Newbie looking to learn more

[somegypsy]

Hi David...

I'm a relatively new HR person! Just got my right hip resurfaced in Belgium the beginning of July. It is amazing how quickly you recover, well, me anyway, though I have occasional twinges that disturb me when they happen, but NOTHING like the original pain.

I have US insurance and after much negotiating got them to cover me having surgery with Dr De Smet in Ghent, Belgium. There were two other American patients and one Danish guy at the same time. Fabulous care, and much less expensive than the States. Both American's were getting their second hips done and had excellent recovery times.

As the long timers have pointed out....take it slow. Be safe. I feel like I should jump on my bike, but one tumble and it would be all over...so I'll stick to the bike in the gym for a few more months. Seriously, in the long term, better to be safe than sorry!

And not to sound like a parrot....But you'll be glad you did it!!!!  Good Luck

[whyme]

David,
I'm 6 years older than you, and also found out about the arthritis 5 years ago. It's a long time to think about this... So I went through different phases: first depression, stopped most sporting activity, in particular running (which I loved). I could not understand why this happened to me, to someone that had been so active, that "needs" to be active.
Early on I heard about the two options: THR (Total Hip Replacement) and HR (Hip Resurfacing). Of course, HR looked so promising as it allows you higher level of activity. But this wasn't clear cut, depending which consultant/surgeon I talked to...
Later, I ignored the condition and decided to keep going for as long as I could. Then, when it started getting worse I felt a lot of anxiety and wanted to tick some boxes (sporting goals) before "it is all over", it was a race against time (and I lost).
At some point, the hip took the decisions for me... I stopped running because there was nothing positive coming out of it, just pain and no gain. Naturally I moved to easier activities on the hip (cycling and swimming), is not the same for me but focused on other goals, and in fact I improved in both!
Eventually, you know it's time. For me it was clear when walking became a chore. I wasn't taking any pills, I still could reach my toes, but I limped and couldn't keep up with people 30 years older than me... At some point you could feel it worsening week after week.

Regarding the solution, this site was a great source of information and encouragement. My only doubts about resurfacing where the metal ion reaction thing and the device recalls. The bad publicity might be exaggerated, but surely this hasn't worked out for some people and can't be denied. The results are not guaranteed.
However, it seems to me by choosing the most experienced surgeon possible, who assesses if you are a suitable candidate, uses a proven device with the best positioning, the odds are on my favor.
So I decided to go for HR (maybe a bit more risky, but potentially more rewarding) vs THR (safer, but definitely restrictive regarding impact activities).
And if I'm unlucky after all, there is still the THR.

I'm not even 3 weeks post op, but I'm already walking 7-8km every day, honestly not pushing it, and no pain. Feeling very grateful and hopeful for the future.

[lgbran]

David
I'm another newbie here.  I started running long distances in my 20s through to my late 30s luckily enough to run 3 marathons. In my late teens I tore my right cartilage and funnily enough my knee never bothered me running but my right let did have a funny action. Looking back now there was always a little ache in my hips which progressively got worse over the years. At 39 I discovered cycling and still doing it at 50. I remember finding some exotic stretches on the net about 10'years ago for my hip tried them and couldn't move the next day. X-rays shows my right hip was degenerating and was told I would have to have a total hip replacement in due course but delay it as long as I could. my brother in law had a THR performed about 18 months ago and didn't even consider a BHR. About 12 months ago and to this current day I've really struggled and after a cortisone shot, various pain meds and doing lots of research on this forum and others I've having a BHR in November. The first surgeon I consulted doesn't perform HR. I then requested an their opinion and was referred to a local surgeon who advised me of the pros and cons of both and said the decision was mine to make. I actually booked surgery with this chap but he has only performed 150 of these.Its only through this site that I ve been advised to see someone who has performed lots of these surgeries. So I tried to get and see 2 surgeons in Melbourne , however both were overseas and couldn't see me until November.Luckily enough I'm seeing Stephen McMahon in Melbourne later this month and he can fit me in for surgery one week earlier then the other chap.He has also performed over 1000 BHR so he has had lots of practice. I can't wait for the op, a return to cycling and possibly even the odd 5k run down the track, however with 2 knees that  have had cartilage surgery  I think my running days are behind me. It's a Mazing the array of stories here of people who have returned to active sports after surgery but  not all people here are athletes or come from an athletic background.like many others finding this forum and the honest feedback  and hip resurfacing as an option is a god send. good luck and all the best in your journey and keep on posting
Cheers
Len
Australia

[Arrojo]

Running is the only reason I got a hip resurfacing.  I am running 30-40 miles a week now and will run my first half marathon post op in a month.

I also won a number of medals earlier this year sprinting - think 100 meter dash - at the Ocean State and Connecticut Senior Games.

My point is that HIP RESURFACING IS WONDERFUL!  Do your own research though, dont take my word for it.  Also, find yourself an experienced surgeon.  Don't let 'them' tell you no, you can never play soccer, or run, or do whatever you want.

Good luck to you.

[B.I.L.L.]

HIP RESURFACING IS WONDERFUL!  find yourself an experienced surgeon. 

x a million on the experienced Dr !! My resrfaced hip felt 100% normal until it wore out prematurely due to a steep cup angle. I surfed, rode bikes, rode dirtbikes, even raced motocross with it, hiked all over Yosemite, cleaned pools all day, carried heavy crap I wasn't supposed too, bodysurfed, I forgot it was there until the edge loading and resulting metal ion issues caught up to me. Go to  a resurface specialist, I would love to try one put in right ! Proper installation is the key ! Don't be part of someones learning curve, its not worth it, travel if you have to. Just my $.02. Good luck ! 8)

[somegypsy]

Did you have your surgery?

[HowieF-16]

Yes, I have experience with Dr. Raterman. He was one of the first Docs in the country to start doing HR surgery. In fact, he did a hip resurfacing on my right hip just over two weeks ago. I prepared a lengthy narrative for Pat to post on this website. Send me a message with your email and I will email you a copy. You will know exactly what to expect and really be prepared for your appt on Tuesday. In a nutshell, I am extremely pleased with everything about my surgery, Dr. Raterman's practice, the hospital he uses, and all the staff I interacted with. Here is my email. Howief22fl@gmail.com.

[DavidJ]

--Thank you for the replies and info.

My appt with Dr Raterman last Sept gave me alot of answers.  My condition was caused by mild dysplasia in both hips.  It was great to finally hear a logical answer to a question 3 previous surgeons could not give an answer for.

I was very impressed with Dr Raterman and was very encouraged that I am an excellent candidate for HR.  He was very confident that I could be surfing in 3-4 months, I was expecting him to say 9-12 months.  My recovery time would  be short and life as normal would not take long.  I was disappointed to hear I could not have both hips done at the same time.  I would like to both have them done at once but understand why he will not.

This all being said, I do not expect to have this surgery in the near future and this is why.  I'm very afraid of having this surgery.  Having my muscles cut and dislocating my let and inserting this device.  Not really something I see myself going through with unless I am almost forced to.

Also, I read alot of great stories here about how people are living a better life now and so glad they did it.  I also read about complications and being in more pain and ions and infections and clicking and  problems sleeping etc. it scares me. 

Right now I can get by.  I have no issues with sleeping.  I pop a couple of Alieve and I can still surf, walk around Disney with my kids, and ride a bike.  Don't get me wrong, its still painful and bothers me everyday, but I can still get it done.  My biggest fear is being worse off after the surgery then before.

I'm hoping to find someone with my condition of dysplasia and age of around 40 who has had a HR to learn more.  Many of the threads are helpful but with so many conditions and ages having HR its tough to find out which ones relate to me.

Thanks

[Miguelito]

Hi David,

I just wanted to chime in that surfing at 3-4 months sounds aggressive to me. I don't surf so take my opinion with a grain of salt. If he is giving you permission to do it then he doesn't think it will risk injury, which is great, but my balance was messed up for a lot longer than 3-4 months. My physical therapist told me that you get some of your balance from your hip and it takes a while to re-learn it. I didn't feel any real athleticism return until the one year mark (when it came rushing back).

I could be dead wrong here. I could golf just fine at four months, but surfing is obviously more demanding. And you are having both done! I would not have been any good at anything that required real balance at 3-4 months. Combination lack of strength and balance.

My one criticism of doctors who perform this surgery is that they haven't had it done themselves and perhaps don't appreciate certain aspects of the recovery. Like mine says you can return to a desk job at two weeks. I was not nearly ready at two weeks. There shouldn't be any expectation that people can return to a full-time desk job at two weeks. People do it, I am sure, and some easily, I imagine; but they have to be in the minority.

My diatribe for the day.

Oh - Isee that you mention you are putting it off. You will know when you are ready; simple as that.

And as for your point about ages; It's a free country and people are entitled to put as little info on here as they want, but I believe this site would be even more useful if more people would put their ages and sex on here. Men and women are different physiologically; it's true in general and with this surgery as well. Also a 28 year old male is going to have more in common with a 30 year old male than a 65 year old one.

My second diatribe.

Good luck,

Mike

[Juno]

Hi David -- I just wanted to wish you the best.

Also --- many if us do have dysplasia -- like you, it's the reason we got to this point in the first place. I do have mild dysplasia of both hips. It's not uncommon, especially in females. Unfortunately it causes your hips to ride in the socket unevenly and that eventually causes diminished cartilage and the osteoarthritis.

I am post op 2 surgeries, 5 months apart. I am 49. I know there are so many horror stories (mixed with great successes). I just want to say that you need to take both sides with a grain of salt and meet it somewhere in the middle. The Internet is filled with all types of folks and thousands of opinions.

You will reach a point where living with the pain and limited ROM is no longer an option for you both physically and emotionally. That is what happened to me -- I wanted to no longer be thinking about the pain, popping the Alleve, Meloxicam or other assorted medication, and I needed to move forward. When you reach that time you will,find your best solution --- be it HR or THR. Either way there are good and bad stories. Best of luck to you.

[DavidJ]

I scheduled an appointment to see Dr Ratterman next week.  This will be my second appt with him.  I wanted to have some xrays taken and I am bringing my wife so we can discuss surgery and recovery.  Maybe, just maybe, I will put something on the schudule for surgery but I think I will chicken out.  We shall see.
Thanks for everyones input and help.  So glad I found this site.

David

[HowieF-16]

If you want to talk with someone with more recent experience with Dr Raterman I was just texting a guy who had his hip done two weeks ago. Let me know if you want his contact info. Good luck with the decision.

[23109VC]

David-

your story sounds a lot like mine.  I was 38 when I had my left hip resurfaced.  I never got a straight answer as to what caused my hips to go bad..but my parents told me ashen i was born the doctors said my hips were slightly misaligned..  they had me wear a special brace as a baby... i walked  "pigeon toed" and as a very small child but never had any surgery.  I was able to self correct the pigeon toed walking...and as a young adult i was 100% normal. played all kinds of sports..had no problems with anything... i played tons and tons of racquetball it was my favorite sport... lots of running, and other physical activity.

in my late 20s i started noticing that one hip was sometimes stiff or had slightly else range of motion after working out or heavy sports.  by the time i was 30 it was obvious something was wrong with my hip but i had no idea. i went to the doctor, had X-rays.. they all told me i had signs of OA..but i kept lving life...  by the time I was in my mid 30s it was really bad. I was on aleve all the time.. i gave up running.. racquetball. forget it. if i played a game of racquetball... i was in agonizing pain the next day.  i was okay with regular walking or day to day activities...

by 35-36 it was horrible. i saw more doctors..finally one recommended HR.  I made the mistake of going home and watching a youtube video of how they do the surgery... i was HORRIFIED. like you, i was big chicken and I put if off another year... i told myself I would just deal with the pain and medicate and get by.

like you.. i was seriously worried about doing the surgery and had fears that something would go wrong.. the idea of them tearing apart my hip and drilling on it..frightend me to death.  i really was scared to do it.

a year went by and the pain got horrible. i found this site..made some friends online..and some who had recently had the surgery told me the real deal of how it went down..w hat to expect, what not to expect..and alleviated a lot of my fears.

i saw Dr. Gross. I live in CA..so I flew across the country to get hter.e You are a lot closer.  give him a all..he is great. he has an uncemented device which is what I had put in. 

I can honestly say this - getting my hip fixed was the BEST thing I ever did. I now wish I had done it a few years sooner..  I got my life back..literally. it transformed my life from being somewhat cripped to being 99% normal... i am SO MUCH BETTER than before surgery it is like a miracle.  I am not exaggerating.  I could not imagine going back to the "old me"...

my other hip is ok..but will likely need to be fixed at some point in the future..it's just not that bad yet. when it gets to that point.. i will have ZERO reservations about doing it.

i was afraid of the pain, fearful of needles, what if I woke up during the surgery, what if i had problems afte.r. you name it.. i worried about it.

i can tell you this - with the way Dr. Gross does things.. I honestly felt NO serious pain before or after the surgery.  the worst pre surgery pain was when they put the IV in my arm..seriously.  i have a vague recollection of the anesthesiologist coming in to give me a spinal shot..and I don't remember it.. i said hi to him..and was gone.  i woke up and said "am i done???"...  yeah there was some soreness..but it was different pain.  the horrible bone pain.. GONE.  I could move my leg again.. i could sit up completely straight for the first time in years.

in 6-8 weeks you are walking again with no cane, no crushes. in 6 months I could run.  in 1 year I could do whatever i wanted.  i am now 3 years post op and better now than even at year 1 or 2. 

the only thing I have issues with is long distance running. if I run too far i still get some funky pain my soft tissue that I believe is scar tissue.  i have run a 5k...that's about as far as I go.

I cycle.. did 25 miles no problem.  i am thinking of training for a century. i have no doubts i could o one... just need to train the cardio to do it..and get a bette bike!  but it's totally in my future.

i am now 41. i have 3 kids.  i play sports with them.  run, jump.. lift weights.. do one legged squats.. i go to disneyland and walk all over the park.. i used my "map my run" app and the last time we were there I think we walked 12 miles...i could NOT have done that before surgery, now it's no problem.

check my video.. i recently put this together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFCw0zYayyk

only you know when it's the right time to fix your hip... when I was 36, 37.. i was in pain..but not quite ready to do it... gradually the pain got bad enough that the fear of the surgery wasn't enough to hold me back from wanting to fix it...

if the only thing holding you back is the fear of the surgery...find the best surgeon you can..and go for it... i can tell you from my experience.. it was NOT bad. I had a hernia fixed about 10 years ago and that recovery hurt FAR worse than receiving from the hip. yeah, the hernia healed faster...but it was far more painful... knowing what the doctor did to my hip.. ic an't believe how little discomfort I was in.

i would strongly advise you see Dr. Gross. he is a miracle worker and highly .. HIGHLY..experienced in HR.  he does free consultations too.

for what it's worth.. WE are in the highest success rate category for this surgery.  active men in their 30-40s are the BEST candidates for hip resurfacing and have the best survivorship stats. 

if you want to PM me.. go ahead. I'd be HAPPY to give you my phone number and talk to you on the phone... answer any questions you have.

this website was a GREAT resource for me when I was in your shoes. i'm happy to return the favor to people thinking of having the surgery.

good luck!

Sean