I had a bi-lateral hip resurfacing November 25, 2008 with Dr.
Tom Vail at UCSF in San Francisco. As a 60 year old energetic and athletic woman
who loves hiking, sports and kayaking, I wanted to regain my life.

For the last 6-8 years I have been unable to walk more than a
mile without pain so hiking was out of the question and many other sports and
activities became difficult or impossible. After much research I decided to go
with Tom Vail as he has done a lot of surgeries ( I didn’t want to be a guinea
pig!) and quite a few bi-laterals.

After our first meeting, I felt confident that he was the man
for the job. I had interviewed several other doctors but didn’t feel that
“connection”. I spent the four months before my surgery getting in the best
shape possible by working out at least 4-5 times a week for an hour a day,
swimming laps, kayaking and taking water aerobics classes. I went into the
surgery in good shape which paid off with a very fast recovery.

I’m five weeks out and walking much better than before the
surgery with good flexibility. I will say that bi-lateral surgery is not for the
faint of heart as the first two weeks are pretty brutal. However, I would say
that after the first week, each day I felt better and better.

I’ve been going to physical therapy twice a week for the last
3 weeks and it has helped tremendously with my flexibility and strength. I’m
walking without a cane for the last week or so and and am back to my swimming
pool routine (not quite full force yet). I can put on my socks, tie my shoes and
bend over without tremendous effort, things that were extremely difficult before
the surgery. And I can walk without a limp! My pain and stiffness is minimal and
I have been off all pain meds except Tylenol or Aleve for the last three weeks.
It will take some time to get the muscles that were not used for a long time
back in shape but overall I feel great.

I would highly recommend Dr. Vail to those looking for a
surgeon in the Bay Area.

Christine, Oakland, CA

August 2010 Update

It’s now been almost two years since my bi-lateral resurfacing and I have
been back to “normal” for well over a year.

I teach 5 aqua aerobics classes a week, kayak fish on the weekends,
walk and hike and generally do everything I want to do without thinking
about it.  I never take pain meds anymore and I used to take them daily and
still have pain.  My happiness and well being have been truly and
wonderfully improved by this surgery.

I will be forever thankful to Dr. Vail and the advancement of technology
that led me to this place. If anyone needs to talk about the surgery or the
aftermath, I’m available via email at
fishinginc@aol.com  or by phone if you email me first.

Chris, August 2010