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April 25 was my one year anniversary of
hip resurfacing. I am 58 and have always been active and
involved in sports. For many years I ran 2 to 3 times per
week (just one to two miles). I also play baseball in some
tournaments during the summer. Its not that I am an
exceptional athlete or runner, it has just always been
extremely important to me that I could do these things. Most
importantly I love to be out with my kids and now two young
grandsons, running around, playing catch or whatever. During
2006 I gradually realized I had a bad hip. I did extensive
physical therapy and later had two cortisone shots. Two well
respected orthopedics recommended hip replacement. As I
researched replacement surgery the consensus information I
got was you can do a lot of things after hip replacement,
but on every list of things not to do were running,
baseball, basketball, etc.
I began researching further and did some internet searches
such as "alternatives to hip replacement". I soon came
across Birmingham hip resurfacing and Dr. Clarke’s name. I
sent Dr. Clarke an email and to my surprise he responded
within one day to have me set an appointment. At this point
I was limping badly. Friends and co-workers really felt
badly for me.
After the surgery I was religious about following the hip
precautions and working hard at physical therapy. The first
four weeks were tough but then things got better quickly. I
was very anxious to start running but waited for my 6 month
follow up visit. At that point Dr. Clarke said I could do
whatever I wanted now (just start gradually). That day I
walked out of his office and ran a lap around his parking
lot to celebrate.
I am currently planning to do a 5K run with my co-workers on
May 15. I am registered in a baseball tournament in
Cooperstown NY in July. But again, most importantly I have
regularly been out with the kids, running around throwing
the football, baseball, basketball, etc. I am thrilled and
thankful that I found Dr Clarke and had the resurfacing
surgery. I would be happy to speak with people who are
considering it
Larry J Sheeler
Gloversville, NY 12078
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