Brian 52 weeks Post Operation Koen De Smet 27th June 2019 Re CERF Johannesburg

12 month X Ray

12 MONTH UPDATE

I’m now 12 + MONTH post operation as I write this and I am walking, cycling and exercising

normally I have adhered to the protocols of physiology and tissue recovery following major trauma

/surgery and have not exposed my hip(s) to impact sports –for the simple reason of self judgement,

conservatism –rather than prosthesis restriction

As previously reported I followed a strict regime of re-habilitation based on external resource

information and education in addition to professional guidance from Koen –my surgeon –and Physio

–I wont repeat the in detail but the following is a precis

WEEKS 1-6

Effectively when a person exercises – particularly resistance weights – you are micro tearing the

muscles – its Ok to be mobile and do the Physio stretches only

WEEKS 6-12

The bone is still progressing through the Osteo Blast stage –and despite ‘’feeling good’’ I was

moderating my activities and exercise to low stress and movement rather than loading

WEEKS 12-26

12 weeks since the operation I felt confident in the Prosthesis and even more so that my surgeon

did a very good job and normal everyday mobility felt great –Id gradually increased activity/exercise

–especially stationary cycling, walking and resistance weights-Id spent 2 months in Spain working as

Flight Instructor –and that helped –lots of walking, lots of good weather

WEEKS 26-52

I decided not to go on my annual Ski Instructing in Europe -as I just was not confident that an

external collision from another Skier (or my own mistake) would be detrimental and I just did not

wish to return to restricted mobility Id experienced as the OA had progressed

COVID 19 reared its ugly head –and with hindsight it was fortunate I had not gone skiing –otherwise

Id have been locked down in Northern Italy for months

I was fortunate that back in UK I could at least still go out Cycling and help others as an NHS

Volunteer –which gave me a great deal of satisfaction and ‘’purpose’’ –it also was interesting as I

was talking to people who’d had a THR at the NHS local trust–and I have to say their outcomes

shocked me –and made me realise Id definitely made the correct decision to have a re-surface with

Koen –out of 6 patients –ALL have leg length differences –2 had infections –resulting in one having 3

further revisions –and another almost lost her leg

WEEK 52

Koen emailed to ask the group (4 ) whod had the Re Cerf in June 2019 to obtain Pelvic,AP, and False

profile X Rays –I asked my NHS GP for a referral –it was granted –but the lead in time was not

available

WEEK 54

Given an undetermined timeline to get NHS X Rays I decided to have the X Rays privately –I called 2

local Private clinics –and a referral from my GP –and within 24 hrs had all 3 X rays (cost £310) –the

day after received via email and I onpassed to Koen for review and his feedback was all ‘’Positive’’

LOOKAHEAD

I have the opportunity to go Sailing UK –Gibraltar in August-so based on the positive outcome I am

now happy to get Koens feedback and look forward to hopefully getting the most out of Life I can –

even as an old man!!

CONCLUSION

Hip –or any other –Arthritis is debilitating and destructive –it robs the individual of the ability to

function

As it is not initially visibly obvious –externally empathy and support is rare

The restriction on leading a life once taken for granted is also mentally challenging –and also

destructive

I see people all the time now struggling with arthritis and I wish I could have a magic wand I could

help them with –as I empathise what they are experiencing

Its easy –too easy—to just accept the status quo and ‘’soldier on’’ –but the longer it is left

unresolved the worse it gets –and also the window(s) of opportunity pass by to get the best option

to treat the issue –it takes courage –but one thing is certain –if it is left –it will get worse –and

hopefully one day will be that day you (as an arthritis sufferer) realise this and make the correct

decision for you

Research Research –and Research again –dont just take the first option you are given –or perhaps

railroaded into –especially if the option appears to cost you nothing (eg on the NHS) –but ask

yourself this –you have so many years left to live –GET THE BEST AVAILABLE –and in my humble

opinion Koen D Smet IS THE BEST AVIALABLE-you will realise this hopefully if you have a dialogue

with him and his team –he is a very ethical, caring and not least professional surgeon

Very Best Wishes

Brian

24th July 2020