Dr. Bose or Dr. De Smet

[thea]

Hello to all,

This is my first post to Hip Talk. I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritus two years ago and told that I needed a THR, but through my research have found that I am a good candidate for hip resurfacing. I am very excited to get the procedure done. My dilema...I have been in contact with both Dr. De Smet and Dr. Bose and am having a hard time deciding on which surgeon to go with. The only differences that seem apparent are that India is somewhat less expensive, but greater travel distance, and that Dr. De Smet has done more surgeries. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. I have given myself until Sept. 1, to decide.

Thanks Thea

[Pat Walter]

Welcome Thea

I hope you didn't mind that I started your email as a new topic.  It will be easier for new people to find this way.

You are choosing between 2 of the best doctors in the world. I had the same delima back in 2005.  I live in Ohio and felt the plane trip would be 22 - 28 hours to India.  I hate to fly, so I decided on Belgium because it was only 8 1/2 hours away.

It somewhat depends on your own feelings.  I felt it would be more interesting to me personally, to visit Europe.  I have never travel in my life before.  I was 61 and thought Belgium sounded a little more like home than India.  At the time I went, March 2006, Dr. De Smet was going to cost me and my husband about $16,000.   That is exactly was it was. $13,500 for the medical part and the rest for plane fare, food and lodging.  The cost to Belgium has increased some since I was there.

Many of done Dr. Bose for $10,000 to $12,000  It depends on where you stay for your post op recovery.

You can't make a bad decision between the two.  Although Dr. De Smet has done over 2400 hip resurfacings and Dr. Bose over 800, they are both fantastic.

English is the common language in Belgium. Most people there know some.  Other languages are mainly French and Dutch, but all use English as the common language.

You can read my whole 65 page book about my Belgium experience by downloading it free here  http://www.surfacehippy.info/belgium&mybhrebook.php

You can read a lot of personal stories from Dr. Bose patients here  http://www.surfacehippy.info/hipstories.php

If you want more info about Dr. Bose, I will ask Vicky to post info to you. She has been to India twice. Had her hip done by Dr. Bose and could not be happier.  She helps a lot of people going to India.

You will have to think about it in your own mind.  Weight the pros and cons and you will get a feeling for what seems right for you.  If it is just an economical decision, India is less expensive.  I felt that even the $16,000 total was a good deal.  We are very deep in debt, but I felt it was the best investment I could make in my own health.

Please keep in touch and let me know what other questions you might have.

Pat in Ohio
3/15/06 LBHR De Smet