Cold Therapy Devices

[Comfortably Numb]

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.

[JHippy]

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

[Comfortably Numb]

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)?

[JHippy]

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

[oldsoccerplayer]

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.

[rburns]

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.

[Tim Bratten]

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

[Dannywayoflife]

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

[lgbran]

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

[einreb]

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.

[rburns]

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

[karlos.bell]

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.

[lgbran]

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.

[oldsoccerplayer]

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

[thinksmall14]

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!

[MattJersey]

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.

[Dannywayoflife]

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

[Boomer]

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

[Dan L]

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

[Tim Bratten]

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