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Hip-Hip-Horay! 4 weeks Post-op progress report

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Mtngirl

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Well it's been four weeks since my RTHR and I can definitely say that I waited much too long before having this surgery!* The change in my comfort/pain level has been unbelievable! I should have had this done two years ago.

I went back to the OS yesterday and he was extremely pleased with my progress. I'd had 6 home physical therapy sessions, and far exceeded all their expectations. Doctor was so pleased that he's not recommending any followup PT at this time. In fact, my Physical Therapist told me that if my OS asked me to speak with other potential patients of THR to please say no. Because I was NOT the typical hip patient and she didn't want them to get false hopes and expectations :)

My OS stated that he wanted me to continue my exercises on my own, simply increasing them gradually, and to slowly start walking more. He was adamant that I use a cane for a least the next month. (I can and have been walking around without one, but admit that I do have a significant limp). He said the cane would help stabilize my gait and strengthen the correct muscles to eleminate the limp. I've been of the opinion that he'd gotten the right leg longer than the other. He still maintains, that it will all sort itself out and will be even, but that it will take another 4-8 weeks for that to happen.

So the big thing for me has been the fact that I went back to work yesterday. I'm a police dispatcher for a small town and work 12 hour rotating shifts. It's the type of job where there are times when you might not be able to get up and move around for hours at a time (single person in the office type job). My crew was really good about checking on me and coming in and relieving me for awhile so I could get up and walk around.

I have to admit, the 12hr shift took its toll. I was extremely tired...stiff and sore. I'd gotten used to lying down and resting when I needed it, and not being able to really pushed me to the limits. I know a large part of the "tiredness" and lack of energy also comes from the fact that I'm very anemic. I lost quite a bit of blood during the surgery (hemoglobin down to a 9), but rather than doing a transfusion, they elected to let it build back up thru diet and supplements. I have problems with anemia anyhow (this from gastic bypass surgery 20+ years ago), so it has been a real effort and challenge to get the iron levels built back up. So far I'm not doing too good with that - but then I know that typically takes several months for me see improvement. I'm just impatient to get to feeling better again.

The really good news for me, is that I started back driving at 3 weeks, and have had no problems with it at all. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only am I now more comfortable driving than I was before, but that it's also easier for me to get in and out of my truck. Wow. That was an unexpected bonus. Sunday I went to see the White Lippizzaner Stallion show (I have a friend who is one of their riders) and had to go up and down a long series of steps to get to our seats. I was so pleased that it didn't bother me in the least. (though I did make sure to use the handrails)

So...one month out. I'm still have some pain...but really its more soreness and muscle aches from exercising than anything else. While I do still take some pain meds occasionally, it's definitely not a daily thing. I do find that after sitting for any length of time (a couple of hours or so), that when I first get up I'm stiff...and it takes me several steps to really get my balance and start moving more normally. I still get tired very easily. But I'm walking better now than I have in almost a year, and have far, far less pain and discomfort than before.

All my friends are amazed at my progress. They keep telling me I "look different"...and I guess I do. My closest friend described it as follows: "You no longer have that look of constant pain and discomfort about you. You look fresh and relieved." No argument there.

It's hard for me to believe that it's already been a month. I'm looking forward to continued progress, and in being able to resume horseback riding in about 8 weeks. While I'll admit that this was no picnic, I have faired far, far better than I ever anticipated I would. It was definitely worth having the surgery done. I just wished that instead of trying to "tough it out" and accomodate everyone else by not being out of work etc, that I'd had enough sense to have done it sooner.

I want to thank Josephine and the others who have posted on this site. You've given me valuable information, support and insight. Thank you!
 
You're welcome, Mtngirl. It's a pleaure to know we've helped you in that remarkable success story. Just don't be a stranger now you're getting back into the real world again!
 
I am also celebrating my 4 week anniversaty today, here's how I'm doing with a BHR (Birmingham Hip Resurfacing):

Still need the cane but I can tell it won't be too much longer before I begin to leave it behind.

Blood thinners and stockings are done as of today. Will continue to take Vitamin C (500 mg a day) and low dose asprin.

I had my best day of Physical Therapy so far ever this morning, less pain, more flexibility. Therapist is stretching me just barely shy of that magic 90 degree mark. Able to do straight leg lifts w/o strap or assistance, although they are difficult. My formal PT sessions will continue for at least another month.

Walking 300+ yards a day without having to stop and two 30 minute sessions on the stationary recumbent bike. Stamina/energy is up and down, but improving every day, feeling about 80% normal at this time.

Incision continues to heal well but I've still got those darn strips on my butt, doc's office says they need to stay until they fall off. Darn things itch at night.

Now that the swelling is nearly completely gone (just some on the upper end of hip), I've noticed some shrinking of my thigh muscle. PT says its atrophy, which really surprised me. Planning on specific exercises to address this development. Started to use ankle weights for knee bends.
 
Hey Hippies,
Congratulations on getting through the toughest part. It only gets better from here. (unless you overdo it at this point as I did)
it is the best surgery ever. By the 3 month point, i started hiking again and sure could not tell I have a replacement part!!! Except that it no longer hurt. My good side now has less range of motion than the new improved hip joint!!

Remember you still need rest, pain meds at times and keep reporting the progress.
Mtngirl I can't wait to hear about the first time you get on your horse.
Judy
 
Hi Mtngirl, Glad to hear you are doing so awesomely well at the 4 week stage! I hope your post reassures prospective hippies about all the good outcomes! As Judy says, it only gets better. Tomorrow is my four month anniversary and I cant believe how good my left hip feels.

Mudpro, glad the BHR has also gone well, I will still look into that as a possibility for my right hip.

All the best,
Monica
 
Mtngirl, you've truly done amazingly well, especially if you had traditional approach surgery. Congrats & best wishes for continued excellent progress!

You've a tough job (not just because of 12-hour sitting marathons)--I'm sure many in your community are grateful there's someone dedicated to answer when they call for help, even if they may not know you personally.

As for your chair comfort (from your post in another thread), I certainly hope dispatchers have been provided with ergonomic chairs! I'm very fortunate to work for an office design & furniture company, so I have this incredible chair that even has a gel seat cushion (like sitting on memory foam). Anyway, if you're struggling with figuring out how to adjust the chair to suit you, see if you (or get someone else) can find the manufacturer/model--usually a permanent tag on underside of seat. Most major office chair manufacturers have downloadable adjustment instructions in PDF format on their websites.

All the best as you work toward that next milestone--getting back in the saddle!
 
Mudpro, seems like you're making great progress! (Saw the pic of your incision on another thread--gotta admit it made me REALLY grateful for my own glued 4-incher! Plus, that was some S-curve!)

What's with the vitamin C, though--never heard of that as part of a post-op regimen.
 
I had the traditional posterior incision but it only measures 5 inches. My doc said part of it is under the skin.
Judy
 
Thanks everyone. I'll continue to check back and report on my progress.

PRGal: We got the new chair just before I went out for my surgery...they didn't deliver an owners manual with it, so we've all been just doing the old "trial and error" method. The chair has a decent enough seat cushion, but for some reason I find I need more. I think it may have something to do with my scar etc. It's just one of those things which is annoying - yet you can't quite figure out what it is that is causing you to be annoyed.

Although they had planned a posterior minimally invasive procedure for me, they evidently weren't able to go with that. I have a 9 1/2" long scar. For the most part it doesn't bother me..although it is still a little tender.

I do however, have quite a bit of numbness/tingling in the outside part of my thigh on the opposite leg! It's really quite disconcerting at times. I'm of the belief that it's all tied in to the anemia I'm experiencing at this time.

I was very, very tired after my first night back at work. Luckily for me, it was a dark, rainy day the next morning and I slept almost all day. UUGGH. I dread Friday...the beginning of 3 12 hr day shifts (6am-6pm). Firday will be busy, busy, busy, and Sat and Sunday mostly likely BORING! Still, it's good to be back working. I actually think the prolonged sitting made more sore than I've been being. I'll have to make it a point of getting up and moving more, even if it means dispatching standing up for awhile!

Mudpro: Sounds as if you are doing well. I don't have anywheres near that amount of range of motion...but, I had a RTHR and my doctor still has me on precautions. I worry a bit, that I'm not getting as much ROM back as I should. This is something that is going to be very important for me when I start back horseback riding. But, I'll just have to wait and see how I progress. My doctor told me if I thought I needed more PT later to just let him know and he'd arrange it, so at least I have options. I' d looked into resurfacing, but was told I wasn't a good canidate for that procedure. Oh well, too late now, and I'm happy with what I had done. Hope you continue to do well!
 
Mudpro: Sounds as if you are doing well. I don't have anywheres near that amount of range of motion...

The BHR uses a really large size ball, and they say that helps with getting the ROM back a little sooner than some THR systems.

I' d looked into resurfacing, but was told I wasn't a good canidate for that procedure.

They say resurfacing ts generally not for anyone with chronic bone disease, older patients (over 62), and there is even some discussion about it being a less appropriate option for females. something about the metal ions released from the metal on metal apparatis affecting females more than males. I went back and forth one which process and spoke with two OS who do both procedures before making up my mind. No one system is best for everyone, from your account, you certainly made the right decision for you - Keep up the great recovery!

What's with the vitamin C, though--never heard of that as part of a post-op regimen.

The doc said the Vitamin C promotes healing and helps the immune system stay strong during the recovery period. In addition to the C in pill version, I took up drinking 2 tall glasses of OJ every day too.
 
I am with you on the C mudpro. I have been fighting a cold this week (surgery friday) so I looked it up to see if it was on the no list. Apparantly there are some out there who believe Vitamic C should be in the IV and patients should be told to take it before and after surgery.
Judy
 
Mtngirl
I know I have mentioned it before about me gettin Iron IV therapy. Did you ever look into that? I tend to be impatient and did not want to wait 6 months for my iron levels to build up. Now I have it checked evey 3 months and will get IV therapy if it gets too low.
I forgot if we talked about this before.
Judy
 
I do however, have quite a bit of numbness/tingling in the outside part of my thigh on the opposite leg! It's really quite disconcerting at times. I'm of the belief that it's all tied in to the anemia I'm experiencing at this time.

How long were you 'on the table'? It could be a residual symptom from lying on your side for a long period.



The doc said the Vitamin C promotes healing and helps the immune system stay strong during the recovery period. In addition to the C in pill version, I took up drinking 2 tall glasses of OJ every day too.

Indeed - Vit C is the ultimate supplement for healing. And you just reminded me to add that to my stocking up list for after the event!
 
Mtngirl - just want to say congrats on your awesome recovery!
I too started back this week and it has gone quite well. (I'm 7wks post-op)

I too have benefited from this forum and thank y'all. I have amazed everyone around me with my recovery.

Keep up the good work to all of us!
 
Joshephine: I can't really say how long I was "on the table". In my opinion it wasn't that long...I was in the OR at 7:30am and remember being in Recovery before 9:30am. Didn't seem like it took long at all! I do know that the "numbness/tingling" on the outside of my opposite leg is not getting any better...nor worse. It's just weird feeling.

Sewell: I haven't gone back to my FP yet so haven't asked about IV iron therapy. I know when I was initially diagnosed with pernicious anemia I asked him about it and he vetoed the idea. Probably more so because it's not a therapy he's used to administering. He just said that there were "bad things" that often accompanied IV iron therapy, but wouldn't go into many details other than that it could be quite painful for some people????
I have to admit it's a question I'm going to ask again. Perhaps I do need a referral to a Hemotologist.

I wish I'd had more time I could have been out of work, because it is truly kicking my butt. I find myself being very stiff and sore by the end of the day. I know it's because I'm not being able to get up and move around as much as I need. I've just had some really busy days with no one to relieve me. Sometimes when I go to get up, I can barely straighten up and walk! Fortunately, unlike my pre RTHR days, after a few steps, things improve immensely. And if I can get up and walk for a few minutes, that's even better. I can't really complain too much. Things are still going exceptionally well and I'm still very pleased with my progress. It's still the best thing I've done for myself in a very long time.
 
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