How do you know?

[greateressex]

Wow guys, it's amazing I never would have though so many people going through the same things that I am going through. It's nice to talk to people and listen to stories and hear what is transpiring in there lives. I'm a Canadian  guy so I actually waited 1 and half years to see a doctor in London. I did my research on him and I just knew he is the one. I believe that it's the surgeon who holds the most important card  in to determining how long your hip resurfacing will last. This site actually gave me confidence going into my surgery. I think now I just want it over with and to move on with physio. I wish everyone the best!  Thanks for all the stories!

[nevinyoung]

I am two days post left hip resurfacing with Dr. Mont in Baltimore.

I was not in SERIOUS PAIN unless I actually did something. If I sat around like a couch potato, I would get occasional twinges and aches, but no real pain unless I walked a few blocks or spent too much time in the aisles at the supermarket.

A "traditional" hip guy who does not do resurfacing thought that was great. He said "you're 44, limit your activities, wait until you are 55 or so, and then get a total replacement!" To my protest that I would be wasting ten good years of my life, he basically said "some of my patients can't even go from the couch to the bathroom without pain. You are doing great compared to them."

What a terrible attitude for a doctor to have. Telling someone 44 years old to sit on a couch for the next ten years and turn into a diabetic lump with heart disease. I had to push him for information on resurfacing-- and push him hard.

I am two days post surgery and of course I don't know what the future holds yet. But I can't believe that people won't at least try to restore themselves to an active life and not die a couch potato.

[Juno]

Nevinyoung -- AMEN!!!
Well said.

[Lauren Lee]

I was hanging out...contemplating steroid injections....enduring unpredicatable hip behavior and then excruciating pain if I did something to flare it up...and waiting to be old enough for THR too. No one said a word about hip resurfacing. Found out about it from a receptionist at the hospital when I went it to have a hip xray. She had had a BHR. Without her I probably would be getting poked with a needle and not getting better, as I am now.

[maxx6789]

it is amazing how different doctors can be so different. i was always active and i reached the point were, yes, i could move around the house but hating even going to the shopping mall due to all the walking/standing.

one doctor said i was not ready and wait it out, two doctors said i needed a THR, two doctors said i needed a BHR. so happy i have two BHRs!! i will never forget one THR doctor saying that i could never go surfing with a THR. i have surfed 10+ times this summer, am surfing better than ever, and enjoying every minute of it!!

A "traditional" hip guy who does not do resurfacing thought that was great. He said "you're 44, limit your activities, wait until you are 55 or so, and then get a total replacement!" To my protest that I would be wasting ten good years of my life, he basically said "some of my patients can't even go from the couch to the bathroom without pain. You are doing great compared to them."

What a terrible attitude for a doctor to have. Telling someone 44 years old to sit on a couch for the next ten years and turn into a diabetic lump with heart disease. I had to push him for information on resurfacing-- and push him hard.

[hernanu]

Great to see you're doing well, maxx... Glad you're back to surfing.

[Jaks111]

Good luck, Im in the same position as you I got my letter yesterday my date is 11th September and I'm dreading it I know I need it done been putting it off.
I have mr treacy based at the roh birminghami know I'm in good hands but still don't want it done.

Jacki

[hernanu]

Good luck, Im in the same position as you I got my letter yesterday my date is 11th September and I'm dreading it I know I need it done been putting it off.
I have mr treacy based at the roh birminghami know I'm in good hands but still don't want it done.

Jacki

I get it Jacki, I don't think any of us wanted it done either time. I knew that I needed it, so in a way, I actually did want it done the second time around after having seen how much my first hip improved.

As the clock ticked towards the second, I was looking forward to having the only pain in my life be a positive, from recuperation. I know the fact that we have to go through these sucks.

The first time, though I was as leery as you of it. This was my second major surgery (the first fixed a collapsed lung), but was my first done as a conscious choice.

Nothing is guaranteed, but you have improved your chances markedly by your choice of surgeon. I can quote the positives, but the thing that really fueled my desire  to have it done was the depressing pain from OA.

I saw it was not getting better and would not. All I can tell you is that from this side of the fence, the pain of recovery lightened as it went, instead of deepening like the previous. To me it was like coming up from deep waters.

You'll see the difference - the OA is done right when you awake.

[maxx6789]

You'll see the difference - the OA is done right when you awake.

yes, this is so true. as soon as i woke up in the recovery room, the dull, constant OA ache was gone.

the day of my first operation - i was about 99% nervous and 1% excited about the future; the day of my second operation - i was pretty much just 100% excited about the future.

[lgbran]

Hoping to have BHR Nov 10 Year.After years of pain in right hip and paying the price for years of long distance running it's impacting on everything I do.If I could I would have the surgery tomorrow,however reduced our medical cover a few years back due to financial restraints and the November date is the earliest. I just hope the surgeon isn't on holidays. I sought a second opinion as the first surgeon I consulted doesn't perform this operation. Luckily I consulted a specialist who has performed this numerous times. I've had cortisone shots , take pain killers and the degeneration in my hip impacts on all I do. I am sick of people saying what's wrong with your leg?. I cycle most days , swim and I've noticed of late my left hip is now sore and in the past month my lower back is killing me. My brother in law had a THR a year and a half ago and hasn't looked back. I am so so looking forward to this operation, moving around pain free and being active.stumbling across this forum has been a god send and I look forward to continuing to contribute pre and post surgery
Greetings from Australia
Cheers lgbran

[hernanu]

Nice to hear from you and welcome, Igbran!

How many resurfacings has your surgeon done?

[lgbran]

Will have to pose this question to him. My local GP says he is very good. I'm seeing him early September so hopefully he can provide a bit more info. A THR will not allow me to be so active. my days of running long distances are gone. I'll be happy to ride, swim and live pain free. There are a number of surgeons in Melbourne who perform this operation. Come to think of it I think Simin Williams mentioned he had performed 300 of these with 3 failures when I mentioned about the negative press BHR had received. I don' think  this operation is performed in the numbers it is in the States or in the U.K. I'm just going with my gut instinct. I wasn't impressed with the first surgeon( A very young surgeon) who wouldn't even consider it. Thanks for the warm welcome. I plan to visit this forum as often as possible to get all the help and inspiration I need. I'm staring to realise how big it's going to be but am looking forward to it post op
.

[Granton]

Come to think of it I think Simin Williams mentioned he had performed 300 of these with 3 failures when I mentioned about the negative press BHR had received.
.

They sound like good numbers. Given all the negative press, I think you are being brave. BUT, if you have the right surgeon I think you are right. My experience is that the quality of the outcome is outstanding.

It is a shame that so many people who would benefit are being frightened away from, or not given access to the procedure.

David
Rt BHR, Mr McMinn Nov 1999
Lt BHR, scheduled 8th Oct 2013