FDA approved device and experienced hip resurfacing doctor

[stevel]

Nearly 18 months post-op update:

I am attaching a photo of me at the top of the East Bowl ridge, Eaglecrest ski area, Juneau, Alaska enjoying the sun and an Alaskan Amber Beer.
I hiked from the Black Bear chairlift exit some 750 ft elevation below to the peak at 3000 ft.  I carried my skis and a knapsack with lunch, two thermoses and a few beers.
This concluded four days of skiing after running 30 minutes on the treadmill at a 10 minute mile pace on Wednesday night.  Needless to say, I am quite pleased with the results of my new left hip resurfacing, as I am back to full impact athletic activity with no reservations or aches and pains (other than some aching Wednesday night from running on the treadmill, which I haven't done for a while).  I even crashed in 12 inches of powder on Friday.  Life is sweet :)  Hats off for a perfect BHR placement by Dr. Su.

[stevel]

22 months post-op update:

Last night I jogged on the treadmill for 20 minutes at a 10 minute mile (6 MPH) pace and I had absolutely no aches in the hip joint afterwards.
I warmed up with a fast pace walk for 5 minutes and stretched afterwards.
I haven't jogged on the treadmill for several months as I was having hip joint aches afterwards.  I have been exercising on the elliptical machine and recombinant bicycle.
I believe soft tissue repair and bone densification continues up to two years post-op.
Maybe tonight I will try jogging outdoors along the dirt shoulder of a scenic highway, something I haven't done in ten years.

[sroberts]

Steve,

Congratulations!!  Keep up the good work! I found trail running much easier on the hip. And I agree with you about feeling much stronger at 2yrs than 1yr post op.

take care,

spencer

[stevel]

Spencer,

Oops! I meant a 10 minute mile pace or 6 MPH.
Still, I'm happy with the results with no aches.

[stevel]

Two year anniversary:

Dr. Su evaluated my hip x-rays taken at two years post-op and said "X-rays look terrific.  Bone and implant are SOLID!!
So I celebrated today by running outdoors along the dirt shoulder of a favorite stretch of road.
I ran 3.6 miles in 34 minutes which is about a 9 1/2 minute/mile pace.
I haven't ran this leg for about 10 years due to the deteriorating left hip.
This matches the workout on the treadmill.
No problems during or after the run.
I am attaching a photo which shows the view along this stretch of road.
Sure beats the drudgery of the treadmill.
I feel completely rehabilitated and expect to enjoy active sports for years to come.

[Pat Walter]

Happy 2 Years, Steve!  Glad you are doing well and getting great use out of that hip.  Dr. Su is definitely one of the best in the US.

Good Luck.  Thanks for updating us.

Pat

[stevel]

Two years five months update:

My partner and I won A bracket doubles at the Alaska State Doubles Racquetball Championships last weekend.  I have been playing racquetball since last October after a 15 year break.  Last Fall, I had some lower back fatigue and strains as I was getting used to playing racquetball again and breaking in my new left hip resurfacing and surrounding muscles.   Last month, I played three singles matches in one evening without any issues.  Next up is the Alaska State Singles Racquetball Championships in early April.  So life is great to play the active sports (skiiing, hunting and racquetball) again with the new hip resurfacing parts!

[newdog]

Amazing! It's great to hear from you "old" hippy vets. LOL! It's very inspiring and reassuring. Wonderful post!

[stevel]

2 years 6 months update:

Results of blood chromium test 1.4 ug/L (ppb) and blood cobalt test 1.4 ug/L (ppb).
Dr. Su's PA Brett, says the results are well within normal range.
I've been skiing alot the past two seasons and played racquetball this season and I'm delighted with the blood test results.
I'm home free and only have to wonder how long the device will last? (20, 30 or more years since the long term data is unknown but the indicators are positive for a lifetime of use).

[hernanu]

Great to hear your updates! I'm only 7 months and 4 months along (both were done), so it's really good to hear your story. Please keep posting updates.

[newdog]

Thanks for the update. Please, more, more!!

[stevel]

2 years, nearly 8 months update:

Yesterday, during a rigorous blue grouse hunt in the alpine and snow, I heard occasionally heard squeaks from my left hip when crossing logs, etc.
Last night, when rising from bed to go to the restroom, it squeaked once.
This AM, when rising from bed and stooping over, it squeaked once.
I have never heard any squeaks during the entire post-op period, until now.
I read Dr. DeSmet's discussion of squeaks for some patients during the break-in period, up to 2 years post-op.
I thought it was odd to hear these squeaks for the first time at 2 years 8 months post-op.
I did get a bit dehydrated during the hunt, since I'm not always close to water, which may have contributed to the sqeaks.
Any comments?

[moe]

Steve, I think dehydration may definitely play a part in the squeaking, that metal needs fluid. Take a water bottle or camelbak next time and see how it goes. I'm a cyclist and drink constantly, I prefer Guinness post ride.

Hope this helps, moe

[Tin Soldier]

Steve - those are some sweet metals concentrations.  Lots of fuss now with the new FDA request for more data partly on metallosis.  A few of us have gotten a little concerned.  As Newdog says, your stories are inspiring.

Thanks   

[stevel]

Three year anniversary:

I am attaching a photo of a 6 x 5 Roosevelt elk I bagged on Mt. Shakes, Etolin Island, SE Alaska on October 1, 2011.
The hunt entailed hiking up a 60 degree forested slope to the alpine, then hiking a mile across the top of the mountain to bag the elk.
My partner and I each staged 3-4 loads (80 pounds plus) to pack the meat, cape and antlers to the base camp at Lake 1314 (elevation).
We completed the pack on October 6 and returned to Ketchikan.
My hip squeaked a bit after the kill, then the sqeaking diminished over the next couple of days and didn't squeak at all on the last pack.
I had no discomfort in the muscles and I didn't need any ibupropen.
So I am completely rehabilitated for the new left hip as I have accomplished the most rigorous feat to date.

[B.I.L.L.]

Nice. I'm not much of a hunter but I am a carnivore extroidinaire. Whats the best way to cook elk ? I can honestly say I've never eaten elk before. But I live in so cal with all the conservative fruitcake liberal greenies who would freak if elk showed up in the supermarket hahaha. How does it compare to the cows and pigs we eat down here ? I thought I heard it somewhere it was a lot less fatty ?  Glad your hip is trouble free !!

[Lopsided]

Good to see a hippy in situ.

Incredible scenery.

My hip squeaked a bit

I am sure the elk squeaked too.

D.

[hernanu]

Great story, Steve - only time I'll say this to a guy or woman - nice rack!!

Great to see your hip doing so well, looks like you're having a great time. That was quite the test for the hip, seems like the squeaking for a "healthy" resurface is more from dehydration (need that synovial fluid).

The fruitcake liberal greenie  ;D who would still like to taste Elk (meat lover),

Hernan.

[Dannywayoflife]

Thats a nice beast stevel! Its one of the things on my bucket list to go hunting in alaska! We just dont get beasts like that on my side of the pond!
All The Best Danny

[stevel]

Hi Bill,

We cooked elk tenderloin steaks at the alpine camp and they tasted great! Different from deer or moose but very good.  The steaks were a bit tough so I am having the butcher tenderize the rest of the steaks.  This is the first elk I have taken but I have eaten lots of deer and moose.  I don't eat much pork, beef and chicken since I eat moose, deer, elk, grouse, ducks, geese and cranes.  I supplement the wild meat with wild seafood such as crab, salmon, halibut, rockfish, razor clams and shrimp.  Wild meat is lean and tasty and my cholesterol numbers are consistently low.  Locally, Fred Meyer carries commercial Bison and another store carries commercial Elk so you might check your local grocery stores for availability.