Joy’s Hip Resurfacing with Dr. Bose 2007

November 12, 2007

I went to India to Apollo Hospital and Dr. Vijay Bose was my surgeon. It turned out my bones were very strong and could take hip resurfacing instead of the hip anthroplasty he had previously suggested. I am on Day 10 post op and things are going fine. I’m still in India- spending time at Fisherman’s Cove Resort before flying back to the States. The surgery was successful. I saw an xray and it looks good. The doctors also thought so. I was given some exercises by a team of physiotherapists to strengthen my muscles and relearn walking correctly. I had severe bone on bone osteoarthritis and walked with a serious limp and was pretty much in constant pain. I am a performer (theatre, teaching artist and storyteller – whatever) so that was starting to take its toll on me. I’m not a big meds person so I took no painkillers. I just did stretches (yoga, pilates and balance ball mostly) everyday to keep going. I’m into exercise. Anyway they started me with a walker the day after surgery and about 2 days later I was learning to walk with two elbow crutches. I’ve started walking with one crutch plus all of the exercises given me by the physiotherapists at the hospital. The doctor said each person’s recovery is different. The entire experience was very good. Apollo Hospital has a new Platinum Ward especially for international patients. We were treated extremely well. My mother came with me and another bed is provided in the room for a companion. They have to pay for their own food and water however. It was also just interesting to be in India. In Chennai the traffic was serious and lots of horn beeping. You do hear the traffic from the room. I live in New York City so it didn’t bother me but the nurses said it did bother other patients. You have a choice of food from different parts of India as well as continental cuisine. I love Indian food but overdid it the first week. The hospital kept close watch on that as well. I would occasionally have visits from the dietician who was most helpful. You’re not supposed to fly for at least 11 days after surgery so I went to Fisherman’s Cove Resort. The resort is absolutely beautiful – on the Bay of Bengal which empties into the Indian Ocean. The people here are used to dealing with international clients and are most attentive and friendly. Plus at the resort there are opportunities for facials and massages and several different kinds of cuisine as well as walks by the pool and on the grounds. I even ventured up to the Watch Tower which overlooks the beach. It’s quite lovely. I have no insurance but I do understand there are ways insurance can pay for the procedure. The entire trip including the surgery costs less than just the surgery alone would cost in the States. I feel healthy, relaxed and confident my recovery will continue quite smoothly. After 6 weeks the doctor suggested swimming/water therapy and cycling on a stationary bike – both of which I’m looking into. I will probably look into some gentle yoga classes as well but we’ll see.

January 28, 2008

I’m only 3 months post-op. Well actually on Feb 2 I’ll be 3 months post op! Before all of this I was really into yoga and pilates. And at this point I am starting to do gentle yoga with lots props (blocks and strap, pillows, blanket). I use yoga videos and modify my workout when appropriate. I feel I need to strenghthen the muscles in my operated leg (right leg) and yoga really helps that. I’ve noticed more flexibility and strength since I’ve started back with the yoga — about a week ago. My workout varies from 30 minutes to an hour. I’ve also discovered walking is good but don’t overdo it. I live in New York and it really is a serious walking kind of city and I have to be conscientious about walking or I’ll tire out and start limping a little. I also found dancing is good — not a lot of jumping but bouncing worked for me. I still am looking for water classes. I understand they’re really good for strength. I also do low and no impact aerobics but again don’t overdo. I also still do the physical therapy prescribed to me in India (where I had my surgery) and it’s still great and I am getting more and more flexibility. I love exercise. I feel really good after a workout and a shower. Cycling was also recommended — on a stationary bike. I haven’t done that yet though. Anyway that’s my two cents!!