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I had read with great interest the input on the board
regarding traveling to get the best surgeon. In making my
decision, I gave a great deal of thought to seeing Dr. Gross
in particular because of his reputation and experience. In
the end, I went with a local (Cleveland, Ohio) surgeon. I
found a number of advantages. I initially consulted with two
resurfacing docs in Cleveland following a referral by my
orthopedic non-surgeon doctor whose colleague recommended a
MOM THR (March 07). I then went to Ron van Mierlo's list of
docs and consulted with two surgeons in Cleveland who had
each done about 40 resurfacings.
I found the opportunity to meet the doctors and their
staffs in person very valuable as well as knowing something
about the hospitals they operated in and their overall
reputations in the medical community (I could also do this
in half of an afternoon). I then had the time to wait
(thanks to the information in this site) a couple of months,
checking on the numbers of resurfacings each doctor had
completed.
I did a fair amount of water jogging/walking prior to my
surgery and think it was very helpful. I also did recumbent
biking. I bought a flotation belt (Aquajogger) and a pair of
Burdenko water walkers, a sandal type of thing that gives
you a great workout without the impact pounding. I found my
pain was lessened when I used these. I strongly believe that
being in the best shape possible is a key element to a
smooth recovery.
In June, I decided to schedule my surgery with Dr. Peter
Brooks in August. He had done about sixty by June and was
doing about 5 per week at the time. The other doctor did not
seem so committed to resurfacings and I was learning the
importance of having a surgeon with enough experience to do
it the right way. I was able to call the PA and ask
questions as they arose attend pre-op class and track the
physician’s experience. It was much easier for me to call
and consult once I had had an in-person meeting. Having
surgery near home to me is the best piece.
After pre-op testing on Thursday, I came to surgery on
Monday morning and was in my room by 2:00. My wife was able
to hang around and then go home and come back. Issues of
leaving the hospital and being on a time schedule were not
problems. When I was ready to go on Thursday, I called up my
wife and she came and took me home. There is some
reassurance for me to know that if I had a problem, the
doctor and hospital are nearby. A half an hour after
release, I was home.
I went about a week and a half later to have my staples
taken out and was scheduled for follow-up in six weeks. I
realize that what I am describing are some of the
intangibles of being familiar with as much of the process
and environment as possible but this has turned out to be
something that I am finding has made this a surprisingly
smooth process. I also realize that having the option of
waiting until the surgeon gained more experience, having a
couple of doctors to choose from, and having time to
schedule in advance all worked to my favor. Now that the
surgery is over, I find that having my physician in the area
is an added plus. That said, I think having an MD with
adequate experience and expertise totally trumps convenience
for this operation.
At my six week check, I was walking with a cane. I asked Dr.
Brooks about the anterior-lateral approach he uses. He said
he favors it because it separates the muscle rather than
cuts it and he feels there is virtually no risk for
dislocation as a result. There was no 90 degree rule for me
and my recovery thus far has been by the book. I use a cane
most of the time but have begun to forget it at times. He
said to use the cane until the limp is gone.
I have been very satisfied with the results and the
process in general. At almost four months post-op, I am now
walking about six miles once a week, working out at the gym,
and already feel that I am better than I have been in the
last two-three years and expect continued improvement.
Louis Weigele, LISW, BCD
Director of Behavioral Health
The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland
lweigele @ thefreeclinic.org
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