Dr Scott Ball surgery in November

[DelMarSurfer]

I've got surgery scheduled with Dr. Scott Ball this coming Tuesday (11/13) to resurface my right hip. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm 40 years old and I've been researching the hip resurfacing the past three years. I saw two leading hip specialists that told me the Total Hip Replacement was the only solution and that I would never surf again. Well I hope to be back in the water in early 2008. I had planned to go to Belgium but after meeting Dr. Ball I felt very confident in his knowledge and experience so I chose to stay close to home and have my insurance (Blue Cross) help pay the bill. He took time to listen to every concern I had and answered every question, and believe me after reading the message boards from prior surface hippy's I had lots of questions.

I'm 6' 2" and 235 lbs. and I HATE needles or anything to do with getting cut. You know the bigger they are the harder they fall. In any case thanks to everyone for sharing information, it has been invaluable in my decision making and given me the confidence to get this done.

I'll let you know how things go!

[Pat Walter]

Hi

I want to wish you good luck with your upcoming surgery Tuesday.  Many hippies like Dr. Ball.

I made your post a new subject since you might want to post more of your story after surgery.  If you want to blog your story, let me know and I will set you up a blog of your own.  You can also just join if you want to.

There normally is not a lot of pain with a hip resurfacing surgery.  I asked that I be put out so I did not know what was happening during surgery.  I asked to make sure I woud not get nauseated.   I fell asleep before I left my room and awoke many hours later in my room with a brand new BHR. I don't remember any major pain because I am so easily dopped up with morphine or heavy meds.  They make sure you don't hurt.  If something is not working and you hurt - ask for more meds.  If that doesn't work - yell or scream for more help.  You should not be hurting after surgery.  Some people have had to change the meds until they found one that worked for them.  Don't be brave or bashful - ask for what you need if you have a problem.

You will be amazed how quickly you can walk and get around with a new hip.  We were taught to do stairs the second day and out of the hospital in 2 1/2 days.  No pain - no problems.

I wish the same easy recovery for you.  Keep us posted.

Pat