Hello, I'm new here. I am a schoolteacher, 58 years old,and this is the first year I couldn't work. I have severe arthritis in my right hip, bone on bone. I just switched from Kaiser Permanente to Blue Cross because Kaiser would not perform hip surgery, only provide medication, which didn't work. I live in Long Beach, CA. right, now I'm looking for an experienced doctor. I am about 50 pounds overweight, and 5'8" tall, truly, large frame. This condition is hereditary, my mom, grandma, and uncle on Dad's side have had this problem. I think I need a total Hip replacement as opposed to Hip Resurfacing. i wish I could get stem cells . I'm in the process of applying for disability , I hope it goes through. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Or, suggestions for a great doctor fairly close by. Thanks.
Hi Denise
Welcome to Hip Talk.
I am sorry to hear about your hip problems. You have come to a good place to find information and support.
Sometimes the less experienced surgeons will not always do people overweight. That is something you need to bring up when you make your appointment. Other doctors will do people overweight. I was overweight and had no problem.
You have some very experienced surgeon in CA. Actually, Dr. Klug in the Kaiser network is a good hip resurfacing surgeon. You can look at my list to see other surgeons near you. Dr. Schmalzried, Dr. Amstutz and Dr. Ure are a few near you.
Here is a list of the CA doctors. You can also see doctors in other states near you.
http://www.surfacehippy.info/listofdoctors.php#California_ (http://www.surfacehippy.info/listofdoctors.php#California_)
I wanted to say that I don't think 50 pounds is that much extra weight at 5' 8" That' how tall I am and I was certainly not skinny when I had my surgery. Most people with hip problems are overweight since we can't do much of anything but sit around.
I don't know much about stem cells and don't know anyone that has had that treatment. I do know they are working on growing cartilage, but it is in the very experiemental stage. Hip Resurfacing is the best option if you need to be out of pain and active once again. It is much more bone conserving than a THR.
Please let us know what else we can help you with.
Good Luck.
Pat