Goodbye stitches! They were removed yesterday during my 10-day post-op appointment at the surgeon’s office; four Steri-Strips cover the remaining scars. Speaking of which – I now have a matching set. Two small circles on each side mark the spot where the surgeon had inserted the long, thin arthroscopic tools that were used for both hip procedures. (In each case, I had a torn labrum repaired and a pincer hip impingement removed by shaving down the spurs on the femoral bone.)
During the visit I was shown pictures of the procedure (you can actually see the tools!), which I plan to eventually post – next to the first set showing my left hip repair. And like the first post-op visit (in July) I was also given a note for my employer; a prescription for physical therapy (16 weeks, two to three times a week), which I will begin tomorrow; and orders to come back in six weeks.
I was also told that I could begin weaning off the crutches, which I actually started to do even before the post-op visit. When I’m completely off them, I am free to drive. In the meantime, I’ll just enjoy getting chauffeured around.
Janice – I’ve been hearing from so many different people with different recovery protocols. But the most important part of all of them is getting to where we can resume our normal activities without discomfort. Stay in touch. Vivian.
So glad to hear that you’re progressing nicely! It’s interesting to see what other doctors prescribe. I’m still limited to toddler walk on stairs and just the bike but I’ll take it. I feel each week I get stronger. I’m 3 mo post op. I see my ortho in 2 weeks and hopefully I can walk up the stairs normally and start doing a bit more than the bike – I’m getting bored and my dog is up 2 lbs from me not being able to walk her 😉
I had surgery for my torn hip labrum with dr. Coleman on the 16th December, following an accident and many times being pushed off byother doctors for the past 20 months. I am going to have my stitches out in the am. I was mildly concerned though reading your four words from Dr. Coleman after surgery were, ” everything went veery well” (I believe, you stated that), well, we shall see what tomorrow holds for me, his first words to me were, “was a big tear”….email, I will update you. The HSS was the best care I have ever received ny drs, nurses, staff, etc….thanks for your blog, it’s great to be able to read along with someone who had the same surgery, at the same place, same doctor, and at about the same time. Al
Hi Allison! I think we’re both very lucky have have had such a skilled surgeon in such a good hospital. (Bar far, the best hospital I’ve ever been to.) I had a significant tear on my left side, which was probably why it bothered me so much in the months prior to the surgery (in July). After that surgery I immediately felt relief. The tear on my right side was a little smaller (and I am progressing a lot differently from this surgery). I will e-mail you. Thanks for reading my little blog.
It has been a while and I was shocked to hear about your second surgery.. however.. you will get through because you are already a warrior!! I love your positive attitude..you are inspiring!! M
Thanks, Maureen. I had the surgery on Dec. 9 and I’m feeling really good. For some reason I’m progressing a lot faster than with the other side, and I am confident that I will be running again by this spring. (Already, crutches are gone and I’m walking pretty normally.) Some people think I’m crazy for wanting to run again, but I couldn’t imagine not running, hiking, biking and doing all the things I love. How are you doing? Maybe we could run together in a few months?
When did you take off your bandage? I’ve been told to leave it on for a week and not get it wet. Is a week a long time?
My post-op instructions said that I could remove the bandage 48 hours after surgery, and that I should cover the stitches with regular Band-Aids and keep the area dry while showering. I waited until the fourth day, however, to remove the bandage. Felt great to finally get it off!
Is your incision site still sensitive? Mine seems to be.
Angela – My incision site is a little sensitive, too. I remember after the first surgery, on my left side in July, that it took a few weeks to calm down. After the Steri-Strips came off my physical therapist had massaged the scars, because, he said, it helped break up the scar tissue. Boy did that hurt.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I had my right hip scoped today. The game ready unit is wonderful. My dr. Doesn’t use a CPM unless you have a fracture which I thankfully did not. He wants me to get on a stationary bike tomorrow for 20 minutes with no resistance. Sounds odd after reading other people’s experiences but I trust my dr as he teaches the procedure to others. Keep your entries coming!
Hi Beth, Thanks for reading my little blog. I used the CPM for the first week, then switched to the stationary bike with no resistance. I probably could’ve gone straight to the bike, though. I was told I should be riding for up to 20-25 minutes each session. Good luck with your rehab, and please keep me posted on how you’re doing. Vivian
Hi, day one post op, no problems. Rode the stationary bike for 15 min very easily. No pain at all!
Awesome!
Hey Armando! I sent you an e-mail. BTW, I told Kira from Dr. Coleman’s office that you were doing really well. She smiled.
Beautiful! Best of Luck, I am sure you will do fine. BTW, I have an excellent article I came across that I think you might want to read. I dont have your email anymore (hard drive had to be wiped clean and I lost many of my email contacts). If you email me, I’ll respond with the link.