BMHR

[SeanD]

I hoping to have a BMHR in the UK. Likely to be undertaken by Mr Dunlop. Because it will be undertaken on the NHS, and other work commitments its likely that I will need to wait six months or so before I can have my op. I'm self employed, and in the middle of a project, so I cant just stop halfway through to have an op. Wont get paid otherwise!

However, I'm slightly concerned that during this period, my hip could deteriorate further and eliminate the opportunity for a BMHR, and I would then require a THR, which I would like to avoid.

I'm 50 and was a perthes sufferer, my hip has probably been wearing away over the last 35 years or so and has been quite painful for the last 5-6 years, as a result I feel another 6 months wont make much difference. If it was going to deterioriate from requiring a BMHR to a THR in 6 months then surely it would have done this earlier, so to speak.

I just wondered if anyone had any views on my situation.

[Dannywayoflife]

The NHS has a time limit that's built into it's constitution I think it's 18 weeks that they have to do you within once you've been told you need an op.

[SeanD]

I think that for me, the niggling concern I have is that in the time that I am waiting, my condition could worsen and prevent me from having a BMHR. I was told I needed either a THR, or a BMHR a couple of weeks ago my consultant suggested I have a think about it. I have thought about it, and given my age and the fact that I'm still very active (even though it can be quite painful) I'm opting for a BMHR. I'm seeing my GP next week, so I assume the clock starts ticking then on the 18 weeks. However, its likely to be about 22 weeks for me, as I have a major work commitment that will end in July. From then onwards, I'm not committed to anything else for several months.

To be honest my consultant didn't stress any urgency, and as I said, I've been living with a declining hip since about 1975, so I'm hoping a couple of months wont make too much difference.

[Dannywayoflife]

If you've already been seen by a consultant and he's told you you need the op what does your GP have to do with it? You should be under the care of the consultant surgeon. As far as I understand it the clock should already be ticking. Personally I would put your health before work. Easier said than done I know but that's where I would place my priority mate.

[SeanD]

I think the reason for going back to the GP was because, my consultant gave me a number of choices, i.e. Waiting a bit and keep a close eye on things (although he recommended against that), BMHR, or THR. He said he would write to my GP and that if I made a decision to go ahead with an op, then I could contact my GP to get the ball rolling so to speak.

I've made my decision, I am assuming that when I see the GP I can go through the process of getting sorted.

Its odd really as my only real experience of the health service has been between the age of 10-15 when I was first diagnosed and went through a whole range of surgical procedures (none of which I understood at the time). Since then I've hardly ever been to the doctors. So to some degree, I need to do a bit of catching up in terms of the processes etc.

I have to say that the consultant that I saw (Mr Dunlop) was probably the first medical professional who explained to me fully what treatment I had had previously as a teenager based only on a recent X-ray (the old ones had been lost!), and also in detail as to what treatment I would have.

I suppose in any event, we're talking about waiting a few months whatever happens, so I think in that period, I'll just need to ensure that I dont put my hip through any unecessary wear and tear in that time.

[Dannywayoflife]

Personally I would go for the BMHR if I were you it's more conservative than a THR and I dont think there are any post op restrictions as with a THR.
Just take it easy and try to reduce the strain on your hip in the mean time. And keep us posted how your doing.
Danny

[SeanD]

A BMHR is what I've plumbed for, I was just concerned that my option might be comprimised during the waiting time.

Will keep you updated.

[Dannywayoflife]

Hopefully you will be fine mate. Where abouts in the UK are you based? I'm in west Sussex

[SeanD]

Just down the road in Southampton.

[Dannywayoflife]

yeah thats not far at all

[marcus]

sean
for what its worth
if its mr dunlop from southhampton
he is one of the top hip specialists
i read an article about him in daily mail which asked surgeon who they would get to do their hip and he was one of the top choices
i also emailed him ref stem cell research because he is one of the guys who has been involved in some trials
i sent him my hip x ray
but he said mine was good old arthritis and not something they are able to help as yet
good luck hope this info helps
in his replies he seemed a very nice guy
cheers marcus

[Mike D]

Hi Sean-I'm in a very similar situation to you and recently had a conversation with my GP about the length of time between being told surgery was necessary and the date it would be done.
I was also worried that further wear might mean I would only be suitable for a THR, but he told me that in no way would I go from being a resurfacing candidate to not being one in the space of 3 months.
I'm the same age as you and also had hip surgery at a young age when I was 14 in 1976, but mine involved pins inserted due to a slipped epiphysis.
I would say that a few months delay is ok but I wouldn't want to leave it much longer.
Hope you get sorted out-keep us posted, Cheers-Mike.

[horse doc]

So what exactly happens if one waits too long?  Femur gets cystic or otherwise unable to suppport a resurf?  I've read about the "window of opportunity" but don't quite understand it.

[Jeremy76761]

Sean -- couldn't you e-mail scans of your hip to specialist surgeons for their advise on the time you have? McMinn's office might venture some idea of the urgency....

Hey Marcus, what did Mr. Dunlop say about stem cell research?

[bilateralbliss]

Sean
Hope this helps you. Mr McMinn advised me cysts can occur IE becoming too bad for BHR,
also  if you`re taking anti -inflamatories the longer you take them lessens the chances of
being suitable for a BMR, the two are linked.
Best wishes

[SeanD]

sean
for what its worth
if its mr dunlop from southhampton
he is one of the top hip specialists
i read an article about him in daily mail which asked surgeon who they would get to do their hip and he was one of the top choices
i also emailed him ref stem cell research because he is one of the guys who has been involved in some trials
i sent him my hip x ray
but he said mine was good old arthritis and not something they are able to help as yet
good luck hope this info helps
in his replies he seemed a very nice guy
cheers marcus

It is the same Mr Dunlop, oddly enough my initial consultation was related to stem cell treatment, but unfortunately I also wasn't suitable.

[marcus]

hello jeremy
i cant remember exact details as it was last year and my brain doesnt work these days
i researched stem cell trials in uk and found dunlop had done some trials on hips and i emailed him asking if i could go on any future list along with my xray not expecting a reply
he did reply however and was very kind,but stated my hip was not what they were trying/able to fix with stem cells at the moment
i imagine like all trials this will take for ever
i decided i could not wait as it will probably be several years and may not even work ?
unfortunately i have been delayed for a bit anyway with heart issue
try search his name on internet there is article from telegraph showing he did trial on six people with only one failure
typical newspaper it sounds great but ?
cheers marcus

cheers marcus