Larry J Sheeler Hip Resurfacing Dr. Clarke 2007
April 25 was my one year anniversary of hip resurfacing. I am 58 and have always been active and involved in sports. For many years I ran 2 to 3 times per week (just one to two miles). I also play baseball in some tournaments during the summer. Its not that I am an exceptional athlete or runner, it has just always been extremely important to me that I could do these things. Most importantly I love to be out with my kids and now two young grandsons, running around, playing catch or whatever. During 2006 I gradually realized I had a bad hip. I did extensive physical therapy and later had two cortisone shots. Two well respected orthopedics recommended hip replacement. As I researched replacement surgery the consensus information I got was you can do a lot of things after hip replacement, but on every list of things not to do were running, baseball, basketball, etc.
I began researching further and did some internet searches such as “alternatives to hip replacement”. I soon came across Birmingham hip resurfacing and Dr. Clarke’s name. I sent Dr. Clarke an email and to my surprise he responded within one day to have me set an appointment. At this point I was limping badly. Friends and co-workers really felt badly for me.
After the surgery I was religious about following the hip precautions and working hard at physical therapy. The first four weeks were tough but then things got better quickly. I was very anxious to start running but waited for my 6 month follow up visit. At that point Dr. Clarke said I could do whatever I wanted now (just start gradually). That day I walked out of his office and ran a lap around his parking lot to celebrate.
I am currently planning to do a 5K run with my co-workers on May 15. I am registered in a baseball tournament in Cooperstown NY in July. But again, most importantly I have regularly been out with the kids, running around throwing the football, baseball, basketball, etc. I am thrilled and thankful that I found Dr Clarke and had the resurfacing surgery. I would be happy to speak with people who are considering it
Larry J Sheeler
Gloversville, NY 12078