Recent Resurfacing by Dr. Gross

[Guest guest]

Exactly 30 days ago, Dr. Tom Gross in Columbia, SC resurfaced my left

hip. Because I come from Boston, considered the " Mecca " of medicine

and surgery, my friends suspected I was somewhat crazy to travel to

SC for hip surgery. When I felt expansive, I explained hip

resurfacing as opposed to a THR. Otherwise, I just changed the

subject.

I had a conventional Boston THR on my right hip 3 years ago and

suffered 4 subsequent episodes of dislocation. When my left hip

deteriorated severely, I worried about possible adverse consequences

of another THR: more dislocations, inability to bend down, etc.

In the course of searching the net for " minimally invasive hip

surgery " , I encountered this blessed chat group, learned about hip

resurfacing, and followed it for a few weeks. I was impressed with

what I read about Dr. Gross, contacted him, sent him my vital

information, made a date for surgery and had it done August 27. (We

had discussed repairing my right THR, whose ball is probably too

small and perhaps compounded by too much capsule removal. I decided

to make a deal with myself that if I have two more dislocation

episodes, I will get it repaired. So far, my extra attention to

bending over is succeeding.)

My surgery and recovery experience was almost pleasant. Dr. Gross'

office visit was thorough and cordial. At his office and the

Lexington Medical Center, courteous, capable technicians performed

all tests on blood, urine, ECG, X-rays, etc., and even arranged a

ride back to my hotel. At 7:15AM the next morning, Dr. Gross

operated on me. I woke up a few hours later with a catheter, icing

machine, epidural, and pulsating leg boots, so that I experienced no

pain and only minor discomfort.

After 3 days, I was able to use a toilet, so I did not have to repeat

the horrible experiences I had with bed pans after my Boston THR.

Because I did not want to go to a rehab center, Lee Webb, Dr. Gross'

excellent assistant, arranged for me to stay a little longer after

surgery, by which time, I walked with a cane and flew home.

I travelled both ways as a handicapped person and was treated well

and comfortably by the airline people. I have caring children, but

could see no point in their accompanying me to SC, to sit and look at

me. I brought my music, books and cell phone and was fully amused.

The care I received from the hospital staff was superb. I do not see

how they could have possibly been any more helpful and friendly than

they were and I am still very grateful.

I was particularly impressed by the extra attention Dr. Gross paid to

preventing the possibility of blood clots. He prescribed medication

and subsequent self injections, which I performed. I know people who

have suffered brain damage subsequent to hip surgery, so I am

grateful for his concern.

My only complaint was with the food, which was not to my taste, but I

wasn't hungry anyway. My only present complaint is that after I

returned home, I had gained 4 pounds!

I am now almost ready to walk without my cane. Every day, my hip

grows a little stronger and independent, so that the people I see

daily comment on my rapid progress.

Thank you all for the enormous help you have given me. I shall

always be grateful to you.

One last comment: I also am a devoted tennis player and Dr. Gross

promised I would be able to play again 3 months after my surgery. So

far, it seems likely, but I will need his opinion when I return for

my 6 week checkup.

Thanks again to you all! You Surfacehippies helped me enormously!!

[Guest guest]

>

> One last comment: I also am a devoted tennis player and Dr. Gross

> promised I would be able to play again 3 months after my surgery.

So

> far, it seems likely, but I will need his opinion when I return for

> my 6 week checkup.

>

> Thanks again to you all! You Surfacehippies helped me enormously!!

Hi and welcome to the Gross Group! *Ü*

I, too, am an avid tennis player. I'm 15 weeks postop and looking

forward to being able to play again competitively. Dr Gross has told

me that I can start hitting the ball (with a ball machine or someone

who can hit it RIGHT TO ME) at 3 mos post op, but to wait til 6 mos

to play competitively again. It gives the hip area time to heal and

get tight in there. I've gotten out on the court with my beloved ball

machine and it was like being in heaven! It felt SO GOOD to hit the

ball again and experience no pain in the process.

Continued good luck in your healing process. I'll be back to see Lee

and Dr Gross in Dec. Anxiously awaiting the green light to PLAY!!! Of

course, there will be no 'sacrificing of the body' for me from now on!

6/12/03

RHR Dr Gross

[Guest guest]

>

> One last comment: I also am a devoted tennis player and Dr. Gross

> promised I would be able to play again 3 months after my surgery.

So

> far, it seems likely, but I will need his opinion when I return for

> my 6 week checkup.

>

> Thanks again to you all! You Surfacehippies helped me enormously!!

Hi and welcome to the Gross Group! *Ü*

I, too, am an avid tennis player. I'm 15 weeks postop and looking

forward to being able to play again competitively. Dr Gross has told

me that I can start hitting the ball (with a ball machine or someone

who can hit it RIGHT TO ME) at 3 mos post op, but to wait til 6 mos

to play competitively again. It gives the hip area time to heal and

get tight in there. I've gotten out on the court with my beloved ball

machine and it was like being in heaven! It felt SO GOOD to hit the

ball again and experience no pain in the process.

Continued good luck in your healing process. I'll be back to see Lee

and Dr Gross in Dec. Anxiously awaiting the green light to PLAY!!! Of

course, there will be no 'sacrificing of the body' for me from now on!

6/12/03

RHR Dr Gross