TKD/Recovery After Hip Resurfacing

[hernanu]

So it seems that there are two doctors in my area with similar levels of experience with BHR. Both say they have done 500+ procedures and I've made appointments to meet with them both.
SO how do I decide which one to go with? What should I use as my criteria?

Hey justabill - just saw this, glad that you're taking steps forward.  We have a lot of martial artists who have graced this site (thanks Pat).  John C is right, the best thing for information is to go there and check out how things have gone, and how they got back to working out.

I've got a black belt in TKD, am rounding into my tenth year after having both hips resurfaced, and went back to full workouts about 12 to 14 months after the last surgery (they were three months apart).

If you're interested, my particular sojourn is here https://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/index.php?topic=2010.msg59329#msg59329, but any of the stories is just as informative as mine.

I'm very thankful I went this way, just to have the opportunity to be active and whole again.

It is very important to choose a good surgeon, so I'm glad you're doing your due diligence. The best of luck.

[Justa Bill]

Thank you.. I'll look at your post..
I really have to have surgery. It's to the point now that I can't walk without a cane or crutches, anymore. And NSAIDS aren't doing a thing for me.

So it seems that there are two doctors in my area with similar levels of experience with BHR. Both say they have done 500+ procedures and I've made appointments to meet with them both.
SO how do I decide which one to go with? What should I use as my criteria?

Hey justabill - just saw this, glad that you're taking steps forward.  We have a lot of martial artists who have graced this site (thanks Pat).  John C is right, the best thing for information is to go there and check out how things have gone, and how they got back to working out.

I've got a black belt in TKD, am rounding into my tenth year after having both hips resurfaced, and went back to full workouts about 12 to 14 months after the last surgery (they were three months apart).

If you're interested, my particular sojourn is here https://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/index.php?topic=2010.msg59329#msg59329, but any of the stories is just as informative as mine.

I'm very thankful I went this way, just to have the opportunity to be active and whole again.

It is very important to choose a good surgeon, so I'm glad you're doing your due diligence. The best of luck.

[hernanu]

Thank you.. I'll look at your post..
I really have to have surgery. It's to the point now that I can't walk without a cane or crutches, anymore. And NSAIDS aren't doing a thing for me.

So it seems that there are two doctors in my area with similar levels of experience with BHR. Both say they have done 500+ procedures and I've made appointments to meet with them both.
SO how do I decide which one to go with? What should I use as my criteria?

Hey justabill - just saw this, glad that you're taking steps forward.  We have a lot of martial artists who have graced this site (thanks Pat).  John C is right, the best thing for information is to go there and check out how things have gone, and how they got back to working out.

I've got a black belt in TKD, am rounding into my tenth year after having both hips resurfaced, and went back to full workouts about 12 to 14 months after the last surgery (they were three months apart).

If you're interested, my particular sojourn is here https://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/index.php?topic=2010.msg59329#msg59329, but any of the stories is just as informative as mine.

I'm very thankful I went this way, just to have the opportunity to be active and whole again.

It is very important to choose a good surgeon, so I'm glad you're doing your due diligence. The best of luck.

To your questions about the two surgeons, I think Pat has a list of questions to ask that is pretty thorough, I'd look at that.

For me, I would want to know:

• The number of revisions from his/her surgeries
• How often he/she does it. The more frequent (2-3 per day) the better. They have to remain in practice
• What does he/she recommend for recuperation.
• Who trained him/her
• How is after care handled? How many times will you need to go back for inspection

Good luck. I'd also want to know what he/she thinks of resurfacing.

[Justa Bill]

Thank you.

[Mikek]

Hernanu has it right.  Ask about revision rates and training for BHR.
I let my right get to where I was on a cane.  Once the pain merely laughed at NSAIDS, diclofenac got me to surgery day.

[Justa Bill]

I've been on a cane/crutches for a month now. NSAIDS don't do anything. That includes Meloxicam and Diclofenac.. Cortizone injection helped for about 3 days...
I have an appointment with Dr Jacobs at Good Samaritan in Baltimore this morning.
My fingers are crossed.

[John C]

On a side note, I would be very cautious about any further cortisone injections prior to hip surgery. Some studies have indicated that it is not a good idea in the months prior to surgery. Maybe something to mention to whichever surgeon you decide on.

[Mikek]

Standard protocol is no surgery for 3 months after a cortisone injection.  I tried one to get me through last summer, and it delayed my surgery without helping much.

[John C]

Thanks for chipping in Mikek. I believe that the study I read showed that cortisone injections could affect the outcome of hip replacements in general, going out six months in that study. Three months would seem like a minimum delay based on that report, but I am sure that different surgeons have different protocols based on their own experience.

[Justa Bill]

Hi Everyone.
I just wanted to give an update on my situation.
I met with Dr. Jacobs on Friday and talked with him for quite a while discussing HR and THR.  He admitted that he doesn't do many HR's anymore but said he would be willing to do it on me. HOWEVER, he also went over the data, and lack thereof, regarding both HR and THR.
Well, long story short, I have decided to go with THR. First off, it's success rate is as high, if not higher, than HR. Second, there are few surgeons with enough experience around here to make me comfortable with that choice. As well, he explained that revision of a HR if there's a problem with the cup/socket portion, is MUCH harder to deal with than a THR. And that trying to remove it is very destructive.
I would have considered other surgeons outside the area, but that is not at all feasible for me.
Anyway, my surgery is scheduled for April 30.  Wish me luck..

[jimbone]

Best of Luck Bill, orthopedic surgery is a challenge in any form and there are some damn good surgeons who can provide you a first class THR.   The two are kith and kin as i see it so let us know how things work out.  You're sure to do fine [this is a well developed procedure], let us know how things are working out. Stay calm- the surgeons know what they're doing- research all the life/house prep you'll want ready for the operation and recovery, and best wishes.

[Saddlepal3]

Good luck with everything! You have done your research and thought things through. For what it’s worth, I have a THR in one hip and an HR in the other. They both work great!

[Mikek]

Best of luck, and I hope you keep us apprised of your recovery. 
Given how much pain you're in now, I suspect you'll be smiling by the day after surgery.

[Justa Bill]

The day of surgery is upon me. As I sit here, unable to sleep, my nerves are a wreck. Man, I hate surgery. And this will be the most invasive yet.  But in less than 5 hours, I will have crossed the Rubicon.

[Rn2md]

Good luck! If you can, post on your progress, especially as you’re returning to your activities.

[Justa Bill]

What a day yesterday was...
I checked into the hospital at 5:30 am. I left the hospital at 5:30 pm. And had a hip replaced and PT all in that time.  Modern medicine is amazing. According to the surgeon and his PA, the surgery went without a hitch.

Unfortunately, my leg is VERY sore today. The doc used the Direct Anterior approach for the procedure. That way, he didn't need to cut any muscles or tendons. But my thigh is SCREAMING today. Is that normal?

[Pat Walter]

Congratulations on the new hip.  It will take time to heal, even with the anterior approach. Just take it easy since you still had major surgery.  Sometimes the site hurts more thru a smaller incision since they have to stretch and work through a smaller space.  It will all get better soon.
Looking forward to your updates.

Since you had a THR, I believe, would start your recovery story in the THR TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT SECTION. Also mention your surgeon and anterior approach in your new post.   https://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/index.php?board=48.0   It just helps people look at the discussion group and find different types of stories and problems more easily.
I wish you the best.