WEEK 5 - POST BHR

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WEEK 5 - POST BHR

Date of Report: April 15th, 2001:

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Specifics:

Date of surgery – March 10, 2001

Surgeon – Ronan Treacy

Surgery Type – Right Hip Resurfacing

Location – The Nuffield Hospital, Birmingham, England

Prosthesis – Metal on Metal, Birmingham Hip, Manufactured by

Midland Medical Technologies, Birmingham, England, UK

Surgery Cost – All Inclusive Hospital Package $12,830 (US

Dollars)

Hospital Stay – 7 Days

Post Hospital Stay – Beaumount Nursing Home, 7 Days @ $140 (US

Dollars) per day

Insurance Coverage – US insurance company (paid 96% reimbursement

for surgery and post hospital nursing home care)

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WEEK 5 POST OP REPORT -

Saturday, April 14th marked week 5 post surgery for me.

The most significant improvements this week are:

1. Recovery in the operated leg has improved to the point where

the leg feels much more normal, in terms of strength and

flexibility.

2. There is very little swelling left in the operated leg/thigh.

In fact, if there is any at all, I can't detect it.

3. Confidence and strength in the new hip have grown to the

point where I no longer hesitate before I step, sit or stand.

4. I can swing the operated leg up and onto the bed without

thinking and there is no muscle discomfort when I perform this

maneuver. During week 4, I still had to " think " about his

maneuver as I executed it, even though I could do it without

assistance from the other leg (i.e. hooking the good leg under the

operated leg).

5. Strength and performance in the operated leg have returned to

a point where I no longer need to use my cane. However, I continue

to employee it because it acts as an excellent reminder to myself

(and others) that the hip is a work in progress and not quite ready

for the dirt track yet.

THE BASICS:

WALKING – As much as I want, whenever I want.

DRESSING – Able to completely dress myself without assistance,

including shoes and socks on the operated leg. Like many things this

week (i.e. Week 5), putting my shoes and socks on the operated leg

has become much easier, due to the increased strength and

flexibility.

SLEEPING – On days when I walk longer distances (I am guessing 5

plus miles) I have some creeping that occurs in my operated leg at

night. I thought the sleep sedative the OS prescribed had taken care

of this " problem " , but I still wake occasional from this

phenomenon. This problem does however seem to be diminishing with

time and recovery. This is probably my body telling me I have over

done it today?

PAIN – The groin pain that was bothering me last week has

completely dissipated. There are no other major pains or

complaints.

STRENGTH – Significant improvement in operated leg strength this

week. The operated leg now feels almost normal.

OVERALL HEALTH AND WELL BEING – I feel great.

End of Week 5 Report -

Questions and comments welcome,

Mark