Re: : THR -- Anterior Approach - Any Personal Experience With It?YEs -

[Guest guest]

Hi ,That is certainly encouraging -- my surgery is scheduled for March 8 on the Profx table (the one developed by Dr. Matta).Were you actually free of all the restrictions that I had been dreading for the more standard posterior approach -- lying in bed on my back -- high seating only etc.What was recovery - could you function on your own more or less -- i.e. get out of bed in the middle of the night to pee LOL?Thanks.HelenOn Feb 25, 2007, at 5:36 PM, Jess Villagomez wrote:I had a THR anterior approach with Mattas table on 11/30/06 less than 3 months ago. Dr. Proffesor of orthopedic medicine performed it on me.  I went back to work on 1/10/07. I am 32 female, incision is small. will post some of my pics as I took pics of the incision how small, will post later on the site. C CHAVEZ <rick3557msn> wrote:I'm confused!  You are talking about "Anterior" hip replacement and I've also been looking into something called "MIS" mini-incision by Zimmer.  Is there a difference between these two.  I have been diagnosed with "advanced avascular necrosis" and am going to see an ortho doctor on Tuesday (Feb 27th),  I'm just trying to find out as much about these procedures as possible.  I also have muscular dystrophy, so when I hear of procedures that go "around" the muscles instead of "cutting" through them I have hope.  Thanks,  Rick  Re: THR -- Anterior Approach - Any Personal Experience With It?I have heard of this. Sounds like a great idea to me. No muscles cut = quicker recovery. I was also a sceptic regarding recovery. A lot of the time people associate hip resurfacing with doing cartwheels down the hospital corridor on day 2. True there are some fantastic stories but the reason I chose resurfacing was to conserve bone. Seems to me the recovery is about the same. Deb> > >> > > Hi there,> > >> > > I will be having THR done with the anterior approach -- Almost> > > everything I have read deals with recovery and restrictions with> > the> > > other approaches.> > >> > > The stuff I have read relating to the anterior approach seems too> > > good to be true -- like a weight loss advertisement with tiny> > print> > > disclaiming that results might vary LOL.> > >> > > I would like to prepare myself physically (i.e. any stuff around> > the> > > house) and emotionally/psychologically (better to go in knowing> > the> > > worst and be pleasantly surprised).> > >> > > From what I've read, I won't need the toilet seat booster, won't> > > have to sleep on my back, can reach in front -- I do think there> > are> > > restrictions on extending the leg behind but I will have to forgo> > my> > > turn as the Sugar Plum Fairy this year I guess LOL.> > >> > > If I do need stuff, I would like to get it this week and feel that> > I> > > have done everything possible to get ready -- way to exert SOME> > > control -- I am really trying not to focus on being immobilized on> > a> > > table while strangers prod, slice, saw, extract my bones and> > listen> > > to music not of my choosing ha ha.> > >> > > I would really appreciate anyone who has had a THR done with> > anterior> > > approach to let me know how their recovery went.> > >> > > Thanks.> > >> > > Helen> > >> >> >> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi, Helen I had no restirctions and full weight bearing almost immediately although I was very scared and it was painful while I was in the hospital. I considered myself prety active, I have 4 children under 12 and I work a full time job and I was not miracously up and about like a lot of sites claim although when I woke up I had NO PAIN for two days, I was just sleepy. I also had an epidural in and it was the most amazing thing after they took it out the next day they gave me just the drip and pain pills then they took my drip then I felt PAIN! They gave me vicodin and davorcet . then I tried to stand up and I was so light headed from not eating and pain pills that I fell while I was trying to walk. nothing happened but my husband was horrified becasue he was packing me to go home. I had to stay another day. when I came home for about 8 days I could

only sleep on my back and I had a walker and needed assistance to get out of bed to use the bathroom at noght and day. I had a raised toiled but it still hurt really bad to get in and out plus I got a urinary infection and I was miserable. But I have to tell you that my life has improved because I can WALK and SLEEP any position without pain or any pain med. I stopped taking it after 3 day home and weaned myself off with TEA called seven azares, a mexican homeopathic DETOX tea that my friend recommended and brought to me, I added cinamon and a slices of apple to make it taste Yummy for me as I am a very finnicky eater. I was very spektical of the tea getting rid of my headaches from being off of vicodin but after day 2 and tea every two hours they subsided. I also had the anterior approach on that table, my surgeon and his residents did tell me that they did have a minor glitch with the

table as I am 5'2 the foot slipped out of the boot tduring surgery but the tied it up to prevent it from slipping. Table is made for taller individuals. My incision healed really nice and it looks really smaller than I thought. Also as result of this surgery I look better as I lost 15 pounds and I look more toned as I probably use more muscles than I did before my accident 4 years ago. One of legs still is slight longer but it is correcting every month and it looks much better now. By the way I had my surgery at UCLA. Take care and lots of luck, jujulabee@... wrote: Hi , That is certainly encouraging -- my surgery is scheduled for March 8 on the Profx table (the one developed by Dr. Matta). Were you actually free of all the restrictions that I had been dreading for the more standard posterior approach -- lying in bed on my back -- high seating only etc. What was recovery - could you function on your own more or less -- i.e. get out of bed in the middle of the night to pee LOL? Thanks. Helen On

Feb 25, 2007, at 5:36 PM, Jess Villagomez wrote: I had a THR anterior approach with Mattas table on 11/30/06 less than 3 months ago. Dr. Proffesor of orthopedic medicine performed it on me. I went back to work on 1/10/07. I am 32 female, incision is small. will post some of my pics as I took pics of the incision how small, will post later

on the site. C CHAVEZ <rick3557msn> wrote: I'm confused! You are talking about "Anterior" hip replacement and I've also been looking into something called "MIS" mini-incision by Zimmer. Is there a difference between these two. I have been diagnosed with "advanced avascular necrosis" and am going to see an ortho doctor on Tuesday (Feb 27th), I'm just trying to find out as much about these procedures as possible. I also have muscular dystrophy, so when I hear of procedures that go "around" the muscles instead of "cutting" through them I have hope. Thanks, Rick Re: THR -- Anterior Approach - Any Personal Experience With It? I have heard of this. Sounds like a great idea to me. No muscles cut = quicker recovery. I was also a sceptic regarding recovery. A lot of the time people associate hip resurfacing with doing cartwheels down the hospital corridor on day 2. True there are some fantastic stories but the reason I chose resurfacing was to conserve bone.

Seems to me the recovery is about the same. Deb> > >> > > Hi there,> > >> > > I will be having THR done with the anterior approach -- Almost> > > everything I have read deals with recovery and restrictions with> > the> > > other approaches.> > >> > > The stuff I have read relating to the anterior approach seems too> > > good to be true -- like a weight loss advertisement with tiny> > print> > > disclaiming that results might vary LOL.> > >> > > I would like to prepare myself physically (i.e. any stuff around> > the> > > house) and emotionally/psychologically (better to go in knowing> > the> > > worst and be pleasantly surprised).> > >> > > From what I've read, I won't need the toilet seat booster, won't> > > have to sleep on my back, can reach in front -- I do think

there> > are> > > restrictions on extending the leg behind but I will have to forgo> > my> > > turn as the Sugar Plum Fairy this year I guess LOL.> > >> > > If I do need stuff, I would like to get it this week and feel that> > I> > > have done everything possible to get ready -- way to exert SOME> > > control

-- I am really trying not to focus on being immobilized on> > a> > > table while strangers prod, slice, saw, extract my bones and> > listen> > > to music not of my choosing ha ha.> > >> > > I would really appreciate anyone who has had a THR done with> > anterior> > > approach to let me know how their recovery went.> > >> > > Thanks.> > >> > > Helen> > >> >> >> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,Oh my -- I am a hair short of 5' 4" with short legs so now there is something else to worry about LOL -- I have already read that I should write a big NO on the hip that isn't being operated on.I assume you got the URI from the catheter -- another experience which I am NOT looking forward to -- I am just trying to dwell on the "other side" when the constant pain is gone.They tried to get you home at 2 days -- that seems quite a short period of time. I will have the surgery on a Thursday so the earliest departure would be Monday as there is no discharge on the weekend. I just don't know realistically how much assistance I will need.HelenOn Feb 25, 2007, at 7:07 PM, Jess Villagomez wrote:Hi, Helen I had no restirctions and full weight bearing almost immediately although I was very scared and it was painful while I was in the hospital. I considered myself prety active, I have 4 children under 12 and I work a full time job and I was not miracously up and about like a lot of sites claim although  when I woke up I had NO PAIN for two days, I was just sleepy. I also had an epidural in and it was the most amazing thing after they took it out the next day they gave me just the drip  and pain pills then they took my drip then I felt PAIN! They gave me vicodin and davorcet . then I tried to stand up and I was so light headed from not eating and pain pills that I fell while I was trying to walk. nothing happened but my husband was horrified becasue he was packing me to go home. I had to stay another day. when I came home for about  8 days I c! ould only sleep on my back and I had a walker and needed assistance to get out of bed to use the bathroom at noght and day. I had a raised toiled but it still hurt really bad to get in and out plus I got a urinary infection and I was miserable. But I have to tell you that my life has improved because I can WALK and SLEEP any position without pain or any pain med. I stopped taking it after 3 day home and weaned myself off with TEA called seven azares, a mexican homeopathic DETOX tea that my friend recommended and brought to me, I added cinamon and a slices of apple to make it taste Yummy for me as I am a very finnicky eater.  I was very spektical of the tea getting rid of my headaches from being off of vicodin but after day 2 and tea every two hours they subsided. I also had the anterior approach on that table, my surgeon and his residents did tell me that they did have a minor glitch with the table as I am 5'2 the foot slipped out of the boot tduring surgery but the tied it up to prevent it from slipping.  Table is made for taller individuals. My incision healed really nice and it looks really smaller than I thought. Also as result of this surgery I look better as I lost 15 pounds and I look more toned as I probably use more muscles than I did before my accident 4 years ago. One of legs still is slight longer but it is correcting every month and it looks much better now. By the way I had my surgery at UCLA. Take care and lots of luck,  jujulabeemac wrote:Hi ,That is certainly enc! ouraging -- my surgery is scheduled for March 8 on the Profx table (the one developed by Dr. Matta).Were you actually free of all the restrictions that I had been dreading for the more standard posterior approach -- lying in bed on my back -- high seating only etc.What was recovery - could you function on your own more or less -- i.e. get out of bed in the middle of the night to pee LOL?Thanks.HelenOn Feb 25, 2007, at 5:36 PM, Jess Villagomez wrote:I had a THR anterior approach with Mattas table on 11/30/06 less than 3 months ago. Dr. Proffesor of orthopedic medicine performed it on me.  I went back to work on 1/10/07. I am 32 female, incision is small. will post some of my pics as I took pics of the incision how small, will post lat! er on the site. C CHAVEZ <rick3557msn> wrote:I'm confused!  You are talking about "Anterior" hip replacement and I've also been looking into something called "MIS" mini-incision by Zimmer.  Is there a difference between these two.  I have been diagnosed with "advanced avascular necrosis" and am going to see an ortho doctor on Tuesday (Feb 27th),  I'm just trying to find out as much about these procedures as possible.  I also have muscular dystrophy, so when I hear of procedures that go "around" the muscles instead of "cutting" through them I have hope.  Thanks,  Rick  Re: THR -- Anterior Approach - Any Personal Experience With It?I have heard of this. Sounds like a great idea to me. No muscles cut = quicker recovery. I was also a sceptic regarding recovery. A lot of the time people associate hip resurfacing with doing cartwheels down the hospital corridor on day 2. True there are some fantastic stories but the reason I chose resurfacing was to conserve bone. Seems to me the recovery is about the same. Deb> > >> > > Hi there,> > >> > > I will be having THR done with the anterior approach -- Almost> > > everything I have read deals with recovery and restrictions with> > the> > > other approaches.> > ; >> > > The stuff I have read relating to the anterior approach seems too> > > good to be true -- like a weight loss advertisement with tiny> > print> > > disclaiming that results might vary LOL.> > >> > > I would like to prepare myself physically (i.e. any stuff around> > the> > > house) and emotionally/psychologically (better to go in knowing> > the> > > worst and be pleasantly surprised).> > >> > > From what I've read, I won't need the toilet seat booster, won't> > > have to sleep on my back, can reach in front -- I do think there> > are> > > restrictions on extending the leg behind but I will have to forgo> > my> > > turn as the Sugar Plum Fairy this year I guess LOL.> > >> > > If I do need stuff, I would like to get it this week and feel that> > I> > > have done everything possible to get ready -- way to exert SOME> > > contr! ol -- I am really trying not to focus on being immobilized on> > a> > > table while strangers prod, slice, saw, extract my bones and> > listen> > > to music not of my choosing ha ha.> > >> > > I would really appreciate anyone who has had a THR done with> > anterior> > > approach to let me know how their recovery went.> > >> > > Thanks.> > >> > > Helen> > >> >> >> >>

[Guest guest]

hi ,

while i was in the pre surgery room (can't think of the actual name they call it, duh :-), they had me initial my bad leg. the L L was there for quite a while before it finally washed away. ;-)

i had a catheter for a couple days and did not have any problems.

i have no pain now, the constant pain i had prior to the surgery has left the building (lol) and the only pain i have now is from the muscle and it only hurts if i use my leg too much. i'm walking great, getting around, feel wonderful. all is good, i'm SO glad i had the surgery. i'm 5 weeks out today.

i was in the hospital from monday through friday. i stayed an extra day only because the day i was supposed to be discharged i was super out of it because they gave me my ativan along with my loratab and i was very loopy. that and my husband kept telling the doctor i was not ready to go home -- i think because he was afraid to take care of me, fearing something would go wrong at home. but it didn't. i did great from day one.

stay as long as you can -- more time to recover with professionals around. i'm glad i stayed that extra day.

don't worry (i know that's impossible to do); everything will turn out fine. best wishes. you'll be in my prayers.

Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

Hi ,

Oh my -- I am a hair short of 5' 4" with short legs so now there is something else to worry about LOL -- I have already read that I should write a big NO on the hip that isn't being operated on.

I assume you got the URI from the catheter -- another experience which I am NOT looking forward to -- I am just trying to dwell on the "other side" when the constant pain is gone.

They tried to get you home at 2 days -- that seems quite a short period of time. I will have the surgery on a Thursday so the earliest departure would be Monday as there is no discharge on the weekend. I just don't know realistically how much assistance I will need.

Helen

[Guest guest]

hi again Helen ;-)

i was full weight bearing right away -- or as much weight as i could tolerate. i was surprised when i was told that, but happy.

i had virtually NO pain whatsoever for 2 days after surgery; i had an epidural. when they took that out i had some pain, very low on the pain scale -- was given loratab orally and again, NO pain! i've really had no pain (sometimes a 3 or so on the scale) since the surgery. this has totally amazed me, considering all my poor leg went through.

the first time they got me up i did almost pass out however i was right next to a chair and i sat down and took deep breaths and just rode it out til it passed. that's an awful feeling but it was because i had laid on my back for 2+ days and of course, i was weak, etc., due to the surgery, meds, etc. after that initial time, i never got dizzy again upon standing.

i've slept on my back in my recliner since i got home; still there. ;-) i slept for about 4 hours in my bed one day and woke up so stiff and sore. the recliner is so comfortable. it sort of cradles me and prevents me from rolling to the side. haven't yet tried sleeping on my side, kind of scared to for fear of crossing the midpoint of my body.

i'm still using my walker. my doc said i probably would need to use it for the first 6 weeks and after, i would graduate to a cane. i go see him this wednesday and i'm going to ask him about that. i feel i could probably be using a cane now. i no longer feel weak and i'm walking very well.

i'm still using my commode - haven't tried using the regular potty yet, that's kind of low and i think it would be painful to stoop that far.

i'm still taking my loratab -- 2 a day now, weaning myself off, slowly but surely. ;-)

my incision is 6 inches long (because i'm overweight and i have fat thighs (that's what the doc said), but it has healed wonderfully and is almost invisible; already. it's on the side/back of my thigh.

i haven't detected any discrepancy with the length of my two legs, i think they're probably the same length, don't have any problems at all walking.

all in all, i feel very blessed to have come through this surgery so very well. i had my fears and doubts but they were for nothing. i'm so glad i did it; i feel so much better.

Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

Hi, Helen

I had no restirctions and full weight bearing almost immediately although I was very scared and it was painful while I was in the hospital. I considered myself prety active, I have 4 children under 12 and I work a full time job and I was not miracously up and about like a lot of sites claim although when I woke up I had NO PAIN for two days, I was just sleepy. I also had an epidural in and it was the most amazing thing after they took it out the next day they gave me just the drip and pain pills then they took my drip then I felt PAIN!

They gave me vicodin and davorcet . then I tried to stand up and I was so light headed from not eating and pain pills that I fell while I was trying to walk. nothing happened but my husband was horrified becasue he was packing me to go home. I had to stay another day.

when I came home for about 8 days I could only sleep on my back and I had a walker and needed assistance to get out of bed to use the bathroom at noght and day. I had a raised toiled but it still hurt really bad to get in and out plus I got a urinary infection and I was miserable.

But I have to tell you that my life has improved because I can WALK and SLEEP any position without pain or any pain med. I stopped taking it after 3 day home and weaned myself off with TEA called seven azares, a mexican homeopathic DETOX tea that my friend recommended and brought to me, I added cinamon and a slices of apple to make it taste Yummy for me as I am a very finnicky eater. I was very spektical of the tea getting rid of my headaches from being off of vicodin but after day 2 and tea every two hours they subsided.

I also had the anterior approach on that table, my surgeon and his residents did tell me that they did have a minor glitch with the table as I am 5'2 the foot slipped out of the boot tduring surgery but the tied it up to prevent it from slipping. Table is made for taller individuals.

My incision healed really nice and it looks really smaller than I thought. Also as result of this surgery I look better as I lost 15 pounds and I look more toned as I probably use more muscles than I did before my accident 4 years ago. One of legs still is slight longer but it is correcting every month and it looks much better now.

By the way I had my surgery at UCLA.

Take care and lots of luck,

[Guest guest]

Hi Lindy Lou, Just a suggestion, I asked my Dr. for a prescription for a toilet lift that just sits on top of the seat. I took it to my local pharmacy and it cost me nothing, insurance paid for it. I love it, and now want a comfort height toilet.Diane

Happy Shopper

[Guest guest]

and lindy, because you feel great, don't go and do what I did last week 9 weeks post op carried a case of 36 bottles of water into the house. Its not my new hip that's giving me problems but BOTH of them - won't do that again in a hurry!! fool I am

ann

Re: : THR -- Anterior Approach - Any Personal Experience With It?YEs -

hi ,

while i was in the pre surgery room (can't think of the actual name they call it, duh :-), they had me initial my bad leg. the L L was there for quite a while before it finally washed away. ;-)

i had a catheter for a couple days and did not have any problems.

i have no pain now, the constant pain i had prior to the surgery has left the building (lol) and the only pain i have now is from the muscle and it only hurts if i use my leg too much. i'm walking great, getting around, feel wonderful. all is good, i'm SO glad i had the surgery. i'm 5 weeks out today.

i was in the hospital from monday through friday. i stayed an extra day only because the day i was supposed to be discharged i was super out of it because they gave me my ativan along with my loratab and i was very loopy. that and my husband kept telling the doctor i was not ready to go home -- i think because he was afraid to take care of me, fearing something would go wrong at home. but it didn't. i did great from day one.

stay as long as you can -- more time to recover with professionals around. i'm glad i stayed that extra day.

don't worry (i know that's impossible to do); everything will turn out fine. best wishes. you'll be in my prayers.

Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

Hi ,

Oh my -- I am a hair short of 5' 4" with short legs so now there is something else to worry about LOL -- I have already read that I should write a big NO on the hip that isn't being operated on.

I assume you got the URI from the catheter -- another experience which I am NOT looking forward to -- I am just trying to dwell on the "other side" when the constant pain is gone.

They tried to get you home at 2 days -- that seems quite a short period of time. I will have the surgery on a Thursday so the earliest departure would be Monday as there is no discharge on the weekend. I just don't know realistically how much assistance I will need.

Helen

[Guest guest]

oh no ann, i was wondering about lifting heavy objects . . . take care of yourself!

Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

and lindy, because you feel great, don't go and do what I did last week 9 weeks post op carried a case of 36 bottles of water into the house. Its not my new hip that's giving me problems but BOTH of them - won't do that again in a hurry!! fool I am

ann

[Guest guest]

I usually don’t go into great detail

about the first time they get you up after surgery but I always tell people

if you make it through that you’re going to be OK. My wife was

there when I got up the first time and she ran

out of the room, almost losing her breakfast. It took her a while to

get it together and when she came back in

she still had tears in her eyes. Even today she chokes up when

telling people about it.

[Guest guest]

It’s

not just the lifting you need to worry about it’s the twisting while you

are carrying things that will cause damage

[Guest guest]

i can only imagine how hard it was for her. my husband wasn't there the first time i got up and i'm glad. i agree -- if you make it through that first time, you've got it made from there on, not to scare anyone, but expect to be weak, dizzy, scared . . . accept it and move on.

Hugs,Lindy LouRight THR 1/22/2007

I usually don’t go into great detail about the first time they get you up after surgery but I always tell people

if you make it through that you’re going to be OK. My wife was there when I got up the first time and she ran

out of the room, almost losing her breakfast. It took her a while to get it together and when she came back in

she still had tears in her eyes. Even today she chokes up when telling people about it.