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I thought that I would provide a quick update on my recent
experience with my second resurfacing in California last week. I share
some data points in the event that it may assist at least one
person to make the right decision and get on with a productive life
free from pain and disability.
- Background - 44 olds, right hip C+ Amstutz 2004, severe OA
from years as world level athlete.
- Returned to high level activity after first resurfacing,
including running, skiing, golf, water skiing,
coaching kids sports and
anything else important with no pain. At 40 years olds I was nearly
not a candidate due to severe OA, bone-on-bone and cysts that
required grafts and cemented stem at surgery.
- Rapid degeneration of left hip and very limited range of
motion. I elected to schedule surgery because I have high tolerance
for pain and wanted Dr. Amstutz to have good bone to work with. Very
active until surgery in both cases.
- I know there has been some discussion about Dr. Amstutz
and his age on this forum. The man is amazing and on top of his game. He
did three operations the day I was scheduled for surgery. They
are doing resurfacing two miles from my home in Boston and I certainly
could have done without the trip to California. At this juncture I
would not trust this important decision to anyone but Dr. Amstutz.
I asked him several questions about the past and future of
resurfacing, and as always we had a very interesting dialog. He appreciates
educated patients. I found it natural to ask him about the types of
changes he will make when he is doing this surgery ten years from
now. By most estimates that will put him well into his 80's and I
would not be surprised if he continues to work his magic for many
years to come.
- Flew alone to California on Saturday. Ran and worked out
each day prior to surgery. Had pre-op meetings on Monday with Dr.
Amstutz, internist and I had to manage a strange blood disorder I
have with my doctors back in Boston at Mass General.
- Went out for a nice dinner on Monday night. Got up and
went for a seven mile run (helps with the decision process and
cognitive dissonance, i.e., couldn't wait to get on the table).
- St. Vincent's in California is a first rate facility and
everything was first class, very clean, organized and they did a great
job pre- op and post-op. I was alone the entire time and they were
all very helpful and attentive.
- I lost quite a bit of blood during surgery due to my
unrelated blood and platelet issue. I was low in HCT and
Hemoglobin
which is normal given the bleeding. Ran a slight fever for two days.
- Talk of transfusion on day three the day I was scheduled
to head home. Convinced doctors to let me go and had to decline some
medical advise.
- American Airlines called and in a very matter of fact way
let me know that my flight was cancelled. They wanted to book me
through Dallas and arrive at 2am in Boston. Got on next non-stop.
Checked out of hospital feeling very dizzy but wanted out. My first
class seat was no longer available due the changes. 45 minutes
into six hour flight I had some severe swelling and became worried.
Found out I was bleeding from site and collecting at my knee which
swelled dramatically. The compression socks mostly stopped
the blood
from going to the lower leg. I was worried about DVT and
clotting. Had to make the pilot aware that they may need to do a U-turn with
the 767. I toughed it out but it was not pretty. Walked the isles and
sat in the flight attendant jump seat the entire flight. Driver met
me and I looked of death and he helped me home at 3am. It was not a
good night. I felt like I had five gallons too much blood in my
body and spent the night trying to decide if I should go to the ER.
This was my only bad experience, bad decision making and totally my
doing. Retrospectively, I would not have gone alone, would have
stayed in hospital for at least one more day, or checked into a good
resort and rested a couple days.
- Moving around well by Monday after swelling went down significantly. Went to Mass General to check blood levels
and all were headed in the right direction. Went for a two mile walk
on crutches on the Charles River. Last time I took any pain
meds was on the day after surgery. I don't believe in taking pain meds as
they are prescribed and had not taking any since the last
surgery. Walked another couple of miles in the evening with crutches. Tough
to sleep only on my back as I mostly sleep on my stomach and sides.
- Feeling great by Tuesday with blood coming back to
appropriate levels and my one week post op is a few hours from now. Got
up at 5am to do some work, made my kids breakfast, took a shower,
walked them 1 mile to school, went for coffee and walked home, and
I will work more than half of the day today. No pain meds needed.
Walking around the house with no crutches without any problem. I did
promise the good doctor that I would keep them around for the first
three weeks, but I won't need them next week. Started driving
yesterday with no problem, just a bit slow getting in and out or the
car. Drove in 2004 at one week and it was the right side. The
left side is a breeze in comparison.
- Some lessons learned and
observations - don't be afraid
to ask for help, listen to your body, get off medication as soon as you
can because you will recover quicker, push yourself, focus on
and believe in the most positive outcome, given your individual
limitations get in the best possible condition that you are capable of, and
find the right surgeon with the right experience and trust their
judgment and skill.
Just a few thoughts from the other side, again. I know based
on experience that every day I will get better and stronger and
the short term discomfort will be a distant memory. I am happy
to answer any questions anyone may have as there were so many helpful
hippies back in 2004 who assisted me to become educated and take
control of my short term misfortune.
Best of luck in your decisions and good health!
Best Regards, James C+ Amstutz LHR 05/04/2004 C+ Amstutz RHR 09/11/2007
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