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
