Total right hip replacement performed by Dr. Birch on May 3, 2022, at Goleta Valley Cottage…read moreHospital. I'm 79 years old. I have been very active most of my life, primarily running, swimming and cycling. The week before surgery, I rode my bike 200 miles or so. Every day. My hip started bothering me c. July 2021. I was told it was bone on bone. I was adamantly opposed to getting surgery, maybe even a bit afraid. However, as my range of motion diminished, and pain increased, I decided to go for it in early April.
I didn't have to wait too long, glad it's now over. This is day 11. I'm still somewhat stiff and sore of course. I pushed my recovery. I rarely used the walker or cane. Not recommending this to anyone, but it was my choice. I walked maybe 1/2 mile per day plus the recommended exercises. I missed riding my bike so about day 6 I bought a step through bike to try out. I went slowly and carefully, made sure I could put my feet down and carefully mounted and dismounted.
On the 13th, 10 days after surgery, I rode that bike 10 miles around Carpinteria. This was an old Electra 3 speed hub 5 mph in first, 10 mph in second, and 15 mph all out in third. Everyone warns me to be careful, don't push it. I'm almost 80, what is wrong with me, I can't stop myself! Today I lowered the seat on my old Mongoose about an inch, swung my leg over the saddle and rode to Summerland, about 6-7 miles away. Every day I feel better. If anything goes wrong with this, it's likely my fault, not Dr. Birch's.
I've had some swelling and bruising, but the bruise is moving down the leg. I have developed a seroma, but I hear that's not unusual. I will monitor it and if need be, seek medical treatment. I only used one Oxycodone, and a couple other pain killers twice but ditched them 3 days after surgery.
I'm optimistic I'm on the right track, and that Dr. Birch performed an excellent surgery, if my recovery and performance is any indication thereof. I'm still very slow standing up and my first few steps are somewhat painful, but after 10 or so steps, I'm feeling pretty good.
Not encouraging anyone to copy me. Please listen to your professional advisors and exercise all caution in your recovery. A recumbent stationary bike would be a much safer option than mingling with the cars, risking a blowout, a bump in the road or whatever.
For me, getting outdoors, going to a few places, offset the risk. Thank you, Dr. Birch for performing an excellent surgery on my hip.
I downgraded from 5 to 4 stars to keep it real.