Help.........!!!!!New to SURFACE HIPPY.(atl2013)
I was told I have a badly positioned Corin Cormet Hip Resurfacing device. Been a year now and still in pain,seems I have to give up my metal on metal hip resurfacing for a Total Hip Replacement ceramic .I have just received this aweful news after series of setbacks and endless despair. I now have to choose an in network doctor (I have HMO insurance )...I 'm so clueless right now and this really has me shaken up.
Can anyone give any advice here. Any good or should I say Top Surgeons in Atlanta,Georgia.Does anyone know?
ATL2013
Hi, sorry you're having to deal with this. Not from the area, so I'll leave it to folks that know it, but welcome to the site, despite the news.
Several of our hippies have had revisions or gone to total hip, they are doing well, so the alternative is a good one.
Have you thought of Dr. Gross in Columbia, SC? At the least he can give you some good advice.
Welcome again, please let us know how you're doing.
Really hope I can get sum info to help me .
Thanks for the kind words HERNANU.
I am sorry to hear about your issues. I am from ATL and am a RN. The two top joint (hip) replacement surgeons in ATL are Kenneth Kress at Resurgens Ortho and Steven Smith at Piedmont Hospital. Both did do HR at one time, but neither do it any longer. It may take a month or greater to get an appointment with either one -- worse comes to worse you can get in to see their PAs and they can assist you with an exam and questions. I saw both of these doctors when I was contemplating HR versus THR. Both are excellent practitioners and well respected here in ATL in the field of hip replacement.
Good luck.
Juno
Good Morning to Everyone,
Thanks for your time Juno.A month is a long time considering I need urgent attention.I have signs of metal poisoning (never had these rashes before surgery ) so I really need to see someone and quick.
The situation is very complex as I'm still learning Atl ...Not too sure how to quite use SURFACE HIPPY as yet so its a process.I would like to speak more with you and perhaps you can guide me a bit.Please let me know.
ATL2013
Very sorry to hear about your problem. I also had a poorly placed Corin device and needed revision. Sorry I can't offer much in the way of doctor advice in your area, but good luck! I can testify that a well done revision will fix your problems, so it's worth the effort to find the right doctor.
So what type of device you have now Tim Bratton?
How was your recovery after surgery and how long before you started to feel right again?
Please i need your help.
I am using a device that De Smet puts together from two manufactures. It is a large ball ceramic on ceramic (De Smet uses up to 48 mm balls, but if he needs to screw the cup in for the revision the ball will be a bit smaller: mine is 40mm and works fine). I can give you specifics latter (I have the stickers from the manufactures at home: I'm at work now) but I doubt anyone else is using exactly this combination. However there are also very experienced revision doctors in the US (Dr. Su comes to mind) and I imagine the devices they use also work quite well.
My recovery was basically like from a well done primary THR (details can be searched on this site). I was training in my home climbing gym less than 6 weeks after surgery and rock climbing outdoors (leading some 5.9s my first time out) two months after surgery. At more than two years out, my revision is doing quite well.
PS: Revision surgery with De Smet costs about 18,000 Euros. Is there any chance you could convince your insurance provider it's a very good deal for them and for you?
Cheers
Tim Bratten (with an "e").
Okay,I don't know how I'd be able to convince them ,,this is totally new to me .
I'm surprised I haven't got more hits on this after reading all other posts.
I'm pleased your doing well and living it up again.Oh how I miss getting out and about.
Being rooted to a bed is such hardship....I have become good friends with sleeping pills.
Sounds like Dr. DeSmet did you very well and I keep hearing of his wonderful stories.
Never had an interest in rock climbing ,BUT you seem to do very well with it,I'm sure you'll be busy building lots of muscle for that ,but just to walk welll again would be nice for me.
Your new hip does sound quite interesting tho..I must admit
ATL2013
ATL --- sorry I don't have much more info to offer (and no connections). I just know that when I had appointments to see them both it took over a month to get in.
Who did your original surgery? When was it done? Is there any chance you can see that surgeon again or someone else in that practice?
Wow, first of all I'm so sorry you are going through this. Being that you are 3 hours from Columbia, SC, I would encourage you to go see Dr. Gross immediately. He is excellent and should be able to give you some good advice and care. Good luck!!
Hi ATL2013,
I am so sorry for what you are going through but have a pretty good idea how you feel right now.
I can't give you any advice on Drs. since I am North, but I see you got some good advice from Juno. Do you have a Primary Dr. you can rely on? That's were I started and he helped get things rolling very quickly for me.
It's hard to do this all by yourself so if you can lean on someone to help assist you take the first difficult steps, this may help!
Hope this helps.
Hi
Just wondered what is wrong with the positioning. Has the surgeon given you the angles?
Best wishes
Hi everyone....The positioning is bad, No angles to report, "HappyHopper"..cup too steep,too varus(whatever that means) component in wrong alignment,doctor just botched me up well and left me to ail like this.
I don't want that same surgeon touching me again "juno".He is obviously not what he says he is.
"blt01" thanks for the suggestion of Dr.Gross but SC ...Is he in- network?
Still thanks guys for rallying around me during this trying time.
ATL2013
I agree, don't even think of going back to the same surgeon. The best revision surgeons in the UK seem to do at least 50 revisions a year and that may be a guideline when looking for a revision surgeon - at least 50 a year (and not his own failures!!). Also might be an idea to see any prospective surgeons outcomes for revision surgery.
I know it is difficult but don't make any rushed decisions. I had a rash 10 months post surgery when my muscles were extremely weak and have no signs of high metal ions or metallosis and it disappeared after a few weeks.
Best wishes.
Ok ,so I need to ask how many revisions my new surgeon has done .
Thanks "happyhopper".That's quite helpful when your totally lost with this situation.
Most surgeons schedules seem fully booked...I'm taking this as a good sign.
Experience is going to be key ....thats for sure .
Sorry to hear of your rash situation but am pleased it all worked out soon after,my rash is all over my back ,so am guessing the metal ions debris are acting up.
What did you do for it by the way(to make it go away) ?
ATL2013
Like others, I will suggest that you contact Dr Gross, for a number of reasons.
1. He will usually do a free consultation over the phone if you can get copies of your x-rays to him. Wherever you had your last x-rays done should be able to take care of either sending them directly to Dr Gross, or sending them to you so that you can forward them to him.
2. I believe that Dr Gross did hundreds of the Corin resurfacing implants before he switched to Biomet, and was involved in the original trials to approve the Cormet devices in this country, so he is very familiar with that implant.
3. He has done a lot of HR revisions, so even if he is not In Network for you, he might at least be able to offer valuable advice.
4. Contacting his office will clarify for you whether he is in your network or not.
5. If he is in your network, he is reasonably close to you, and he is certainly one of the very best in the world at this sort of thing.
Wishing you the best in terms of moving forward to a good solution.
Thanks "John C".
ATL2013
Hi atl2013,
Try to get an appointment with Dr. Smith's PA Susan Snouse. Once you see her you can fast track an appointment with Dr. Smith. He is considered one of the top hip replacement docs in town. He replaced my girlfriend's hip and she raved about him.
I also recommend you contact Dr. Gross' office for consultation. He is great about getting back with you personally in about 2 weeks.
Mindi
Hi "tennisgirl"....(Mindi)....can you private message me please ,I have sum questions to ask,maybe your friend can help me get back on my feet again .
Anxiously await your reply...thanks for helping also.
Your reply has given me hope.
ATL2013
How do you tackle harsh insurance companies ..?I need a revision .
Any insights.
QuoteHow do you tackle harsh insurance companies ..?I need a revision. - atl2013
Have you printed out a list of In Network Ortho Surgeons from your insurance carrier's patient website?
Once that's done, then I'd suggest you google the surgeons' CVs (curriculum vitae). I'd also check out the Out of Network doctors because once you've met your out of pocket maximums, deductables, etc., they're often only nominally more expensive than the in–network guys.
THEN PRESS THE 'EASY' BUTTON.Next, call their offices to confirm they accept your insurance. Regardless of network status though, ALL Ortho Surgeons have dedicated staff who will then do all the legwork for you with the insurance companies in obtaining surgical approvals.
Practically every Hippy here has gone through this, so take heart that you’re helping so many others by sharing your surgeon selection process. You’re not only sharing your story, you’re literally writing your own personal plan for success here.
Hang in there ATL2013, and please keep us posted on your surgeon selection.
2 Fore
Hey All.......Just been running around doing test now for metal poisoning,have been to see surgeon...waitin for insurance to give all clear for MRI so doc can see extent of damage .
He said I need total hip now so that sucks ,just anything to reduce the pain I'm in helps.
The opportunity to have my life back again makes it all worthwhile ..
Wish me luck everyone..........This is the second beginning.
Quotewaitin for insurance to give all clear for MRI so doc can see extent of damage - atl2013
Hey atl,
So glad to see you are now at the phase of getting your MRI and other testing! May I make a suggestion as to what kind of MRI you get?
I strongly recommend you ask your surgeon to order the MARS (Magnetic Artifact Reduction Sequences) Type of MRI. It is specifically designed for metal artifact reduction for MRI of metal prostheses and implants.
MARS (Magnetic Artifact Reduction Sequences) Type of MRIPatients suffering from pain after receiving hip or knee implants may have soft tissue disease. MRI is ideal for soft tissue sensitivity, but the metal implant causes magnetic field disturbances leading to an artifact which complicates image interpretation. Metal artifact reduction sequences (MARS) are less sensitive to metal artifacts.
Do NOT accept substitution by your Ortho or MRI facility as they will tell you they can adjust their old style MRI machine to be just as good as a MARs! They don’t want to lose your business. Also, your surgeon may not know where to obtain the MARs MRI.
You can find the diagnostic imaging services facility who offers the MARS by calling the Emory University Hospital or another hospital affiliated with a leading Atlanta Medical University. You may have to call around your metro Atlanta area, but it’s worth it.
Godspeed and Good Vibes,
2-4
Hey 2-4 ,the surgeon DID request for me to get the MARS ..So I was pleased with that ,the situations stands with me waiting now for the insurance approval to have it done,,,so I was told to check back if I didn't receive a response by tomorrow.
I will be giving them half a day then will call to check up ...the surgeon's clinical explained they may fool around to get me to go somewhere where its cheaper but I wont settle for anything less than what I'm to get,however,I hope it isn't as stressful as I've have the surgery done and just need the corrective surgery done now.Only God knows what they'll say.
I am so ready to work in recovery and I am just hoping I get no problems ,however I am optimistic as its insurance we're speaking of.
2-4 thanks again for your advice..it certainly helps and is appreciated!
Also, I hope all well with you and everyone in the chat ..or... perhaps light at the end of the tunnel soon.
Don't give up!!!!!
ATL2013
Regarding the rash, it did disappear after a few weeks. I put it down to the severe weaknesses I had in my abductor muscles. However one surgeon did panic. You do have to keep things in perspective and regard all information as questionable unless given in writing by someone with great experience such as Dr Gross.
I believe I have now discovered the reason for all my problems, Sacroiliac joint dysfunction which relates back to a fall from my horse in 2006. This is a much under diagnosed condition and I have heard that failed back operations have been due to this condition not being diagnosed. I may if my treatment is successful add hip operation to that!!
Hope things go well for you.
HH
Hey ALL
@ happyhopper :So sorry to hear of your fall from the horse...I use to do EQUESTRIAN so i can tell you a fall from so high would never be a good thing,especially if the horse didn't have a fondness for you.(joke).
Hip problems not diagnosed properly can lead eventually to trouble later in life,most so , if you are continuously playing sports or impact activity.
I keep on hearing knees and hips are together so thats why most top surgeons do both,the IT BANDS,Burisitis,Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction PAINS are part an parcel... back pains are present during all these conditions. Weak Abductor/Adductor muscles make everything so complicated-its absolutely essential you work on those daily ,whether gym or physiotherapy.It takes a lot of effort to rebuild after having been so energetic all my life even I found it very hard ..slow to build them back.
I hope you get better real soon .
HIPPYS BEWARE!!!!
Lots of amateurs doctors are out there..you have to do surgeries to get experience ..they cut nerves leading to so many problems.."NOTE FOR ALL "TO BE" HIPPYS" -FIND A VERY EXPERIENCED HIP RESURFACING SURGEON"...It'll be your best "Future" Life Investment.
On another note :Seems the rash I have is from the metal on metal implant,I have to get it removed asap or it could become very troublesome.The ions are very high and thats not good which could lead to infection which then will require two surgeries to correct my problem,I'm awaiting a call from my surgeons'clinical assistant to do a follow up with another test now they asked me to do also...It's all very disturbing to be tossed around the way I am at the moment but its for the better...Surgery is a must but double surgery ..head spinning!!!!
So glad I HAVE YOU GUYS TO GIVE ENCOURAGEMENT.
ATL2013
'
QuoteThe ions are very high and thats not good which could lead to infection.... atl2013
Hey Atlanta!
Infection is just about the scariest thing, so I'm wondering if your Ortho has ruled it out by now? What tests did he run to ascertain you are free of infection? If you don't have infection, your odds are so much higher, and I'm hoping that is the case with you.
Atl, because of your rash did your Ortho also rule out metal hypersensitivity or metal allergy with a Metal - LTT test?
I'm so glad to see you're keeping us in the loop, and it sounds like you're getting answers which is a good thing. This IS very scary, but I can tell you are taking the bull by the horns. Yeah, I applaud you for that. You are helping me process through my own path and really all of us Hippies by sharing your journey.
Thank you,
2fer