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