I had problems with what I thought was my lower back for
years. Started in my early 40’s. I then started noticing
that my leg would feel like it was going to give out as I
went down stairs or got up from a chair. The pain became
more noticeable at night after a busy day. I saw my Dr., had
x-rays and while there was some evidence of OA in my back,
not to the extent that I should be in the amount of pain I
was. I was given Naproxen and started seeing a chiro
periodically, in the interim the pain got worse.

Finally at 49 my GP sent me to a rheumatologist. She asked
if anyone had looked at my hips and I said no. Sent me for
x-rays and sure enough, hips were wearing out. She explained
that I needed to limit my weight bearing activities as I was
too young for hip replacement and I was going to need both
done eventually. She put me on NSAIDS and gave me trammadol
for the night pain. As with most folks I couldn’t believe I
needed hip replacement, I was too young. I slowly began to
give things up. I used to walk 3 miles a day, then 2, then
1, then the last year none. I went on the internet and found
out about hip resurfacing,it didn’t have FDA approval yet. I
read the book by Peggy Gabriel and decided resurf was the
way I wanted to go.

Mentioned it to my rheumatologist on my next visit and she
said she hadn’t heard of it. Encouraged me to wait until I
was at least 55 because I didn’t want to have to have at
least one or two revisions. I was then sent to pain
management. I had several hip injections for the pain. The
first was wonderful, lasted about 6 months, the 2nd about 3
months and the 3rd really didn’t help.

Luckily about this time resurf received FDA approval. I saw
that Dr. Barba’s name was on the list. Checked out his
credentials: Dr. Barba practices general orthopedics with
emphasis in adult reconstructive surgery and primary and
revision joint replacement surgery. I made an appointment to
meet him. I had seen four other OS during my journey to
resurfacing, none who did the procedure or recommended it.
Dr. Barba was new to the procedure, we discussed that. He
spent alot of time with me discussing resurfacing and he was
pleased that I had done my homework and was able to discuss
the procedure with him. He also explained that he had hip
problems and hip resurfacing would probably be in his
future, hence his interest in the procedure. He looked at my
x-rays and said “you must be in a lot of pain, let’s fix
that”.

Out of the other surgeons I had talked to, I liked this man.
I liked that he talked to me, not at me. I liked his
credentials and even though I was to be only his 3rd
resurfacing, I decided to go with him. I haven’t once
regretted my decision. The constant bone ache was gone when
I woke up. He checked with me after surgery to make sure
that my pain was under control. He’s made himself available
to any questions or concerns.

I’m sure that all of us that have had successful surgery
that has made a big impact in our life love our Dr.’s. The
resurf surgery gave me back my mobility and my ability to
again enjoy an active life and I am so grateful to Dr. Barba.

My right hip now is doing some complaining and when the time
comes, I wouldn’t hesitate to have Dr. Barba take care of it
for me.

LBHR 11/27/06 Dr. Barba