Well, this is my first post. I have spent time reading others stories and although for a long time I felt like my story was unique, I find its not. Strangely enough I find that to be comforting.
I have been having groin pain for over ten years. I was a Professional Bullrider and then an Airborne Ranger. I clearly understand how I got here now. Hind site is 20/20. I just wish there had been a manual that stated "you can over do!"(LOL).
When I was finally brave enough to tell my doctor that I was experiencing this pain in my groin (I thought it was something like cancer), he had me undergo an MRI. The findings were osteoarthritis in both hips. I read the doctor's analysis and summary. I was in shock. Lots of big scary words and I have a Biology degree! I had never before encountered anything my body, good nutrition, and a good exercise program could not defeat. So I set my teeth.....
At my GP's recommendation, I went to an Orthopedic Surgeon. After our meeting, he recomended a good chiropractor and NSAIDS. Upon reflection, I think I more or less told him what I was going to do. I am a bit of a control freak and as I stated above, I thought I could fix anything. I am sure this wasn't his first rodeo and he allowed me to vent and go do my thing. He knew I would be back sooner or later.
I went through all the supplement websites, frequently visited the local health Food Store and tried all the "solutions." I might add that some of them actually gave me temporary relief and appeared to do some good short term. An unintended benefit was that all my other joints and sore spots began feeling great. But the reality was for me that once the damage is done and so severe, I think there is only one end to the story. Anyway, I took a myriad of supplements and devised a strict workout plan and diet. I felt confident I could defy the odds..........
As time went by, the pain increased. Although I gritted it out and lost 40 pounds, the pain grew so intense that it effected my whole life. I was irritable all the time. I finally sucumed to the pain and sat in my recliner depressed and gaining back the weight. I found myself back in Dr Stock's Office (last month) 5 years later. He ordered a second MRI and the findings were that the spurrs and cysts had worsened some (of course). Although the pain was more in my right than my left, he actually asked me which hurt worse because they were both bad. Another real shocker! Luckily during my 5 year struggle, BHR came to the states. So maybe my struggle counted for something.There are qualifications though that have to be met per Dr Stocks for resurfacing that I had to pass. One was for good bone density. Another was for good kidneys in case there is metal debris which rarely ever happens I think. Lastly, if the cysts and spurrs worsen to the point that the femoral head cannot be properly modified to accept the femoral cap, this can be a disqualifier.
Now here is the part of the story I am a little curious about but no deal breaker. I was diagnosed with this problem in 2003 and struggled with the pain, but knowing what it was, for five years. Finally at two months prior to my BHR which is December 1 of 08 coming up, on my own I decided to ask for cortisone injections because I was having difficulty exercising(duh) through the pain and could not be consistant. It was granted and afterward I was elated with the results. No pain for the first time in 10 years! Th early side effects were that I felt like I was on speed for about two days (no sleep for about 48 hours) afterward because cortisone(Kenelog in my case) apparently is secreted naturally in the body by the adrenal glands for the fight or flight syndrome. My face was very flushed like I had a sunburn. I also developed a case of chronic hicc ups for about three days which I read online later does happen sometimes. I was told the steroids would take about three days to take effect and about two weeks to have full benefit that would last 3 to 6 months. So far everything has been true. My question is, why didn't anybody mention this solution (although temporary) to me before? I could be in much better shape going into this as over the years of inactivity due to pain, I am about 50 pounds over weight.
Now I am exercising almost everyday and I might add, even though I am aware of the risks, I am anxious to have this done. My take on this decision is this. I am 54 years old. The rest of my body is in great shape. I have discovered this while working out with the benefit of the injections. I cannot enjoy life and the activities I love in my current condition.(even with the injections, my ROM is very limited). So even if I wait until I am older, the rest of my body will be aging as well. So not only will I be unable to enjoy the now time and my current youth, I will be less likely to be able to enjoy the later as much if I wait. And what about recovery? Maybe my youth will help accelerate it and increase my chance for success although we are all different and age may not be an issue for all. What if I wait and something else starts to fall apart because of age? It all chalks up for me to be wasted years of not being able to ride a horse, chase my girlfriend, hunt, fish, you get the drill. If I wait, I may ot want to chase my girlfirend.......bottom line, I want to enjoy the now. Anyway, I dont think anyone knows how long the BHR joint will last. From what I have read and what Dr. Stocks indicated, they have examined active individuals at ten years with no noticeable wear.
Oh yea....My doctor is here in the Houston area at "The Fondren Group", Dr. Gregory Stocks. He may not have the big numbers for BHR procedures, but I like him and he has great credentials and many years of experience in hip replacement. He also mentioned that he had done a BHR on another Bullrider with great results. We are big into rodeo done here! But thats another story. I know BHR is a different procedure from replacement and more complex, but I still like him and I am comfortable with him. I think thats important. Anyway, I will let everyone know how its going just prior to my operation. I haven't had my presurgery interview with him yet or my presurgery physical, so I can update with info on that before surgery. Happy trails folks......later.
Topic: My story........and it aint over yet! (Read 1779 times)
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