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Birmingham Hip Resurfacing
Patient Journals, Rhonda
Yngsdal-Krenz
In addition to Rhonda's thoughts following surgery, make sure to read her
9-month-followup at the bottom of the page.
December 20, 2006
Welcome Hipster!
Wow – opening the door to room 900 made me feel like Lisa Douglas from the 1960's TV Series "Green Acres." So I sang to my husband Bob, "I just adore a penthouse view – darling I love you, but give me Park Avenue." It's extremely comfortable, I felt special and I love the cheery residents with their tender words of encouragement. It was a humbling experience on the first day, to be passed by an 80+ year old man with his cane. I'll be watching (you should too) for him at the end of my stay for a final race!
Well I thought I would try to write everyday, but the truth is it was a roller coaster ride. Not my hip – my stomach and headaches. Sure the hip is sore and I am truly amazed at how weak it got, but I loved seeing the progress. I went from needing assistance to get it (my leg) into bed from doing it on my own by the end of the stay.
I had a lot of nausea from the medications, no appetite, pounding headaches off and on, and feeling like a double wide Wal-Mart semi had run over me and then proceeded to back-up and do it again! This had started in the hospital and would randomly pick a day with the nights being the worse, or when I laid down. I truly was bummed because I had other plans; like reading, going out to dinner and socializing. But as any tough Norwegian would do, you pull yourself up and stop having the pity party.
I tried a few different things which did seem to help:
- I discussed with Dr. Rogerson about the need to take the hydrocodone for pain and changed it to extra strength Tylenol.
- I attempted to eat something besides crackers for breakfast (and grapes) and then had lunch before I took my meds.
- I'm not a soda girl and don't drink caffeine, but did get some Diet Mountain Dew for my headaches (I won't get hooked).
- I placed a warm compress on my chest area where I had heartburn-like symptoms (I think – never had heartburn before in my life) and took fruit-flavored Tums. I had never had those before either!
- I did nibble on soda crackers throughout the day when I felt worse.
All of the things did seem to help and no, I would not recommend doing anything without talking to Dr. Rogerson's team first.
I'm not sharing this information with you to make you sad or feel sorry for me. I'm sharing this so if you have similar experiences with your stomach doing loop-t-loops, you can think about options. Dr. Rogerson feels it is the indomothacin and it seems to be more challenging for women. Hang in there.
Dr. Rogerson and team are awesome. They truly treat you with the utmost respect, are very knowledgeable, incredibly tender and compassionate about resurfacing.
If you happen to have a sleepless night or just are an early riser: lean forward (no more than 90 degrees) at your living room window and look at the beautiful sunrise over Lake Monona. You will be wrapped in peace and hope for better days ahead.
I thank the dear Lord above for Dr. Rogerson, et al, and my new hip. This is a journey and I'm looking forward to an awesome golf season, waterskiing, biking and blading, because in 6 months I will feel marvelous. This has been the best Christmas present ever! Enjoy yours too! "Hippy New Year!" I'm walking out of here today – sweet!
Rhonda Yngsdal-Krenz
9 Months Following Surgery
"You Need a Hip Replacement"
When my Primary Care Provider told me I was going to need a hip replacement
before I was 50, I couldn't believe it. Sure, I was having painful catches in my
right groin and bone spurs on both feet, but I didn't think it was that serious.
It didn't take long to realize I was giving up things I loved such as golfing,
roller blading, water skiing and gardening because I was in too much pain. In
January of 2006, I learned that resurfacing was predicted to be FDA approved in
the USA sometime during the summer. I needed to hold out till then and search
for the best surgeon.
Finding the Best Surgeon
I researched and found that Dr. Rogerson, in Madison Wisconsin, was one of the
first surgeons in the country to perform Birmingham hip resurfacing. Dr.
Rogerson's website www.orthorogerson.com
is a wealth of knowledge along with a patient guide discussing the diseases
process, the implant, procedure, rehab and other facts. Dr. Rogerson is also a
well renowned surgeon with an incredible success rate. I had sent my x-rays to
Dr. Rogerson where he confirmed that hip resurfacing would be an excellent
choice for me. One problem: Dr. Rogerson was not on my health insurance provider
list.
Fight for What is Right
I put up a four month battle with my health insurance company to cover the
procedure. I went through all the hoops each time being denied and told I could
have a total hip replacement. I was determined that Dr. Rogerson was the best
and I needed resurfacing to preserve my bone and enjoy the things I love; not a
total hip replacement. As time went by, I had made an appointment with Dr.
Rogerson, which I was going to pay out of pocket, just to get on his three month
wait list. My plan was to change my insurance provider during open enrollment
and I would be set. Finally, four denial letters later; I won the battle!!! Dr.
Rogerson, here I come!
The Total Package
I felt this peace and assurance that I had made the right decision when I walked
into Dr. Rogerson's office. The office staff was warm and friendly; making me
feel comfortable. Meeting Dr. Rogerson and Joanna- PA, was a breath of fresh
air. They explained my x-rays, the procedure, rehab and answered my questions.
Information was giving in great detail explaining each step from before surgery,
the day of surgery and the rehab. I met with the physical therapist Desiree at
the "Hip Hab Rehab Center" touring the facility where I would stay for five days
and going over exercises providing me a better understanding of what to expect.
Dr. Rogerson's total package has left nothing unturned and is very personable,
showing that his team really cares, their expertise and your best interest is at
heart.
Surgery Day
I felt at peace the day of surgery and trusted my heavenly Father that
everything was going to be all right. I willingly wrote Dr. Rogerson's initials
on my right leg and wiggled into the ted stockings. My anesthesiologist was
sweet and Dr. Rogerson's contagious smile and calming words reassured me I had
made the right decision. The next thing I knew I was being wheeled into my room;
the surgery was over. The surgery went well and I really didn’t have much pain
after. Sure, moving was a little challenging but my stomach was more of a
problem with the medications. It was weird to be able to straighten my leg for
the first time in 3 years. The pain in my feet went away too.
Hip Hab Rehab
My suite at the rehab center was gorgeous and very healing. Rehab was a humbling
experience when I was passed up in the hallway by an 87 year old resident! I
enjoyed the PT by land and water therapy was amazing. Dr. Rogerson and Renee-
PA, stopped by to see me in my room reassuring me I was doing ok and that my leg
was looking good. Walking actually felt good. Moving my leg with exercises
improved daily. It is funny how your brain tells you to do something, but your
body just can’t make it happen. December 21, a week after the procedure, I went
home. My hip resurfacing was the best Christmas present ever.
Recovery at Home
Once I was home I continued to do my exercises. I've always enjoyed walking and
with a mild winter, I took to the dry pavement. Soon, I walked with one crutch.
It seemed like I could see changes everyday until around week four. Sometimes I
felt like maybe I wasn't doing as good as I should be. It was hard to not want
to compare myself to others. I stopped looking for day to day improvements and
focused on each week; then I could see improvements. I also reminded myself that
everyone is different and some of the things I couldn't do, I had not been able
to do for the past five years, so why would I think I could do them in a few
weeks?
What Would I Have Done Differently?
Because of my insurance plan, I could not continue with my rehab at the hip hab
center. I did go to another physical therapy facility, but they had never seen
another patient with hip resurfacing. That was a little scary for me as I wanted
to make sure they were not going to have me do something that would harm my
procedure as well as make sure I was progressing like I should. This also meant
I couldn't do water therapy until my incision was healed over. I didn't want to
run the risk of an infection. I think if I could have done both, I may have
recovered more quickly with building muscle strength.
Nine Months Later
Honestly, I forget that I ever had surgery. My scar is my reminder and even that
has faded. I have no regrets and thank my heavenly Father every day for Dr.
Rogerson and his team, for their unending support, compassion and expertise. I
am truly blessed.5/5/2008 |
