Surface Hippy Blogs

Any San Francisco Bay Area Doc Suggestions?

nospam@example.com (Wandralee) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:15:08 -0700

Hi Everyone, First, I want to thank Pat for conceiving, running, and maintaining this site, and everyone who has contributed. It has been a god-send to me. After dealing with doctors and surgeons who don't know or don't want to talk about HR, I felt it's time to get MAD. I'm hoping some of you can give me a push in the right direction. I have a workers comp claim. Two docs have told me I need a hip replacement. ( one in network, one out of network). After hours of educating myself on hip resurfacing, I asked if I'm a candidate. Of course they said they don't do it, and implied THR is better…..I'm not convinced. I live in San Francisco. It seems from the doctor info on the site, I don't have much of a choice of experienced HR docs in the city, except for Peter Callander (75 HR's), John Lannin/James Hartford (110 HR's), Bob Gilbert (81 HR's), and Tom Vail (180 HR's). QUESTION #1: is there anyone in the San Francisco Bay area who has had a HR done with any one of these docs? Could you tell me your experience? Question #2: My attorney told me workers comp may not let me go out of network to have surgery without appealing to a judge to do so. I want to make the case I am a candidate for HR rather than THR, and that possibly the above mentioned docs are the ones I want to use. (Yes, I am in the process of contacting them for a consultation). So is anyone experienced in navigating a workers comp claim for a HR that would share their experience? I hope that pretty soon I can share my story with everyone, including how the navigate the workers comp factory. Thanks, Wandralee

Thailand hip resurface 3 months on

nospam@example.com (nzpbkk) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:27:21 -0700

Hi, firstly congratulations and many thanks for the excellent website and fantastic information. It was really helpful. I am now 3 months on from a resurfacing to my left hip using an ASR device. The orthopedic surgeon was Dr Sittiporn from Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok Thailand. He tells me I am hip resurfacing patient number 44 for him. I understand he trained at the Birmingham Clinic and I cannot recommend him highly enough. I am 51 and have always been active completing endurance adventure races but now mainly into cycling both road and mountain biking. I have had hip pain for about 10 years and earlier this year the pain became worse, my movement was restricted and I developed a noticeable limp. I was putting most of my weight on my right leg and there was a lack of power in the joint. There is a history of hip problerms in my family with my mother and 3 of her brothers having hip replacements. Dr Sittiporn advised a hip resurfacing procedure. I asked him that I wanted to be pain free, improve my mobility and continue with my exercise program which is 3 rides (150 km) and 3 swims (6 km) per week. The operation went very well and the care at Bumrungrad was excellent. I was in hospital for a week and then on crutches and physio. Initially I tried to do far too much and pushed the rehab to far too fast despite the good Doctor's advice. This resulted in pain, frustration and lack of progress. I found by listening to my body and taking the Dr's advice I progressed really well. I kept up the crutches for a week or two longer to get better support and did all the rehab exercises. Now at 3 months I can walk in the hills for 3-4 hours, am pain free and no more limp. I have gained more flexibility and power and am back riding with the peleton in Bangkok albeit around 30-50 kms at a time without any problem. I am concious of not falling off as that could pose a problem. Swimming has progressed really well and I can now do without the float between the legs. It has been a very positive experience for me and would certainly recommend the procedure, the doctor and the hospital. best of luck Ray

Hip Hip Hooray!

nospam@example.com (city2south) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 21:58:31 -0700

My story starts out like many others: 38 yr old diagnosed with OA in left hip. 1st Ortho. did 2 cortisone shots, 1st one held up for almost 1 yr, 2nd one didn't last a day. Dr. told me only alternative was THR. I went home and cried. I didn't like his answer so I started searching the net and came across Surface Hippy and Dr. Gross. I Went to another local ortho. (just to get second opinion) with my information about HR and he said go for it. I made appt. with Dr. Gross ( 3 hrs driving distance) and had surgery 2 months later on 6/23/08. That morning I was of course nervous and as the nurses were setting me up for surgery I actually thought that maybe I shouldn't go through with this, maybe my pain is not that bad, maybe I can wait a few years. Shelby, my main nurse who treated me like gold reassured me all would be fine and I would only regret postponing surgery. PT came the next morning and I walked the hallway/stairwell with crutches. By Wednesday afternoon I was discharged. I was walking with 1 crutch less then a week post-op and then a cane before 2 weeks post-op. I am now 5 weeks post-op and feel great. <u>I have not had hip pain since I woke up from surgery.</u> The incision is 4 inches and healing nicely. I had no complications, just some insomnia (blood thinner side effect) that Lunesta cured immediately and feeling itchey from the morphine. A usual day consists of trying to keep up with my 3 yr old and walking a minimum of 1 mile with cane. I have routine exercises that I do daily and plan on trying my elliptical tomorrow. My cane is more for balance then support and I am hoping to retire it very soon. One of my new gadgets I took home was a Polar care 300. It is basically a small cooler that you fill with ice and water with a hose attached to a large pad. The pad gets wrapped around leg/hip area. After plugging it in (electric outlet) water shoots from the cooler into the hose up to the pad. It feels awesome and works wonders in drecreasing the swelling. The members on this site are amazing. I've never met such a supportive group of people in my life and I am truly greatful to Pat Walters for creating this communication portal. I'll be sure to update as I go and try to add videos and pictures. Lisa L/Uncemented/Biomet/Gross/6-23-08

Resurfacing is the way too go!

nospam@example.com (sandlady) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:59:14 -0700

I am a 53 year old woman with severe OA in one hip and moderate in the other. I took so much information from this site that I feel compelled to pay back a piece with my own story. I spent three years interviewing any new and different doctor I could find on my insurance plan. Each had his own opinion and preferred procedure. When I met Dr. Jon McLennan at JFK Arthritis Institute in Indio, CA, I was pretty sure my search was over. He is a wonderful doctor but unfortunately the staff at the institute is less than phenomenal. I felt the doctor was worth dealing with the dysfunctional staff but be prepared. He is aware of the staff’s inadequacies but if not personally in a position with institute to make changes yet. I had my surgery on my right hip four days ago. Because of political issues I could not have my surgery at the hospital of choice and had it at JFK also. I can say it was convenient and will stop there. The surgery went well, although slightly longer than expected due to numerous additional bone spurs that were not immediately visible on the X-rays. I had an epidural with twilight sleep. Not my first choice but the anesthesiologist and OR nurse talked me into it. No regrets. Had mild nausea after anesthetic but was fine by next morning. I was out of bed the next morning and doing laps with my walker. The doctor promised me when I could get up and go the bathroom myself I could go home. Since the care was less than optimal I pushed had and held him to my promise. The thing I found the most disconcerting was the lack of knowledge about the procedure among the hospital staff. Even the therapist hadn’t a clue when I described it to her! Second day was painful – but mostly just muscle. Like I had fallen or worked out too hard. Day three was better as I had hoped, and day four has been about stagnant as far as pain and mobility. Went out to lunch on day three, which took a toll on my strength, and won’t try to drive for at least a week yet. The oozing incision (staples) is working on my nerves, but am down to one or two Vicodins (plus stool softeners!) a day so I can’t complain about the out come.

Rower Having RBHR

nospam@example.com (TomBuell) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:33:50 -0700

I'm a 52-year-old male living in Pittsburgh, PA. I'm having RBHR surgery on July 1, 2008 by Dr. Ari Pressman at St. Clair Hospital. Before the pain and loss of flexibility caused by osteoarthritis stopped me, I was an avid rower here in Pittsburgh. I've won medals in national championships (US & Canada). My doctor, who is also a rower, told me I'll be able to row again. For this, and many other reasons, I'm really looking forward to this surgery and the return to flexibility. I would be curious to hear from any other rowers who have had BHR or other hip surgeries. I will report back after surgery and during recovery. - Tom in Pittsburgh (This message also posted in Hip Talk - Athlete's Corner)

Surgery & Post Op

nospam@example.com (Kenny Gensel) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:52:44 -0700

Surgery:

Day 1: Pretty immobile, jacked up on pain meds. Able to move to chair by end of day. Day 2: Walked around ward with crutches. Confidence growing. Day 3: Ready to go home in morning. Learned how to nav stairs w/ crutches. Drive home was PAINFUL [no meds prior to leaving; snafu due to Sunday discharge]. Drive straight to pharmacy, downed the meds, straight to recumbent chair for snooze.:

Home Recovery::

Day 1: walked around block with family. Very nice to get out. Able to check work email. Able to go up / down stairs (2x day).:

Day 2: able to make work emails / calls from home recumbent chair. Pain meds make it difficult to multi-task. Attention span greatly reduced. Must take nap.:

Days 3-5: look forward to daily walks around block with family. Easier to get in / out of bed each day. Able to go up / down stairs as needed. Cut all "additional" pain meds [percocet] but for 2x/day oxicontin.:

Day 6: attended BMX Olympic Trials. Only able to stay 2.5 hrs. Percocet in car ride home and useless rest of day.:

Day 8: decided to drive myself to work-likely a mistake. Driving is PAINFUL. Sitting at work in regular chair painful. Lower back hurt since I was trying to sit comfortably. Home at 3pm and resumed the percocet. Disappointment.:

Days 9-13: went to work every other day for short days; had to take perc to recover. Days stayed home were pain free & no percs necessary. Driving and sitting at work were key culprits. Limited mobility around house possible with only 1 crutch.:

Confidence Boosters::

Home and walking within 4 days of surgery - perception of "being on track" good feeling. 4 days post surgery perceived to hit plateau or even step backwards; easy to feel sorry for myself and get moody.:

Determination: epiphany that mental toughness is as important as physical therapy.:

Dr. Ball personally called to check up - classy guy. Great help to confidence.:

Read article in Competitor Mag re: pro athletes Floyd Landis and Robyn Benincasa had same surgery. Emailed and got a response from Robyn! Wow what a boost. :

Must maintain mental toughness - this is a marathon not a sprint.

Life Pre-Surgery

nospam@example.com (Kenny Gensel) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 09:04:20 -0700

Pre Surgery Lifestyle:

1987-2004:sports 5x / week; volleyball, basketball, baseball, soccer.

1993: motorcycle accident; fractured femur. Long term result - severe arthritis, bone spurs, loss of cartilidge.

2002-2008: severe pain after sports; self medication through alcohol

2005-2008: stopped all sports but basketball due to pain. Added mountain biking (less impact) to pick up slack.

Hip Resurfacing with Dr. Gross - May 2008

nospam@example.com (gabulldog) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:03:11 -0700

I am a 35 year old male and was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in my left hip at the age of 28. I was also told my right hip showed early signs of osteoarthritis. My orthopedist recommended that I immediately stop running and playing basketball. He really did not want to discuss surgery with me and told me that my goal should be to try to make it to the age of 40 before thinking about surgery. As long as I stayed away from high impact activities, the pain was somewhat bearable.

About a year ago, the pain seemed to be getting worse. Getting in and out of my truck became more difficult. Falling asleep at night started taking much longer. My orthopedist told me that it might be time to start discussing total hip replacement. I went to another orthopedic surgeon for a second opinion and he recommended total hip replacement whenever I was ready. I scheduled it for May 2008 which was about 6 months away. I was happy to know that my pain would be gone but did not have a good feeling about having total hip replacement. During this appointment, I asked the doctor about hip resurfacing. He did not think enough research had been done on hip resurfacing. I began reading everything I could find on hip resurfacing on the internet. The idea of not cutting off the head of the femur sounded great but it still made me a little nervous since it was a newer surgery.

Finally, I came across Dr. Gross’ website and the Surface Hippy website. After reading through his website and reading all of his patient stories on the Surface Hippy website, I decided to make an appointment with him. After talking with Dr. Gross and Lee Webb, I was sold. Dr. Gross spent a lot of time with me and made sure that all of my questions were answered. The next week I cancelled my total hip surgery and scheduled hip resurfacing with Dr. Gross.

My experience in Columbia, SC with Dr. Gross and Lee Webb was excellent. I met with Lee Webb the day before my surgery. She answered all of my questions and made me feel at ease with everything that was going to happen the next day. The nurses and staff at Providence Hospital made me feel comfortable with every part of the process.

Day of operation (May 14, 2008) – Arrived at the hospital at about 7:15. I was taken back to pre-op around 7:45. I spent quite a while in pre-op. I was the second surgery of the day. I was told the first surgery started much later than it was supposed to. I was wheeled into surgery at about 11:45. The last thing I remember is leaning up for the spinal anesthesia. The physical therapist dropped by to talk to me about 5:00. He decided that he would wait until the next day to get me moving. He did this because my dexascan showed that I had low bone density (t score of -1.6). Lee Webb had already talked to me about this. I would be 10% weight bearing (crutches) for 6 weeks and then a cane for 4 weeks. The nurses were very nice and always let me know what they were doing. They checked on me every hour so that made for a very long night.

1st day post op – The nurse took out my catheter at about 6 this morning. This was a little uncomfortable but it was out in about 3 seconds. The physical therapist came by at about 9:00 am. He took me through the exercises. We walked down the hall on crutches and practiced walking up steps. The occupational therapist came by soon after and showed me how to use the sock aid and how to use the reacher to put on my shorts. She also talked to me about the hip precautions. I was released from the hospital about 2:00. Just to be on the safe side, I decided to stay one more night in the hotel across the street from the hospital.

2nd day post op – I didn’t sleep very well last night. I had to wake up my wife about 3 times to help me make it to the bathroom. After eating breakfast and taking a walk down the hall in the hotel, I got a little lightheaded. I got back in bed and took a little nap before we left for home. The ride home was very uncomfortable. Dr. Gross said I could make it back without stopping but we decided to stop once so I could take a short walk. Sitting in a chair is not very comfortable yet. Getting in and out of bed has been pretty tough.

3rd day post op – I slept a little bit better last night. I’m still waking up several times during the night. I've been sleeping on my back with a pillow between my legs.

4th day post op – I slept much better last night. I am a lot more comfortable sitting than I was yesterday. I had a little bit of pain this morning after doing my exercises.

8th day post op – I haven’t taken a pain pill in two days. I drove today for the first time. Getting in and out of the car wasn’t that bad. I still can’t sit for a long time without having to get up and move around. I've been taking several walks each day but since I'm on crutches the walks aren't that long.

4 weeks post op – I really haven’t had any pain in about 2 weeks. I still haven’t taken a pain pill since the 6th day post-op. My leg gets to be pretty swollen throughout the day. I emailed Lee Webb and she said this is normal and that I should continue applying ice and elevating the leg. I go back to see Dr. Gross in two weeks. I'm supposed to use a cane for 4 weeks after my appointment.

Hip Resurfacing with Dr. Clarke March 2008

nospam@example.com (Patricia Walter) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 07:53:13 -0700

After three years of groin pain, I began researching options to improve my quality of life. In 2005, I met with two different Orthopedic surgeons both of whom recommended surgery as the only option. While visiting a friend @ Community General Hospital, I saw an information board regarding "Birmingham Hip Resurfacing". I talked about the technique with my Orthopedist and his recommendation was a Total Hip Replacement. Dr. Michael Clarke, who is in the same practice, was an Orthopedist specializing in BHR and I immediately made an appointment with him. Following the initial meeting, I began a quest to learn as much about the BHR technique as possible. Your website "Surface Hippies" was of great value. I scheduled my surgery for a LBHR with Dr. Clarke on March 19, 2008.

I was Dr. Clarke's first surgical patient of the day. I went into the OR @ 7:30am and was in recovery by 9:00am. I woke up around 11:00am and was transferred to my room. In addition to the patient administered catheter, Dr. Clarke uses a post-operative "painbuster" catheter that infuses medications directly into the wound. (Day 1): walking with the aid of a walker. (Day 2):physical therapy and step climbing, up two steps, cross a platform and down two steps then walked back to my room. (Day 3) physical therapy in the morning and headed for home around noon. (Days 4 thru 7):switched from narcotics for pain to extra strength Tylenol as the narcotics tend to have a paradoxical effect. Lots of swelling initially but diminished as activities increased. Some difficulty sleeping at night. Both a nurse and physical therapist visited the house and a plan of walking and exercising three times daily began. (Days 8 thru 14): feeling better each day, sleep is improving , transitioned from walker to cane on Day 9.

Began driving short distances on Day 14. Eating is back to normal and overall body strength is improving. (Days 15 thru 17): Feeling great, the surgical area is tender and I have to change positions frequently. Just got back from a three quarter mile walk. I must admit it tired me out. I begin outpatient therapy on April 9th, so I will follow-up at the conclusion of next week. Thanks for your support

Steve

Back at Day 8

nospam@example.com (Clarkefan) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 05:46:34 -0700

Well, the past week has seen some serious changes in my life. And I'd have to say, at Day 8 post-surgery, I've made some significant progress, passed some high hurdles, and still deal with some major obstacles. Looking back, I was very apprehensive the day of surgery. I didn't miss a workout (of some sort) for quite some time, and the prospect of being in pain, on drugs, tethered to my house, and unable to exercise had me very apprehensive. The surgical prep and holding area is now a blur to me (probably for the best). I arrived with a bit of a cold, which had the surgical team more than a little concerned. But after a check-up (minor fever and sniffles) I was cleared to go (secretly I was hoping they would send me home). I don't remember how I got from the prep area to the surgery room, but it had some nice rock-n-roll in the background, a nasty smell, and was a buzz of activity. My lower back was shaved for the spinal block, I was given a sedative to "relax". I was asked to roll on my side, and... found myself waking up in the recovery room. The first hours were deceptively mild -- spinal block will do that -- but I was lashed to the abductor pillow (an evil device), catheter installed (glad I slept through that), and wound-drain, well... draining. I recall the doctor in the recovery room telling me I looked "pretty good" and jokingly I told him, "Sorry buddy, I'm married." I was wheeled into my hospital room, where I was surrounded by extensive care, crappy television options, and a wonderful device to push for pain relief. I didn't eat that much that day, some fruit, lots of water and soda. All in all, I was too drugged to really appreciate my situation. The next day, however, started to really drill into me what had just been done to my body. The catheter was removed, the pain meds were now pills -- and no longer "on demand", and my inherent desire to "get moving" was simply not going to happen. At one point, I couldn't wait for more pills, so was given a low dose of pain medication, which seriously messed with me. I was made to walk from the bed to my chair -- I really couldn’t believe how much that hurt and how hard it was to accomplish, but there you go. I spent much of the rest of the day in 'the chair'. My PSP game system was just too cumbersome to deal with, so I watched the Weather Channel and Cartoon Network. Post-op day 2 started to get a little brighter. The wound-drain was removed and I got clean dressing (finally saw the 24 staples -- ick). I went to physical therapy for the first time, and managed to get around on two crutches... did the stairs, and had some limited mobility. Day 3 post-op (my "go home" day) was even a little easier, and I was anxious to get back to my own bed. PT had me try one crutch (a much nicer option). The wheelchair ride to the car was not too bad, and I made it home in good order. Fast forward... it's now Day 8. I started the morning with a short walk down the block (one crutch), though had a rough night... my muscles were arguing with me, but I didn't take anything other than Tylenol PM (probably a mistake). I'm going to switch from Percocet to Vicodin to sleep tonight, and I'm taking some Advil for pain during the day (not much 2, 400 mg doses). I'll be logging in to my office's email shortly to do a little work, and it'll be my first quite day at home alone.

Three Days to Go

nospam@example.com (Clarkefan) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:29:36 -0700

Well folks, I am finally looking forward to the surgery date. My iPod is loaded; I just bought a Playstation Portable to have in the hospital with me; and I picked up two new books -- I suppose it's wishful thinking that I'll have time for all of it. I continue to exercise so I'm in prime shape (can't say it feels good, but mentally it gives me some control over the situation). My initial plan was to bring my laptop into the hospital with me (so I could blog to my heart's content), but I'm leaning against that option, so you'll have to wait until I'm home to get the rest of the report.

My New Biomet Hip from Dr. Gross (and Lee) - 10 Days Post OP!

nospam@example.com (encore10) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:10:48 -0700

My story actually begins where it ends. The bottom line is that I was born with an abnormality in both of my femoral heads which caused rapid and early wear and tear to the cartilage in my hip sockets. I am a 44 year old male who has over done things a bit, to say the least, regarding my physical activity through the years. So I would have to add that my obsession with squatting heavy weights, running off road, and pushing myself to the limits in other activities through these years gave my predisposed condition a good opportunity for early success. I first became aware of my hip problems in 2001 while still in the Army and and pushing myself had become a lifestyle when I managed to tear cartilage in my right hip while stretching out for a routine 8 mile run which caused a great deal of pain along with a "clunk" with each step. I ended up at Dr. Thomas Byrds clinic in Nashville, TN. This top notch and best in the business physician scoped the hip and removed the torn cartilage. Since Dr. Byrd performed this particular procedure on me he has incorporated another step in the process which also removes the malformation on the femoral head that causes these labrel tears in hip joints. From that point around 2002 until my meeting Dr. Gross earlier this month I have been in much pain. I suffered a serious decrease in my physical activities as well as other normal functions regarding my lifestyle, gained 20 pounds, and have been in "angry mode" ever since. I had lost the capability to vent stress and "clean my mind" so to speak through running and other fast pace physical activities. I couldn't even run to the front door if the house was on fire at that point and I eventually started to walk with a severe limp about two years ago. I could not even get out of a car seat without hesitation and pain. I begin to spend hours researching the prospect of having my hip resurfaced instead of undergoing a total hip replacement about two months ago, after my mother of all people, read in an article that there was an alternitive to THR. It didn't take me long to seek out Dr. Gross because of his successful track record and his deep commitment in researching, developing, and fine-tuning this procedure. He even has gone so far as to develop his own design in a bearing device made by Biomet. Very impressive. Dr. Gross and his assistant Lee are also very impressive. Both as well as the rest of the staff are unable to hide their enthusiasm and passion for what they are doing there in Columbia, SC. Today, I am exactly 10 days post op and am able to walk easily with the assistance of a cane. I am doing my PT exercises every day, walking further every morning, and am having a hard time staying off of my eliptical trainer and not doing other exercises that I probably shouldn't do becasue I DON'T HAVE ANY PAIN IN MY HIP ANY LONGER! The only pain I have is in and around my incision and the swelling and bruising started subsiding on day 5 and 6. The short of it all is that I cannot wait to get through the first 6 weeks and gradually get back to activities on a moderate level and start building towards a better frame of mind and a healthier body again. I look forward to adding to this blog in a month or so in order provide better news of progress. I am thanking God every day I didn't choose to have the thing totally replaced! Thank you Dr. Gross for what I expect to be a life changing experience... (and thanks Mom!)

One week and counting

nospam@example.com (Clarkefan) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:39:50 -0700

I have just returned from my pre-op class at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, and for the first time in years feel fairly confident that I will be pain free and active in the foreseeable future. The patient advocates at Sinai were outstanding, the class informative, and the entire staff most supportive. One week from now I will most likely be in my hospital room, done with post-op recovery and simply watching TV on pain medication. The path that brought me here is a long one starting with hip displasia, years of martial arts and running, a very painful hip injury, steroid injections, and lots and lots of Advil. Will keep you updated as things progress...

Comments on Blogs

nospam@example.com (Patricia Walter) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:39:40 -0700

I wanted to let people know that the blogs are mostly used to tell Hip Resurfaicng Stories.

If you are hoping to get some comments from your posting, I would suggest joining the Hip Talk Discussion Group on this website Hip Talk Discussion Group at the Surface Hippy Website

I don't like people to be dissapointed that they are not getting answers from their posts. There are over 500+ memebers on the Hip Talk Group and the people are very kind and supportive.

Pat Owner/Webmaster of the Surface Hippy Website

Under the knife 2/15/08

nospam@example.com (jds3379) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:15:18 -0700

I'm going in the 15th. Sinai, Baltimore Maryland.Pretty freaked, but in soooo much pain that I'm somehow looking forward to it. I'm officially off the NSAID's. Everything hurts waist down! (well not everything) Hips Knees ankles... I'm 48 and have been a surgical candidate for some time now. I was told.."wait until your 50..Let pain be your guide" My quality of life has really suffered, I'm pretty desperate for a positive outcome, that said I'm nervous. Was driving home from work last week almost pulled over a couple of times to throw up. Pain sucks...anyway.. trying to look forward and be positive! I'm Having Bi-lat a week apart. Is this common? Safer than both hips at once? I assume post op and recovery is complicated. Any Bi-Lat folks care to comment? I read Lefty wasn't impressed with the acute rehab joint they sent him to. Any Marylanders speak well of a good rehab place? Does anyone have a realistic view of when I might go back to a desk job? Despite the earlier pessimistic paragraphs I am looking forward. Certainly 100% of anyone I've spoken to said the procedure is life altering..I waited too long etc... Just looking for guidance the next 10 weeks or so Thanks-