NYC Surgeon

[Emersonmom]

 just joined and my story is the same as most of you. I am a 48 year old female with left hip bone-on-bone.  The pain is so excruciating that I can't function anymore. At first I had several epidurals for sciatica, which worked, until one day "I was stopped in my tracks and could not walk anymore". I don't know what is more painful, my hip, or my not being able to do anything with my 12 year old son. I never thought at 48 I would be considered helpless. Forget sleeping, that is not happening.

I also have seen several doctors and all recomemded THR. In fact, one doctor said that I was too young and should wait atleast 1-2 years since technology is changing - 2 weeks later in tears, I found another doctor. That doctor told me that I was an excellent candidate for hip resurfacing.  I am still going to get several more consults (although not covered by my insurance). Has anyone heard of or have been treated by Dr. Boettner at the HSS in NYC? I see that he does resurfacing, but only has done about 30 to date. Dr. Su does not take my insurance so that is not really an option.

I just came across this wonderful website - thank you!
 
 
 
 

   

[Pat Walter]

Hi

Welcome to Hip Talk.

You are very young to have to settle for a THR.  I hope you will keep looking until you find a good experienced hip resurfacing surgeon.

You have quite a few in NY.  Did you see Dr. Clarke?
Dr. Michael Clarke - BHR trained 2006
550 Hip Resurfacings to date
Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists
5719 Widewaters Parkway
Syracuse, NY 13214
Phone: 315-251-3100  Fax: 615-449-9923
Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists

He is very experienced because he had been doing the BHRs overseas before he moved to NY.  http://www.surfacehippy.info/doctorinterviews/clarkeinterview.php

If you have a really bad hip, it is often best to get a doctor with a lot of experience.  If you can't find one that takes your insurance, I would then choose Dr. Boettner.  You don't want to end up with a THR at your age.  You do want to make sure that you are going to get a Hip Resurfacing. Sometimes the newer doctors will revert to a THR if the surgery looks too tough.  That is one of the reasons to use a really experienced surgeon - they don't bait and switch if the going gets tough.  They have the experience to do the hip resurfacing.

I would go see Dr. Boettner and see how you feel about him.  Trust your gut feelings.  Ask him all my questions http://www.surfacehippy.info/questionsfordoctor.php  and ask what the odds are that he would change to a THR if things looked too difficult.   Try to get an honest answer.

If you don't like what you hear or don't trust him, try to find someone else. 

Many of us have been where you are - we could do nothing and could not sleep even with the most powerful meds.  You have to get your hip fixed and get on with life.  That's what's great about hip resurfacing - it is for yournger people that want to get active again.

Good Luck and keep in touch.

Pat

[Emersonmom]

Dear Pat,

I met with Dr. Su today, and must say, he is an amazing, caring doctor. After our initial consult, my husband and I decided that Dr. Su, indeed, is the best surgeon for this amazing surgical procedure.  His Physician's Assistant and his Admin team were patient, quite knowledgeble and answered every question.

I am in the midst of scheduling my resurfacing for June and will let you know how it goes. I finally feel at "peace" with my decision regarding the surgeon and the choice of resurfacing vs a total hip replacement.

All the best,
Emersonmom

[Pat Walter]

Hi

Dr. Su is an excellent surgeon and great choice for your hip resurfacing surgery.

He is very experienced and has many happy patients.

You know you have made the right choice when you can feel it inside.  You don't have any nagging quesitons left and just look forward to getting your new hip.

Vicky Marlow is going to be doing a video interview with Dr. Su this weekend and I will have it posted soon on the website.

I hope you keep in touch and will write a story about your surgery and experience with Dr. Su.

Good LUck.

Pat   

[Emersonmom]

Today, I am 3 weeks post-op and everyday I continue to make progress (I hope). Dr. Su is the best!

I had my last in home visit with the PT today, have a list of daily exercises that need to be done, and will have my first post-op visit in 2 weeks. I continue to experience stiffness and slight groin pain.  Bending to put on socks and shoes of course are still an issue. Sleeping through the night is difficult, as I can only sleep on my back (which I hate). I can only sleep on my side with pillows for a short time, and keeping my legs elevated is not comfortable. I am walking with one crutch and walking over 1/2 mile each day.
 
Since leaving the hospital, I have only been taking Tylenol off and on as needed, but have not really experienced any pain - other than stiffness. 

The difference is night and day - the pain before surgery was horrific, so now, whatever I am experiencing, is a piece of cake...

Pat, thank you again for all your hard work in maintaining this incredible website, which has been my daily inspiration.

[Pat Walter]

Hi

I am glad to hear you are doing well at 3 weeks post op. it just takes time to get back to normal. Everyone has stiffness.  You will get a little better each day. 

I am glad you are out of pain.  You will feel much better in a few months.

Keep in touch. 

Pat

[CITY2SOUTH]

Emersonmom,

So glad all is going well for you. I am from NYC (Staten Island) but moved to SC 10 yrs ago. When I was diagnosed with OA in the left hip my first thought was get to NY as fast as possible. I did my research and was going to schedule my appt. with Dr. Su.
Then after more research and finding this site I found  Dr.Gross in Columbia SC (3 hrs from me). He has done I think close to 1500 Hip resurfacing procedures. So I made my appt and actually mentioned Dr. Su to Dr. Gross and he said he knew him and that they had been to seminars and trained together. Well I scheduled my surgery and now I am 1 week post op. walking with 1 crutch and only take a pain pill occassionally at night to help me sleep. I too have difficult sleeping at night and tried twice to sleep in bed but revert to the recliner. It is much more comfortable then sleeping flat on my back. Good Luck with your recovery and life with your new hip.. Isn't it amazing how there was no hip pain immediately after the surgery?

[nwugrad]

Pat, and Emersonmom,

I live in Philadelphia.  I have a appointment to consult with Dr. Mont in Baltimore this week.  However, I when I called Dr. Su's office the first appointment I could get was in Sept, which means that surgery wouldn't be until Nov. or Dec.  Generally, I would be more comfortable having consulted with two surgeons. Assuming the meeting with Dr. Mont goes well is it worth waiting to meet with Dr. Su?  Is there any way you are aware of to get an appointment with Dr. Su any sooner?

[Pat Walter]

Hi

I made a post to your other question - so I am going to copy it here for you.  Same advice to listen to yourself.

Hi

You have to feel comfortable with your decision to have surgery with your doctor.  If you feel you need to talk with several surgeons, do so.  If you meet Dr. Mont and are convinced - go with it.

Dr. Mont normally uses the Wright C+ with the anterior approach and has done over 1600 resurfacings.

Dr. Su uses the BHR with the posterior approach and has done over 700 resurfacings.

It really has to be your decision and what you feel good about.

Both doctors are excellent.  You could see if Dr. Su has any cancellations as Vicky said.  I think if you need more input, just be honest with Dr. Mont.  I am sure he will understand.

Pat