Guest guest Posted April 24, 2003 Report Share Posted April 24, 2003 Hi: As I have previously mentioned, I am 58, in average shape, not athletic or one who participates in workouts. I had problems with my left hip x 5 years. Able to downhill ski in Colorado and Utah until 1 year ago. The last six months were very bad, limited walking, " Impressive limp " , unable to sleep at night. The first (Day) & week after surgery I had no residual hip pain. Of course there was incisional pain. I had the sensation (described by another hippy that there was a bowling ball in my hip. This was due to lots of leg swelling which resulted in stiffness and loss of ROM. I concentrated on getting the swelling out with limited walking, keeping the foot supported and elevated to the height of my shoulder when lying in bed or a recliner. No ice or any other treatments. I was off of all pain meds at 8 days. The swelling was basinally gone at 9-10 days. I have performed minimal exercise but my range of motion has dramatically improved. I have 85 degrees of hip flexion when standing up. I have been asked by my OS to avoid weight- bearing by staying on crutches but I can easily stand fully on the operated side for a few seconds if required and no pain. MY inablity to lift straight leg up from lying flat is my principle problem which I am certain is due to muscle atrophy. I returned to work for two days at 16 days post op. 8-5 day as a hospital based radiologist was a little tiring. I then had a 3 day easter holiday. This Monday (20-21 days since my surgery was at 4-6 PM) I returned to full-time work including call. Yesterday I was able to stand and perform a procedure on a patient where I removed 1400 CC of fluid from the abdomen under Ultrasound guidance. My crutches were against the wall. Hurrah bfor resurfacing! I am still using crutches to get around as directed but hope to be off after my 4 week check up with Dr. Vail. I am now pain free except tenderness at the incision which has healed well. Thanks to all for your support prior to my procedure. in NC C+ (L) 3/31/03, Dr. VAIL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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