Sue from the UK and her BMHR with Dr. McMinn
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I had a BMHR 4 weeks ago. The operation was broadcast live to the States as interactive training for 100 surgeons, so hopefully it is intended to be available elsewhere too, though when we don’t know, as it’s still in the early trial stage. I was born with CHD ..my femoral head was very soft because it wasn’t in the socket, hadn’t been weight bearing and had lost some of its calcium. So I wasn’t suitable for a BHR but did feel lucky to get a BMHR instead (with a dysplasia cup), because if I had gone anywhere else it would have been a THR. Everything is going really well and I can’t believe the difference it has made to me. But I’m very aware it’s only been around 2 years so trying to be careful, doing the exercises and walking. I’m fully weight bearing on 2 crutches for the first 6 weeks. Then it’s 2 sticks for another 4 weeks and gradually wean onto 1 stick. Sue UK LBMHR 15/12/06 McMinnTue Jan 16, 2007 2:14 pm When I had my first consultation with Mr McMinn he very briefly explained about the BMHR and how it worked but mainly we talked about the BHR as we thought I would be suitable for this. As you probably know it’s difficult to see from an x-ray what the bone quality is like and we hoped (or at least I did!!) that it would be OK. So when I was in hospital I was so relieved that I’d been given the BMHR and not a THR that I didn’t really give it that much thought with everything else going on too. I have just assumed it is as good as a BHR and have been given the same exercises and rules so far. My follow-up with Mr McMinn is on 23rd Feb, I have lots of questions now, including how activities compare to a BHR and if you have any specific questions let me know. I know you said you have hip deformity my femoral head was a strange shape. He put a template of the BHR/BMHR over the x-ray to determine whether I was suitable or not. I live just a 2 hour drive from his centre and the hospital, but believe people come from all over the world to see him. He advises all patients who are going on a long haul flight following surgery to stay in the UK for a further week following discharge from hospital. So I’m sure you will not have a problem there. Sue Sat Jan 13, 2007 8:16 pm Hi Gary I am sorry to hear you MAY not be suitable for a BHR I know how this feels. I was told I would `probably’ be having a BHR but if not it would be either a BMHR or a THR. I have not actually received all the paperwork yet for the costs!! But to give you an idea …….if you pay for a BHR yourself his website states (FAQ section) £11955. I was JUST told that my insurance company would pay for the operation but there would be a small shortfall to cover Mr McMinns fees (£1700). I didn’t have any problems with my insurance company over the procedure, I understand the McMinn Centre deal with them all the time and they are familiar with the operation and his setup. I initially had to give them the procedure code for the BHR and then the hospital rang them up after my operation with a different code for the BMHR. I was in hospital for a total of 6 nights. It was surprising when I was told I could be full weight bearing and I did question it a couple of times to be sure. But so pleased as it makes life a lot easier I imagine. If there is anything else you would like to know please ask. Sue |