February 28, 2009

I am recovering nicely at age 62.  I have no pain, but swelling has been a problem for me.  Even after icing a lot I still have trouble with the calf of my leg being quite uncomfortable by evening.  I leave the ice machine on all night and that seems to help alot, along with elevating the foot.  I also try to elevate it several times a day, and wrap the calf with a cold gel pack.  If anyone else has any other suggestions please let me know. 

Thanks to all who have contributed their stories; they helped me decide to go through with this.  Dr. Gross and his assistant Lee Webb and nurse Nancy have been terrific, and my experience at the hospital was great also.

March 10, 2009

Looking back, I have realized that a lot of my swelling was due to traveling by car for close to 1400 miles.  We stayed at hotels two nights on the way home and I did use the ice machine then, but when I rode in the car I just sat in the back seat with an ice pack and had my leg on a pillow, but not elevated.  I am sure that’s what contributed to the swelling.  It took several days at home to reduce the swelling.  If I had to do it over I would lie down in the back with my leg elevated.  Just a word of caution to anyone thinking of a long car ride. 

April 14, 2009

My husband and I drove from southern MN for my surgery with Dr. Gross.  About 1400 miles.  Everything obxpelican says is true – I experienced it just like he says.   I had no pain to speak of at any time, only discomfort from the swelling after I got home, and that was because I didn’t elevate or ice enough on the drive home.  I too went the uncemented route and am happy with my outcome.  Dr. Gross and Lee Webb and team are top-notch.

August 21, 2009

I didn’t get rid of the crutches until after 3 weeks.  After that I used a cane for a couple of weeks and by 6 weeks I could walk without any limp.  People remarked on how well I walked after surgery.  It also took me longer to walk the first mile, but now at 6 months I can walk several. 

February 6, 2010

I  will soon celebrate a 1 year anniversary.  Things are going very well, a little clunking now and then and some crunching when I raise my knee up.  My scar is not flat; I am disappointed about that, but my body doesn’t make nice scars.  I will be making the trip to see Dr. Gross for my one year checkup in March.  I am very glad I chose this over a total hip.

August 20, 2011

I have noticed a very low pitched noise only occasionally when I first get up in the morning as I am bending over.  I am guessing it is a lubrication issue from lying in bed all night.  I had my resurfacing about 2 1/2 years ago at age 62, and am very happy with it.

September 25, 2012

Dr. Gross resurfaced my hip when I was 62.  That was about 3 1/2 years ago.  He told me my other one would probably need to be done in the future, but I am not having any trouble with it yet.  I too wonder at what age it is not an option anymore.  My bone density was good at that time and recovery went well.  Dr. Gross doesn’t take Medicare, so if I decide to quite working and have to use Medicare my options may be limited in the future if I need the other hip done.

February 27, 2013