I made it through my second arthroscopic hip surgery on Friday, and I’m happy to report that this time around there were no spinal headaches to suffer through afterward. The anesthesiologist – an affable older gentleman from New Zealand – performed an epidural instead of a spinal tap, before administering what everyone in the hospital’s ambulatory surgical wing now dubs “Jackson Juice,” or propofol – a drug used mainly for shorter procedures that induces a deep twilight sleep and is considered safer than general anesthesia. (The abuse of this drug played a role in Mr. Jackson’s death two and a half years ago.)
And with the exception of the first night home, I also have very little pain. The Game Ready ice machine that I rented, along with some Extra-Strength Tylenol, are keeping any soreness at bay. The CMP machine (short for continuous passive motion) prevents inflammation and stiffness in the affected hip joint area.
The surgery itself lasted around 90 minutes, I was told, at which time my surgeon placed three anchors (same as on the left side) to repair a torn labrum, which is the tissue that surrounds and seals the hip joint. He also shaved down the bone spurs that had caused the tear in the first place, thereby fixing what is known as a pincer-type hip impingement.
In one week the stitches come out, and so begins five months of physical therapy. Once again.
I’m happy for you that you got both hips taken care of. I wish you the best! Keep doing research on this, it might be your best friend. For me, I am once again active, no pain, but am not over doing it. Lunges beyond 75 degrees – NO WAY. I changed my entire excersice routine so as to not over-stress the joint, which, IMO, is compromised despite the successful outcome. I want to get as much milage out of this as I can. I do believe though you (as well as I) made the best and most logical decision, not to mention going to a great hospital and surgeon. Will be looking forward to seeing the 2nd post-op pictures!
Hi Armando! I am happy that you are now pain-free. Some day – a few months from now, perhaps – I’ll be able to make the same claim. I could’ve waited several months down the line to have the second side done, but I didn’t see the point. This way, I’ll be able to recuperate through the quieter winter months. We were both very lucky to have been treated by the best surgeon in the No. 1 orthopedic hospital. And, like you, I plan to mix up my exercise regime after I’m all healed so that it’s more balanced. No more running every day! Next week my stitches come out, and my PT begins. Take care, and thanks for commenting!
I’m glad to hear you are doing well! I had a horrible headache the Thursday after my procedure. Things are getting better slowly here.
Thanks, Angela! This spring we’ll be dancing.