Birmingham Hip Resurfacing - Patient Journal

Hip Resurfacing Date: 7/3/06

Pre-Surgery:

I am so excited about getting my surgery done. I can't walk, sit or sleep without pain. I had no idea that by age 38 I would be unable to do the active things that I enjoy. Downhill Snow Skiing was my favorite in the winter months. In the summer I enjoyed biking, hiking and water skiing. None of these activities are a part of my life any longer. The thought of a short walk to get fresh air was so painful that I rarely did that any more. Any movement caused great pain. I feel like an old man at early age. I can only hope that this surgery gives me a new life.

Post Surgery:

I was very scared to enter the operating room and had to be given a sedative to relax. After the surgery I awoke to see Dr. Rogerson and Renee. They said the surgery went very well, but that my hip was very difficult to work on and it took much longer than anticipated. I was so relieved to know that they were able to complete the re-surfacing surgery instead of moving into a total hip replacement!

I found myself in a private room at Meriter Hospital with a wonderful staff working on me all the time. My surgery was at 7:00 a.m. and I was in my room by noon. I spent the rest of the day resting. By the end of the day they had me standing, not a great experience but one I was glad to do. The next morning they came and took me down to physical therapy. I couldn't believe I was going down there already. They gave me some really great crutches and I actually walked with no pain! They also had me doing basic leg exercises. It was amazing! It was really hard, but well worth the effort. I went back to physical therapy later that afternoon again and once more the next day.

I spent a total of two nights in the hospital. During this time I saw Dr. Rogerson, Renee and Joanna several times. I felt well cared for by all the doctors and the nursing staff. They were able to answer all my questions and make me feel comfortable.

On day three I was moved to Meriter Rehabilitation Center (HipHab) off the square. They set me up in a beautiful one bedroom condominium with all the amenities of home. Prior to the surgery I was unable to tour the center because of time restraints, so I was really pleased to see how wonderful this place is. I was met by a physical therapist who toured me around the facility and showed me where my rehabilitation would take place. The swimming pool and work out facilities were fantastic. I felt more like I was at a 5 star resort not a rehabilitation center. My girlfriend, Marcia, stayed with me here and she too felt like we were on vacation.

So now it is Wednesday just three days after my surgery. There is a Concerts on the Square that night and Dr. Rogerson gave me the OK to walk up to the square to see it. Just think about it – I not only walked the two blocks to the square, but walked all the way around it three days after surgery! And with NO PAIN! All my friends met me there and no one could believe it. I will say though that I was quite sore that evening, but felt great the next day.

I stayed at the center for the next 4 nights. During this time I saw either Dr. Rogerson, Renee or Joanna every day. They monitored my progress and checked my incision. I also had physical therapy two times a day and also walked outside as much as I could. Each day was better than next. The care that I received from this team of doctors was unbelievable. I felt like I was their only patient. I am so thankful to have been able to have met Dr. Rogerson and have him complete the surgery. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the best possible care you can get.

With my staples removed on the last day by Renee, I was sent home for my recovery. The next two weeks I continued with my physical therapy at Meriter as an outpatient. On the days that I did not come to Madison, I did my exercises in the local pool in my home town. Again, each day was better than the next. I was back at work two weeks after my surgery! As a Mechanical Engineer I was able to do office work, which is what allowed me to return to work so quickly.

I am truly amazed at how well I feel just weeks after the surgery. No pain!!! I can walk, swim, sit and sleep with no pain! I am so glad I had the surgery. Life is finally great again!

6 Months Post Surgery:

The last 6 months have been great. I am biking and hiking again. My hip feels perfect. I feel like a new person. Dr. Rogerson has given me the OK to go downhill skiing in Utah just 6 months after surgery. I can't wait!

Utah was fantastic! I skied like I was 18 again! No pain the entire time I was on the slopes. I skied 4 of the 6 days we were out there. I also went cross country skiing again. I couldn't believe there was no pain! I had the best vacation I have had in many, many years and I owe it all to Dr. Rogerson and his staff. I have a new life because of them. I can now enjoy all the things I used to do. Thank You Dr. Rogerson, Renee and Joanna for everything you've done for me.

Sincerely,
Marc Vaage

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