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I am 55, 6" 4" and 235 pounds. After a lifetime of working
out and basketball I discovered a while ago a groin pain that only worsened. An
X-ray revealed deteriorated cartillege in my right hip. I started checking the
Internet and came across your website. It quickly convinced me that resurfacing
was the way to go-not hip replacement. I found Dr. Geller through this site, an
orthopedist at NY Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in upper Manhattan, across the
river from my apartment, who would accept my insurance plan.
I had my operation on Wednesday. Being macho, and unafraid of discomfort, I
insisted on leaving the next day, and although doubtful, Dr. Geller assured me I
could go. Surgery went great and the first night was very painful (I barely
slept). I had refused any painkiller, since I dislike medications of any type.
By the next morning I did give in and take one dosage only because I felt it
would make walking easier that day. 24 hours after the surgery I was up and
walked using a walker, which I exchanged 5 minutes later for a cane. The nurse
said she never saw anyone move as well as I did so soon after surgery.
I left two hours later using the cane, got in a car driven by a friend, and
returned home and prepared a nice Italian lunch in my kitchen, barely using the
cane. The next morning (42 hours after surgery) I was in my car going to two
banks an making three business visits. The third day the cane was gone an I have
since gone about my normal routine upright, without interruption. Today is the
sixth day. My hip is still swollen, but pain-free (no further painkillers nor
other pills since that one time) and I walk almost normally with a bit of a limp
(which I had anyway before the surgery from the arthritis). I am so excited
about getting out on the basketball court again soon. Thanks to Dr. McMinn in
the UK for this great surgical innovation.
I am not writing to brag about my "toughness" but to encourage all readers not
to be afraid of pain or discomfort. Most post-surgery discomfort is the body
healing itself, and if you look at it from that positive viewpoint, you will
appreciate the pain as nature's gift of healing the body. Positive thinking,
overcoming fear, and being able to ignore pain is something I was somewhat
gifted with and further developed within myself, and so can anyone else
preparing for this type of surgery. The more walking done after surgery, the
faster the healing and return to normalcy. Be strong!
Lastly, I must compliment Dr. Jeffrey Geller, a great pro, and I recommend him
to everyone. Also the hospital was very well run and organized (aside from some
snafus in the scheduling department). Feel free to write me if you want further
information.
JOHN CORY
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