Re: recent surface hippy - 12/15 - have questions, request help

December 18, 2003

At 06:31 AM 12/19/2003 +0000, you wrote:

>1. blood thinning shots for 21 days in the tummy, seems logical, but

>can I get pills. If so, what brand / name?

I had Coumadin (actually warfarin, which is the generic). You might

recognize warfarin as rat poison ;-O. Some docs like the shots, others the

pill. You may not get a choice on this one.

>2. thigh high compression stockings for both legs to prevent blood

>clots. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they seem like a total

>waste, especially with the shots above. please elaborate.

The shots make the blood thin, and the stockings help keep it from pooling

in your legs. The stockings are uncomfortable, but a blood clot can be

deadly.

>3. two crutches for 4-6 weeks, maybe to 1 crutch at 3 weeks

>depending on how I am feeling. Honestly, the crutches are a pain,

>and at this point, if I last 1 week with them I will feel lucky.

>please elaborate.

After my first hip, I was leaving the crutches against the wall very

quickly. I was walking around the house pretty much crutch free after two

weeks. The second hip was another story. I was on crutches for a total of

seven months (!), then the cane for another four. The second hip was VERY

unusual. When you keep leaving them behind, you are ready to give them up,

although some docs insist that you use them for a certain amt. of time. It

was hard to obey when I kept forgetting where I had left them ;-).

>5. no showering until staples come out. so how do you get clean?

>I took sponge baths and washed my hair in the kitchen sink. I was

>surprised at how clean I felt. I got a bottle of rinseless soap from the

>hospital-the ONE thing the insurance would not pay for and it was a whole

>dollar-LOL.

>10. i have an office job, when were you able to go back to work. I

>can sit in a chair for long periods of time right now, so it seems

>okay.

I went back to my desk job after two weeks, and was able to walk around

when I needed to. I found myself very tired when I got home, and it did

take awhile to get back to full strength. Of course, then two weeks after

that, I had the second one done...

>11. Physical therapy - when did you start, for how long, what is

>necessary, was it worthwhile?

A lot of surfacehippies don't find it necessary. It was definitely

necessary for me. I started about six weeks post-op and kept it up for

several weeks. Again though, my situation was very unusual. I had some

nerve issues and had no control over the left leg, so I had lots of therapy

for it.

Cindy

C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01

December 19, 2003

Congrats Larry! Re the shower/staples. Jan (Dr De Smets assistant) dressed my

stitches with a waterproof dressing so that I could shower, bathe and swim in

the pool 2 days after surgery! You should be able to obtain the same sort of

dressing.

Regards,

Rock climbin' Jude

LBHR De Smet 09/11/02

recent surface hippy - 12/15 - have questions, request

help

Hello everyone,

Well, Monday morning I went in for unilaterla left hip resurface

surgery, and here I am on thursday night, at home, with very minimal

pain and discomfort. I went to the JRI in Losa Angeles, Dr

Schmalzried operated and the device is a Cormet 2000 by Corin. I

must state that the surgery was much less painful and stressful than

I had anticipated. My heartfelt thanks goes out to all of you who

helped me in my research, helped me make critical decisions all along

this journey....which procedure, Insurance issues, which facility,

which doctor, which device and too many other " small " questions to

put down.

Now that I am home, I have the whole post-op thing to deal with now.

Once again, I am a " rookie " and am relying on all of you to share

your experiences with me to help me make some very important

decisions about my rehab.

I was given a lot of " do's and dont's " and a whole list of

instructions. Based on the way I feel I am not sure how truly

important all of them are. SO here is my list, please comment. MOST

IMPORTANTLY...IF YOU DID SOMETHINGS THAT ARE NOT ON MY LIST, PLEASE

LET ME KNOW...especially if you think it helped. Please comment

1. blood thinning shots for 21 days in the tummy, seems logical, but

can I get pills. If so, what brand / name?

2. thigh high compression stockings for both legs to prevent blood

clots. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they seem like a total

waste, especially with the shots above. please elaborate.

3. two crutches for 4-6 weeks, maybe to 1 crutch at 3 weeks

depending on how I am feeling. Honestly, the crutches are a pain,

and at this point, if I last 1 week with them I will feel lucky.

please elaborate.

4. 7 - 10 days to get staples taken out...seems logical

5. no showering until staples come out. so how do you get clean?

6. No sleeping on my side. With a pillow from groin to foot, i have

no pain at all...so it seems okay. Besides, I hate sleeping on my

back.

7. No driving for at least 10 days. I had my left hip done, and I

feel like I can drive already (automatic not a shift)

8. raised toilet seat, I actually think this is great!

9. Vicodin for pain as needed and Indocid (anti-inflamatory) 3x per

day with meals for 3 days...no issues

10. i have an office job, when were you able to go back to work. I

can sit in a chair for long periods of time right now, so it seems

okay.

11. Physical therapy - when did you start, for how long, what is

necessary, was it worthwhile?

I think this is it for my rehab...AGAIN, if you think i missed

anything, or wish to add something - PLEASE DO SO. I respect your

feedback and input and very much.

Logic tells me that if it doesn't cause pain or discomfort, then it

should be okay. As a rule of thumb though...this could be very

problematic. thoughts?

thanks so much for the support and guidance throughout this entire

ordeal, I couldn't and wouldn't have done it without you! And this

is the honest truth.

Sincerely

Larry Wein

JRI 12/15/03

larrywein2@...

December 19, 2003

> 1. blood thinning shots for 21 days in the tummy, seems logical, but

> can I get pills. If so, what brand / name?

I had pills, (forget the name; they were something special for

people who get gastric reflux from aspirin) but some doctors prefer

the shots, because they don't aggravate your stomach and go directly

into the bloodstream.

> 2. thigh high compression stockings for both legs to prevent blood

> clots. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they seem like a total

> waste, especially with the shots above. please elaborate.

I had a knee high sock on the good leg, thigh high was only on the

operated leg. Allowed to take them off just at night after two weeks,

if there was no swelling, but had to wear them in the daytime for 6

weeks. I found if I didn't wear the long one, the operated leg gave me

more pain, so I wore it even most nights. Some people experienced a

lot of swelling in their legs after day 5; don't take them off just

yet. Blood clots can cause strokes, or worse.

> 3. two crutches for 4-6 weeks, maybe to 1 crutch at 3 weeks

> depending on how I am feeling.

Do you have forearm crutches, or the older wooden style? The

forearm ones are much easier. I went to one crutch indoors at 5 days,

but obeyed orders to use two on long outdoor walks for 4 weeks, then

switched to a cane for 3 more weeks. Kept losing it indoors after 6

weeks; I think if you don't limp or hurt AT ALL, it's OK not to use

it, but if you are having any pain, you still need the support. Don't

just grin and bear it without the walking aids; this is not the time

to be macho...

> 5. no showering until staples come out. so how do you get clean?

I was allowed to shower with my staples in (drying the incision well

with something sterile immediately afterwards), but no swimming for 6

weeks.

> 6. No sleeping on my side.

Sleeping on the non-operated side was allowed after two days. Couldn't

sleep on the operated leg for about 7 weeks because it aggravated it.

> 7. No driving for at least 10 days. I had my left hip done, and I

> feel like I can drive already (automatic not a shift)

Your reflexes may not be as good as you think, and the anaesthetic

may still be in your system. Ten days is nothing; I had my right hip

done and was ordered to wait 6 weeks.

> 8. raised toilet seat, I actually think this is great!

Many short people don't need this, but if you're tall (I'm almost 6

feet) it's wonderful, and helps remind you not to bend your leg more

than 90 degrees at the hip.

> 10. i have an office job, when were you able to go back to work.

I went back to work after 3 weeks, part-time. If you get up and move

around a lot every half hour, it should be OK when you feel up to it.

But the anaesthetic generally makes you get tired more easily for the

first few weeks, so starting out part-time might be a good idea.

> 11. Physical therapy - when did you start, for how long, what is

> necessary, was it worthwhile?

Had PT in the hospital (I was in for 6 days), and they gave me a

list of 12 exercises to do at home for two months. Many people don't

need it after that. I had a few pre-op problems with muscles and

ligaments, so I'm going to see a physio whose had both his hips

resurfaced, tomorrow, to get advice on what I should be doing to

improve my gait and ROM.

> Logic tells me that if it doesn't cause pain or discomfort, then it

> should be okay. As a rule of thumb though...this could be very

> problematic. thoughts?

You may still have some numbness in your thigh that won't let you

know you're doing something to aggravate it. Try to slow down a bit,

at least for the first two months, so your joint capsule can heal.

After that, you'll probably do fine if you just listen to your body

(and not to your head that wants to get back into some high-impact

activity and ignores the pain... ) If you have no pain and you're

young, and were reasonably fit before the operation, you can probably

get back to doing most things fairly quickly, but I recommend you

don't push too hard at first.

n

rBHR Oct.17/03 McMinn

December 19, 2003

Hi Larry,

I had the shots but but the socks, my OS said they serve no purpose..

20kg weigh bearing restriction on two crutches for six weeks.

Sponge baths with my wife's assistance (very pleaseant!)

I started physio immediately, continued until six week check up and

was told to stop. Best to walk and swim... I think my OS was afraid

the physiotherapist would over do it and complicate things for me.

I felt like driving at three weeks but waited till six. I also went

back to my office job at seven weeks, could have been much sooner but

I was told to relax and take it easy. No arguments there! I started

sleeping on my non op side at three weeks with a pillow between my

legs, at six weeks I was given permission to do this!

I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that recovery

should be gradual.

Casey

> 7. No driving for at least 10 days. I had my left hip done, and I

> feel like I can drive already (automatic not a shift)

> 8. raised toilet seat, I actually think this is great!

> 9. Vicodin for pain as needed and Indocid (anti-inflamatory) 3x

per

> day with meals for 3 days...no issues

> 10. i have an office job, when were you able to go back to work.

I

> can sit in a chair for long periods of time right now, so it seems

> okay.

> 11. Physical therapy - when did you start, for how long, what is

> necessary, was it worthwhile?

>

> I think this is it for my rehab...AGAIN, if you think i missed

> anything, or wish to add something - PLEASE DO SO. I respect your

> feedback and input and very much.

>

> Logic tells me that if it doesn't cause pain or discomfort, then it

> should be okay. As a rule of thumb though...this could be very

> problematic. thoughts?

>

> thanks so much for the support and guidance throughout this entire

> ordeal, I couldn't and wouldn't have done it without you! And this

> is the honest truth.

>

> Sincerely

> Larry Wein

> JRI 12/15/03

>

> larrywein2@a...

December 19, 2003

Hi Larry

1 Blood thinning shots in the tummy are no problem. Most people baulk at them

initially but it is the most pain free place to have an injection. Wolfram is a

blood thinning tablet as is to a smaller degree aspirin.

2 Compression stockings. You only have half the story - they aid your Lymphatic

system as well. A lot of people suffer with leg swelling which is the lymphatic

system not being able to get the rubbish away from your limb.

We all know how uncomfortable they are but personally I would rather diminish

the risk of blood clotting.

3 You need crutches to support and stop you from falling over - dangerous with a

new hip. Fastest I've seen is 4 days post op but usually 2 weeks with walking

stick (cane). In the UK we don't tend to use under arm crutches with

resurfacing. We use a frame for a few days, then go onto to made to measure

sticks.

4 OK

5 We are in a shower 2 days after operation ( as soon as the drain is out of

your leg)- We use waterproof dressings - A soap on a rope is very useful even if

you make your own - NO bending to pick up anything you way drop.

6 No sleeping on your side - dislocation could occur on your side

7 Driving. Danger is slamming your foot on the brake in an emergency stop which

is your right leg only In Europe it is compulsory to have car insurance. You

are breaking the law if you drive whilst medically you are told not to. The

Insurance company would state that your not covered and effectively your driving

without insurance. I realise your not a European but as many Americans are

coming here it's worthwhile pointing it out.

8. Raised Toilet Seat. Great - I'm tall and wish they make toilets higher.

This would suit older people as well.

9 Morphine for pain is self administered as a drip into the back of the hand.

...................................................anti inflammatory tablets were

not recommended by my OS but I know other OS;s do.

10 OK

11 At day 2 and for about 6 weeks.- worthwhile ?......it certainly did no harm

Rog

recent surface hippy - 12/15 - have questions, request

help

Hello everyone,

Well, Monday morning I went in for unilaterla left hip resurface

surgery, and here I am on thursday night, at home, with very minimal

pain and discomfort. I went to the JRI in Losa Angeles, Dr

Schmalzried operated and the device is a Cormet 2000 by Corin. I

must state that the surgery was much less painful and stressful than

I had anticipated. My heartfelt thanks goes out to all of you who

helped me in my research, helped me make critical decisions all along

this journey....which procedure, Insurance issues, which facility,

which doctor, which device and too many other " small " questions to

put down.

Now that I am home, I have the whole post-op thing to deal with now.

Once again, I am a " rookie " and am relying on all of you to share

your experiences with me to help me make some very important

decisions about my rehab.

I was given a lot of " do's and dont's " and a whole list of

instructions. Based on the way I feel I am not sure how truly

important all of them are. SO here is my list, please comment. MOST

IMPORTANTLY...IF YOU DID SOMETHINGS THAT ARE NOT ON MY LIST, PLEASE

LET ME KNOW...especially if you think it helped. Please comment

1. blood thinning shots for 21 days in the tummy, seems logical, but

can I get pills. If so, what brand / name?

2. thigh high compression stockings for both legs to prevent blood

clots. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they seem like a total

waste, especially with the shots above. please elaborate.

3. two crutches for 4-6 weeks, maybe to 1 crutch at 3 weeks

depending on how I am feeling. Honestly, the crutches are a pain,

and at this point, if I last 1 week with them I will feel lucky.

please elaborate.

4. 7 - 10 days to get staples taken out...seems logical

5. no showering until staples come out. so how do you get clean?

6. No sleeping on my side. With a pillow from groin to foot, i have

no pain at all...so it seems okay. Besides, I hate sleeping on my

back.

7. No driving for at least 10 days. I had my left hip done, and I

feel like I can drive already (automatic not a shift)

8. raised toilet seat, I actually think this is great!

9. Vicodin for pain as needed and Indocid (anti-inflamatory) 3x per

day with meals for 3 days...no issues

10. i have an office job, when were you able to go back to work. I

can sit in a chair for long periods of time right now, so it seems

okay.

11. Physical therapy - when did you start, for how long, what is

necessary, was it worthwhile?

I think this is it for my rehab...AGAIN, if you think i missed

anything, or wish to add something - PLEASE DO SO. I respect your

feedback and input and very much.

Logic tells me that if it doesn't cause pain or discomfort, then it

should be okay. As a rule of thumb though...this could be very

problematic. thoughts?

thanks so much for the support and guidance throughout this entire

ordeal, I couldn't and wouldn't have done it without you! And this

is the honest truth.

Sincerely

Larry Wein

JRI 12/15/03

larrywein2@...

December 20, 2003

thanks so much for the advice. I am experiencing pretty major

swelling in my operated leg after day 5 as you suggested a lot of us

do. DO you know why this could be? my wound is clean. I have

minimal pain. reasons I can think of....

1. I have not been wearing the stockings very much

2. I have been fairly active in terms of getting up and down,

sitting in chairs and couches, walking around a little bit, etc....

3. Using 1 or no crutches in the house

I am taking all prescribed medicines, and the shot and have very

minimal pain.

Is the selling normal post-op? seems like it could be expected. How

can I reduce the swelling? should I keep my bad leg raised? What

couls have casued this? At what point should I become concerned, see

a doctor?

thanks again....

LArry

>

> > 1. blood thinning shots for 21 days in the tummy, seems logical,

but

> > can I get pills. If so, what brand / name?

> I had pills, (forget the name; they were something special for

> people who get gastric reflux from aspirin) but some doctors prefer

> the shots, because they don't aggravate your stomach and go directly

> into the bloodstream.

> > 2. thigh high compression stockings for both legs to prevent

blood

> > clots. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they seem like a

total

> > waste, especially with the shots above. please elaborate.

> I had a knee high sock on the good leg, thigh high was only on

the

> operated leg. Allowed to take them off just at night after two

weeks,

> if there was no swelling, but had to wear them in the daytime for 6

> weeks. I found if I didn't wear the long one, the operated leg gave

me

> more pain, so I wore it even most nights. Some people experienced a

> lot of swelling in their legs after day 5; don't take them off just

> yet. Blood clots can cause strokes, or worse.

> > 3. two crutches for 4-6 weeks, maybe to 1 crutch at 3 weeks

> > depending on how I am feeling.

> Do you have forearm crutches, or the older wooden style? The

> forearm ones are much easier. I went to one crutch indoors at 5

days,

> but obeyed orders to use two on long outdoor walks for 4 weeks, then

> switched to a cane for 3 more weeks. Kept losing it indoors after 6

> weeks; I think if you don't limp or hurt AT ALL, it's OK not to use

> it, but if you are having any pain, you still need the support.

Don't

> just grin and bear it without the walking aids; this is not the time

> to be macho...

>

> > 5. no showering until staples come out. so how do you get clean?

> I was allowed to shower with my staples in (drying the incision well

> with something sterile immediately afterwards), but no swimming for

6

> weeks.

> > 6. No sleeping on my side.

> Sleeping on the non-operated side was allowed after two days.

Couldn't

> sleep on the operated leg for about 7 weeks because it aggravated

it.

> > 7. No driving for at least 10 days. I had my left hip done, and

I

> > feel like I can drive already (automatic not a shift)

> Your reflexes may not be as good as you think, and the

anaesthetic

> may still be in your system. Ten days is nothing; I had my right hip

> done and was ordered to wait 6 weeks.

>

> > 8. raised toilet seat, I actually think this is great!

> Many short people don't need this, but if you're tall (I'm

almost 6

> feet) it's wonderful, and helps remind you not to bend your leg more

> than 90 degrees at the hip.

>

> > 10. i have an office job, when were you able to go back to work.

> I went back to work after 3 weeks, part-time. If you get up and

move

> around a lot every half hour, it should be OK when you feel up to

it.

> But the anaesthetic generally makes you get tired more easily for

the

> first few weeks, so starting out part-time might be a good idea.

> > 11. Physical therapy - when did you start, for how long, what is

> > necessary, was it worthwhile?

> Had PT in the hospital (I was in for 6 days), and they gave me a

> list of 12 exercises to do at home for two months. Many people don't

> need it after that. I had a few pre-op problems with muscles and

> ligaments, so I'm going to see a physio whose had both his hips

> resurfaced, tomorrow, to get advice on what I should be doing to

> improve my gait and ROM.

>

> > Logic tells me that if it doesn't cause pain or discomfort, then

it

> > should be okay. As a rule of thumb though...this could be very

> > problematic. thoughts?

> You may still have some numbness in your thigh that won't let

you

> know you're doing something to aggravate it. Try to slow down a bit,

> at least for the first two months, so your joint capsule can heal.

> After that, you'll probably do fine if you just listen to your body

> (and not to your head that wants to get back into some high-impact

> activity and ignores the pain... ) If you have no pain and you're

> young, and were reasonably fit before the operation, you can

probably

> get back to doing most things fairly quickly, but I recommend you

> don't push too hard at first.

> n

> rBHR Oct.17/03 McMinn

December 20, 2003

thanks so much for the advice. I am experiencing pretty major

swelling in my operated leg after day 5 as you suggested a lot of us

do. DO you know why this could be? my wound is clean. I have

minimal pain. reasons I can think of....

1. I have not been wearing the stockings very much

2. I have been fairly active in terms of getting up and down,

sitting in chairs and couches, walking around a little bit, etc....

3. Using 1 or no crutches in the house

I am taking all prescribed medicines, and the shot and have very

minimal pain.

Is the selling normal post-op? seems like it could be expected. How

can I reduce the swelling? should I keep my bad leg raised? What

couls have casued this? At what point should I become concerned, see

a doctor?

thanks again....

LArry

>

> > 1. blood thinning shots for 21 days in the tummy, seems logical,

but

> > can I get pills. If so, what brand / name?

> I had pills, (forget the name; they were something special for

> people who get gastric reflux from aspirin) but some doctors prefer

> the shots, because they don't aggravate your stomach and go directly

> into the bloodstream.

> > 2. thigh high compression stockings for both legs to prevent

blood

> > clots. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they seem like a

total

> > waste, especially with the shots above. please elaborate.

> I had a knee high sock on the good leg, thigh high was only on

the

> operated leg. Allowed to take them off just at night after two

weeks,

> if there was no swelling, but had to wear them in the daytime for 6

> weeks. I found if I didn't wear the long one, the operated leg gave

me

> more pain, so I wore it even most nights. Some people experienced a

> lot of swelling in their legs after day 5; don't take them off just

> yet. Blood clots can cause strokes, or worse.

> > 3. two crutches for 4-6 weeks, maybe to 1 crutch at 3 weeks

> > depending on how I am feeling.

> Do you have forearm crutches, or the older wooden style? The

> forearm ones are much easier. I went to one crutch indoors at 5

days,

> but obeyed orders to use two on long outdoor walks for 4 weeks, then

> switched to a cane for 3 more weeks. Kept losing it indoors after 6

> weeks; I think if you don't limp or hurt AT ALL, it's OK not to use

> it, but if you are having any pain, you still need the support.

Don't

> just grin and bear it without the walking aids; this is not the time

> to be macho...

>

> > 5. no showering until staples come out. so how do you get clean?

> I was allowed to shower with my staples in (drying the incision well

> with something sterile immediately afterwards), but no swimming for

6

> weeks.

> > 6. No sleeping on my side.

> Sleeping on the non-operated side was allowed after two days.

Couldn't

> sleep on the operated leg for about 7 weeks because it aggravated

it.

> > 7. No driving for at least 10 days. I had my left hip done, and

I

> > feel like I can drive already (automatic not a shift)

> Your reflexes may not be as good as you think, and the

anaesthetic

> may still be in your system. Ten days is nothing; I had my right hip

> done and was ordered to wait 6 weeks.

>

> > 8. raised toilet seat, I actually think this is great!

> Many short people don't need this, but if you're tall (I'm

almost 6

> feet) it's wonderful, and helps remind you not to bend your leg more

> than 90 degrees at the hip.

>

> > 10. i have an office job, when were you able to go back to work.

> I went back to work after 3 weeks, part-time. If you get up and

move

> around a lot every half hour, it should be OK when you feel up to

it.

> But the anaesthetic generally makes you get tired more easily for

the

> first few weeks, so starting out part-time might be a good idea.

> > 11. Physical therapy - when did you start, for how long, what is

> > necessary, was it worthwhile?

> Had PT in the hospital (I was in for 6 days), and they gave me a

> list of 12 exercises to do at home for two months. Many people don't

> need it after that. I had a few pre-op problems with muscles and

> ligaments, so I'm going to see a physio whose had both his hips

> resurfaced, tomorrow, to get advice on what I should be doing to

> improve my gait and ROM.

>

> > Logic tells me that if it doesn't cause pain or discomfort, then

it

> > should be okay. As a rule of thumb though...this could be very

> > problematic. thoughts?

> You may still have some numbness in your thigh that won't let

you

> know you're doing something to aggravate it. Try to slow down a bit,

> at least for the first two months, so your joint capsule can heal.

> After that, you'll probably do fine if you just listen to your body

> (and not to your head that wants to get back into some high-impact

> activity and ignores the pain... ) If you have no pain and you're

> young, and were reasonably fit before the operation, you can

probably

> get back to doing most things fairly quickly, but I recommend you

> don't push too hard at first.

> n

> rBHR Oct.17/03 McMinn

December 20, 2003

Larry

The swelling happens with about half the patients. There is no need to worry.

It is most likely your Lymphatic circuit in your leg.Each limb have a circuit

which in turn connects to your main circuit in your bodies trunk. These

circuits are getting rid of waste products generated in your body.

To reduce the swelling you can walk OR put your feet up when resting ( feet to

be at least above the level of your stomach) OR wear the stocking. Best results

are to do all three.

Rog BHR both hips Treacy 2001

Re: recent surface hippy - 12/15 - have questions,

request help

thanks so much for the advice. I am experiencing pretty major

swelling in my operated leg after day 5 as you suggested a lot of us

do. DO you know why this could be? my wound is clean. I have

minimal pain. reasons I can think of....

1. I have not been wearing the stockings very much

2. I have been fairly active in terms of getting up and down,

sitting in chairs and couches, walking around a little bit, etc....

3. Using 1 or no crutches in the house

I am taking all prescribed medicines, and the shot and have very

minimal pain.

Is the selling normal post-op? seems like it could be expected. How

can I reduce the swelling? should I keep my bad leg raised? What

couls have casued this? At what point should I become concerned, see

a doctor?

thanks again....

LArry

>

> > 1. blood thinning shots for 21 days in the tummy, seems logical,

but

> > can I get pills. If so, what brand / name?

> I had pills, (forget the name; they were something special for

> people who get gastric reflux from aspirin) but some doctors prefer

> the shots, because they don't aggravate your stomach and go directly

> into the bloodstream.

> > 2. thigh high compression stockings for both legs to prevent

blood

> > clots. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they seem like a

total

> > waste, especially with the shots above. please elaborate.

> I had a knee high sock on the good leg, thigh high was only on

the

> operated leg. Allowed to take them off just at night after two

weeks,

> if there was no swelling, but had to wear them in the daytime for 6

> weeks. I found if I didn't wear the long one, the operated leg gave

me

> more pain, so I wore it even most nights. Some people experienced a

> lot of swelling in their legs after day 5; don't take them off just

> yet. Blood clots can cause strokes, or worse.

> > 3. two crutches for 4-6 weeks, maybe to 1 crutch at 3 weeks

> > depending on how I am feeling.

> Do you have forearm crutches, or the older wooden style? The

> forearm ones are much easier. I went to one crutch indoors at 5

days,

> but obeyed orders to use two on long outdoor walks for 4 weeks, then

> switched to a cane for 3 more weeks. Kept losing it indoors after 6

> weeks; I think if you don't limp or hurt AT ALL, it's OK not to use

> it, but if you are having any pain, you still need the support.

Don't

> just grin and bear it without the walking aids; this is not the time

> to be macho...

>

> > 5. no showering until staples come out. so how do you get clean?

> I was allowed to shower with my staples in (drying the incision well

> with something sterile immediately afterwards), but no swimming for

6

> weeks.

> > 6. No sleeping on my side.

> Sleeping on the non-operated side was allowed after two days.

Couldn't

> sleep on the operated leg for about 7 weeks because it aggravated

it.

> > 7. No driving for at least 10 days. I had my left hip done, and

I

> > feel like I can drive already (automatic not a shift)

> Your reflexes may not be as good as you think, and the

anaesthetic

> may still be in your system. Ten days is nothing; I had my right hip

> done and was ordered to wait 6 weeks.

>

> > 8. raised toilet seat, I actually think this is great!

> Many short people don't need this, but if you're tall (I'm

almost 6

> feet) it's wonderful, and helps remind you not to bend your leg more

> than 90 degrees at the hip.

>

> > 10. i have an office job, when were you able to go back to work.

> I went back to work after 3 weeks, part-time. If you get up and

move

> around a lot every half hour, it should be OK when you feel up to

it.

> But the anaesthetic generally makes you get tired more easily for

the

> first few weeks, so starting out part-time might be a good idea.

> > 11. Physical therapy - when did you start, for how long, what is

> > necessary, was it worthwhile?

> Had PT in the hospital (I was in for 6 days), and they gave me a

> list of 12 exercises to do at home for two months. Many people don't

> need it after that. I had a few pre-op problems with muscles and

> ligaments, so I'm going to see a physio whose had both his hips

> resurfaced, tomorrow, to get advice on what I should be doing to

> improve my gait and ROM.

>

> > Logic tells me that if it doesn't cause pain or discomfort, then

it

> > should be okay. As a rule of thumb though...this could be very

> > problematic. thoughts?

> You may still have some numbness in your thigh that won't let

you

> know you're doing something to aggravate it. Try to slow down a bit,

> at least for the first two months, so your joint capsule can heal.

> After that, you'll probably do fine if you just listen to your body

> (and not to your head that wants to get back into some high-impact

> activity and ignores the pain... ) If you have no pain and you're

> young, and were reasonably fit before the operation, you can

probably

> get back to doing most things fairly quickly, but I recommend you

> don't push too hard at first.

> n

> rBHR Oct.17/03 McMinn

December 20, 2003

Larry

The swelling happens with about half the patients. There is no need to worry.

It is most likely your Lymphatic circuit in your leg.Each limb have a circuit

which in turn connects to your main circuit in your bodies trunk. These

circuits are getting rid of waste products generated in your body.

To reduce the swelling you can walk OR put your feet up when resting ( feet to

be at least above the level of your stomach) OR wear the stocking. Best results

are to do all three.

Rog BHR both hips Treacy 2001

Re: recent surface hippy - 12/15 - have questions,

request help

thanks so much for the advice. I am experiencing pretty major

swelling in my operated leg after day 5 as you suggested a lot of us

do. DO you know why this could be? my wound is clean. I have

minimal pain. reasons I can think of....

1. I have not been wearing the stockings very much

2. I have been fairly active in terms of getting up and down,

sitting in chairs and couches, walking around a little bit, etc....

3. Using 1 or no crutches in the house

I am taking all prescribed medicines, and the shot and have very

minimal pain.

Is the selling normal post-op? seems like it could be expected. How

can I reduce the swelling? should I keep my bad leg raised? What

couls have casued this? At what point should I become concerned, see

a doctor?

thanks again....

LArry

>

> > 1. blood thinning shots for 21 days in the tummy, seems logical,

but

> > can I get pills. If so, what brand / name?

> I had pills, (forget the name; they were something special for

> people who get gastric reflux from aspirin) but some doctors prefer

> the shots, because they don't aggravate your stomach and go directly

> into the bloodstream.

> > 2. thigh high compression stockings for both legs to prevent

blood

> > clots. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they seem like a

total

> > waste, especially with the shots above. please elaborate.

> I had a knee high sock on the good leg, thigh high was only on

the

> operated leg. Allowed to take them off just at night after two

weeks,

> if there was no swelling, but had to wear them in the daytime for 6

> weeks. I found if I didn't wear the long one, the operated leg gave

me

> more pain, so I wore it even most nights. Some people experienced a

> lot of swelling in their legs after day 5; don't take them off just

> yet. Blood clots can cause strokes, or worse.

> > 3. two crutches for 4-6 weeks, maybe to 1 crutch at 3 weeks

> > depending on how I am feeling.

> Do you have forearm crutches, or the older wooden style? The

> forearm ones are much easier. I went to one crutch indoors at 5

days,

> but obeyed orders to use two on long outdoor walks for 4 weeks, then

> switched to a cane for 3 more weeks. Kept losing it indoors after 6

> weeks; I think if you don't limp or hurt AT ALL, it's OK not to use

> it, but if you are having any pain, you still need the support.

Don't

> just grin and bear it without the walking aids; this is not the time

> to be macho...

>

> > 5. no showering until staples come out. so how do you get clean?

> I was allowed to shower with my staples in (drying the incision well

> with something sterile immediately afterwards), but no swimming for

6

> weeks.

> > 6. No sleeping on my side.

> Sleeping on the non-operated side was allowed after two days.

Couldn't

> sleep on the operated leg for about 7 weeks because it aggravated

it.

> > 7. No driving for at least 10 days. I had my left hip done, and

I

> > feel like I can drive already (automatic not a shift)

> Your reflexes may not be as good as you think, and the

anaesthetic

> may still be in your system. Ten days is nothing; I had my right hip

> done and was ordered to wait 6 weeks.

>

> > 8. raised toilet seat, I actually think this is great!

> Many short people don't need this, but if you're tall (I'm

almost 6

> feet) it's wonderful, and helps remind you not to bend your leg more

> than 90 degrees at the hip.

>

> > 10. i have an office job, when were you able to go back to work.

> I went back to work after 3 weeks, part-time. If you get up and

move

> around a lot every half hour, it should be OK when you feel up to

it.

> But the anaesthetic generally makes you get tired more easily for

the

> first few weeks, so starting out part-time might be a good idea.

> > 11. Physical therapy - when did you start, for how long, what is

> > necessary, was it worthwhile?

> Had PT in the hospital (I was in for 6 days), and they gave me a

> list of 12 exercises to do at home for two months. Many people don't

> need it after that. I had a few pre-op problems with muscles and

> ligaments, so I'm going to see a physio whose had both his hips

> resurfaced, tomorrow, to get advice on what I should be doing to

> improve my gait and ROM.

>

> > Logic tells me that if it doesn't cause pain or discomfort, then

it

> > should be okay. As a rule of thumb though...this could be very

> > problematic. thoughts?

> You may still have some numbness in your thigh that won't let

you

> know you're doing something to aggravate it. Try to slow down a bit,

> at least for the first two months, so your joint capsule can heal.

> After that, you'll probably do fine if you just listen to your body

> (and not to your head that wants to get back into some high-impact

> activity and ignores the pain... ) If you have no pain and you're

> young, and were reasonably fit before the operation, you can

probably

> get back to doing most things fairly quickly, but I recommend you

> don't push too hard at first.

> n

> rBHR Oct.17/03 McMinn

December 20, 2003

Larry....

You really must follow your doctor's orders. If he/she says to wear the

stockings, then wear the stockings you must. At least until this critical

stage is past. Being fairly active and walking about...sitting, standing

and walking about your house is a good thing. However, doing this without

both crutches or with no crutches is not a good idea. Your hip has been

through a major trauma (have you seen the pictures or video if this

surgery?) and needs time to HEAL. While healing is a state of mind, it is

first and foremost a state of BODY. Treat your body better then you have

been doing.

Walk with 1 or 2 crutches, whatever your doctor has told you. What weight

bearing did the doctor tell you to be? Whatever percent, then that is the

rule you must follow. Elevate your leg. Raise it while you are sitting.

If you are not raising it, this can cause pooling and swelling in your leg.

I know it is tough, but try and be the " good " patient and obey your

physician's rules. The time will fly by.

Lois C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont

Re: recent surface hippy - 12/15 - have

questions, request help

thanks so much for the advice. I am experiencing pretty major

swelling in my operated leg after day 5 as you suggested a lot of us

do. DO you know why this could be? my wound is clean. I have

minimal pain. reasons I can think of....

1. I have not been wearing the stockings very much

2. I have been fairly active in terms of getting up and down,

sitting in chairs and couches, walking around a little bit, etc....

3. Using 1 or no crutches in the house

I am taking all prescribed medicines, and the shot and have very

minimal pain.

Is the selling normal post-op? seems like it could be expected. How

can I reduce the swelling? should I keep my bad leg raised? What

couls have casued this? At what point should I become concerned, see

a doctor?

thanks again....

LArry

>

> > 1. blood thinning shots for 21 days in the tummy, seems logical,

but

> > can I get pills. If so, what brand / name?

> I had pills, (forget the name; they were something special for

> people who get gastric reflux from aspirin) but some doctors prefer

> the shots, because they don't aggravate your stomach and go directly

> into the bloodstream.

> > 2. thigh high compression stockings for both legs to prevent

blood

> > clots. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they seem like a

total

> > waste, especially with the shots above. please elaborate.

> I had a knee high sock on the good leg, thigh high was only on

the

> operated leg. Allowed to take them off just at night after two

weeks,

> if there was no swelling, but had to wear them in the daytime for 6

> weeks. I found if I didn't wear the long one, the operated leg gave

me

> more pain, so I wore it even most nights. Some people experienced a

> lot of swelling in their legs after day 5; don't take them off just

> yet. Blood clots can cause strokes, or worse.

> > 3. two crutches for 4-6 weeks, maybe to 1 crutch at 3 weeks

> > depending on how I am feeling.

> Do you have forearm crutches, or the older wooden style? The

> forearm ones are much easier. I went to one crutch indoors at 5

days,

> but obeyed orders to use two on long outdoor walks for 4 weeks, then

> switched to a cane for 3 more weeks. Kept losing it indoors after 6

> weeks; I think if you don't limp or hurt AT ALL, it's OK not to use

> it, but if you are having any pain, you still need the support.

Don't

> just grin and bear it without the walking aids; this is not the time

> to be macho...

>

> > 5. no showering until staples come out. so how do you get clean?

> I was allowed to shower with my staples in (drying the incision well

> with something sterile immediately afterwards), but no swimming for

6

> weeks.

> > 6. No sleeping on my side.

> Sleeping on the non-operated side was allowed after two days.

Couldn't

> sleep on the operated leg for about 7 weeks because it aggravated

it.

> > 7. No driving for at least 10 days. I had my left hip done, and

I

> > feel like I can drive already (automatic not a shift)

> Your reflexes may not be as good as you think, and the

anaesthetic

> may still be in your system. Ten days is nothing; I had my right hip

> done and was ordered to wait 6 weeks.

>

> > 8. raised toilet seat, I actually think this is great!

> Many short people don't need this, but if you're tall (I'm

almost 6

> feet) it's wonderful, and helps remind you not to bend your leg more

> than 90 degrees at the hip.

>

> > 10. i have an office job, when were you able to go back to work.

> I went back to work after 3 weeks, part-time. If you get up and

move

> around a lot every half hour, it should be OK when you feel up to

it.

> But the anaesthetic generally makes you get tired more easily for

the

> first few weeks, so starting out part-time might be a good idea.

> > 11. Physical therapy - when did you start, for how long, what is

> > necessary, was it worthwhile?

> Had PT in the hospital (I was in for 6 days), and they gave me a

> list of 12 exercises to do at home for two months. Many people don't

> need it after that. I had a few pre-op problems with muscles and

> ligaments, so I'm going to see a physio whose had both his hips

> resurfaced, tomorrow, to get advice on what I should be doing to

> improve my gait and ROM.

>

> > Logic tells me that if it doesn't cause pain or discomfort, then

it

> > should be okay. As a rule of thumb though...this could be very

> > problematic. thoughts?

> You may still have some numbness in your thigh that won't let

you

> know you're doing something to aggravate it. Try to slow down a bit,

> at least for the first two months, so your joint capsule can heal.

> After that, you'll probably do fine if you just listen to your body

> (and not to your head that wants to get back into some high-impact

> activity and ignores the pain... ) If you have no pain and you're

> young, and were reasonably fit before the operation, you can

probably

> get back to doing most things fairly quickly, but I recommend you

> don't push too hard at first.

> n

> rBHR Oct.17/03 McMinn

December 20, 2003