No hospital stay.  Outpatient surgery with Midlands Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery in Columbia SC.  Their protocol is:  procedure, short PT session, hotel stay, Dr. Gross visits the hotel in the morning, released to go home if all is good.  AMAZING process!>5” incision. Dr. Gross uses an interesting bandage called Aquacel. It’s the coolest thing. You can shower with it immediately after surgery. Stays on for 7 days, then you peel it off like a Command strip! Incision looked like a thin piece of raw, lean bacon (apologies to those with queasy tummies), but is healing nicely and surprisingly fast with no pain at all at the incision site. I apply a thin coat of Bactraban ointment as directed to it after showering.

DEFINITELY, the Polar Care machine. It became my new best friend, even before the surgery. I plan on using that sucker after yardwork this summer!!

I’m 55 and hoping to get back into golf this summer.  Gave it up about three years ago when the pain got out of hand.  Just when I thought I was figuring my swing out!  Don’t it figure!  Here’s to many happy rounds!

January 14, 2021

On day 10 of rehab, still off work, planning on heading back next Tuesday.  Walked my daily recommended .25 miles starting 1/11.  Actually, according to FitBit, .33… don’t tell Dr.G!   Ready to throttle up to .5 miles daily starting Monday.  Was able to walk fine with crutches hours after the surgery.  Outpatient procedure.  My wife and I stayed at a nice hotel in Columbia SC the night after surgery.  A home health nurse visited that evening to check on us and Dr. Gross visited the hotel the following morning.  I was released to go home before noon checkout time!  An absolutely amazing process!!!

If you haven’t seen them, there are YouTube videos (an 8 part series of 8 or so minute vids) with Dr. Gross explaining the entire process.  I used to be EXTREMELY squeamish about watching surgery videos, but i became fascinated with the mechanics and structure of what Dr. Gross repaired and how AMAZING the procedure is.  I’ve watched those videos, Dr. Su’s, Dr. McMinn’s and Dr. Pritchett’s videos several times now.  They all have their subtle differences.  Most of the videos show a cemented procedure… Dr. Gross now uses uncemented implants and has made other refinements as well.  I asked him during his visit if he plans to do an updated uncemented procedure video.  He said that the cost of producing one is crazy.  I would think a couple of well-placed GoPros (sterilized, of course!) might bring the cost down and provide some more educational material for those considering the surgery.

Even though I’m only 10 days in and admitting I had a moment of doubt that I made the right decision after the pain flared up last Friday and haven’t been sleeping well, I am a 100% confirmed evangelist for this procedure.  My hip feels smooth and no longer crunchy when i walk.  I can feel the muscles slowly getting stronger each day.  My sleep is improving, thanks to some Surface Hippy tips (using TWO pillows between my knees…who would’ve thunk?).  I thank Dr. Gross, Lee Webb, and their wonderful team at Midlands Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery for giving me my life back.

January 17, 2021

Day 14 tomorrow and progressing as expected. Sleep is getting a little easier, but still wake up every 45 to 90 minutes needing to reposition for some reason or another. Have to watch the diet a bit since I’m only doing the recommended 4 exercises on Dr. Gross’s plan twice daily and walking .25 each day. Looking forward to the .5 mile walkies tomorrow.

A little backstory… this whole mess started about 5 years ago on a trip to North Myrtle Beach SC. My wife and I were staying in a rental with her brother and sister-in-law on one of the canals in Cherry Grove. We had walked about a mile to a nature park to check out the marsh, dunes, boardwalk and a nice view of pristine, uninhabited Waties Island. I was walking on flat sidewalk when i doubled over with a sharp pain in my right groin. My wife thought I had stepped on a nail. I told her I just had “a hitch in my giddy-up”, as we usually say concerning passing aches and pains. A few seconds and it was gone. I thought I had walked it off successfully. About 50 yds later, it happened again. Uh-oh. But it disappeared again. I was fine on the uneven sand and boardwalk of the trail, about 1.75 miles. On the way back, flat level ground, it happened again. Oh crap. What is this? I don’t remember having any other issues until we returned home and were walking over to the sports complex near our house. It has a nice mile track; great place to watch dogs and kids having fun. On the way there, BAM! Ok, this is not cool. Time for the big guns…

After talking with my primary care doc and shooting some x-rays, I made an appointment with a local orthopedic surgeon. More x-rays and an MRI later, I was told I had a femoroacetabular impingement. A what now?? I was told I needed a total hip replacement. I went home and sulked about the diagnosis. Full hip replacement? At 50 years old?? Advil and Aleve became my friends. I also found the extra beer seemed to tame the pain, at least for a little while. Glad I didn’t develop a problem. I very well could have.

Two years went by. My wife and I went to the Adirondacks for a vacation. Climbing the mountain trails… no problemo. Walking downtown on the sidewalk to dinner in Lake Placid… BRUTAL! I consulted two other orthopedic surgeons, both saying total hip replacement was in my future. I was almost resigned to this as the only solution for what had become a chronic, nagging pain. Somehow another two years slipped by, but this is becoming unbearable. The last three months were bad. Sciatic pain was starting to numb the outside of my right foot and I would wake up with periodic lightning strikes down my right leg.

Being the analytic type and not willing to settle, I started doing some Internet research. I have got to do something about this. I couldn’t stop thinking: why would these guys want to cut off perfectly good bone? I didn’t have any fractures…the bone was strong. The problem was no cushion left in the joint… wear and tear had deteriorated all of the cartilage. The labrum was pretty much in tatters as well. Isn’t there something that can be slid in there to replace the cushion and let me get on with my fairly-active life? Well, it seems the human body is a bit more complex structurally than current science is capable of remedying. But…

I came across Birmingham Hip Resurfacing. What’s this? Someone in Alabama figured out a way to fix hip joints? Birmingham, England, silly man! Complicated surgery. If someone could do 3 total hips in the morning and 3 in the afternoon, why would they take this on? That explains the diagnosis of “You need a total hip replacement.” Hmmm. After reading more and thinking this made perfect structural/engineering sense, I thought, “Wonder if anyone on this side of The Pond does this sort of thing?” I found articles by Dr. Edwin Su and some surgery videos on his procedure. New York? Might be worth the trip. Dr. Pritchett in Seattle? Always wanted to go to Seattle. Wonder if there is anyone closer to where I live in South Carolina? Wait… WHAT??? Dr. Thomas Gross… Midlands Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery… Columbia, SC! BINGO! Appointment made November 3. Cordial, friendly, knowledgable, and thought that he would have to CONVINCE ME that hip resurfacing was the way to go. I was already sold. My wife expressed her concern that, since we had just lost her mother to complications from a hip surgery in July, she could not bear the thought of anything bad happening to me. What happened next sealed the deal. Dr. Gross turned his attention completely off of me and on to her, expressed his sympathy, asked what had happened and assured her that everything would be fine. I knew right then and right there: this is my guy.

I was originally scheduled for January 11, 2021, but got a call the Monday after Christmas and was offered an opening on January 4. After checking with the Mrs.’s schedule, we booked. It’s been quite a ride, but with everything going as planned, I cannot be happier. More to come…

January 22, 2021

Monday the 25th will begin week 4. Starting to ween off the forearm crutch that i’m using for a cane. I have 54 stairs to the third floor of the building where I work. Since returning the day after MLK day, i’ve been walking them twice a day… one foot at a time. Yesterday, i was able to do foot over foot on the stairs with right hand on the rail and left hand crutch. Progress!

January 31, 2021

Tomorrow will begin week 5!  So looking forward to walking over to the sports complex next to our neighborhood and doing the mile track again.  Rained all day today, so Lowe’s and Home Depot were the only walkies I got today.   I’m also looking forward to the 6 week followup and getting some new exercises.  It’s amazing to me how everything is progressing right on schedule, including having to reign myself in to keep from overdoing, even though I feel great.  Sleep is gradually getting better, although still waking up a lot and having to reposition.  More to come…

February 4, 2021

One month anniversary today! 2 walks to the sports complex this week (mile and 1/2 round trip) and mile around the neighborhood today! Sore muscles are still trying to figure out what to do while mending. The “clunking” issue I’ve read about is definitely a thing. Feels like something moving around in there from time to time. Still feeling better and stronger everyday!

I spoke with a co-worker who had a THR done in November the week before Thanksgiving. She was out the rest of November and all of December. Still has a pronounced limp after two months. We discussed hip resurfacing prior to her surgery. She wasn’t offered the option. Tried to get her to see Dr. Gross for a second opinion, but her surgery was scheduled for the end of the following week and she was committed. No osteoporosis, no femoral fractures or other bone issues, just osteoarthritis in the hip. And we’re about the same age! She can never squat, get down on all fours, cross her leg or ride a horse or motorcycle ever again, according to her doctor. Couldn’t believe that when I heard it! I would feel robbed! Maybe there were other factors that put her on the THR path instead of hip resurfacing, or it could be that THR’s are all her doctor does and that’s all that was going to be offered. I am SOOOOO glad I did the research!!!!

February 15, 2021

Tail end of week 6! Follow up with Dr. Gross and Ms. Webb scheduled for this Tuesday. I decided to try Advil tonight to see if it will stave off the pain that keeps waking me up. I can’t figure out if I’m accidentally exceeding the 90 degree rule or fidgeting in my sleep and letting my legs cross, or what. My kingdom for a solid night’s sleep!! Haven’t been on a walk for the last two days because of rain here. Tomorrow, it’s a rain jacket and hiking boots, dernit! Hoping to get clearance for the next stage of exercises and get back to stretching and light yoga. I was happy to hear a couple of co-workers tell me last week it looked like my limp was gone. Even though a muscle will misfire occasionally, I can maintain a pretty brisk pace walking for over a mile. More to come! Happy Valentines Day, Fellow Hippies!

February 16, 2021

Whoo hooo!!! 6 week followup success! X-rays looked “perfect” according to Ms. Webb. No problems with motion of the repaired hip and strength was better than expected. I received clearance for the next set of exercises as outlined on Dr. Gross’s webpage. A bit disappointing that I won’t be able to bike or kayak on our late April beach vacation, but the 6 month “mind that hip” rules shall be followed to the letter. Many beach and mountain vacations in the near future and I WILL be healthy enough to enjoy them with ZERO restrictions. Got to hold an implant similar to mine, although smaller. Much heavier than expected. The smoothness and range of movement between the two Biomet components was incredible! They fit together so well that there almost seemed to be suction or magnetism holding them together. Neither of course, just awesome design and machining. On to Phase II exercises!

February 20, 2021

2.2 miles in the woods yesterday!!  Mostly flat walking with not much elevation change.  Last night’s sleep was good initially, but woke up at 12, 2, and 4 with hip pain.  Don’t think it was from the hiking, just that annoying “sleeping the wrong way” or accidentally letting my legs cross in my sleep.  I told my wife I was going to invent a human rotisserie that you strap yourself into.  It will slowly roll you around during the night to keep the blood circulating. Might make getting up to pee interesting!  EMERGENCY STOP!!!

Managed 15 reps each on the new exercise regimen.  Guess I need to start shopping for those ankle weights I’m going to need soon.  Heading back to a different trail today with the family.  Really missed the woods walkies!!

April 17, 2021

A straight month now with no NSAID’s…  not even Tylenol!   Walking over 2 miles every day.  The left hip is behaving itself for now, so that’s good.

We lost our little walking partner of 19 years on March 31.  He was a little machine on the walkies and quite an inspiration and motivator to the very last.  We miss you, Cisco!

I’ve kinda hit a plateau on exercises.  Trying to do a straight set of 30 leg lifts and there is a jabbing pain in the psoas muscle (which has been recently renamed to “sorea$$ muscle).  I back off a bit and do 15 to 20 for a few days, then try to add a few more every day.  Back to that whole “two steps fore, one step aft” progression again.  I figured to be adding the 1 lb ankle weights by mow, but I’ll be patient and not overdo.  All good things in time, I suppose.

May 1, 2021

Beginning month 5 after resurfacing and still clunking. Mostly when bending forward, yoga stretches, standing at the sink brushing my teeth. No pain, just a weird sensation like something is falling out of place. It was rather disconcerting at first, like the implant was moving. Just the muscles moving over the top of it. Nothing audible, just a feeling.

June 19, 2021

Up to two pounds on each ankle now and doing 15 reps on each side twice. No issues. Still a little soreness and lack of total mobility on the op side, but very tiny progress every day. I’m figuring by July 4, I can start the clamshells and TheraBand external hip rotator exercises on the Dr. Gross regimen. We started a floor repair job last week, fixing some wood rot in the laundry room. The Mrs. and I will lay tile next weekend. Lots of hunkering down, squatting, and hands-and-knees work. No issues after last weekend, reframing the floor. So happy with the results!

January 20, 2023

Two year post-op anniversary on Jan 4! Wife and I retired last year 3/31 and we’ve been on the go ever since. No problems with yoga, walking, exercise. The “klunk” has disappeared. No gait problems whatsoever. Folks find out I’ve had resurfacing done and they’re amazed! The left hip is starting to fire off a few warning shots, but had my 2 year follow-up x-ray and everything looks good on both sides!

Planning on hitting the slopes in Jackson, WY next month. Dr. Gross assured me that skiing double black diamonds would be no trouble, but since I’ve only skied twice in my life and 25 years ago, I’ll stick to the slow downhill. We’ll just CROSS a double black diamond trail and say we skied on it!

May 26, 2024

I had cam and pincer on my right. Thought it was bone spurs or something that had developed, but was told it was probably a problem from birth. Fooled myself for almost 4 years that the pain would just go away. Gave up waterskiing, climbing up on a high-wing airplane to check fuel (gave up flying), golf (was not very good anyway, but enjoyed playing), distance hiking and eventually long walks. Felt like I was becoming an invalid. I was not offered the option of scoping out the crud, just three orthopedic surgeons saying total hip replacement was my only option. I wasn’t convinced, because my bones were still good; the joint was bad and no cushioning cartilage was left. Then I found Dr. Gross, a hour up the road from me. On year 3 of my super-successful right hip resurfacing and prepping for my left hip in 2 weeks (same problem as my right hip). 6 months from June 10, I will be cleaning my golf clubs and heading to the range!

June 11, 2024

As of yesterday, 6/10/2024, I am now a Bilateral Surface Hippie!  Another stellar performance by the team at Midlands Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery in Columbia, SC.

First time around the mulberry bush was 1/4/2021 on the right, documented in my previous thread.  ZERO pain coming out of surgery then.  A little different this time around:  pain level didn’t drop below a 3 from our morning 1.7 mile dogwalk to post surgery.  Dr. G said mileage may vary.  So far, it is responding to the narcotics and tylenol.  Didn’t sleep well the night before surgery (brain wouldn’t shut off), then not well at the hotel (elevators next to our room wouldn’t shut off!).   Pain has subsided a bit, but tomorrow is supposed to be the worst day after what was put in there during surgery wears off. Let the fun begin….

Icing with the polar pack does the most good.  If anyone is pondering whether or not to invest in the raised toilet seat,  DO IT!  I tried it without the first time around thinking 18” chair-height would suffice.  Glad I bought the raised for this go-round.  It’ll get stored in the closet for future use after all this is done.

I didn’t know what awaited on the other side of my previous surgery.  I just wanted it DONE, hell or high water.  The outcome was sooooo much better than what I ever could’ve imagined.  Post-surgery, my repaired right was taking the load that my already-affected left was giving it.  It’s really taking the load now, so I’m glad I strengthened it up.  I’ve got the same road to plow for my left hip, but I will follow Dr. Gross’s and Dr. Webb’s guidance to THE LETTER, same as last time.  Hoping to have a super-strong matched set!!

I am so ready to get going with the exercises and back to fun!  Looking forward to documenting the progress!

First night sleep at home was WONDERFUL! Slept solid from about 10:30 pm (zonk!) to 2:30 am when nature called. After the roundtrip potty workout, I zonked back out again until 5:30am. Nothing beats good sleep! Morning exercises in bed were slow. Heel slides are the toughest.

I also invested in an overstuffed king-size pillow for between the legs when laying on my side. I am a side-sleeper. Also works great when lying on my back to prop the op leg on for the toes-above-the-nose. I could barely get that thing into a pillowcase, but it is much more convenient than two standard pillows stuffed in a pillowcase AND it’s long enough to keep my ankles from dangling in midair.

June 13, 2024

Morning exercises already easier, in just 3 sessions. Went from only 11 heel slides yesterday morning to 17 last night to 30 per side this morning. Walking on the crutches getting easier, but accidentally moving the op leg in towards the non op… that sticks with you for a bit. Yikes! Forgot how important it was to keep the op leg turned out a bit.

Rolling merrily along at lightning snail speed…

June 15, 2024

Sunday- 6 days post-op. Sleep still rough. Tried turning on my op side twice just to make a go of it, but that only lasted for about a minute each time. Still on the long-acting oxycodone at night and trying to just use the extra strength tylenol during the day. This recovery is very different from the previous. Lots of swelling in my upper leg. Yellowing, black and blue marks come and go almost daily. Polar Cube machine is my buddy! Looking forward to starting .25 mile walks tomorrow.

June 16, 2024

June 17, 2024

Tuesday – 8 days post-op – The incision site doesn’t look as bad as I thought it would, compared what I had on the right side. Happy! Decided to go with no pain meds (not even tylenol) yesterday and last night. Woke up several times to reposition and pee (dernit!) but no real pain other than the constant toothache in the hip. Not bad and very manageable.

June 18, 2024

Wednesday – 9 days post-op – The other shoe dropped. Didn’t sleep well at all last night. Probably woke up every hour to hour and a half repositioning. Tried rolling gently onto the op side again and almost managed to doze off. It got unbearable after 5 minutes and had to roll back onto the right. Then the right shoulder started hurting. My wonderful, long-suffering wife offered the tylenol, but I refused. I’m an idiot. Took 2 after breakfast today before getting on the ice machine for the first icing of the day. Quarter mile walk before breakfast made me tired after shower and morning exercises. I’m pushing, just like after my last surgery. “No pain-no gain” has no place here. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and I keep having to remind myself of that.

June 21, 2024

11 days post-op –  The sleep issues continue.  Still no heavy drugs, two tylenol this morning to knock back some pain.  Just got up from a 1 hour nap that took 30 minutes to fall asleep.  I’m sure this is lack of exercise.  Still icing 1 hour on and an hour to 2 off.  Swelling seems to have gone down bit.  I remember lack of sleep from the previous surgery being the number 1 cause of “THIS SUCKS!!!”

Also, remembering it is not a straight line progression towards full recovery; more like a heartbeat on an ascending scale.  I keep reminding myself that the pain is the nerves, muscles and tendons knitting themselves back together…like the growing pains most of us had as kids.  Grin and bear it.  If it gets too bad, there are still some Oxy’s left!

June 25, 2024

11 days post-op –  The sleep issues continue.  Still no heavy drugs, two tylenol this morning to knock back some pain.  Just got up from a 1 hour nap that took 30 minutes to fall asleep.  I’m sure this is lack of exercise.  Still icing 1 hour on and an hour to 2 off.  Swelling seems to have gone down bit.  I remember lack of sleep from the previous surgery being the number 1 cause of “THIS SUCKS!!!”

Also, remembering it is not a straight line progression towards full recovery; more like a heartbeat on an ascending scale.  I keep reminding myself that the pain is the nerves, muscles and tendons knitting themselves back together…like the growing pains most of us had as kids.  Grin and bear it.  If it gets too bad, there are still some Oxy’s left!

June 27, 2024

Friday – 18 days post-op – Slept a little better last night. 2 Tylenol PM at 8pm, woke up at 2am and smacked it with another 2 extra strength Tylenols. Slept until 5:30. Sleep is definitely at a premium these days. Walks are going well. Down to one crutch using it more like a cane. Barely need it. Still going up and down the stairs, good up, bad down, not foot over foot yet. Probably try that starting Monday at the week 4 mark.

June 30, 2024

Monday – 21 days post-op – Beginning week 4 and 3/4 mile walks. Tired, but no issues. 2 Tylenol PM before bed and 2 extra strengths at 2:30 this morning. Sleep getting a little better. Can now sleep for about 30 minutes on the op side before it wakes me up. Looking forward to the mile walks next week, as we have a new brewery that opened up right outside our neighborhood: 1.16 round-trip! Close enough!

July 3, 2024

Wednesday – 23 days post-op – Worst pain so far today. Did something stooooopid yesterday: we had a fridge delivered and I knelt down on the floor to shut the water off.. Op leg down first, then good, both knees down… no problemo. When I went to get up, accidentally put my op leg foot down first and pushed. Paid for it all day today. I was so used to my left leg taking the heat for my previously op’d right hip that I just didn’t think. Palm-slap-to-forehead-multiple-times moment. Back on the ice this evening. Dern lucky I didn’t rip something. New Hippies, listen to your Uncle Marv: THINK before you move…for six weeks at least!!!

July 4, 2024

Thursday – 24 days post-op – What a difference a day makes! Got much better sleep last night after going full steam all day, with a little help from Tylenol PM. Didn’t wake up as much. Woke up ready for my 3/4 mile walk. No issues. Decided to get on ice this afternoon after spending the morning rearranging refrigerator contents.

July 5, 2024

Friday – 25 days post-op – I was so enthusiastic yesterday… Hardly slept at all last night. Leg pain from the bottom of the incision down to the knee. Couldn’t find the sweet spot. Took a three hour nap through lunch today and actually woke up lying on the op side. No pain. Every day is different and mileage is varying wildly. 3/4 mile walk this morning, I pretty much carried my crutch and hardly used it. I decided to quit trying to do foot-over-foot on the stairs with crutch until next week. I’m pretty sure that and my little indiscretion of two days ago are what is causing this extra pain. Skipped the Tylenol PM last night thinking I wouldn’t need it. Mistake! I’ll be taking 2 tonight before bedtime…

July 8, 2024

Monday – 28 days post-op – beginning week 5! Throttled up to 1 mile walks today. No crutch. Put off trying to walk up stairs foot over foot until next week. Still not strong enough. When I had my right done, I was walking 3 stories up and down by now, foot over foot. Taking it a bit slower this time. I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize our trip to the mountains of Western North Carolina for a respite from the oppressive heat of South Carolina and some much needed hiking.

July 10, 2024

Thursday – 31 days post-op – Done with the drugs! (Except for daily baby aspirin for 11 more days). Slept well again last night. A little “log-leggy” this morning, but very little pain. 1 mile walk helped. Running low on the Bactraban (mupirocin ointment) for the incision, which is healing up nicely. Still tender, but part of the line has started to fade already. Skipping the gym today to play in the park with my visiting 9-year old great-nephew. A little cooler today with a northerly breeze, if you can call 93F “cool”. Better to be out in the sunshine anyway. I need my vitamin D!

July 11, 2024

Friday – 32 days post-op – yesterday’s activity helped to yield a good night’s sleep and no pain meds needed! Put the new hip through it’s paces playing with my great-nephew and 6 other kids at one of our city parks, acting as the launch master of the zip line! Didn’t do any climbing on the varied playground equipment, as much as I wanted to. Went for ice cream, then played 18 holes of putt-putt, where we were all bested by my 87 year old Father-In-Law.

July 15, 2024

Monday – 35 days post-op – Began 1.25 mile walks today, with our doggies. My wife has had double doggie duty since surgery day 5 weeks ago today. They behaved…sort of. Took them for a bath after breakfast. Good to have soft, sweet, good smelling dogs. Should’ve bathed them before surgery. Anyway, no issues. Still haven’t made it to the brewery, scheduling that walk for Thursday, if it”s not swelteringly hot. Sleep over the last two nights has not exactly been stellar. Two Advil helped Friday night, so I may try that again.

July 16, 2024

Wednesday – 37 days post-op – Two steps forward, one step back day. Sore yesterday but even worse today. Took 2 Advil with breakfast. Walked the 1.25 this morning, getting ready to do some yard work, but don’t really feel up to doing much. I remember being all enthusiastic after my right hip was done, but the relentless soreness this time around is wearing me down. Still not walking stairs foot over foot. Left leg/quad just feels weak. Bummer. Hoping to get good news and a much needed recharge at my 6 week follow-up next Tuesday.

July 17, 2024

Thursday – 38 days post-op – well, another fine mess…. Woke up early this morning and realized my left leg had crossed the big pillow and had turned inward. Paid for it in our 1.25 mile walk this morning. Two Advil with breakfast has not kicked in yet. Tough to be careful when you’re asleep. Heading to the gym in a bit. Maybe I can work it out.

July 21, 2024

Monday – 6 weeks post-op – 6 weeks! WooHoo! Follow-up scheduled with Dr. Webb tomorrow. Pain level still a steady toothache. The only time it doesn’t hurt or is not sore is lying down on my back. Managed to doze off for an hour last night on the op side, but it really hurts rolling over, then vanishes. I’ve been walking upstairs once a day with one crutch and the rail, foot over foot, 6 times but not really progressing. I wish I had done that several weeks before the surgery or used the stair-climber to get in better shape. Left quad still feels very weak. Walked 1.7 yesterday and today with soreness, but no other issues. Heading to the gym in a bit for treadmill and upper body stuff.

July 23, 2024

Wednesday – 44 days post-op – 6 week followup with Dr. Lee Webb yesterday at Midlands Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery.  X-ray was “perfect” in her words.  Confessed my indiscretion of July 3 (pushing up from kneeling on the floor with my op leg).  She said it wouldn’t have hurt the joint, but I’m still convinced I might’ve set back my recovery a bit with the muscles and connective tissue.  Amazing how really tough and resilient the human body is!

I asked about the lack of a K-wire incision for leg length.  I had one on my right side. Lee said they have improved the process and now measure leg length from the x-rays.  One less incision.  I really appreciate the constant improvements being made on this procedure.  Drs Gross and Webb do not rest on their laurels!

Had something sticking out from the top of the incision since removing the bandage on week 2, making it very tender and uncomfortable.  I couldn’t see it without a mirror, so my wife looked at it with a magnifying glass.  Couldn’t figure out if it was a piece of sinew (yuk!) or possibly a dead nerve ending (double yuk!).  Told Lee about it, she had a look and said it was the end of a suture, got a set of forceps and pulled it out.  YIKES!!  Felt like a bee sting!  She said it would take 3 months to dissolve if she hadn’t removed it.  Suggested I give it 24 hours before swimming, as other scabs were gone already.  Won’t be swimming until next week anyway.  The pain and discomfort went away immediately.  The hour drive home was MUCH more comfortable and I was able to sleep for about 2 hours on the op side last night.  Thanks, Lee!  You’re the best!!  More advice, Hippies:  if you see something, SAY SOMETHING!  If something doesn’t seem quite right, contact your surgeon or their team.  You’re covered under a lifetime warranty!

On to 6-week stretching and strengthening.  Heading to the gym in a bit to ride the stationary bike and start some light lower body work.

July 28, 2024

Monday – 7 weeks post-op – our 4 day trip to the western North Carolina mountains was wonderful!  Cool temps and great weather made for a wonderful respite from our mid to upper 90’s with humidity to match.  The trip up and back was a lot more tolerable since Dr. Webb removed that piece of exposed suture.  Hiked two moderate trails and had no problem navigating roots and rocks.  Took my walking stick along, but didn’t really need it.  Toughest thing was sleeping in a too-firm bed.  I had to fold the comforter and sleep on it.  I guess that’s why they call it a “comforter”.  Started leg lifts with last weeks clearance, only being able to do 10 to start, but am now up to 30 already.  I’ll do a couple more days of 30, then drop back to 15 with the addition of my 1 pound ankle weights.  Started adding light yoga poses to the 6-week exercise regimen.  Still taking Advil when needed, but trying to reduce that as well.

August 4, 2024

Monday – 8 weeks post-op – sleep getting better, progressed to 30 reps on the leg lifts this morning.  2 Advil with breakfast, not because I really needed them, but just thought a morning without underlying, tooth-achy pain might be nice.  Haven’t had to take anything for a while, so what the heck.  Ridge bump is starting to disappear, leaving the thin purple line.  The hip muscles have reached the “itchy sore” stage.  Progress!!  Light massaging of the affected area helps.  Reading (and re-reading) DAC-VAN’s post https://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/index.php?topic=6985.msg62743#msg62743 under the “Recovery Issues” section is very helpful at this stage, I think.  Working on extra light stretching and strengthening movements, not exceeding Dr. Gross’s guidelines, of course.  Just throwing in some extra stuff.  Hoping this hip turns out even better than my right, although I have no complaints!

August 7, 2024

Thursday – 59 days post-op – Oops! Boy, did I overdo it! Installing shoe shelves in our closet. Started the project on Tuesday. Up and down on the floor (used my exercise mat), multiple trips up and down the stairs. I feel like somebody has worked me over with a bat. Every joint hurts. Hip, amazingly, feels pretty good! On top of that, I must have gotten a touch of the flu. 103F temp last night with all those body aches and nasty chills. Feel better today. Temp is down to 99 with Tylenol. Gotta be careful I don’t get some weird infection that goes to the joint. Rehabbing my right hip surgery in ‘21, I waited 6 months to do a tile job in our laundry room. Still had some range of motion issues then. I’m not quite 2 months post-op on this one. Some day, I’ll learn to take it easy…

August 10, 2024

Sunday – 62 days post-op – Well, it wasn’t the flu. Went to an urgent care Friday since my primary care physician was booked up. They took a urine sample and vitals and told me to go to the ER. 7 hours of miserable waiting, multiple vitals checks in the waiting room, CT scan, chest x-ray, bloodwork, more urine samples (which had blood in it as of Thursday night, BTW). Finally was taken back to an exam room after walking a groove in the waiting room floor going to the bathroom every 30 minutes. They hooked up an IV with antibiotics and gave me the diagnosis: UTI/bladder cystitis. Drained the bag and they gave me the option of admission or going home and follow-up with my doc. I took the home option. Haven’t done my post 6-week exercises since Tuesday. No energy, major setback. Feeling a little better since Friday. Hopefully, I’ll be back on track soon. Lessons learned: Listen CAREFULLY to what your body is telling you. Ask for help and guidance. Plenty of time for rehab and training LATER.

August 15, 2024

Friday – 67 days post-op – Looks like I survived! Feeling much better this week and picked up my leg raises with ankle weights like I hadn’t taken a week off. Went back to the gym yesterday and hit the bike, treadmill, stairclimber, adductor and abductor machines. No problems. I’ll be adding extra reps to the leg raises with 1 pound ankle weights to hit 30, then backing up to 15 reps with 2 pounds. Once I work back up to 30 reps, I’ll be freeeeeeee!

August 19, 2024

Tuesday – 71 days post-op – experienced the “clunk” for the first time on the left hip yesterday doing some light yoga after my weighted leg raises. Up to 2 lbs at 20 reps. Yay! I can’t remember exactly when the “clunk” in my right hip faded and disappeared. Somewhere between 6 and 8 months. Felt some soreness in my left quad this morning, but it went away after our dog walk. I’m finally off the antibiotics prescribed for my bladder problem, which has resolved. No Advil last night or the night before. Progress!

August 21, 2024

Thursday – 73 days post-op – FINALLY! Two consecutive nights of excellent sleep! I was happy for just one, but two? Whoo hoo! It’s been since mid-May being able to sleep straight through. Woke up this morning ready to dive into a guest bedroom renovation project. Back in the saddle!

August 25, 2024

Monday – 77 days post-op – beginning week 12 – Two steps forward, one step back… I was so happy that I’ve done a week of 2 pounds on each leg and 30 reps on the leg lifts. Then woke up this morning to find my left leg had crossed over my right. Yikes! Feels like I’ve regressed six weeks! Limped around our 1.7 mile dog walk. Dernit! Decided to start back on my morning yoga routine this morning and leave the 6 week exercises behind. Two Advil and things are starting to settle down. I use a knee pillow, but it seems my leg decided to ignore it. Hard to be careful when you’re dead asleep!

September 1, 2024

Monday – 84 days post-op – beginning week 13 – Hunkering down and doing a lot of knee work for the guest room reno has my hamstrings screaming and my haunches whining! Hips are doing great. Took the day “off” and went to the gym instead for some cardio. 10 minutes each on the recumbent bike, treadmill and stairclimber. Abductor and adductor machines, 2 ab machines and 10 minutes of standing stretches.

September 11, 2024

Thursday – 94 days post-op – Missed posting on 3 months post-op Monday! Deep in the guest room reno and forgot to update. Still dealing with tooth-achy soreness and weakness. Haven’t been to the gym since starting this project a week and a half ago, but figured the multiple trips up and down the stairs, lifting, squatting (not “heavily” exceeding 90 degrees), crawling, and walking make up for it. Wear myself out every day! Still some pain lying on the op side going to sleep, but found that if I roll further and extend my right knee and foot, it’s much more comfortable. Still learning new things and discovering what works and what doesn’t.

October 3, 2024

Friday – 116 days post-op – Enjoying the sights, sounds (and smells) of Washington DC with the Mrs. Walked over 10 miles when we arrived and logged 7 yesterday. Probably will do the same today. 57 stairs at the Lincoln Memorial: no problem. 5 flights of stairs at the hotel: no problem. My feet hurt, but the hips are asking for more. Wish we could pedal one of the numerous rental bikes or ride a scooter around town. Two more months! Counting down the days.

October 13, 2024

Monday – 126 days post-op – Overlooked another milestone: 4 months! Cleaning up the yard, post-Helene and continuing the guest room renovation. Lower back has been bothering me with all the lifting and twisting, but hips are begging for more and starting to yearn for a bike ride. Light yoga stretches every morning ease the back pain. Still being careful not to cross left over right until 6 months on December 10. Counting down the days to “restriction free”!

October 23, 2024

Coming up on 5 months post-op, and just starting to feel like the left is as strong as the right. Stability is still not 100% but still improving every day. Post 6 months is the goal for starting heavier exercise and stretching. Gotta wait for all those muscles and connective tissue to heal properly before getting back to “normal”.

November 9, 2024

Sunday – 153 days post-op – 5 month anniversary today! Whoo hoo! Started pushing the stretches a little more. I can now easily do a seated soccer stretch on the floor. A month ago, I could barely get my op leg foot to my calf, let alone beside my knee. Lately, I’ve had charley horses in my right calf waking me up at night. Last night was a bad one. Don’t think it is related to hip, as it’s on the 3.5 year post-op right leg. Just more age-related crapola. Planning to check with my miracle-working chiropractor, who I have not seen in 6 months. Still yearning for the 6-month anniversary bike ride.

December 10, 2024

Well, here it is… 6 months today!  Whoo hooo!!    Today also happens to be my wonderful wife’s 60th birthday.  Couldn’t have done any of this without her love and support.  She’s amazing!

June 10th of this year, it seemed like such a long road to 6 months and zero restrictions.  Looking back, it’s pretty incredible how quickly it passed.  Sucks that it’s rainy here today and tomorrow, or I would be out on my bike!  Looking forward to next year’s beach kayaking trip and getting back in the gym, although I’m starting another DIY renovation project on another room in our house so probably won’t need the gym.  Time to strengthen this thing!  I’ve added the “Spiderman pose” back to the yoga routine to impress my great-nephew.  No issues!  Working on more flexibility and sitting crosslegged… my goal after the right hip operation was to sit under the Christmas tree crosslegged to open presents.  It truly is the little things in life!

June 10, 2025

1st anniversary of the 2nd hip on June 10! Whoo hoo! All is well, no clunking, tough as titanium and asking for more on hikes, climbs, yard work, doggie walks, etc. Now if I can keep my right knee from complaining and trying to steer me towards another surgery, I’ll be happy. I guess if it does, I know a guy