Birmingham Hip Resurfacing - Patient Journal

Surgery Date: September 18, 2006
7:30 a.m.
Left Hip Resurfaced

Monday, September 18, 2006
I was drowsy most of the day. There was a lot of pain in the incision area. The morphine made me really sick. I used it sparingly.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006 (1st Day Post-Op)
I took my last dose of morphine at 2:30 a.m. It made me too sick. I slept better this night. I was able to sleep on my right side (opposite my operative leg). I walked a lot on crutches in the hallways. I had the cushion pillow between my legs when sleeping on my right side. This technique also helped me draw my knees up to get my feet underneath the covers.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 (2nd Day Post-Op)
Good night sleep. I'm now on one pain pill per day. I went to Meriter Heights HipHab in the afternoon. My stomach was queasy all day, not much appetite. Meriter Heights is certainly a nice "homey" atmosphere. I did not do a lot of exercising today. They took my drainage plug out.

Thursday, September 21, 2006 (3rd Day Post-Op)
I did land exercises in the morning which involved a lot of walking around the perimeter of Meriter Heights with Desiree. I then walked up to the Square and back. My hip feels so great, No Pain!!

In the afternoon I had my first Aquatic Rehab in the pool. It was the greatest!! I had my first shower in 4 days. My back pain that I've had for years is now completely gone. Pulling my left leg from left to middle of my body is the hardest thing for me to do. Also lying on my back and pulling my left leg up to my chest is difficult. Today was a 100% improvement. I felt like I could walk without crutches. I walked around the center (Meriter Heights) in the evening. There are a lot of very nice people here.

Friday, September 22, 2006 (4th Day Post-Op)
I had pool exercises in the morning, land exercises in the afternoon. I'm walking with Desiree; she suggested I walk with only one crutch. It was so smooth. It was awesome!

I'm feeling stronger everyday. Sleeping has been great. I tried sleeping on my operated hip but it only lasted 5 minutes - too sore. I sleep mainly on my back and right side. Gabrielle came and talked to me about when I get home – stool riser, how to put clothes on, etc.

Saturday, September 23, 2006 (5th Post-Op Day)
8:30-9:30 – Pool exercises were great and the water was excellent (91 degrees). My left quad, abductor muscles are getting stronger with each passing day. Dr. Rogerson visited and looked at the incision and wanted to know how I was doing. Poor guy, he has either called, had one of his assistants visit or he personally has visited everyday since my surgery. How does he do it with all the other surgeries he's doing??

He discussed all the precautions to take once I go home (tomorrow). He said I was doing quite well and would get back to leading a normal life again. Hurrah!! He said I definitely was at the higher end of the success rate. He said each individual is different and will progress at different rates. I appreciate him so much!

This afternoon I went through all the land exercises, including stairs with Teresa. I did well, looking forward to getting my staples out tomorrow (9-24-06) and going home in the morning. Renee (Dr. Rogerson's Physician’s Assistant) will remove the staples tomorrow morning around 7:30.

Tonight... Dee and I are going out for dinner. I can't thank her enough for all her help through this procedure.

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