August 8, 2012 I am from Canada too and I just had a bilateral HR, july 3 rd with Dr Koen De Smet in Belgium. I am very happy with the outcome though obviously still in recovery mode(5 weeks ). It is easy to get to Brussels and then Ghent from Montreal as AC flies non stop there. I also checked out the British drs (Mcminn, Treacy). What I liked about Belgium was the post-op follow up stay at the Holiday Inn with daily nurse and Physiotherapy support. Price wise, the British, Belgium and India solutions are alot cheaper than going to the USA- with Dr Bose probably the cheapest (except for the air travel)-though all those surgeons are world renowned

I am feeling really good overall. Did both hips at once-a bit nervous about that-but turned out well. Care in Ghent hospital very good! (food was not-as everyone has commented on). Finished all meds at 3 weeks-glad to get those TEds Off!!! Strange thing is, my left hip which was far worse with OA is really strong now and my right hip which was not as bad, leg is very weak and I do get some pain when I’ve overdone it (?). I’m hoping it’s only muscular-I’m guessing there might have been more manipulation of the muscles on that side-and thus the slower recovery. Consequently, I am not able to drive yet and still need 2 crutches, though at home I do use 1, just so I have a free hand. I think I’m going to get some xtra physio, once I can get out and drive. It’s hard to gauge where I should be with the crutches because of doing a bi-lateral -ie. I don’t have a “good leg”. Having said that, I wouldn’t hesitate to have 2 done at once again.

August 20, 2012 am so relieved to have it over with and very happy at the 6 week mark! Just know that you will feel better gradually not day to day but….. please do your excercises every day-it makes a huge difference and walk ….everyday -short walks 2 or 3 times-don’t have to do marathons!!! This will make a huge difference in how you feel and aid your recovery tremendously. I am having some issues with right leg strength (my left-worse hip, is terrific) so decided to ramp up my excercises to 2x day and it is making a difference . Good luck with everything -you’ve had a lot of obstacles but the worse is over and with some effort and discipline you will start to feel GREAT!

August 21, 2012 I just had Bi-lateral July 3rd in Belgium and I wondered same thing before surgery. Dr. had us up and walking on walker 2 days after surgery-no problem and 3rd day on 2 crutches( elbow). You can adjust the amount of weight you place on hips with crutches and increase accordingly. I am a 58 yr old woman, not as fit as I would have liked due to OA -restricting ROM and a terrible limp for 3 yrs prior. Surprisingly, one manages well with Bi-lateral surgery-perhaps stays on 2 crutches a little longer than singles, as no good hip, but they both feel great once you are up and crutching. As posted on other topics the main healing is the soft tissue and building back muscle strength.

August 23, 2012 I just had Bi-lateral July 3rd in Belgium and I wondered about bilateral patients before surgery. Dr. had us up and walking on walker 2 days after surgery-no problem and 3rd day on 2 crutches( elbow). You can adjust the amount of weight you place on hips with crutches and increase accordingly. I am a 58 yr old woman, not as fit as I would have liked due to OA -restricting ROM and a terrible limp for 3 yrs prior. Surprisingly, one manages well with Bi-lateral surgery-perhaps stays on 2 crutches a little longer than singles, as no good hip, but they both feel great once you are up and crutching. As posted on other topics the main healing is the soft tissue and building back muscle strength.

September 19, 2012 I chose Dr. De Smet due to experience and reputation and ease of travel-there is a direct flight from Toronto to Brussels, stopping in Montreal. After surgery, I stayed at the Holiday Inn for 1 week and had daily physio and nursing visits (this is part of the surgical package). This I found to be very helpful to aid recovery and to prepare for the flight home! After 5 weeks at home I started out- patient physio and this has boosted my recovery further. I have nothing but positives to say about my experience in Belgium -Dr De Smet is extremely professional and competent, as is his team. The hospital staff too were very good.

October 28, 2012 I am now 4 months post -op and doing great! I could not locate any really experienced surgeons with resurfacing here in Ontario- I would really suggest getting the most experienced possible for your surgery! It’s worth travelling further for good results!!!