Trying to decide what to do

[good2go]

hello all.

im new to the site.  its been informative and helpful.

i turn 47 on tuesday.  i am into sports.  i had an injury to my left hip playing golf several years ago and my condition has gradually deteriorated to the point where i now walk with a limp, and the range of motion is very limited.  i was regularly jogging until early this year.  i also was in denial, hoping it would just go away or get better, but its not.   its definitely getting worse.

i finally went and got xrays this week which clearly show degeneration of the injured hip socket.  the pain is now constant, like a dull ache.  its had the effect of reducing my activities to the point where im losing overall conditioning.  im not  taking any meds, but the doctor suggested anti-inflammatory in combination with paracetamol.

i have yet to send the xrays to any of the recognized specialists for diagnosis, but i hope the procedure is applicable in my case.  btw, has anyone posted xray photos of their condition before the op?  i havent found any on the site.

unfortunately, i dont have insurance.

good luck george!

[Pat Walter]

Hi George

Some of the doctors will give you a free evaluation if you send them your story and x-rays via email.  X-rays in a digital format in a .jpg format.

Some people have their x-rays posted in their stories, but it really doesn't tell you much.  You need the experienced surgeons looking at your x-rays to give you good information about whether you are a candidate or not.

You are young at 47 and unless there is something unusual about your hip or it is too degenerated, normally a person your age would be a candidate.  Again, only a doctor can tell you for sure.

Check my list of doctors  http://www.surfacehippy.info/listofdoctors.php

If you are not rich, you will probably have to go overseas like many of us have done.  India with Dr. Bose is the least expensive at about $10,000 to $12,000     Dr. De Smet of Belgium is about $20,000 these days.

Here are some articles about the cost of going overseas http://www.surfacehippy.info/costofhipresurfacing.php

Here are personal resurfacing stories from all of the doctors mentioned  http://www.surfacehippy.info/hipstories.php

Dr. Bose, De Smet and the US doctors like Dr. Su, Mont, Gross, etc will give you a free email consultation.  Several will then call you on the phone and talk with you.  You can find their email address on the list above.

The overseas doctors normally get back to you very quickly.  The US doctors sometimes take a little more time.

Good Luck.

Pat

[TomBuell]

Hi George - Welcome to Surface Hippy. Obviously if you're paying for it yourself, you'll have a lot more say about the procedure. I highly recommend it. I'm an active 52-year-old, and I'm 6 weeks post-op. I'm feeling better every day.
Where are you located?
- Tom

[dgm]

You are definitely checking in the right place - this site is a wealth of information and support.  There are many doctors that you can mail your xrays to and they will do a consult for no charge.  I'm 46 and went from running marathons to barely being able to walk without crying.  I had surgery 6 months ago today and have been pain free ever since.  I did have insurance with a high deductible and that was the best money I ever spent.  I would have paid every cent if I had to in order get back my quality of life!  Check out the doctors on this site and ask lots of questions.  Everyone is happy to help with your questions, share their experiences and Pat and Vicky are so knowledgable and supportive!

Good luck to you!
Denise