My Chicago Journey for a new hip

Arlenmba · October 11, 2022, 08:33:06 PM

So I'm scheduled for resurfacing on Oct 21st. 2022

This site has been super helpful with information and reading stories from others.
Thought I would blog about my journey to help others in the future.

My left hip has been an issue for few years. Have had to sleep in different positions. Could not do lunges
when weightlifting. Squats; my lift leg sorta collapses inward. But i worked thru it.
Had been doing CrossFit and mini triathlons for awhile. I wrestled in college, and did MMA for awhile also

Around March; something felt a lot worse around my left hip. Also had a bad pain through my low back.
Got x-ray with same Dr #1 that gave my uncle a hip replacement. He said I was bone on bone. Had an obvious bone spur on the X-ray and an MRI revealed a torn labrum (which I may or may not have had for awhile).
Whatever the case, now it was a big problem and I had a noticeable limp.
He gave me a steroid shot, and recommended I see another Dr about possibly scoping the hip.

The other Dr. #2 refused to scope it. Said it was too far gone. Needed new hip.
I asked about resurfacing then, but he just said no. I thought it was because the hip was too far gone for resurfacing also.
So I scheduled the hip replacement for Sept 28th (I had some work obligations that prevented me from scheduling sooner). And I also got a deep shot into the joint (the shots did nothing for me)

During the summer I did more research, and I realized that resurfacing is a niche' operation.
My bosses boss saw me limping around and we talked one day. He said he had resurfacing done 10 years ago.
So I set up appointment to see his Dr. #3, He looked at all my x-rays and MRI, and told me what probably happened to my hip and why it degenerated. But he had not done a resurfacing in about 3-4 years.
He said it's a good operation, but I should get someone who has done them regularly.

So I went to Dr #4 and he is listed on this site in a few places.
He said I was a great candidate for the surgery and we set up a surgery for Oct 18th.
But he wanted $5000 before the surgery (regardless of insurance) and the surgery was in Wisconsin at a surgical center. I was set for that, until they called me on my Birthday (Sept 14th) and said the surgery was canceled because the insurance I have would only cover if surgery was in a hospital. And the quickest they could do a Hospital surgery was Dec 28th this year. And I would still owe the $5000 pre surgery fee (they said the insurance typically does not cover the robot he would use).
I have really good insurance, and by now was tired of limping around work.

So I found Dr #5 (Craig Della Valle) Rush Hospital
He is set to do BHR posterior surgery on Oct 21st in suburban surgical center (I hate going in the city).

I am 51 years old. About 225 lbs. 5'10".
Just had my pre operation physical.
BP was 122/77. 42 pulse.
No allergies or other medical conditions

I'll keep you updated with how it goes.

Pat Walter · October 12, 2022, 08:03:47 AM

Welcome to Hip Talk. Thank You for sharing your story. Many people will read it as you continue on your hip resurfacing journey. I wish you the very best.
Pat

Marco Polo · October 14, 2022, 05:31:36 PM

Dr. Della Valle resurfaced my right hip in March, 2013. He is an excellent surgeon and my hip still feels great.

Arlenmba · October 22, 2022, 01:48:22 AM

Well I had my Left Hip resurfaced today by Dr Della Valle (at Rush Oakbrook surgical center).
It was scheduled for 8:45am. I arrived at 6:45 am. Check in was smooth. Everyone was nice.
Got an epidural for my lower half and "twilight" for upper half during surgery.
Woke up about 11:00am. Quickly had a Diet Coke (needed caffeine, Lol) and a gatorade (was very thirsty).
PT came and we went for a walk on the walker. Felt like a pulled butt muscle and the leg just didn't respond (nor able to take a lot of weight). But the deep pain from arthritis was gone.
I drank 2 more bottles of gatorade (so thirsty). Was finally able to pee (it was dark brown).
And I was getting in my car to go home (Dad was driving) at 12:45pm.
Home by 1pm. Amazing

PalmettoGolfer · October 27, 2022, 08:00:03 PM

"....I arrived at 6:45 am...."

"Home by 1pm. Amazing"

Just think about what was done and then think about those 2 statements. It truly is amazing!

I had mine done about 16 months ago, similar experience, except for the peeing......unfortunately I was cath'd (ugh)

Follow you Drs instructions and all should be well. I don't regret my decision and as you recover you'll more than likely feel the same way.

Good luck!