Hip Talk Forum About Hip Resurfacing

Dr. Gross, and possibly others, requires the use of a cold therapy device in the hospital and while recuperating at home.  At one time, I believe he was providing (for a nominal fee of course) the Bregg 300 which has since been discontinued.  Bregg now makes The Glacier, the Cube, and the Kodiac.  The Glacier is the largest capacity most expensive device, it doesn't have battery pack capability, and temperature adjustment is done manually with a dial.  The Kodiac is a little less expensive, has less capacity, has battery pack capability, and uses "intellipad" technology that automatically controls proper temperature for each specific pad (no dials).  The cube seems to be the replacement for the 300 with maybe not some of the same features.

I'm at liberty to purchase my own unit so I intend to do this online at a substantial savings.  I was wondering if some of you who have experience with these units could share some pros and cons.  I've seen folks on here swear by these units while others have said they wish they had saved the money and used frozen vegetable packages.  I'm probably facing a second resurfacing in a couple of years so I think this would be a good investment for me.  Thanks for any input.

This looks exactly like what I got from Dr. Gross' office. I'm glad I had it.
http://www.breg.com/products/cold-therapy/devices/kodiak-cold-therapy

Quote from: JHippy on February 17, 2015, 05:38:27 PM
This looks exactly like what I got from Dr. Gross' office. I'm glad I had it.
http://www.breg.com/products/cold-therapy/devices/kodiak-cold-therapy

Thanks.  That's exactly the one I've had my eye on.  Did you get your own ahead of time or is this what Dr. Gross was providing at the time (for a nominal fee, of course)?

It's the one Dr. Gross' office provided. That was 2 months ago.

I found one (forget which model) on eBay for a fraction of the cost Dr. Gross charges. I then resold it to an upcoming Hippy via this site and recovered most of the cost.
You're supposed to use it 20mins on / 20 mins off when you get home. The model I had didn't have an on / off switch, you had to plug and unplug it (which would mean bending over, which I couldn't do right away), so I plugged it into an extension cord with an on / off switch and controlled it from there. I put the cord outlet on a table next to my recliner so I just had to reach over with my arm to turn it on and off.

My understanding is that Dr. De Smet has some financial interest in the Conserve Plus (which is  not necessarily an issue), while Mr. McMinn does not appear to have an interest in the BHR device. I read McMinn's power point where he described the issues with the BHR prosthesis when the manufacturer began heat treating the surface and did not inform him. This led to some issues clinically, and they parted ways. I believe he then partnered with the current maker to design and build the current device which hasn't changed. Does he not have some financial interest in this new BHR device? Just curious....
Is it also correct that the "European" Conserve Plus is slightly different than the U.S. device? In a previous post/discussion there didn't seem to be a lot of responses from athletes who have the Conserve Plus, while the BHR seems to be the "go to" for those who will put heavy demands on the hips. Where are all the De Smet jocks?!
Thanks for any input.

Don't have a clue about all that financial interest stuff and I haven't worn a jock in about 35 years, but I'm just past one year post-op with De Smet's Conserve + and doing well.  I'm not an exceptional athlete in any sort of an elite sense, but I'm definitely more active than the average 57 year old and I can pretty much hold my own rock climbing with most kids half my age.
Cheers
Tim

As far as I'm aware McMinn and Treacy sold midmedtech a good while ago and from then on no longer received any financial rewards for using or promoting the bhr

Hi folks
Been a while since I've been here. Happily doing 300 km weeks and pulling up sore (muscles only). Doing some long rides (105-120 k.m max) and hoping to go longer. Still sore from long ride a few days back . Looking to hear from fellow hippy cyclists who are happily training away. Not training for anything specific but wanting to ease up to 200 km ride by years end. Mixing it up with gym, swim , light weights and spin bike. I've shed all my post surgery weight by eating right. It's all good and life post surgery after the 12  months of being careful it's great to living life pain free.
Any hints, training advice would be welcome
Cheers

Quote from: lgbran on February 22, 2015, 01:11:22 AM
Hi folks
Been a while since I've been here. Happily doing 300 km weeks and pulling up sore (muscles only). Doing some long rides (105-120 k.m max) and hoping to go longer. Still sore from long ride a few days back . Looking to hear from fellow hippy cyclists who are happily training away. Not training for anything specific but wanting to ease up to 200 km ride by years end. Mixing it up with gym, swim , light weights and spin bike. I've shed all my post surgery weight by eating right. It's all good and life post surgery after the 12  months of being careful it's great to living life pain free.
Any hints, training advice would be welcome
Cheers

I did a few 200km rides last year and will likely do a few this year as time and weather allow.  I cant think of anything particularly hip related w/regards to preparing for it.  I do a bit of kettlebell/core work that seems to help with the asymmetric aspect of cycling.

Thank you for the replies. Glad to hear you are doing well at one year Tim - rock climbing will certainly test the joint!

Hi. Just asking the wide world out there any tips for Bilateral resurface surgery?
End of April so be nice to have some advice. Thanks if you can reply.

Ok that helps. Sounds like I need to do some upper core excercises . Reassuring to know that there 
Is literally nothing stopping you from doing some long distances as long as the body and mind are willng.

Not sure what you're asking about. Can you be more specific?

Has anyone here had a PAO (periacetabular osteotomy) and then later had a BHR done on the same hip?

I am a 40 year old active male.  I have had PAOs on both hips (2005/2006).  Hips are much more stable but now I am having problems with my right hip due to osteoarthritis (almost bone on bone at this point).  My original surgeon is recommending a total replacement but I don't think he really understands how important is it for me to remain active.  I am going to get a second opinion but I wanted to see if there is anyone here who had a PAO and then a BHR?

Thanks!

One thing seems striking is that a lot of surgeons seem to, judging only by forum posts, promote the surgery they're comfortable with.

I'd suggest seeing a BHR specialist with good track record, and ask them are you a candidate.

Your only option is to go to one of the best in the world surgeons. The resurfacing operation is very complex and most surgeons cannot perform it properly (and many blame the procedure for their inadiquacies as a surgeon!) your local resurfacing surgeon unless one of the best is unlikely to be able to perform this surgery with the added complication of the PAO. Where are you based then we can suggest some options

Danny

Gibran - I am a bilateral hippy living in Colorado and cycling 4-5 times a week even in the winter. I have had some issues with soreness and tightness and I discovered what the problem was and wanted to pass it along. I was so focussed on enjoying riding my bikes that I stopped walking. Walking is the best exercise for Hippys. Once I introdcued a few long walks in between my riding days, things improved quickly.

Good luck to you.

Boomer

I am 3 years and 2 days away from my second BHR and bilat status, doing incredibly well.  Started a regular walking/excercise biking program this winter, to try and avoid the winter weight gain, and have logged something around 200 miles since December.  I continued to heal and get better in year 2 - 3, mostly on the second hip.  I really never notice the hip joints themselves, (well, except when it is really cold, like most of this crazy February here in the southern great lakes) but do get occasional muscle soreness/stiffness in the area.  Staying active and exercising, and getting up from my desk job periodically during the day avoids most issues.

I would do it over again in a heartbeat, and would recommend it to anyone who is a candidate.  I would add that anyone considering resurfacing should also plan on a regular exercise program as part of the ongoing life changes, something I should have done years ago.  I plan on keeping these as long as possible, and avoiding weight gain, and additional load on the implants, seems to be something that really makes a difference.

With a great surgeon, and support of everyone here at surfacehippy.info, fixing broken hips is a no-brainer.

Thanks

All righty, great to hear you're doing well Dan L (my HR is also doing really well one year later).

Hi Dan L,.
Thanks for the post and update. Its very encouraging to heat from "older"hippies [3yr veteran], for this gives us "new fellows" something to look forward too. ;) I am a mere youngster at 7 months , and its incredible how it has changed me - re hip pain and activities. ;D
Cheers,
Kiwi Boy from Down Under. :D

Nice to hear from you Dan. Glad you are doing well. Good advice on the exercise program. I agree with you wholeheartedly. We Hippys have to keep moving.

Hi Igbran,
I'm a returning member of this community. Reacquainting myself as I approach 7-yr milestone.
For the first 3 yrs post surgery, cycling came back quicker than other sports, so I focused on that. I was never a "categorized" rider, but found a competitive outlet in weekend group rides and occasional timed events. Now I try to take it out on my hockey friends :-)
During the 1st yr of recovery, I recall some twinges and pain related to cycling. During the 2nd yr, all pain went away, and I recall participating in the 110 mi Tour de Tucson with no problems.
After a couple years, other sports came back, and I reduced cycling, but I still ride year around, just because I love it and it's good exercise, and it's never a problem with the hips. Summers I am usually over 100 mi / week. Done a few centuries, a few "Ride Across Iowa" events (500 miles in a week - more of a eating/drinking fest than endurance event, but still, it's good to have decent training, so you can enjoy).
I wish you good recovery. I'm at the point where I don't even think about resurfaced hips - except to count my blessings.

That's awesome, Dan!

Good post Dan - glad you're doing great.

Dr Brooks sure knows how to place those BHR's.

ThinkSmall,

I don't know the answer to your question,  but double-ditto both Danny and Matt.  You have a very unique case that likely requires the attention of an uber-specialist in hip resurfacing.  As PAO seems to be being performed with increasing frequency, you'll likely find that most of the resurfacing gurus mentioned on this site have experience with it and know what, if any, unique attention must be given for a successful surgery.  Whether you use one of those guys or not, I would highly encourage you to consult with at least a couple of them.

BTW: I had a very unique case as well; magna coxa. I consulted with Pritchett, Rogerson and Gross; along with two Dallas area OS's that came highly recommended.  None of the three I named charged for the consult, but I would have been happy to, and even offered to pay.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone, having hips without pain is a blessing for sure.  I really didn't expect to have all these other positive things come out of the BHR journey, it's simply amazing when I look back.  The recoveries were not all puppy dogs and moonbeams for me, at all, but so much worth it 3+ years later.  Been reading up on the Appalachian Trail lately and trying to envision hiking those 2190+ miles on these hips (after retirement perhaps), whereas that would have been impossible on my "OEM" hips, it's now within the realm of possibility.

Best regards for everyone approaching the surgery and those rehabbing after, it's all worth it.

I am just besides myself. I saw Dr Brooks at CCF for my 1 year post-op check mid-January.
Although my recovery as been a bit slower than I had anticipated, I haven't suspected any serious problem...well, until now.
Since my surgery, I have experienced some hip/groin soreness on most days. Worse with activity like mowing the grass or on my feet all day, but better the next day. I have been unable to increase my exercise beyond short walks. I have never been able to return to the elliptical for more than 10-15 minutes. Dr Brooks wasn't concerned because my xrays look normal.
At the end of January I did some moderate snow shoveling. Big mistake. In a few days I was experiencing pain, snapping, clunking and general laxity. Honestly, I never felt this even immediately after surgery. I called Dr Brooks office and was told by a clerical person that he or his PA had no appointments for several weeks and recommend that I call my pcp or go to the ER.
I did neither but dragged out my crutches and began the Advil/ice regimen. My symptoms improved a lot over the next 2 weeks but I still have considerable discomfort. I am unable to be on my feet for long. Snapping, clunking and laxity less but still present. My leg/hip gives out occasionally when going down steps.
I called again yesterday and then went on-line and sent Phil an email. This morning Phil called. He said he thought I was experiencing psoas tendinitis but was concerned that it could be more serious since I am 1 year post-op and it had lasted for a month, despite my home treatment. He said he would have his nurse call me and work me in within a week. I waited by the phone all day but did not get a call yet.
I am so concerned. I really feel like someone has tried to twist my leg off.
I am scheduled to have my other hip resurfaced in June. I hope that surgery doesn't get changed to a THR for the hip that got resurfaced last year.
Beth

Sorry to hear that you are having difficulties, Beth. Hopefully your problems are temporary and will improve. I just wanted to weigh in and say that revision (if necessary) doesn't have to be the end of the world.
Good luck
Tim

Just had my first bhr done this week by Dr. Pritchett.  Will be doing a bilateral sometime later this year.

I've reduced the pain meds and icing is helping but just can't get rid of the constipation.  Using a walker to get around.  Hope to see improvements and feel the new joint next week,as the pain and swelling reduce.  My leg definitely feels longer.

One thing is that if I try sitting up in bed without a pillow under my operated knee it really hurts but is fine if I put a pillow underneath.  As others have noted, getting in or out of bed is really tough because of the lateral motion and force required. Since my wife is off work right now I'm cheating and havingg her help me.

Swedish was a great hospital and the care is top notch. Dr Pritchett is pleasant and professional and very respected and liked by all the staff there.

5th day and still constipated, prune juice etc, nothing seems to be helping. I'm having about two oxycodones  a day

It gets easier and more bearable. Stick with the ice 24/7. As soon as you can control the swelling the easier the initial recovery phase. I'm into week 6, walking 4 miles at a time, doing a hard hour on my road bike turbo trainer plays hydrotherapy which has helped enormously. Stick with it, I don't feel like I've a false hip at all.  Good luck.

Thanks, good to know. I'm icing all the time and it has helped. The swelling is big especially at night but reduces during the day somewhat.

Hi Beth,
Sorry to hear about your problems but I am experiencing something similar.After blood tests to rule out metallosis,I had ultra sound which revealed psoas tendinitis caused by bone spur irritating tendon and causing subsequent pain..
Unfortunately, standard protocol appears to be :
Rest
NSAID' s
PT
And steroid injections
None of which will sort out the problem of the bone spur.I have managed to get an appt. to see my surgeon to discuss further options.
Perhaps I Am being cynical,but it appears to me from reading dozens of posts,that almost all surgeons state that the components at fitted correctly, as though that will stop the ensuing pain.My view is that they are far more concerned with the mechanics of the operation rather than the aftercare element which is just as important as the initial procedure.
My advice would be to go back and explore the cause of the tendinitis and then try to sort that out.

I am scheduled for resurfacing surgery with Dr. Gross in April.  In my readings on this website, I've seen different sedation techniques discussed.  Among them are general anesthesia; spinal anesthesia; combined epidural-spinal anesthesia; nerve blocks; and probably others.

My Surgery Order calls for "Spinal with Sedation."  Would some of you who are familiar with Dr. Gross please explain which category his technique falls into.  If you had an epidural, then you woke up with a catheter in your spine.  If you had general anesthesia, then you had a breathing tube and were placed on a ventilator.  I don't think he does any of this but I may be wrong.

My impression is that a spinal injection is administered after you have been sedated with something to the point that you have no recollection of the experience.  After that, you remain heavily sedated throughout the procedure (almost as though you have had general anesthesia) and then awaken in recovery amazed that it's already over.  Apparently there is an IV cocktail being administered that is keeping you way under but not making you totally unconscious.  I have had this experience with propofol during an upper endoscopy procedure.  It was wonderful!

I certainly don't want to be awake for any of this and have had no problems with anesthesia in the past (other than it takes a lot of Versed to put me down--thankfully, my gastro now uses propofol!).  Am I interpreting Dr. Gross' procedure correctly?  thanks

"Spinal with Sedation"

Spinal is the epidural.  The sedation is likely Propofol with some other stuff thrown in.

The meds start as they prep you.  This will take the edge off a bit.  I became a little fuzzy, but it was pleasant.  To be frank, I don't recall when the epidural was administered, but I'm pretty sure I was awake for that and it was a complete non-issue. 

Then at some point, you get rolled into the operating room and the anesthesiologist with talk you through whats happening and they administer the Propofol.  Next thing you know.... you're waking up.

I was stunned at how clear headed and pain free I was when I woke up.  To the point that I wasn't even sure the surgery had taken place.

BTW....don't forget that the spinal will wear off.  I tried to tough it out and avoid pain meds after and that was a big mistake.  Don't hesitate to stay ahead of the pain with the narcotics.  I was off the oxy after 3 days and then only taking the norco at night for the next week along with advil type stuff.  But, that's jsut my experience.  Some need more, others less, etc.  I will say that I was a religious user of the ice machine/elevating and I think that helped a lot.

-Bernie

Good information.  Correct me if I'm wrong however.  I thought an epidural included the placement of a catheter, whereas a spinal is basically an injection.  Did you wake up with a catheter in your spine?

I had a spinal, a one-off injection, and no catheter in the spine. Sedation was administered via cannula in my hand, along with antibiotic and blood-pressure lowering drugs, but just enough to feel happy so I was awake for the whole operation - about an hour. The whole thing was surprisingly enjoyable with just a brief claustrophobic sensation near the end when I wanted to move my unoperated leg a little but could not. Immediately the 'antidotes' were given I felt very cold and spent another hour in the recovery room under a heated blanket, then back to my room for tea and sandwiches. Highly recommended! Strange to be able to hold a conversation about cup sizes while your surgeon is delving inside you...

Congrats Dan and keep loving life.

Quote from: seahip on February 28, 2015, 06:01:01 AM
Just had my first bhr done this week by Dr. Pritchett.  Will be doing a bilateral sometime later this year.

Congrats! I'm about 4.5 years now and have great hips.

Quote from: seahip on February 28, 2015, 06:01:01 AM
I've reduced the pain meds and icing is helping but just can't get rid of the constipation.  Using a walker to get around.  Hope to see improvements and feel the new joint next week,as the pain and swelling reduce.  My leg definitely feels longer.

Keep the ice up as much as you can. Always allow 15 to 20 minutes to go by after icing before reapplying, you don't want to add frostbite to the list of things you're dealing with.

Quote from: seahip on February 28, 2015, 06:01:01 AM
One thing is that if I try sitting up in bed without a pillow under my operated knee it really hurts but is fine if I put a pillow underneath.  As others have noted, getting in or out of bed is really tough because of the lateral motion and force required. Since my wife is off work right now I'm cheating and havingg her help me.

Like the joke says ... "Doctor, it hurts when I do this!"  .... "Well don't do that!"

Keep the pillow there while you need it. I used pillows for a long time.

One thing I've described before, and a really good way to move your leg when you get in / out of bed is to get the other one involved:

When lying down at the bed

• Tuck the unoperated leg under the other at the ankle.
• Use the unoperated leg to lift the operated leg ankle slightly off the bed
• Move 90 degrees to the edge of the bed with your leg up, supported by the other at the ankle
• Using your other leg for support, lower the operated leg to the floor.

When sitting at the edge of the bed

• Tuck the unoperated leg ankle behind the operated at the ankle.
• Use the unoperated leg to lift the operated leg ankle up level with the bed
• Move 90 degrees to the the bed with your leg up, supported by the other at the ankle
• Lay down on the bed. 

This was the best for me, and since I was living alone, was great since I needed no help.

Quote from: seahip on February 28, 2015, 06:01:01 AM
Swedish was a great hospital and the care is top notch. Dr Pritchett is pleasant and professional and very respected and liked by all the staff there.

5th day and still constipated, prune juice etc, nothing seems to be helping. I'm having about two oxycodones  a day

You are still (and will be for a bit) dealing with both the effects of the surgery and the chemical changes from the anesthesia, etc. Be patient with your body, it will return to good balance in due time.

My surgery with Dr Gross used a spinal with sedation, and the experience was perfect. The sedation started in pre-op, and my last memory was being wheeled towards the doors of the OR. I have no memory of the spinal injection, or of the operating room. I woke up in recovery feeling clear headed and pain free. The urinary catheter is a little strange to have pulled out. The real side affects from the anesthesia for me was taking a couple of days to get things flowing and moving bowel wise. I believe that Dr Gross also injects some local pain killer around the inside of the surgery site to keep the pain at bay for the first day or so. I just know that I was pain free for that first day or two.

I'm not sure what Dr. Gross' team used on me. The anesthesiologist came into the prep room and told me he uses the same stuff they used on Michael Jackson with one major difference; this guy knows what he's doing. I remember looking up in the OR and seeing spotlights pointing down and thinking "oh no, I'm still awake" but that's the last thing I remember. I don't even remember coming back around in the recovery room (though I might have closer to the time). I do remember waking up in my room with the ice pack cooler running and feeling very comfortable. As others reported it was a couple of days before my water started flowing but other than that I don't recall any major pain or discomfort, but I was pretty groggy for the first few days post-op. The first major change you notice is that your hip doesn't hurt any more!
Good luck, and let us know how it works out.

Getting help from your wife is not cheating! I didn't get one of those sock grabbers so I was getting spousal help getting socks on and off and getting in / out of the shower for several weeks.

Based on what you all have said, my guess is that something like Versed with Demerol or Fentanyl is administered through the IV first.  This is not a knock out combo at low dosage, but it does make you very relaxed and forgetful of the experience.  This is the combo that was (and still may be) used for many colonoscopies. 

The "spinal" is not an epidural catheter but, instead, is a single injection nerve block.  The Michael Jackson drug is propofol.  So that is probably added to the IV when they want to put you completely down for the surgical procedure.  As I mentioned earlier, my gastroenterologist now uses propofol for all endoscopies.  My experience with this drug was wonderful as compared to Versed which was used in two prior colonoscopies.  I think the post-op bowel, urinary, and groggyness issues mentioned have a lot more to do with narcotics (i.e. oxycontin, etc.) than sedation (i.e. propofol).

I appreciate everyone's input on this.  Your comments combined with my past experience have pretty much answered this question.

Quote from: hernanu on February 28, 2015, 09:56:05 PM
Congrats! I'm about 4.5 years now and have great hips

Keep the ice up as much as you can. Always allow 15 to 20 minutes to go by after icing before reapplying, you don't want to add frostbite to the list of things you're dealing with.

Like the joke says ... "Doctor, it hurts when I do this!"  .... "Well don't do that!"

Keep the pillow there while you need it. I used pillows for a long time.

One thing I've described before, and a really good way to move your leg when you get in / out of bed is to get the other one involved:

When lying down at the bed

• Tuck the unoperated leg under the other at the ankle.
• Use the unoperated leg to lift the operated leg ankle slightly off the bed
• Move 90 degrees to the edge of the bed with your leg up, supported by the other at the ankle
• Using your other leg for support, lower the operated leg to the floor.

When sitting at the edge of the bed

• Tuck the unoperated leg ankle behind the operated at the ankle.
• Use the unoperated leg to lift the operated leg ankle up level with the bed
• Move 90 degrees to the the bed with your leg up, supported by the other at the ankle
• Lay down on the bed. 

This was the best for me, and since I was living alone, was great since I needed no help.


You are still (and will be for a bit) dealing with both the effects of the surgery and the chemical changes from the anesthesia, etc. Be patient with your body, it will return to good balance in due time.

Thanks Hernanu.  That's great you managed on your own and devised some neat tricks! Congrats on your 4.5! Thanks for the advice. 6th day now and feeling a lot better. Off narcotics completely. Swelling is bad, as to be expected, so icing it. Constipation gone too. I had bad dysplasia, so my placement doesn't look as optimal as some out there, but I trust the experience of the doctor and am sure the best was done for my circumstance.

Quote from: oldsoccerplayer on March 01, 2015, 10:14:34 AM
Getting help from your wife is not cheating! I didn't get one of those sock grabbers so I was getting spousal help getting socks on and off and getting in / out of the shower for several weeks.

Agreed!

Just got done with a bhr by dr Pritchett.  I know someone had posted this question here before with no answers. Surprising given I've seen at least a few blogs with surgery by dr Pritchett.  Anyways I want to ensure I get great PT so would appreciate recommendations. I live on the Eastside. I'm thinking about Erik Moen with corposano pt since he is one of the best cycling pt's around and also is on the list. He did my bike fit and it was the last one I needed.  I'm thinking it would also be a great way to target getting back on the bike.

 My experience was similar.  The last thing I remember is being wheeled from the pre-op bay to OR.  I must have fallen asleep on the way.   I don't remember getting the spinal or anything else until I awoke in recovery with nice warm coverings on me.  Pain was very minimal.

I am a Flight Attendant with a Regional Airline and was wondering if there are any other FA's out there that have had HR?  How long did before you could return to work?  I am scheduled for LHR with Dr. Books in June and am just trying to plan my life.  Also, was wondering how much time I should wait before I have the right one done.  Thanks to all that respond.

Lisa

mickymoko,
Where was your bone spur?
Still waiting for my phone call. The discomfort is less, but I am using my forearm crutch to assist, esp on stairs and not doing much but sitting.
Was there any discussion of other testing?
Beth

Dan,
Loved your report!
Even though I am having a bump in the road, I believe my RBHR is ok and will think of you after my RBHR, planned for June.
I really do have a whole lot of faith in Dr Brooks.
Beth

Just got home from Dr. Rector's office, and he said due to enlarged deformed femur head and shallow socket, I am not a candidate for resurfacing, and he would not even be comfortable doing a replacement.  What is the best way for other opinions of dr's that have done complicated cases.  I am 35 athletic male with very strong bones. 

Really sorry to hear that. I'd say your best bet would be to email copies of your xrays to Dr Gross, De Smet and Bose they do free consultations and are very experienced

Hi Lisa,
I was a flight attendant for 33 yrs and 2 1/2 yrs ago had both hips resurfaced(same time)so I certainly understand the challenges of the job. All I can say is a minimum of 6 weeks but you want to be sure that your gait is completely normal i.e. no limping so realistically-more like 2-3 months, but it really does vary. Your  work days are long and you are on your feet most of the time and you do a lot of twisting and bending, so you will need to work on regaining muscle strength-I would recommend going to a really good PT once you are able, one who us experienced with Hip Resurfacing is best! Good luck with your surgery!

Angy

Quote from: Dannywayoflife on March 02, 2015, 02:37:23 PM
Really sorry to hear that. I'd say your best bet would be to email copies of your xrays to Dr Gross, De Smet and Bose they do free consultations and are very experienced

I second this recommendation.  I was initially told that I have "adult hip dysplasia." I am also approaching 67 years of age.  Mailed my xrays to Dr. Gross and the rest is history.  He is doing my surgery in April.  You should not pass up the opportunity to have him review you records and history.  He will do this long distance.  His PA, Lee Webb, is extremely helpful with facilitating all of this.  If he says he can't do it, then believe it.

I emailed Dr Gross with my x-rays and heard back already and he said that I am a perfect candidate.   

Just FYI for anyone thinking about skiing post resurf, went to Vail a couple weeks ago.  Last day we skied 42,000 feet vertical and covered 84 miles.

Derek McMinn, thank you!

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

That's more like it! I had a deformed femur head which was pushing its way out of the socket, no problem to my surgeon and so far recovery has been brilliant. Just the problem of deciding when to get the other one done...

QuoteI emailed Dr Gross with my x-rays and heard back already and he said that I am a perfect candidate.   

WOW!!
I'm so lucky that I happed upon Dr. Gross because he's relatively close to where I live.

Quote from: ecchastang on March 02, 2015, 08:12:07 PM
I emailed Dr Gross with my x-rays and heard back already and he said that I am a perfect candidate.   

Congratulations!  You have found one of the best in the business.  I live in the Columbia area and have been fortunate to have had 3 separate consultations with Dr. Gross and staff over the past 4 years.  He has not rushed me into this.  In fact he recommended an injection that bought me 2 years, nearly pain free.  Finally I'm bone-on-bone and we agreed recently to pull the trigger.  Good luck.

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

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

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

Danny

Dr. Gross is the man. Love that guy.

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

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

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

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

Take care and good luck,

Mike

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

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

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

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

Mike

Quote from: rburns on March 03, 2015, 01:44:45 AM
Sorry, I can't help you re: physios, but I just had a consult with Dr. Pritchett and would be interested to hear your feedback on the surgery experience.
Thank you!

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

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

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

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

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

Danny

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

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

MS asked me to post her story

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

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

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

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

MS

Beth;

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

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

Best regards, keep us posted,

Dan

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

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

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

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

Jogging at 7 weeks!!!?

Please do as Mr McMinn says I did not and paid the consequences.
Still find it hard to believe I damaged his work as I did and am still going three years later.

Pete did you discuss with your surgeon doing some jogging? I ask as its been conclusively proven that in the first 12 weeks your most likely to have a femoral fracture due to lower bone density levels.

Also I know several top surgeons have had early revisions which they have put down to too early a return to impact. This can make the bond between the device and the component weak and lead to early failure.

I don't mean to sound like a bag puss but I'd hate for you to have an early revision when it's easily avoided by showing some early restraint. Most of the liberal top surgeons say 6 months as a minimum to returning to any level of impact more than walking and other activities of daily living. Many like Mr McMinn say 12 months as its been proven that the femoral bone requires 12 months to return to it's full strength.
Danny

Hi oldtennisplayer,

I am another old tennis player who has had two BHRs from Mr McMinn.

I know the waiting is tough when you feel great, but do what the man says. He explained to me that it is not about the fixing of the prosthesis, but that after osteoarthritis, the bone itself is at risk from fracture.

You know that he knows what he is talking about and he has seen your bones!

Congratulations on having the surgery behind you and a much better life ahead.

Hi Dannywayoflife.

Your latest post on taking things "easy " till the 12 months is up is VERY , VERY TRUE. I am now 8 months Post op., and have snuck in a few serious runs and done 2 short Triathlons of 250-20km and 3km . I handled the Swims and Bike  well , but think I may have ?? pushed a little to hard in the run . Typical endorphins and adrenalin kicking back into the body !!. Felt no real side effects after the events , but at times can feel a "niggle " in the groin area. I guess coming back alittle to early , especially the Run side of things , can cause consequences down the track.
Summing up , it definately looks like the wait period of 12 months is alot better , than jumping the gun , at say 6+ months.
Am now going to wait out another 4 months before cranking back up into running . I guess that a wee jog in my Hoka Shoes , and on grass should be fine and dandy.
Thanks for ya input, its been a timely reminder. :D :)

I do take on board all the information about giving the femoral bone time to remodel and the acetabular component to fix properly but I am light (under 10 stone) and do not believe there is significant impact in what I have done so far.
Next consultation in April, will be interesting to see what he says this time...


Bud we just want you to have a great longterm recovery......

oldtennisplayer,
not much to add on to what the others have said. Do what your Dr. says and don't overthink comparing that to others. Different surgeons have different protocols and it sounds like your plan has been customised for you and your sport (doubles / singles).
Can I pat myself on the shoulder for giving you an idea what to call yourself on the site?

Yes, Oldsoccerplayer,  I have to confess I used a similar username....thanks for the idea, the username  though could go forward however into maybe oldgolfplayer, oldbasketballplayer etc etc.
Anyway I digress, thanks for all the replies guys and I will try to restrain myself prior to throwing myself back into doubles/singles tennis, its just that when you feel ok you are tempted to push yourself to far to fast. Should be seeing Mr McMinn for six week check soon so will be interesting to see his thoughts and to get the next set of exercises, as the current ones seem a bit tame.

My feeling is that the surgeons are doing exactly what they need to do to ensure their patients have excellent outcomes.

Mr. McMinn's advice is good I think. It considers the time needed for the entire body to prepare for impact activities (on average). Six months to be sure the bones are fully strong enough then an additional six months to build strength and allow the soft tissues to get all sorted out.

The affect on femoral neck strength (density) varies from patient to patient. Hip resurfacing disrupts the circumflex arteries around the femoral neck and there is a period of density loss in the femoral head and neck early on as the body develops new pathways to supply blood to those area. The more severe and longer duration of OA before resurfacing means you will be less affected by this because blood flow to the head and neck will have changed from external arteries to intaosseous vessels. That is why they make you wait until you have developed OA. Resurfacing surgery is traumatic to the soft tissue and if the head and neck still get most of their blood flow from the soft tissue around the neck, it could be a bad result.

It is difficult for surgeons to tell for sure if blood flow is intraosseous or still through some of the external arteries that is why they are conservative.

Chuckm

Hi Dannywayoflife,
Thanks for the reply, and YES, sure want some longevity out of my Op. I am about 68-68:5kg, and 1:73cm , so are light framed and build. Being really fit preOp., gave me an advantage I feel , once the recovery stage started.
I sure do want that long term recovery to give me plenty of value down the track. Look forward to your April posts.
Cheers,
Kiwi Boy. :) 8)

***UPDATE***
Had my appointment today. Cautiously optimistic.
Multiple xrays show my hip device looked perfect. Phil spent a lot of time with my husband and I looking at the xrays in detail. Perfect angle. Device looks like it should.
So, it turns out I do have bursitis. Phil had me lay on my good side and pressed the usual spot for bursitis and OMG...OUCH!  It was so odd, because I never felt discomfort when poking around my incision area.  I also likely have psoas tendinitis...Great.  I got a cortisone injection for the trochanteric bursitis.  I also had a metal ion levels in addition to other blood tests to rule out infection. Phil wasn't all that concerned with my hip noises and other sensations. He says everyone feels and hear weird things at some point in their recovery.
So the plan is this: return to taking ibuprofen, ice, continue both crutches for a few days then switch to one crutch. He will call me Wednesday next week to discuss the symptoms and metal ion levels.
Keeping my fingers crossed for normal metal ions. <deep breath>
Beth

That's very positive news Beth!! :)

Just read the thread Beth, it sounds like an awfully rough ride you've had. Very encouraging your last post, and my fingers are crossed for you. From what I have read and learned, the clunking is consistent with your psoas or piriformis (among other) muscles not working properly, perhaps weakened and in a negative spiral. Hopefully the injection and some controlled physio will see you right.

Best wishes for good blood results, and progress.

Hi Kiwi Boy, there is a bit of crosstalk going on here I think - Danny had quoted a section of my post then commented on it but the quote did not highlight. He is concerned about my risk of doing damage to myself by pushing too hard too soon.

Danny,  thank you for your concerns, and I hope your recovery is going well now. I have done a lot of research on recovery, femoral head density, acetabular loosening and impact forces from walking, jogging and running. My surgeon has had one case of femoral head fracture at 6 weeks in 200 resurfacing and I have not done anything yet which would spoil his record. I did start walking outside from day 6 and worked up to 5 miles by day 23, and this would be the furthest I walked until 6 week day when I could drive again. I went to the country and walked 6.4 miles at 4 mph then found I could not walk unaided when I got home, going back to one crutch for the next 12 days.
I managed to be crutch-free by my checkup but I came clean to my surgeon, who was not surprised. As he said, I now know how far is too far and to be sensible. The x-rays were perfect, though.
I initially jogged with a trekking pole sharing the impact and did not run unsupported until week 9, a slow shuffle. If you look for technical papers on Pubmed you can find there is little difference between fast walking and slow jogging as regards impact so I don't expect to do any harm as long as walking is promoted as being the best recovery - even my Physio said so. And I only jog 5k once a week, and missed that last week because of the long day in the hills.
I am being pushy, I know, and we are all different so nobody else should follow my example, but I still have another BHR to be done and time is passing...
I shall check what my surgeon thinks when I see him next month and let you know.

That sounds like good news. Thanks for keeping us informed.

Wish you the best of luck for your recover Pete :)

Quote from: petemeads on March 09, 2015, 07:05:28 PM
I am being pushy, I know, and we are all different so nobody else should follow my example, but I still have another BHR to be done and time is passing...

Petemeads, sounds like you are fully aware of the risks so go for it.

But here is a short story to consider.
I didn't start any regular walking routine until the third month. The first three I took it very cautiously. I was able to gently get back to soccer in six months and I never looked back.
In contrast, a good friend of mine had his hip resurfaced just over a year ago. He was in fantastic shape going in to surgery and very light. He was perfect candidate. His surgery went so well that at his one month follow up he was given the go ahead for any activity except any jumping. Running was OK. (yes folks, some surgeons now feel comfortable identifying those who are not high fracture risks). So he got real busy like you with biking and jogging etc. But, ultimately, his full return to activity took much longer than mine because he kept pushing it. The psoas stayed irritated.

The point is that you can go for it but it probably won't speed up your healing. It might actually delay your full return to activity.

Chuckm

Quote from: oldtennisplayer on March 09, 2015, 01:29:41 PMShould be seeing Mr McMinn for six week check soon so will be interesting to see his thoughts and to get the next set of exercises, as the current ones seem a bit tame.

I had a few sessions with a physiotherapist last time because I somehow hurt my back. Once the back was better, she concentrated on sharpening the exercises and making them work for me. Mr McMinn is not a big fan of physios, I think, but I did find that really useful.

Thanks chuckm, I appreciate your story and have to add that the more I push the new hip to new heights the more the other one hurts. Running is not going to be a serious pursuit until after the next operation, whenever that might be. My other sport is rock climbing and I am already about 90% of what I expected to be at six months so am very happy to pretty much continue where I left off.

One question for anybody - is there a downside to the taking of Ibuprofen (for my natural hip) while the BHR is still healing? I know McMinn says that NSAIDs can spoil bone quality somewhat...

I wouldn't worry too much regarding that as ibuprofen is one of the main drugs they perscribe for things like Hepotrophic ossification.

I've been on brufen or diclofenic noe for 4 weeks as pescribed by the doc.

My surgeon said for me to go ahead and take one ibuprofen in the morning every day if I want to help combat the discomfort that is common with the psoas after resurfacing.

Chuckm

Beth, Really glad to hear, sounds better for sure.  Hope you are out of the woods, very, very soon,

Dan

Finally got the Dr. Gross phone call today.  Really excited to get the ball rolling.  He has done over 100 Legg-Calve-Perthes cases, and feels that mine can definitely be done.  Only negative is that he said that if they couldn't do a resurfacing for some reason they would have to do a THR, and that Biomet pulled the large MOM THR off the market, so it would have to be a metal/poly.  I asked how many times he has ever started a HR and had to switch intra-operatively to a THR and he said twice, very early in his HR experience.  He said both cases could now be done HR with his current experience.  That was encouraging.

Anyway, he said he was booked out for a few months, but Nancy would be contacting me to schedule, in June.  Wish it was sooner, but still excited to be moving forward. 

Hi all,

Some advice or comments please.
I am now 18 days post op from LBHR in Auckland NZ.
Recovery ok & walking with crutches & just about down to one.
Walking a couple of km comfortably but with some stiffness in the upper thigh & calf muscles which is easily bearable.
Lots of flexibility in my movement & feel I am making good progress.
Just sat on my ride on mower & tidied my place up for half an hour with little discomfort!
My only issues which does not show any sign of improvement is muscle pain at rest or worse still in bed.
Best way to describe the discomfort is certain changes of leg position can induce searing muscle pain  in the front & inside thigh plus calf for several seconds & then settles. Until of course I have to move again.
Sleeping is not easy.
Pain meds for this makes no impact.
I still have some bruising but no swelling & parts of my leg are still tender to the touch.
I understand & have had muscle pain previously (sports injuries etc) but this is certainly different
Can anyone explain what i am experiencing & any suggestions or when it may pass?
Cheers
Syd

Syd Id say that's perfectly normal mate. I'm 4 weeks out and still have significant muscle pain. You've had a massive trauma to your body buddy it will take time to get back to normal. I know we all read about these recoveries where people have zero pain from day 2 and by day 7 there back to normal! Well I've yet to actually meet a hippy who has had one of these magical recoveries. Keep icing it plenty and do some gentle exercise. When your allowed get into the pool and just do some basic strength work in the pool that's the best thing I found last time :)

June will come soon enough. Did you ask them to notify you if there are any cancellations?
I'll never forget the moment Dr. Gross said "you can go back to soccer after 6 months."

Hi Hippy's.  I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in 1999 and the disease went into a full Remission in 2000.  In fact, it has been in remission until late January this year...a remarkable record for anyone with RA.  I also received a BHR in Jan 2014.  I am happy with my recovery and am pleased with the device, however I am curious/worried.  This RA flare is really doing a number on my joints...lots of them are involved and plenty of pain, swelling and ROM limitations.

Are there any other Hippy's out there with RA and have you had flares after the procedure?  I am curious if it was different then before the HR or if your resurfaced hip was involved in the flare?  I am also interested in any other thoughts you could pass on...successful therapies, medicines, etc.?  I am working with my Rheumatologist to find the right medicine to put me back in remission, however I am also worried if the disease activity will impact my HR.  Thanks.

Beth,
What have they decided to do about the Psoas tendonitis?  Are they planning an injection into the sheath or just oral NSAIDs? I am hoping you finally get the relief you are looking for.  Good luck.
Howie

Quote from: oldsoccerplayer on March 11, 2015, 07:37:15 AM
June will come soon enough. Did you ask them to notify you if there are any cancellations?
I'll never forget the moment Dr. Gross said "you can go back to soccer after 6 months."

I figured I would wait until Nancy contacts me to actually schedule. 

Hi Syd,
Welcome aboard to another Kiwi Hippie. You had the identical Op. to me [ Hugh B. July 2014],and what you are experiencing is normal as . Everyone heals differently , and we all have to adjust accordingly. Dont be phased by others that have bounced back quicker than you . There are so many variables , = your age , condition , fitness, body mass etc.
Dannywayoflife comments are a top guide, for he is ultra experienced and very knowledgeable on recovery etc. I iced plenty in the first 2 weeks , and this helped immensely. You can read my posts and updates under  shoraztri   and from there you can see how I have done . Take it easy , :)and the best advice I received from the Website is  PATIENCE. Thats the hardest part , but once you master that , then the rest is plain sailing. As they say , Time heals .  ;D.
Cheers, Kiwi Boy.
[From the Mighty Naki !!. ] ;)

Hi

I am sorry to hear about the RA.  I had osteoarthritis in 2006 when I had my BHR. Recently, I had my right ring finger fused.  The surgeon then told me I had RA.  Went thru a number of blood tests and indeed I do.  I don't want any more of my joints to go bad so I am working with a rheumatologist.  I sure would not want it to affect my BHR either.  I started on methotrexate, but it has slowed me down so much, I stopped it.  Doctor said he will see me when I get home from Florida.  Am enjoying some warm time down here to help my RA. LOL

I can understand your concern, but don't have an answer.  Just am in the same situation as you - don't want my BHR to become loose from RA.

Pat

Hi,

I am wondering if anyone has the Sam issues.  I had my BHR Dec 16 and 4 weeks later succumbed to infection.  Surgeon was excellent immediately treated this aggressively with wash out and antibiotics.  Blood tests are excellent and the hip is strong, I am able to do most things and have no pain.  My only concern is that wound is still leaking exudate and we are 6 weeks post op from the wash out.  There is a small hole yet to close up.  Has anyone else had any similar experiences or offer any thoughts about this.  I really don't need another hit of surgery again so soon.

Still wrangling with insurer who for some reason are having trouble giving me the green light. Date still scheduled for end of April.

Had this note (italicised bottom) yesterday via broker explaining why the insurer is wavering. This deflated me a little, and ended up having a crummy night. My right hip was sore, my left too a bit, and I started worrying about negatives, what if I end up as one of the minority, thinking maybe I should just give up golf and "go sedentary" and just walk I mean limp the dog, have disrupted sleep and wait till I am nearer to death before risking a resurfacing.

Yes, that negative. I expect this is not new.

I have responded to broker asking for "the information" referred to. I expect this is the metal on metal complaints, related to ASR or other proven devices poorly implanted. I then read some scare stories (masochistic I know) and was thinking really negative: is there some big "Fugitive" style medical industry cover up here, and there are loads of bad outcomes being hidden? How could I possibly know just by "researching" on the www?

Just scared. Don't really want to go on limping, pain after golf etc. don't really want to give up having an active life either ...

Sorry for having a negative post. Any reassurance welcomed!


"From the information that they have given to me, it is the belief of the clinical team at AXA-PPP that the procedure that is intended to be carried out is not proven to be effective in the long term and is not within NICE guidelines. There appears to be confusion with the codes given against the proposed treatment plan which was given to AXA on the 25th February.  If this is still deemed this case after the call, AXA-PPP are likely to uphold their decision to deny the claim."

 Hi Matt, sorry to hear of your struggle with AXA-PPP. I am with BUPA and they had no trouble at all with resurfacing as a concept but I think I would probably have had to contribute to McMinn's costs if I had chosen to go to Birmingham. Fortunately my local Spire hospital has a brilliant surgeon who does resurfacing (I don't know if he volunteers it because I went in demanding it if at all possible) and my outcome has been fantastic so far.
I did have to pay a fiver for my take-home aspirins as they were outside my insurance cover!
I understand the negative thoughts, once I was told the operation was available at a couple of weeks notice I had to spend over a month worrying about what could go wrong but I was also limping more in that last month so bit the bullet and committed myself. The op itself was fascinating, a spinal block allows you to chat with the team but feel nothing and there is no nausea afterwards. Thoroughly recommend the whole thing, and almost looking forward to the next one!

I would say that AXA are very very mis guided with those statements!

Hi Matt, AXA-PPP website recognizes MoM hip resurfacing as being well suited to younger patients with strong bones, being less invasive and giving a better range of movement.
Their code for hips is 16.9, resurfacing is W3715 and counts as an xmajor operation. According to their fees schedule the surgeon gets £800 and the anaesthetist £375...  Total hip replacement costs exactly the same.

Thanks for replies. Went through the rationale again, and reach same conclusion.

Limping, really sore after golf (hip, and elsewhere compensating), sleep disruption. Shooting pains here and there just cruising in town today. I'm not disabled, but my next ten years are my best ten and I'd like to be active. There is risk, but realistic downside is THR and I can cope with that.

Re Axa PPP, I told them that code, so did the clinic, but they're somehow confused and think it is something else. But it has taken weeks, and until sorted I can't finalise and make travel plans etc. Very annoying. Hopefully sorted tomorrow or early next week.

Insurance companies are very easily confused mate. When I had insurance and had my shoulder reconstruction they were really puzzled by some of the procedure codes! Right up to about half an hour before me going into theatre!

Hello

Has anyone made this trip for resurfacing from Canada to Birmingham or any advice if it is feasible to do? Might be difficult to do after hip surgery.

Thanks

Hi Kevin,
I travelled from Toronto to Brussels and on to Ghent for my  HR surgery with Dr. De Smet, so have some suggestions for you. You might consider perhaps staying overnight or splitting up the trip going home or both through Toronto  (or other) as it's a long flight from Vancouver ( I flew for CP Air and Air Canada for many years). If you can swing it, business class with sleeper seats is the way to go, as you will have more room to elevate your leg. Also a little known fact is that if you have had  surgery  you will need a Medical form, completed by your surgeon (from the airlines) saying you are fit to travel if travelling within 2 weeks of procedure. There is increased chance of blood clot after hip surgery and flying especially if you don't move around for long periods. -I stayed in Belgium for 2 weeks before I travelled home and travelled in business class!Hope this helps.
Regards,
          Angy

Re: Psoas tendonitis. Going to treat for now with NSAIDs for now but we did discuss an injection into the psoas (? bursa) if it continues to be painful. I can now lift my leg-whereas at the time of my appointment it was very difficult. Still having groin pain, but it does seem to be less.
General hip pain less today, also which makes me breath a little easier.
Recent C-reactive protein results came back normal (REALLY elevated on 1/21) which makes me think all the snow shoveling I did in January may have initiated a lot of this. Sed rate slightly elevated which is somewhat nonspecific. Metal ion tests still pending.
Radiologist noted "minimal calcific tendinitis lateral to the greater trochanter". I'm no expert but I'm thinking this is an infammatory reaction??
I am on Dr Brooks/Phil's schedule to talk on Weds 3/18.

thanks Angy, when did you have your surgery with Dr. De Smet and how are you doing today? I have also considered him as a surgeon but thought Dr. Mcminn would be the best choice.
Kevin

Hi Kevin,

Sounds like a great choice to me.

Are you aware that there is information for patients coming from overseas on Mr McMinn's website? http://www.mcminncentre.co.uk/overseas-patients.html

McMinn did my hip in 2011.  Met with many orthopedists before I pulled the trigger.  Traveled from Boston.  In retrospect, only way I would ever do the surgery.  Outcome well beyond expectation. PM me if you have any questions.

...and the travel was no issue at all...

Hi Kevin,
Had surgery in July(3) 2012 and have had no issues, but did do private physio 1 month after returning home. Dr De Smet is excellent and extremely experienced, and it was slightly cheaper to do surgery with him than in Birmingham. I took a direct flight from Toronto to Brussels  and then the train (goes straight from airport to Ghent)-for the return  we took a cab as train station in Ghent had lots of stairs! Also I liked that he had a set up where you would receive daily physiotherapy and nurse visits in the hotel before travel back home. Hospital care was also excellent-though food not :-[. There was another Canadian from Vancouver having the same bi-lateral surgery the same day too!! Dr De Smet uses the Conserve plus, but I think he has a device for men now that is coated metal, not available for women-but definitely of interest. I think your decision will be based on what is more convenient for getting there and back and stay as both surgeons are top notch!

Angy

I am at about 2.5 weeks post op and have prescription for pt from my surgeon. However I know I'm not going in now. Have a lot of knee pain and limited range of motion on the knee with tightness at the hip. If I walk more than a small amount I get really sore. I've scheduled my first appointment at 4 weeks ( 1.5 weeks from now ).

Is this too aggressive? I'm wondering if I should push it out to the 6 week mark. I know people's experiences and starting times vary from reading on the forums.

Any advice appreciated.

Metal ion testing so far:
Cobalt, Serum   4.8   <=1.0 ug/L   HIGH

I discontinue oral B12 a week prior to this test.
Chromium testing results not yet available. Hoping they are back today.

Not sure what to think but I am very, very concerned.

Hi Matt, it seems to come down to a NICE recommendation in Feb 2014 that resurface/replacement prostheses should meet a 5% revision rate at 10 years - and in the data they publish all the replacement hardware meets this requirement but none of the resurfacing kit does. They say that even men, who are more suitable, still have a 12% revision rate at 10 years. This conflicts greatly with McMinn's stated results and all the US expert surgeons and obviously includes a lot of suboptimal operations. Even so the NHS will still perform resurfacing for suitable candidates so why an insurance company should refuse to allow the best treatment in favour of the potentially cheaper is disgraceful (the ops cost the same, near enough, but you might need more of them if you go for resurfacing). I am just glad that I am with BUPA and they were quite happy to accept my surgeon's opinion regarding the best option for me, despite not being young any more...

Hi Beth, your Cobalt result is within normal boundaries, particularly as you are within the 'running in' period-measures usually go down from the second year onward . Concerns are raised when readings are above 7ppb. Please let us know your chromium result once you've received it.
Best
Toby

Thanks for posting that toby those were the figures I had in my head but couldn't rightly remember with any real confidence.

Beth there are many dietary things that can largely affect these results also

Danny

Mine was a bit different, both times I followed the same procedure, which had me doing home physical therapy starting at one week.

Outpatient physical therapy was at four weeks, by which time I could drive and do the basic (simple) initial exercises.

Any kind of movement was challenging, especially for me any side lifts of the leg, which seemed impossible. I worked those out with the home PT, but no reason why it can't happen well with an outpatient person.

Can you have at home PT for the next couple of weeks? Mine was with someone with a lot of experience with THR, I was their first HR (and boy were they excited).

Hope that helps, PT was a very good thing for me.

Quote from: Beth on March 13, 2015, 01:43:01 PM
Metal ion testing so far:
Cobalt, Serum   4.8   <=1.0 ug/L   HIGH

I discontinue oral B12 a week prior to this test.
Chromium testing results not yet available. Hoping they are back today.

Not sure what to think but I am very, very concerned.

I believe that's in the normal range. I was told anything under 7 was acceptable for either. My 2 years were in the 3-4 range, in the 4 year they were under 2.

Hope the tendinitis lets up, I had it in both achilles heels (moving a business), not a fun thing at all.

I'm also a Dr. Gross patient.  I know they used oxyconton in pre-op to get me relaxed.  then they gave me versed before they wheeled me off to the OR.

I remember telling the anesthesiologist that I was not looking forward to getting the needle in my back and he assured me I wouldn't remember any of it.. he was right.

theonly thing I remember is them telling me to lean forward... I presume so the doctor could get at my back to give me the shot..but i have ZERO memory of receiving the shot, no memory of any pain..nothing.

I remember someone saying "sit up" and the next thing I knew I was waking up in the recovery room.

the entire process was FAR less painful or scary that I had thought it woudl be.  when I need my second hip done - I will have NO worries. 

the stuf they give you in the pre-op area gets you relzed and woozy.  by the tiem you are off to the OR to get hte shot in your back - you are pretty much on your way to lala land...

good luck with the surgery!

I am now 4 years post op.

In January, just before my 4 year anniversary I went to Mammoth with family/friends and tried out snowboarding!  I had done it a couple of times when I was a teenager... I hadn't been out on the snow since...so fast forward abotu 25 years...and a new hip... (I'm 41 now) and I went for it.

I went with my 13 year old son...just a 1/2 day...and it was so much fun.  I have to say, my operated hip held up great, I literally had NO pain in that hip.  My "normal" hip was sore afterward...  I hate to admit it, but I'll probably be back to see Dr. Gross eventually to get that one done...i din't think I"m ready yet... it's ok most of the time..but it's starting to act up now and then when I do certain things...

Overall though - I pretty much can do whatever I want.  My operated hip is doing great. I have no pain.  I am literally pain free day to day.  Not a day goes by that I don't, at least once, appreciate my pain free hip.  I lived iwth pain for WAY too long.... and it it so nice to have it gone.

I made a short movie to show you and hopefully it will make it's way back to Dr. Gross.  I"m sure he enjoys seing his patients enjoy an active life.  There is NO WAY I could have gone snowboarding before my surgery.... now after ward... It was not a problem and it was so much fun.  It was especially fun because I was able to do it with my son... we had a great time.

Thank you Dr. Gross!

for those of you living in pain thinking about getting your hip fixed - don't wait too long like I did.  Get it looked at, and if you are a candidate for a hip resurfacing, get it fixed. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVJyNf41ZcA

if you can read my lips at the very end of myh video where I give a thumbs up.. I think I said "i'm bionic"...  :)  sometimes I feel like I am... compared to the old me!

Today, March 15, is the 9 year anniversary of my BHR which I received in Belgium in 2006 from Dr. De Smet.  It is doing well - no problems with it ever.  Hopefully, it will stay that way. 

I am still a true believer in hip resurfacing for the right candidate done by a very experienced surgeon.  The National Registries, surgeons own series and hundreds and hundreds of personal stories show how successful hip resurfacing can be.

My story is here:  http://www.surfacehippy.info/belgium&mybhrebook.php (http://www.surfacehippy.info/belgium&mybhrebook.php)  It is getting to be an antique at this point!

Pat

Wow pat 9 years congrats!! Hope you share many many more with your bhr! ;)

Well done ,Pat.
You and the website are a huge inspiration - your belief in resurfacing has led to so many of us getting the surgery we want.
Glad to hear your BHR is as good as the day you got it!

Hi pat,
Big Congrats on your special "other "birthday. Your efforts , advice and knowledge are truly inspirational , and Im sure heaps of us have now got "new lives" , so to speak.  ;D.
Well Done !!! :D 8).
For me personally , the Website has given me so much , and its like Ive got a new body, new challenges and a better , more active life.  :D.

Cheers,
Kiwi Boy.

Thanks Soccer.
I have decided to get my hips resurfaced NZ to Belgium trip end of April. After a very long time of deciding: re-hab which has not worked out that well with FAI surgery. The sockets took an injury in 2007 due that I had FAI and very deep hip sockets so they are not worn out but worn on the outer rim mostly. The decision I do not tread lightly and it is a huge decision as I have to travel from Home to abroad by myself as well. Any help on travel info that someone has to offer will be most helpful.
Not really sure what else to say. It is bilateral as well. Hopefully it will work out well and I can walk normal in life again as that is the most thing I miss. Other than that be nice to get back to the  bike, hunt, tramp, work, ski both snow and water, and mostly be normal.
Any advise would be helpful as I have really got sick of pushing my floppy hips along with exercise after 7 - 8 years of keeping at it. Not really to happy about it but there is not much I can really do about it any more. Thanks all. Cheers

Thanks hernanu!

I have not been devoid of exercise. There was a set provided by the surgeon which I've been doing.  From what you say however, it seems 4 weeks isn't too early to start PT with a therapist.  I don't seem to have the option of in home, but should be able to start driving this week and am scheduled a week from tomorrow so I'll gauge this week and decide. 

I have to say that I was feeling better earlier but then decided to a bit of walking which set me back with a lot of muscle soreness that took a few days to recover from. So I'm a bit leery of doing too much at this early stage.

Quote from: hernanu on March 14, 2015, 04:24:12 PM
Mine was a bit different, both times I followed the same procedure, which had me doing home physical therapy starting at one week.

Outpatient physical therapy was at four weeks, by which time I could drive and do the basic (simple) initial exercises.

Any kind of movement was challenging, especially for me any side lifts of the leg, which seemed impossible. I worked those out with the home PT, but no reason why it can't happen well with an outpatient person.

Can you have at home PT for the next couple of weeks? Mine was with someone with a lot of experience with THR, I was their first HR (and boy were they excited).

Hope that helps, PT was a very good thing for me.

Great news, Pat. I have this site to thank for helping me get hooked up with De Smet who fixed up my hips too.
Cheers
Tim

I on the other hand won't have any formal PT again. I remember last time the Physio trying to force my knee to my chin at I think 19 days post op and did some soft tissue damage. My surgeon said not to have anymore!

I shall do my own strength stuff once its not painful I'm 4+ weeks post op now and I can't even stand on one leg without feeling like I've been shot in the leg! Horses for courses. I will get in the pool initailly then start work on my wattbike and then do some very very light weight stuff in the gym.

Danny

Congratulations Pat.

Hi,

I haven't posted before but I found this forum was a great reassurance to me in the lead-up to my operation back in 2003. My Birmingham hip has been a great success so far but in the past week, I've been having groin pain. I've tried to convince myself that it's only a muscle strain from cycling but it's unilateral and I've noticed some swelling around my upper, inner thigh with some blue/purple discoloration. It's uncomfortable to stand up for any long period and it almost feels like my BHR leg is longer than the other (which had never been apparent before).

Before I start pestering the medical folk, I wonder if anyone can comment on what normally occurs when a joint starts to fail? Could my symptoms be consistent with that? I'm male and  kind of young for this type of thing (56) so would like to think I don't have osteoporosis. My other joints are all pretty ragged now though, thumbs, spine, knees - all affected by OA. I don't know if that sort of predisposition has any bearing on BHR longetivity (I can't think why it would).

Great forum anyway and I'll be grateful for any words from the experienced.

Terry

Hi Terry your best bet is to get yourself to your surgeon as soon as possible for a check up mate.

Hope this helps and welcome to the forum :)

Thanks Dannywayoflife. I'm going to follow your advice.  :)

Out of interest who is your surgeon Terry?

Hi Looks cool Sean. I hope I able to do similar stuff later on. I do miss the board and the skis. Nice day. Cool family stuff. Thanks for the video. Cheers

Hi Terry, While I am not a doc or anything close to being able to diagnose medical conditions , I kinda remember reading something a while back about your symptoms (swelling,black and blue) could possibly have something to do with metal levels in the blood. Go get yourself checked out and good luck. keep us posted.

Wayne

Hey Karlos, I am a bi-lateral going on 6 1/2 yrs. Just wanted to let ya know that I am doing so many things since my surgery like surfing, windsurfing, snowboarding, ice skating, roller hockey,golf and just walking normal again. I am confident that you will resume your activities again. With a huge smile on your face I should add :). So the things that helped me after surgery was to have someone around for the first week or so, helping me get out of bed. Having someone help you up is important cause you don't really have one good leg to use yet. Another thing I used was the pee bottle from the hospital. It was so much easier not to have to get up in the middle of the night to walk to the bathroom. So for me the first 8 days or so was the hardest but then after that every single day got easier and easier. Just remember to do your rehab after surgery, it ,in my opinion is the difference between getting better or staying the same. Good luck with your surgery and recovery.

Wayne

Way to go Sean. I remember my first day back to snowboarding post op. Doc gave me the green light at 4 months post op with this condition , be smart. If it is icy conditions go slow and if it is soft snow you can push it a little depending on how you feel. So I took my 11 yr old son up and it was a great spring day, nice and soft. I was very conservative until 11am and I just turned to my son and said I feel so dang good that I am gonna cut loose on the next run. The rest of the day was just amazing, I felt so good, kinda like a teenager again. 6 1/2 yrs later still snowboarding with no problems with either hip. Happy riding.

Wayne

Quote from: seahip on March 15, 2015, 08:03:59 PM
Thanks hernanu!

I have not been devoid of exercise. There was a set provided by the surgeon which I've been doing.  From what you say however, it seems 4 weeks isn't too early to start PT with a therapist.  I don't seem to have the option of in home, but should be able to start driving this week and am scheduled a week from tomorrow so I'll gauge this week and decide. 

I have to say that I was feeling better earlier but then decided to a bit of walking which set me back with a lot of muscle soreness that took a few days to recover from. So I'm a bit leery of doing too much at this early stage.

Quote from: hernanu on March 14, 2015, 04:24:12 PM
Mine was a bit different, both times I followed the same procedure, which had me doing home physical therapy starting at one week.

Outpatient physical therapy was at four weeks, by which time I could drive and do the basic (simple) initial exercises.

Any kind of movement was challenging, especially for me any side lifts of the leg, which seemed impossible. I worked those out with the home PT, but no reason why it can't happen well with an outpatient person.

Can you have at home PT for the next couple of weeks? Mine was with someone with a lot of experience with THR, I was their first HR (and boy were they excited).

Hope that helps, PT was a very good thing for me.

The best thing to do is to trust your body, in or out of PT. The main thing is to recover safely and well. Plenty of us have come to a good recovery without PT - any time anyone is treating you, realize that you're in control and it's your body that is being trained.

I cut off a couple of exercises that didn't feel right and just asked them to do something different. They had also had a lot of experience with THRs, so were knowledgeable.

Do what feels right, you are your best advocate.

Congratulations. Pat!

Excellent Sean!

Congratulations Pat!! Thanks for this wonderful site, it's been a great help through both my resurfacing especially my first one . Curt

That's fantastic, Pat, congratulations!

Awesome!

I talked to my PT today on the phone and she knows a lot about hips, the surgery, and the exercises and how the muscles respond. She seemed sensitive and understanding and I think I'm going to have a good experience with her. She said 4 weeks is the right tine and earllier might have been counterproductive. im feeling a lot better suddenly and even able to the adduction a bit now.

thanks for all the input, cant say enough how much help this forum is.

Mine failed. For me it was a steady increase of discomfort, swelling, "clicking", loss of range of motion, and a constant "Ache" in my butt cheek. Plus it was increasingly difficult to maintain any strength or flexibility.  I never had any discoloration or bruising and it gradually got worse and worse. It wasn't a "gee it's fine today thing", then 2 weeks later it's done. It was a long slow tailspin. That's just how mine was though, I'm not a doctor. I'd go get an x-ray and your blood ion levels checked. That will let you know one way or the other.


ps. I hope you pulled a tendon or a torn muscle and it clears up on it's own. But if you do need a revision at some point don't sweat it. It's not the end of the world like some people will have you believing. My thr has been awesome, feels solid and so far trouble free. It was almost 5 years to the day between the two.  Good luck !  Hope it turns out to be nothing  8)

Quote from: Dannywayoflife on March 16, 2015, 03:06:21 PM
Out of interest who is your surgeon Terry?

It was John O'Hara at RNOH.

Quote from: wayne-0 on March 16, 2015, 06:21:05 PM
Hi Terry, While I am not a doc or anything close to being able to diagnose medical conditions , I kinda remember reading something a while back about your symptoms (swelling,black and blue) could possibly have something to do with metal levels in the blood. Go get yourself checked out and good luck. keep us posted.

Wayne

Thanks Wayne. Interesting what you say about the metal levels. I'll go get checked.

Quote from: Some Dude on March 17, 2015, 02:49:45 AM
Mine failed. For me it was a steady increase of discomfort, swelling, "clicking", loss of range of motion, and a constant "Ache" in my butt cheek. Plus it was increasingly difficult to maintain any strength or flexibility.  I never had any discoloration or bruising and it gradually got worse and worse. It wasn't a "gee it's fine today thing", then 2 weeks later it's done. It was a long slow tailspin. That's just how mine was though, I'm not a doctor. I'd go get an x-ray and your blood ion levels checked. That will let you know one way or the other.


ps. I hope you pulled a tendon or a torn muscle and it clears up on it's own. But if you do need a revision at some point don't sweat it. It's not the end of the world like some people will have you believing. My thr has been awesome, feels solid and so far trouble free. It was almost 5 years to the day between the two.  Good luck !  Hope it turns out to be nothing  8)

Sorry to hear that yours failed. How long did it last? It's reassuring to learn that a revision is no awful thing.

Well Terry in John O'Hara your in very good hands.

Quote from: Dannywayoflife on March 17, 2015, 04:51:52 AM
Well Terry in John O'Hara your in very good hands.

Yeah. He was a good 'un. Apparently he's leaving very soon. Retirement?

That wouldn't surprise me he's had a long career

Great post Sean.

Our regular grass field was waterlogged this week so we went to play on a pitch with artificial turf. It doesn't have the same softness and give as grass and I could definitely feel it jolting all my joints, including the new hip. Afterwards I felt a soreness around my operated area that I haven't experienced in a long time. I think I'll be OK if I rest it for a few days but wondering if playing on that kind of surface is risky and I should avoid it. Does anyone have any thoughts or experience that they can share?

I've been playing once a week during winter for the last couple of years. No problem at all.
Not sure what type of turf it is you are playing on but most turf fields are not that hard unless they are frozen. The crumb rubber mixed in the fibers have an elastic property to them that makes the joints sore because there is a slight rebound with every step that jolts creates the "jolt". Just try and "glide" more when you run and it is fine.

Chuckm

Awesome thanks.
Great to hear your 6 years plus and doing stuff. I will be doing a bit of my rehab stuff before I go which I know does help. pee bottle sounds a good idea. Great to get a reply.
Thanks again Wayne. Cheers Karl

Sean, that's fantastic!  Thanks for sharing.  I'm almost 2.5 months post-op with Dr Gross and feel far better than pre-op.  I have every intention of doing another IronMan.  Thanks for the inspiration and hope.

Not played on it in its current form, and "only" have normal hips at the moment.

However, this is the reaction I would expect from a change in surface, and might last several days, and reoccur until you're used to it, unless you build up gradually.

I have experienced similar from road to tartan track, or grass to road. The DOMS effect feeling similar to flu symptoms in terms of muscular discomfort in the past!

Hi jss,
have just read your post, and notice the comment about doing another Ironman. Thats sounds awesum , and wonder when you aim to do that ??. Also I am thinking about getting out of my Standard Distance Tri zone , and having a crack at a Half Ironman.
Think I will wait to 2017 though , as i want plenty of time to heal 100%+.
Are you likely to also do a Half I., before having a go at the full IM.??.
Cheers ,
Kiwi Boy.

Sean, that's awesome! I remember seeing your other video before my surgery while I was still on the fence about getting it done. Your "before" looked just like I was at the time. And then several months later you're in great shape playing racquetball. Was very inspiring.

Kiwi, I have a group of friends that will be doing IMCH this year; which I'm obviously out for.  They plan tentatively on Idaho in 2016.  I think that's pushing it a bit and I'd prefer to wait until 2017 because I should be as close to 100% as I'll ever get, and I'll age up to 55.  If a HIM is convenient, then I'll do it as part of the training.  Last time, I did a HIM about seven weeks before the full.

Any idea which HIM you plan on doing?  If you're not aware of it, the HITS series, for now, costs considerably less than the IronMan series; but they seem to fill up just as fast.  If you're properly trained, unless you're trying to blow through it in a sub-5hr time, a HIM is, in my experience, easier than a full marathon.  Good luck, I know you'll do great!

ecchastang, Gross did my Perthes hip on Jan 7 this year.  So far so good.  He was very confident that if I followed his six month protocol that I'd not be at any higher risk of a neck fracture than someone without a Perthes hip.  After sitting in the exam room with him the day before surgery, I couldn't have been more confident that I'd picked the right guy for my hip. Good luck!

My experience with Dr. Gross and staff has been absolutely stellar. And his track record speaks for itself. I really don't think you could have picked a better surgeon. Good luck!

Quote from: terryjh on March 17, 2015, 04:49:57 AM

Quote from: Some Dude on March 17, 2015, 02:49:45 AM
Mine failed. For me it was a steady increase of discomfort, swelling, "clicking", loss of range of motion, and a constant "Ache" in my butt cheek. Plus it was increasingly difficult to maintain any strength or flexibility.  I never had any discoloration or bruising and it gradually got worse and worse. It wasn't a "gee it's fine today thing", then 2 weeks later it's done. It was a long slow tailspin. That's just how mine was though, I'm not a doctor. I'd go get an x-ray and your blood ion levels checked. That will let you know one way or the other.


ps. I hope you pulled a tendon or a torn muscle and it clears up on it's own. But if you do need a revision at some point don't sweat it. It's not the end of the world like some people will have you believing. My thr has been awesome, feels solid and so far trouble free. It was almost 5 years to the day between the two.  Good luck !  Hope it turns out to be nothing  8)

Sorry to hear that yours failed. How long did it last? It's reassuring to learn that a revision is no awful thing.

It was 5 years between surgeries. Never really felt like a "normal" hip. It was "Good enough" until around the 2-1/2 year mark. Then started getting pain and swelling after heavy use, slowly graduating into constant swelling and pain, then started knocking and clicking like a ratchet when I walked. I forget exactly when they started checking the metal levels, first was every year, then every 6 months, then every 3 months, and the levels were consistently climbing with each visit. The surgery report said they extracted lots of "Gray fluid" from around the area. The 2nd recovery was a walk in the park (pun intended  ;D ) compared to the first one. By the way I'm a firm believer the BHR is a superior design than a THR, mine failed due to the cup being positioned wrong, it was very steep (around 65 degrees) and also shallow, my operated leg was  farther away from centerline than my other leg, it stuck out too far. Hope you just pulled something and that's it, good luck ! And keep us informed  8)

Quote from: jss on March 17, 2015, 11:54:23 PM
ecchastang, Gross did my Perthes hip on Jan 7 this year.  So far so good.  He was very confident that if I followed his six month protocol that I'd not be at any higher risk of a neck fracture than someone without a Perthes hip.  After sitting in the exam room with him the day before surgery, I couldn't have been more confident that I'd picked the right guy for my hip. Good luck!

That's good to hear.  I am just waiting on the call from Nancy.  Dr. Gross said there is about a 3 month backlog, but I am crossing my fingers that there will be a slot sooner. 

Played on the crumb rubber type field and had no problem, haven't done the carpet on concrete indoor fields that I played on in a past lifetime, maybe I'm getting wiser.

Thanks for the advice. This morning my non-op side was hurting more than the other. I have mild arthritis there (not bad enough to need treatment yet) and I guess the jolting aggravated that. I'll have to decide what I want to do next time we go to that field. The good news is that the soreness on the op side seems to have gone away today.

Hello

I have narrowed my surgeons choices down to Dr. Mcminn ,Dr. Vijay Bose, Dr Koen De Smet and Dr.Pritchett. Does anyone have any feedback? I had a comment from another Hippy site that Dr. Mcminn was getting older and a little shaky and that Dr. De Smet was a sure thing. Also, I have had recommendations from a surgeon for a 49MM and also another surgeon would consider a 54MM. Any feedback on that as I know it depends on the current femur size but I have had a current X-ray with a sample size head to compare in the X-ray.

Thanks

Kevin, don't take this personally, but I'm scared enough already ... I'd be interested in learning about anyone who isn't getting older, and I'd especially like to learn more about any shaky surgeon. Shaky meaning ...? Especially the one I hope to see at end of April ... And who will doubtless be serving several other candidates in the six weeks until my turn. Any evidence? Or is it a case of one unhappy customer who might have had exceptional circumstances and unrealistic expectations complaining, understandably, loudly? How could anyone know if a surgeon was getting shaky, if they're under anaesthetic? So presumably there is some evidence ... (I hope not!)

I'm not sure about the 49mm head. My understanding is that the devices come in increments of 2mm (46mm, 48mm, 50mm, etc.)??? Maybe some devices now have 1mm increments.

Not heard any bad reports about Mr McMinn. The bhr comes in both 4mm and 2mm increments but 49 isn't one of them.

Hi Kevin.
My dad is 77. He still fly's a plane. He is an awesome pilot. Hell I could never fly like he does. I would not worry about it. This could be only an opinion with no facts to conclude. You will be fine, McMinn  has done thousands of operations. That's my opinion looking online anyway. Good luck and all the best. Cheers Os

I'm not sure if the person making the comment about Dr. Mcminn being shaky is pro De Smet or is getting a kick back to refer him but I thought it was a little out of line and makes me question some advice I have been getting.

Hi MattJersey...are you seeing Dr. Mcminn for your surgery?

I'm having second thoughts now Kevin  ;)

Yes, end of April.

As it a happens, I first posted on here wondering when is the right time. Since a few weeks ago, I don't know if it's psychosomatic, but I am really feeling whacked a lot. Have walked the dog about 1h20 today and hit a basket of balls - I felt "old" all the way, and sat in front of TV now I'm whacked and in pain.

Looking forward to seeing Mr McMinn soon.

HI jss,
Thanks for your update and news of your intentions.
I will Age up in 2017 to the 65-69 Age group here in New Zealand. Its on my " bucket list " to do a Half I., so will choose one here. Most likely a "low key " one and not so much the prestigious National Champs etc.
For me , its all about the mental side of the game , as I like to "rip-up and into " the race for about , say 2:40;00, so going out to say 5:40:0+ will be a big move . Still thats the challenge of having a bucket list.
Thanks for ya support and comments. I look forward to our 2015/2016 season here in N.Z. starting approx Dec, 2015.

McMinn will sort you right out buddy :)

Best to get it done ASAP, quality of life is important. What made you decide to see Mcminn?

Kevin,

I know nothing about Dr. McMinn but I doubt the hospital and his colleagues would allow him to continue to perform surgery if his skill is effected because he is shaky. I have a 48/54 BHR and it feels like a normal hip. My surgery was December 2013 and I will be getting the other hip done by the same surgeon who has somewhere between 150 and 200 BHR surgeries which is considered by many to be high risk because he hasn't performed 500 or more. Sounds like Dr. McMinn is a high volume surgeon which puts the percentages on your side. He will probably determine the size when he gets in there and measures the head.

Just thought I would give a quick update. My Bhr is fine now but I am now a year out from having Arthroscopic surgery on my other hip. I had torn Labrum which was smoothed out wrinkled cartiladge in acetabulam smoothed out, a chunk of something floating about zapped and dispersed.
The really interesting bit I feel for fellow hippys is the worn patch on my femoral head which was a finger nail sized area down to bone which was micro fractured and a paste of my own stem cells an cartiladge was placed in it.
Now I cannot say for sure as can't see inside but apart from occasional clunk which I guess would be due to a thinned labrum all arthritic pain has gone which I presume means the stem cells did their stuff.
I know they are probably a long way off from regrowing a whole hip area and it may not last but it is a start.

There was an article in a paper a few weeks ago about a cure for arthritis got to admit I didn't read it but think it was referring to stem cells. I think longterm they will have there place in the battle against arthritis but it still won't cure any under lying issues such as FAI and other abnormalities so I don't think it will be a cure all. Very encoraging however! ;)

I imagine those are all good choices. I certainly wouldn't base my surgeon choice on some anonymous  hearsay from the internet. Be that as it may,  I chose De Smet and I'm hunky-dory with the results.

Re. Mr McMinn. He did my left hip October 2014. My recovery was unbelievably easy. No swelling whatever. It was even easier than after the other one he did fifteen years previously.

It's a small sample size I know, but this would suggest his technique has improved! He is a very good surgeon indeed and knows this prosthesis as well as anyone.

Hi Jason

Glad to hear it is going well for you.

I'm 13 weeks post right side and 21 weeks post left side and seeing Mr Bajwa again in a few weeks as he hasn't had many patients getting both done in short succession. I've managed to get BUPA to cough up to update the x-rays so I can see what is going on. Hoping to see quite a difference in the before and after shots where he removed the FAI on both sides  :)

David

Have my surgery date set with Dr. Gross.  April 8th!  So soon, but I am looking forward to it being done. 

Quote from: KevinHalicki on March 18, 2015, 04:34:46 PM
Best to get it done ASAP, quality of life is important. What made you decide to see Mcminn?

I spoke to a local surgeon who could do it and offered it, but i was scared anyway, couldn't open my mind to it. Then after a couple of months, talked again to my GP, he has had both done by Mr McMinn, leading me to research. I figure, if he's the inventor/co-inventor, and he is writing the book on it for others ... Coupled with my GPs experience and noting that Mr M is arguably #1 in world ... Felt like the right choice. Anyone can make a mistake, and I can only make one choice, so go to who I believe to be best and live with it, no regrets.

Your in safe hands Matt

Congratulations!  And congratulations on not having to wait three months.  Good luck!

Excellent news - good luck!

Quote from: ecchastang on March 19, 2015, 01:14:31 PM
Have my surgery date set with Dr. Gross.  April 8th!  So soon, but I am looking forward to it being done.

Wait a minute!  I call BS!  I've already been waiting for 2 months and my surgery date is not until April 29th!  Just kidding, of course.  I insisted on having his first or second appointment of the day so I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize that.  I'm glad you got connected with the right doctor.  Congratulations again, and best of luck.

Quote from: Comfortably Numb on March 19, 2015, 04:46:08 PM

Quote from: ecchastang on March 19, 2015, 01:14:31 PM
Have my surgery date set with Dr. Gross.  April 8th!  So soon, but I am looking forward to it being done.

Wait a minute!  I call BS!  I've already been waiting for 2 months and my surgery date is not until April 29th!  Just kidding, of course.  I insisted on having his first or second appointment of the day so I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize that.  I'm glad you got connected with the right doctor.  Congratulations again, and best of luck.

They had a cancellation!

Jason, who performed that surgery with stem cells, was it a surgeon in the US? I am stuck with a small bad spot of arthritis with good joint space. My original microfracture failed on both hips.

Dr Gross stated i had too much joint space for HR and my scope OS is hesitant to try another microfracture.

thanks,

Larry

Hi Hippies - we in the UK midlands have just had the perfect first day of spring, and a decent partial solar eclipse to add even more interest. Hit 4 months post-op this week and the BHR hip is working perfectly, so I reckoned I would take advantage of the conditions to bike outside for the first time this year. 14.6 miles in just over 52 minutes was actually better than my first few rides last year over the same course, which is pleasing. Then went for a 2.7 mile walk with my big lad when he got home from work, which brings my total post-op mileage on foot to 306.7 (approximately)! Biking has been mainly indoors, which I don't like very much, but the total is now 125 miles.
New hip painless, old hip starting to grumble but I hope to get at least this summer out of it while I am still young!

Congrats Pats.  :)

Keep on Walkin.     

Looked up the results of my chromium:
Chromium   2.6   (0.2 - 0.6ug/L)
I gather this is not abnormal from what I have read here.
I still have pain that varies in type and severity. The one constant is if I am fully weight bearing for any length of time, I later have significantly increased pain. Ibuprofen 600 mg does not help much at these times.
I was told I was on the schedule to be called 2 days ago and the day came and went ...NO call. I then emailed Dr Brooks PA Wednesday night and again yesterday, but NO call. Today I called his nurse and she said to call his direct voice mail and leave a message. Needless to say, I am very disappointed.  :(

Ah Beth thats terrible I'm sorry to hear this. I hope you get this resolved swiftly

Danny

I took 6th place in the long jump at the National Masters T&F Championships in the M 55-59 age group yesterday. My wife took this pic:

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c84/Arrojo/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsawb3cxyp.jpg)

I also took 11th in the 60 meter dash with a time of 8.68. My 3-year anniversary is coming up.

Beth I am very sad to hear that you are being treated with such disregard by your surgeon. There is no acceptable reason for this. My surgeon Dr. Rector does not have the best reputation for friendliness, but he always responded promptly and directly to both e mails and voice mails. And, he always took the time to listen carefully to me and respond patiently. That is the minimum you should get from your surgeon.

I hope Dr. brooks gets a twinge of conscience and gets to work helping you with your recovery. If not, you should move on to another surgeon who cares about his patients.

Best of luck to you. You deserve better.

Boomer

Inspirational! Wonderful for you to share what new hips are capable of. Keep up the good work!!

Congratulations! I have to admit, it's wonderful to be back doing the activities that make life fun.

Good on you - I think that's a great achievement.

You're the only long jumper with a BHR that I've heard of.

You are certainly getting top value for money from your BHR, and why not.

Hi Arrojo,
Top effort there. Is great too see that alot of activites can be done with BHR. Keep it up. :) ;D

Brilliant news. Hugely inspirational. Well done!

So I finally got a phone call from Dr Brooks PA.

Apparently Dr Brooks' "cut-off" for cobalt is 5.0. My cobalt level is 4.8.
Dr Brooks is concerned the pain and a cobalt level may be an indication of a problem and now I will be getting a call to schedule a MARS MRI.

I feel I am back to ground zero, but understand it is an evaluation process that takes time.

Thanks everyone for their support. It means a lot to me.
Beth

Hi Beth
We're still out here, reading your posts. Glad to hear Brooks finally got back to you. That's pretty disappointing he hasn't shown more concern about your problems. However, the information from this MRI can only help to get to the bottom your difficulties (which I think is what you really want to do). Sorry you have to go through all this, but I've been there too and I believe that finding out the truth, even if it's not what you hoped, is for the best.
Cheers
Tim

Hi Beth, Truly sorry to hear what has been transpiring. One - the pain you have been having for a while, and two that both Dr. Brooks and the PA did not return your inquiries sooner than later. I too have Dr. Brooks as my surgeon, and when he and Phil are engaged it's great, and hopefully the lack of a return call does NOT become the norm.

It sounds like progress is being made at least, which is a positive thing in my mind.

Bob

Arrojo,
That's great you're competing, but enough suspense……..How far did you jump?  Where was the competition?

Congratulations Pat and thank you for all you have done to allow folks to become better informed on their surgery options.  This forum allowed me to make a well educated decision on my surgeon and device and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.  Success stories like yours are an inspiration for those of us expecting to have our new hips for the rest of our long lives.

That was just 3 days ago so I don't think he's landed yet. I'm sure he'll reply back after he finishes the jump. :p

Congrats Arrojo.. !!!

I wonder if athletes with healthy hips who see this will start asking for HR's to improve their performance?
  ;)  :-X

Pay;

Congratulations for your anniversary and for all the difference you have made in so many people's lives by running this site and being so incredibly supportive.

You are an inspiration

Dan

oldsoccerplayer, I have a Gross device as well.  Glad to hear you still boot it around.  Played since a kid through college myself and looking forward to getting back to all my sports with the new HRA put in by one of the best if not the best ortho surgeons around.

Happy to hear that you are going to dr gross, he does the uncemented ones too.  with your age, I think you are making the perfect decision.  I will be watching for post from you as April 8th approaches.

I had the MARS MRI last Thursday. I got a copy of the images on CD but I can't make much of what I am seeing.
No call yet with results. Not sure what I will be hearing and when, but I will be glad that we will have another piece of the puzzle.

UPDATE...got a call from Dr Brooks nurse that he wanted to see me on Thursday to discuss my MRI results. I asked the nurse if she could at least tell me if the results were abnormal vs normal and she simply said that Dr Brooks wanted to talk to me face-to-face.  :-\
I will update my thread after the appointment.

Follow-up questions.  I now have the Breg Polar Care Kodiac which I think is the one that Dr. Gross is currently using.

1.  The directions constantly emphasize not to let any part of the pad come in contact with the skin.  Have you all accomplished an insulation barrier by placing the pad over your clothing, or did you purchase the Breg Polar Dressing Insulation Barriers?
2.  When you want to turn this unit off/on, is it OK to simply remove the transformer plug from the top of the unit or is it necessary to unplug the transformer from the wall?  If the latter is required, then I'll purchase an extension cord with an on/off switch like oldsoccerplayer suggested.
3.  Is there any reason why frozen plastic water bottles couldn't be used over and over again instead of ice?  I can get 3-4 Vitamin Water bottles in my unit.  This seems like a better way to go, but nothing about this (or any of the other questions) are addressed in the instructions.

thanks

Quote from: DeviceGuy on March 24, 2015, 02:15:13 PM
Arrojo,
That's great you're competing, but enough suspense……..How far did you jump?  Where was the competition?

Hi there.  This was at the National Masters Track and Field Championships in Winston-Salem, NC.  My jump was 4.38 meters, about 13 1/2 feet.

Can't address questions 1 and 2 (as I have the Kodiak), though I think you could just unplug the cord at the device end and not the wall (as I did with my Kodiak).

Frozen water bottles probably work just fine, but would not transfer cold nearly as quickly because of the plastic barrier and the smaller surface area (a bottle as opposed to dozens of square cubes). I really don't know if that would make a noticeable or therapeutic difference. You could agitate the entire cooler to periodically to accelerate the cold transfer, but you probably wouldn't want to have to do that.

Sorry, can't help myself, but no one else has weighed in yet. I have made it a hobby to master the art of chilling a beer in two minutes or less (can, of course).

That is most excellent!!!  Congratulations.  So I need to ask, I realize you're landing in sand, but do you, did you, feel any discomfort with the landing?  I'm so jazzed to think I can get back to doing these sorts of things with a descent risk/reward.  I just am planning on doing impact activities that give me pleasure without the pain.  After complete recovery it's going to be fun to see where those limits are.  I do want this hunk of metal to last a very long time.  Thanks for reporting and best of luck in your future leaps.

Quote from: Miguelito on March 31, 2015, 05:58:13 PM
Can't address questions 1 and 2 (as I have the Kodiak), though I think you could just unplug the cord at the device end and not the wall (as I did with my Kodiak).

Frozen water bottles probably work just fine, but would not transfer cold nearly as quickly because of the plastic barrier and the smaller surface area (a bottle as opposed to dozens of square cubes). I really don't know if that would make a noticeable or therapeutic difference. You could agitate the entire cooler to periodically to accelerate the cold transfer, but you probably wouldn't want to have to do that.

Sorry, can't help myself, but no one else has weighed in yet. I have made it a hobby to master the art of chilling a beer in two minutes or less (can, of course).

I think you and I have the same device (Kodiak).  If you unplugged yours at the the device end without any problem, then that answers my question.  Also, I have learned that clothing (i.e., sweat pants, tee shirt, hospital gown, etc.) is an acceptable barrier.  The idea is not to let the pad itself directly touch your skin.  Your point about the surface area of ice v.s. frozen plastic bottles is spot on--at least for start-up cooling.  However, when the water ultimately reaches it's lowest temperature, my guess is that it makes no difference which type of ice you use.  Ice water is ice water.  Also, based on my camping experiences, the frozen plastic bottles will outlast cubes by a long shot.  Next time I get bored, I'll do a test run to compare. 

FWIW I used a towel between it and my sweats. I was plenty cold.

Well maybe I just didn't realize that you could unplug the device at the other end! Still I think that the extension cord with on / off switch is the most convenient and flexible. I had the unit on the floor in between the recliner and the table with the cord on it. It's been a while but it seems like the unit made an annoying buzzing sound so I put it on a towel on the floor and that seemed to work.

Quote from: DeviceGuy on March 31, 2015, 06:27:19 PM
That is most excellent!!!  Congratulations.  So I need to ask, I realize you're landing in sand, but do you, did you, feel any discomfort with the landing? 

Not at all.  I did wait 2 years after my surgery before long jumping (ie I waited to resume my long jumping until last summer).  I've read here that the bone grows around the implant for up to two years after surgery, so I was extra cautious with that.  But, I sprinted (100 meter dash) one year after surgery, and ran the Boston Marathon two years after surgery with no issues. 

Heck, I dont even think about the implant any more unless I am going through an airport metal detector. 

Quote from: DeviceGuy on March 31, 2015, 06:27:19 PM
I'm so jazzed to think I can get back to doing these sorts of things with a descent risk/reward.  I just am planning on doing impact activities that give me pleasure without the pain.  After complete recovery it's going to be fun to see where those limits are.  I do want this hunk of metal to last a very long time.  Thanks for reporting and best of luck in your future leaps.

:)  Thank you and yes, I have full clearance from Dr. Su to do whatever I want, so why not?  Just remember to keep focusing on the soft tissue - deep tissue massages, foam roller, Active Release Technique.  The pain most people experience after surgery (assuming all is well with the implant itself of course) is almost always related to scar tissue in the surrounding area, so you need to focus on that (I love A.R.T - going at least once a month, starting 6 weeks after my surgery).  Also, and make sure you are stretched and warmed up before any strenuous activity.

Great advice, thanks.

I saw Dr Brooks today. We looked at the xrays I have had done the past few months and the MARS MRI I had a few days ago.
Dr Brooks feels that I have a hairline fracture in the femoral neck.  Dr Brooks showed my husband and I, in great detail, what he was seeing and comparing the area on the xray to the area on the MRI.
He told me he was going to speak to the radiologists regarding further followup and get back with me.
Until then I am back on crutches, touch toe weight bearing.
When I look up signs and symptoms of hairline or stress fracture of the femoral neck I have all the symptoms.
Good news... <sigh> I can deal with crutches.

Just talked to Dr Brooks. No weight bearing  for 6 weeks, repeat xrays and followup with him.
I am so grateful that this is not a pseudotumor or failure. He is not concerned with my metal ions at this point but will repeat it at some point in the future to assure they are not going up.
Dr Brooks thinks this will heal 100%. (fingers crossed)

I'd recommend going to PT.  During my recovery PT period, my PT told me that he has seen a number of patients who had total hips done that have developed tendinitis many months post-op and attributed it to patients getting lazy with their excercises.  I've been finished with formal PT for quite a while now, but continue to do many of the excercises I did during PT, specfically a lot of rubber band work.  You can get some from your PT or a medical equipment store.

Rubber band work such as side steps, monster walks, clam shells, bridges, along step ups and squats on a bosa ball will all help keep you strong in the muscles that you need to stay well conditioned.

Just my $0.02.

Matt

mmooney42,
Matt,
Dr Brooks has advised me to avoid any weight bearing, what so ever, so I think most exercises are out. I do need to verify if I can do any isometric exercises and/or stretches.
Again, if this heals like he think it will, I will be THRILLED. But I understand the fracture can worsen if I don't do what I am told.
Beth

Whilst a fracture wouldn't normally be cause for celebration, this sounds positive Beth and must give you great hopes, and lift an awful lot of stress! Good news, fingers crossed for a positive outcome and a quick passage of these next six weeks.

Wow was not expecting top hear that, Beth, especially after 1 year. Glad you have a diagnosis and that's great he thinks it will heal 100%. Obviously you want to baby that hip while you are healing.

Any idea what the cause might be? Did you have a fall or something?

Also might want to get a bone density test if you haven't lately, IMO.

Hi Beth,
Sorry, I guess I didn't read the entire post.  I didn't realize you had a fracture.  I was thinking the issue was tendititis.  Best wishes on recovery.
Matt

Quote from: Beth on April 02, 2015, 04:55:19 PM
I saw Dr Brooks today. We looked at the xrays I have had done the past few months and the MARS MRI I had a few days ago.
Dr Brooks feels that I have a hairline fracture in the femoral neck.  Dr Brooks showed my husband and I, in great detail, what he was seeing and comparing the area on the xray to the area on the MRI.
He told me he was going to speak to the radiologists regarding further followup and get back with me.
Until then I am back on crutches, touch toe weight bearing.
When I look up signs and symptoms of hairline or stress fracture of the femoral neck I have all the symptoms.
Good news... <sigh> I can deal with crutches.

Just talked to Dr Brooks. No weight bearing  for 6 weeks, repeat xrays and followup with him.
I am so grateful that this is not a pseudotumor or failure. He is not concerned with my metal ions at this point but will repeat it at some point in the future to assure they are not going up.
Dr Brooks thinks this will heal 100%. (fingers crossed)

Sounds positive and manageable. Great prognosis, make sure you follow his instructions and it seems like it will be good.

Congrats, good that you followed it up quickly.

Hi Beth,
I'm really pleased that after such a long time and with your instinctive knowledge that previous diagnosis did not feel right, that you've finally had the appropriate tests, managed to see your specialist and now have a properly informed diagnosis. As I said before you ions are well within the normal range so I don't think you should worry about this. Hair line fractures heal well (particularly now that you are on minimal weight bearing)-so I feel relieved for you that you will be able to enjoy your hip resurfacing in the near future.
Best Wishes
Toby

Hi Beth, I had a femoral head fracture last year from a bike crash and was touch toe weight bearing for 4 weeks. It took about 12 weeks before I felt healed but it is all good now. I used a walker instead of crutches for those 4 weeks, it felt more stable than crutches. Good luck in your recovery.

moe

Pete, congratulations on emerging from the English winter and resurfacing surgery.  Good luck with the other hip.

Quote from: moe on April 03, 2015, 05:21:34 PM
Hi Beth, I had a femoral head fracture last year from a bike crash and was touch toe weight bearing for 4 weeks. It took about 12 weeks before I felt healed but it is all good now. I used a walker instead of crutches for those 4 weeks, it felt more stable than crutches. Good luck in your recovery.

moe

Moe...where was your fracture?
Mine is on the top of the femur neck, just under the resurfacing. I was just reading that stress fractures on the top don't heal as often as do compression or fractures on the bottom.

I've been non-weight bearing for only a  few days and I feel SOOOO much better. Of course I'm not walking on my leg/hip. My fingers are staying crossed. I've slept all night for the last few nights- I hadn't done that for over 2 months.

Thanks everyone. I will update here after my next set of xrays and visit with Dr Brooks mid May.
Beth

Beth, my fracture was at the top right where the stem of the BHR is. It was a very serious injury, I couldn't walk at all or barely move my leg. The pain was off the chart. I really thought I would need more surgery or a revision. My doc said it would heal and he was right. I think you really need to stay off it and let the healing take place.


Good luck,

moe

Richard Villar Cambridge England.

I know it is very early days but I am impressed so far. Fingers crossed.

Final consultation with my surgeon last night at 21 weeks, he was very pleased to see me in one piece and enjoying myself and has given me the OK to carry on what I have been doing (climbing, jogging, cycling) and just using common sense not to overdo things. My painful right hip will need doing eventually but not just yet - the left one was much worse on x-ray even though the pain could be similar at times. This will limit how much running I can do, which is probably a good thing! He reckoned he could use me as an example of just what is possible with a resurfacing. He also mentioned he had recently seen a 9-yeat post-op ASR recipient who was still doing well with very low metal ion levels, and it seems to come down to placement angles. My BHR is fixed at 42 degrees which is what he intended, he reckons that by the time you get to 30 degrees there could be edge-loading when cycling.

I mentioned that Sky News ran a small feature over the popularity of parkrun over Easter and that I got 10 seconds of fame being interviewed about running with a replaced hip, fortunately he had not seen the item but it did make him smile! Once we had finished I headed off to the climbing wall for another good session at 6a/+, practice for my first outdoor climbing post-op, tomorrow, on Stanage gritstone  :)

Wow--what a saga!  Best of luck to you Beth!  Sounds like a lot of patience will be required, but just stick with the program and you will come out fine in the end.  How on earth did that hairline fracture occur? This is one of the problems with these things--when I had a somewhat similar issue (diagnosed as bursitis, possibly incorrectly) my big question was "why??"  I never had that before in my life.  Before posting this, I had started writing something different because I didn't get to the fracture part (I'll put it here in case it helps someone with the seemingly ubiquitous bursitis diagnosis; I'll also write something about crashing while cycling for Moe--or I can just say get POC VPD shorts! suggested in another thread--well worth it) :

"Had to laugh a little while reading your March 9 appointment and Phil pressing on your so-called bursitis spot.  It sounded like I wrote that!  This was also my 1-year follow-up appointment (for left BHR, after broken hip and arthritis).  I had been recovering really well until about 10.5 months in and started experiencing pain and numbness, but thank goodness none of the laxity you're describing. The cortisone injection I received didn't work at all and I was back to CCF about 3 weeks later, saw Dr. Brooks this time. Was supposed to get a "special" MRI, but he determined it was bursitis again and did another cortisone injection, and canceled the MRI.  BUT, this injection also did nothing.  Because I live 4 hours from Cleveland, they recommended I see my local ortho--who wouldn't see me because he doesn't do BHR--or do physical therapy.  My physical therapists specialized in sport medicine and dance injuries.  They believed my issues were caused by bound scar tissue--and indeed, I'd had 3 surgeries in the same spot and had a lot of tight scar tissue.  They did a lot of massaging, dry needling, and cupping and that whole area is completely different now.  I have stretching exercises, a "beastie ball" to work out tightness in my piriformis, and a roller stick to work over muscles and my always tight IT band.  I do feel much better and am doing BarAmped classes, cycling, and intend to eventually do Pilates, which was a big part of PT.  Both my hips are very tight, though they have never seen arthritis there, the right one now sometimes hurts as much as the left ever did (though not in the same activity limiting way).  I think I have to face facts that I will always be battling tight hips. I do still feel the clunking from time to time.  It seems your biggest concern should be the laxity--that sounds very troubling.  Despite my issue, my left hip always felt better and stronger than pre-surgery.  I wish you the best."

While I did cycle some during recovery, I have started real road riding again (left BHR Sept 2013) and had concerns about falling on my hip. I read in one of these posts about POC VPD shorts and got some for peace of mind (there may be other brands, but the VPD technology sounded serious, so I went with them).  I wear them over my normal bike sorts because I don't want to interfere with the padding.  It looks mildly funky, but after the indignities of hip surgeries and crutches and all, who cares.

Now here's the thing--in 8 years of riding, I had never fallen--seriously, never, always successfully caught myself in time.  But this past weekend, I went straight over, smack onto my left hip (and apparently fell perfectly because I never let go of my handlebar grip; was avoiding very fast motorcycles that appeared out of nowhere while crossing a street; had a partly clipped in, strongly breaking thing occur so fast I didn't know what happened).  And, I had ZERO pain, none at all.  It was like nothing happened!  Well, actually, my left hand became really sore, but is now clearing up after some icing.  I was so relieved and I LOVE my VPD shorts. I highly recommend them.

Congratulations on your Long Jump.  Thanks so much for sharing.  I am sure perspective patients will find it interesting.

Keep up the good work.

Good Luck.

Pat

Update: I had hip xrays and saw Dr Brooks today.
For the past 6 weeks I have been non-weight bearing in my right leg/hip.
My hip pain since that appointment has not gotten substantially better.
On a handful of occasions I have had some mild swelling in my leg down to my toes. I was glad that I took a picture of the swelling that recently occurred so that I could show Dr Brooks today.
I continue to have a good amount of “bone like” pain when I sit on hard surfaces and wake up to find myself lying on that side. (I am a really deep sleeper)
My other aches and pains come and go but are still present more than not.
I also have had strange piercing pains in my hip.
Today’s x-rays were a little grainy (Dr Brooks's words, not mine) and Dr Brooks said that he didn’t see anything new or really much different than the previous x-rays. He said he was concerned that I was developing “bone death” under the Birmingham implant. I believe he is suggesting I may be developing osteonecrosis. He wants me to stop all NSAIDs and take 2,000 mg calcium/Vit D a day and to slowly start to put weight on my leg/hip. If the pain gets worse I am to call him asap. If the pain stays the same or improves even slightly I am to see him in 6 weeks. 

Sorry to hear about your ongoing problems, Beth. Thanks for taking the time to keep us informed. I'm following your problems/progess with interest. Good luck!

Hi Beth,
I echo Tim's comment....so sorry about what you are going through.  We are all pulling for you!

deb

Last update:  I had put in > 6 weeks of non-weight bearing. Then very gradually, over 4 weeks, I became weight bearing. I was weight bearing for 4 days when I experienced an acute return of all my symptoms. Clunking, crunching, instability/laxity, pain and a sensation of swelling in the posterior hip laterally.

At my appointment this past week with Dr Brooks, he could elicit the clunking and crunching quite easily. He saw the pain that I was in and said he thought I had been through enough. He said it was time to acknowledge that my BHR had failed. We don’t really know why at this time. He did say he suspects that my metal ions will be elevated (My xrays show perfect placement).
I am scheduled for a second MARS MRI and had blood work the day of the office visit (in addition to the metal ion testing). Dr Brooks said he wanted to have as much information going into surgery as he can. Surgery has not been scheduled but he promised to work me in within a few weeks after we get the results of the MRI which is on 7/24. He is hoping to save the acetabular cup and will use a Dual Mobility hip replacement system. He feels the recovery will be easier if he can save the cup. If the cup is the problem, which he thinks is unlikely, he will not be able to replace it due to the recall of the BHR for women.

At this point I just want the pain to go away. I have let go of my desire to go back to running but I would like to be able to walk.

Beth,
So sorry to hear about all the problems and pain you've had to go through.  I can't imagine what it must be like.
Dr. Brooks is an excellent surgeon so you're in good hands as you know.  I have read up on the Dual Mobility system and it looks to be very good.
You will have a positive outcome and get through this.
Please let us know whatever you may find out after the revision.
All the best.....

Thanx Device Guy!
I'll post after my revision surgery.

Hey Beth,
Just a thought......You're going in for your revision with Dr. Brooks.  Hopefully that will resolve those issues.  Your 6/19/15 LBHR is cancelled.  As part of your due diligence, might you not call Dr. Gross in So. Carolina to see what his take is on your next hip HRA?  As I've said, I believe he will do a cemented Biomet device if that is your wish, and, the geometry and metallurgy is very similar to the S&N BHR.  So in essence you are getting a "like" implant.
Dr. Gross is not that far from the Clinic in Ohio if that is in fact where you live.  Pat went to India on her dime, I went to So. Carolina from California twice.  Then and now I realize it was a no-brainer!! 
Do your research and make your best educated decision.

Please read Beth's report here with her long story about her diffiuclt journey to find out where her pain was coming from.  I split this post to help people find the new topic.

http://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/index.php?topic=5691.0 (http://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/index.php?topic=5691.0)

---

UPDATE:  I felt I should share with all of you my experience the past few months.
I was prepared to have my BHR revised and backed out at the last minute. When I asked Dr Brooks if we knew with absolute certainty that my BHR was the source of my pain his answer was simple and honest, “No”.  I appreciated his honesty and decided to get a few other opinions. 
Side story: And if I wasn’t in enough pain, while trying to get around my house without crutches, I tore the cartilage in the opposite knee. I will be having knee surgery to fix that problem next month.
I sought out an opinion of an ortho doc in Cleveland who happens to be the Cleveland Brown’s team physician. I also set up an opinion of a physician in Dallas,Texas who is leading the research into posterior hip arthroscopy. The Cleveland ortho doc felt I had a posterior hip issue and that my BHR was likely NOT the source of my pain. It was his opinion that having the resurfacing not necessary and that my pain all along was the result of a problem in the posterior hip. Problems in the posterior hip can cause symptoms such as groin pain, etc. I was told.  He agreed that the person with the most expertise would be the physician in Dallas.
I traveled to Dallas to see Dr Martin and now (I hope) I have some answers. I was diagnosis with a chronic avulsed hamstring. He showed my husband and I the findings on the MRI and asked my permission to take pictures of my MRI and videotaped my exam to take to a conference where he was teaching in the upcoming week. Dr Martin also said he felt I probably had not needed the BHR and likely most, if not all of my pain, was from my hamstring that was completely torn away from the ischium. Yes, missed by the radiologists on 2 MRI’s prior to my BHR. Dr Martin said he sees patients every week where the radiologist and/or physician has missed a problem.  I don’t know if my orthopedic physician at the time (NOT Dr Brooks) even looked at the MRI but he told me the MRI showed no abnormalties and had nothing more to offer me. He said my pain was likely from the small area of arthritis he saw on my hip athroscopy and recommended I have a BHR or THR. The rest is history. I am scheduled for surgery on my knee in October and then my hamstring Dec 1st. Another rehab to look forward to.So what is the one thing I have learned?  If you feel something is wrong, don’t give up looking for an answer.

I am nearly at 3 weeks post op and purchased the Kodiak from Dr Gross for $250.
I highly recommend it, not as good as the game ready, by I would say 955 as good.
I rented the game read for $350 for 2 weeks and I purchased the Kodiak for $250.


If anyone wants to buy my Kodiak, please message me an offer, I could mail it to you.  Please take into account that shipping fees with the offer.