Hip Resurfacing in covid times

[doubledutch]

My story started 6 years ago when I was diagnosed with a stress fracture in my femur. I was fitted with a DHS (Dynamic Hip Screw). I was able to do most things after my rehabilitation but running became painful and not worth it. My hip then deteriorated in as much that in Oct 2020 I was put on the waiting list for a hip replacement and the removal of my DHS.
Having heard of Dr Koen de Smet from my sister who had a BHR 12 years ago I enquired about the possibility of me having one. With the hip screw and being 62 I was not hopeful but Koen de Smet was very positive and couldn’t see a problem.
I travelled from the UK on the 17th/18th November 2021 to Knokke-Heist and had my preop on the 18th Nov. My operation the next day was around midday. The whole process was very slick and efficient, the new hospital was well designed and the operating theatre was very well integrated on the same floor. I can only remember that the anaesthetist said she was going to put me under and that was it. I can’t remember when and where I came round.

I got out of bed on day 2 and had a little walk on this giant walking frame. I managed to get to the toilet myself later that day using the smaller version. On day 3 I walked with my crutches, tried the stairs and was declared fit to go home. Home for me for the next week was going to be an AirBnB nearby. I attended physio at the hospital for the next 4 days and I improved greatly every day. The physio facilities at the hospital are also well designed and spacious with great physios.  I travelled home a week after my operation by car and ferry to the UK.

I am now 3 weeks post-op and I walk with one crutch 2km a day. I do my exercises frequently and some of them are still uncomfortable but don’t really hurt. I can put both my socks on and I can walk up and down the stairs easily without doing the ‘Heaven and Hell’ routine. I can cycle for 30 min every other day on my indoor turbo bike.
In summary so far my experience has been great and I would greatly recommend this treatment for anyone who is active, healthy and fit with a good bone structure. Age should not necessarily be the only factor. Covid measures were well implemented and followed by all the staff as well as reminding us to wear our masks in public areas.
Koen de Smet and their team are great and will look really after you! And yes the food in Knokke-Heist is really the best I have ever had in any hospital!

[LDub]

Hey Doubledutch

Glad to hear your resurfacing went so well. I was in Belgium for resurfacing with Dr. DeSmet on Sept 24th (2021) and my experience mirrored yours. I am 10 weeks post op now and I'm extremely happy with the outcome. The day to day improvement has been amazing. I'm also still in touch with the other 5 resurfacing patients I met in Belgium and everyone has been recovering very well.

I agree with you about the food too! It was amazing for a hospital. I can't say I "enjoyed" my stay in the hospital. But it was certainly as enjoyable as it could possibly be :).  Enjoy your speedy recovery! I'm certainly enjoying mine :).

Cheers,
LDub

24/09/2021  RBHR (ReCerf CoC) Koen De Smet