior-lateral pain which is particularly painful when I sleep on my left side).