April 16, 2009 I am just over 2 weeks post op from second half of Bilateral. The first week was definitely a challenge. I took the pain pills before I felt I needed them and that worked great, not much pain to deal with. I was a little unprepared for how useless my legs would be, a good deal of swelling even with the ice machine. I guess the big downside from Bilateral is not having a good leg to help out. I definitely questioned the wisdom at first but now I’m sure it was the right way to go.

When I first arrived home from Columbia it was all I could do to walk from the car to the house, but each day was noticeably better. After the first week at home I made it around the block, roughly a mile, and I have continued to do that walk daily, getting faster each day. I hope to lose the crutches soon. there is still a measureable difference in the recovery between the first and second leg that I find interesting.

So far so good, hope to head back to work next Monday.

4/23 ( 3 weeks post op)- Back at work, no real issues just need to prop my feet up as often as I can to minimize any swelling. Using one crutch, mostly just carrying it around for balance. I also went to the health club and rode the stationary bike for half an hour, pretty stiff but no real pain. I can’t wait until I can finally tie my own shoes…

4/30 Walking without a cane, riding the stationary bike for about 30 minutes a day, I even cut the grass a couple of days ago. Stairs are still a little dicey. I have to remember all the things I’m not supposed to be doing as I am definitely tempted to push it a little bit.

August 8, 2009 I had lots of discoloration on the back of my legs for 4-6 weeks afterwards. It takes long time for the bruising in the muscles to go away, there is a good deal of excess fluid as you know. Both my legs were swollen to twice thier normal size and felt like chunks of dead wood. Ice machine helps a lot, walk when you can and when you are not on your feet elevate you legs. I slept with pillows under my knees ad calves help drain excess fluids.

September 27, 2009 I am coming up on 6 months post op for my bilateral (left hip 3/31 right 4/1). Things couldn’t have gone better. The frst few weeks were a test mostly due to the swelling and limited mobility. But things improved very rapidly, driving at 3 weeks, cutting the grass at 4. In another week I can get bck in the bicycle and not worry about the occasional fall.

March 18, 2010  I am 2 weeks away from my one year anniversary and couldn’t be happier with the results. I had bilateral done 2 days apart. The first few weeks were tough but by week 4 I was getting around pretty good.

May 4, 2010 Things couldn’t be better. Dr Gross says everything is perfect and I have no restrictions. Not only do my hips feel great but my nagging back pain I used to have from being on my feet a lot is long gone as well. The only lingering complication is my daughter born roughly 9 months after my first surgery.

 July 11, 2011 2 year follow-up I have to say except for setting off the detectors at the airport, I never give a thought to having had bilateral over 2 years ago. There is very rare startup stiffness but for the most part I do whatever I want with no pain. The range of motion in my hips is so much better than before surgery. I used to develop lower back pain from being on my feet too long, that is all gone and I am free to bicycle and RUN after my kids which I was not able to do prior to surgery.

October 5, 2012 I had bilateral done 3 years ago, (actually 2 days apart). I went home after 3 days and while the rehab is tough, it is not impossible. The first couple of weeks I definitely needed help getting out of bed and such but I was back at work after 3 weeks, (sitting with my lgs elevated). Prior to my 6 week follow-up I was out walking a mile or so and able to get out and cut the grass with a self propelled machine. I worked pretty hard to be in as good condition as possible prior to surgery. A good pain management plan is a must, but depending on age/overal health/etc.  I don’t know that acute rehab is necessary.

6 weeks out I was very glad I had them done at the same time versus facing another rehab period