Dr. Gross surgery questions

[Guest guest]

1. I understand that the good doctor like to use epidurals w/ Versed

sedation. Which do they do first? Having never had an epidermal

before, I was wondering what the sensation is like?

I believe my epidural was first, but there was NOTHING to it. They deadened

the area and that procedure was over in about 20 seconds. I had had something

to 'relax' me by that time and I was afraid of the epidural, but when they

said, " Ok, done. " I was shocked. I didn't feel a thing, I actually thought

they were joking. Surgery was pretty cool. They say I was awake and chatting

with them, but I don't remember much of that at all, if any. I remember wanting

to look around the operating room, but I was pretty much out once they

wheeled me in. I woke up asking if Dr. Gross had come in yet. Ha... by that

time

the surgery was already done! The post-op nurses were a little confused about

my post-op pain management, but I handled that swiftly. Once the deadening

wears off, you can slowly start feeling pain and the pain meds they were giving

me had no effect (which I had discussed with them prior to surgery), and when

I started feeling pain, I questioned what they were giving me and sure enough

it was morphine, which has no effect on my. They then gave me something else

and all was fine. The post-op room seemed to be a long time. I was way

ready to do to my room long before they took me.

2. I understand that they keep the epidural in for a few days

afterwards. Can you walk while it is still in?

Odd, I cannot remember when they took it out, but I do know I was walking the

day after surgery. If you're talking about the catheter, that comes out

about day 3-4 and yes, you can walk with it.

3. Do you have any drains placed during surgery?

There was a drain at the incision site, but it also was removed rather

quickly after surgery, maybe the next day. Kinda blurry to me. But that drain

is

of very little concern and causes no discomfort whatsoever.

4. When is it possible to shower after the surgery is complete? (had

my back done a few years ago and felt much better after showering)

I showered on Day 3 with assistance. Actually just a nurse that made sure I

didn't fall or anything. They have to keep the shower door open just in case,

and water went everywhere, but no one cared. Shower felt good and all was

fine.

5. My wife and I have small kids and live cross country from my

family. Is it worth having my wife come along and going through the

hassle of getting family members to stay with the kids, or can I go

it alone?

Many people have gone alone and have done fine. I enjoyed having my

boyfriend there, but you can certainly make it on your own. You can rest/walk

at your

own pace. Many hospital personnel come in and out all thru the day (and

night) and they're all very nice but if you get lonely, you can carefully crutch

the halls and chat.

6. I am in excellent physical shape (other than a crunchy, painful

hip). Would it be realistic to anticipate that I could return to my

job after 3 weeks or so?

That could be realistic but you really need to wait and see how you're doing.

I drove myself to the store at 3 weeks and did fine. If I HAD to have gone

back at 3 weeks, I probably could have, but I arranged for 7 weeks off and

definitely enjoyed the time off. I did use a cane 1 day when I started back.

Only for security.. but never needed it.

7. After the epidural is stopped, how long does it take until your

bladder works correctly again?

You may mean catheter. If so, the bladder never really stops working

correctly, you'll just have to get to the restroom rather than relying on the

catheter. But, after it's removal, which there's nothing to that either, you'll

probably feel the need to urinate within an hour or two... maybe 3, who knows,

depends on your liquid intake. But, do drink LOTS of water!!!

Thanks ahead of time for answering my trivia questions. I hope to be

chasing a baseball with my young sons by this time next year.

And you probably will be. Dr. Gross and is staff are wonderful and you'll be

in great hands. Take care and let us know how you're doing. I'm sure some

other patients will give you some more indept responses.

My best post op advice, Ice, Ice, Ice. Keep that polar care on and running.

Dr. G 7/03

[Guest guest]

Folks:

Thanks to you, I have decided to go the resurfacing route for my OA

and Dr. Gross said I would be a good candidate. As I wait for a

surgery date and mentally prepare myself, I wonder if some of you

Dr. Gross alums could answer a few trivial questions?

1. I understand that the good doctor like to use epidurals w/ Versed

sedation. Which do they do first? Having never had an epidural

before, I was wondering what the sensation is like?

2. I understand that they keep the epidural in for a few days

afterwards. Can you walk while it is still in?

3. Do you have any drains placed during surgery?

4. When is it possible to shower after the surgery is complete? (had

my back done a few years ago and felt much better after showering)

5. My wife and I have small kids and live cross country from my

family. Is it worth having my wife come along and going through the

hassle of getting family members to stay with the kids, or can I go

it alone?

6. I am in excellent physical shape (other than a crunchy, painful

hip). Would it be realistic to anticipate that I could return to my

job after 3 weeks or so?

7. After the epidural is stopped, how long does it take until your

bladder works correctly again?

Thanks ahead of time for answering my trivia questions. I hope to be

chasing a baseball with my young sons by this time next year.

Jim

[Guest guest]

Dear Jim,

I had an epidural w/Versed sedation in the UK. The best bit was that I

came out wide awake, very conscious, not groggy at all.

The negative bit was that my good leg felt 'heavy and big and sluggish'

for several days until they finally took the drip out.

I did have a drain if I remember correctly, but it wasn't a problem and

even though the epidural was kept in me with a drip, I still walked.

Think they took the drip down during this time---can't quite remember.

Anyway, they certainly got me up walking.

I showered the next day---they insisted on it, and a shower every day to

help us feel good.

The bladder opening was not a problem---used a bedpan, but I am a

woman---it was the bowels that were difficult for me. If this is ever a

problem for you, do accept lactolose or whatever they give you. I said

no initially, and shouldn't have.

I do know of one man who had difficulty with his bladder after the op

and initially had to have a catheter for a few days, but think this is

unusual.

As for your wife coming----it depends how important it is for you to

have a loved one there. I needed someone there very very much, as was

scared----and loved having my hand held and brow wiped. My daughter

gave me foot massages. Wonderful. Depends how old your children are?

Even small children can understand what is happening and can cope with

being looked after by others for a short while. In fact, they need to

know what is happening, whether or not your wife goes with you. Have a

family conference and discuss it. Hope this doesn't sound too

'feminist' but be careful not to be too macho about it---you may not be

one of them, but I know some men don't find it easy to admit when they

need emotional support. This is a major operation and in my experience,

we all need emotional support through it. Wonder what others think? If

your wife doesn't go with you, is there anyone else who could?

And as for when to return to work----many variables will influence this.

How quickly you recover---unfortunately, some of us (like me) are in the

'turtles' group, though most are not. If you have a long drive---left

leg op is easier for driving than right leg op. Automatic car makes a

difference. How stressful your work is. Three weeks seems pretty

early, though some certainly have done this. I worked from home at 6

weeks, but because of my long commute to work, only started back after

12 weeks.

Probably wise to tell your work that you just don't know in advance how

long you will need off. Don't push too hard-returning to work is

tiring.

Anyway---you are wise to ask these questions. Not trivial at all.

Eleanor

Dr. Gross surgery questions

Folks:

Thanks to you, I have decided to go the resurfacing route for my OA

and Dr. Gross said I would be a good candidate. As I wait for a

surgery date and mentally prepare myself, I wonder if some of you

Dr. Gross alums could answer a few trivial questions?

1. I understand that the good doctor like to use epidurals w/ Versed

sedation. Which do they do first? Having never had an epidural

before, I was wondering what the sensation is like?

2. I understand that they keep the epidural in for a few days

afterwards. Can you walk while it is still in?

3. Do you have any drains placed during surgery?

4. When is it possible to shower after the surgery is complete? (had

my back done a few years ago and felt much better after showering)

5. My wife and I have small kids and live cross country from my

family. Is it worth having my wife come along and going through the

hassle of getting family members to stay with the kids, or can I go

it alone?

6. I am in excellent physical shape (other than a crunchy, painful

hip). Would it be realistic to anticipate that I could return to my

job after 3 weeks or so?

7. After the epidural is stopped, how long does it take until your

bladder works correctly again?

Thanks ahead of time for answering my trivia questions. I hope to be

chasing a baseball with my young sons by this time next year.

Jim

_____

[Guest guest]

Dear Jim,

I had an epidural w/Versed sedation in the UK. The best bit was that I

came out wide awake, very conscious, not groggy at all.

The negative bit was that my good leg felt 'heavy and big and sluggish'

for several days until they finally took the drip out.

I did have a drain if I remember correctly, but it wasn't a problem and

even though the epidural was kept in me with a drip, I still walked.

Think they took the drip down during this time---can't quite remember.

Anyway, they certainly got me up walking.

I showered the next day---they insisted on it, and a shower every day to

help us feel good.

The bladder opening was not a problem---used a bedpan, but I am a

woman---it was the bowels that were difficult for me. If this is ever a

problem for you, do accept lactolose or whatever they give you. I said

no initially, and shouldn't have.

I do know of one man who had difficulty with his bladder after the op

and initially had to have a catheter for a few days, but think this is

unusual.

As for your wife coming----it depends how important it is for you to

have a loved one there. I needed someone there very very much, as was

scared----and loved having my hand held and brow wiped. My daughter

gave me foot massages. Wonderful. Depends how old your children are?

Even small children can understand what is happening and can cope with

being looked after by others for a short while. In fact, they need to

know what is happening, whether or not your wife goes with you. Have a

family conference and discuss it. Hope this doesn't sound too

'feminist' but be careful not to be too macho about it---you may not be

one of them, but I know some men don't find it easy to admit when they

need emotional support. This is a major operation and in my experience,

we all need emotional support through it. Wonder what others think? If

your wife doesn't go with you, is there anyone else who could?

And as for when to return to work----many variables will influence this.

How quickly you recover---unfortunately, some of us (like me) are in the

'turtles' group, though most are not. If you have a long drive---left

leg op is easier for driving than right leg op. Automatic car makes a

difference. How stressful your work is. Three weeks seems pretty

early, though some certainly have done this. I worked from home at 6

weeks, but because of my long commute to work, only started back after

12 weeks.

Probably wise to tell your work that you just don't know in advance how

long you will need off. Don't push too hard-returning to work is

tiring.

Anyway---you are wise to ask these questions. Not trivial at all.

Eleanor

Dr. Gross surgery questions

Folks:

Thanks to you, I have decided to go the resurfacing route for my OA

and Dr. Gross said I would be a good candidate. As I wait for a

surgery date and mentally prepare myself, I wonder if some of you

Dr. Gross alums could answer a few trivial questions?

1. I understand that the good doctor like to use epidurals w/ Versed

sedation. Which do they do first? Having never had an epidural

before, I was wondering what the sensation is like?

2. I understand that they keep the epidural in for a few days

afterwards. Can you walk while it is still in?

3. Do you have any drains placed during surgery?

4. When is it possible to shower after the surgery is complete? (had

my back done a few years ago and felt much better after showering)

5. My wife and I have small kids and live cross country from my

family. Is it worth having my wife come along and going through the

hassle of getting family members to stay with the kids, or can I go

it alone?

6. I am in excellent physical shape (other than a crunchy, painful

hip). Would it be realistic to anticipate that I could return to my

job after 3 weeks or so?

7. After the epidural is stopped, how long does it take until your

bladder works correctly again?

Thanks ahead of time for answering my trivia questions. I hope to be

chasing a baseball with my young sons by this time next year.

Jim

_____

[Guest guest]

Dear Jim,

I had an epidural w/Versed sedation in the UK. The best bit was that I

came out wide awake, very conscious, not groggy at all.

The negative bit was that my good leg felt 'heavy and big and sluggish'

for several days until they finally took the drip out.

I did have a drain if I remember correctly, but it wasn't a problem and

even though the epidural was kept in me with a drip, I still walked.

Think they took the drip down during this time---can't quite remember.

Anyway, they certainly got me up walking.

I showered the next day---they insisted on it, and a shower every day to

help us feel good.

The bladder opening was not a problem---used a bedpan, but I am a

woman---it was the bowels that were difficult for me. If this is ever a

problem for you, do accept lactolose or whatever they give you. I said

no initially, and shouldn't have.

I do know of one man who had difficulty with his bladder after the op

and initially had to have a catheter for a few days, but think this is

unusual.

As for your wife coming----it depends how important it is for you to

have a loved one there. I needed someone there very very much, as was

scared----and loved having my hand held and brow wiped. My daughter

gave me foot massages. Wonderful. Depends how old your children are?

Even small children can understand what is happening and can cope with

being looked after by others for a short while. In fact, they need to

know what is happening, whether or not your wife goes with you. Have a

family conference and discuss it. Hope this doesn't sound too

'feminist' but be careful not to be too macho about it---you may not be

one of them, but I know some men don't find it easy to admit when they

need emotional support. This is a major operation and in my experience,

we all need emotional support through it. Wonder what others think? If

your wife doesn't go with you, is there anyone else who could?

And as for when to return to work----many variables will influence this.

How quickly you recover---unfortunately, some of us (like me) are in the

'turtles' group, though most are not. If you have a long drive---left

leg op is easier for driving than right leg op. Automatic car makes a

difference. How stressful your work is. Three weeks seems pretty

early, though some certainly have done this. I worked from home at 6

weeks, but because of my long commute to work, only started back after

12 weeks.

Probably wise to tell your work that you just don't know in advance how

long you will need off. Don't push too hard-returning to work is

tiring.

Anyway---you are wise to ask these questions. Not trivial at all.

Eleanor

Dr. Gross surgery questions

Folks:

Thanks to you, I have decided to go the resurfacing route for my OA

and Dr. Gross said I would be a good candidate. As I wait for a

surgery date and mentally prepare myself, I wonder if some of you

Dr. Gross alums could answer a few trivial questions?

1. I understand that the good doctor like to use epidurals w/ Versed

sedation. Which do they do first? Having never had an epidural

before, I was wondering what the sensation is like?

2. I understand that they keep the epidural in for a few days

afterwards. Can you walk while it is still in?

3. Do you have any drains placed during surgery?

4. When is it possible to shower after the surgery is complete? (had

my back done a few years ago and felt much better after showering)

5. My wife and I have small kids and live cross country from my

family. Is it worth having my wife come along and going through the

hassle of getting family members to stay with the kids, or can I go

it alone?

6. I am in excellent physical shape (other than a crunchy, painful

hip). Would it be realistic to anticipate that I could return to my

job after 3 weeks or so?

7. After the epidural is stopped, how long does it take until your

bladder works correctly again?

Thanks ahead of time for answering my trivia questions. I hope to be

chasing a baseball with my young sons by this time next year.

Jim

_____

[Guest guest]

> Folks:

>

> Thanks to you, I have decided to go the resurfacing route for my OA

> and Dr. Gross said I would be a good candidate. As I wait for a

> surgery date and mentally prepare myself, I wonder if some of you

> Dr. Gross alums could answer a few trivial questions?

Rather than clog up the boards with tons of details, I've sent you an

e-mail describing in great detail what my whole experience, from

epidural to leaving the hospital was like. I hope this helps. Good

luck!

Lois

Gross 8/6/03

[Guest guest]

> Folks:

>

> Thanks to you, I have decided to go the resurfacing route for my OA

> and Dr. Gross said I would be a good candidate. As I wait for a

> surgery date and mentally prepare myself, I wonder if some of you

> Dr. Gross alums could answer a few trivial questions?

Rather than clog up the boards with tons of details, I've sent you an

e-mail describing in great detail what my whole experience, from

epidural to leaving the hospital was like. I hope this helps. Good

luck!

Lois

Gross 8/6/03

[Guest guest]

> Folks:

>

> Thanks to you, I have decided to go the resurfacing route for my OA

> and Dr. Gross said I would be a good candidate. As I wait for a

> surgery date and mentally prepare myself, I wonder if some of you

> Dr. Gross alums could answer a few trivial questions?

Rather than clog up the boards with tons of details, I've sent you an

e-mail describing in great detail what my whole experience, from

epidural to leaving the hospital was like. I hope this helps. Good

luck!

Lois

Gross 8/6/03

[Guest guest]

In case anyone is interested, here's a detailed reply I sent to Jim

about my experiences with his questions about Dr. Gross's surgery.

His questions are at the end but hopefully you can tell what they

are in the context of the numbered answers replies.

Jim, I am almost 9 weeks post-op w/Dr. Gross. He and his staff are

phenomenal in every way. He, Lee, Bess, and Charlene are always

eager to answer any question you have and reassure you all along the

way - before and after. Here are my experiences with your questions:

(warning - detailed)

1. I think a little sedation came first, but they deadened the

epidural site before inserting anyway. So you really don't feel a

thing. Doesn't take long and not scary at all.

2. The plan with me was to keep my epidural in till the

global 'disconnect.' That's when they take out all the IVs, the

catheter, etc. That was about Noon for me on discharge day. Actually

that was a little later in the day than ideal, because they don't

want to give the first Fragmin (blood thinner) injection until 8

hours after the epidural disconnect. I ended up watching an

instructional video so I would feel comfortable doing it at home

myself that night without them showing me. They have you do it daily

for 10 days after going home. I also had a Stryker pain pump after

surgery, delivering pain meds directly to the joint through a very

small tube near the incision. It's painless coming out. Also they

have aircompression wraps around your legs for a couple of days,

periodically squeezing just a little to help prevent blod clots. And

there's a Polar Care ice wrap around your hip till the disconnect.

That thing is THE ticket And you get to take it home. Sounds like

a lot of tubes and things maybe. But it was all good stuff that

helps healing.

3. No drain - just the Stryker pump.

4. I took a shower at home after the 2 nights (3 days) at the

hospital (Lexington). Dr. Gross orders waterproof bandages for

showering - really cool! It's a little awkward angle if you have to

change the bandages yourself daily (regular off and waterproof on

for shower, then reverse). But quite manageable.

5. I live by myself so can't answer your specific question about

spouse and kids. My mom spent the first night with me after going

home, and I really did quite well then and afterward. In hospital my

mom, aunt, and brother were in the room a good bit, and I had lots

of visitors. I wouldn't think going it alone in the hospital would

be bad. You really want to sleep a lot anyway - and they wake you up

a good bit during the night for vitals checks, etc. I hear if you're

flying alone the airline folks usually take especially great care of

you.

6. I was same as you about physical shape. Because of the intense

pain I had to gradually stop a lot of my strenuous physical fun and

exercise beginning about a year pre-op. Two weeks post-op (after the

main surgery 'stuff' started lessing) I already felt better than

before! I was crutchless at 3 weeks and back to work half days. Bess

suggested I use one crutch as needed away from home for a couple of

weeks after feeling comfy at home without them, so I did. But it was

only occasional. I do computer tech work and my coworkers are

helping me avoid heavy lifting. The key is DON'T OVERDO IT BACK AT

WORK. You will feel so much better than pre-op that you may tend to

(as I did) stay too long, etc. Even starting back half days and

working up to full days by the end of the next week, I overtired

myself and could really tell. It's not worth it. Just take it easy.

You deserve it!

7. After the catheter came out I (female) had no bladder trouble at

all. Actually I drank so much water the 3 days (2 nights) I was in

the hospital, they had a time keeping up with emptying the bag. So

when the catheter was out I had no trouble. Lots of water is really

key, for bladder and bowels (along with their recommended stool

softeners).

Okay - more detail than you asked for, I'm sure. Bottom line - At

almost 9 weeks post-op I'm doing great and am thrilled about my new

hip. Have been walking without a limp since 4 weeks post-op. That

hadn't happened since a year pre-op!

Still have some pain and swelling and restrictions. But that's going

to happen for a while. Faithfully doing the exercises they give you

is vital. The more faithful, the quicker you'll progress. You

probably already know full healing will be 6 months or so. Bess just

told me last Monday, " patience, and pace yourself. " Good words!

Again, it's all great really. I'm already enjoying my new hip in

many ways. You'll not regret it! I'm a Christian and credit God with

taking such great care of me, providing such a great surgeon and

staff as well as friends and family and coworkers who help me along

and encourage me. I pray His best for you as well!

cathy Dr. Gross 12/29/03 ---

In surfacehippy , " elvis2342003 "

wrote: > Folks: > > Thanks to you, I have decided to go the

resurfacing route for my OA > and Dr. Gross said I would be a good

candidate. As I wait for a > surgery date and mentally prepare

myself, I wonder if some of you > Dr. Gross alums could answer a few

trivial questions? > >

1. I understand that the good doctor like to use epidurals w/ Versed

> sedation. Which do they do first? Having never had an epidural >

before, I was wondering what the sensation is like? > >

2. I understand that they keep the epidural in for a few days >

afterwards. Can you walk while it is still in? > >

3. Do you have any drains placed during surgery? > >

4. When is it possible to shower after the surgery is complete? (had

> my back done a few years ago and felt much better after showering)

> >

5. My wife and I have small kids and live cross country from my >

family. Is it worth having my wife come along and going through the

> hassle of getting family members to stay with the kids, or can I

go > it alone? > >

6. I am in excellent physical shape (other than a crunchy, painful >

hip). Would it be realistic to anticipate that I could return to my

> job after 3 weeks or so? > >

7. After the epidural is stopped, how long does it take until your >

bladder works correctly again? > > Thanks ahead of time for

answering my trivia questions. I hope to be > chasing a baseball

with my young sons by this time next year. > > Jim