Cold Therapy Devices

[ecchastang]

I am so looking forward to it.  I fedex'd the new patient paperwork yesterday evening.  Also heard back from Dr. Brooks who said I was most likely a candidate, and from Dr. McMinn who said the same thing.  But I will stick with Dr. Gross. 

[mickymoko]

Hi Beth, Bone spur is anterior acetabulum,approx 5 mm prominence which is catching the psoas on movement. Physio has checked and does not believe that my psoas is tight.He feels that the bone spurs are causing the psoas to inflame and consequently causing the pain. I cannot adduct my leg past the midpoint and I have to sleep with pillow between legs.After walking for about 15 mins, pain starts and radiates from groin to lower back.it is really frustrating, as I believe that this could be resolved with hip arthroscopy to debride the extra bone. I am due to see Mr Treacy in two weeks but I am not very hopeful because he will probably recommend the protocol of rest,painkillers steroids and PT, none of which will satisfactorily sort this out.

[Dannywayoflife]

Stress to him when you see him Mike that you feel that the painkillers and physio aren't a cure. I know sometimes surgeons over here have to go through their process before they will commit to surgery as all operations carry a risk. Good luck and keep me posted

Danny

[Miguelito]

Dr. Gross is the man. Love that guy.

[Miguelito]

I got the Kodiak from Dr. Gross in 2012. At the time the cost was $250. When you wake up from surgery I think it was running. Re-used it for other hip in 2014, still have it. Tried to sell it last Halloween to help fund my Halloween obsession (plus I hope not to need one for 20 years or more).

I love that thing. I became addicted to it post-surgery, particularly the first. I can't imagine that bags of frozen peas could substitute. The amount of times you or someone would have to go the refrigerator... With the Kodiak, my wife only had to replenish ice about 2x/day (I don't believe I could have done it at all for at least the first five days).

Pluses - It delivers industrial strength cold to an area. I mean you get the sense that the skin is chilly a half an inch deep. Very easy to run. It is very portable (though I bought a cheap wheeled cart from Target for $23 dollars to cart it and my medicines, drinks, snacks, etc. from my bed [night] to my recliner 8 feet away [day].) Oh yeah, I really recommend a recliner. Lastly, Dr. Gross recommends it, so...(mic drop).

Cons - Cleaning water out of the tubes for storage after the few weeks of use (very difficult, and I can't imagine most people do it properly - I had to use an air hose). I don't really see how this machine could be used on a periodic basis (for injuries, etc,) because of the difficulty in getting water out of the hoses. I hear what someone else said about plugging in, but all you have to do is pop the little round part that goes into the top of the machine in and out (I tied it around the handle) so not really much different than an on/off switch. (unless they changed the model at some point).

Take care and good luck,

Mike

P.S. Ohhhh. Re-read your post. My machine has no sensing technology and is just a pump that pumps water thru ice and then a pad. There is no way to regulate temperature. I imagine the new technology was forced on manufacturers as a result of those late night lawyer ads I see when  I watch the History Channel about WWII.

[Miguelito]

Both of my hips are Dr. Gross specials. Not sure about the anesthesia, but I certainly did not have a spinal catheter when I came out. I liked the anesthetist. He and I were talking about investments until I passed out.

Two observations: I woke up during hernia surgery twenty years ago (quite clearly), told them I was awake, then they knocked me out for good (they had trouble putting me out in pre-op too, so maybe someone was incompetent/mistake). My Dr. Gross surgeries just ran like clockwork. I would recommend doing your surgery first thing in the morning, to avoid a any chance of a backup. My second one went off a little late and gave me a chance to sweat a little.

I also want to second someone else. Single best piece of post-surgery advice I got was "stay ahead of the pain" with the medications. Don't try to be a hero. If you get behind it hurts and takes awhile to get back on schedule.

Mike

[seahip]

Sorry, I can't help you re: physios, but I just had a consult with Dr. Pritchett and would be interested to hear your feedback on the surgery experience.
Thank you!

No worries, I posted a synopsis in the hip stories section. Please take a look and if you have further or specific questions, happy to answer them!

[ecchastang]

Heck yeah!  I am hoping Dr. Gross can get me in soon so I can have a great season next year.  I have been up 5 times this year, but each time, the hip hurts more and more. 

[rburns]

Oops, sorry just saw your post after I asked the question! Thank you.

[Beth]

Got a message (finally) that I am scheduled March 9th for evaluation of my hip pain with Dr Brooks PA, Phil.
When I look back at my calendar notes, I realize that my hip started complaining in December. I assumed that it was because I had started to add some core exercises.
In January I continued having intermittent hip discomfort so I quit using the elliptical and this seemed to help some but not entirely. I then stopped all other exercises with some, but not total relief.
On January 21st I had a high sensitivity CRP (c-reactive protein) ordered by my pcp, along with other labs. It returned 12.9 (normal < 1.0) This week, the pain has gotten worse-to the point I have to use a crutch(es) to walk. I haven't been doing much of anything this week-mostly sitting or reclining in a chair and the pain is terrible at night.
Deep hip and butt pain that at times radiates down my leg. Sharp jabbing pains too.
When I walk its as something is loose, but I don't know what.
My hip also is continues to make a variety of noises. I feel a grinding when I move my leg side to side.
I am really scared. My gut feeling today is that I have a BIG problem. There's no way this is just tendinitis-having said that, I would love to be proven wrong.
Just needed to vent. Everyone here is so very supportive.
I know I will be having an xray. I am going to insist on having the metal ion levels drawn. Any other thoughts from the group on testing?
If I need a revision I just don't know if I can wait on Dr Brooks. He is scheduled out to June. Maybe they would take pity on me and work me in for a revision.
Thanks everyone,
Beth

[Dannywayoflife]

Really sorry to hear your wows. I'm thinking of you and hope you get it sorted soon

Danny

[toby]

Hi Beth, really sorry to hear of your continuing hip problems and extreme discomfort post resurfacing surgery. Apologies but as I'm from the UK I'm not aware of the qualifications of Phil (Dr Brooks PA)-is he an orthopaedic surgeon/medically trained? It seems to me that with your symptoms your original consultant surgeon Dr Brooks ought to be sufficiently concerned to want to see you directly! If not the scheduling of your appointment should have been made to ensure he is on hand to review your xrays and provide diagnosis and discuss next steps. I followed your previous postings and must say that I was somewhat disappointed that the advice given by a clerical person was to go to ER or contact your PCP. My view is that as patients we need surgeons who care sufficiently and recognise the major importance of aftercare.  I saw my surgeon Prof Cobb every day for the 5 days I was in hospital and at all follow up appointments and genuinely feel that he is there for his patients-sorry but that's what I expect. Maybe you disagree-if you feel disappointed in your aftercare, make your surgeon and his associates aware of this.
In answer to your question-I'd take one step at a time-first get the xrays, blood results and proper orthopaedic examination/opportunity for full discussion with your surgeon-then consider the results. Some surgeons would go beyond the xrays and order an MRI-discuss this option at your appointment. Good luck and please let us know how you get on March 9th.
I really feel for you.
Toby

[lgbran]

Thanks for the reassurance folks. Since my last visit have lost focus. Summer just finished here and intio Autumn ( fallL)

[Pat Walter]

MS asked me to post her story

Approximately 4 years ago I underwent a BHR procedure by Dr. Justin Klimisch which resulted in a disastrous outcome: I sustained significant nerve damage during the procedure to my femoral nerve (lost all function in my quadriceps and hip flexor muscles) as well a suspected traction injury to the whole nerve bundle which runs posterior to the hip resulting in drop foot.

I continued to experience significant nerve pain and mechanical hip pain and clunking after the hip resurfacing surgery. Eleven months later it was determined by experts that the BHR components installed were over-sized for my small frame, increasing the offset of my leg, and protruding into the soft tissue around my hip, so my only option was to have a revision procedure to a total hip. I was terrified of further nerve damage to my leg which was still very weak by undergoing a subsequent procedure so I chose to have the operation performed by Dr. Derek McMinn (the father of hip resurfacing) in Birmingham England as he is likely the most experienced surgeon in taking out an acetabular component which has become well fixated into the pelvis without causing further damage to bony structure.

My experience with Dr. McMinn was very good. The revision helped significantly to reduce my hip pain and clunking, but 4 years later I continue to have weakness and sensory loss in my right leg due to the multiple nerve injuries sustained in the resurfacing surgery by Dr. Klimisch. It is doubtful at this point that I will regain further function. As I later came to find out I was a very poor candidate for hip resurfacing due to my small frame.

I do not want anyone to experience the pain, frustration and loss that I have experienced after my resurfacing surgery so I would like to share my experience with those on the www.surfacehippy.info  website.

MS

[Dan L]

Beth;

Very sorry to hear as well, that sure sounds serious, here's hoping it isn't.  Wasn't aware of what a C-reactive protein test is (I just learned more here http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/c-reactive-protein-crp) which suggests it can be an infection.  Did your GP say you that high number indicates an infection?  Does the Euclid team know?  If so, I would go to the ER asap and not wait on Phil or Brooks, an infection can lead to very bad things in your new hip.

Hearing that and your description of it getting worse over time is scary indeed.

Best regards, keep us posted,

Dan

[oldtennisplayer]

First, Thanks to everyone involved with producing this site, it was a great help when I trying to decide whether to have a THR or BHR. Anyway after a lot of research had my BHR with Mr Mcminn 5 weeks ago and everything has gone as well as expected. Mcminn and staff were very professional during my 5 night stay in Birmingham and would not hesitate to recommend them, although even as I had medical Insurance I had to top this up because McMinn charges above standard insurance rates. Have been on two crutches for two weeks and one crutch about ten days, not much swelling or bruising and hip is coming along fine although when sitting for any length of time I find when standing I am still limping for the first few steps. McMinn advises no doubles tennis for six months and singles for one year although I notice some of the Doctors featured on this site say no restrictions after six months or sooner, it would be interesting to know other hippies views on this.

[Beth]

Pcp doesnt thinks the elevated CRP is infection related, but due to the inflammation in one or both hips.
I talked to a friend who's THR came loose and he had totally identical symptoms that I am having-actually his was less acute than mine. I am putting very little weight on my leg, if any. Using my crutches.
This morning I drove my daughter to Columbus which is about 2 hour drive. BOTH hips are hurting but in different ways. (I am scheduled to have a LBHR in June). I am not suppose to take Advil this week as I had planned a gynecological procedure but I may cancel that because Tylenol is not helping the discomfort.
Dr Brooks is suppose to be in the office when I see Phil on Monday and I am going to INSIST that Phil talk to him or have Dr Brooks see me. I'm sure I have something ugly going on.
I went into having the BHR understanding the risks. I just might be one of the 1%'rs that need a revision. I am not happy but I'm not at all mad. In fact, I believe so much in Dr Brooks, I want him to do the revision if that is what I need.
The pain continues to worsen just a little so when I go in on Monday, I hope they can get the testing I need ASAP as I've had to wait longer than I feel I should have. Having been a RN for 19 years and a NP for 11 I understand that everyone thinks their situation is urgent. But I am here to tell you, mine is getting there fast. I am counting the hours.
Thanks for the support.
Beth

[MPH]

Congratulations hippy! I'm almost 8 weeks from a BHR and am really comfortable. I too experienced the start up stiffness after sitting but this week it's almost gone. You'll find loads of posts on this site about it. It's normal, the site information helped my concerns that sound just like yours.
Keep doing the PT Etc and it'll be good. My recovery has been nothing short of exceptional so fingers crossed it will continue. I sincerely hope yours will be the same but don't worry about the stiffness, it goes. It takes longer with some than with others.

[petemeads]

Hi oldtennisplayer, and congratulations on a good recovery so far. Everyone on here will tell you to take your time during the first 6 months/year and McMinn is very cautious/sensible in his advice.
I could have chosen Birmingham but found a local surgeon who resurfaced a hip of a friend about 10 years ago and who goes hillwalking so was sympathetic to a climber/runner/cyclist who wanted to be active asap.
BUPA picked up the whole tab after the initial consultation, I only needed 3 nights in hospital (which is only 5 miles away) and I started walking outdoors on 2 crutches on day 6, a mile and a half. Since then I have done just over 250 miles on foot and 110 miles on the turbo-trainer bike.
I had a checkup at 7 weeks and the xrays were perfect. My surgeon said I was a work in progress but I am the team leader. On the strength of this I have incorporated a small amount of jogging once a week and yesterday walked in the hills for the first time - 21 miles and 4300 ft ascent around the Edale Skyline in under 7 hours with my son and a trekking pole, my last concession to being an invalid.
I do take on board all the information about giving the femoral bone time to remodel and the acetabular component to fix properly but I am light (under 10 stone) and do not believe there is significant impact in what I have done so far.
Next consultation in April, will be interesting to see what he says this time...

[Dannywayoflife]

Jogging at 7 weeks!!!?