|
 |
| Picture from a racquetball tournament
in April (at 16 months). I have played two tournaments
this year 2008 (Open doubles division), and won 2nd
place each time. |
My name is Paul Owens and I've been an avid racquetball player in and around
Florida for many years. In December 2005 I developed a severe pain in my right
hip after playing racquetball. I was only 47, but I later found that I had a
slight curvature in my spine that contributed to my arthritic condition. Any
attempt to run or play sports left me miserable for many days.
This story may sound familiar in that I discovered Resurfacing almost by
accident. After getting the "you need a Total Hip Replacement" story from a
couple of respected surgeons, I began using the Internet to research
alternatives to THR. Initially I found "Resurfacing" and then later stumbled
upon the "Surface Hippy" group. From there I was able to make an informed
decision about my future. From the SH group I learned that one of Dr. Amstutz'
protégées (Dr. Vincent Fowble) had recently moved to Jupiter, Fl. I traveled 2
hours to pay him a visit. I was very impressed by his knowledge and the fact
that he is involved in the design of the Wright Conserve Plus (C+) device. After
the first visit and much additional research, I settled on the fact that I had
found the right procedure and the right surgeon for me.
My need for resurfacing was not solely driven by my desire to return to
racquetball as much as a desire to lead a normal, pain-free life. My parents
have a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina, and even short walks with my
daughter proved to be a major strain on my hip, and took many days to recover. I
couldn't bear the thought of NOT taking walks in the mountains with my child.
The cabin will be in my family for many years and I needed to take the necessary
steps to become an active parent again.
I had surgery in December 2006 at age 48. Because there many success stories
associated with this procedure, I began to entertain thoughts of returning to
the sport of racquetball. I felt I was a good candidate health-wise, with good
bone density and the willingness to do whatever it takes to regain all aspects
of my former life, which certainly included racquetball. Because of the
high-impact nature of the sport, Dr. Fowble & I set a conservative plan in place
to accomplish my goals. The basic rehabilitation consisted of the "standard"
therapy exercises to strengthen the hip. I added more biking, swimming, and I
purchased a "slide-board" which I feel really helped me with the core training
that racquetball demands. From the SH web site I received additional tips (such
as marching and stretching exercises) to increase my range of motion.
I began playing with friends at 6 months, but it was not until the 1 year mark
that I felt the ability to really put competitive stress on the hip. I found
that I can still play competitively, but I am basically thrilled and thankful to
be playing again. I entered two tournaments this year and have two 2nd place
finishes in the Open Doubles. I mailed my first medal to Dr. Fowble, who
deserves the award as much as I do. But I am keeping the rest of them for
myself!
Paul Owens
Titusville, Florida
|
