I am Walter Bussart from Nashville, Tn. I had bilateral HR by Dr. Su on Sept 19,2008.

I am 66 years old. Hospital for 5 days and flew home. Crutches for 4 weeks and started driving before 5 weeks. I am very pleased with my progress now after 7 weeks.

I am back to working-out but limit the weights to 30 lbs while standing. There were some difficult times, particularly sleeping.

The arthritis pain is gone and I am happy with the results. I would recommend HR to others and, if you have problems with both, I recommend doing it at the same time.

March 10, 2009 – 6 Month Update

 I am 6 months post bilateral HR by Dr. Su. I am virtually pain-free. I play golf and was able recently to go on an annual golf trip to Hilton Head playing 18 holes three straight days walking. No problems. I do 45 minutes on the elliptical or treadmill three times a week, plus weights. There is some stiffness after exercise, but that is tolerable and getting better.

I would tell anyone having serious arthritic pain to quickly see if you are a candidate for HR. This can change your life. Dr. Su and his PA Blaire Biase are terrific, as are the nurses at HSS. I am very interested in the studies which Dr. Su and others are presently doing regarding metal ions in the blood of patients. Mine are low, but this is potentially a complication. Hope this helps someone.

Walter Bussart

3 1/2 Year Update on March 3, 2012

I am 3 1/2 years post bilateral HR by Dr. Su. The result has been remarkably good. Mine are Birmingham Hip Resurfacing BHR metal/metal.

I do anything I want to do with no problems. Blood tests for metal ions have been very low. Both hips were done in the same operation and I would recommend that if you need both. It is a little clostrophobic for a few days but much better than anticipating the next surgery.

The most important “tip” I would give a prospective patient is “do what they tell you to do pre- & post operatively” . Sometimes it seems petty and useless, but I think this made the difference in my recovery. Particularly, the PT after.

Most importantly, get a great surgeon like Edwin Su.

Walter Bussart