Bilateral THR the journey begins . . .
- Thread starter cr8tvt
- Start date
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United Statescr8tvt
junior member
day 40 (how's that for a coincidence @Michegon) -
saw the OS today (Dr. Mayman at HSS - a prince) -
we talked for about 20 minutes, I recorded it (he wouldn't sing . . . ) -
as anticipated, i'm progressing well - now i need to start outpatient PT and i'm cleared to start more strength training in addition to increasing flexibility and range of motion.
the aches and pains that i feel occasionally or post-PT are all to be expected.
saw first pictures of my implants - scary wonderful -
my before & after pictures of my knees were interesting - seems like i did get some knee arthritis relief in both knees (now that they're aligned better) -
he also explained that given the rate of wear of the plastic liners in the hips, they should last about 500 years . . .
he gave me a plastic card that i can show security people at the airport, (but we joked about the fact that every terrorist probably has one). he suggested just going through a scanner when they are available so they can see the implants as opposed to setting off the metal detector alarms -
so i'm now off all surgery related meds and i can go back to my usual vitamin supplements and ibuprofen as needed - activities of daily living are approaching normal - i've become boring . . . (yay) -
i was also told that i need to wait another 6 weeks before attempting any impact related activities (running, jumping, etc.) - given how far things have progressed in the first 6 weeks, i can't wait to see what another 6 will bring -
saw the OS today (Dr. Mayman at HSS - a prince) -
we talked for about 20 minutes, I recorded it (he wouldn't sing . . . ) -
as anticipated, i'm progressing well - now i need to start outpatient PT and i'm cleared to start more strength training in addition to increasing flexibility and range of motion.
the aches and pains that i feel occasionally or post-PT are all to be expected.
saw first pictures of my implants - scary wonderful -
my before & after pictures of my knees were interesting - seems like i did get some knee arthritis relief in both knees (now that they're aligned better) -
he also explained that given the rate of wear of the plastic liners in the hips, they should last about 500 years . . .
he gave me a plastic card that i can show security people at the airport, (but we joked about the fact that every terrorist probably has one). he suggested just going through a scanner when they are available so they can see the implants as opposed to setting off the metal detector alarms -
so i'm now off all surgery related meds and i can go back to my usual vitamin supplements and ibuprofen as needed - activities of daily living are approaching normal - i've become boring . . . (yay) -
i was also told that i need to wait another 6 weeks before attempting any impact related activities (running, jumping, etc.) - given how far things have progressed in the first 6 weeks, i can't wait to see what another 6 will bring -
Michegon
senior
@cr8tvt , 40 days and i just saw Noah. More Questions than answers with the movie. Kinda Corny. Now to reality. Went to the fitness center where i work and everyone (everyone) said i was taller. I checked and i was 3/4 of an inch taller. Kool. Better for my BMI. I am tired. I am weaning off 240 oxycodone per month and we have cut that back to 90 per month to get me off the narcotics. I had 2 people sign up for training today as they are having hip issues. Now i have the CRED because of going through this process Beachgal is awsome as are the rest of the Bonesmart family. Hey, could someone give me a Michigan Avitar as i am clueless on that!!
bottomshollow
Former BoneSmart staff member
cr8tvt
junior member
thanks all - (@beachgal, @Michegon, @Jaycey, @bottomshollow, @CodeGirl et al . . . )
and yes, people have told me i'm taller as well - pretty funny (and that i look thinner - even funnier) -
and they're surprised that i'm walking so much better than before (at which point i remind them that THAT's why i had the surgery . . . duh . . . )
and I am tired also and i haven't even been on the pain meds for about 3 weeks -
don't know if this is age related, just too much sitting around, or? i have an appointment for a physical next month. perhaps something in my bloodwork wil provide a clue - need to figure out how to find my get up and go - (or simply ignore the tiredness and just get up and go anyway . . . ) -
and yes, people have told me i'm taller as well - pretty funny (and that i look thinner - even funnier) -
and they're surprised that i'm walking so much better than before (at which point i remind them that THAT's why i had the surgery . . . duh . . . )
and I am tired also and i haven't even been on the pain meds for about 3 weeks -
don't know if this is age related, just too much sitting around, or? i have an appointment for a physical next month. perhaps something in my bloodwork wil provide a clue - need to figure out how to find my get up and go - (or simply ignore the tiredness and just get up and go anyway . . . ) -
cr8tvt
junior member
hi folks -
today is 8 weeks since BTHR -
i celebrated by mowing the lawn (walk behind non-self-propelled power mower), trimming the edges (big job after 9 weeks (my adult kids mowed, but no trimming - beggars can't be choosers), and sawing a large broken branch off a tree -
so i finally answered my earlier question - mowing the lawn = 8 weeks (easily - probably could have done it last week, but as long as i had a volunteer . . .
)
started outpatient PT (i've been exercising on my own - ) - we'll see what they have to add -
range of motion is pretty good (much better than prior to surgery), but i have to work on strength, especially abduction and hamstrings -
still need to work on stamina as well -
hope you are all doing well -
today is 8 weeks since BTHR -
i celebrated by mowing the lawn (walk behind non-self-propelled power mower), trimming the edges (big job after 9 weeks (my adult kids mowed, but no trimming - beggars can't be choosers), and sawing a large broken branch off a tree -
so i finally answered my earlier question - mowing the lawn = 8 weeks (easily - probably could have done it last week, but as long as i had a volunteer . . .
)started outpatient PT (i've been exercising on my own - ) - we'll see what they have to add -
range of motion is pretty good (much better than prior to surgery), but i have to work on strength, especially abduction and hamstrings -
still need to work on stamina as well -
hope you are all doing well -
beachgal
post-grad
@cr8tvt, just saw you recent post and it sounds great!! So many things are opening to you now, and I still have restrictions but see my OS in a week so I hope he'll cut me loose from some of them.
Keep posting! I want to see how wonderfully you're doing!!
Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum
Keep posting! I want to see how wonderfully you're doing!!
Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum
cr8tvt
junior member
thanks @beachgal - nice to know someone's still listening (although, like i've said before, i've gotten boring . . . )
so this is for you -
went down to the beach yesterday and took some long walks in the surf -
walking in the sand has been easier than in years -
sat in a very low comfy beach chair and was able to squat down into it and stand with ease -
i love playing with my new toys . . .
and you're approaching 6 weeks - 9/5? -
like i said - 6 weeks is magical -
and 8 weeks, is even better -
6 months will be amazing -
i still get stiff after sitting a while and my muscles sometimes complain a bit the next day after making 'em work - but i just let 'em know that i'm not putting up with any of that nonsense - this should just keep getting easier -
it's very strange, prior to the surgery i was simply resigned to feeling older as time goes by, and now it's just the opposite - i'm feeling younger every day - crazy wonderful - -
)so this is for you -
went down to the beach yesterday and took some long walks in the surf -
walking in the sand has been easier than in years -
sat in a very low comfy beach chair and was able to squat down into it and stand with ease -
i love playing with my new toys . . .
and you're approaching 6 weeks - 9/5? -
like i said - 6 weeks is magical -
and 8 weeks, is even better -
6 months will be amazing -
i still get stiff after sitting a while and my muscles sometimes complain a bit the next day after making 'em work - but i just let 'em know that i'm not putting up with any of that nonsense - this should just keep getting easier -
it's very strange, prior to the surgery i was simply resigned to feeling older as time goes by, and now it's just the opposite - i'm feeling younger every day - crazy wonderful - -
Last edited by a moderator:
You'd be surprised to know how many people are reading about your great recovery!!! Sometimes folks just read and enjoy hearing of your success without actually commenting. So don't every stop with the great reports. They are anything but boring to us BoneSmarties!!! We LIVE for success stories!!!
cr8tvt
junior member
thanks jamie -
i've always been one who was awed by the simple things in life (e.g. a lotus flower in bloom) - so i still can't get over the miracle of having new hips that work better than ever -
it truly is nothing short of miraculous -
i don't actually feel them in there, but i'm continually amazed at what i can do now -
i only hope that it lasts and that everyone has as good or better luck than i've had -
i've always been one who was awed by the simple things in life (e.g. a lotus flower in bloom) - so i still can't get over the miracle of having new hips that work better than ever -
it truly is nothing short of miraculous -
i don't actually feel them in there, but i'm continually amazed at what i can do now -
i only hope that it lasts and that everyone has as good or better luck than i've had -
beachgal
post-grad
@cr8tvt, you've given me a visual gift this morning! I can smell the salty air and feel the delicious wet sand between my toes! So jealous yet so happy for you!
It IS a miracle! I say that so often. Just to be able to get around with zero pain baffles me!! Yes, 9/5 is my 6-wk mark and I see my OS on 9/8 to let him know he can find me on the coast if he needs me!! Ready to go home!!
Hubby and dog are here with me now until we caravan home so life is good!
Keep updating your thread. You never know who you'll inspire.
Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum
It IS a miracle! I say that so often. Just to be able to get around with zero pain baffles me!! Yes, 9/5 is my 6-wk mark and I see my OS on 9/8 to let him know he can find me on the coast if he needs me!! Ready to go home!!
Hubby and dog are here with me now until we caravan home so life is good!
Keep updating your thread. You never know who you'll inspire.
Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum
Michegon
senior
@cr8tvt , Nice to see you doing life stuff. Remember i am 1 day ahead of you also with great results. My biggest "yes' was putting on my socks while having my foot on my other knee. That has been two years i could not do that. Today went to the farmers market and just WALKED around with a smile on my face. Thanks Beachgal and Jamie.
cr8tvt
junior member
foot on other knee is still an exercise for me -
the residual hip tightness puts strain on the upper knee -
but i'm getting there - they're coming down -
for shoes and socks i can use a chair, but usually i put socks and shoes on by sitting on the second step and then putting my foot on the first step and i can easily lean forward and pull on socks, tie shoes, trim toenails, etc. reaching around the leg that's up (and i get a nice comfortable stretch in the hips) - i couldn't do that before surgery -
for me, the precaution of not being able to cross your legs was not a challenge since i hadn't been able to cross my legs in years -
it's funny when i'm hangin' with other people and i see them casually cross a foot over a knee or cross their thighs and i have flex envy . . .
but yes,, the ability to just casually walk around or to just stand talking to a friend without pain is still amazing -
i actually prefer standing to sitting sometimes - that's crazy -
the residual hip tightness puts strain on the upper knee -
but i'm getting there - they're coming down -
for shoes and socks i can use a chair, but usually i put socks and shoes on by sitting on the second step and then putting my foot on the first step and i can easily lean forward and pull on socks, tie shoes, trim toenails, etc. reaching around the leg that's up (and i get a nice comfortable stretch in the hips) - i couldn't do that before surgery -
for me, the precaution of not being able to cross your legs was not a challenge since i hadn't been able to cross my legs in years -
it's funny when i'm hangin' with other people and i see them casually cross a foot over a knee or cross their thighs and i have flex envy . . .
but yes,, the ability to just casually walk around or to just stand talking to a friend without pain is still amazing -
i actually prefer standing to sitting sometimes - that's crazy -
cr8tvt
junior member
12 weeks and 2 days out -
just a brief update -
i went for a 1 hour bike ride at the beach today (sandy hook, nj) and i felt great -
beautiful day . . .
1st outdoor bike ride in years -
i had no idea how much i was "tolerating" for years . . .
this is great -
just a brief update -
i went for a 1 hour bike ride at the beach today (sandy hook, nj) and i felt great -
beautiful day . . .
1st outdoor bike ride in years -
i had no idea how much i was "tolerating" for years . . .
this is great -
MajorHeidi
big-cheese
cr8tvt
junior member
my friends keep hooking me up with their friends/acquaintances in regard to my hip experiences (i guess since i'm doing so well and have become such an advocate), and i had a call today, so i thought of the forum and stopped by -
i had BLTHR 7/3/14, almost 8 months, and couldn't be happier -
i stand straighter, (people think i lost weight), my knees rarely bother me now (they hurt before the hip surgery - tore both ACLs skiing 30+ years ago - no reconstruction because at the time it was not routine and i'm very stable now - wear townsend knee braces when playing sports), hips don't hurt at all, back spasms are virtually gone, i'm a new man . . . -
i still exercise daily (mostly stretches and range of motion) and i walk (not as much as i should) -
they tell me that 90% of hips implants are still good after 20 years -
80% after 30 -
but given my before and after, i'd be happy with 10 -
the change in my quality of life has been great -
the satisfaction that you can get from yardwork and shoveling snow is incredible - (i know, i may be crazy, but it's true) -
last November i walked all over Croatia and Slovenia and then i walked in the Macy's Thanksgiving parade as a balloon handler for the 11th time - (that was only 4 to almost 5 months out) - didn't even have to miss 1 year . . . .
i wish you all the good fortune that i've had -
good luck -
i had BLTHR 7/3/14, almost 8 months, and couldn't be happier -
i stand straighter, (people think i lost weight), my knees rarely bother me now (they hurt before the hip surgery - tore both ACLs skiing 30+ years ago - no reconstruction because at the time it was not routine and i'm very stable now - wear townsend knee braces when playing sports), hips don't hurt at all, back spasms are virtually gone, i'm a new man . . .
-i still exercise daily (mostly stretches and range of motion) and i walk (not as much as i should) -
they tell me that 90% of hips implants are still good after 20 years -
80% after 30 -
but given my before and after, i'd be happy with 10 -
the change in my quality of life has been great -
the satisfaction that you can get from yardwork and shoveling snow is incredible - (i know, i may be crazy, but it's true) -
last November i walked all over Croatia and Slovenia and then i walked in the Macy's Thanksgiving parade as a balloon handler for the 11th time - (that was only 4 to almost 5 months out) - didn't even have to miss 1 year . . . .
i wish you all the good fortune that i've had -
good luck -
And WOW a balloon handler for the Macy's parade?! That is so cool 
Plus walking all over Croatia and Slovenia - sounds like a fantastic trip 
Life sure is terrific on painless hips, isn't it?!
copsham
post-grad
Hello @cr8tvt
Good to read your progress I think it is good to have positive feedback as well as the complex feedback so that the site is balanced and reflects all the different experiences. Read that you were walking in Slovenia, my favourite place in the world (along side Shetland that is). Having done a longish walk today I am thinking and planning holidays to come. What a luxury to have a good walk in my sixth week post op. Haven,t done a similar walk for five or more years. We are definitely lucky
Karen
Good to read your progress I think it is good to have positive feedback as well as the complex feedback so that the site is balanced and reflects all the different experiences. Read that you were walking in Slovenia, my favourite place in the world (along side Shetland that is). Having done a longish walk today I am thinking and planning holidays to come. What a luxury to have a good walk in my sixth week post op. Haven,t done a similar walk for five or more years. We are definitely lucky
Karen
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