Hip Talk Forum About Hip Resurfacing

Hi I had a resurfacing hip a month ago and still have the tape on the incision, could anyone tell me if should I leave it and swim the way it is or there is away to removed it carefully...Also I finish my  medications that means that can I have at least a glass of wine (that's the only alcohol I drink) after dinner?
Thank you for any input

That seems like a long time after surgery. I assume that you have the staples out my now. They should be removed 10-14 days after surgery.

Hi guys, my name is David from Adelaide, Australia. I'm 25 and have always kept an active, healthy lifestyle. I play soccer at quite a high level and over the past few years my pain in my hip, groin and quads, have got worse along with a few hamstring tears and chronic back stiffness. I attitributed it to getting older and just ramped up my recovery/stretching work and deep tissue massage which temporarily relieved some pain and helped me to get onto the pitch although I can't remember the last time I have been without pain and discomfort. Things have been getting harder and harder and am constantly walking around with a limp.

After seeing a multitude of practitioners over the years no one detected a major problem until now. I was recommended to a sports doc who suspected FAI and sent me for X-rays and mri. The x-ray showed a CAM fai and the mri showed extensive damage, torn labrum, "significant" chondral loss  and already an arthritic hip. At only 25 years old, I am absolutely devastated and told I will never be able to play soccer again. The sports doc said as the damage was quite extensive my surgical options are limited and arthroscopic surgery is probably not an option anymore. I am totally crushed and came across the website whilst doing some research. I have MRI and X-ray report but I can't attach as it says the files are too big. If anyone has any advice on my options would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

David

Hi David,
well we have a few things in common. My name is also David and as you can tell from my handle, I'm also a soccer player; at one time I might have been able to compete at your level but having just turned 60, I doubt that's possible these days.
First, condolences for having being diagnosed with these conditions at such a young age, but as they say "it is what it is" and you'll have to deal with it somehow.
Here's some encouragement: I was also told by a hip replacement surgeon that I wouldn't be able to play soccer again. Fortunately I was referred to Dr. Gross who told me I could get back to it 6 months after resurfacing. Like others have reported, my game (such as it is) is now better than it was pre-surgery when I had limited flexibility and some pain.
Obviously no one on this site can provide a diagnosis, but there are other Aussies who can chime in and refer you to the best resurfacing surgeon in your region who will be able to determine if you're a candidate.
Best of luck and keep us posted.

Really sorry to hear of your diagnosis David. I am a fellow very young hippy. I was 27 @time of diagnosis and 28 when I had my first bhr installed. I am now just over a week away from being a bilat.

If I were you I would go and see the best resurfacing surgeon you possibly can and get an opinion from them. Up until a few months ago when my right side became too bad I was playing judo 2-3 times a week (ok not very well but that's cos I'm a box dumb oaf!). So I would say with a bhr installed and the appropriate recovery you'll almost certainly be able to return to football.

Danny

Quote from: dbenj7 on February 02, 2015, 05:35:46 AM
I am absolutely devastated and told I will never be able to play soccer again.

What those specialists told you was completely false. A good resurfacing surgeon will get you back playing pain free in six months to a year. Once you get there you don't have to hold back at all. You can play as hard and aggressively as you ever did.

Chuckm

I remember being diagnosed the first time round. You could have knocked me over with a feather! I was in my mid thirties at the time of the diagnosis so not as young as you.
Have faith, and as already said, get yourself a good resurfacing surgeon. I am sure you will play again.
All the best  :)

Hi David,
I believe that based on my experience and others on this site, you will eventually be able to return to football at a pretty high level. I am not a football player, but I am a serious skier (5-8 hours every day all winter at a very high level), surfer, windsurfer (many hours every day in the summer in high winds and surf), and tennis player (at least five days a week all summer). Before I had my hip resurfaced, I was skiing in pain and with reduced performance, and I had to completely give up tennis for about ten years. Now after resurfacing, I can ski pain free and back at a high level, and tennis is no problem. Both of these sports involve a great deal of quick lateral movements like in football, so I am optimistic for you. My resurfaced hip is not exactly like new, and I do have occasional twinges to remind me that it is there; but it is highly functional with no real pain.
I was first diagnosed in my thirties, and lived with the pain and reduced activities for 20 years until I discovered resurfacing. Having major surgery at your young age is no easy decision, and none of us can advise you on that, but resurfacing is an option that has allowed many of us to get back to our beloved sports without restrictions.
Best of luck, and only work with the top surgeons in their field, not whoever is most convenient.

Hi David. I too live in Adelaide, have an extensive sporting history but I am 22 years older than you. 3 weeks ago I had my hip resurfaced in Melbourne by Andrew Shimmin, who in this part of the world, is the best you'll get. He has extensive resurfacing history, researches and advises  Govt on resurfacing both here and in the US and is an all round top bloke.
You are limited with the surgeons in Adelaide. I found Mr Shimmin from this site, extensive research and had an appointment with A/Prof David Campbell from The Wakefield Othopaedic Group who knew exactly who I should see, knows Mr Shimmin well, and referred me to him straight away.
Only 3 weeks after surgery I have zero pain in my hip or groin. I walk a total of 4 miles a day in sets, abide by my physiotherapists rules, and have absolutely no doubt I'll do an Olympic distance Tri before my 1st anniversary. I cannot express how pleased I am so far with the result. The Avenue Hospital in Melbourne is like a hotel and the only downside is Mr Shimmin's cautiousness with flying after surgery. However, I was home after 7 days but if I had a place to stay in Melbourne I would have been out at 4.
My advice would be to see the best that Australia has i.e. Shimmin. You'll find loads of his research on this site, he's mentioned a number of times alongside McMinn, Treacy, Su, Gross et al.
Hopefully you'll have private health insurance. 😏
Good luck, feel free to ask any questions.

Thanks for the replies everyone, starting to feel some hope for the future. An inactive lifestyle is just not an option for me.

MPH - I have been referred to Dr Matthew Liptak in Adelaide, have you heard of him??

Thanks again

Hi David

I'm up in Sydney, had my right hip resurfaced by Dr Bill Walter  9 months ago.  I  gave up football (soccer) some 10 years ago (aged 32)  same as you just kept getting injured and my rom decreased, after a game I'd be limping for days.

I think everyone else has given great advice,  all I'd add is that I would  get a few opinions from hip surgeons some are against resurfacing due to bad experiences,  but  i think to get a few opinions is a good thing.   Dr Shimmin is certainly well known  and highly regarded as is my Dr and there are a couple of other top draw surgeons here in Sydney and Melbourne. 

I can remember the shock i was in when I was diagnosed so i do feel for  you. When I was 32 I certainly would have had my hip resurfaced  then If i had know about the procedure, unfortunately at the time the physios and Dr's  said grin and bear it for as long as possible before getting a total hip replacement.

Surgery  and the thought of having a  metal hip is very very  daunting, but as I'm sure most will agree with the op is not too big a deal and recovery  relatively pain free.

Cheers

Nigel

Hi David, yes I know Matthew Liptak. He played over 150 games for the Adelaide Crows and is a local favourite. He works at Orthopaedics SA, where to my knowledge none of the surgeons do resurfacings. He also specialises in knees and shoulders so I cannot fathom why you've been referred to him. I would certainly use him if my knee was creaking!
The first surgeon I saw works there, he treated me like I was 80 years old. I would definitely reconsider.
There is one surgeon in Adelaide, Tony Spriggins at SportsMed who does resurfacing but he is like a local league soccer player in resurfacing compared to Shimmin who's more like Beckham! Resurfacing has a bad rap in Adelaide due to the ASR DePuy device issue and a surgeon from SportsMed (who doesn't work there now) that left a lot of residual history that has lingered.
My advice is read the posts on this site, choose an experienced surgeon who specialises in HR and take his/her advice. Nearly all HR surgeons also do THR but its thats not the case in reverse.
There are only 2 in Aus I would consider, Andrew Shimmin due to his enormous research and advisory skills plus obvious surgical skills (the staff, Doctors and nurses at the Avenue rave about his abilities) or Stephen McMahon at the Avenue. Forget Adelaide for the best advice, go to the top. The advice will be better because there will be more options for the surgeon to consider for your particular circumstances. At your age, you need to see a surgeon with all available tools in his tool kit, not just those he chooses to use. Thats my thoughts. Hope it helps, but for such a huge surgical event, use the best.
Keep researching.

Quote from: MPH on February 03, 2015, 04:01:03 AM
Hi David, yes I know Matthew Liptak. He played over 150 games for the Adelaide Crows and is a local favourite. He works at Orthopaedics SA, where to my knowledge none of the surgeons do resurfacings. He also specialises in knees and shoulders so I cannot fathom why you've been referred to him. I would certainly use him if my knee was creaking!
The first surgeon I saw works there, he treated me like I was 80 years old. I would definitely reconsider.
There is one surgeon in Adelaide, Tony Spriggins at SportsMed who does resurfacing but he is like a local league soccer player in resurfacing compared to Shimmin who's more like Beckham! Resurfacing has a bad rap in Adelaide due to the ASR DePuy device issue and a surgeon from SportsMed (who doesn't work there now) that left a lot of residual history that has lingered.
My advice is read the posts on this site, choose an experienced surgeon who specialises in HR and take his/her advice. Nearly all HR surgeons also do THR but its thats not the case in reverse.
There are only 2 in Aus I would consider, Andrew Shimmin due to his enormous research and advisory skills plus obvious surgical skills (the staff, Doctors and nurses at the Avenue rave about his abilities) or Stephen McMahon at the Avenue. Forget Adelaide for the best advice, go to the top. The advice will be better because there will be more options for the surgeon to consider for your particular circumstances. At your age, you need to see a surgeon with all available tools in his tool kit, not just those he chooses to use. Thats my thoughts. Hope it helps, but for such a huge surgical event, use the best.
Keep researching.

Thanks mate. I saw him today. He thinks arthroscopy could still be an option, apparently I have a massive CAM FAI on the right side. He has sent me to get a CT scan on Monday and cortisone injection. I asked him about resurfacing and he said I am too young?

I really don't know if I want the cortisone injection with all the side effects. Interstate travel is difficult for me with financial constraints as I am a student but I have decided enough is enough and I am going to go for it. Is there an easy way I can get a referral for Dr Shimmins? I want another opinion and this definitely sounds the way to go

Dave, if you have a GP referral letter it lasts 12 months and you can use it to see any surgeon. Andrew Shimmin works at the Melbourne Orthopaedic Group at 33 The Avenue, Windsor VIC.
If you ring there, you'll be able to make an appointment. Explain what is going on and they'll put you through to his PA, Linda, who is awesome.
Get the opinion, at your age I personally think you should canvas opinions of top surgeons and see what they say.
A/Prof David Campbell is extremely good. He looked at my images, instantly knew what was best and who should do it. He consults at Glenelg at Wakefield Hospital. He may be a good source of opinion, and he's not frightened of giving his opinions on surgeons either!!
If you don't have the letter your GP will provide another.
Hope that helps.

Quote from: MPH on February 03, 2015, 06:49:04 AM
Dave, if you have a GP referral letter it lasts 12 months and you can use it to see any surgeon. Andrew Shimmin works at the Melbourne Orthopaedic Group at 33 The Avenue, Windsor VIC.
If you ring there, you'll be able to make an appointment. Explain what is going on and they'll put you through to his PA, Linda, who is awesome.
Get the opinion, at your age I personally think you should canvas opinions of top surgeons and see what they say.
A/Prof David Campbell is extremely good. He looked at my images, instantly knew what was best and who should do it. He consults at Glenelg at Wakefield Hospital. He may be a good source of opinion, and he's not frightened of giving his opinions on surgeons either!!
If you don't have the letter your GP will provide another.
Hope that helps.

Thanks heaps mate. Did you have any experience with cortisone injection? Liptak wants to get one but I'm reluctant

Yes, I had 2 through Orthopaedics SA. They work for a few days due to the cocktail of local anaesthetic and cortisone but wear off quickly.  That seems to be the common result having read numerous posts on this site about them! It does give a period of limited relief. However, we're all different so it may work for you.
Huge life decisions for you, get as much info from respected knowledgable surgeons. I hope it all works out for you. Don't hesitate to ask any time.  Good luck

Cortisone shots worked quite well for me. I had one every 3 - 4 months for about 2 years which helped me get by, but really just postponed the inevitable.

Just had my 2 month checkup with Dr. Pritchett. After looking at the x-ray, he said he had good news and bad news. The good news: all restrictions have been lifted on my operated hip. The bad news: I'll be seeing him again soon for the right hip.

Almost back to normal at 2 months now. Hitting the gym on a regular basis with a pretty heavy routine. No pain at all in the hip, incision area still gets pretty sore though, which is understandable. ROM is about double of what I had before surgery, I had femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) in both hips, still do in the right, pretty amazing ROM in the left now with that restriction removed. The scar is quite a conversation starter in the gym showers too. I can walk about 5 miles right now, still get a little sore from that though, so running is still out for now.

He said I can start running, skiing, surfing, hiking and cycling again. I know I won't be doing all of those activities for a while though as I need to build back up the muscles around the incision. It's just a comforting feeling not to have to worry about the implant and be overly cautious.

As I look back, overall, recovery wasn't too bad. The first 2 weeks were brutal, of course. I embraced the pain killers, which really helped, especially when trying to sleep at night. Once PT started, the recovery really accelerated.

Now time for round two at some point to join the bi-lat club.

Cortisone shots did not work for me as my hip was too far gone by the time I had the two injections. I also have heard from several doctors to go easy on the shots as they can have a negative impact on the joint if you get too many injections. And I am not sure what was worse, the surgery or getting that huge cortisone needle shoved all the way into the hip capsule.

I am a 41 year old male, FAI in both hips, left was worse, and was also very active before surgery (running, cycling, surfing, skiing, hiking, weight lifting). I just had all restrictions removed on my operated hip at 2 months post op. Overall, recovery hasn't been that bad. The first two weeks were brutal, embrace the pain killers, but once I fell into a physical therapy routine, the recovery has been quite amazing.

I am hitting the gym with a pretty heavy routing of stationary cycling, rowing and weights now. Hoping to get some skiing in before the season is over and get back to surfing in about 3 months. Daily running in about 6 months.

As others have said, do your research and find an experienced surgeon. I drove 200 miles to have my surgery done by a surgeon who as done over 4000 hip resurfacings. Finding an experienced physical therapist, especially in hip surgery recovery, makes a huge difference as well. They really give you targeted exercises to get back that quad, glute and hamstring.

All restrictions lifted at 2 months?

Glad to hear it Shabbis, that's good (and bad) news!  My two month checkup with Dr Pritchett will be in the OR, as he did my right hip on January 5th and is doing my left on March 2nd.  ;D  Still, your experience encourages me that I should totally ready for biking by the time the weather warms up enough for it and maybe even be ready for a sprint-distance triathlon by fall if my hips are up to a 10k run by then.

Hello

close to making a final decision and looking to see if anyone has had a recent experience on Hip Resurfacing with Dr. Bose in Chennai India?

Thanks

Hi David. Bugger to have come across FAI so early on.
I had FAI and has not helped my hips at all really same as you except a bit later on in life. I was 40. This has damaged the right socket quite bad so I could not walk or flex my legs. I was on crutches for 6 years and no answers so I hope you are not having to do this. Pretty much 7 years of my life is gone so I am glad someone has helped you see what the issue is.
Unfortunately early on in life.
For example my knees compensate now for the alteration of FAI and they hammer the shit out of them.  I have also found out they do not know enough about FAI and how it changes the structure you were born with. Lots of unanswered questions about it.
Ok so I have spent a fair bit of money and no real decent result. I have an op booked with DR De Smet Belgium to change my right hip (resurface) as it is the worst all be at my cost 30K. It is half worn and I cannot get any offer in NZ to change it with a BHR.
There is only 1 surgeon that advisable in NZ.

This is what I wanted to point out emailing Dr De Smet  I have asked "how long will these things last?" and a reply I get from him is it could be a life time "if installed correctly".
I am going to run with that "excuse the pun" but times up and the change needs to happen.

Reading through the info same things find a good bloke that's done a lot and someone that is willing to help you out. Don't leave it too long other things will compensate regardless of what surgeons say that is my experience. All the best and others as well who read this post.
Cheers Karlos.

My guess is that there are so many great surgeons in just about every region now that there is no reason to travel to India for resurfacing unless you live there or are just interested in surgical tourism.

Chuckm

Hi everyone,

This website has been so helpful , the least I can do is share my experience here as well.

I'm now on day 4 of hip resurfacing with Dr. De Smet in Belgium.

Dr. De Smet is a really nice guy, caring and attentive to his patients, and I must say his team of doctors/PT/nurse exceeded my expectations.

I am however a little disappointed with my own recovery. I'm 32 years old and from what I read about other people's experiences with Dr. De Smet, I thought I would be much better by now. I've read posts about people saying they didn't take any painkillers after surgery, and had no muscle pain at all.

I'm reasonably fit, although in the last few years my activity level have decreased a lot due to the hip pain, but I have always played sports my whole life and have no other health problems at all.


My experience has been different for sure, I have been taking a fair amount of painkillers to be able to deal with discomfort and muscle pain on the hip. I've also had fever since the operation day, which got better but still is comes back sometimes. I'm having trouble sleeping, especially since I got to the hotel, it might have something to do with the bed, anyways it causes discomfort and makes it harder to fall asleep. Lastly, my heart rate has been constantly at 95-125, even if I'm laying in bed resting. So, in sum, it hasn't been a total pleasure, and I truly believe this may be a particular difficulty I'm having since I've read so many reviews telling exactly the opposite about the recovery.

Nonetheless the staff here in Belgium have been very attentive to all these issues, and have assured me that all of this is normal, so I try not to worry too much.




 

Hi everyone,

This website has been so helpful , the least I can do is share my experience here as well.

I'm now on day 4 of hip resurfacing with Dr. De Smet in Belgium.

Dr. De Smet is a really nice guy, caring and attentive to his patients, and I must say his team of doctors/PT/nurse exceeded my expectations.

I am however a little disappointed with my own recovery. I'm 32 years old and from what I read about other people's experiences with Dr. De Smet, I thought I would be much better by now. I've read posts about people saying they didn't take any painkillers after surgery, and had no muscle pain at all.

I'm reasonably fit, although in the last few years my activity level have decreased a lot due to the hip pain, but I have always played sports my whole life and have no other health problems at all.


My experience has been different for sure, I have been taking a fair amount of painkillers to be able to deal with discomfort and muscle pain on the hip. I've also had fever since the operation day, which got better but still is comes back sometimes. I'm having trouble sleeping, especially since I got to the hotel, it might have something to do with the bed, anyways it causes discomfort and makes it harder to fall asleep. Lastly, my heart rate has been constantly at 95-125, even if I'm laying in bed resting. So, in sum, it hasn't been a total pleasure, and I truly believe this may be a particular difficulty I'm having since I've read so many reviews telling exactly the opposite about the recovery.

Nonetheless the staff here in Belgium have been very attentive to all these issues, and have assured me that all of this is normal, so I try not to worry too much.

Hi Maquino,
Welcome to the Hippie club!
While it's true a lot of people on the site report recoveries that seem easier than yours, you'll also see many, many posts that say we all recover differently, and that it is not a competition.
Four days post-op is still very early in the recovery process and too soon to reach conclusions about how long or hard it will be. For the next couple of weeks at least, do whatever it takes to make yourself comfortable, if you have to take painkillers that's OK.
It's also common to get anxious about anything that doesn't feel right, and maybe anxiety is contributing to your higher heart rate.  It's encouraging that Dr. De Smet's team is telling you everything is normal, so focus on  that rather than what you might be feeling. For now take it one day at a time, you should find things improve at first slowly and then more quickly as time goes on.
You can always use this site for advice and reassurance.

Hi Maquino, hang in there. You are wrong. It sucks for EVERYONE the first couple of weeks.

Chuckm

I am from Vancouver Canada and considering travelling to India to see Dr. Bose. Does anyone, especially from Canada have any feedback?

Hi

I know a lot of people that used Dr. Bose, especially in years past.  Many athletes used him and still do.  I think there are not as many people flying to India because we finally have surgeons in the US that have done a few thousand.

I never remember heaing a story about anyone having problems with him.

Here are patient stories

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

Pat

Thanks Chuckm. I underestimated the recovery process for sure, but I can see some progress everyday which is comforting.

Thanks oldsoccerplayer, I guess everyone recovers differently and thats fine. I underestimated the recovery process for sure, but hopefully I will keep on getting a little better everyday.

Early days my friend.
Use the pain killers and try not to worry.
I did find it a struggle to sleep for the first couple of weeks and found that playing music on my ipod at  a very low volume helped me relax. I found I could cat nap in the day if I needed to catch up. Its not like I had work to worry about if I could not sleep at night.
I also kept a daily diary and this helped to measure my progress whether it be in days or weeks.

Good luck.
Dave

Quote from: chuckm on February 07, 2015, 07:51:08 AM
Hi Maquino, hang in there. You are wrong. It sucks for EVERYONE the first couple of weeks.

Chuckm

yeah... my recovery was pretty smooth, but I think its incredibly rare for folks to dump the painkillers immediately after surgery.  I think I was on the Oxycontin for three days and Norco/Vicodin for a week (at least).  I was a big believer in ice (I had a machine that circulated cold water to a pad from an ice cooler) and have seen enough anecdotal references to that to suspect its a great help in dealing the recovery/pain/swelling.

This surgery is real carpentry and a huge shock to your body.  First couple weeks (if not months) will be a bit of a roller coaster ride... but you will be headed in the right direction overall.

Good luck!

-Bernie

Jeez give yourself a break! You've just had major surgery. Different people heal differently and it does seem to me that younger patients often take longer to come back after this opportunity. Think about it young people normally have more muscle and muscle tone, along with generally higher work loads and expectations. Dr Smet is a top surgeon your almost guaranteed a great result

Danny

Hello everyone -

Just trying to get my ducks all in a neat row...any Dr. Pritchett patients use someone other than a family member to escort you the day you were released from Swedish?  As in a service!? 

The now ex-wife is out of the picture...no family or friends near Seattle, but looking to get to SEA/TAC (per Dr. Pritchett's protocol) to fly to my recoup location. 

Any suggestions would be welcomed!

Thanks, Bruce

Shabbis, congratulations on the excellent outcome! Too bad you're going to be doing it all again shortly; but at least now you know that once you're past that first week or two that go pretty easily. I can imagine how good it's felt to get back to the gym.

Releasing you to run after two months? Gross and Rogerson tell their patients to wait six. It has surprised me to see how these guys can have such widely varying protocols.

livendive, congratulations on the goal of a sprint this fall. I know you'll be up to it. I'm shooting for a 100 mile bike race the last weekend in August. With even my base gone, it won't be so much a race as an accomplishment. Good luck in March.

Hope your feeling a little better by now. It's quite a thing they do there: cutting your leg open, pulling the hip apart, hammering in a metal joint and then gluing it all back together again. The amazing thing is that with a little time and patience the body can adapt and soon enough you'll be feeling like new. After a while these first few tough weeks will be a long forgotten memory. Just take your recovery slow and steady and let us know how things are going!

From all I've read, Dr Bose is money in the bank for hip resurfacing. That would be another reason to go to him; if you're having to pay out of pocket, it probably costs a lot less. Good luck with your decision.

Hi all,
I have a consult scheduled with Dr. Pritchett in early March. I have had a very difficult time getting responses from "Susan", his assistant. We played phone tag and I was able to chat with her on one occasion, but now she has not responded to several calls, nor left an e-mail address. I have been given a verbal estimate for an out of state (private...traveling from Canada) single resurfacing of approx. $30K. Unfortunately I did not ask about hospital/anesthesia fees (Dr. Su's office gave me a $75K US estimate for that alone, not including Dr. Su's fee). Obviously I would like to get an accurate estimate prior to making the trip. Does anyone have an e-mail for her (not the main reception) or Dr. Pritchett? Thank you!

Thanks Pat for the reply. The costs for surgery in the US or Canada for hip resurfacing ranges from $25-$30,000 US. In Canadian funds that becomes quite pricey. If I can get it done for $15,000 Canadian in India, and am getting one of the top 3 hip resurfacing surgeons in the world it may be worth the trip. I want to get the best surgeon and will pay for it if necessary but it sounds like Dr.Bose is one of them.
My family is a little concerned about the political instability over seas as well.

Hello

Here is Susan's contact at the end of the email. I have been considering Dr. Pritchett as I live in Vancouver Canada, and have been quoted $25,000 US, where are you from? Would be nice to compare some notes on the research I have done.

S.Knudson@proliancesurgeons.com

Kevin

Been meaning to post since my 6-week follow-up and I'm a little behind. I'm at 7 1/2 weeks now and doing great. Very pleased with how my recovery has been so far.

6 week follow up

So at one day shy of six weeks I was back in South Carolina for my follow up. Dr. Gross, Lee Webb and Nancy are all fantastic. And the staff. They really care a lot and it shows.

Up until that point I had still been relying on a single crutch for longer walks even though I should have been off it by then (really glad I had it at the airport though). I didn't take it to the appointment, though a few times I almost wanted to run back to the hotel and grab it.

Had xrays taken. All was well presumably. They gave me the next round of exercises and stretching. The only meds I need to continue are the Fosamax once a week, and vitamin D + calcium. I'm cleared to bend past 90-degrees, just no deep squats or extreme bending. Still doesn't want me rotating the leg inwards or crossing the legs, even ankle over knee. No lifting over 50 pounds. And no impact activities. All this only applies until I hit 6 months.

Prior to the my appointment I was really paranoid about fracturing the femur. They set my mind at ease. First, the xrays were fine (I 'm assuming, I'm sure they would have said something if there was a concern). Second, he reminded me that they haven't had a fracture in the last 2000 cases now that they have the new protocol to prevent it. As long as I adhere to the restrictions I should be fine. The pains I had experienced up until that point were normal. Said I will have aches and pains of various types throughout recovery, and maybe even beyond (he can't create a perfectly normal hip -- it's close to normal, but not perfect). Though he did say to use the crutch if I had pain on weight bearing.

I asked about bone strength as I age. He said that my bone density is great now, and impact activities (obviously after 6 months) will keep my bones strong. Also said I should take vitamin D if my levels are ever low which makes sense.

No chiropractor until 6 months. No massages around the incision area until 6 months.
On exercises don't bring leg up past 90 degrees, though if it slips past 90 degrees during normal activities that's fine.
Don't internally rotate.
Don't cross legs. Not even ankle over knee. Use a small footstool for socks with knee out and ankle in (like half cross-legged position).
Said the leg lifts will get rid of my limp.

Incision looked great and I can swim, etc now if I want.

So that was the follow-up appt. Felt relieved afterwards and ready for the next phase.

Between 6-week and now (7 1/2 weeks)

Major improvement in just that amount of time. I've completely stopped using the crutch and flat out don't need it. With the restrictions loosened I'm getting around pretty much normally, at least as far as day to day stuff goes. I'm putting my socks on. :) I even trimmed my toenails, though that wasn't so easy. Feeling pretty normal. I'm still aware of my hip, though, and have little aches and pains here and there. Occasional slight limp. Lying on the incision can still be uncomfortable after 10-15 minutes or so. Feel it a little when getting up out of a low chair, but I can shake that off in a few steps. All of this is really minor, generally speaking this has been great.

Still get in and out of the car a little weird because when I try to do it normal I often slam the incision area into the door frame, ouch.

Also just starting to feel more confident with stairs where I can go foot over foot without a handrail. I'm still careful around stairs though.

One of the exercises is a psoas stretch where you stand on the good leg and pull the ankle of the operated leg behind you. That's no problem, but when I switch sides where my operated leg is the only one supporting my weight, nope, not ready for that yet.

Getting out of a low chair is fine but still feel that the operated side is not very strong in that way, so I kind of assist it with my arms.

What I am having a hard time with is doing all of the physical therapy -- just the amount time it takes. I really have to rearrange my life. But I am excited about working out regularly again. And I want to get back to the gym and do the stationary bike or the elliptical (both are great for the hips Lee Webb said). This will get me back in the habit of working out, which I used to love.

Got back to gigging (playing music) where I'm on my feet for the better part of 5-6 hours. No problems there either. I'm just careful.

There's still a lot of recovery to do to get my full strength and ROM back, but where I am now is so much better than pre-op. As I'm running around (not literally, haha) and doing stuff I often remember how difficult these things were prior to surgery, but now it's like a distant memory.

Prior to my surgery I got a call from a nurse that my insurance plan provides to answer questions, offer advice, etc. She mailed me a CD that contains affirmations and guided imagery for patients that are about to have, and have just had, surgery. Honestly my first thought was oh c'mon what is this new age BS, but I gave it a chance and I have to say it helped me so much. I listened to it 3 or 4 times pre-surgery and at least that many times afterwards. It just put me in the right frame of mind, before and after. Helped quell the jitters and helped me stay real positive. I really relied on it in the beginning and I truly believe it made a difference in my recovery. So I recommend it, or something like it, to anyone about to have surgery. Try to listen at least several times prior to surgery.

The one I have is called "guided imagery pre-surgical" from blue of california. The psychotherapist that was credited in the liner notes was Belleruth Naparstel, LISW, BCD and order information is Health Journeys at 800-800-8661, healthjourneys.com. Though it has a different name, the audio sample here matches what I have: http://www.healthjourneys.com/Store/Products/Successful-Surgery-Health-Journeys/29

I'm not affiliated in any way. It just helped me a lot so I thought I would pass it on.

If anyone else done tried anything similar (or different) pre-op that helped you, please chime in.

It's been recommend around this forum. Based the experiences of others here I bought a LaFuma zero gravity recliner. It was awesome. I wouldn't say necessary, but it was really nice to have and I'm glad I had it during the first few weeks. Thank you to all that recommended it, I would have never thought of it or discovered it on my own.

I bought the XL size which is quite big (I'm 5'10'' and it's probably made for someone over six feet). After sitting in it, though I liked it I thought maybe I should get the normal size one instead. But it was too close to surgery to send the XL back and get the other one delivered in time, so I bought the normal sized one as well and planned on returning the one I wasn't going to keep. With both in my living room I compared them side by side and ended up keeping the XL after all. The only bummer is shipping isn't free on returns, so it cost me $75 to ship other one back.

This the one what I have:
http://www.shoplafuma.com/product/futura-clipper-xl-mesh-zero-gravity-recliner-black-grey-frame

That all looks like you're right on schedule.

The configuration of a road or tri-bike on a trainer (to make a stationary bike) will require a greater than 90 degree flexion of the hips. That's still not Ok at 6 weeks? Only up to 90 degrees? Still not more than 90 degrees? Is that still because of dislocation concerns? Or to protect the still-healing gluteal muscles that were split during surgery?

Things are getting better, now on day 6 aftter surgery. Pain is better and Dr. De Smet told be that I hadn't fully extended some leg muscles in a long time (due to the osteoarthritis on the hip), like the hamstring for example, now that they are fully extented again of course they hurt and need time to recover, makes sense to me.

Thanks everyone, I do feel a little better everyday. Amazing how PT results are seen on day-to-day basis.
Things are getting better, now on day 6 aftter surgery. Pain is better and Dr. De Smet told be that I hadn't fully extended some leg muscles in a long time (due to the osteoarthritis on the hip), like the hamstring for example, now that they are fully extented again of course they hurt and need time to recover, makes sense to me.

That's great news. Getting motion back is a fantastic feeling. But the range of motion you lost while osteoarthritis set in is not going to just come back now that the bones have been fixed. It will be better than pre op very quickly but getting back to where you were before OA set in will take time and work.

Chuckm

Thank you Kevin! Much appreciated.
Richard

Hi again,
I was quoted $30k approximately, but his front desk seems a little vague. I am in Victoria, and will be getting a consult with Dr. De Smet in March (approx 15,000 euros for surgery), but thought it might be wise to get another opinion closer to home. There are some local people here who had good experiences with Dr. De Smet, and I am leaning that way, however I have family in Seattle....

for around 20k us$ all inclusive you could have it done in UK and enjoy a couple of weeks holiday!

Richard...are you going to travel to Belgium for a consult and get it done while you are there? I have considered Dr.Bose in India, a guy from Nova Scotia had it done with him 2 months ago and was quite happy. I am also considering Dr. De Smet in Belgium. I would also go  the UK if I could get it done with Dr. McMinn who was the pioneer of the Birmingham method. I just want the surgeon for the best possible outcome.

He did say to raise the seat of the bike up so I'm not flexing too much, and he did say not to go past 90 degrees when exercising. I'm pretty sure he's still worried about dislocation because he mentioned it in the context of showing me how to reach my feet -- said that I can't dislocate my hip in the position he was showing me, which was ankles in and knees out.

how do you manage the necessary follow up examinations? is he working together with a doctor in Canada?

I am seeing him March 2nd.  He has done over 800, to my knowledge.  Any good or bad feedback from people on here.

I think you just send X-rays after 4-6 weeks and he reviews them.

Prior to my BHR with Mr Treacy (made possible with the help of Dannwayoflife / MikeD) I contacted Dr Bose.

If memory serves me right he did his training with Mr McMinn and Mr Treacy.

He always responded promptly and courteously to my emails. He viewed my xrays and suggested I was suitable for a BHR or DeltaMotion. I priced flights to Chennai. I researched the Apollo hospital. I had total confidence in him, his team, and his hospital.

He wasn't offended when I told him I wanted to at least try to get the operation done by Mr Treacy on the UK National Health Service - he supported my decision as he knew Mr Treacy very well.

Thanks event...I feel the same way up to this point for Dr. Bose. I have also contacted Dr. McMinn in the UK...did you ever consider him to do your surgery?

I'd offer to help if I wasn't hundreds of miles away.  I do remember there being talk of such things at the new joint seminar, but didn't pay particular attention as I had my wife with me at the first surgery in January and she'll alway be with me at my second (March 2nd).  Susan (Dr Pritchett's assistant) has been very helpful for me...maybe she has contact information for such a service.  When is your surgery scheduled for?

Like all of you before me, I am very fortunate to have found this website, as I seek out the necessary information to make the BEST informed decision regarding BHR.

I am a 50 yo male who is in excellent physical shape.  Lean muscle mass, 230lbs at 6'4.
Well, in great shape EXCEPT my hip!

In reading many of the posts here, some hot topics are:

Anterior Approach
Posterior Approach
Cup Angle

I know that in a THR, anterior is the way to go based on visibility and recovery.

When the BHR was first introduced, POSTERIOR APP was the only method available.
Now it seems that some surgeons are converting over to an ANTERIOR app.

Here are my questions:

1) What does an Anterior approach provide to the surgeon, that a POSTERIOR app does not?


2) What approach allows the surgeon to attain the BEST possible cup angle?

3) Recovery with a THR seems to be better with an ANTERIOR app.  I know its apples to oranges when comparing at THR with BHR.

Just seeking answers as I will be scheduling my BHR in the next 2-3 months.
Your help is greatly appreciated.

Is there a list of surgeons broken down by their approach?

Thanks!

Here is a page on the Surface Hippy website, regarding which approach is best. It may be helpful to you.

http://www.surfacehippy.info/surgicalapproaches.php

Thank you very much !!!

Thanks for your response!  I've already asked Susan and she didn't have any ideas "off the top", but said she could look into it.  I said thanks, but didn't want to put any additional tasks on her probably full plate!?  I'll look into it via the new joint seminar folks.

My consultation is the day of your surgery.  Maybe we'll cross paths!?  I could smuggle a beer in for you! 

=B' )

I personally wouldn't worry yourself too much about this. Go see a top surgeon and let them do what they do best. The posterior approach seems to give the best exposure at the expense of a little more cutting. You want the surgeon doing what they are comfortable with really and by going to the best guy you can you hugely increase your chances of a great out come.

I'm with Danny on this. My father in law had a THR anterior approach and has struggled with his recovery. I had a posterior approach BHR and I'm having a recovery that is absolutely pain free and I'm having to hold back due to risks of fracture etc. 
It all comes down to the combination of surgical skill and how well the patient recovers. I didn't care what approach was taken , it's the end result that matters.
Find the best surgeon you can and go with him/her.  Good luck.

I live in Wales, UK, where you get the surgeon you are given at your nearest large National Health Service (NHS) hospital ie no choice.

The orthopaedic surgeon allocated to me regarding my hip had previously carried out unsuccessful arthroscopic surgery. Hence I didn't trust him to resurface my hip (using a non BHR device to make matters worse).

So I considered moving to England temporarily where choice of surgeon exists using the NHS.

I also researched the cost of paying privately for the operation.

I quickly learnt that Mr McMinn and Mr Treacy invented the BHR and so were the experts. Of course I would have been completely happy to have either operate on me.  I believe their costs were similar @£15,000 (check online for up to date costs). Dr Bose trained with them and his costs came in below half that cost.

It was not easy but I managed to obtain choice of surgeon on the NHS by moving to England temporarily. Via Surfacehippy, dannywayoflife and MikeD pointed me in the direction of Mr Treacy who makes you feel that your life is safe in his hands.

Good luck with your decision regarding choice of surgeon.

Ha ha, beer sounds great...it couldn't possibly make me pee any more often than just the surgery did the first time. lol

I'm guessing Dr Pritchett has a couple surgeries before mine that day, as I'm not checking in till 8:45 with surgery at 10:45.  With the hospital being 2 blocks from his office, you'll probably be seeing him shortly after he gets done playing with my insides. :-D

I'm 2 weeks post bilateral resurfacing and recovery is going very well. I had both sides done, anterior approach, so my only sleeping position is on my back. I hate sleeping on my back, but I'm getting used to it now. I generally wake up about every 3.

When I wake up my thighs are extremely sore but once I get up and start walking around it improves greatly. Is this normal?

Well I am now officially a bilat.

The operation was not routein however. It took Mr Treacy 45 mins and there were some complications. I bled an aweful lot in theatre and think there was a lot of Spurs and osteophyte as well as my dysplasic socket.

I had to be kept in recovery for about 3 hours as there was no bed space on the wards. When I was taken to the ward my condition RAPIDLY declined and I ended up going into cardiac arrest. The crash team had to be scrambled and they had to restart me. Feel better now but not great.

I am so sorry to hear you had to go thru that.  Pretty darn scary!  Good to hear you are now on the mend - or at least able to start thinking about it.

Good Luck.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. 

Pat

Thank you pat! I feel sorry for the guys in my room. They were really upset by it. I've got to say the professionalism of the doctors and nurses was outstanding. I really feel privileged to have them looking after me. 

That sounds scary! I guess it can happen to anyone after any surgery if the conditions are there. Hope things will improve from here on out.

I, too, had to sleep on my back for about 3 weeks after I had my left BHR back in 2010, and I had aching in my thigh on the operated side whenever I woke up.  You may find that placing a pillow or pillows under the lower part or your legs to raise them two or three inches helps.

Good luck. Hope that's the only hiccup in your recovery!

Thanks buddy. Still havig a few other issues. Waiting on catheter being put in looks like I've blown a vein when fitting and my leg is ballooning with swelling.

Wow, that's spooky!  I'm glad they were able to get you ticking again and hope your recovery goes great from here out (and that such an occurrence doesn't happen to me when I become a bilat in a couple weeks! ha ha)

Here's to a quick and complete recovery!

Thank you mate. I don't think it can get much worse now. Upwards from here! Got to say the staff have been incredible!

Danny,
Sorry to hear of the post op complication but you're a tough young UK hippy and when called upon our NHS delivers-so good news.
Yeah, hope all goes well here buddy.
Take your time.
Toby

Thanks Toby got to say I'm a little shook up by it all.

Touch wood the worst is over

That's tough, Danny! It really brings it home how big this kind of surgery is.
Glad to hear you're staying strong, it can't be easy. I'll try and cheer you up when you get back to Easingwold.
All the best,Mike.

Cheers mate. We'll have to try and met up for a clarkes sandwich mate

Ha ha, Didn't know you were from Easingwold Danny. I'm a stones throw over in Knaresborough. :-)

Sounds good! looking forward to meeting up. Take it easy and give me a shout when you're ready.

That's were I grew up mate my parents still live there and that's wjere I'll recoup on discharge as they have the means to deal with me.

If you fancy a coffee let me know would be great to meet another hippy ;)

Wow Danny!

Sorry you had to deal with all that. Hopefully the worst is done and you can go upwards and onwards from here.

Great staff, but you also were strong to get through that. Keep us updated, brother.

Thank you hern. Guess I was too bad ass for the he reaper  ;D he must have been affraid Id kick his ass!

Yes Danny to the max! No kidding this surgery will give you your life back for sure! Stay strong!

Chuckm

Touch wood mate it will but unfortunately the whole hip episode has blocked me from my chosen career paths which bums me out.

Jeez, scary stuff Danny. I echo everyone else's sentiments. Get well soon, hopefully thats the only serious problems you'll face.
Regards from Down Under.

Thanks matey. Had a steady night not much sleep but no pain or seizures so I'm pleased

[quote
If you fancy a coffee let me know would be great to meet another hippy ;)




][/quote]
That's would be good. Let me know when you are feeling up to it. :-)

I'll pm you my mobile number mate

Wow, scary stuff. Hopefully it's all better from here on out. Rest up and get healthy!

Had several more seizures I am now in icu not good at the mo. Waiting on xray to make sure my seizures hasn't wrecked the bhr

Thanks. I have experimented with putting a cushion under my calves to raise my legs, and putting a couple of pillows under my knees.  Last night was much better so hopefully I'm over the worst of it.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Having been thru open heart surgery and a-fib for 8 days, I know how scary it is.  My a-fib was not as bad as seizures.

Hang in there.  We are all there with you in thoughts and prayers.  God Bless. 

Pat

Quote from: Dannywayoflife on February 12, 2015, 06:36:58 PM
Touch wood mate it will but unfortunately the whole hip episode has blocked me from my chosen career paths which bums me out.

Quote from: chuckm on February 12, 2015, 06:09:31 PM
Yes Danny to the max! No kidding this surgery will give you your life back for sure! Stay strong!

Chuckm

Sorry to bum you out. It was supposed to be a funny line "give your life back". But I know what you mean. I was quite a footy player until my joints put a damper on that whole thing. I still had quite a run though despite playing with pain for so many years.

Chuckm

Hi Mate.

Can't believe it after the the tough recovery with the last one. Not good.! 

Let me know if you're up for calls and I'll bell you later. 

You know Danny, I've read about all kinds of complications from hip replacement/resurfacing, but this is the first I've seen cardiac arrest. Whew! Good luck with the catheter, swelling, and all of that other stuff that you already know about.

As it wasn't a "heart attack", I trust there is no permanent damage from the cardiac arrest? Do they have any idea what caused it?

Praying that your recovery will be less eventful than it's been so far. Good luck!

badbone, my observation lines up with everyone else's. My understanding is that posterior approach yields a more difficult recovery than anterior, but gives the surgeon a more advantageous access to correctly place the acetabular component. The pain from the two muscles that Gross had to 'split' during the posterior approach paled compared to the deeper bone pain.

Thomas Gross used the posterior approach on me in January'15.

Good luck!

Sorry to hear about your complications Danny. Hoping for the best for you.

Hang in there. I know you're in excellent hands. They'll get you through this tough time.

Update 3 more MASSIVE seizures today I've been on the icu ward since 10:00 this morning I think kow.


Jss no longterm damage had been mentioned as yet however they are looking at epilepsy  :'(

However right at the top of the suspect list is one of the chemicals used in the spinal sorry its name escapes me they thinki have a massive allergic reaction to this which is very very rare my anestist has seen 2 in 25 years. This can cause massive fits and spasms like I've been having and like what happend yesterday.

Danny.   Really sorry to hear that you're going through this.

Keep us posted on you're progress.  Sounds like you're in good hands.  Stay strong mate! 

Hi Danny, sorry to hear of the further problems. My wife had a frightening and rare reaction to a general unaesthetic just before we had our kids-took a few days to fully recover. Hope everything settles real quick for you my friend.
Best
Toby

For the sake of a slightly Swifter recovery Id take longterm placement of the device any day

Nothing new to add here. Pick the best surgeon and let them them do their job.

Hey all. Just got blood test results back and my cobalt levels were almost off the charts (27).  My doctor was very concerned and asked me if I had any vitamin b12 injections before the test. Of course I said no.  Then it hit me.....

I have used 1-2 5 hour energy supplements a day for a very long time. Did you know that....

"In a broad sense, B12 refers to a group of cobalt-containing vitamer compounds known as cobalamins.."

5-Hour Energy has 8,333% of your daily value of Vitamin B12.  In essence I have been taking between 8,333% - 16,666% a day for a long time.......

Be advised.

Hi all. Here's my story: Had my left hip resurfaced seven + years ago by Dr. Su. All was well for six + years. And all my yearly checkups have been perfect, with very low metal levels in my blood.

Unfortunately, for the last year or so, the hip has been hurting, especially the front of the hip. I went to see Dr. Su last month, who took an x-ray and drew blood. Everything was perfect, but the hip continues it hurt.

Dr. Su seems to think it's an inflamed hip flexor muscle. It hurts when I lift my leg. But honestly, it feels a lot like arthritis lately, with the pain now traveling to the groin. I'm worried something is going on with the implant. Question: Does anyone think an MRI is in order?

Your best answer should come from Dr. Su.
What did he attribute your pain to?

Did you give you any PT to help correct it?

Hi Danny.  Glad you still around as you would be missed.  Shows how serious this stuff is when you get down to it. Hope all goes well with the new hip. On and up from here. best wishes

Wow Danny I'm so sorry about what you've been going through. I really hope they pinpoint the source of the problem soon. Stay positive and hang in there! My thoughts are with you.

Over a year is a long time. I'm glad Dr. Su feels the implant looks fine, but I wouldn't hesitate getting a second opinion if you're still worried. Since he suspects inflammation, I'm curious if you've tried using an anti-inflammatory and if it helped.

Good to know!

Quote from: chuckm on February 13, 2015, 09:11:09 AM

Quote from: Dannywayoflife on February 12, 2015, 06:36:58 PM
Touch wood mate it will but unfortunately the whole hip episode has blocked me from my chosen career paths which bums me out.

Quote from: chuckm on February 12, 2015, 06:09:31 PM
Yes Danny to the max! No kidding this surgery will give you your life back for sure! Stay strong!

Chuckm

Sorry to bum you out. It was supposed to be a funny line "give your life back". But I know what you mean. I was quite a footy player until my joints put a damper on that whole thing. I still had quite a run though despite playing with pain for so many years.

Chuckm

Chuck sorry only just seen your post. Non of you guys has ever bummed me out just the fact that this disease has cost me so dear.

I seem to be improving now though which is encoraging. I had another seizure this morning but didn't loose consciousness which is apparently very good news. Feel absolutely knackered and still haven't yet even been out of bed and doubt I will for the rest of today and possibly tomorrow. I am so weak its in real.
It looks like my seizures have been caused by an allergic reaction to tramemaxic acid but I'll have to under go further tests to confirm that and they are going to test me for epilepsy as well. Some of my bloods came back and what the levels were ridiculous 1 doctor told me they normally consider 4 very very high for a particular thing and I topped out at 17! He was amazed I'm still here! Hopefully the worst is now over.

Danny

There has to be more to this story. Did Dr. Su give you any advice on how to resolve the discomfort?

Danny, these continued episodes are starting to put a dent in our excitement of your being post surgery and bilateral.

Well, it sounds like you're past the worst of it? And will eventually be Ok with no residual damage? Is this a different drug than was used for your first resurfacing? I've done a google search on anesthesia allergies, and the title of your inaugural post of this thread does say it all. It seems that there is a high mortality rate associated with such allergies. So glad you made it!

We'll just 1)hope it's not epilepsy and 2)look forward to you processing the residual traces of the offending chemical out of your system.

Praying for a quick recovery and wishing you the best. Good luck!

Jss thank you for your thoughts and prayers it means a lot. The same compound (believed to be Tramexamic acid) was used last time with similar results however now where near as violent.

I am very lucky to be alive mate some of my blood tox levels were high enough to kill an elephant so I guess the reaper really is scared. I'm told my recovery will likely suffer somewhat and will be pretty slow as I'm jow just wiped out.

I am curious to read my theatre notes as apparently Ronan said the operation was very very difficult and indeed took him double his normal time but alas the nhs seem to think that notes they keep about me are for thier eyes only!!

I am going to have to be tested for epilepsy now but it's now unlikely that's the culprit I've been told I need further allergy testing with the Tramexamic acid and will probably need a msr alert bracelet as its very very common to be used by paramedics.

Had my rt hip resurfaced 6year ago and it's been great. Till 2 weeks ago.  I am very active, I weld for a living, race motocross and work out.  2 weeks ago I had to get in a awkward position at work. Every sense then my hip has not been rite. as long as I keep moving through out the day it's ok with little pain, but when I get home and sit for awhile and try to stand and walk i can hardly stand, it takes me a minute to be able to walk. fells like it's popping back in place. When I wake in the morning it feels better. Going to make dr. Appointment Monday. What could be wrong. Just looking for thoughts, it's got me worried.

Wow! Freeked me out to read that! So glad everything is ok and just heal up now!!!
(Ps- any bright lights, floating  above the room, harps?  ;)
Lu

Thanks for heads -up!
What does this mean for you, though? Just lay off the supplements and everything will be fine?
Please keep us posted.
Lu

No harps all I can remember is my sight going then hearing the cardiac arrest call going out and that's it! I woke up surrounded by 15+ people working on me!

Bloody Hell Danny, what a shock when I read your post. I sent you a text on Thursday wishing you all the best. Seems like your positive attitude has kept you going. Keep strong ,will text you in a few days when you are out of ICU.I thought I had problems.

Approach has nothing to do with cup angle.  Good surgery has everything to do with it.  Now, most hip surgeons will tell you not to choose your doctor based on approach, but it does make a difference.  When I asked Dr Marwin why he used ''direct lateral'' compared to 'posterior'' he told me that he first learned posterior and that when learned direct lateral, it solved all of the issues with the surgery.  The fact that the muscles aren't removed and reconnected makes recovery easier and avoids muscular problems later.

So don't chose your surgeon based on his approach, but it is one of the things you should consider when choosing between doctors.

Sounds like either a damaged or detoriated muscle.   I'm bilateral and about a year and a half after my surgery, I crashed my mountain bike really hard and tore a glute tendon on the left side.  My surgeon, Dr Scott Marwin, told me that the implant was fine and the muscles would heal.  I don't know if it didn't heal or healed wrong but it just got worse.  I finally saw a physiatrist who sent me to a really good PT.  It took three months of two trips a week and exercises every day to work that side out and get my strength.  If I slack off on the mantainence exercised and can feel it bothering me again, but as long as I do the exercises, it's fine.

hey mike, I had something similar when I wiped out on the ice last year. my groin / back went nuts, so that Iwent to the surgeon, had xrays, blood test, etc,

Everything tested out ok, so I realized that i just had an injury and dealt with that. You should get everything checked out but it may just be an awkward injury to soft tissue.

Mine took a bit (two months)but it cleared up.

Sounds like a reaction, since you weren't diagnosed with epilepsy before. My father and daughter have both had it (my daughter's went away); it's not something that can easily go undetected.

My best wishes to you, Danny, hopefully they identify the problem quickly.

Thank you Hern, it looks like the offending drug is out of my system now :) I will be getting it checked out with my gp on my discharge! Thank you hern and you are on my list for me to buy a few beers for when I'm States side again!  8) :D

Danny, What's the update on the hip? Are u out of bed now? Is the hip unharmed from the seizures?
Dave

Yes literally just 15 mins ago had it confirmed that the device was ok. Mr Treacy was obviously concerned though as he was the one that insisted on me having an X-ray the xray tech had to come in specially!

Just been up on the crutches and managed about 10 yds before went very dizzy. Progress at last.

Quoteyou are on my list for me to buy a few beers for when I'm States side again!

Danny, add me to the list and I'll buy the beers. I can also help translate since I speak both UK and US English (well, that sorry excuse for a language that the Yanks call English).
With the diagnosis, hopefully you've turned a corner (US) and things will no longer be going pear-shaped (UK)
Cheers

Dr. Su recommended stretching. Been trying that (I've always been insanely inflexible), but the pain has spread from the front of the hip to occasionally inside the groin. Will try Aleve for a bit and see if that helps.

After all these years, I tried a bit of running again. I was an avid runner before surgery. Wondering if that might loosen things up a bit.

Good news all is ok with your new BHR. Glad you've managed to get some practice in on those crutches. Hopefully your recovery will keep improving from here.

I hope the pain in your hip can be resolved - I can imagine your concern when all had been well for 6 years. I would hope proceeding following Dr Su's advice is your best way forward. Check with him again if you need more re-assurance.

Had a funny turn earlier. I fell off my chair and am waiting on bloods coming back. They have said I may yet need a transfusion as I am very dizzy and my resting heart rate is betwee. 100 & 120 which Is very unusual for me. My resting pulse is normally 40+

Hang in there Danny! Good to hear the BHR is ok. You're in good hands.

It will take more than some adversity to keep me down! I just had to make a point to my self earlier so I told the staff I wanted to get up and preceded to walk the length of the ward ;) I got to the doors and the nurse said "your not wanting to go outside are you!?" I said ok I'll go back to my bed :) I really just had to prove a point to myself that I could do it and I did it! Sure there will be more setbacks on the way but it ain't going to stop me!

Glad to hear your positive progress, Danny.
If you don't fancy the blood transfusion, ask if you can take the iron tablets for 3 months instead.
It worked fine for me-I was also dizzy the first couple of times I got up but the tablets got my blood levels back up just fine.
Keep going, Danny-onward and upward from here.

Cheers Mike I'll reme that buddy thanks :)

Attitude on the day is the WINNER, and thats where you EXCEL. :). Keep on moving forward [ no pun ]you are doing brilliant. Every day is a success and another day further up the Recovery ladder. Work on 1 rung at a time . Tick those boxes  ;) :D. Cheers .
Kiwi Boy Down Under.

Hi, I am new to this forum but am seeking advice about the Synovo Preserve Polyethylene hip replacement system.  I am a 54 year old women who is very active in skiing, power lifting and alpine hiking.  I have OA in both hips and a significantly torn and delaminated labrum in my right acetubular socket.  I have consulted two highly experienced surgeons in Melbourne Australia who want to do a ceramic THR on my right hip.  They will not do the MoM BHR due to the risk of metallosis.  After skiing daily in NZ for 6 weeks last september surviving on daily doses of 100 mg of Voltaren and Panadeine Forte, my nightly pain in my right hip became more prolonged and excrutiating than usual and unable to be relieved through my normal regimen of daily training / exercise.  I have gone from exercising for 2 - 2 1/2 hours a day to no activity in order to minimise the pain at night and still function as a manager at work.  I am absolutely miserable.  My issue with the THR is that the surgeon states that I will be unable to return to  power lifting and alpine hiking/climbing (due to the unacceptable mechanical stress loading of the ceramic implant leading to failure).  Does any one on this forum know of surgeons in Australia, New Zealand, Asia or India who do hip resurfacing using the polyethylene hybrid titanium system popularised by Dr Pritchett?  I am absolutely not ready to give up the activities I love but recognise that living on high dose NSAIDS and analgesics during my activities and after is not viable  solution either... Any advice is appreciated... thanks  :'(

You're apparently willing to travel...why don't you send your x-rays to Dr. Pritchett?

Thanks for your response, I am willing to travel but don't have the financial means to fund a US operation unless it's only $5000 or less.  It's quite cheap to have operations done in Australia, NZ (due to the government medical care system in conjunction with my health insurance) and Asia and India.  My preference would be for a local surgeon but it appears that the Synovo Preserve hip replacement system is confined to the USA?  (It is really difficult to find information on it). 

Hi. I recently had my hip resurfaced in Melbourne, five weeks ago in fact. Today I did all my PT this morning followed by a good 45 minutes on the turbo trainer getting my heart rate up there. I will walk this evening too.  My recovery has been so good I already know I'll be fully active again. It's not a case of if, it's when. I am holding back rehab to ensure I end up with a hip that'll stand the test of time too. Which surgeons did you see? If it wasn't Andrew Shimmin from the Melbourne Orthopaedic Group or Stephen McMahon from a few doors down then my advice would be to see either of them. Mr Shimmin is highly regarded in hip resurfacing both internationally and here and Mr McMahon has a similar reputation but with less research on articles. You can search on this site for most of Mr Shimmin's research articles. I cannot speak highly enough of Mr Shimmin and a fellow Aussie on here speaks highly of Mr McMahon.

Sorry, forgot to add, neither use the Synovo device, they rely on the Birmingham given its track record.

Thanks MPH it's great to hear that you are recovering so well and that the resurfacing is working so well for you!  I didn't even make it past Andrew Shimmin's secretary as l was told that he no longer performs hip resurfacing on women.  Stephen McMahon told me the risk of revision was too high (considering l was a woman) and has slotted me in for a THR in less than 3 weeks time. I have a phone appointment with Stephen next week where I hope to change his mind or cancel the surgery.  I must say it has been a really disappointing experience, particularly hearing of the major changes to my activity l would have to make after a THR.  I hear there is a professor in Sydney who does MoM BHR so he will be my next consult l expect. Considering the response from two highly respected experts in articulating the risks to women from MoM BHR it does beg the question why the Hybrid polyethylene resurfacing system is apparently not offered in Australia?  l love my power lifting training which keeps me fit for skiing and hiking in NZ , maybe I will just have to continue on the really unhealthy maxed out NSAID and codeine dosages if I am unable to find an Australian surgeon prepared to do a resurfacing or until technology suitable for active women makes it downunder...

Hi Meaghan, ayah yes, there is the female part I'd forgotten about. It appears in one of the Melbourne Orthopaedic Group's research ipapers and their conclusion was the withdrawal of any resurfacing service for females due to the higher revision rates that seem to be for a number of reasons. Also, there have been posts on the forum that Smith and Nephew have recently given guidance to surgeons not to use femoral head implants of less than 48mm and that is a factor.
I'm sorry you're getting bad news, if seems the US surgeons still offer the procedure for females unless that recent guidance has yet to have an effect.
I wish you all the luck in the world, McMahon is good but if it's not what you want you may have go overseas. Good luck.

Hi Meaghan,

Don't know anything about Synovo Preserve Polyethylene, but perhaps its worth speaking to other surgeons regarding MoM HR. I had a Hip Resurfacing done by Prof. William Walter 9 months ago in Sydney. He seems a top rated surgeon  having performed 500+ i believe.

He does say on his website (http://billwalter.com.au/)  "Research done by Professor Walter and other surgeons around the world over the last 10 years has shown that this procedure is generally not suited to females, although Professor Walter will consider this procedure in to strong active women with good bone mineral density"



One other surgeon I saw in Sydney and would recommend  is Prof. Kohen http://www.jointreconstruction.com/

Hope this helps, best of luck

Nigel

I'm scheduled for right hip resurfacing with Dr. Gross in late April.  To me, the most confusing part of the post-surgery requirements involves the ninety degree rule.  I've watched various videos that explain this and I'm left with the impression that for six weeks while resting or watching TV I'll either be confined to bed or a hard, straight back chair with arms.  My sofa sinks too deeply, and use of my recliner appears to be discouraged.

Can some of you shed a little light on this.  I believe I have read somewhere on this site that people have spent the first few nights in their recliners.  I guess it all comes down to whether or not you can get into and out of the recliner without violating the rule.  Maybe that's possible with the use of crutches to pull up with.  I also ran across a post about the Zero Gravity chair.  This probably deserves a closer look but it would still appear to compromise the rule much like a recliner.

I just can't see myself spending hours on end in a dining room chair.  Thanks.

JHippy, my resufacing with Dr. Gross is scheduled for late April.  I started a new topic this morning concerning the ninety degree rule, and it looks like this recliner might be an answer to my concerns.    Did you consider other similar products or is the Lafuma top of the line?  An internet search shows many other brands available.  Thanks for your input.

Kevin,
Sorry for the delay in responding. I am seeing Dr. De Smet initially for a consult only, and have tentatively planned a consult on the same trip with McMinn in Birmingham (the pay-it yourself surgery fee is about 13,000 pounds). I'll see Dr. Pritchett before I leave and then make a choice. If you follow this link (http://www.hip-clinic.com/en/hip-info/publications/50-bhr-versus-conserve-plus) De Smet has a compelling argument for the Conserve + vs the BHR. Having said that, the BHR has the longest track record for active people like me. I also am a big fan of pool therapy asap after lower extremity surgery (2 knee scopes later) and this is, apparently, still possible in Ghent at the hotel. McMinn wants no pool for 6 weeks. As a former physio, I know the benefits are significant (swelling/ROM/etc..) if you can get in the water soon. We'll see who I feel more comfortable with and let them recommend the device (as per Pat's wisdom on this site). As far as Dr. Bose, I just don't see myself going to India for this, although I have heard good things as well. Hope that helps.....

Hi all. My background is a soccer injury in 1995 resulted in right OA diagnosed in 1996 and curtains to much of my sporting life aged 27. Depressing. I did a fair bit, golf, soccer, triathlon, running (4:20 mile, 33m 10k, 1:18 Half marathon). Managed to resurrect golf about 8 years ago, but in pain always, and noticing it a lot over past year. I'm 46 this year, 5'8" 156lb.

I play off 6 handicap even with my "handicap" and I believe I can play off scratch with a BHR. I reckon I could go on in pain and just get worse over next couple of years, with sleep disruption (sleep sooooo much better with a paracetamol tablet, which I discovered recently: last night had a full night's sleep without a "comfort break" for the first time, literally, in years. So refreshing!)

I have a young daughter too, 8 this year and I'm starting to say no too much. No, I don't want to race up the stairs. No I don't want to play tag. I don't like that, and feel my next ten years are the best 10 of the rest of my life. Time for carpe diem.

So. I am generally in pain. But I walk the dog twice a day 2x45 mins, with my modified gait, limping. This evening I was uncomfortable toward end of walk. Is that bad enough?

I played 18 holes Saturday, pushing my trolley, in pain or standing in a particular way so as to avoid pain. But I shot a gross 2 over. Then 9 holes Sunday, but I was beat up Sunday, really sore. Is that bad enough.

I will take a painkiller tonight at bedtime, as I know it helps sleep, and I've been tossing and turning for years.

Sorry for the long build up, but figure you need my history to help me ...

Writing all this down has me realising that, actually, I know the answer. So you could jump to question 2!

QUESTION 1: do you think it's too soon? I am thinking wait till end of summer, then do it. This would be convenient for work, and also means I scramble through summer and the rump of the recovery will be as the golf season finishes and winter comes. Or go for it mid-late-April after family holiday Easter. And be fit enough for summer family holiday at end of July?

QUESTION 2: Mr McMinn's website indicates gentle golf from 4 months. Of all the golfers out there, what do you think? What did your surgeon advise? If you could scrape through summer like I think I might, would you? Or might I actually get back to some golf by Sept if I get it done in April? How was your recovery, how much did you lose/how long before you got back to former level?

Sorry for asking so much!

And, thank you to everyone who posts on this site, and to Pat. It has been very helpful to me so far, understanding risks I am taking. I do feel ready, and my fear of what if it fails and I end up THR is now feelng like a so what, at least I won't be in pain anymore.

I saw a surgeon locally in Nov 2014, and he said keep going but if you want it done, just say so, you'll know when it is time. And I saw Mr McMinn last week, with similar conclusion. He emphasised don't get stuck in to painkillers ... My bone stock looks good, density wise, and I still have a little joint space, but obviously it is "patchy" coverage!

Thank you.

Matt

From what I remember, the 90 deg rule means don't bend your knees higher than your hip - i.e. no higher than your knee being at the same height as your hip. I got into trouble with Dr. Gross' staff when I told them I was trying to do a "Knees Up Mother Brown" dance (look it up on YouTube if you don't know what that is).
I was comfortable in a recliner, not sure why it would be discouraged. You do raise your legs but not by bending your knees.
I slept in my bed, lying on my back with pillows under my knees. I did need crutches to get out of bed and recliner for a few days. I was limited in how long I was comfortable in a regular straight-back chair, had to get up and walk around after a while. I found the best option was to alternate between chair, recliner and flat on my back, switching when it got uncomfortable.
Dr. Gross' staff is really good at answering any questions pre and post surgery, so don't hesitate to go to them with any concerns.

Hi
Just thought I'd give you my 2 cents worth. I am from Toronto Canada and I had bi-lateral hip resurfacing with Dr. DeSmet about 2 1/2 yrs ago. Coinincidentally another female patient from Vancouver had bi-lateral surgery the same day! From my perspective-I have had nothing but positive comments to say about the  experience except for the hospital food!! Dr. DeSmet used the Conserve Plus- I believe because there were more size options for women, but he also had a coated metal option for men and I believe that option for women was coming. When I checked out the costs-it was a little less expensive than going to England and of course Dr. DeSmet was highly experienced and regarded. There is not a day goes by that I am not thankful that I made the choice to have both done together and that Dr. de Smet was my surgeon!

Congrats on your upcoming surgery, you're in great hands!

Yea it's about getting in and out of the chair. At the hotel they had a low lazy boy and at home I had a zero gravity chair (I'll reply in your other thread as well). So you'd keep the operated leg straight at the knee as you lower yourself to the chair, using the crutch for support. If the chair is really low, put a pillow on the chair so that when you're sitting your knee is not above your hip. Then to get up it same thing -- your leg extended so you're only pushing yourself up with the non-operated leg and the crutch. You just don't want to get in a low position where you'd have to bend both legs to stand up -- not only you'd violate the 90-degree rule but your strength is not going be there yet in the beginning.

The other one one I tried was an REI brand, they have a retail store here. It gave me a good idea that this type of recliner would work, but quality of the LaFuma seemed better. Price was pretty comparable if I recall correctly. Both felt very sturdy.

The larger size that I got has a slightly shallower seat angle when upright, and was a tad higher so I didn't have to lower myself as much. Either way is probably not a problem as long as you can scoot to the edge of the chair to get up (and sit down). But if comparing two brands you might want to take that into consideration.

Hi Matt,

Question 1 - In my opinion  you sound like you are defiantly, defiantly ready! If its stopping you doing the things you love and impacting your life then as you say carpe diem.
If i had known about having  this procedure 10 years ago (42 now) it would have given me 10 years of running, playing  football (soccer) and staying fit  not to mention the mental side of feeling old and having a worn out body which is tough.
Very scary to think of a big lump of metal  being put in you (for me anyway) but the operation and recovery weren't too bad at all. I'm 9 months out now and recently having a few twinges (I'm sure its just due to some scar tissue)  but I'm amazed all the time at how my hip feels no different to my other one even though its made of metal!
If your having Mr McMinn perform the op its  a no brainer i reckon!

Question 2 - Recovery wise, first 2 weeks I couldn't do much and for the first 6 weeks was extremely tired, needing day time naps, but after 1 week only took a single painkiller at night and that was only for a further week.  At 2 months i think i could probably have played golf, i did go to the driving  range and  play a round at about 3 months without any issue at all - Well not from the hip anyway  - as much a hacker as ever! As you'll hear on here everyone is different, just listen to your Surgeon and your body.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Nigel

You found the right website to get the answers to your questions.

First, no it is not too early. You are dealing with the same issue I did. You can tolerate the pain, but you're sacrificing lifestyle. I was 50 when I had my hip done and I am good as new. Get your hip done now before it becomes so debilitating that you aren't in good enough shape to minimize recovery time.

Second, golf...no problem. I would only offer one piece of advice on that issue. Remember, your recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Be careful not to overdo it early one, it will only slow things down in the long run(lived that mistake.)

Good luck on your decision.

Dear Meaghan,
it depends on the female. her age, high and over all static. I am age 57, 1.82m, 100 kg. Dr. Brockwell, Hongkong, did my surgery January 2014; bilateral in one go. my friend Cory, similar age and all, will have her bilateral surgery March 13.
my recovery rules have been very strict for 6 month. women our age can have problems with the bone density, that's the reason for this new "restrictions".
I hope, you can do it!
if necessary contact Dr. Brockwell.     

Hi,

I am not a golfer, but I got back to tennis after five months and it was fine. I only played doubles initially and obviously avoided throwing myself around.

I have had two BHRs done by Mr McMinn. One is over fifteen years old and the other about sixteen months. Both are perfect and have not given me a moments problems. He is a brilliant surgeon.

David Vale

Thanks for the positive responses all, so quick too. I'm awake in night tonight, it's 3am, and I'm going to read in a moment to take my mind off things.

I also have a tiny bit of OA in my left hip and judging by what I read on hear I expect that'll be not too long away. It has been playing up a bit tonight (maybe too vigorous walking but I think that my left side is now compensating a lot for my right side's limits).

David, your case at 15+ years is really positive and reassuring. Thanks for posting.

Hey Torontogirl,
Thank you for your input! I'm glad to hear you had such a good experience. If you have the time, I would love to hear more. How active were/are you? What was the recovery like? Any wisdom you would like to pass on? Even about Ghent itself....I'll be there a week in March. Thanks.

I practically lived in the recliner the first few days. I set up the guest room bed in the family room beside the recliner and I alternate between them. Having both hips done I can't sleep on either side and find lying on my back in bed difficult.

I built wood blocks to raise the bed 5 inches to make it easier to get out of. I was going to do the same with the recliner but decided that the arms were high enough that I could get in and out of it without too much trouble.

My physio didn't seem concerned about the 90 degree rule as much as I expected. Maybe because the  doctor uses the anterior approach. The big things they warned my about was extending the leg straight back (which is an easy one to avoid) and opening up the hip by leaving a foot planted and turning 90 deg to the opposite side to take a step in that direction.

Like the others who have weighed in, I didn't have too much trouble with it.  I bought a reclining couch specifically for recovery from the hip resurfacings (had one done last month, the other booked for next month).  You can "cheat" your way down and up from a chair of reasonable height by using the chair arms, rotating slightly toward your non-operated side, and keeping your leg straight as you lower yourself to the chair.  When getting up, do the same in reverse, scooting forward till your butt is on the edge of the seat, roll slightly toward the non-operated side, straighten your leg, and push up with arms and non-opperated leg.  This also works for getting in/out of a car and on/off a low toilet seat if the need arises.  The bigger trouble for me was not letting the leg come too far toward the center.  You get the hang of it fairly quickly, using a pillow between legs while sleeping or riding in a car, but it's easy to forget, and the stretched muscles seem to involve those that help stabilize the leg when "under load."  As a result, it kind of wobbles back and forth under strain and some of those wobbles are toward the center which produces a sharp twinge of pain, at least for me.

Yesterday was 6 weeks post-op for me, so the 90 degree restriction was officially lifted.  I've been working for 3.5 of them, driving myself, and yesterday celebrated the occasion by going for an 11.5 mile bike ride.  I took my mountain bike, which has a bit less aggressive posture than my road bike but still gets well past 90 degrees at the top of each pedal rotation.  I had zero pain in my operated hip, but some in my other hip and a lot in my neck, which encouraged me about the prospects of my two remaining surgeries.   :)

Long story, short - I wouldn't worry too much about the 90 degree restriction.  I didn't find it terribly limiting.

I can't speak to the cash price of Dr Pritchett, as I used insurance for my right hip in January.  The total cost (surgeon + hospital charges) submitted to insurance was around $73k, reduced to $43k based on contracted price structure, and of which I was responsible for $2,875 (my annual out of pocket limit).  Getting my other hip done in two weeks, but with my annual limit already met, I'm off the hook for payment this time.

Pritchett cleared me to start PT in week 3 but didn't want me in the pool till week 4 just to be sure the incision was completely closed so there was zero chance of introducing infection.  I've done all my PT in the water since then and am a huge fan of that environment.

My Dr removed all restrictions at 2 months, a week after that I was back out in the water. It was around waist to chest high and pretty mellow.

I started out on a big 9'6" in the morning at high tide being very tentative. But after a couple hours I felt much more confident and switched to my 5'10" for low tide. The entire session went a lot better than I thought it would. But there's no way I would have went out if it was a true winter swell like the ones we get up here. Not sure I am ready yet to take a pounding.

Pretty sore all over, except for the hip, it feels great. As others always say "why didn't I have this surgery done sooner!"

I have my first appt Mar 2nd with Dr. Rector to see if I am a candidate, but as to the 90 deg rule, I haven't been able to flex my hip to 90 deg in probably 10 yrs.  I just hope I will be able to after surgery.

I had an appointment with Dr. De Smet but put it off to do more research. I am interested in the Conserve Plus he is using. (he also gets a royalty from using it and the cup he invented.)  I wonder if any other surgeons use the Conserve Plus or any feedback from someone who has had the procedure? I read the article forwarded by rburns (http://www.hip-clinic.com/en/hip-info/publications/50-bhr-versus-conserve-plus).

Thanks

Thanks MPH, Nigel and China Lady for sharing your advice and experiences.. l need to advise Stephen McMahon's rooms tomorrow whether I intend to have the THR surgery. l was hoping to have the opportunity to discuss with him whether he will perform the BHR with my signing a waiver accepting the risk presented by metallosis and high rate of revision; acknowledging that he advised me against the procedure and is not accountable. I'm hoping that he will agree to this (I will keep you posted). Although I have good muscle mass and strong large skeletal frame I am equivalent to a small man in stature.  This probably places me at increased risk China Lady, but I am so pleased for you that your bilateral BHRs were such a success  :)  Thanks Nigel for the Sydney contacts, if Stephen elects not to perform a THR for me (l respect his decision) then I will try the Sydney surgeons. I was hoping to go skiing for a month in NZ in September... We'll see ... probably best to try and sort this out first for an outcome that I am happy with rather than having a THR just so I can ski this year. :(

Hi Meaghan,
I've been reading the posts with interest.
I'm quite surprised that Mr Shimmin and Mr McMahon have eliminated women from the resurfacing option. Of course one has been aware for several years that smaller women (and indeed very small framed men) show higher revision rates. Additionally, both manufacturers of BHR and Adept have recommended caution with using <48mm heads etc and of course in less experienced hands this is obviously wise. However, the NJR results from several countries still show a 90% + success rate with these cohorts after 8 years. My surgeon in the UK Professor Cobb (who has very close connections with Mr Shimmin and chairs/moderates Hip conferences with him), told me when I had my surgery that smaller women were more difficult and created other surgical placement challenges-but still takes on women on a patient by patient basis. Indeed, he resurfaced a close friend of mine 3 years ago and she's about 5` 3 inches and has had an excellent result. Also in the UK/Europe Mr McMinn, and Dr Koen De Smet still resurface women and their data show excellent results (upper 90's%) in their long historical data sets.
May I ask, what is your height?
Would you consider Europe?
Best
Toby

Meaghan, the research paper that the Melbourne surgeons seem to have taken their guidance from is " Birmingham hip resurfacing at a mean of ten years" Coulter G, Young DA, Dalziel RE and Shimmin AJ. If you search on this site or Google it you should have an interesting read. It seems from previous posts some surgeons are happy with the associated risks, others are not so happy. I suppose its down to them what they are prepared to carry out.

Good luck in your ongoing search. I sincerely hope you get what you want to continue your life choices.

Danny, it's been a few days since your last status. Have the seizures stopped? Are you finally down to just the same tired old boring grinding recovery that we all experience after resurfacing? How's it going?

I am back home at my parents now.

I have developed a really nasty oral infection which is making swallowing nigh on impossible.

My leg is ridiculously sore and swollen. One of the other patients on the ward with me his son was an orthopeadic surgeon and I had some very interestng chats with him. He was invited to a bhr surgery by Mr Treacy and he said he's never seen anything like it he used the words poetry in motion. I spoke to him about the fact that Mr T had told me it as a particularly hard operation and he felt the reasons for this were probably the sheer size of my legs, the terrible rom, he said the capsule will have tightened up and thickened and also the very large bone spurs. He felt they would have had to use a massive force to dislocate and will have had to cut a huge amount of muscle to gain exposure. He said I was likely in for a long and slow recovery. Which is what I feel it will be. I am currently struggling to even get to the bathroom and it's just too painful to do anything other than ice in bed.

Hang in there. At least you're out of the hospital, that's got to feel better.

Well, the ball is rolling ... I have organised on the work front a plan (which is on a "back in office at t+14 schedule", perhaps ambitious, but can work from home to a fair degree if necessary. And have offers of transport in too which is great, a very supportive team!)

Just working through the insurance cover, make sure I know what I'm letting my wallet in for. And need to tie off some other minor concerns and have a last chat with my GP.

Anyone experience with AxaPPP in UK for the procedure?

Have a pencilled in date of 28 April with Mr McMinn ... Decided not to wait until end of summer, for reasons above: worrying about "collateral damage" to left whilst compensating for ever-worsening right hip, and also inspired by many positive stories on this site, I hope to get a fair portion of the summer and autumn golf season in, maybe from August onwards ... We will see, but really only as part of a gradual rehab up to a rip-snorting 2016 season!

Keep the faith mate. The first couple of weeks are always the hardest.
Let me know as and when u are up to a brew in Knaresborough :-)

I'm sure glad to see that you're past the anesthesia problems. This has been a son-of-a-gun compared to your first reline. Wishing you the best in getting past the other complications. I know that you'll eventually get past this and do great. Good luck!

Hi everyone, Great news! After further discussion Stephen McMahon has agreed to perform a BHR on my right hip.  l feel quite relieved but a little apprehensive at the impending surgery in 2 weeks time.. However I am really looking forward to getting back to exercise and doing the things I love without the debilitating night pain.. Thank you all for your advice ... I do believe it gave me the confidence and background to address this influentially with my surgeon!   :D

Awesome news. Not only that but he is a top surgeon too. Get it done before he changes his mind!

Lol MPH hopefully it is locked in  - perhaps I should have got it writing  ;)  and Toby I appreciated your detailed response and UK perspective.  I am 165 cm (5 foot 4 inches) with a large skeletal frame.  My surgeon is unaware of the Synovo Preserve device but stated he will research it.  Evidently it takes 2 years for a device to be therapeutically approved for use here so would not have been an local option for my surgery...

Hi Meaghan,
That's excellent news and it's great that you are going with an excellent surgeon who has tremendous experience. 5 foot 4 inches with large skeletal frame-vg. As I mentioned in addition to my friend who is 5' 3'', I've communicated with several active UK females who have been of similar height and small frame who've had brilliant results going back 8-10 years. Mr Mcminn has no hesitation still resurfacing women. Additionally, it's worth noting that Dr Bose in India has around 98% success rate with small women having developed an expertise resurfacing very petite Indian women. Hence, you've everything to be confident about in the hands of Mr McMahon.
After such a long wait, I really looked forward to my surgery. I went in totally relaxed and had a fantastic experience. Hope you do too- get everything in place for 2 weeks time and  then relax and enjoy what is a fantastic experience and wonderful new hip that just gets better and better!
Best Wishes
Toby

Any updates Danny

Throat infection slowly lifting thanks to the antibiotics still very immobile

Matt

Let me come at this from a slightly different angle. My circumstances are very similar to yours and golf was the biggest cause of "payback" pain for me, still playing off a 5 handicap but literally 40 yards shorter off the tee than I was pre-issues causing very poor range of motion.

I went down a slightly different route of trying stem cells, FAI removal, microfracture, labral repair etc. and had one hip done last October and the other in December.

I could easily have gone down the BHR route too and may have to in the future and I'm not posting to suggest BHR is the wrong thing for you, its a great procedure when done properly

I just wanted to share what I have found in recovery, since there are some major similarities between the two procedures as I literally had every repair you could imagine and have probably been put on a more cautious rehab program than you will with BHR (6-8 months rehab before I can return to the course)

First up I'm glad I've tried something - I might have got it wrong going stem cells vs BHR but I feel it is better to have done something than just accepted a bad situation. Carpe diem

You still have a couple of months to your surgery and use it as best as you can. The better shape you can get yourself in ahead of surgery, the stronger you will be to recover. Buy yourself a Reebok step and some therabands. Get the whole lower body unit strengthened as for instance your knee will need to be rock solid to lend a hand to the hip when you are recovering. Work hard now on flexibility, as you will have significant restrictions imposed on you post op, so getting things stretched out now will stand you well for when you have to take things easy.

And get yourself a good physio that knows how to rehab a BHR. I was amazed at the different advice from one physio to another and found one that has specialised in hip rehab for 30 years. Stick to what they say to the letter and listen to your body - rehab is as important as the op itself.

Assuming you play golf right handed, you should be back on course pretty quickly. I had my left done first as it was far more painful bracing against the left hip on the follow through than turning into the right hip on the backswing for me, as who swings at 100+ mph on their backswing. Good luck with everything and remember golf is a (nice) hobby, doing things with your 8 year old daughter who will grow up and move out one day is far more precious, so getting this fixed now to make the most of that time is something you owe yourself.

David

Good stuff, Danny. It'll be good to see you doing regular recuperation instead of this.

Thanks HippyDogwood, it does help to have some balance and alternatives to look at. I saw physio and local surgeon back in Oct/Nov, and I'm not a candidate for the "scrape and clean" micro fractures option. I would have been 10 years ago he said, but that wouldn't have lasted 10 years, so I would be back where I am now, certainly no better off. Although stem cells wasn't an option 10 years back. He thinks biological advances in next 10 to 20 years are where the hip treatment options are going.

Stem cells is interesting, but I have reached a tipping point now: I can't wait 5 or 10 years trying things out, at time and expense. I'm fed up, have put up with nearly 20 years of limits, and see BHR as a shot at freedom.

I hope the stem cells works out for you, and at least pushes any more invasive stuff off in to the future. Who knows, maybe when my left hip packs in, it will be on general availability, and an option for that one.

I've started a (yet another!) new fitness regime, including swimming a bit (breaststroke), to help my all round "butt fitness". I will add stretching in to it, but ROM is quite limited on the right side. Will work on back and hams and quads as best I can.

My aim is to strengthen upper body, lose a few pounds, maybe half a stone, and be aerobically strong by the time I go under ...

Hi Matt,

I'm new here, having found the site after my BHR op three months ago. My main worry after doing all the research was that I had left it too late - 63 years old and a slight cloud over bone quality (DXA scan after breaking my wrist in a small cycling fall showed substandard hip density for age). I found a consultant who operates at the local Spire hospital who I knew had performed successful resurfacing (family friend, 10 years and still going strong) and who was also a hillwalker and told him I wanted a BHR to allow running, climbing and cycling etc. Having examined my X ray and DXA results, and given me the stern warning about all the risks (to which I replied that he was talking to a climber and motorcyclist!) he agreed to do the operation. Then I spent a month wrestling with the pros and cons before committing myself - and it has worked out really well, so far. 

I originally just ran to get fit for climbing but running became a habit so I ended up doing marathons and eventually longer events in the hills - I was never as fast as you, best half of 1:23, marathon 2:54 - and when the kids came along and my job changed I backed off regular training for years but restarted about 6 years ago and surprisingly quickly got back to sub-1:40 halves. But the near-permanent aching and stiffness in my groin and quads would not go away so for the last year I resigned to just doing parkrun on Saturday mornings and hobbling around full of Ibuprofen, with less and less speed until a month before my op.

In theory I must wait a year to run again but with the miles I have walked since day 6 (nearly 200) breaking into a jog has proved easy and painless so I have already done a few gentle parkruns and can beat my wife again. Being very careful but no regrets at all at the moment. The other hip has about a year of use yet so another op is imminent but I would heartily recommend the procedure and my surgeon, who has only done a couple of hundred resurfacings but seems to have placed mine perfectly and done minimal damage in the process.

Of course, being older means that the prosthesis does not have to last as long as yours but I am still hoping for at least another 15 years of activity - and I have been cycling with a chap who had a Treacy BHR in 1997 who is still very happy that he had the op and continued fell running etc until recently (age 70 now, can still out bike me).

And eventually I expect to go back to playing golf, for which I have always been temperamentally unsuited but maybe as I get older?

HI GUYS ,
Just chipping in with my 2 pennies worth  on recovery etc and sport. I am 33 weeks Post Op., and am Swimming 100% Road Cycling 100% and Running at about 65-70% , of what I was Pre Op.
Am keen to up the anti on the Run , but realise that PATIENCE is the key , even though I reckon i could go a bit faster. Run wise i can do about 5km @ say 05:20pkm to 05:35 pkm ,pace. No doubt the speed will increase later , as my fitness improves . I am lucky as my Tri season [New Zealand ] is all but over , so resisted the urge to race , and just settled back . Over the winter months here in NZ , I will try to increase my Run Speed , as in July are 12 months Post Op.
Thanks Petemeads for your update, and Matt , you will be backing whacking the ball plenty. Just give it time .  :D ;)
Cheers ,
Kiwi Boy from Down Under.  :)

Glad you are starting to feel better.  Still thinking about you.

Pat

Returning member, giving you best wishes for recovery and encouragement to keep up the good attitude. I'm approaching 7-yr anniversary as bilat. I hope yours turns as well - after your initial challenges.
-Dirk

Pete, golf has a habit of making us all feel temperamentally unsuited, quite regularly  ;)

My hopes for the season are pretty dependent on having a good recovery versus a "normal" one and I think being in shape beforehand has to help. But, if it doesn't feel right, I won't try. I'll be happy enough being out of pain, and if I only get to start chips and half-/three-quarter swings by end of season (4-5 months post op) that's where I am now. I can then concentrate over next winter and come out fighting in 2016. (And, as they say, drive for show, putt for dough - I can practise putting as much as I like ...)

Taking it easy and gradual now surely will pay dividends, as Shoraztri is playing it - you'll be leaving them in your dust next season!

Hi gents, thought I'd share my surgeons views on running too early. He stressed that the well conditioned patients seem to have better recoveries and that makes them confident in their ability to run again. On the face of it thats all good, in fact its how I feel almost 6 weeks post op. However, his concern in a stress fracture of the head. He stressed it would come from repeated impact on the bone before full healing and urged me to wait for that 6 month period and stated I wouldn't even know it was happening until it went.
So for me its bike and swim and anything else to get the heart in the right zone. Just thought I share and would be interested in other's views on his advice?
Thanks and good luck to those still healing.

Thank you guys your thoughts and prayers mean a lot to me.

I now seem pretty clear of any infection which is good as that was really really dragging me down! The newly operated side though is still very very very painful to touch and very very very swollen. I am icing probably more than I should go try and get the inflammation down. I am still very immobile and rely on my parents waiting on me hand and foot for most things. I haven't left the house as yet and could count on the fingers of 1 hand the times I've been down stairs!

I was told by Mr Treacy and several other surgeons that due to the size of my legs that it would be a very painful recovery. Add to that my suspicions about why the surgery was so difficult and I think that explains the pain. Atleast now I can eat and drink and not be in pain now I've kicked the oral infection. I'm not having terrible sweats either and have more energy.

I fullu expect this recovery to be longer than my last but don't really mind as I know the end result is well worth it! :)

Sounds very sensible based on my research to date MPH. 6 months or more before running.

My running days are long behind me although it would be nice to get back in to it: an easier more pleasurable way to keep in shape, i can't imagine what.

For me though, I don't imagine wanting to do any high impact stuff. Golf and walking the dog I think, and some rowing, for two reasons: fear of accelerating wear of the device, and I am hoping for 20-30 years from it, and fear of accelerating  damage already showing signs in my left hip.

Sounds like the guys who're out running in no time are super skinny, carrying virtually no excess baggage probably BMI of 22 or lower ... I'm right up around 25, the top end of OK. Would like to see that in to sub-24 by time of my op.

I would have though having good legs, quad strength and squat strength, will help protect the femoral neck load too.

Good luck with your running when you get it going!

Hi MPH,
Was catching up on your latest thoughts and replies. As a very keen Tri boy , I waited out the full 6 months before starting to Run again . Even then it was more of a up-beat jog, than actual full running. My Specialist cleared me after 6 months , ,but I am easing into the Run for the next 6 months ,.
Am doing all my running on soft grass surfaces-ie football grounds etc ., and using the HOKA SHOES.
Am not having any troubles at all , so low impact so to speak , being on grass and Hoka Shoe.
All the Best, and as said before , by the real "older" experienced Hippies - PATIENCE -is the key. :D

Good to hear you are making progress Danny.

Danny, your positive attitude is fantastic, and I am sure that it will get you through this in good shape. It sounds like you are now through the worst of it (can't imagine it having been much worse). If the recovery is a little slow (mine was), that is nothing that you cannot take in stride and come out strong in the end. As you know so well, rehab is just like training; you just have to keep finding the right pace for where you're at at any given time, and keep appreciating each small step forward.
After all you have done for others on this site, we are all rooting for you.
John.

Hang in there, Danny. It will all be worth it in the end.

All the best in your ongoing recovery. The only way up up and your attitude is fantstic. Was floored when I read your initial post. Glad you on the mend chees from downunder👍

Indeed Matt, BMI below 20 - lost a stone hoping it would help the hips last longer even before thinking about resurfacing. Think it helped post-op to be light, minimizing load on the femur head. Only attempting to jog once a week and held back by my natural hip when I do...

Glad to hear you are on the mend. You are the last person I would have thought would have problems. Mr fit good luck on your recovery steady as you go. Look on the bright side you haven't got anymore hips to fix so you wont have to go through that again for a very long time hopefully.

Running before your femoral head is mostly healed (6 months) is playing with fire.

And, just because you read where one guy did it does not mean you should go against doctors orders.


Chuck

Sweet jesus sorry to hear Danny, have not been in forums in a while and was shocked to see your post today.  Great to hear though that you are on the mend, nothing wrong with taking it slow and steady, it does get better over the first couple of years and beyond.  My 3-year bhr bilat anniversary was yesterday, and could not be more satisfied, so good things to come.  All the best towards your continued recovery,

Dan

Keep improving and keep that good 'tude Danny.

I don't think you can ice too much, just allow enough time (15 mins) for your skin cells to recover. Keep it up, I'm glad the infection is receding.

nice to see a golf post after such a long absence!  My doc gave me the green light to golf at 6 weeks post op visit.  I had both hips done last year.  Still struggle a bit with the long game because of stiffness and lack of mobility with arthritis in the spine.  Did mange to get a hole in one 3 months after second hip was done so there is good golf in your future I would say. 

Wow Jerry, back after 6 weeks eh?! Great to hear of your hole in one!*

That is encouraging, I hope my surgeon and my progress can give me such an opportunity.

May I ask, who did yours, and what type?

Thanks Jerry.

* I know this isn't a golf forum, it's about hips, but I must relate my hole in one tale. On my birthday, playing with a good friend, I played the round of my life at the time. It was like I could do no wrong. Putts holing from everywhere, even when I thinned one it wound up as a birdie chance etc. and, of course, a hole in one at the 194 yard 8th at my local course. 2 under at the turn, gross. Finished 1 over. It took me another 4 years to shoot a better gross score! The golfing gods were smiling on me that birthday!

At the moment, pre-op, I can't imagine getting close to the level I reached last year again without the BHR. Walked the dog this morning in a fair amount of discomfort. I really hope I get one of the really successful outcomes, but even THR seems attractive at the moment.

BMI is a terrible measure for health.  I have a BMI of 27 at my 5'6" 167. 

Hi Matt,
Have to agreed 100% about BMI. I reckon its very "false" and really does not give the correct indication of ones health. :D

 I had BHR on both hips.  Surgeon was Colin Poole who practices in Boise Idaho region.

Hi Danny,
Just logged in and saw your post; so sorry about your experience.  Sounds like you are over the rough parts.  I too was very swollen, it is amazing how big your leg can swell up.  I hope you get that managed.  Best wishes on a quick recovery from this point forward.  You are one of the strong ones!

Thank you Msledzion :) the swelling has maybe gone down 40% now still pretty swolen though. I am getting slightly more mobile but it's still pretty slow at this stage. My leg genuinely feels like I've been shot in the side of it. My wound is about 12" in length and has now healed totally but I'm still covering it with a dressing for the next few days just to be doubly sure I don't get an infection in the wound as that would be really bad news!!

I see Mr Treacy ( more likely one of his staff unfortunately that's generally the way it works on the NHS.) on the 1st of April. My main interest in that consultation will be just why was the operation so difficult. I would know if I was allowed to read my notes however no one would let me read my notes in hospital as you have to apply for them under freedom of information!!!! How stupid is that!! How ever I remember being seen by a colleague of Ronan who read them as said "jeez Ronan said it was a VERY hard operation!" He also said of Ronan said that then the chances were most other surgeons would have aborted and gone to a THR. I also want to photo my xray which I will post up here as I was t allowed to see that on the ward either!!!

Keep up the good faith and attitude there Danny. Im sure all your experience and knowledge that you have passed onto us other Hippies , will stand you in good steed. As each day passes , you are getting better, and improving. Hang in .
Cheers , Kiwi Boy.

Hopefully the worst is behind you Danny.
Funny as I asked for a picture of my x-rays at Birmingham and was told to go through the proper channels. Didn't bother in the end but it would have been nice for the photo album.  ;)

I think it's a new money making scam dave. Ill just take a pic from the computer screen when I see Mr t in April

Hi there,

I had A BHR on 23 February at age 60 in Auckland NZ where I live.
Really looking forward to becoming mobile again after my activity being compromised by OA of my left hip.
I was fortunate in that my surgeon is the leading exponent of hip resurfacing in NZ.
Op' went to plan & hospital stay for 3 days also.
Now at home 11 days post op trying to follow the recovery plan.
In hospital, when the epidural wore off, I was delighted at my ability to walk easily & freely with crutches.
Biggest surprise for me was developing a lot of pain following hospital discharge.
Probably, doing more & also not popping as many pain pills as provided during care.
Now corrected this & taking pain meds regularly.
I am still bothered by really sore thigh muscles on the operated side. Sore to the touch & any stretch or flex seems to flood the muscles with pain which subsides seconds later.
Anybody have an answer for this?
Overall I am stay positive & hoping to see day by day improvement.
I would welcome any comments & or observations

Thanks
Syd

Hey Syd, hang in there, all is normal. First two weeks are really rough for just about everyone. I distinctly remember that feeling in the thigh at least a month post op. Felt like someone had kicked me in the thigh the day before but it just felt like that for a long time. Even the skin was painful to touch.

You may also encounter lots of unexplained aches and pains anywhere in your body that will subside over time.

Should be good in another week or two.

Chuckm

I'm sure there are other techniques to get up out of the recliner. If you have a fairly strong upper-body relative to your weight, the technique I used should suffice. As you will discover, your crutches will become a part of you and you will figure out the kinks of always keeping them within reach as sit here and there, do this and that. I mean they get in the way at times, of course.

But as I said, they are always within reach (or your grabber or invisible dog leash will corral them after they fall); to get up you basically use the "downhill skier launching themselves from the gate" technique, where your crutches are the poles, but you keep the operated leg straight.

Mike

Sydney
It's also common to worry about whether the surgery succeeded or not for the first few weeks and months. I felt various tweaks and twinges for quite a while, one sort of pain or soreness would go away but another one would crop up. ChuckM was exactly right.

The HR surgeons differ on that rule, for mine, no 90 degree restrictions were needed nor observed.  Dr Brooks tries to push the leg beyond 90 while still in the hospital, basically said to lift it as far towards your chest as possible.  I wasn't able to, for some weeks, but was noce not having to worry about that while recovering.

Thanks Chuck M & soccer player for your responses.
What advice would you give & when for a PT regime?
So far, I am walking with both crutches 1-1.5km per day & doing the basic excercises at 12 days post op.
My surgeon has not at this stage recommended anything else.
Syd

This is Dr. Gross' protocol
Phase 1 (first 6 weeks) - you'll need to scroll down a few pages to get there
http://www.grossortho.com/forms/Others/PhaseIhipexercises.pdf

Phase 2
http://www.grossortho.com/forms/Others/Gross%20Phase%20II%20hip%20exercise%20instruction%20sheet%209%208%2010.pdf

Note that Phase 1 says "The best possible exercise for your hip is simply walking. We encourage you to walk at least twice daily"
That's in line with what your surgeon is telling you. If you want to do the other Phase 1 exercises you should consult your surgeon first (or are they the 'basic exercises' you're already doing?)
Good Luck.

Syd, did your surgeon put any restrictions on you immediate activity? As far as getting active in the first 4-6 weeks don't sweat it. There isn't that much you can or should do except lay low. The Dr. Gross exercises are the same I got from my surgeon. Walk when you feel comfortable and work on stretches that don't violate any of your restrictions (if you have any).
The only thing that is going to change the rate of your recovery in the early stages is if you do TOO MUCH. You cannot make it go faster, only slower.

Chuckm

Matt, I'm a 5'8" 170lb. 59 yr. old active male from Michigan. I had a LBHR done on 11/4/2014 by Dr. Philip Schmidt in Michigan.  I was cleared to start hitting short irons after 2 months, at 3 months no restrictions. No pain - no more naproxen - dramatic improvement in range of motion with the hip. My story is similar to yours, nagging pain for 2 years, golf game in the tank, My hdcp. went from 6 to 11 in 2 years. Probably lost 25 yds off the tee ball. I definitely wasted all last golf season. I would seek out a very experienced surgeon and follow up with as much physical therapy as you can get, I had 2 months. I can't wait for the golf season to start and see the improved results. Good luck with your decision, Mike.

 Danny, glad you are ok man.  welcome to bi club.

Are you still in Easingwold getting better, Danny?
Hope you're still improving-are you moving around any easier?
I sent you a couple of pm's about calling to see you and although it says successfully sent, they're not in my sent box so don't think you got 'em.
Hope all is well,

So, I've got insurance authorisation and look to be going ahead for sure at end of April.

I'm optimistic I can be swinging a club again, maybe three quarter swings,by start of August (so three full months. I guess it's all a matter of how things go, but even if it takes until October I can't be going through the pain and poor golf like today.

How soon did you all (especially right hip/right hand golfers):

(a) Return to chipping and putting. I would imagine being able to do this by 4-6 weeks, as there is very little movement of lower body.

(b) Return to full swing, full hip turn, full shoulder turn etc?

Cheers.

Matt, resurfacing surgery really affects the psoas tendon. How fast and to what degree it heals will determine return to full swing. You might be able to putt and enjoy it at 4 weeks. Chipping 6-8. Seems like chipping requires your lower body to resist rotation and that will probably hurt.
I was in a best ball tournament at 5 months and remember being able to swing out of my shoes if I wanted. But the entire hip area was still very tight and it was not really a full swing. Getting that full smooth rotation will be a work in progress and will be determined by your body.
I think the key to the best recovery is if you can keep yourself down and not hurt yourself while the soft tissues go through the healing and adjustment period. There isn't much you can do to affect that time table except slow it down by overdoing stuff. I'm in year three and the psoas is still adjusting and improving.

Chuckm

Quote from: MattJersey on March 21, 2015, 09:44:43 AM

(b) Return to full swing, full hip turn, full shoulder turn etc?

I'm a hack, but I played at 4 months....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3YCeeRbuWY

I think its a question of soft tissue strength, all the little stabilizer muscles, flexibility, etc.  I suspect everyone will be very different in recovery times.  You'll know when its right. :)

I just picked up one at Costco for my surgery in 2.5 weeks.  59.99 and has a retractable side table.  Super comfortable.

I can tell you that the Zero Gravity chair from Costco was the bomb for my first couple weeks of recovery.  I put a flat pillow on the seat portion to cushion things a bit.  The ability to sit up or ratchet back to total flat for sleep was the perfect solution.  The slide out table on the side was great cause I didn't have to reach far to grab a drink or food.  I highly recommend it with the added bonus that you can then use it for camping or in the back yard while enjoying a margarita after you've healed!!

I got back 2 weeks ago from Chennai India and a BHR from Dr. Bose. I'm now almost 4 weeks post op and my hip feels great and I feel like I'm making great progress.
Dr. Bose and his team of professionals and hospital staff imo were state of the art. I have no regrets.
If anyone has any questions for me feel free to ask.

Hi,  I used Dr R, and have rav reviews about him.  He did an amazing job on me in 2010 and I will use his this year on the other hip.
I traveled 4 hours to use him, because he is top notch and highly recommended.

Hi Hipsterdufus

Lots of questions for you.
1- where did you travel from?
2-what made you choose Dr. Bose
3-how big was the incision
4-does he do anterior or posterior
5-was there physio available when you were released from the hospital

I've got more but will start here until I hear where you travelled from.

Thanks

Kevin, their are two very good and experienced HR surgeons in Ottawa. HR surgery is also fully covered by OHIP. It is a shame their is no inter-provincial service for this sort of specialist surgery, or that BC has no experienced HR surgeons. 

Yes I know of Dr. Kim, but probably 6-8 months to get in to see him, that's what it is in Alberta with Dr. Mackenzie. Apparently I am told that if you wait too long you may become a non candidate because of cyst formation etc. I need to get something done within the next 30-60 days to be on the safe side. Has anyone else heard of this?

Kevin:

Many of us have gone through the same decision and selection process as you currently are.

I ended up having my hip done by McMinn. I'm completely content with the result.

When doing my research (2011), I got a lot of information from this site as well as directly from Vicky Marlow and her website.  Sadly, Vicky passed away in February 2013 from complications stemming from the norovirus.

Vicky had both of her hips done by Bose and she was a huge fan and advocate of his work. You can probably find a lot of this information with a few simple online searches.

In addition to the input of everyone on this great website, I would just say that everything that I have heard about Bose is all very, very positive.

Good luck,

Hi Kevin,
I'm from New Zealand and had a BHR with Dr Bose in November. There was a Canadian guy there at the same time from Vancouver who had checked the options out there but chose to travel to Chennai because of Dr Bose's expertise. I'm 5 months post-op and going very well, no regrets. It was considerably cheaper for me to travel to India and have the op than to get it done here. Let me know if you need anymore information.