Not sure this is where I should post this but here's my story.
I just came across this site about a week ago. I'm 39yr old male 170 lbs living in Tampa, FL. I found out 4 years ago that I have severe arthritis in my right hip and my left is also very bad. It was also frustrating that no one was able to tell me how this happened, they only said "your so young."
I was a competitive beach volleyball player at the time and very active. I took the bad news in stride because my first child was born and now could devote more time to my family. The pain was not too bad but I realized I should not be jumping and running anymore. I took up surfing and now its the love of my life besides my family.
4 years later my pain has been getting worse and seems to affect me more then I like. Some days are better then others but walking or work around the house are now very limited. I can still surf but I limit how many times I stand up so I'm not in pain the next day. I have spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars on alternative treatments to help me get better. I'm now starting to think there has to be a better way.
I heard about Hip Resurfacing about 4 yrs ago and for some reason I remember being told it was not a good option and not as promising as one thought. I was told to put off surgery as long as I can and have a THR when I can no longer take the pain.
After browsing on this site I am amazed at what I am reading. People are running??? Are you kidding me???? I just want to be an active surfer again and walk around Disney with my family without heading to the hotel after 2 hours.
OK, so where did I miss the boat?? What was I hearing about it not being for me??
Anyways I have alot of research to here but I have some questions already.
I live in Tampa so I'm going to make a appt to see Dr.Raterman. Anyone have experience with him? Cemented vs Un-Cemented.....sounds interesting but how come in a interview with Dr. Raterman he says its not approved by the FDA but I read about others using it? What is all the talk about oversea's surgery on here? Isn't the surgery approved for the USA??
Anyways that's all I can think of now but I'm sure there will be more.
Thank you everyone for the personal stories I have head and look for to learning more.
David
David, welcome to the site! I am a relatively new hip patient as well. I had pain for years before I finally found out this last March that I has basically worn out the cartilage on both hips. I'm a 48 yo female. Sometimes we are just the unlucky ones---there may be no definitive cause of reason. I have mild dysplasia.
I would suggest reading everything you can on this web site -- it is a wealth of information and will help you understand the reasons for the negative publicity and why HR really is a godsend to so many young, active patients.
I would also suggest going with the most experienced surgeon you can find. This is one reason why people discuss going overseas for surgery. There are some pioneer surgeons overseas and they have excellent references. We do have a handful of extremely dedicated surgeons here in the US that do large numbers of HR. For me, it was very important that I went to one of the most experienced surgeons --- I live in Atlanta and saw 3 surgeons here that said they would do my surgery if I wanted it --- but each of them do less than 30 resurfacing a year. So, I went to see Dr. Gross in Columbia, SC. He did my surgery 6 weeks ago and I am having a fabulous recovery. Friends ask why one of the best HR surgeons would be in SC versus Atlanta -- I think he likes living there, the hospital caters to him and his patients AND 70% of his patients travel to see him! He's that good. His life's work is resurfacing.
I wish you all the best. Research everything and don't settle. Find the best surgeon and get your life back! Even at 6 weeks I can't tell you how much better I feel and best of all the arthritis pain is gone.
David
I have been hanging around this site for about one year now as found myself in a similar position to you. I'm also in the minority here in that I have not had surgery yet, but have spent hours soaking up valuable advice.
The summary in my eyes is that resurfacing looks a very good option for the right candidate. The reason it does not get more positive publicity is that there has been so much focus on bad outcomes for those that research now shows were not suited. The single largest risk factor is metallosis, whereby excessive friction between the metal components can cause some very serious medical issues and would necessitate further surgery for a conventional hip replacement. Lawsuits followed and most of the medical profession ran a mile as why risk being sued when conventional total hip replacement surgery is far easier to perform and universally suitable (but far more restrictive as to what the patient can do...)
Research data is now pretty clear that most instances were down to either poor surgery (implanting device at the wrong angle or picking the wrong size cup) or poor choice of patient, which in most instances was one that had bones too small to need a large enough cup to spread the load.
It was a huge learning curve and lots of patients got problems along the way which get the press, but that should not detract from the fact that there are a number of surgeons who have performed 1,000's of these operations and because they are technically skilled and selected patients well, they have had fantastic results. That's why you'll see everyone here imploring the use of well know resurfacers who have performed large numbers and understand how to get it right.
So there you are, that's what I've picked up in 12 months of lurking here. I still think it will be a great option for me and suspect I'll be under the knife within the next 12 months and have got my surgeon lined up, but for now I'm gonna soldier on as even though I feel confident that things will work out well, I'm pretty good at putting up with the pain at the moment, plus now is not a great time for the rehab needed.
David
Quote from: David Holewinski on August 21, 2013, 04:27:20 PM
Not sure this is where I should post this but here's my story.
I just came across this site about a week ago. I'm 39yr old male 170 lbs living in Tampa, FL. I found out 4 years ago that I have severe arthritis in my right hip and my left is also very bad. It was also frustrating that no one was able to tell me how this happened, they only said "your so young."
Hi David, it's a common refrain, not just heard about getting OA, but also about getting a hip resurfacing. It's considered a disease that older people get and somehow looked down upon.
The way I look at it, it's a disease like any other, some get it and some don't. Based on the population that posts here, more active people tend to get it.
Quote from: David Holewinski on August 21, 2013, 04:27:20 PM
I was a competitive beach volleyball player at the time and very active. I took the bad news in stride because my first child was born and now could devote more time to my family. The pain was not too bad but I realized I should not be jumping and running anymore. I took up surfing and now its the love of my life besides my family.
4 years later my pain has been getting worse and seems to affect me more then I like. Some days are better then others but walking or work around the house are now very limited. I can still surf but I limit how many times I stand up so I'm not in pain the next day. I have spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars on alternative treatments to help me get better. I'm now starting to think there has to be a better way.
If you look around the site, we are and were very active in many different areas, before and after the OA and hip resurfacing. There are also some very active THR folks, if you have the right type.
For a younger person who is a good candidate, I believe this is the best procedure. It maintains your bone mass, mirrors the way the natural hip bears weight and if ever a THR is needed, it will be like the first procedure.
I think this is the better way.
Quote from: David Holewinski on August 21, 2013, 04:27:20 PM
I heard about Hip Resurfacing about 4 yrs ago and for some reason I remember being told it was not a good option and not as promising as one thought. I was told to put off surgery as long as I can and have a THR when I can no longer take the pain.
There are many posts here about how HR is a good procedure.
As to the other, seeing how you feel now at 39, and knowing it will get worse, not 'stabilize' but get worse, waiting fifteen years for a THR at 55 means those years will be wasted.
Why not take care of the problem now?
Quote from: David Holewinski on August 21, 2013, 04:27:20 PM
After browsing on this site I am amazed at what I am reading. People are running??? Are you kidding me???? I just want to be an active surfer again and walk around Disney with my family without heading to the hotel after 2 hours.
OK, so where did I miss the boat?? What was I hearing about it not being for me??
There are many active surfers here, they can fill you in. Snowboarders, etc.
I think this is for you. Just do your research until you feel the time is right and you are convinced that this is for you. The right time for this is when you feel comfortable with it.
Quote from: David Holewinski on August 21, 2013, 04:27:20 PM
Anyways I have alot of research to here but I have some questions already.
I live in Tampa so I'm going to make a appt to see Dr.Raterman. Anyone have experience with him? Cemented vs Un-Cemented.....sounds interesting but how come in a interview with Dr. Raterman he says its not approved by the FDA but I read about others using it? What is all the talk about oversea's surgery on here? Isn't the surgery approved for the USA??
I know some folks have gone to Dr. Raterman. Search the posts and you'll see their comments, or message them.
The surgery is approved in the US, but there are some very skilled surgeons abroad, and some folks use them. This is also an international board, with large contingents of active hippies from other countries.
They may have chosen to go to India (Dr. Bose), Belgium, England where some of the best surgeons in the world for this procedure ply their trade. The US has its share of excellent doctors as well.
Look at the stories, post a question like you've done when you need information and we'll be glad to help you.
Quote from: David Holewinski on August 21, 2013, 04:27:20 PM
Anyways that's all I can think of now but I'm sure there will be more.
Thank you everyone for the personal stories I have head and look for to learning more.
David
Hey David,
Everyone made great points. I was in same boat. I am 49 and live in vail adn was a ultraendurance mtn biker and backcountry telemarker along with snowboarding and ski skating. the ironic thing is i am an Emergency room doctor and surrounded by the best orthos around and all of them told me not to have it done. But being 49 and hoping to live another 30 active years and seeing all the dislocated artificial hips over the years i decided to have BHR. Even with my medical background and understanding alot of the research papers i still was hesitant to get it but after reading all the posts on this website i decide to do it . I am 4 months out and the recovery is slower than i thought but i hope in 2 months to be doing alot more.
Right now i am swimming 1-1.5 miles 3x/wk and biking 20 miles/dy 3x/wk. I think it is the way to go especially at your age. I too recieved all the other treatment modalities including stem cells with little success. The way i looked at it if for some reason this doesnt work at least i still have all my bone structure in case i need a THR.
I hope that helps but you need to do your due diligence so that you can make an informed decision and feel good about it.
Good luck.
Eman
Hey David,
I cant really add too much more as you seem to have already received excellent advice :D
One thing you could do though is email your x-rays to a few well known surgeons to get their initial opinion. I emailed mine to Dr Bose and Dr Smet who are both top resurfacing surgeons and are both willing to look at your x-rays through an email. Without going into too much detail, they will be able to give you an initial idea as to whether you are a good candidate for resurfacing. I got a reply from both of them within a couple of days.
Good luck
Anna
David,
Look into it definitely!!! I got about 5 consults before my surgery. I must say that the only one that was a proponent to HR was the Dr who performed the procedure. The other Dr's didn't know enough about it. My recommendation would be to find 2 or 3 Dr's who have actually done A LOT of them and get their opinions. Then choose your surgeon. Pat has a list on this site. Travel out of state if you must to see the most experienced Dr.
My component ( Wright C+) was approved for use by my Ins co. only a couple months before I received it. It has given me my life back and, being only 45 when I had the surgery, it has given me a better outlook on any future surgeries I may need (hopefully not, but just being realistic). I have had it three + years now and do any activities I choose!
Good luck. Look into HR with a passion or you may always regret it. Lu
David, I'm almost 9 months post op with a left Birmingham Hip Resurfacing device. It has a cemented femoral component and a press fit cup that the bone grows into. This device has, by far, the most extensive compilation of data of all the resurfacing devices with more than 15 years. It is also the most successful.
I was in pain and was all set to settle for a total hip replacement. I had also come to the conclusion that sports were done for me but with a total hip replacement, I could at least walk the mall with my family without pain. But then I saw a Smith & Nephew commercial on TV about hip resurfacing and it showed caricature playing soccer and that's when I started my research.
I was excited that this resurfacing device could help me get back to playing soccer, of course at a lower and more recreational level than before. Well, after not even 6 months, it definitely got me back to playing soccer. But my expectations to return at a lower level were TOTALLY WRONG! Yesterday, almost 9 months with my new hip device, I played 90 minutes of intense soccer. It was a small game of 4 v 4. It was full out sprinting, tackling, cutting, starting and stopping. And to boot, I played a 90 minute full field soccer the day before! After one of my teammates saw some of the things I was doing, he joked around asking where he could get one of those hip devices! I am totally astonished too when I think about the level of athletic activity I am enjoying with not even the slightest thought that I even have the device in me.
Chuckm
chuckm - I was really happy to read that post of yours! Like so many others the traditional hip surgeon told me my soccer days were over. At age 58 I'm pushing it but there are several 50+'s in our Sunday morning pickup game, which has become the high point of my week, so I think I've still got a few years left.
At 4 weeks post-op I'm still somewhat in "will I ever be the same again" mode so this really cheered me up.
Thank you all very much for sharing with me your stories and experiences. What I am learning from them is very valuable in this entire process. To actually hear people's personal stories about decision making and recovery and current activity level is a priceless tool that will go along way in this decision.
Look forward to hearing and learning more.
Thank You
David
I certainly echo the advice from everyone but must stress you look at the data from the Birmingham hip resurfacing and the Mcminn centre information. Also take into account he units that have been fitted not all where cold manufactured Cobalt Steel and not all are indeed fitted correctly or the right target group . So this was my conclusion once I had read everything I could find before deciding to have mine done this month.
My expectations of life after surgery
The type of unit suitable to achieve that
The make of that type of unit
The surgeons success rate in my target group and over how many
The Result was clear for me a Mcminn fitted Birmingham hip resurfacing. (BHR )
Now time will tell if I chose wisely , truth is I already move better after 7 days and I've watched the YouTube of him performing this fittment and I understand engineering, I couldn't fail to be impressed and I am.
It's a tough call but to agree with everyone else if your young it's hard to see what other option there is if you want to enjoy an active life when you are best place to do so in your mid life ! ,,, if I was in my 60s then a limp or a traditional THR would be no issue,,, I would still try and get a BHR done if I could though ....
Good luck this is a great site I agree .... (-:
So I've read alot about recovery times being 6-12 months depending on the patient. My question is why? I realize your hip needs to be dislocated. Are muscles cut? Does it take this long for the device to attach with bone?
Also, does anyone have more info on cement vs uncemented? I would like to learn more but not finding much. Is this the way the surgery is headed? Pros and cons?
Thanks
David
The reason for the time, I think is that the bone has to grow into two areas:
The top of the femur, with a metallic cap as part of the implant. The hip bone itself holds the cup that the metal capped femur goes into.
The hip bone cup is not implanted with any glue. The femur cap, for different components is, but some are not.
The reason for the limitation is that at six months, the bone is mostly grown into the hip bone cup and the femur cap. Before that time, the bone is only partially grown in and may fail if overly stressed. I was told that I could do most activities, but had to hold off from heavy impact until twelve months.
Since my preferred activities involve heavy impact, I did not return to those until about 11 months.
There are several bad things that can happen if the joint is pushed too early, so it is wise to hold off until the joint is rock solid.
Thanks for the reply hernanu.
What type of impact things are you now able to do?
Are you happy with your decision?
Thanks,
David
Quote from: David Holewinski on September 06, 2013, 12:20:39 PM
Thanks for the reply hernanu.
What type of impact things are you now able to do?
Are you happy with your decision?
Thanks,
David
Hi David. I think you'll find many people here have gone back to competitive running (sprinting, marathons), riding (cutting, etc.), skiing, surfing and off road motorcycling, powerlifting, cycling. Those are just a small selection, there's many others. Mine and that of several other hippies is martial arts.
I've gone back to full power kicking of a heavy bag for a sustained amount of time. I also weight lift respectably (not like some of our powerlifters, but somewhere below), including leg lifts, presses, etc. Soccer and basketball are also in there.
I don't do a ton of running, but enough to be able to run faster than someone else in case of a bear attack.
So I'm able to do the things I want to do with little thought about the implants themselves. They feel just like a part of the original equipment, and did from the start.
All of those I started at 11 months or so, a bit later than some here, but I think most of us will recommend that you hold off until six months for anything that will provide hard pounding.
Hi David,
Just wanted to chime in regarding length of recovery. You know about the dislocation thing. This is major surgery. Things get cut, moved in and out of position, bruised. Personally my leg was just a log for a week after surgery. Not like alog. A log.
This is major surgery. The body takes time to heal.
Mike
Thanks for the reply.
So after a good workout, game of soccer or basketball, do you feel different in your hip? Maybe some soreness or discomfort? Or does everything feel normal?
Just the usual soreness from a hard workout for me normally. Once in a great while it is a little sore, but nothing that doesn't go away in a bit.
I still feel like I'm improving, so there will be some things that cause 'twinges'. They are few and far between though, and getting fewer.
So most of the time, no soreness or discomfort.
I have my first appt with Dr. Raterman on Tuesday. I'm excited but nervous. I thought I read that a list of questions to ask the doctor are on this site but I can not find them. Anyone help?
Here you go
www surfacehippy.info/questionsfordoctor.php
(Had to break the URL as the board does not let me post URLs)
Hi David...
I'm a relatively new HR person! Just got my right hip resurfaced in Belgium the beginning of July. It is amazing how quickly you recover, well, me anyway, though I have occasional twinges that disturb me when they happen, but NOTHING like the original pain.
I have US insurance and after much negotiating got them to cover me having surgery with Dr De Smet in Ghent, Belgium. There were two other American patients and one Danish guy at the same time. Fabulous care, and much less expensive than the States. Both American's were getting their second hips done and had excellent recovery times.
As the long timers have pointed out....take it slow. Be safe. I feel like I should jump on my bike, but one tumble and it would be all over...so I'll stick to the bike in the gym for a few more months. Seriously, in the long term, better to be safe than sorry!
And not to sound like a parrot....But you'll be glad you did it!!!! Good Luck
David,
I'm 6 years older than you, and also found out about the arthritis 5 years ago. It's a long time to think about this... So I went through different phases: first depression, stopped most sporting activity, in particular running (which I loved). I could not understand why this happened to me, to someone that had been so active, that "needs" to be active.
Early on I heard about the two options: THR (Total Hip Replacement) and HR (Hip Resurfacing). Of course, HR looked so promising as it allows you higher level of activity. But this wasn't clear cut, depending which consultant/surgeon I talked to...
Later, I ignored the condition and decided to keep going for as long as I could. Then, when it started getting worse I felt a lot of anxiety and wanted to tick some boxes (sporting goals) before "it is all over", it was a race against time (and I lost).
At some point, the hip took the decisions for me... I stopped running because there was nothing positive coming out of it, just pain and no gain. Naturally I moved to easier activities on the hip (cycling and swimming), is not the same for me but focused on other goals, and in fact I improved in both!
Eventually, you know it's time. For me it was clear when walking became a chore. I wasn't taking any pills, I still could reach my toes, but I limped and couldn't keep up with people 30 years older than me... At some point you could feel it worsening week after week.
Regarding the solution, this site was a great source of information and encouragement. My only doubts about resurfacing where the metal ion reaction thing and the device recalls. The bad publicity might be exaggerated, but surely this hasn't worked out for some people and can't be denied. The results are not guaranteed.
However, it seems to me by choosing the most experienced surgeon possible, who assesses if you are a suitable candidate, uses a proven device with the best positioning, the odds are on my favor.
So I decided to go for HR (maybe a bit more risky, but potentially more rewarding) vs THR (safer, but definitely restrictive regarding impact activities).
And if I'm unlucky after all, there is still the THR.
I'm not even 3 weeks post op, but I'm already walking 7-8km every day, honestly not pushing it, and no pain. Feeling very grateful and hopeful for the future.
David
I'm another newbie here. I started running long distances in my 20s through to my late 30s luckily enough to run 3 marathons. In my late teens I tore my right cartilage and funnily enough my knee never bothered me running but my right let did have a funny action. Looking back now there was always a little ache in my hips which progressively got worse over the years. At 39 I discovered cycling and still doing it at 50. I remember finding some exotic stretches on the net about 10'years ago for my hip tried them and couldn't move the next day. X-rays shows my right hip was degenerating and was told I would have to have a total hip replacement in due course but delay it as long as I could. my brother in law had a THR performed about 18 months ago and didn't even consider a BHR. About 12 months ago and to this current day I've really struggled and after a cortisone shot, various pain meds and doing lots of research on this forum and others I've having a BHR in November. The first surgeon I consulted doesn't perform HR. I then requested an their opinion and was referred to a local surgeon who advised me of the pros and cons of both and said the decision was mine to make. I actually booked surgery with this chap but he has only performed 150 of these.Its only through this site that I ve been advised to see someone who has performed lots of these surgeries. So I tried to get and see 2 surgeons in Melbourne , however both were overseas and couldn't see me until November.Luckily enough I'm seeing Stephen McMahon in Melbourne later this month and he can fit me in for surgery one week earlier then the other chap.He has also performed over 1000 BHR so he has had lots of practice. I can't wait for the op, a return to cycling and possibly even the odd 5k run down the track, however with 2 knees that have had cartilage surgery I think my running days are behind me. It's a Mazing the array of stories here of people who have returned to active sports after surgery but not all people here are athletes or come from an athletic background.like many others finding this forum and the honest feedback and hip resurfacing as an option is a god send. good luck and all the best in your journey and keep on posting
Cheers
Len
Australia
Running is the only reason I got a hip resurfacing. I am running 30-40 miles a week now and will run my first half marathon post op in a month.
I also won a number of medals earlier this year sprinting - think 100 meter dash - at the Ocean State and Connecticut Senior Games.
My point is that HIP RESURFACING IS WONDERFUL! Do your own research though, dont take my word for it. Also, find yourself an experienced surgeon. Don't let 'them' tell you no, you can never play soccer, or run, or do whatever you want.
Good luck to you.
Quote from: Arrojo on September 30, 2013, 02:00:37 PM
HIP RESURFACING IS WONDERFUL! find yourself an experienced surgeon.
x a million on the experienced Dr !! My resrfaced hip felt 100% normal until it wore out prematurely due to a steep cup angle. I surfed, rode bikes, rode dirtbikes, even raced motocross with it, hiked all over Yosemite, cleaned pools all day, carried heavy crap I wasn't supposed too, bodysurfed, I forgot it was there until the edge loading and resulting metal ion issues caught up to me. Go to a resurface specialist, I would love to try one put in right ! Proper installation is the key ! Don't be part of someones learning curve, its not worth it, travel if you have to. Just my $.02. Good luck ! 8)
Did you have your surgery?
Yes, I have experience with Dr. Raterman. He was one of the first Docs in the country to start doing HR surgery. In fact, he did a hip resurfacing on my right hip just over two weeks ago. I prepared a lengthy narrative for Pat to post on this website. Send me a message with your email and I will email you a copy. You will know exactly what to expect and really be prepared for your appt on Tuesday. In a nutshell, I am extremely pleased with everything about my surgery, Dr. Raterman's practice, the hospital he uses, and all the staff I interacted with. Here is my email. Howief22fl@gmail.com.
--Thank you for the replies and info.
My appt with Dr Raterman last Sept gave me alot of answers. My condition was caused by mild dysplasia in both hips. It was great to finally hear a logical answer to a question 3 previous surgeons could not give an answer for.
I was very impressed with Dr Raterman and was very encouraged that I am an excellent candidate for HR. He was very confident that I could be surfing in 3-4 months, I was expecting him to say 9-12 months. My recovery time would be short and life as normal would not take long. I was disappointed to hear I could not have both hips done at the same time. I would like to both have them done at once but understand why he will not.
This all being said, I do not expect to have this surgery in the near future and this is why. I'm very afraid of having this surgery. Having my muscles cut and dislocating my let and inserting this device. Not really something I see myself going through with unless I am almost forced to.
Also, I read alot of great stories here about how people are living a better life now and so glad they did it. I also read about complications and being in more pain and ions and infections and clicking and problems sleeping etc. it scares me.
Right now I can get by. I have no issues with sleeping. I pop a couple of Alieve and I can still surf, walk around Disney with my kids, and ride a bike. Don't get me wrong, its still painful and bothers me everyday, but I can still get it done. My biggest fear is being worse off after the surgery then before.
I'm hoping to find someone with my condition of dysplasia and age of around 40 who has had a HR to learn more. Many of the threads are helpful but with so many conditions and ages having HR its tough to find out which ones relate to me.
Thanks
Hi David,
I just wanted to chime in that surfing at 3-4 months sounds aggressive to me. I don't surf so take my opinion with a grain of salt. If he is giving you permission to do it then he doesn't think it will risk injury, which is great, but my balance was messed up for a lot longer than 3-4 months. My physical therapist told me that you get some of your balance from your hip and it takes a while to re-learn it. I didn't feel any real athleticism return until the one year mark (when it came rushing back).
I could be dead wrong here. I could golf just fine at four months, but surfing is obviously more demanding. And you are having both done! I would not have been any good at anything that required real balance at 3-4 months. Combination lack of strength and balance.
My one criticism of doctors who perform this surgery is that they haven't had it done themselves and perhaps don't appreciate certain aspects of the recovery. Like mine says you can return to a desk job at two weeks. I was not nearly ready at two weeks. There shouldn't be any expectation that people can return to a full-time desk job at two weeks. People do it, I am sure, and some easily, I imagine; but they have to be in the minority.
My diatribe for the day.
Oh - Isee that you mention you are putting it off. You will know when you are ready; simple as that.
And as for your point about ages; It's a free country and people are entitled to put as little info on here as they want, but I believe this site would be even more useful if more people would put their ages and sex on here. Men and women are different physiologically; it's true in general and with this surgery as well. Also a 28 year old male is going to have more in common with a 30 year old male than a 65 year old one.
My second diatribe.
Good luck,
Mike
Hi David -- I just wanted to wish you the best.
Also --- many if us do have dysplasia -- like you, it's the reason we got to this point in the first place. I do have mild dysplasia of both hips. It's not uncommon, especially in females. Unfortunately it causes your hips to ride in the socket unevenly and that eventually causes diminished cartilage and the osteoarthritis.
I am post op 2 surgeries, 5 months apart. I am 49. I know there are so many horror stories (mixed with great successes). I just want to say that you need to take both sides with a grain of salt and meet it somewhere in the middle. The Internet is filled with all types of folks and thousands of opinions.
You will reach a point where living with the pain and limited ROM is no longer an option for you both physically and emotionally. That is what happened to me -- I wanted to no longer be thinking about the pain, popping the Alleve, Meloxicam or other assorted medication, and I needed to move forward. When you reach that time you will,find your best solution --- be it HR or THR. Either way there are good and bad stories. Best of luck to you.
I scheduled an appointment to see Dr Ratterman next week. This will be my second appt with him. I wanted to have some xrays taken and I am bringing my wife so we can discuss surgery and recovery. Maybe, just maybe, I will put something on the schudule for surgery but I think I will chicken out. We shall see.
Thanks for everyones input and help. So glad I found this site.
David
If you want to talk with someone with more recent experience with Dr Raterman I was just texting a guy who had his hip done two weeks ago. Let me know if you want his contact info. Good luck with the decision.
David-
your story sounds a lot like mine. I was 38 when I had my left hip resurfaced. I never got a straight answer as to what caused my hips to go bad..but my parents told me ashen i was born the doctors said my hips were slightly misaligned.. they had me wear a special brace as a baby... i walked "pigeon toed" and as a very small child but never had any surgery. I was able to self correct the pigeon toed walking...and as a young adult i was 100% normal. played all kinds of sports..had no problems with anything... i played tons and tons of racquetball it was my favorite sport... lots of running, and other physical activity.
in my late 20s i started noticing that one hip was sometimes stiff or had slightly else range of motion after working out or heavy sports. by the time i was 30 it was obvious something was wrong with my hip but i had no idea. i went to the doctor, had X-rays.. they all told me i had signs of OA..but i kept lving life... by the time I was in my mid 30s it was really bad. I was on aleve all the time.. i gave up running.. racquetball. forget it. if i played a game of racquetball... i was in agonizing pain the next day. i was okay with regular walking or day to day activities...
by 35-36 it was horrible. i saw more doctors..finally one recommended HR. I made the mistake of going home and watching a youtube video of how they do the surgery... i was HORRIFIED. like you, i was big chicken and I put if off another year... i told myself I would just deal with the pain and medicate and get by.
like you.. i was seriously worried about doing the surgery and had fears that something would go wrong.. the idea of them tearing apart my hip and drilling on it..frightend me to death. i really was scared to do it.
a year went by and the pain got horrible. i found this site..made some friends online..and some who had recently had the surgery told me the real deal of how it went down..w hat to expect, what not to expect..and alleviated a lot of my fears.
i saw Dr. Gross. I live in CA..so I flew across the country to get hter.e You are a lot closer. give him a all..he is great. he has an uncemented device which is what I had put in.
I can honestly say this - getting my hip fixed was the BEST thing I ever did. I now wish I had done it a few years sooner.. I got my life back..literally. it transformed my life from being somewhat cripped to being 99% normal... i am SO MUCH BETTER than before surgery it is like a miracle. I am not exaggerating. I could not imagine going back to the "old me"...
my other hip is ok..but will likely need to be fixed at some point in the future..it's just not that bad yet. when it gets to that point.. i will have ZERO reservations about doing it.
i was afraid of the pain, fearful of needles, what if I woke up during the surgery, what if i had problems afte.r. you name it.. i worried about it.
i can tell you this - with the way Dr. Gross does things.. I honestly felt NO serious pain before or after the surgery. the worst pre surgery pain was when they put the IV in my arm..seriously. i have a vague recollection of the anesthesiologist coming in to give me a spinal shot..and I don't remember it.. i said hi to him..and was gone. i woke up and said "am i done???"... yeah there was some soreness..but it was different pain. the horrible bone pain.. GONE. I could move my leg again.. i could sit up completely straight for the first time in years.
in 6-8 weeks you are walking again with no cane, no crushes. in 6 months I could run. in 1 year I could do whatever i wanted. i am now 3 years post op and better now than even at year 1 or 2.
the only thing I have issues with is long distance running. if I run too far i still get some funky pain my soft tissue that I believe is scar tissue. i have run a 5k...that's about as far as I go.
I cycle.. did 25 miles no problem. i am thinking of training for a century. i have no doubts i could o one... just need to train the cardio to do it..and get a bette bike! but it's totally in my future.
i am now 41. i have 3 kids. i play sports with them. run, jump.. lift weights.. do one legged squats.. i go to disneyland and walk all over the park.. i used my "map my run" app and the last time we were there I think we walked 12 miles...i could NOT have done that before surgery, now it's no problem.
check my video.. i recently put this together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFCw0zYayyk
only you know when it's the right time to fix your hip... when I was 36, 37.. i was in pain..but not quite ready to do it... gradually the pain got bad enough that the fear of the surgery wasn't enough to hold me back from wanting to fix it...
if the only thing holding you back is the fear of the surgery...find the best surgeon you can..and go for it... i can tell you from my experience.. it was NOT bad. I had a hernia fixed about 10 years ago and that recovery hurt FAR worse than receiving from the hip. yeah, the hernia healed faster...but it was far more painful... knowing what the doctor did to my hip.. ic an't believe how little discomfort I was in.
i would strongly advise you see Dr. Gross. he is a miracle worker and highly .. HIGHLY..experienced in HR. he does free consultations too.
for what it's worth.. WE are in the highest success rate category for this surgery. active men in their 30-40s are the BEST candidates for hip resurfacing and have the best survivorship stats.
if you want to PM me.. go ahead. I'd be HAPPY to give you my phone number and talk to you on the phone... answer any questions you have.
this website was a GREAT resource for me when I was in your shoes. i'm happy to return the favor to people thinking of having the surgery.
good luck!
Sean