Sticky Postings
I wanted to let people know that the blogs are mostly used to tell Hip Resurfaicng Stories.
Unfortunately, at this point, they are not that well used.
If you are hoping to get some comments from your posting, I would suggest joining the Hip Talk Discussion Group on this website Hip Talk Discussion Group at the Surface Hippy Website
I don't like people to be dissapointed that they are not getting answers from their posts. There are over 300+ memebers on the Hip Talk Group and the people are very kind and supportive.
Please consider posting questions and asking for information on the Hip Talk Discussion Group so you don't feel that no one is reading your post or answering your questions.
Pat Owner/Webmaster of the Surface Hippy Website
Sticky Postings
Many people have great personal hip resurfacing stories to tell. These
stories help people to learn about hip resurfacing. The stories about how people decided to choose their doctor, their surgery experiences, post op recoveries and their return to an active normal life are very inspiring to people wanting to learn about hip resurfacing
Blog your story. If you have already had a hip resurfacing share your story with others. If you are about to have a hip resurfacing, use your Surface Hippy Blog as a journal to keep track of your Surface Hippy Adventure. Many have gone before you and hopefully, many more will follow in your footsteps.
I will try to link all the personal stories posted on the Surface Hippy Blogs on the Hip Stories Page of Surface Hippy. Surface Hippy is becoming a very active and well used website. Posting your personal story will help spread the word about how great hip resurfacing is. Let’s share our stories with the world
Join Surface Hippy Blogs and post your hip resurfacing story now! Go to the USER SELF REGISTRATION section of the right side and register.
Wednesday, April 9. 2008
After three years of groin pain, I began researching options to improve my
quality of life. In 2005, I met with two different Orthopedic surgeons both of
whom recommended surgery as the only option. While visiting a friend @ Community
General Hospital, I saw an information board regarding "Birmingham Hip
Resurfacing". I talked about the technique with my Orthopedist and his
recommendation was a Total Hip Replacement. Dr. Michael Clarke, who is in the
same practice, was an Orthopedist specializing in BHR and I immediately made an
appointment with him. Following the initial meeting, I began a quest to learn as
much about the BHR technique as possible. Your website "Surface Hippies" was of
great value. I scheduled my surgery for a LBHR with Dr. Clarke on March 19,
2008.
I was Dr. Clarke's first surgical patient of the day. I went into the OR @
7:30am and was in recovery by 9:00am. I woke up around 11:00am and was
transferred to my room. In addition to the patient administered catheter, Dr.
Clarke uses a post-operative "painbuster" catheter that infuses medications
directly into the wound. (Day 1): walking with the aid of a walker. (Day
2):physical therapy and step climbing, up two steps, cross a platform and down
two steps then walked back to my room. (Day 3) physical therapy in the morning
and headed for home around noon. (Days 4 thru 7):switched from narcotics for
pain to extra strength Tylenol as the narcotics tend to have a paradoxical
effect. Lots of swelling initially but diminished as activities increased. Some
difficulty sleeping at night. Both a nurse and physical therapist visited the
house and a plan of walking and exercising three times daily began. (Days 8 thru
14): feeling better each day, sleep is improving , transitioned from walker to
cane on Day 9.
Began driving short distances on Day 14. Eating is back to normal and
overall body strength is improving. (Days 15 thru 17): Feeling great, the
surgical area is tender and I have to change positions frequently. Just got back
from a three quarter mile walk. I must admit it tired me out. I begin outpatient
therapy on April 9th, so I will follow-up at the conclusion of next week. Thanks
for your support
Steve
Friday, April 4. 2008
Well, the past week has seen some serious changes in my life. And I'd have to say, at Day 8 post-surgery, I've made some significant progress, passed some high hurdles, and still deal with some major obstacles.
Looking back, I was very apprehensive the day of surgery. I didn't miss a workout (of some sort) for quite some time, and the prospect of being in pain, on drugs, tethered to my house, and unable to exercise had me very apprehensive.
The surgical prep and holding area is now a blur to me (probably for the best). I arrived with a bit of a cold, which had the surgical team more than a little concerned. But after a check-up (minor fever and sniffles) I was cleared to go (secretly I was hoping they would send me home).
I don't remember how I got from the prep area to the surgery room, but it had some nice rock-n-roll in the background, a nasty smell, and was a buzz of activity. My lower back was shaved for the spinal block, I was given a sedative to "relax". I was asked to roll on my side, and... found myself waking up in the recovery room.
The first hours were deceptively mild -- spinal block will do that -- but I was lashed to the abductor pillow (an evil device), catheter installed (glad I slept through that), and wound-drain, well... draining. I recall the doctor in the recovery room telling me I looked "pretty good" and jokingly I told him, "Sorry buddy, I'm married."
I was wheeled into my hospital room, where I was surrounded by extensive care, crappy television options, and a wonderful device to push for pain relief. I didn't eat that much that day, some fruit, lots of water and soda. All in all, I was too drugged to really appreciate my situation.
The next day, however, started to really drill into me what had just been done to my body. The catheter was removed, the pain meds were now pills -- and no longer "on demand", and my inherent desire to "get moving" was simply not going to happen. At one point, I couldn't wait for more pills, so was given a low dose of pain medication, which seriously messed with me. I was made to walk from the bed to my chair -- I really couldn’t believe how much that hurt and how hard it was to accomplish, but there you go.
I spent much of the rest of the day in 'the chair'. My PSP game system was just too cumbersome to deal with, so I watched the Weather Channel and Cartoon Network.
Post-op day 2 started to get a little brighter. The wound-drain was removed and I got clean dressing (finally saw the 24 staples -- ick). I went to physical therapy for the first time, and managed to get around on two crutches... did the stairs, and had some limited mobility.
Day 3 post-op (my "go home" day) was even a little easier, and I was anxious to get back to my own bed. PT had me try one crutch (a much nicer option). The wheelchair ride to the car was not too bad, and I made it home in good order.
Fast forward... it's now Day 8. I started the morning with a short walk down the block (one crutch), though had a rough night... my muscles were arguing with me, but I didn't take anything other than Tylenol PM (probably a mistake). I'm going to switch from Percocet to Vicodin to sleep tonight, and I'm taking some Advil for pain during the day (not much 2, 400 mg doses).
I'll be logging in to my office's email shortly to do a little work, and it'll be my first quite day at home alone.
Monday, March 24. 2008
Well folks, I am finally looking forward to the surgery date. My iPod is loaded; I just bought a Playstation Portable to have in the hospital with me; and I picked up two new books -- I suppose it's wishful thinking that I'll have time for all of it.
I continue to exercise so I'm in prime shape (can't say it feels good, but mentally it gives me some control over the situation).
My initial plan was to bring my laptop into the hospital with me (so I could blog to my heart's content), but I'm leaning against that option, so you'll have to wait until I'm home to get the rest of the report.
Saturday, March 22. 2008
My story actually begins where it ends. The bottom line is that I was born with an abnormality in both of my femoral heads which caused rapid and early wear and tear to the cartilage in my hip sockets. I am a 44 year old male who has over done things a bit, to say the least, regarding my physical activity through the years. So I would have to add that my obsession with squatting heavy weights, running off road, and pushing myself to the limits in other activities through these years gave my predisposed condition a good opportunity for early success. I first became aware of my hip problems in 2001 while still in the Army and and pushing myself had become a lifestyle when I managed to tear cartilage in my right hip while stretching out for a routine 8 mile run which caused a great deal of pain along with a "clunk" with each step. I ended up at Dr. Thomas Byrds clinic in Nashville, TN. This top notch and best in the business physician scoped the hip and removed the torn cartilage. Since Dr. Byrd performed this particular procedure on me he has incorporated another step in the process which also removes the malformation on the femoral head that causes these labrel tears in hip joints. From that point around 2002 until my meeting Dr. Gross earlier this month I have been in much pain. I suffered a serious decrease in my physical activities as well as other normal functions regarding my lifestyle, gained 20 pounds, and have been in "angry mode" ever since. I had lost the capability to vent stress and "clean my mind" so to speak through running and other fast pace physical activities. I couldn't even run to the front door if the house was on fire at that point and I eventually started to walk with a severe limp about two years ago. I could not even get out of a car seat without hesitation and pain. I begin to spend hours researching the prospect of having my hip resurfaced instead of undergoing a total hip replacement about two months ago, after my mother of all people, read in an article that there was an alternitive to THR. It didn't take me long to seek out Dr. Gross because of his successful track record and his deep commitment in researching, developing, and fine-tuning this procedure. He even has gone so far as to develop his own design in a bearing device made by Biomet. Very impressive. Dr. Gross and his assistant Lee are also very impressive. Both as well as the rest of the staff are unable to hide their enthusiasm and passion for what they are doing there in Columbia, SC. Today, I am exactly 10 days post op and am able to walk easily with the assistance of a cane. I am doing my PT exercises every day, walking further every morning, and am having a hard time staying off of my eliptical trainer and not doing other exercises that I probably shouldn't do becasue I DON'T HAVE ANY PAIN IN MY HIP ANY LONGER! The only pain I have is in and around my incision and the swelling and bruising started subsiding on day 5 and 6. The short of it all is that I cannot wait to get through the first 6 weeks and gradually get back to activities on a moderate level and start building towards a better frame of mind and a healthier body again. I look forward to adding to this blog in a month or so in order provide better news of progress. I am thanking God every day I didn't choose to have the thing totally replaced! Thank you Dr. Gross for what I expect to be a life changing experience... (and thanks Mom!)
Thursday, March 20. 2008
I have just returned from my pre-op class at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, and for the first time in years feel fairly confident that I will be pain free and active in the foreseeable future. The patient advocates at Sinai were outstanding, the class informative, and the entire staff most supportive. One week from now I will most likely be in my hospital room, done with post-op recovery and simply watching TV on pain medication.
The path that brought me here is a long one starting with hip displasia, years of martial arts and running, a very painful hip injury, steroid injections, and lots and lots of Advil.
Will keep you updated as things progress...
Sunday, February 10. 2008
I'm going in the 15th. Sinai, Baltimore Maryland.Pretty freaked, but in soooo much pain that I'm somehow looking forward to it. I'm officially off the NSAID's. Everything hurts waist down! (well not everything) Hips Knees ankles...
I'm 48 and have been a surgical candidate for some time now. I was told.."wait until your 50..Let pain be your guide" My quality of life has really suffered, I'm pretty desperate for a positive outcome, that said I'm nervous. Was driving home from work last week almost pulled over a couple of times to throw up. Pain sucks...anyway.. trying to look forward and be positive!
I'm Having Bi-lat a week apart. Is this common? Safer than both hips at once? I assume post op and recovery is complicated. Any Bi-Lat folks care to comment? I read Lefty wasn't impressed with the acute rehab joint they sent him to. Any Marylanders speak well of a good rehab place?
Does anyone have a realistic view of when I might go back to a desk job? Despite the earlier pessimistic paragraphs I am looking forward. Certainly 100% of anyone I've spoken to said the procedure is life altering..I waited too long etc...
Just looking for guidance the next 10 weeks or so
Thanks-
Saturday, February 9. 2008
I have held off on a total hip replacement for years, waiting until I was as old as possible (56 currently), but I must have surgery soon. I am excited about resurfacing and my consultations with surgeons has met with mixed enthusiasm. I recently met a very experienced surgeon in total hip surgeries, but because of the licensing in this country, only started with resurfacing in the spring of 2007. Although I had a very good comfort level with this surgeon, he has done only 50-60 resurfacings so far. On this website, I see recommendations that no fewer than 100 resurfacings be used as a minimum experience level. Since there are few surgeons in the US with a large experience base, what are others experience and/or recommendations with this situation?
Thanks, htj
Tuesday, January 22. 2008
Could you please let me know if you have a recommendation and the reasons for your choice for a hip resurfacing doc in South East Michigan? Am currenlty considering Dr. J D Blaha, U of M, and Dr. James Verner, of Weissman Gitlin Herkowitz. Both are mentioned in Surface Hippy AND Vital: Michigan's Health and Fitness Magazine's list of Best Docs. Read somewhere in Surface Hippy that Dr. Blaha has completed 200 resurfacings. Not sure if he uses Birmingham or not. Dr. Verner is not listed in Surface Hippy's List of Doctors, but has a recommendation in the blogs. Should I make an appointment with both (and maybe others) and go see what they have to say? There seems to be an almost unlimited amount of info in Surface Hippy, but, best I can tell, not much about SE Michigan Docs. Although, maybe it is there and I just haven't been able to find it. Thanks!
golenfam@hotmail.com
Monday, January 14. 2008
For the last 3 years, I have been suffering moderate to advanced pain in my right hip, though I have been feeling pain in the whole region for the last 10 years. The pain finally became bad enough that I complained to my doctor about it. He gave me prescriptions for NSAIDS, which didn’t do much for the pain. After a couple of x-rays and finally an MRI, they said I have moderate osteoarthritis. I received a couple of “cortisone” shots in my hip, it helped with the pain, but didn’t last a month. I have been taking Tramadol for the last 2 years, along with over-the-counter arthritis strength acetaminophen, which has controlled the pain a little better, but I’m still not able to do much on my feet for any length of time. The reason I titled this “you’re too young” is because every appointment I have had with different doctors and x-ray techs, etc., that’s the first thing they say to me. I will be 45 years old in April. My hip has never been injured. I am not athletic. I have had mostly desk jobs where I sit. I have been over-weight for the last 15 years, but nothing extreme. How did my hip get like this, I ask the doctor. He says there’s no specific answer. But they all said there’s not a whole lot we can do. You’re too young for a hip replacement. You only want to do that once in your life. I remember crying in the office after the doctor left the room. I couldn’t believe I was going to have to suffer with this for the rest of my life. I have two daughters. My 19 year old is out on her own now. My 15 year old daughter doesn’t need mom to take care of her anymore (well, you know what I mean). I remarried 4 years ago and we’re out doing all the things we love….camping, riding the motorcycle, selling my crafts in shows, traveling, gardening and walking our dogs. My hip has just about put a stop to most of these activities, or at least slowed them down.
Then, I started browsing on the internet and came across a procedure that has been around for awhile, but only recently approved in the U.S. I started reading all that I could about it. I came across this website and learned so much more and read the testimonials. Ok, maybe I can do this, too. My orthopedic surgeon recommended a doctor up in Milwaukee, WI. The doctor said, actually, I could go with either procedure, resurfacing or a total hip replacement. But because I’m still active, he stated the resurfacing has less chance of dislocation and eventually, I will probably need the total hip replacement, so resurfacing is the better option for me. Well, after much discussion with my family and my job, I set up my surgery date, which is January 22, 2008! I am nervous as heck and a little scared, too. But I am hoping and praying this will get me back on my feet again so I can continue on doing the things I enjoy. And now that my eldest daughter has blessed me with a new grandson (6 weeks old this week), I have babysitting to add to my list of things I love to do!
I have two doctor’s appointments this week, one with my regular doctor and one with the orthopedic surgeon. I plan on asking him many more questions. If I don’t post before my surgery, I will do so as soon as I’m able to.
Saturday, January 12. 2008
From the Beginning
My pain started with this ache in my right groin about 2003. Nothing major and it was certainly not keeping me from doing any of my usual activities, bike riding, walking, step aerobics, etc. This pain would even disappear once in awhile. In February 2004 I was going to travel with my husband to Germany on a business trip and wanted something to ease my anxiety and mentioned this groin pain to my GP. She said after I got back, we would look at it further. The plane ride to and from Germany was excruciating, as I had absolute no leg room, being 5'11".
In March 2004 I had hip x-rays and then was sent for an MRI, as they saw something on my left hip, the one without pain and wanted a full pelvic scan. That probably was the most unpleasant 45 minutes I have ever had to endure lying in one position. I could barely move my right leg to get up off the MRI table. Nothing major, though, a little arthritis, some narrowing, more on the right than the left. I was then started on some anti-inflammatories and sent to physical therapy. This helped somewhat, but the pain was still there in the groin.
Continue reading "Hip Resurfacing Scheduled for 1/22/08"
Tuesday, January 8. 2008
10 Days Post Op
Hello Friends,
I had my surgery with AVN God (Dr. Bose). I can not tell you how energtic I am
feeling after the surgery. I am feeling like I am in heaven.......
No pain no discomfort and live is changing so quickly and I am getting so much
positive response from my leg and body...... so much positive energy is there
now to do things.
enjoy....love ....laugh and music I am enjoying everything..... I am so lucky
that we have Dr.Bose to take care of me and many patients here on this board.
Continue reading "Hemant Purohit Second Hip Story"
Saturday, December 22. 2007
I'm 52 yr old male New Zealander around 90kg and 178 cm tall who has kept active and in relatively good shape
For me the first indication of hip issues was the severe pain I felt after completing a half marathon run.From that point on I suffered a "catching" sensation which when it occurred,crippled me,albeit temporarily.Sometimes when going to stand from a sitting position I would literally lock up and not be able to move.Throughout this time I also suffered from a lot of lower back pain which I blamed on many years of playing squash (racquetball),I had been playing throughout my late 30's and most of my 40's.
Eventually after lots of visits to my GP with the usual prescriptions for voltarin (diclofinac) I asked for X-rays.What a revelation these were,showing that my back was in not a bad condition at all however contrastingly both hips were in a very sad state with little or no cartilage left between the joints.Being told I needed bilateral THR came as a mighty shock and being completely honest, had no appeal at all!! Thanks to a lot of research on my various options I kept getting drawn to hip resurfacing.Quite frankly the decision was very simple---resurfacing! Pat Walter and her Surface Hippy website generated for me so much positive information.
Wednesday, November 28. 2007
Lefty - 73 years young
I'm doing well nine days after my left hip was resurfaced by Dr. Mont at
Sinai Hospital in Baltimore.
The first three days after surgery were somewhat discouraging, but on the fourth
day I started using crutches, which I find to be MUCH preferable to a walker.
I'm 73, had no one to accompany me to Baltimore from upstate New York, and live
alone, so I decided to spend some time in rehab here before heading home.
Continue reading "Lefty - 73 years young with hip resurfacing"
Tuesday, November 27. 2007
I wanted to share my story about how Dr. Rector of Boulder, Colorado, and the
BHR gave me my life back.
About 4 years ago I began to have extreme pain in my right groin area for about
a month, then it switched to my left groin. For the following year I suffered in
so much pain that I could only get about 3 hours sleep each night. Each time I
rolled over while sleeping the pain would wake me up and keep me up the rest of
the night. I found myself becoming depressed and irritable, and I suspect that
even my personality was changing from being a happy fun person to a grumpy old
man.
Continue reading "Robert Martinich Bi-Lat "
Tuesday, November 27. 2007
Hello All,
Just thought I'd post a note. I had a C+ installed in my left hip by the
fabulous Dr Harold Boyd on 10/10/02 at the ripe old age of 40.
After over 5 years, I don't even think about having had a hip replacement.
Continue reading "Brian 5 Years Post Op"
Tuesday, November 27. 2007
I went to India to Apollo Hospital and Dr. Vijay Bose was my surgeon.
It turned out my bones were very strong and could take hip resurfacing
instead of the hip anthroplasty he had previously suggested.
I am on Day 10 post op and things are going fine. I'm still in India-
spending time at Fisherman's Cove Resort before flying back to the States. The
surgery was successful. I saw an x-ray and it looks good. The doctors also
thought so. I was given some exercises by a team of physiotherapists to
strengthen my muscles and relearn walking correctly. I had severe bone on bone
osteoarthritis and walked with a serious limp and was pretty much in constant
pain.
Continue reading "Joy in India with Dr. Bose"
Tuesday, November 27. 2007
My name is Geoff Robertson and I live in Rossland B.C. Canada. I'm 45 years young, very
fit and active and a person who'd suffered with osteoarthritis in both hips for
about 3-4 years, before finally making the decision to have surgery to repair
the problem. I was scared to death of having such a major surgery, but I slowly
came to the realization that I just couldn't continue to live with the constant
pain and increasing loss of mobility any longer. After dropping activity after
activity and having very little left to give up in my life, I decided that
something had to be done.
Continue reading "Geoff Robertson Bi-Lat in Canada "
Tuesday, November 27. 2007
Thought it was time to report back on my lovely new hip! I had by left hip
resurfaced on Friday 16th Nov with an Adept device in the end, as this gave my
surgeon better sizing options than the BHR. My surgery was carried out at the
Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic in Oswestry (UK) under the care of Prof
James Richardson.
Continue reading "Maggie's Hip Resurfacing in the UK"
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