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Author Topic: Karate (Shotokan) Guy Seeking Info  (Read 790 times)

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ed1

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Karate (Shotokan) Guy Seeking Info
« on: January 29, 2019, 01:00:34 PM »
Hi, everyone.  This is my first post.  I'm looking forward to getting some good information about resurfacing here, so thanks in advance.

I'm 45 and 2019 marks my 33rd year of Shotokan training, but the last two years have been increasingly frustrating because of what they're calling "FAI" in my right hip.  I know a couple of fellow karateka who have had success with resurfacings, but I seem to be getting nowhere when it comes to finding a medical professional who can talk to me about my options.

For a bit of context, I *just* moved to Phoenix in the last six months.  So far I'm getting the "we don't do that" run-around with an inevitable referral to someone else who doesn't do it either.  Should I just consign myself to having to travel out of state to get "legit" advice, or does someone know of a good doctor in the Phoenix metro area?

Performance-wise, my range of motion in the affected leg is terrible and kicking is getting worse.  As of this moment, front snap kicks are fine in moderation.  Low side thrust kicks and back kicks are possible.  Roundhouse and hook kicks are awful.  Side snap kicks are out of the question.

Anyway, I'm glad to be here and am looking forward to discussing this with you all.  I'd appreciate any insights.  Karate is what keeps me sane, so the thought of living with this problem or surrendering to a THR just makes my stomach turn.

Thanks in advance!

jimbone

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Re: Karate (Shotokan) Guy Seeking Info
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2019, 01:24:21 PM »
Ed-

There is a Martial Arts forum on the site where you might find some fellow practitioners.  There is also a list of some of the top surgeons around the country- and the world- that do re surfacing somewhere on this site- you might review that for AZ surgeons.  Choice of surgeon is generally considered the most important decision in hip re surfacing surgery.  The most successful doctors tend to have several to many thousand of procedures completed.  You really want to find someone with that back round and who is also doing a high volume of these procedures- keeps them in practice and on the leading edge of advancements. You absolutely do not want someone that only does a few re surfacings a year even if they are the only local option. Many people on this website have traveled across the country for the surgeon that best suits their condition.  Best wishes.

ed1

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Re: Karate (Shotokan) Guy Seeking Info
« Reply #2 on: January 31, 2019, 03:01:41 PM »
Thanks jimbone.  (I thought this *was* the martial arts section.)

Yep, all of that makes sense.  I guess I just wanted to start a dialog with you guys.  I'm feeling pretty disheartened right now and I wanted to talk about it with people who have been there and done that.  This story really helped: https://surfacehippy.info/jeremy-bilateral-hr-dr-gross-2017/

So, for those of you who had to travel, how long did you have to remain "local" to the surgeon?  In other words, do I need to plan to be there for a week?  How often and how soon were follow ups?  If I have to travel then I need to start thinking about these things, just from a planning perspective.

Thanks.

John C

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Re: Karate (Shotokan) Guy Seeking Info
« Reply #3 on: January 31, 2019, 09:56:14 PM »
Hi ed1, and welcome to the forum. Here are a few thoughts on your situation, based just on my own experience of having one hip resurfaced ten years ago and the other one 8 months ago, from the perspective of a full time athlete, and former karateka (Goju-ryu). 1. Travel to one of the top resurfacing specialist shown on this site. Do your homework, this is no small decision you are making. Convenience should not be a major factor in your decision. I flew from Hawaii to South Carolina for my first hip, and from Idaho to South Carolina for my second. 2. Some good news is that a few of these top surgeons will do free telephone consults with you, if you will send them recent x-rays. Some of these surgeons will spend a great deal of time with you over the phone, and this is the best way to conveniently get your questions answered. 3. In answer to your question about how long to stay, my surgeon only asked me to stay in town for a couple of days, though I chose to stay for five days one time and 7 days the other. He is now doing these surgeries on an outpatient basis, or the traditional hospital route which usually involves just one night. This is major surgery. You will probably not be in much pain, but you will be on crutches and fairly knocked out mentally and physically for a few days. Little things like getting in and out of bed, or trying to use the toilet may be more challenging than you expect for the first few days. In my case, there was a very nice hotel with handicapped equipped suites just a few blocks from the hospital in a quiet neighborhood, which makes staying for a few days very pleasant. 4. My surgeon likes to do a check up at six months, one year, and every two years after that. However, a system is in place to do all of these remotely, so no need to travel unless you want to. In my case, I chose to set up a check up at 5 to 7 days after surgery right before I flew home, and everything since then has been remote from home.
Do your homework since this may be one of the most important decisions of your life, talk to the top resurfacing surgeons, and best of luck on this journey.
John/ Left uncemented Biomet/ Dr Gross/ 6-16-08
Right uncemented Biomet/Dr Gross/ 4/25/18

jimbone

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Re: Karate (Shotokan) Guy Seeking Info
« Reply #4 on: February 01, 2019, 02:57:19 PM »
Ed-

You're right- this is the MA forum- I just picked up on your thread from the most recent posting list and it didn't specify.  The link to the BBJ practitioner is an inspiration and I've seen several other Karateka back to practicing and even teaching with no apparent loss of skill.  A return to karate is absolutely possible but it's important to keep in mind- everyone recovers at their own rate and while it's vital to find out the rate and pace at which you will be able to heal so you can stay motivated and push yourself, your body will ultimately determine that speed and it's best to respect its wisdom.  Patience and frustration are usually part of the recovery process.  Personally as a bi lateral OA patient I am finding at 4 and 6 month respectively, re gaining my strength and flexibility is like a vacation I have looked forward to for several years and am enjoying immensely.  Almost like taking a course in something you're really interested in and learning a bunch of stuff you've always wanted to know.  Like a lot of people here you will have an advantage of going into surgery in relatively fit health- that will make your recovery easier and faster.  Something else I have noticed but have no hard proof to back it up is that the people here who have athletic back rounds are simply more accustomed to physical discomfort and recovery from injury- it comes with the territory- so when it comes to the discomfort of recovery it is far less daunting.  Dr, Pritchett in Seattle wants to see his patients at 2 weeks and 6 weeks at which point if all is good he clears you from the 90 degree rule and advises common sense and self awareness to determine your activity.  Some patients from out of town will stay in the hotel for the 2 weeks [most of his surgical patients are discharged the same day] and he can do the 6 week remotely after getting current x rays to avoid a return trip.  I was seriously dismayed at the thought of having my natural hips replaced "with parts"even though I could no longer function without constant pain.  As you research this decision and learn how far this procedure has come, how successful the top surgeons are and how satisfied the overwhelming majority of recipients of this procedure can honestly attest to I hope you will find the doctor you need to move forward with to re gain the life and activities you are now missing.

Pat Walter

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Re: Karate (Shotokan) Guy Seeking Info
« Reply #5 on: February 03, 2019, 12:23:50 PM »
ed1  Welcome to the group


As you have figured out, most people have to travel to have a hip resurfacing.  Also most orthopedic surgeons bad mouth hip resurfacing.


As you know there are very experienced hip resurfacing surgeons who have great outcomes.


https://surfacehippy.info/doctors-with-1000-hip-resurfacings/


I have a section of martial arts stories here


https://surfacehippy.info/category/hip-stories/athletes-hip-resurfacing-stories/martial-arts-yoga-and-weight-lifting/


I wish you the best in finding a great surgeon to get back to being pain free and active.  The folks here are very supportive and can answer a lot of questions based on the hip resurfacing experiences.


Pat
Webmaster/Owner of Surface Hippy
3/15/06 LBHR De Smet

 

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