New to Surface Hippy

shabbis · October 20, 2014, 01:20:22 PM

I am a 41 year old male with FAI and HOA in both hips. I was diagnosed in 2012 and was told by a local ortho here in Portland that I would need a THR in both hips and to go as long as I could before getting it done. I felt that wasn't a good enough answer and started to look for other options. I then discovered this site.

I used to be an avid runner (about 45 miles a week) and I surf, ski, road and mtn bike, hike, swim. Pretty much everything... I've had to cut back on most of my activities as the pain is now getting to the point where I need to take action. I have the classic symptoms, groin pain, lower back pain, stiffness in the joints, etc.

After browsing this site and finding the list of doctors, I had an appointment with Dr Pritchett last week. It went really well. He is very unassuming, extremely knowledgeable on the subject, and I never felt like he was try to push for this type of surgery. He just look at my x-rays, gave me the information I needed and answered all my questions.

I asked about the metal ion issue, all of implant type options, THR vs HR. I felt confident that his recommendation is my best option based on all of his answers.

He recommend MoM HR for both hips, starting with the left, the right still has some time. However, I was very impressed with how selective he was for deciding if this type of surgery is the best option for me, or anyone else for that matter. He stated that the

I haven't scheduled the surgery yet, still trying to figure out the best time to have it done. Just wanted to stop in and say "hi" and now be a member of Surface Hippy community.

hernanu · October 20, 2014, 01:25:08 PM

Welcome to the site and congrats on taking the next step.

It's major surgery and should be done when you're ready, but from other hippies here, you've chosen a good surgeon.

As a bihippy rounding into his fifth year, I can tell you that this has been a lifesaver for me.

Pat Walter · October 20, 2014, 01:51:27 PM

Welcome to Hip Talk. Sorry to hear you have hip problems. Dr. Pritchett is an excellent surgeon and is very experienced.

The folks here are very supportive and many have had a hip resurfacing recently. There are also a lot of old pros around that offer help too.

Good Luck.

Pat

dfox · October 25, 2014, 11:25:14 PM

Hi shabbis and welcome to the site.

Sorry to hear about your painful hips and how it has affected your activity. It's great to hear you are considering hip resurfacing.

I have a very similar story as yours. I really didn't like the fact that my activity level was decreasing due to the hip pain. My last run was a painful 1 miler. I decided to move forward with hip resurfacing asap so I could back to an active life for my long term health and enjoyment.

Today, only 5 months post op, I enjoyed a pain free 3 hour mountain bike ride on the trails in beautiful Brown County State Park in Indiana.

Take care,
Dave

Dannywayoflife · October 26, 2014, 07:39:00 AM

Welcome to the group. Dr Pritchett is one of the surgeons who is that good your as near dam it guarunteed an excellent outcome. ;)

livendive · October 27, 2014, 11:08:33 AM

Hey there, I'm new to this site too, and it sounds like we'll be walking almost the same path. I'm a few years older than you (45), but met with Dr. Pritchett on the 17th for the same reasons. FAI and OA in both hips that's been increasingly limiting my activity. I also found Dr. Pritchett very easy to talk to and happy to answer my questions. I'll be having him resurface both hips, starting with the right side in January.

Blues,
Dave

shabbis · October 27, 2014, 03:59:43 PM

Well, I just put in a request to have my left hip resurfaced with a Birmingham MoM hip on Tuesday, 11/25 with Dr. Pritchett. Can't believe this is going to happen..... I was going to wait and do it in January, but I just want to get it over with sooner, hopefully I'll be able to surf next summer.

dfox · October 27, 2014, 04:07:10 PM

Congratulations! Great choice for a surgeon and the device. You will soon be back to doing the things you enjoy PAIN FREE!!

livendive · October 27, 2014, 05:16:53 PM

Nice! I'm getting the same device. I booked my right hip today for January 5th and will probably do the left in mid to late February. I pushed it out till after the first of the year because I'm doing both and might as well do them in the same year. This way I'll only have to pay the annual non-network "out of pocket limit" for my insurance once, plus this way I can max out my flexible spending account for next year and make the expenses tax free. Splitting them up between this year and next would cost me a few thousand extra.