November 7, 2021

60 YO Male. Severe osteoarthritis of the right hip. I have been ” impacted ” for the past 10 months. It ranged from very painful to nothing, depending on the day. I was fine with daily activities for the most part but could not do anything rigorous. A long hike, hard work at the farm or walking 9 holes of golf were off the table.

A close friend has had two BHR by two different local surgeons. He encouraged me to look at resurfacing.

I did a lot of research and came to the conclusion I wanted resurfacing as I’ve always been very active and aside from the hip, I’m in good shape. I didn’t want the restrictions ( or the severed femur ) associated with THR.

I met with a local surgeon who is BHR Certified. He shared that he does a few each year. While he may have done a great job, I wanted someone who specializes in resurfacing. Fortunately, I have the resources to go where ever I deem best.

I chose Dr. Gross because of his published results and his system is designed to readily accept traveling patients. As I shared elsewhere, the Team at Midlands Ortho is excellent. It’s clear they have it down and tons of experience. I look at it as stacking the odds for a good outcome in my favor. I know nothing is guaranteed but I want the best chance at the best long term outcome. One must respect Dr. Gross’ results to date.

I’m 5 days post op and just getting started on rehab. Everything is as expected to date. I’ll provide periodic updates moving forward. I hope this helps someone in the research phase. It’s just my personal story.

November 12, 2021

10 Days Post Surgery

I have a friend who has BHRs on both hips. He has a package of tools he lends out. I’ve found I use two sets of crutches and the walker. Basic crutches go in the shower, fancy crutches around the house and I mostly rely on the walker. It’s nice that it just waits for you where the crutches must be placed with care.

I’ve tricked up the walker by tying a BBQ apron to the front and a cloth grocery bag to the side. The apron has several pockets for small things like a phone, drinks, meds, etc. The big bag holds my laptop, bags of ice and the like.

I’m getting stronger every day but it’s a tough adjustment from an active lifestyle. The walls are closing in for sure. I’ve made a couple of trips in the car but it’s no fun getting in and out. I’m limited to a 1/4 mile of walking this week and that takes about 15 minutes.

The joint is a non factor as I assume it’s GTG. The soft tissue, my thigh and hip muscles are weak and painful when stressed. I hope to move to one crutch / cane soon but think I need both still. I must be patient. I must be patient.

November 22, 2021

20 Days Post Surgery

I believe I’m tacking to plan. I’m walking 1/2 mile per day, moving to 3/4 on on day 22. The pain has really decreased along with the swelling. Now, I need to keep myself in check from doing to much or losing focus and inadvertently returning to pre-surgery moves.

The biggest improvement is being able to twist and turn to pick things up and move around the house. I’m still on walking aids for a few more days. Just in the last couple of days I have begun to feel like I can ditch them.

I know I need to be patient but now that I’m feeling better, I’d like to be able to get out and about. It’s still hard sitting in the car for any amount of time.

December 7, 2021

Surgery + 34 days.

No more crutches / walker. Walking near normal if I try, limp a little if I don’t pay attention. Still use a walking stick for 1 mile / day hikes but don’t need it.

I can tie my shoes but putting on socks is still a challenge. Sleep is good in all positions. Swelling gone. Occasionally feel a clunk in the hip.

Went to the gym for the first time last week for some light weight lifting. I’d say I’m on track. I know I’m stiffening up and look forward to doing some stretching after week 6.

December 27, 2021

Surgery + 8 weeks.

The hip feels great for functional use. When in motion ( walking, stairs, ADLs ) no difference from my other hip.

I’m now working on flexibility and strengthening the muscles and ligaments. I still get stiff with a car ride and my range of motion has been reduced. For example, I can barely reach down to put my socks on. I’m hoping this will come back with time and stretching.

I did my 6 week xrays and sent them in to Dr. G. I’m waiting for a report and expect things to be in line. It will be difficult to keep a low impact profile for another 4 months when I feel great and have things to do. I will be diligent.

I’m feeling good about my decision and I’m pleased to be where I’m at on the recovery pathway.

February 4, 2022

Surgery +13 Weeks

Received feedback that the 6 week x-ray looks fine. I have had two significant setbacks. Both off of activities I thought would be OK.

1) We had snow, my nice neighbor came and used his blower to blow out my drive. A few days later, I had a shovel in my hand to ” Clean up ” a few spots after the sun had come out. I was by no means shoveling the drive but merely tidying up a tad. Very light work. It set me back a month. Then:

2) I’m just getting back to feeling good and I’m on my Utility Tractor ( as I’ve been with Dr G approval since week 6 ). This time, I get on rough patch for a while and bounce around in the seat. This ” activity ” has put me back to week 4 level of movement / pain.

I guess the moral of the story is to avoid anything which may set you back. I thought I was operating in the ” safe ” window and following Doc G’s instructions but just because you feel good, does not mean you can push it. I hope I can come back quickly.

March 1, 2022

Surgery +17 Weeks

Happy to report that I’ve recovered from my setbacks. I’ve spent the last 6 weeks or so being very diligent on my rehab and very careful on my activities. Today, my surgical side feels 100% for walking and ADLs. It still let’s me know it’s there when I push it ( carrying something heavy, pushing my Grandson in a stroller, etc. ) I still try to avoid anything which may stress the muscles as I learned the hard lessons earlier in my recovery.

One thing I’ll add to others prepping for surgery…. the time it takes for daily rehab is a significant part of your life. Daily, I walk 2-3 miles and do the stretching / leg lifts. The walking is 30-50 minutes and each ground session is 15-20 ( twice daily ). To do it as prescribed, it’s a 90+ minute commitment each day. I knew this going in but until I’ve had to live with it, I was unprepared for the lifestyle impact.

I’m an empty nester and have a flexible job. I can’t imagine the day with Kidos and a tough work commitment.