I had the Birmingham hip resurfacing BHR done March 17, 2007 in the international program at Wockhardt, Mumbai, India. I thought the care given me was better than I received in my local Florida hospital. I saw Wockhardt doctors, nurses and staff all work together professionally and compassionately. The technology used was equal to any other superior hospital. Evaluations and tests before and after the surgery were thorough. Because Dr. Malhan has so much experience performing this surgery my flying around the world for his care was well worth the effort. The Wockhardt hip resurfacing program provides a longer stay that raises the odds for a better long term result.

Dr. Malhan’s surgical technique takes the extra effort not to just close the site with staples. He uses a suture technique using dissolvable thread sewn from the inside for less scar and no need to remove stiches later. In the recovery area one nurse stood constant watch over me and sometimes there were more than 3 nurses adjusting my support equipment. Then I had the equally important second phase of care, 9 days of progressive physical therapy to teach me how to recondition my chronically contracted and/or weakened muscle groups. Without this proper follow-through the results might have been less than ideal. Wockhardt has the complete program for the best results.

In 1976 a truck hit my left side nearly killing me. My leg was fractured through the pelvis. My hip “healed” with obvious bone spurs and cartilage loss that limited my activity. While I could walk within my limited range of motion, there were episodes where I went too far then suffered dull pain, sometimes sharp pain and sometimes pain just while sitting. So my condition limited my activities. I waited 31 years for my perfect solution. BHR is the answer. Although I felt crazy nervous thinking about the surgery, the Wockhardt staff addressed my concerns. If I had to do it all over I would not have waited so long. It is nice having a smooth carbide ball and hip socket for a lifetime of happy walking. My advice, travel light, bring a pair of sandels and few clothes. Wockhardt supplies nice clean pajamas every day. Book business/first class at least on your return flight home. Think positive thoughts and enjoy life. No need to fight insurance companies. One flat fee covers all Wockhardt services. Bring a good credit card for a simple transaction and start a new life.

Michael Capria, D.C. Tampa, Florida

My surgery was Thursday morning last week. so counting that Thurdsay’s PT session up to today Friday when I am flying home I’ll have 9 days of PT : – ) I was given the heads-up to book business/first class for the return flight. I really think that cannot be stressed enough for these long flights. In my present condition I am so glad I paid 5x more for that comfort. I’m on 2 crutches for 6 weeks. The floor of my acetabulum had a non-united fracture and was otherwise softer than normal so I was advised no full weight bearing for 6 weeks. Dr. Malhan had to graft some bone for the floor of my acetabulum. When I get home I have a heated pool and a hyperbaric chamber waiting for me to speed healing and muscle movement. Sleeping? I sleep fine on this hard pad they call a hospital bed here so I know I’ll sleep great once I get in my plush bed at home. I took myself off all meds (including no heparin) to try and get my metabolism back to normal. The docs foght me on this but I stood my ground. I am a chiropractor that uses health foods to boost normal body function. The compression stocking I do wear but probably not for long once I can get in the hyperbaric chamber (it reduces swelling using only oxygen). I traveled alone. My wife will help me once I am home. I’ll be happy to email my experience over the next few weeks.

Michael Capria, D.C.

The hospital dropped a scare on me last minute with an added charge of 9000 as the sister said it, and my ride to the airport was an hour late (traffic). Turned out the 9000 was rupees (only $210. in US) and the ride got me there just in time. Mumbai airport on crutches was a freak show, it wasn’t until I limped to the Delta counter that I got wheelchair assistance. Picture me on crutches dragging a small suitcase using a strap. Not fun doing this alone. I’m finally home Saturday in Tampa from Mumbai. I got in a hyperbaric chamber at 2 atmospheres for 1 hour of oxygen on Saturday. The edema in my left operated side is no fun and TEDS is a pain so I quite wearing it. I seem to have survived without getting a heperin shot in my stomach. I’ll be getting a series of hyperbaric sessions to see if it helps the edema and healing. While the wound site is sore I’m determined to go without taking any meds. So far okay at home with walker, crutches, commode arm rests and soft bed (there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home). I’ll let you know in 5 weeks how walking without sticks feels.

Michael Capria

Hello Pat, I’m great. I was advised to use crutches for no full weight bearing for 6 weeks post-op because my acetabulum had a previous fracture that failed to unite. But now the last few days I’ve been using a cane. Left op hip, right hand cane. I have not taken any meds since my return from India, so I’ve had some twinks of pain that clears quickly with rubbing or movement. I think they were just muscle or suture related tissue adjustments. All the swelling was gone in about three weeks.

I have some circulation problem residue that I’ve been trying to address with massage, Co-Q 10, arginine and cayenne. I’ve been doing my abductor exercises. The abductor group holds the pelvis upright. In order to walk normally we must have strong abductors, or we lean to the left each step. So I guess my cane will be handy for a few weeks until I feel totally comfortable with my muscle strength. I’m working on my X-ray film before and after to send you, quite impressive the difference.

Michael Capria

It is now 6 weeks post op. I have obeyed Dr. Malhan’s orders to use crutches for only partial weight bearing these weeks to let my soft acetabulum strengthen. I disobeyed his advice to take prescribed medication as I have not taken any meds at all. I am a natural healing type guy so I make my own personal health choices. During these weeks at home I went in for 24 hyperbaric sessions at 2 atmospheres of 1 hour each. All the swelling was gone by 3 weeks. I admit there have been some twinks of pain, but they cleared quickly with rubbing or shift of position, I feel those were soft tissue changes as they adapt to the new structure. I have obeyed Dr. Malhan’s advice about doing my abductor exercises. The abductors hold up the pelvis when standing and are very important so I don’t have to lean to the bad side when walking. I am now walking with the aid of a crutch as my abductor muscles are still strengthening. When I look at my before and after X-rays I am glad I had this surgery. My hip range of motion is amazing and it’s great to have pain free extension. Before BHR I used to even have hip pain while swimming in my pool (just from pushing the ranges of motion), now there is no pain and full range of motion. (Of course I don’t push flexion past 90 degrees as I’ve been warned.) So all is well. I’ll try to up-date you again in a couple of months.

Michael Capria, Tampa, FL

I started water walking about 3 weeks post-op (as soon as my stitches looked healed). My pool is kind of steep so it was interesting going from chin deep to my waist uphill : – )

The pool might be uplifting me more psychologically and less physiologically as I can really feel my theraband exercises having more benefit. Plus, we have a Tony Little Gazelle and I started short movements on it about 4 weeks post-op. Now 6 weeks post-op and I glide on the Gazelle much better but only about 5-10 minutes at a time once per day.

Are you into health foods? I take 4T Fish Oil a day for omega-3’s a natural anti-inflammatory, 1000mg ester-C, B-50, Calcium Citrate with magnesium, eat no sugar (fructose bad), and get daily greens (kale or collard lightly steamed). Feeling fine. Thank you.

Michael Capria