Hip Talk Forum About Hip Resurfacing

Hi everyone, another lurker here   ;)  I wasn't sure about posting since so many people here have already written about their stories & fears that are the same as mine & have had good good advice given to them.

A month ago I finally received "the phone call" from my surgeon's office (after a 2 yr wait from being put on the list) asking if I still wanted the surgery.  I was very confused & scared, & through doing a search on any further documentation on my surgeon, I stumbled across here.  My first tentative post ended up being far too long, so I'm giving it another try. ;D

I was finally diagnosed with mild hip dysplasia, cyst in acetabulum & OA in the left hip at age 38 (imagine, since the age of 14, going from every imaginable specialist trying to figure out the cause of unpredictable back pain, cold, numb legs & sciatica.  Everyone missed the dysplasia & would ignore the clicking hip & sore SI joint).  After all these years of being told to stop riding & all activities, I finally gave in for the good of the hip & a yr later (Nov. 19, 2007) had a scope done (debridment & microperf).

One yr post op, I was gaining weight & was not progressing as well as hoped but once I stopped trying to reintegrate my past activities (meaning giving up many things such as housework, any physical activities, physio & teaching at the therapeutic riding school), that's when I was able to be almost pain free.  When I got the phone call 4 weeks ago, I'd noticed that my good hip was getting quite painful so decided to stop protecting my scoped hip to see if the surgery had been successful by doing the activities I used to do & I also started the physio again.  As of yesterday, the pain is finally back in the left hip & I'm still not back up to the activity level I was at when I was asked to quit it all 4yrs ago.

Because of my worries & confusion, I have an appointment with the surgeon this Tuesday coming.  I have to admit, I am quite concerned about making the right decision.  Now is not the best time to have this surgery, my job is very demanding, OH & I are self employed & this will mean my department will have to shut down & we're right in the middle of restoring 2 century old houses; one would need to be done by mid Jan. (before surgery date, since we live in it) & the other by June '11.  And we are moving our business home.  

Thanks for reading
Lynne

I don't think there is ever a perfect time for surgery...however, the only advice I can give is not to wait too long! The more your hip deteriorates, the less chance you will have of being able to get a HR, and instead might be looking at a THR. My hip problems only started 3 years ago after a bike crash at Ironman in Hawaii and I had been going to doctors for 3 years for a solution to my ever increasing hip pain. I developed arthritis from the crash and lost ROM immediately which got progressively worse. I feel I wasted 3 years of my life and wish I had known sooner about this surgery. I had a LBHR 3 weeks ago and look forward to getting back to competing again and not being miserable and being able to enjoy life with my family. Just some things to think about. I had some cysts and luckily my surgeon was able to take care of them, including one very large one. If I had waited to much longer, that might not have been the case.

Good Luck in making your decision.
June

I'm wondering if an elective surgery like this is scheduled during the cold season (Nov-March) because it's easier to be inside & be looked after so that when we progress, the nice weather & temps help as a boost.

Regardless, it's a difficult decision to make when the pain is easily controlled by choice (activity & its level), ibuprophen & rest.  But these past 4 weeks made me realize the thin line I was on that mediated how little I needed to cross over.  All I did was add simple core physio, stop all movement restriction and well... just basically live like a normal person & in less than 4 weeks, the pain returned.  And that wasn't even being close to the low level of activity I used to partake on a daily basis.

It seems to be more of a muscle/inflammation pain though, is that enough to warrant going ahead with a resurface?  I always thought that the bone had to be more involved in order to make this decision?  Or is it like a domino effect, the muscle & inflammation pain is a precursor & once the bone is involved, it's basically beyond the point of a resurface?

I'm asking this because my OH asked if it was a case of "hitting a mosquito with a sledgehammer".  And that made me think of what if he's right, how does the surgeon know that my hip could wait a little longer?  Do they base this with an x-ray or once he's in there & has a first hand look at the joint?

I remember him saying (at the scope 3 yrs ago) that he'd make his decision regarding addressing the cyst in the acetabulum once he'd have a good look at it & when I asked him about it post surgery, he had chosen not to touch it.

I've just received my first package from my surgeon's office & was quite surprised to see a post op. instruction sheet for a THR.  Are they basically the same as for a HR?  I found some of the items are quite different from what I've read on here & some were also non present, so I've put together a list of questions to ask him tomorrow.

I thought I should mention that my surgeon is Dr. Beaulé & it was a bit reassuring to see that he's been mentioned in the main site as well as has answered one of the questions in the FAQ section.

In this first package is a small pre-admission booklet, it had the surgery date & location but not the pre-admin date.  I have to call Dr. Beaulé's office to let his receptionist (I'm assuming that's who I was previously speaking to) know how the appointment went, I'll ask her about the date.  There is also a bone donation letter from the Bone Bank, consent form & a questionnaire.  And finally another letter/consent form explaining the study that Dr. B is the leading investigator of & a questionnaire.  I'll bring it with me tomorrow.  I also will have to ask him about the previous study I had consented to regarding the scope I had 3 yrs ago; I only received one questionnaire at the 1 yr post op.

I think maybe I should fill you in with the background that led up to the upcoming surgery in 7 weeks' time.

P.S. I changed the title, noticed I had the wrong date on it

Some of the post op recovery for a THR and HR are similar.  A lot depends on the surgeon.  My surgeon allows his patients to be on one crutch for one hip replacement normally.  He allows 100% weight bearing, but that is not possible in the begining.  He allows you off your crutch when you don't limp which for me was about 3-4 weeks.  Other surgeons have other protocols and are very conservative.  It would never hurt to follow a THR recovery protocol with a resurfacing as far as remember.  Usually the resurfacing patient is more active sooner and has no restrictions after about 4-6 weeks with the 90degree rule.  The aspect of having your body sliced open and your joint repaired is serious surgery in both cases.  I would not let that worry you.

Be sure to ask questions.  That is always best.  I don't think being a part of a study is bad.  I was one for infection.  The did not contact me much or ask many questions.  Just depends on the study and doctor.

Good Luck.

Pat

When I went to my pre surgical meeting everything I was given was THR aimed with only brief mentions of RS and when I signed off on my surgery I actually signed off for a THR. I was told that the hospital and doctor have to be covered incase the resurf isn't possible once they start the surgery.

As Pat said, a lot of the protocols are the same. I signed off for a BHR, with an added contingency that it could end up being a THR. Most HR surgeons do that I think.

Just got back from my appointment... it did not go at all the way I thought it would.  I had my list of questions all ready & we were both quite surprised by the x-ray; everything looked incredibly good!  The joint was a very nice uniform shape & the OA looked like it has slowed down.  Dr. Beaulé seemed quite surprised when he compared the 1yr post op image with this 3 yr post op.  He cancelled the resurface surgery right there.

I mentioned about the pain in the "good" hip & it looks like there's some degeneration in there so he's ordering an MRI & we'll discuss both hips then. (Since there is still pain in the left hip)

Lynne

Feeling discouraged now for the past week.  I called the office as I had a couple of questions that had been left unanswered at the appointment.  I was told that my left hip (the one that was supposed to get the HR) will not be investigated any further because of the surgery cancellation.  The wait time for the MRI for the right hip is 5 months.  And the moment that I had agreed for the HR 2 yrs ago (at my 1yr scope post op), it canceled my participation in the scope study which explains why I didn't get a questionnaire at the 2 yr post op (last year).

I understand the reasoning for not doing this surgery but it's such a mental let down to have looked forward to finally have relief after 27yrs of pain.  The way I feel, the way the hip feels does not correspond with the way that x-ray looked.

Will your insurance allow a second opinion? Can you get your records and x-rays to send to another doctor?

Lynne

Have you asked about a cortisone shot into the hip capsule to stop pain or for pain meds?  You can get a free consultation from Dr. De Smet of Belgium and Dr. Bose of India if you send them emails with a copy of your x-rays in a digital format as a .jpg    It might be nice to know what other surgeons think.  Dr. Antiniou is also one of the best in Canada.  Can you get a second opinon with him?  I don't know a lot about your health system.

Pat

Hi guys,
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Sorry haven't responded, it's a crazy time of the year & also the only time we can actually take a week off work (all our suppliers are closed, so we might as well too) & catch up on renos.  That left hip has been feeling all the strain I tell you!

I have medical provincial insurance only (my private insurance is only if something new happens medically, so after the fact to cover for loss of work.  So not for this instance), so yes it would cover a second opinion within province only & that's a long process to begin with.  I don't have the resources to pay privatly or out of country.  I honestly don't know how it works for out of province.

I've been trying to get a copy of my x-rays (would be a bonus if I could get a copy of the MRI or records) but I'm not getting any reply back.  If it's for my own records, I have to pay to get copies.  To have it sent to another medical professional it's free but not in the same format & goes straight to them.

No I haven't asked about cortisone shots & most probably won't.  I've had a discussion about it for my elbow 4 yrs ago with my GP & also I've seen it's effect on a few close people & I'd rather put up with the pain I currently have than to get injected.  Right now high doses of tylenol & advil when it aches too much along with rest & time seem to work.  I'm just putting up with it for the time being. 

I would love to know what other surgeons think but I think right now I still need to step back from this roller coaster & not think about it.  I also don't want to seem like a pest to these doctors.  I'm still feeling a bit "numb" about the mental let down.

Hi guys, it's been a while! (again)


I never did get the MRI that was ordered what, 5 years ago now?  The hospital, unfortunately, botched that right up.  Received 3 phone calls many months later, by three different people (from same department in hospital) asking if I still wanted the MRI & when I replied yes, they'd say "We'll call you right back, we need..."  First person "Oh you have an IUD, I'll call back", 2nd person (asking all the same questions) "Oh, you have an IUD, I'll call back", and third person "OK let's go over the paperwork before I schedule you a date... oh, I'm missing some info.  Paperwork is not all here... I'll call you back"!


Ugh... after me calling them back & not getting anywhere, I gave up!


I had to quit my teaching job because I couldn't give a signed document by my surgeon or GP that my hip would not be an issue.  I had to stop doing many many things and for all of you who are also active people, you can understand how difficult this was to accept.


As long as I drastically restricted my activities & basically became a couch potato, rested after the moment I felt the hip/glute area tighten up (as well as take OTC extra strength med combos, get deep tissue massages & hot soothing baths), I could recuperate within 24 hrs.


This past year has been the worst though since 2011.  The good hip now clicks & spasms where you end up bent over like an old geriatric & the bad hip... well now I understand the slight difference in pain between inflammation & bone pain.  I asked my GP I wanted to see Dr. Beaulé but I was told to up my meds, alter lifestyle & maybe cortisone shots.  I felt so deflated & just kept asking for a referral.


My GP retired & in came the replacement doc... she was ... well I knew we were not going to get along!  I did not want to go back to the type of doctor (the "let's monitor & see" approach") that I had before 2006.  I hightailed it out of there & found a wonderful new doctor who listened & explained her approach to why she recommended what she did.  I agreed to compromise.  If the x-ray showed cortisone would benefit, then I would go ahead with it.  The x-ray came back & it was bone on bone!  Right there & then she ordered an MRI of both hips (to expedite I had to go to a different city), orbital x-ray (I cut metal) & typed the requisition to Dr. Beaulé right in front of me & sent everything off before I got home!


I hand delivered the CD of the MRI to my GP today (Dr. Beaulé's office was asking for it. Once they have it, they are calling me for an appointment) & I see my GP tomorrow morning.


Many others will relate, your quality of life becomes nil in order to keep the pain under control.  And even then, standing, sitting, lying down hurts.  I can't put on my shoe by myself, can't be intimate, can't play with my horses or my dog to the level I need to be.  You can't sit down or get back up without looking like a 100 yr old sloth contortionist.  You feel terrible having to ask for narcotics because taking high doses of OTC acetaminophen, ibuprophen or naproxen doesn't quite work as well without that like opioid kick. 


I'm also giving in to husband's & son's request & asking for a temp. handicap parking permit tomorrow (in my mind, there are people who need it more than me but they say no, I need it).  I still refuse to use a wheelchair though have my cane handy when I can't even move from where I'm standing.  Pride I guess, I've been forced to stop doing so many things in order to function enough. (have gained 30lbs because of it all)  You learn to hide it all until it hits the 10/10 mark & then people look at you in utter shock when they see what you are actually dealing with.  And they start asking all these questions.


Mind you, my husband & sons know full well the extent of it all.  I sound like a person with tourettes with all the screaming bursts of yelps & choice words when that lightning bolt pain sears through.  They shout "You ok?", I shout back "Hip", they respond back "Need help?", which means they sometimes need to come rescue me & save me from where I'm stuck.  It's scary when it happens in the stairwell.


Anyhoo... wow, 5 years worth on this post... cookies & drinks for everyone that's read through it all.   ;)

So you're on your way then? Fantastic. What a frustrating experience you've been through.

Good luck! Look forward to hearing about your new life.

Thank you!  Yep, on my way!   ;D


It's bittersweet though when you think about it (and this is all to be taken light heartedly while understanding it all)...  I'm in pain, fix me, make the pain stop now.  You're not ready yet... grumbles.  Finally time comes, ok life will still be on hold for another year post op.  Ugh... another year!  But I wanna do things NOWWWWWWW!


Lol.  Ah well, might as well sit back & enjoy the ride now.  ;)


The horses will just have to be hay burners for yet another year.  (I can hear my husband's eyes rolling!) ::)


On a serious note though, there is a lot to do before then.  Well that is if I am going to be a candidate.  My BP is so high right now that my GP mentioned (today when I asked) that surgery will probably not happen until it stabilizes back down closer to normal.  She's doing her best to find out why it's up & how we can fix it.


Darn this getting old bit!


And it's a catch 22, hip pain = raises BP, high doses of naproxen to lower hip pain = raises BP.  *Le Sigh.


I am just itching to get back to how things were without the pain & wrestling.... and not look like I am a mixture of a cowboy that's ridden all day & Dr. Frankensteins lab helper, shuffling/hobbling about, while doing them.  Lol! ;D

My blood pressure was running high for years. It got to the point where I was borderline going on pills. I never had a problem with my blood pressure until I hurt my hip and could not run anymore. I always thought it was the fact that I couldn't run anymore that caused the high blood pressure. I worked hard on the stationary bike but could only keep just below the point they were going to put me on pills.

I was wrong about it being the running - it was my weight. I am 6' 1" and weighed 220LBS when I got scheduled for my surgery. I was a little concerned that my high blood pressure could be a problem. I had always planned on losing weight before the surgery and did not realize that this was the solution for the high blood pressure. I weighed in at 203LBS on my surgery date and my blood pressure was normal. I had been going to CVS every day checking my blood pressure and new it would be good. I retired from the USAF in 2005 and weighed 200LBS and never had a problem with high blood pressure. I did not think 15-20 LBS could make that much of a difference. I just weighed myself today and I am at what I feel is my ideal weight of 195LBS and my blood pressure is great.

Yay, I have an appointment with the surgeon for April 8th. :D

Well my BP is finally back in the normal range but it meant having nasty side effects still keeping me at risk of a stroke (went too low too quickly). I've switched meds & we're monitoring to see if it'll help.  And not only that, because of the increased hip pain, I was doing what I was told to do & self medicate with OTC pain killers (approved & monitored with my doc & pharmacist) & wouldn't you know it, my body finally decided that it had had enough of this... cue pancreatitis like symptoms, sharp gut pain, nausea & vomiting.  I had to stop all pain meds (I was now on Tylenol 3 & Naproxen on the really bad days).


Come onnnnn 3 weeks... 3 more weeks to wait & see what the doc says...


My life is almost at a standstill now, activities hurt, standing hurts, sitting hurts, lying down hurts, can't play with my dog (husky), can't play with my horses, can't "play" with my husband, can't take a bath properly, can't put pants, socks or shoes on, can't bend down to pick up something... can't can't can't... I'm so sick of saying can't! I have to depend on my boys (thank goodness they still live at home!) & my husband for everything.   :-[


Sorry for the rant, I'm just frustrated.   :(

Aaargh! Hang in there. The waiting is the hardest part.


I trained for the surgery to help pass the time. (But then some of my activities were taken away as I got worse and worse, which was disappointing.)


This is three weeks for the surgery or for the consult to see if you can have the surgery?

Consult.

10 hrs to go!

Just wanted to show you guys the x-ray that started this journey.  It was taken back on July 4, 2006.


I'll see if I can get a copy of the recent one tomorrow.

LMS


you are going to go great!!!
Read the stories that people have posted (as I just had my surgery 3/30/16) it will give you a perspective on what to expect.


You are going to do great!!

Quote from: LMS on April 05, 2016, 10:10:52 PM
10 hrs to go!

Just wanted to show you guys the x-ray that started this journey.  It was taken back on July 4, 2006.


I'll see if I can get a copy of the recent one tomorrow.

Thanks badbone, that was so sweet of you.  :) 


Well, not the outcome I wanted to hear & am really bummed out.  Dr. Beaulé decided I couldn't have a resurfacing, something about wanting to avoid having to do a revision on me.  He then mentioned that there wasn't a HR prosthetic in my size?  I may have read somewhere a while back that they weren't producing small devices for now?  (they were but there was an issue?)

Pat do you know anything about this?


They took an x-ray before I went in to see him, man that hurt.  Then the fellow was checking oit my range of motion which was so poor.  That was soooo painful.  Lots of "Oh... ok... oh... I need to discuss with Dr. B.  I couldn't tell what they were saying but Dr. B straight out said it was going to be a THR.


He asked if I had any questions but I was so taken off guard that I said no.  Signed all the papers & was told the wait time was 6 to 8 months & I would get the call 6 weeks before the surgery date.  Of course once I was back in my car & drove off, the overwhelming weight from everything came over, the tears started & so did the questions.


Why no longer a HR candidate?  Is it really a case of not having the correct size, though there was one in 2008 to 2011?  Did the OA advance so much in the past 5 years that I no longer qualified?  And many other questions & concerns.


I have a screen capture of today's x-ray taken from my phone, I'll post it later.

I am sorry you got bad news.


I am not a doctor nor do I see your X-rays, but yes, it is possible your hip has deteriorated to the point you are no longer a candidate for HR. One reason would be that you don't have enough femoral head left.


As to there not being a small enough device for you, the smaller sized BHRs were withdrawn from the market over the summer. Some docs stopped operating women when that happened. But there are other resurfacing devices available in smaller sizes. You will have to find a doctor who uses one of the other, non withdrawn devices. Pat has a list of the docs who still operate on women.

I am sorry to hear you are having problems.

Some surgeons still do hip resurfacing for small women.  You can read more here.

http://surfacehippy.info/category/hip-resurfacing/hip-resurfacing-for-women-and-small-men/ (http://surfacehippy.info/category/hip-resurfacing/hip-resurfacing-for-women-and-small-men/)

Most are not using the BHR, but a few are like Dr. Su.  You can read his response on the page above.

You can get free email consultations from many of the top surgeons just to make sure that you need to have a THR and not hip resurfacing.

Here    http://surfacehippy.info/surgeons-with-1000-hip-resurfacings/ (http://surfacehippy.info/surgeons-with-1000-hip-resurfacings/)

and here    http://surfacehippy.info/hip-resurfacing-surgeons/ (http://surfacehippy.info/hip-resurfacing-surgeons/)

The only issues with small BHRs were from surgeons who were not experienced having poor outcomes.  If you read the first page above, you will see the top surgeons all had great outcomes for women and small men.  I imagine that Smith and Nephew was just being very cautious and felt removing the small sizes would be the right thing to do.  I can't say any other reasons because I am not part of Smith & Nephews decision making team.

If you can afford the investment, you might want to think about going to India or overseas.  I did that back in 2006.  I put the plane tickets, hotel, hospital and surgeon fees on my credit cards.  I feel it was the best financial decision I ever made.  Took time to pay off, but I have a great BHR which is 10 years old.

Pat

Unfortunately, I'm not in a financial position to go out of province or country.  Thank you though.


Here's the x-ray phone pic I took off the monitor.  Sorry about the quality.  I did try to get him to sign off on me getting a CD (even though I was fine paying for it)

Now that I won't be getting a HR, where can I go for support?  I went on the THR sister forum & it's very quiet there.  :(  What about the small THR section on here?

Please don't give up. !
You are talking about a quality of life and your health.
Seek other opinions before giving up.
I'm sure Pat can send you a list of other resurfacing docs in CAN.




PLEASE EXHAUST ALL OPTIONS TO  FIND OUT IF YOU ARE TRULY NOT A resurfacing candidate.


Once you have confirm either way, then focus your research.

Quote from: LMS on April 07, 2016, 03:22:06 PM
Now that I won't be getting a HR, where can I go for support?  I went on the THR sister forum & it's very quiet there.  :(  What about the small THR section on here?

You can definitely stay here for support.  Both THR and HR are major hip surgeries.  I do have a section for THRs further down the page if you would like to post there.  You can also stay right here.  We will give you support and answer questions that we can. Also, there are many people with THRs that are as active as hip resurfacing patients.  Just make sure you get a large ball version of the available device.  Most likely it will be a large ball ceramic on ceramic.  You don't want the old fashioned small ball version, they do dislocate easily and have lots of restrictions.

There are not as many surgeons doing resurfacing in Canada as there use to be.  Here is a list that I have:

Canada
Alberta

Thanks Pat, I appreciate it.  Good to know about ceramic on ceramic & size of ball.  I'm writing up a list of questions I'd like to ask & I had "which type of hip joint" was he thinking of using.  Maybe letting him know that I'd like to resume what I did before the hip made me stop doing will help?


I see my doc in there, Dr. Beaulé.  :) 


Since I know I have a 6 month wait min., I'm going to do my best to shed weight.  Time to either bring the exercise bike in the living room or bring the TV in the basement (it's an old stone basement, looks like a cave.  So not a cheerful place for motivation ;) )


My husband was asking if I was going to ask to be put on a cancellation list.  I thought of it (when I was so bummed out yesterday) but I'm thinking... that anytime after October doesn't sound so bad actually.  It'll give me all that time to sort out my horses so it'll be easy for my non horsy peeps to take care of them for me, the house (finish the heavy renos) & my weight (I need to lose at least 30 lbs).  So that when the cold season comes, I will be dwindling down anyways, I don't do much already in the winter anyhow because walking through snow always hurt so much.  And by the time spring comes along, I'll be healed enough to slowly start with outdoor activities with my horses & my dog.


Do I continue on this thread or should I start a new one?  Thanks :)

Here's a list to get you started for THR

http://www.hipsforyou.com/questionsforsurgeon.php (http://www.hipsforyou.com/questionsforsurgeon.php)

You can start a story on the THR section - it is also followed and read by everyone

http://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/index.php/board,48.0.html (http://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/index.php/board,48.0.html)

Hang in there.

Pat

Thank you  :)

I guess I'm going through the emotions right now... was reading some posts & many of them have had resurfacings with short amounts of pain prior to getting the surgery.  Which made me think of my situation (yes thinking... baaaaad thing) & it's just getting me irked that I always had to be in excruciating pain, when the damage is done & no longer a candidate for a simpler fix.  Why is it that doctors insist on prolonging things, not listening to the pleas of their patient, until it's too late?


I had complained for years about my hip & was always told to "well stop doing XXX activity & take OTC meds".  Me: can I see a specialist/surgeon please, Doc: "No, I think *this* is what's going on, do physio, take OTC meds, we'll *monitor* it, we could do cortisone shots".


Cue me crying in pain, a few years later "I NEED to see a specialist, I can't function now, the pain is constant, nothing works & I have no more $$$ to pay for therapy methods that do not work", Doc: "Go see XXX".  Finally see XXX "Oh too much damage in there, why didn't you come sooner?", And then more years later "O h sorry, you no longer qualify for this procedure, you're at the end of the line now".


Cue me frustrated, hitting head against the wall! :o


Sorry, just needed to vent!  >:( :(

If I were to consider going out of country, what is the cost for a resurfacing?


Our dollar is low right now.  :(

I can't give you exact dollar amounts but in my homework here I've stumbled across prices a few times for the famous overseas Doctors and been very surprised at the affordability. It's not chump change by any means but I want to say Dr. Bose in India is in the $5,000-$7,000 range for resurfacing if I recall correctly? I believe Dr. DeSmet in Belgium is also relatively affordable and both are extremely well regarded. To me, going to India seems a bit crazy(other side of the globe to a developing coutnry!?) but all the reviews I've read have been absolutely glowing about the facility and the treatment that is provided by Dr. Bose.


Best of luck. I hope you find a solution.

I don't think  Dr Bose will resurface a woman any more. DeSmet will. Dr Gross has a pay up front option on his website for the uninsured patient.
NOTE by Patricia Walter
Quote from Dr. Bose 6/2015  "The gender of the patient has nothing to do with survival rates of  MoM hip resurfacing and I would always be very happy to do a BHR for a female patient if the size is available."

Please see his article here:

http://surfacehippy.info/dr-bose-of-india-discusses-hip-resurfacing-for-females-and-small-men-2015/ (http://surfacehippy.info/dr-bose-of-india-discusses-hip-resurfacing-for-females-and-small-men-2015/)

Just so perspective patients know about Dr. Bose.  Sorry for the insert, but I know you understand.

Dr. Bose will still do hip resurfacing for women. Please see his quote below and link to his article.

Quote from Dr. Bose 6/2015 - "The gender of the patient has nothing to do with survival rates of  MoM hip resurfacing and I would always be very happy to do a BHR for a female patient if the size is available."

Please see his article here:
http://surfacehippy.info/dr-bose-of-india-discusses-hip-resurfacing-for-females-and-small-men-2015/ (http://surfacehippy.info/dr-bose-of-india-discusses-hip-resurfacing-for-females-and-small-men-2015/)

For + - $10,000 you can fly to India, stay in the great hotel, pay for the hospital costs and surgeon costs. 

You can read patient stories here

http://surfacehippy.info/hipresurfacing/stories/dr-bose (http://surfacehippy.info/hipresurfacing/stories/dr-bose)

Many athletes went to him and returned to their active sports. Vicky Marlow, who has passed on, went twice for both her BHRs. She was a great patient advocate of hip resurfacing and had complete faith in Dr. Bose as any other patient that went to him. 

Here are articles and information about the cost of going overseas by HR patients.

http://surfacehippy.info/category/hip-resurfacing/cost-of-hip-resurfacing-overseas/ (http://surfacehippy.info/category/hip-resurfacing/cost-of-hip-resurfacing-overseas/)

So I guess the question is if he has non BHR devices available to him?

Sorry if this sounds whiny, genuine question/concern...


As I was walking back from the barn, mind you it was more of a old granny, painful waddle type of thing, all hunched over, choppy steps.  Pain a definite 8 or 9 out of 10, in both hips.  The surgeon said there was moderate OA in the "good" hip but there's nothing that can be done right now.


My thought/question is: why?  If there is so much pain & seizing on a bad day, does this mean that once the "bad" hip is replaced, I will stop compensating on the "good" hip & the pain, seizing, clicking will slow down & I'll go back to having more good days with it?


I am going to call my GP tomorrow & ask if she can get a hold of all the reports & images for me so I can send them for a second opinion.  Even if I can't go elsewhere for surgery, at least it can clarify or confirm things?  I'm still writing a list of questions for my surgeon & that question will be on it.  I don't understand why they can't expand & explain why when you ask.  It's almost like, since nothing can be done, why explain, so subject dropped.

Yes, do get your X-rays together and send them out for a second opinion. I'd send them to other docs who do resurfacing, and be ready to send them to OS in your area who do regular THR, too. Have you only talked to one OS? There doesn't seem to be an absolute standard for when a doctor will do a hip replacement. For HR, some docs are "braver" about when they will do it, based on their experience. For THR, some act based on X-rays, others base their decision more on pain.


If you are in a lot of pain, I bet you can find someone who will help you; he may not be a resurfacing doctor, but I think you will find someone.


Good luck.

From what I understand, if I want a second opinion in my area, it means I'm not staying with my current surgeon & will be appointed to another of my choice or their choice & it means starting all over again.  And the wait times to be seen for a consult are long.  :(

Sorry to read about the frustration of your Ontario HR experience. I turned to Dr. DeSmet, Dr. Gross, and Dr. Bose after three maddening years of seeking help from Ontario specialists. I was amazed and gratified by the responsiveness and professionalism of these docs. At the very least, you will come away with a sense that you have had the careful consideration of top surgeons. By the by, Dr Christine Young of Scarborough General has helped some Ontarians access OHiP funding for HR in the States following the hospital's discontinuation of HR. I was not a candidate because ohip  noted that was "not on crutches yet".  It seems like you have been suffering for so long that a conversation with Dr. young's office might be worthwhile. I bit the bullet and flew to Belgium for bilateral HR with Dr. DeSmet. I wish you well.

I looked into it some more & there are only 2 surgeons in Ottawa that performs HR, mine & his partner at the same hospital.  I also found a report on hip surgeries in Ontario (& other provinces) & it's true, for the size I would need, it's not available.


Oh well... I was chatting with a client who asked me if I had seen this video of a martial arts person (can't remember if it was a man or woman) & he/she had a THR & was doing the splits & everything else, showing that you can do many things just like if you had your natural hip.  I think it was a man because I remember saying it must've been a larger ball (fewer chance of dislocation).


Anyhoo... got a phone call yesterday from the Total Joint Assessment Clinic for an appointment in a week.  It was a bit backwards, the new policy now is that you see them first & they triage you & decide if you need to see a surgeon/have surgery or not.  But we didn't know & I was already a patient of Dr. B's.


Regardless, I still need to see them if I want the province to pick up the surgery bill.  I sure can't afford it.

Lms
I live in Toronto and I had both hips done 3 yrs ago by Dr. Desmet in Belgium! You can send your X-rays to him and Dr. Bose for an opinion of whether you are still a candidate for HR. Desmet uses Conserve plus and the size is not an issue there. I have nothing but positives to say about my experience with him, and Like you, was similiarly frustrated with the long wait and putting off of surgery, though I don't think I waited as long as you! There seems to be a lack of desire to operate unless you are totally crippled with pain and unable to do anything and for many that means you are too late for a HR. FYI My cost for surgery was $30,000 for both hips and that included all medical costs and 10 days of daily nurse and physio visits at the hotel after surgery. Airfare and hotel costs were seperate Hope this helps!

Thank you.


Yes, I find it so frustrating that the doctors won't listen to our pleas.  I'd been begging for 4 years to get an mri done for both hips after Dr. B ordered one & the hospital dropped the ball on it.  And then 2 years begging to be put back in contact with him but my GP wouldn't do it, neither did her replacement 8 months ago.  And because of taking stronger OTC pain killers & then prescription, it wrecked my gut, making me violent'y ill.


It just frustrates the heck out of me that our voices only get heard once it's too late & blatantly obvious.


I wish I could afford to pay out of pocket but I can't afford the $10k to $15k bill.

As blinky pointed out, many surgeons see pain and quality of life as deciding factors for THR. Toronto hospitals are allowing PT's to screen so that patients are getting THR as soon as four months from the point of referral from the family doc.  Hang in there!

Leaving for my assessment at the TJAC.  And of course my hips are feeling not too bad today.  Got out of bed barely able to walk/support myself & now that I'm ready to go, only the bad hip (L) is a bit sore.


Last night my husband actually heard my hip grind when I went to move on the bed, he found it a weird sound.

Pat, should I start a new thread in the THR section or do I continue on this one & it gets moved to the THR area?

I'll go ahead & write about the appointment this morning, in case someone is going through the same as me in the Ottawa area.


I arrived 30 min early to register at the West registration office (1st level, so downstairs) for my appointment.  (They ask you to do this)  Because I had already seen my surgeon, signed the paperwork & put on the list for the 6 month surgery wait, my appointment at the Total Joint Assessment clinic (Queensway Carleton Hospital) was brief since they didn't need to triage/assess me.


I met with an Advanced Practice Nurse (super nice lady) & she introduced me to an artificial hip.  My first thoughts were "Hmmm the whole thing is small, the ball is so tiny... oh wait, THAT spikey thing will be IN the femur... oh that is actually pretty BIG!"  I didn't dare touch it, fearing that it was going to make it all too real.


Based on my age & my desire to get back to most of the activities I used to do, I was told that a revision will happen in 15 years approx. & possibly another 15 - 20 years after.  I'll be contacting my surgeon to let him know the activities I wish to resume & that'll help him choose which material to use (ceramic on ceramic or metal on polyethylene) & the ball size.


We went over the risks (went over them with my surgeon already) & I still want to go ahead, the pain & quality of life are too awful right now. (33 years of this is long enough)  The risks with regaining a quality of life vs continuing living like this are worth it.


We also went over what to expect from now until after surgery, she gave me a sheet with them all listed.  So now I just wait for the phone calls from the Riverside Hosp. rehab to let me know when to get assessed, when they will come to my house to check it out & my exercise equipment.  From the surgeon's assistant for the surgery date, from one of the hospitals for the information session & for the pre op.


So in the meantime, I'll continue taking care of my health needs before surgery.  I'm already on the ball with it & started this back in September.  Still have 3 things to take care of.  And set up an easier way for my sons to look after my horses for me.  And finish all the house renovations.  I gather 6 months will go by quickly enough.

I am glad you have some answers and a plan. Hopefully the 6 months will go by fast.

If you want to start a new story on the THR section, that would help anyone else interested in THRs to learn about your story and eventually your surgery.  Your new posts will still be seen on the list of new posts and I am sure everyone will keep talking to you since this is a very supportive group.

Pat

Awesome!  Thanks Pat.   :D

Wow, 6 months reduced to 6 weeks!
I just received a phone call, there was a cancellation & was I interested in getting my THR on June 20th?


So... June 20th it is!


So much to do, excited & nervous at the same time. :o

Whooooo Hoooo! Congrats!

Great news!!!

I hope you are pain free soon!!

Thanks guys.


I'm bouncing all over the map emotions wise.


So excited because it means no more excruciating pain, finding normalcy again. ;D


Nervous because it's a major surgery of course & the risks involved of course. :o


Bummed out because I had in my mind for a fall surgery, there is so much to do & it means my summer is gone.  I won't be able to play (training & activities off property for the first time) with my horses & dog.  As well as no kayaking.   :(


But I am not complaining!   ;D