Bob Potter 11/17/08 Dr. Gilbert
Bob Potter's story
Bob: "Here was one of my first postings asking if it was too soon. As it turns out, Dr. Gilbert said my OA was one of the worst that he had seen, so clearly it was not too soon." Thursday, August 28, 2008
All,
I am do for resurfacing with Thomas Vail at UCSF in November. My question is am i doing it too soon?
I have read and listened to the case studies. In most cases people
seemed to be in far worse shape that I am now. I can't run or play
tennis any more, and if I "tweak" my hip I can be in a lot of pain for
a few days.
On the other had I can walk 9 wholes (2 Advil) with some pain and
fatigue. I can ride a mountain bike for a couple of hours, etc.
Generally anything where I move my leg forward is OK. Sideways is
impossible and back is a challange.
Should I wait or get it over with before it gets really bad?
Thanks, Potter
Monday, December 08, 2008
I know it has been helpful for me to see what others are going through at any given time during their recovery. In that spirit let me share my experience so far.
Generally I am feeling great in the morning, so so in the late afternoon and uncomfortable at night. I take Advil during the day and Vicodin at night. Three times I have been too aggressive with PT and my achy body at night told me to dial it back. Although I shouldn't be, I am surprised how slow the progress is every day. I fully
expected to be walking unassisted by now despite what I read here. The reality is that I am using a cane around the house and a crutch around the block. I drove for the first time today. No problem. Got my Handicapped parking sign, went to the bank and picked up a few things at the store.
Here is what my day looks like 3 weeks after surgery:
7 am - bed PT - toe points, knee flex, butt flex, knee lift, leg sweeps, crunches
9 am - 2 Advil, standing PT - tows/heels, squats, side slide, knee lift, foot to butt
10:30 - Morning walk around the block with 1 crutch. (Have been using cane around the house since end of week 2)
12 to 2pm - lunch, nap (can do that because I work from home) Advil
2 pm - bed PT (see above)
3 pm - afternoon walk around the block
In between all of this I am trying to get work done on my Lazy boy, feet up, occasionally icing or heating.
Usually around 4:30 to 5 pm discomfort and fatigue set in. Leg feels a bit like it is going to sleep. I feel a bit tired and flu ish, contrary to mornings when I feel strong and pain free.
5 pm Advil
10 pm Vicodin, read and go to bed. Can sleep on both sides and back. Hip is much more achy at night particularly if I have over done it.
2 am Vicodin - Maybe one more Vic before night is over.
From what I have read here this is probably all pretty typical. If not, let me know.
Cheers,
Bob
Things started improving rapidly after week three…..”
Monday, December 15, 2008
Well that was the best week yet as far as improvements go. Got rid of the crutch early. Now am walking without the cane around the house and for some of the daily walks. Not nearly as tired and achy in the
afternoons and evenings. Still the occasional Vicodin or Advil for ache during the night. Mood is definitely improving as hip is improving.
I have been watching a few of you who are a week or two ahead of me. Looking forward to doing what you can do. Keep posting.
Cheers,
Bob - 53, RBHR, Gilbert, 11 17 08
Monday, December 29, 2008
With all of the Holiday activity I missed my 5 week post op posting. On my 5 week aniversary date I had an appointment with Dr. Gilbert in San Francisco. He asked me to walk up and down the hallway and then told me
that I was one of his faster healers and that I could do anything but jog. He did recommend that I not play tennis for another 4 weeks.
During the first three weeks, improvement seemed very slow. Then during the 4th week, I no longer needed the cane and things began to improve rapidly. I even caught myself jogging to get through an intersection. Yesterday I spent 5 hours touring San Francisco withfamily from out of town. Miles of walking. My hip was definetely achy by then end of the day.
Today is my 6 week anniversary. My hip feels almost normal during the day but I still take advil at night particularly if I work it too much. I have to focus not to limp as the muscles in front are still not used to letting me bring my leg all the way back when I walk.
I have a long way to go to get back in shape, but am feeling quite blessed that day to day acitivites feel just about back to noirmal.
Until next week, Happy New Year to all of you and thanks for all of your contributions and support.
Cheers,
Bob (53)
RBHR, Gilbert, 11-17-08
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Lee,
I played 18 holes of golf yesterday. Shot a 92 – pretty much right where I was before surgery. I took Advil before and during play. I am out of shape – breathing hard climbing to higher holes, but feel as though I could get back in shape pretty quickly. I swam 2/3 mile two days ago. I think I could lift 50 lbs with no risk. Having said all of that, I don’t think I would be ready to be a fireman for a while. Dr. Gilbert told me I was one of his fastest healers. I think that was because I was in great shape before I went in. I would tell them that you may be back in 3 months, and then surprise them when you come back in 2.
Bob