Mr. Box’s Bilateral Hip Resurfacing with Dr. Su 2012

September 19, 2012

My first day post op was great ( still had the epidural and constant extended relief pain pill )

My second day was alright, the epidural came out and PT began, ritualistically. I didn’t do so well. I was very very lightheaded and unable to really more than stand up and walk to the window 2 feet away from my bed.

Third day was a drastic set back day and I was unable to get up and go to the bathroom, get up to stand, and all extended release pain medication was stopped. I really felt this was the lowest point of my life to date. I was depressed and felt helpless in my situation.

Fourth day, I had another set back first thing in the morning and almost fainted while in the bathroom. I was flung back into a chair and rushed over to my bed and set down to relax and regain my color and feeling. After the third day’s relapse and the events of the fourth, I felt I was doomed and I knew there were going to be no visitors to raise my spirits the entire day. I was in very dire spirits and started to focus on things that I came in here to do and my mind set. I had a PT session an hour or so after the fainting incident and I was very nervous with it.

I purposely made myself eat and drink more fluids than I had been accustomed to during my stay. My appetite had diminished greatly over the last few days and started feeling this was effecting my recovery.

My PT session started off shakey, little light headed and didn’t know how far I would go. I started talking with the PT about my daughter and the next I knew I had walked the farthest I had walked since being in the hospital. I even pushed to where I don’t know if it was a light headed feeling or anxiety made me think twice about progressing further. I walked back to the bed and took a great nap.

My second PT session of the day.. I felt determined. I walked out to the nurses station and asked where the room with the test stairs was. I directed myself to that room and went up and down the stairs almost defiantly.

Third session of the day.. I did the same as above, almost 1/2 the time and effort. They already were talking about sending me home the next day, this speeded up the talk.

Sixth Day.

Here I am, passed through hell and back. Still looking at the gates from the wrong side, but feel like I’m leaving sometime soon. There is alot of things that this site can prep you for, but you are responsible for your own recovery. Your interactions with the nurses, patient care assistants, physical therapists can only be molded by your own questions, requests, and comments.

I’m looking forward to one thing and one thing only right now. My family, I can’t wait to be home with my little girl and her smile. Hearing her say Da-da is the reason I’m here, the reason I’m alive and the reason I am going home. Oh yea, my wife too 

September 22, 2012

Wife is making me sit up in bed for a few hours today so I have some typing time to kill. Just cleaned up all my financial items by paying some bills online, and I’m here to describe the progress, and the setbacks of the last few days.

I made it home ! — Day 5 Post op I passed all my PT tests for the day and all vitals were good. We left the hospital past 1pm for the ride back into New Jersey. I think I pushed myself really hard the prior 24 hours to make this happen as quickly as it could so I could be home with my family. On the way out of the hospital the reality of it all kind of hit me when I had to get into my wife’s Mini Cooper Countryman ( The largest Mini they make ). Let’s just say it was an adventure. The ride lasted about 2 and 1/2 hours with various stops to the pharmacy ( which the first one told us that my pain meds were on manufacturers back order for 2 weeks and nobody has access to them ) They even suggested I go back and have my doctor change the script…. I was very calm about it, my wife however wasn’t so nice to the pharmacy tech telling her this. All I heard her say was… ARE YOU SERIOUS, HUSBAND… HIP SURGERY… NYC… 2 Hour Drive… MORON….

I calmed her down and we went to the next pharmacy who apparently knew nothing of the so called " manufacturer’s back order " and had a readily available supply. I do want to point out that the stresses we all feel during this surgery are also felt by everyone that is around us. Especially if they are the ones in our lives that feel that they are the most important in making the outcome a success. They will and do fight the emotional pains that we are confronted with at each step.

With everything purchased we headed home for the few exterior stairs and setup in my " Man Cave " of recovery. With my previous scope of my hip, I ended up spending most of my time in our living room which I setup as a make shift bedroom till I was able to do things normally. This house is a salt box split level which requires 6 stairs at each level to get to most functions of the house.

By the time I ended up getting up the front steps and the toll of the ride from NYC and the waiting for all the purchases that had to be completed before returning home. I was spent. I couldn’t fathom making it up the 6 stairs to the bathroom/master bedroom level. I sat down on our chaise and relaxed a bit. I may have even taken a slight nap while waiting for another round of pain killers to kick in. ( I had been taking the pills at 3 1/2 – 4 hour increments instead of the suggested 3, because I’m dumb. ) I went to go and get up from the chaise and realized there was something VERY WRONG.

I don’t know if it was from use of the crutches from the last two days or from the ride home and all the bumps and jumps from the overly " sporty " Mini’s suspension, but I had ended up pulling a muscle from my mid back to right shoulder blade. All movement caused a spasm in my back of excruciating pain. I gave myself some time hoping it was momentary, but it wouldn’t go away. I ended up forcing myself to my feet and pushing myself to the stairs and somehow got to the first level. I do believe there were many self motivating grunts, groans, and well… straight out cursing going on to push myself beyond the pain. I got to the first level and decided that the next set of stairs and the current condition of my body would make leaving my " Man Cave " to go to the bathroom near impossible. I changed the camp area to our master bedroom and went down for a good bit of horizontal relaxation.

I spent the rest of the day in the bed and ended up spending most of the next day there also. I rarely ate or drank, but did stay on top of my meds as needed. I had a visit by a nurse the next morning at 9:30 and all my vitals were in good condition. PT showed up around 11:00 and I’m happy to say that I’ve gotten lucky by getting a very knowledgeable, kind, and motivated professional who understood everything I was going through. I explained everything that was going on and we focused on a lot of " In-bed " exercises to strengthen core areas. He was understanding with my back pull and recommended having my wife work on the shoulder later that evening to help me out. I was a bit worried and discouraged before he showed up but, before he left I knew we had a plan to get me going and getting me back to normal function.

I continued with the exercises that he had left for me for the rest of the night and by the next morning I had gotten out of bed and used the bathroom. Progress!!! I had a second session with my PT on Friday ( Day 7 ) and degree of hip mobility had already increased by 30 points from about 45 to 75 on the knee lifts. I also feel that the items I was shown in the hospital were more of to get you out of the facility, instead of making you stronger for being home. I’m glad I have someone now that is focused on making me better as fast as possible for my own benefit, not so another bed is available.

I also have to say that I can not express how much my wife has been here for me and shown me so much love that I’ve found a new level of trust and respect I’ve never had for anyone. This is tough, and tests the best of relationships the first few days / weeks.

I might try to squeeze in a nap before my at home appointed PT substitute comes in for another session. ( My Wife ). Anyone else ever experience the " jump out of your seat " wake up out of a dead sleep with some of these meds ? I think I almost levitated last night, and it keeps happening.

October 1, 2012

I feel there is this secret 2 week fight that we all must endure to get to the goal of what we all originally intended with our surgeries.

During my first 17 days post op from Same-day Bilateral ( OMG I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND SAME DAY EVER ) I’ve learned that this surgery isn’t child’s play. My left hip scope from 3 years ago was laughable compared to the stress, anxiety, ( not pain though ) and recovery rate that this surgery has brought.

Complications:

I’ve lost about 15lbs post surgery. – I don’t eat, I don’t drink much. And I’ve totally pissed off my wife who’s been working on a diet for 2 months now and she’s lost 25lbs. I’ve worked on losing weight before the surgery and now my 15lbs loss added to the previous 15lbs lost has pushed me over her weight loss. This is probably the lowest weight I’ve been since together with my wife, so I said she should appreciate it =-P.

I was given ankle pumps to do as a PT exercise and I liked those…. I liked them so much that I did tons of them. So much in fact, that I ended up hurting both calf / ankle muscles. The muscle was sore and stiff, and hurt a bit to the touch. Which then turned into a DVT concern and my PT and Nurse were talking about a trip to the emergency room. ( GREAT! ) I rested the two legs and the ache finally went away.

Stomach Bug – I haven’t been eating too well, but I’ve been drinking a lot of fluids. My stomach took the opportunity to cause me a problem and Sunday I was stuck with a fever of 101 and the need to be near a bathroom at all times. I sweated out the fever and feel great again ( Call to the NURSE was met with a response of " Go to the ER " ) I’m pretty good at knowing my body, so I didn’t feel this was necessary for a plain stomach bug.

Post op depression – with some of your normal faculties taken away from you.. I see that this is a very distinct possibility for depression to set in. It’s affected me during this recovery and I do think that when you are facing a bilateral you will be tested on your mental merits.

There are days that are horrible, days that just float by, days that you make incredible strides, and days you do nothing and all the sudden you have motion and strength back in your legs.. IT’S WEIRD.

I have to say though… I’m waiting.. I’m waiting for the days of being normal again. I just had PT with my guy Larry and we did measurements. I’m already in the " normal hip motion range " for normal people. HUGE improvement already.

October 23, 2012

Last week was my first week back. I only did Tues – Thursday in the office, but man it was hellish on the muscles. I worked from home on Friday and it took concentrated effort to not flop on the bed and snooze during teleconferences.

I’m back to work again this week and 2 days in I feel so much stronger in my walking. I actually forgot my crutches at home on Monday since I can waddle along without them with minimal effort for decent distances.

I can’t wait till I have everything back to normal. Saturday I start out-patient PT, I can’t wait to see all the advanced results from the therapy. I’m still on the mindset that I will be playing hockey by February next year.

November 27, 2012

 I am, almost 12 weeks post op. If you look at the topics I’ve posted from prior, around, and after the surgery. You would see a huge progression from then to now. I’m beginning to have days where I don’t think much at all about the implants. Last week I was rushing around to finish Thanksgiving planning and cleaning and I caught myself jogging from the rear of the house to the front. ( I paid for it this past weekend… TIRED! )

I’m now almost 4-5 weeks in my out patient physical therapy. I’m pushing the weight limits on the machines lately to the chagrin of my PT’s. I was told today that my note to the Surgeon would say: Patient is constantly pushing his limits and needs a baby sitter. What’s worse is two of my PT’s live on my block, and they pass my house all the time. " Sean, how did that large amount of wood get to the front of your house ? " Reply: " Magic garden gnomes. " They didn’t believe that answer.

My point is: I’m feeling cabin fever with the limits on my hips at the moment. I know I can do certain things.. but I’m at the point where I want to go out and do things I shouldn’t. Patience is wearing thin with the progress that has already come. Has anyone else hit this point ? Should I reign myself in from doing too much ? Yes, I do pay for it dearly sometimes. Heck, my wife doesn’t even believe that I have restrictions anymore. She gives me a look when I tell her I’m exhausted ( As if I didn’t just have major surgery two and a half months ago )

I see Dr. Su on the 17th for my 3 month checkup. I’m going to ask to be cleared to start ice skating again during the checkup. Dr. Su had mentioned that it might be possible prior to that time period, but I’ve been patient. That however didn’t stop me from purchasing a new pair of ice skates on Black Friday! 50% off.. what can I say. I’m weak.

December 11, 2012

 I’m almost 3 months post op from same day bilat surgery. Yes you will feel one leg is stronger than the other, it’s all apart of recovery. Since you had both done on the same day, your body is going to try to figure out what side can handle more and that will end up being your " strong side ". You’ll even it out at PT in the upcoming weeks / months.

December 14, 2012

I’m 3 months post op at this point. I find out Monday if I can be cleared to start some light skating. I jumped on a good black Friday deal and picked up a pair of One80 goalie skates for 1/2 price.

I can feel there is progress beyond where the hip was prior to the surgery. I actually have that on a list of things to ask Dr. Su on Monday. ( comparison of pre-op measurements to current measurements on Range of Motion )

December 21, 2012

So today I treated myself to an hour of skating at a local rink. It’s been almost a year since I last went skating and it’s been much longer since I last went skating and didn’t suffer for a day or so.

I had so much fun, my feet hurt so much, but I enjoyed every moment of it. I was extremely worried about losing balance and kept to basic forward and backward movements, some cross overs with my better balance leg.

January 27, 2013

It’s been very cold in the NJ / NY area the last two weeks. Well… a friend’s local pond froze over really nice and they put together a day of ice hockey on the pond.

I put the goalie pads on and played for a while, switching out here and there with another goalie. I’m probably not going to play again till post 6 months after the surgery ( 4 1/2 months now ). I had two " scares ", I went down to block a shot and the puck got deflected higher. I reached up to catch the shot and shifted my center of gravity. My legs folded under me and I fell backwards with my rear touching my feet for a second. I did a quick internal / external diagnostic and all was fine. I also went side to side and landed hard on my knee which jarred my hip slightly.

I was amazed at the marked improvement over the last few years of playing with confidence in my hips and flexibility. I was able to get so much lower in my crouch than before and felt that there is so much ability left to explore. I’m slightly sore at the moment, but so so happy!

December 9, 2013

I’m 16 months post op, and I tell you this… If I didn’t have these funky scars, I wouldn’t believe you if you told me I was bionic.

Life has returned to near 100% normal. I’m sure I’d be 100% more active if I didn’t gain back all the weight I lost post surgery. (PLUS a few). I’ve gone back and played hockey (Goalie) more than a few times and it was great. Being "Rusty" has new meaning with metal hips.

I’m having lots of fun being back to normal and having no regrets with the surgery. Hope everyone is doing well and I can tell you there is such a great light at the end of the tunnel with this surgery!