40. Thank you very much. Please use this box to elaborate on any items above (for example, if you had a major complication), or if you want to say anything else regarding your experience.
Page 2
| 251. | Some of the questions did not precisely explain quite how happy I am to have had this surgery. I am MUCH more than very happy to have had the surgery. I have had no pain since the surgery and have not had pain meds since before the surgery. I did not need pain meds at all after the surgery. I couldn't be happier. This surgery is one of the best things I have ever done for myself and I am a confirmed resurf evangelist! | Sun, 10/21/07 6:13 PM |
| 252. | I had some nerve damage to the foot on the operated leg. I also developed some varicose veins in that ankle. For many weeks I'd get shooting pains in the postop foot at night. Almost 8 years later, all that's left is what feels like a very minor numbness in the bottom of my foot near my toes; I rarely notice it. | Sun, 10/21/07 6:00 PM |
| 253. | It was absolutely the best decision I ever made...although it took me a long time to make it. I had wonderful help from many people on the Surfacehippy site who furnished me with much needed information and encouragement. I travel, walk a lot, do some hiking (no climbing)...I do not enjoy regimented gym/type exercise, but I make it a point to walk as much as possible. I certainly believe that Resurfacing is the way to go. Above all, don't listen to the usual OS record of "well, we don't know enough about resurfacing... yadda yadda...but hip replacement has been working for years...yadda yadda". The translation of this statement is usually that the OS doesn't know enough about it or have the experience to perform this surgery. I heard this from a number of "respected OS surgeons"...but thank goodness, I didn't listen and found the Surfacehippy site. Go to an experienced resurfacing surgeon who has done many resurfacing surgeries...and you'll be on the right track. Good luck. | Sun, 10/21/07 10:13 AM |
| 254. | Can't tell the difference in operated hip from other one. 1st 2 wks took it VERY easy as Dr Kennedy required. 2.5 wks after surgery husband dx'ed terminal CA, died 6 wks later. Had I had a hip replacement I never would of been physically able to handle it. I swear by this surgery. Only kind to have if physically possible. Learned about this surgery from Surface Hippy Group. God Bless all of them. | Sun, 10/21/07 9:41 AM |
| 255. | My op-hip now feels like the best joint in my body. I would be completely back to all I use to do except I have an old ankle injury and arthritis in my knee which are getting better with exercise. | Sun, 10/21/07 9:33 AM |
| 256. | Having a hard time getting back to normal range of motion. I probably waited too long to have the surgery as muscles and connective tissue atrophied over the years. | Sun, 10/21/07 8:40 AM |
| 257. | Didn't have physical therapy as I am a physical therapist. Had to push hard to regain hip flexion which remains at about 110-120 degrees (can't get knee all the way to chest. | Sat, 10/20/07 11:51 PM |
| 258. | I had severe pain before surgery .. hips, knees, back .. I could not walk or stand more than 5 minutes. I have had both hips done by Dr.Koen de Smet ,, in Belgium.. I did not have any problems , pain , after the surgery. I could never ever even hoped for such a great results. | Sat, 10/20/07 5:47 PM |
| 259. | 24 hours after surgery, I had a very minor stroke. All tests showed nothing and after three days all symptoms were gone. | Sat, 10/20/07 12:49 PM |
| 260. | This was the single most positive, life rejuvenating experience/decision I made. I am so glad I did! I would highly recommend my surgeon and would gladly speak to others interested in this procedure/doctor. | Sat, 10/20/07 11:37 AM |
| 261. | I work as a carpenter & contractor & am active all day on most jobs, climbing ladders & scaffolding when needed, lifting plywood, lumber & sheetrock as needed. No limitations on my performance. I discovered Resurfacing while searching the 'net for large ball total hip solutions that would allow for me to return to my field of work. | Sat, 10/20/07 9:47 AM |
| 262. | I work as a carpenter & contractor & am active all day on most jobs, climbing ladders & scaffolding when needed, lifting plywood, lumber & sheetrock as needed. No limitations on my performance. | Sat, 10/20/07 9:42 AM |
| 263. | I'm amazed at the lack of pain, and the recovery time being so short. The only thing that makes me really sad is having had 10 years be so diminished due to pain and at having various doctors imply that I was some type of hypochondriac who wanted attention (or something to that effect). I wish I could have done this much sooner, but am glad to have been able to do it at all. I hope others will not wait so long and act like there is some "decision" to make - if you can afford it, don't waste any more of your life with pain. This is a great procedure! | Sat, 10/20/07 12:09 AM |
| 264. | my three painful pre-op years now seem like a bad dream. mostly forgotten. | Fri, 10/19/07 11:58 PM |
| 265. | At 1 yr 2 months, muscles are not fully recovered in op side, however probably due to not enough targeted exercise. However, physical activity levels have risen dramatically. Heels occasionally at 6 months, now daily. Weight loss of 8 kg once normal activity resumed at 6 months. No back pain initially, but now some lower back pain, but I think due to readjustment issues. | Fri, 10/19/07 11:09 PM |
| 266. | Operation was a miracle! Dr. was fantastic! | Fri, 10/19/07 10:15 PM |
| 267. | Very happy with my outcome. Flexibility is back to my pre-arthritis days. I feel normal again. | Fri, 10/19/07 9:02 PM |
| 268. | Had R hip resurfaced in March '06 but I still had osteoarthritis in L hip. Still had trouble walking long distances because of L hip. Had L hip resurfaced in Oct. 06. Now, I feel normal. There is nothing I can't do! Flexibility is back to my pre-arthritis days. | Fri, 10/19/07 8:56 PM |
| 269. | My surgery was the result of a congenital small joint, I had no arthritis. Loss of range of motion in the contralateral hip has improved to the point that I do not need to have surgery on that hip - this was expected. | Fri, 10/19/07 8:19 PM |
| 270. | I am a professional physicist/scientist who researched many hip surgeons including those that do either or both THR and HR. Even though Dr. Thomas Schmalzried takes Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance, he wanted $25,000 upfront payment on the day of surgery and said I would have to confront my insurance provider for payment. I ended up choosing Dr. Donald P Sanders of the South Bay Orthopaedic Specialists in Torrance, CA(http://www.southbayortho.com/physicians.cfm). Many hip surgeons send their most difficult hip-surgery candidates to Dr. Sanders, and many surgeons want Dr. Sanders to perform their own hip surgeries. Dr. Sanders submitted my insurance claim as a "Total Hip Replacement with Modifiers" and got my Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) PPO to pay for my Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) device as well as about $85,000 of my listed surgery costs. I was his first BHR patient, and I am proud that I chose him as my surgeon. Dr. Sanders is now pioneering-performing a very difficult version of BHR surgeon that is called "direct anterior" guided by fluoroscopic-table-assisted surgery, and this hastens the speed of recovery. Dr. Sanders will be publishing his "direct anterior" procedure soon with Dr. Joel Matta of the Hip and Pelvis Institute in Santa Monica, CA. If anyone has questions about my surgery, please contact me at jim90503@yahoo.com. | Fri, 10/19/07 2:18 PM |
| 271. | I would not have thought to travel out of the states for medical reasons and certianly not to India. Research and Surface Hippies caused me to look into it, insurance (denied) and economics forced the issue and now I would given a choice go back to India and Doctor Bose should I ever need my other hip operated on. | Fri, 10/19/07 10:29 AM |
| 272. | I feel my recovery has been much slower than I expected from reading stories about resurfacing but my surgeon says I am middle of the curve in terms of recovery time. I think this is due to the highlighting of the experiences of people who have done exceptionally well leading to my expecting to do as well as them. 7 months on I still have occasional severe pain on twisting to the right (so opening operated left hip joint) particularly when relaxed and not anticipating it. I've never managed to duplicate this pain when I try to see which movement causes it. I also have a lower level of ache most of the time which I put down to muscular/connective tissue tiredness after physiotherapy exercises which I am still doing regularly. | Fri, 10/19/07 7:35 AM |
| 273. | I do have a post-op psoas tendonitis that has never resolved. It prevents me from lifting the leg well...but does not interfere with my sports/leisure activities. | Thu, 10/18/07 11:56 PM |
| 274. | resurfacing is definitely the way to go if you are a candidate. | Thu, 10/18/07 10:51 PM |
| 275. | Mate it was all good!!! | Thu, 10/18/07 10:14 PM |
| 276. | this is test only, for IP test; message 2; can be deleted | Thu, 10/18/07 7:59 PM |
| 277. | I had a femoral neck fracture 6 months after my surgery. It was minimally displaced and I was encouraged to see if it would heal rather than have a THR. I took the healing route. I am now 6 months out from the fracture and have had x-rays a least every 2 months. My last x-ray was OCT 8th. Each x-ray has shown that the fracture has remained stable and not moved any more. The fracture was not visable as it was under the femoral cap. I have not had pain now for 2 months and walk without assistance. | Thu, 10/18/07 7:01 PM |
| 278. | this is for ip address test only; message 1; can be deleted | Thu, 10/18/07 6:50 PM |
| 279. | aTTEMPTED RESURF,FRACTURED PELVIS,ACETABULEM PENETRATED,2004. REVISED 2005, METAL PLATE+SCREWS, BONEGRAFTING.HIP SOCKET COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED,MEGA PROCEDURE.VERYLITTLE ROM.WAITING R HIP THR.OSTEOPOROSIS DIAGNOSED,NO BONESCAN DONE,BEFORE FIRST OP. | Thu, 10/18/07 4:57 PM |
| 280. | Items 24 and 25 (happiness with surgery and surgeon)need much more positive ratings than currently available =) Dr De Smet was absolutely the best dr I have ever seen. If my other hip needs resurfacing (likely someday) he will definitely be the dr. The entire Belgium experiance was great. Also, I have a neurological condition called CMT that complicated the issue and a couple of large femoral head cysts in the operated hip that made resurfacing challanging. No problem for De Smet--- He's the master resurfacer! | Thu, 10/18/07 4:19 PM |
| 281. | At 3 months post-op I took a bad step getting up from the computer and dislocated my new hip. After a trip in an ambulance (I was home alone) to the ER, it was repositioned, and I dislocated it AGAIN when I had a muscle spasm while sitting in a restaurant later the same day! I was fitted with an abductor brace the next day which I wore for ~8 weeks. No further problems. I don't think this has happened to any of Dr. Gross's other resurfacing patients...I was just that 1 in 1000+ statistical average. I would still highly recommend Dr. Gross and am planning a ski vacation at Jackson Hole over winter break. I'll just be taking it rather easy this year...lots of greens and easy blues! | Thu, 10/18/07 4:02 PM |
| 282. | I couldn't be happier with the surgery, device, my OS Dr. Gross, Assistant Lee Webb and the staff. I don't even think about that hip or the device or any limitations. Only regret that I didn't have it sooner and that my insurance would not pay for the device. | Thu, 10/18/07 3:54 PM |
| 283. | This was my 1st resurfacing (other hip resurfaced in US less than 1 year ago), and I would definitely recommend going to Koen De Smet in Belgium if you can't get insurance coverage in the US and are paying out of pocket. He's a great surgeon and a very kind, caring person. If my insurance hadn't covered resurfacing for my second hip, I would have returned to Belgium without hesitation. My Belgian hip is the best joint in my body!!! | Thu, 10/18/07 3:33 PM |
| 284. | Dr. Vijay Bose was my surgeon ... and, I couldn't have been luckier to have found him! | Thu, 10/18/07 1:49 PM |
| 285. | I banged the hip area pretty hard around the 6-7-month mark and had considerable (8-10 inches in diameter) bruising for a couple of weeks. As a result, I still have some soft tissue discomfort, but it is gradually going away. | Thu, 10/18/07 1:03 PM |
| 286. | Found out about resurfacing on Surfacehippy forums. | Thu, 10/18/07 12:08 PM |
| 287. | Best surgery, I was walking without any aids immediately after surgery. | Thu, 10/18/07 12:02 PM |
| 288. | at 16 months post op I still have issues related to my hip that have not resolved. Not sure if they are dr related or not but I wonder if I had gone to Bose or DeSmet or Gross if I would still have the same problems? Just a question in the back of my mind.... | Thu, 10/18/07 11:14 AM |
| 289. | I was initially diagnosed with back problems and had back surgery which did not help at all. It was through my own eforts that the hip was diagnosed finally. The sciatica was resolved after the hip surgery leveled my pelvis. Anyone with back problems should have their hips checked before having back surgery. | Thu, 10/18/07 8:37 AM |
| 290. | I fell over backwards missing a high stool while sitting down at about 4 1/2 months post op. Landed on my hip but as xrays showed it didn't damage prothesis but left me muscularly sore for about a month. | Thu, 10/18/07 6:18 AM |
| 291. | Surgery by Dr.Bose | Thu, 10/18/07 3:57 AM |
| 292. | my | Wed, 10/17/07 11:51 PM |
| 293. | Only negative experience -- post-op pain meds in hospital were ineffective. Nurse turning me the morning following surgery was needlessly rough and caused excrusciating pain. Everyone else was wonderful and I have highest praise for them all. | Wed, 10/17/07 11:09 PM |
| 294. | I feel like I was born again.I can do pretty much anything i did before I had the pain. | Wed, 10/17/07 9:55 PM |
| 295. | Unfortunately, after my first surgury bone fragments were left in the joint space. The implant remained partially dislocated and painful. A second surgury was required to correct the problem. My scar was larger and recovery longer but at 18months I do feel great and have no regrets. | Wed, 10/17/07 8:49 PM |
| 296. | This survey response pertains to my left hip in a bi-lateral resurfacing. | Wed, 10/17/07 8:32 PM |
| 297. | This survey response pertains to my right hip in a bi-lateral resurfacing. Major complication was loosening of cup on femur after 3 years. I had it revised to the Conserve (large ball) THR with a custom press-fit stem and no change to the acetabular side. | Wed, 10/17/07 8:31 PM |
| 298. | This operation was a God Send for me; and, I could not have breezed through the way I did had it not been for the support and confidence from the Surface Hippy webbsite. God Bless you guys. I love you all, and wish you the best with all my heart. | Wed, 10/17/07 7:52 PM |
| 299. | Just had an appointment and will receive a date for the other hip to be resurfaced. I didn't get to the same point I was at with the other one. I presently have no space in approximately 30 percent of this hip joint but am able to continue running and workouts. | Wed, 10/17/07 6:50 PM |
| 300. | On the x-rays the operation looks excellent. However, I do have pain with hip flexion, like getting into an SUV and pulling my leg up. Also, if I wear heels the next day the hip is painful. I am going to ask my doctor if this could be hip flexor tendinitis or bursitis. | Wed, 10/17/07 5:06 PM |
| 301. | Don't wait more than a couple of months max. to have hip resurfacing because otherwise you will adopt a bunch of compensatory movements, postures, and habits which you will have to work hard to lose. | Wed, 10/17/07 4:55 PM |
| 302. | One of the best decisions of my life! | Wed, 10/17/07 4:12 PM |
| 303. | I've been disappointed with my continuing stiffness in the morning, or after lifting - I don't seem to have ease of movement still, no pain in hip itself but some lower back weakness and pain - also bending/putting on socks etc. still uncomfortable or painful in morning | Wed, 10/17/07 4:09 PM |
| 304. | Thank God for resurfacing. | Wed, 10/17/07 3:23 PM |
| 305. | Recovery from 2nd surgery much better because no pain from other leg. | Wed, 10/17/07 2:39 PM |
| 306. | At time of this surgery, needed surgery on other hip as well, but had to wait for opportunity for 2nd surgery. Pain and discomfort was primarily due to osteoarthritis in non operated leg. | Wed, 10/17/07 2:32 PM |
| 307. | I had carpel tunnel surgery shortly after the hip surgery. After that, I had signifcant problems feeling depressed. I tried counseling, but the counselor just "didn't get it" in terms of how traumatic it was to have the surgery. | Wed, 10/17/07 2:29 PM |
| 308. | I Love My Hip! The only thing that would make it perfect if both legs were the same length, but my surgon told me upfront he would not be able to make them the same as they were too far off to start with. I would still pick the same type of surgery if I had to do it all again. | Wed, 10/17/07 2:04 PM |
| 309. | Answers were based on my operated hip. I have OA in the other hip which still requires a cane (mostly a security blanket, since the pain level varies a lot and a cane may be advisable on short notice). | Wed, 10/17/07 1:59 PM |
| 310. | I have developed pain in my knees post op and still need to have my left hip done. I have no need to take any pain meds at this time for my hips and my pain level in the remaining hip is not near the level of my operated hip prior to surgery. | Wed, 10/17/07 12:51 PM |
| 311. | Sufacehippy group on Yahoo was the biggest help for me in my quest for information. Thank Kieth and fellow Surfacehippies! | Wed, 10/17/07 12:27 PM |
| 312. | I am completely satisfied with my surgery. I went from a shadow of my life to living a full life with a future! I am pleased that I will not have to go back and have the surgery again as I would have with the traditional hip replacement. I can continue to live my life without pain and in a normal fashion. Dr. Boyd in Salem Oregon returned my lift to me! | Wed, 10/17/07 12:00 PM |
| 313. | At age 43, I was thrilled to hear about the Resurfacing option from a friend; my doc, Dr. Bolanos, a well-respected THR specialist, supported me and gave me the name of the one person in the SF area he knew was starting to do them, just to see if I was a candidate. He also hated the idea of someone so young going the THR route unless that was the only choice; he just hadn't yet been trained in it. So 18 months later, when BC of CA finally approved the surgery, I had it done by Dr. Ure, who was phenomenal - his experience and skill allowed him to graft my cysts that had developed during the waiting period... | Wed, 10/17/07 11:29 AM |
| 314. | Since my surgery was so recent, I can't complete the returning to work F/T, how long before walk 1 mile without device, and driving question. Thanks | Wed, 10/17/07 11:25 AM |
| 315. | Some questions not answered since they are NA due to being post op for 13 days. Still using a walker and taking percocet but reliance on both decreasing. Walking one block 2 x per day w/walker. Will discuss my experience at UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento Ca w/interested parties. dfavorite@hotmail.com. Dan | Wed, 10/17/07 10:58 AM |
| 316. | I have to have my other hip resurfaced as well, so I believe my recovery from the first surgery has been impeded because of this fact. | Wed, 10/17/07 9:52 AM |
| 317. | I was not an average case lots of other stuff, prior injuries etc. The resurfacing itself has been a godsend. I was totally bedridden by the time I finally had surgery. Now I am in pretty good shape for the shape I am in. :) | Wed, 10/17/07 9:35 AM |
| 318. | I dislocated after "chain sawing" one day so was at fully recovered ROM but still building muscle. I self describe as "double jointed" and teh only other person I know that dislocated also described herself as double-jointed. Also, some of your questions should consider bilats for when they started some movements. | Wed, 10/17/07 9:18 AM |
| 319. | Actually had more knee pain (on the operated side)than hip pain. Blood had pooled behind the knee. Needed pain medication more for the knee than my hip. I played national level badminton for many years. This is what caused my hip to where out. Ex. lunging to the net or the right knee all the time. | Wed, 10/17/07 9:14 AM |
| 320. | My surgeon was Mr. Treacy in Birmingham, I tend to think he is often over looked since he worked for Mr. McMinn and is currently one of the top surgeons in skill and number of surgeries performed. I do not regret travelling 8-9K miles for my surgery. | Wed, 10/17/07 9:10 AM |
| 321. | In a tournament last month I outjumped a 6-foot 22-year-old to score a goal. While speed and quickness are not at pre-arthritic levels, they are not bad for a 49-year-old, and still improving. BHR is a miracle! | Wed, 10/17/07 7:03 AM |
| 322. | i couldn't even sit on a horse standing still before surgery and now can ride easily. | Wed, 10/17/07 6:57 AM |
| 323. | I had hip surgery 28/29 years ago, because I had hip dysplacia, and then in 2003&2004 I had both hips resurfaced. I have never really looked back. | Wed, 10/17/07 6:16 AM |
| 324. | Re-surfacing is the operation I would recommend to people with hips problems, if they can find and suitable surgeon, and he is able to do it. | Wed, 10/17/07 6:09 AM |
| 325. | Best thing I ever did. Dr. Gross and staff are wonderful. Need someone to post on the group some detailed instructions on use of ice machine for prevention of swelling. It was only after I was home and talked to a RN relative that I got optimum benefit from it. | Wed, 10/17/07 12:10 AM |
| 326. | On Day 16, I was able to walk 2 miles in 33 minutes with NO assistive devices of any type. My walking was in a hilly neighborhood. I am more than thrilled that I found Surface Hippies on the web and that, as a result, I had my surgery performed by Dr. Gross. | Tue, 10/16/07 11:50 PM |
| 327. | Fresh fruits, veggies and fruit prevented constipation | Tue, 10/16/07 11:28 PM |
| 328. | Fabulous life-changing experience. So far, so good. I hope it lasts another 25 years. | Tue, 10/16/07 11:00 PM |
| 329. | Bilateral two days apart, left hip first ~2/wks post-op I contracted C-diff, an extreme bowel infection due to the use of antibiotics during surgery. | Tue, 10/16/07 10:46 PM |
| 330. | Dr. Koen De Smet is not only an incredible surgeon, but an outstanding, caring human being. | Tue, 10/16/07 10:22 PM |
| 331. | Had excellent experience with Dr. Gilbert and Cal Pacific Med Center. Am so glad I did it, I wish I could have done it sooner. | Tue, 10/16/07 9:44 PM |
| 332. | I developed psoas tendonitis after my surgery and had a cortisone injection at 7 wks post op after which I completely recovered. Before the injection I was having significant pain and using a cane. | Tue, 10/16/07 9:29 PM |
| 333. | DR. DE SMET IS THE MAIN REASON I'M DOING SO WELL! | Tue, 10/16/07 9:13 PM |
| 334. | Dr. Gross and Lee Web (Midlands Orthopedics) are an incredible team working with an equally skilled and attentive hospital team. The results are nothing short of a miracle. | Tue, 10/16/07 9:10 PM |
| 335. | THE SUCCESS OF MY SURGERY WAS LARGELY DUE TO THE SKILL AND EXPERTISE OF DR. DE SMET! | Tue, 10/16/07 9:08 PM |
| 336. | develop hip bursitis still has not gone away. will see the doctor soon. | Tue, 10/16/07 9:02 PM |
| 337. | I refrain from running / jogging due to the potential increase in wear ... I want this to last. I have done leg presses with 400 pounds but do not do this on a regular basis I stop when I feel I'm stressing myself ... I want bone strength to increase but not risk a fracture. | Tue, 10/16/07 8:21 PM |
| 338. | I am now looking forward to horseback riding and snow skiing, things that I would never have thought to do last year, before surgery. I don't feel like an old person anymore, but young again. Thanks for doing all the work you do for us. | Tue, 10/16/07 8:04 PM |
| 339. | I'm not quite 6 weeks post op yet so I am estimating on the length of time I'll need assistance with walking. It feels like I'll need a couple of more weeks on crutches. I am having nerve problems in my left leg and I'm seeing a physiotherapist in 3 days which is why I'm not sure how happy I am at the moment! Thanks. | Tue, 10/16/07 7:41 PM |
| 340. | BHR has given me back my life. | Tue, 10/16/07 6:58 PM |
| 341. | contracted C-dif in hospital. Had it for 6-7 weeks. Second course of flagyll worked. This impeded the surgical recovery | Tue, 10/16/07 6:52 PM |
| 342. | UNAWARE OF THESE ACTIVITY RESULTS IN ANYONE WITH BILATERAL RESURFACING. WHEN MINE WEAR OUT...WE WILL NO THE LONGEVITY OF THE DEVICE. | Tue, 10/16/07 6:26 PM |
| 343. | The experience in Belgium with Dr. DeSmet and the rehab villa for physical therapy and water therapy was the best. Can't imagine going elsewhere. | Tue, 10/16/07 6:22 PM |
| 344. | YES ON 25. RETURNED TO SAME SURGEON BELGIUM IN 2006 WITH NO INSURANCE COVERAGE...YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FOLLOW THAT SURVEY AS WELL. BECAUSE OF FLOYD LANDIS??? I AM THE GUY WHO SET THE BAR IN 2002. WHEN MINE GIVE OUT...WE WILL KNOW HOW LONG THESE LAST. | Tue, 10/16/07 6:20 PM |
| 345. | At three monthes, I still shouldn't sit or stand too long, and I am gradually building up my activity level and range of motion. I can walk three miles on a flat surface without discomfort. | Tue, 10/16/07 5:54 PM |
| 346. | I had a hematoma which sent me back to the hospital for a couple of days. They put me on antibiotics to avoid possible infection and placed me in a compression dressing to encourage my body to absorb the fluid. They also took me off the blood thinners. Luckily it cleared up and I had no problems after that. | Tue, 10/16/07 5:15 PM |
| 347. | I am so thankful that the resurfacing has allowed me to return to my very active lifestyle! Dr. De Smet made the international experience easy and successful! I don't regret paying out of pocket...I consider it a great investment in my health and happiness. | Tue, 10/16/07 5:12 PM |
| 348. | i suffer from Ulcerative Colitis. i had a recurrence approx. 8 months after hip resurface surgery. the fatigue from UC(and meds for same), not my hip, has reduced my energy and thus physical activity/exercise. were it not for the fatigue from UC, i think i would be running and otherwise very active by this time. | Tue, 10/16/07 5:05 PM |
| 349. | First hip failed after 2 years and had it replaced for a second time 2 years ago | Tue, 10/16/07 3:39 PM |
| 350. | I was fortunate to have Dereck McMinn as my surgeon and the results have given me a new life. | Tue, 10/16/07 2:47 PM |
| 351. | It was the best thing I could possibly have done. I psychologically feel many years younger. I also have returned to levels of activity that were impossible for about 7-8 years prior to the surgery. | Tue, 10/16/07 2:15 PM |
| 352. | I had the help of Cory Faulk, in both surgery and recovery. | Tue, 10/16/07 1:33 PM |
| 353. | Thanks for taking this survey. I will be glad to know about other surface hippy patients as I am only 4 weeks Post Op. And I feel I am new in this situation. Hemant An Indian LBHR, 15/09/2007 Dr. Bose | Tue, 10/16/07 12:41 PM |
| 354. | My surgeries were lifechanging in the very best way. Limp, hobble, crawl, whatever it takes, to Dr. Gross in Columbia, SC and get your life back. | Tue, 10/16/07 12:41 PM |
| 355. | I used Dr Snyder of Newton-Wellesley Hospital He did a great job, kept me well informed and made time by email if I had any questions or concerns | Tue, 10/16/07 12:37 PM |
| 356. | This is the best thing I have ever done for myself. It gave me my active lifestyle back and I feel so much younger now than I did before the surgery. I only wish I had known about it sooner so I could have avoided those years of pain and debilitation. | Tue, 10/16/07 12:34 PM |
| 357. | At age 38, I had worn away all the cartilage in my right hip and I had to stop participating in all the sport activities that made my life enjoyable. I endured pain for 11 years (consuming celebrex daily made this possible), before having my hip resurfaced. I wish I had it done earlier. Dr. Koen DeSmet's affordable hip resurfacing procedure has returned my body and mindset to enjoy extreme adventures again - without limits! | Tue, 10/16/07 12:31 PM |
| 358. | At age 56, I move like a cat on the tennis court. Absolutely incredible. Feel like a teenager. | Tue, 10/16/07 11:57 AM |
| 359. | my surgeon dr. mitchell sheinkop, was outstanding; virtually everything he said would happen has. the only thing that hasn't is that he predicted i would play ball in 12 weeks. he was off on that! (lol). it's going to take longer than 12 weeks, but i don't fault him in any way regarding that, as external circumstances (my arthritic left knee) are affecting that prognosis. | Tue, 10/16/07 11:52 AM |
| 360. | I'm still attempting to resolve pain (muscle or nerve) in lower back and butt that starts when I've been sitting more than 20 minutes or so. Am focusing on stretching exercises but am concerned it hasn't yet improved. `Will see my surgeon on Oct. 30th. to evaluate. | Tue, 10/16/07 11:51 AM |
| 361. | Had a cyst the doc delt with during surgery. I put off the surgery for a few years while waiting for 1) US approval, 2)Insurance approval, 3)US doc's to get experience. If other hip has an issue, would pull the trigger much faster this time. The experience exceeded my most optimistic expectations. | Tue, 10/16/07 11:34 AM |
| 362. | I just want to know if there were allready tests about lifetime of the hip? What are the consequence for the hip if you bike more than 10.000 km in one year. My feeling is that the consequences are nihil | Tue, 10/16/07 11:23 AM |
| 363. | This surgery, done by Dr. Bose, was the most positive experience and I only wish I had known about him and this procedure sooner. | Tue, 10/16/07 10:59 AM |
| 364. | had surgery early before the pain was unbearable. I learned from prior experience. | Tue, 10/16/07 10:57 AM |
| 365. | tight psoas and/or rectus femoris on the operated side. have tried strengthening and stretching and cortisone and it does not improve. | Tue, 10/16/07 10:53 AM |
| 366. | Condition for which I had surgery: Protrusio Acetabuli | Tue, 10/16/07 10:51 AM |
| 367. | I waited one year too long before surgery because insurance did not cover pre FDA approval until t the time I had surgery | Tue, 10/16/07 10:43 AM |
| 368. | I went with Amstutz and I'm confident I got the best. Best thing about the resurf: full ROM restored -- amazing. "Worst" thing about it: leg strength simply isn't what it was pre-op, probably never will be. But the trade-off is well worth it. | Tue, 10/16/07 10:19 AM |
| 369. | I didn't do my post 6-wk exercises. As a result, I believe this caused my psoas tendonitis...which is now almost gone after 4 weeks of PT. | Tue, 10/16/07 10:14 AM |
| 370. | I am still early post-op, I answered questions based on the plans for return to walk and time to shed the cane. | Tue, 10/16/07 10:10 AM |
| 371. | i go dry after the first day of hiking uphill for hours in the mountains | Tue, 10/16/07 9:55 AM |
| 372. | i go dry after hiking uphill for hours in the mountains, usually on the second day | Tue, 10/16/07 9:51 AM |
| 373. | I'm a recumbent bike rider who logs a lot of competitive miles. My hip doesn't like this type of exercise and I am quite disappointed about that. | Tue, 10/16/07 9:41 AM |
| 374. | If I knew what I know now about hip surgery I would have had it done the first week the pain started and not indured a couple of years of agony. | Tue, 10/16/07 9:31 AM |
| 375. | I know for a fact that I would not be able to dance with joy and abandon (well, except for those darned fouette turns, which I wasn't very good at BEFORE my surgery) if I had chosen to have traditional hip replacements. I am truly dancing "younger and younger" as the months post op go by. I feel fantastic - my friends and family say I look so much better now that the horrible pain that ruled my life is gone. I am grateful for every day and every opportunity to share my joy of dancing with others, again!!! | Tue, 10/16/07 9:24 AM |
| 376. | Other hip is (unexpectedly) deteriorating rapidly and it unfortunately soon became a problem in its own right after my resurfacing. This has, to a certain extent, gotten in the way of really testing the limits with my resurfaced hip in terms of walking and activity. | Tue, 10/16/07 9:20 AM |
| 377. | Dr. Chris Cox in SF is A Triple Plus | Tue, 10/16/07 9:11 AM |
| 378. | This surgery is an unbelievable answer to prayer, a miracle! I thank God and Dr. De Smet every single day and will for the rest of my life. I had no desire to live as a cripple – it just didn’t fit my self image at all! | Tue, 10/16/07 8:47 AM |
| 379. | I was number 6 for my OS, Very happy with everything. Now on to the other hip soon. | Tue, 10/16/07 8:34 AM |
| 380. | Hip resurfacing not only 'gave me back my life' - it rolled back time about a decade. I am more active, happy and productive than I've been in years. This survey is a great idea - thanks for doing it. | Tue, 10/16/07 8:17 AM |
| 381. | Best decision I ever made. | Tue, 10/16/07 7:18 AM |
| 382. | I am starting to think about my second hip. | Tue, 10/16/07 7:15 AM |
| 383. | Longer recovery because 1) bilateral 2)had complication in other incision. Required *very* restricted activity for 12 weeks. | Tue, 10/16/07 6:49 AM |
| 384. | major complication: at 2 weeks incision started gushing fluid and did so for several weeks. Required another visit to the surgeon, several rounds of *expensive* antibiotics (in case of infection---however found no infection). Surgeon inserted "hickman catheter" directly into hip capsule & I injected antibiotics for 6 weeks. | Tue, 10/16/07 6:44 AM |
| 385. | Get in shape before surgery, if possible. Take some yoga, very helpful in pre and post op strength and flexibility. Best procedure WITHOUT doubt. | Tue, 10/16/07 6:18 AM |
| 386. | should have done it earlier | Tue, 10/16/07 6:09 AM |
| 387. | Dr. DeSmet, I owe you so much! | Tue, 10/16/07 5:39 AM |
| 388. | Only that I'm absoultely delighted with the result and wouldn't believed that it could be possible that I would again be completely mobile and painfree | Tue, 10/16/07 4:57 AM |
| 389. | Having this surgery is one of the best decisions i've made in my life | Tue, 10/16/07 4:38 AM |
| 390. | bhr has given me my live back after years not sleeping and pain | Tue, 10/16/07 4:36 AM |
| 391. | I am most grateful to surfacehippy and indiaresurfacinghippies. I may never have had the courage to get my BHR done on my right but for these sources of updated information. I look forward to my LBHR shortly and just cant wait to get back to being a normal man. Hats off to Dr. Vijay Bose and his team at Apollo Specialty Hospitals, Chennai, India who made it seem so simple yet so true!! | Tue, 10/16/07 3:54 AM |
| 392. | At four months, I am now back to a demanding nine hour a day cooking job...no sitting at all. No Pain. | Tue, 10/16/07 3:23 AM |
| 393. | had very bad reaction to my internal stitches i had extreme swelling and itch and rash all over leg up to waist this lasted 4 weeks | Tue, 10/16/07 2:52 AM |
| 394. | I was a mess - I had avn, cysts, arthritis, lousy bones, and my sport was/is shopping, so I was not in great shape - the folks who were my "hippy sisters and brothers", the week of my surgery were all athletes and they did better than I did and healed even more quickly. One of the guys (65 years old) was using one crutch after 3 days - Dr. DeSmet wanted me to use 2 crutches for 5 weeks because of my bones, but I went to 1 crutch at 4 weeks. Could have returned to my desk job at 2 weeks post op if I had to. When I returned to work 6 weeks post op, I used a cane for one week and then nothing. I continued to limp for a while, but that was clearly a mind/body/muscle memory thing, since my legs are now absolutely equal. Dr. DeSmet was wonderful. PS - If i woke up from a coma, I would only be able to tell you which hip was operated on by the scar - PPS - the scar is long, but a barely noticable very fine line - almost like a plastic surgery scar... many things (fat, age, coordination etc) would preclude a gogo dancing career, but the scar is not one of them! | Tue, 10/16/07 2:42 AM |
| 395. | At three months, I am using one trekking pole in the am when I am stiff and when I am outside as a precaution. I use two trekking poles when I "go for a walk" so I can make it an aerobic exercise and feel secure and comfortable and have good posture and balance. Each day is better and better -- big smiles.... | Tue, 10/16/07 1:33 AM |
| 396. | 1 year post op, I kicked it up a notch in my exercise program. Terrible hip pain, had to use crutches again. Doctor said Hip Bursitis. I'm now letting that heal, but it is a slow healing process. Caused by excessive twist I did. Bilat C+ | Tue, 10/16/07 1:20 AM |
| 397. | I would highly recommend hip resurfacing to anyone who is interested. It was one of the best decisions of my life and it has completely turned my life around for the better. | Tue, 10/16/07 12:52 AM |
| 398. | This surgery changed my life and the lives of my loved ones. Dr. Gross in Columbia, SC and his staff are miracle workers. I recommend this procedure and Dr. Gross with a full heart and without hesitation. | Tue, 10/16/07 12:35 AM |
| 399. | I would urge anyone to do this instead of standard hip replacement. This was a god send. | Mon, 10/15/07 11:39 PM |
| 400. | I am still using a sock aid 17 weeks post op. I wonder how long before I get more flexability in my hip. Now my right knee is acting up.... | Mon, 10/15/07 11:30 PM |
| 401. | Several of the questions are poorly worded, or have answers that do not provide sufficient opportunity to respond accurately; to wit (page/Q #): 1/7, 2/2, 2/4, 3/3, 3/8, 3/9. The results of the survey will be interesting, but, in the biased self-selection of survey participants, they can not be portrayed as representative of the entire class of resurfed people. | Mon, 10/15/07 11:22 PM |
| 402. | I also had a back injury so I do have some pain in my right hip but don't know whether it is from the back. I have no pain in that hip with any physical activity. | Mon, 10/15/07 11:19 PM |
| 403. | Femur had been broken and pinned at age of 18. | Mon, 10/15/07 11:11 PM |
| 404. | For active people resurfacing is the way to go and I studied this for two years prior and had seen a Doctor in LA before I went to SC. At that time it was overseas and few options. My Doctor in Juneau never mentioned the proceedure and still does not which is unbelievable to me and I have recommended a number of friends and three have gone to SC all are pleased with two more getting ready. Thanks | Mon, 10/15/07 11:09 PM |
| 405. | I had a staph infection but did not lose the implant | Mon, 10/15/07 10:59 PM |
| 406. | I'm going to get the other hip fixed in 2 months! | Mon, 10/15/07 10:19 PM |
| 407. | Best decision I've made in a long, long time! | Mon, 10/15/07 10:14 PM |
| 408. | Due to being disabled for 23 years before both surgeries and on prolonged weight-bearing restrictions post-op, it is taken longer than normal to regain flexibility and ROM; I'm stillgoing to physiotherapy and am now attempting to retrain the proper muscles needed for walking. My condition was from OA which was caused by dysplasia (couldn't choose both options in the relevant question on the first page). | Mon, 10/15/07 10:07 PM |
| 409. | I'm only fourteen years old, so I would like for this survey to track other young people. Hip resurfacing was very important to me as it gave me a second chance at having a childhood. | Mon, 10/15/07 10:03 PM |
| 410. | I'm only fourteen years old, so I would like for this survey to track other young people. Hip resurfacing was very important to me as it gave me a second chance at having a childhood. | Mon, 10/15/07 9:57 PM |
| 411. | I continued to have pain and disability even after my first surgery, and didn't really notice much improvement until after my 2nd hip was done. This pain and non-existant ROM and flexibility caused me to continue to need pain meds and use a cane or Rollater walker for 7 months post-op, until after I had my second surgery. | Mon, 10/15/07 9:56 PM |
| 412. | I'm presently on my state's insurance for the financially challenged (Medi-Cal). Was limited to what that would pay for (with regard to the hip resurfacing operation). So I hoped for the best. I'm sorry to say- the "best" is not what I received. It's been nearly 6 months since the operation. I'm still in pain, and things are still uncertain. Saw the O.S. on 9/26 in San Francisco. He ordered an arthrogram. After I returned home, I contacted my local radiologist. It's been 3 weeks since I started the ball rolling, and I'm still waiting for them to give me the OK (it's a bolux). Between the narcotic drug addiction that lasted 2 months (and the horrible withdrawl symptoms), the fact that the in-home services promised me did not materialize (incl. nursing services, and p.t.)- leaving me all alone- immediately after surgery- to fend for myself and take care of my needs, the disfiguration of the operated hip (which still looks weird), the various pains and stiffness I still have (psoas tendonitis, and pain in the joint itself), leg length discrepency, etc.,I wish I could have afforded a trip to South Carolina to see Dr. Gross- or Vicky's group could have financed the operation in Belgium (Dr. DeSmet) or India (Dr. Bose). | Mon, 10/15/07 9:51 PM |
| 413. | I have been on TV twice as I was the first patient in the Pittsburgh area to have this type of surgery. I did have a difficult time getting my insurance co. to pay for my surgery and in fact, they may have declined payment but the hospital picked up the tab so they could advertise that they were the first and only hospital in the area doing hip resurfacing. | Mon, 10/15/07 9:37 PM |
| 414. | I am a Feldenkrais practitioner (check out www.feldenkrais.com) and used Feldenkrais instead of PT for fast recovery....and to relearn how to walk effectively after surgery....ie to let go of bad habits formed over years of not having a functional hip. Everyone should do this. | Mon, 10/15/07 9:36 PM |
| 415. | I was Dr. Stocks 12th BHR. At this writing (October, 2007) he's up to about 60. I highly recommend him. Feel free to contact me privately: bbenson9 "at" Yahoo.com No Limits! | Mon, 10/15/07 9:33 PM |
| 416. | Left hip 5/15/2003, Right hip 9/4/2003. Dr. M ichael Mont, Saini Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. Outstanding recovery. | Mon, 10/15/07 9:29 PM |
| 417. | Was told after surgery to expect my leg to swell 2x's the size and to run a fever.--from 96 deg to 102.8 is not acceptable! Believe the fever, swelling and dislocation both posterior and anterior plus bone graft in the acetabulum contributed to the long recovery. No PT was provided to deal with the swelling, only walking and exercise--which I could have done myself! | Mon, 10/15/07 9:24 PM |
| 418. | I had almost a 1.5" difference in leg lengths that was almost completely evened! | Mon, 10/15/07 9:24 PM |
| 419. | About 6 months after my resurfacing, and many physical therapy visits including a cross country trip to see Dr mont again, I finally was correctly diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis by a spine specialist which was what caused all my radiating leg pain. I had been mis-diagnosed with an arthritic hip which is why I had the resurfacing. It didn't help at all. | Mon, 10/15/07 9:20 PM |
| 420. | I had a very good experience--too bad it was not FDA approved at the time | Mon, 10/15/07 9:11 PM |
| 421. | I am a 41 y.o. male marathon runner, skier and cyclist. I began having right hip pain in April 2007 due to OA. My left hip hurts at times, but my right has degenerated quickly and needs to be "fixed." Health Net HMO has been terrible to work with; I will change to Blue Cross PPO in November 2007 (luckily my company has a no pre-existing condition delay clause). Please encourage others to do a lot of research -- your insurance company likely will not advocate for you and seek out "alternative" methods such as hip resurfacing. I hope to have Dr. Ure perform hip resurfacing surgery in early 2008. | Mon, 10/15/07 9:05 PM |
| 422. | The sugery helped me to walk at a speed that I haven't been able to reach for 3 years | Mon, 10/15/07 8:58 PM |
| 423. | I had radiocarototomy.. eye surgery. I had an surfer's ear surgery where they cut and fold the ear back then drill off the calcium deposits. | Mon, 10/15/07 8:53 PM |
| 424. | One of medicine's miracles. | Mon, 10/15/07 8:52 PM |
| 425. | Very thankful for this group. It was thanks to you that I found Dr. Gross | Mon, 10/15/07 8:49 PM |
| 426. | A slight residual weakness in muscle, in region of cut, but muscle getting stronger. It doesn't limit my tennis or walking. Otherwise zero complication, pain or discomfort post-op. I am supremely happy about operation result. | Mon, 10/15/07 8:48 PM |
| 427. | Sadly, mine failed. Femor head cement squeezed out probably within hours of surgery and showed on xrays at 6 weeks. At nine months bone scan showed fracture activity. Had stemmed revision at 17 months. The revision has since dislocated twice, both times at 60 degrees flex, 15 abduction, neutral rotation, non-weightbearing. 3 surgeons say the implant alignment looks OK. In spite of this, I'd do it again. | Mon, 10/15/07 8:39 PM |
| 428. | My only regrets are 1- that I didn't find Dr Bose sooner, and 2- that I didn't stay in India longer post-op. I flew back to the us on days 10-11 post-op and was ok, but 2 weeks would have been a better choice. | Mon, 10/15/07 8:38 PM |
| 429. | Totally excellent experience. Have recommended to others to strongly consider hip resurfacing over total hip replacement. | Mon, 10/15/07 8:22 PM |
| 430. | My "discomfort" is not in the joint itself; it's muscular. Tylenol usually puts out the "fire." | Mon, 10/15/07 8:22 PM |
| 431. | The second surgery and recovery was a breeze compared to the first. My experience the second time is typical. | Mon, 10/15/07 8:17 PM |
| 432. | The most important thing in my recovery was doing an aquatherapy (hydrotherapy) program twice a week which got the muscles working well again. | Mon, 10/15/07 8:07 PM |
| 433. | Apparently I got nerve damage during the surgery. I know this is an unusual complication which made my recovery long and incomplete. I'm out of physical therapy now and taking Lyrica. I don't regret doing it. | Mon, 10/15/07 7:54 PM |
| 434. | Very young...even for my 44 yrs of age. I plan on getting back to more of the running I previously did before the onset of pain 2 yrs ago. | Mon, 10/15/07 7:47 PM |
| 435. | I was VERY tired for the first 3 months. Even now, at 4 mos. I have not regained my energy level. I am a mechanic by trade so my job is pretty physical and I am on my feet most of the day which probably contributes to this. I also continue to have mild discomfort in muscle pain at some point every day. | Mon, 10/15/07 7:42 PM |
| 436. | Very satisfied with my decision to have hip resurfacing. | Mon, 10/15/07 7:35 PM |
| 437. | Upper back pain and tight psoas took nearly two years to resolve. Other than that, I'm good. | Mon, 10/15/07 7:35 PM |
| 438. | This surgery gave me my life back. I have always been active and in the year prior to surgery I felt like an old woman. I limped. I ached. I was depressed and miserable. Within 3 weeks of surgery, I walked all over Paris. Within a few months I could do almost anything. At this point, I have no qualms about anything I want to do: hiking, biking, skiing, weight lifting, dancing.... | Mon, 10/15/07 7:30 PM |
| 439. | I had bilateral a few days a part so my recovery was longer and tougher. First question should have been, "have you had both hips (bilateral)done within a week?" | Mon, 10/15/07 7:09 PM |
| 440. | I hope that it will become much easier to find a surgeon experienced in resurfacing in the future, now that more devices are being approved. | Mon, 10/15/07 7:05 PM |
| 441. | Dx was severe Protrusio Acetabulum; De Smet used Lequesne False Profile x-ray for definitive dx | Mon, 10/15/07 7:03 PM |
| 442. | The frustrating part is the more I do the more the opposite side acts up. My limitations now are not from operated hip, but from the formr "good side" | Mon, 10/15/07 6:57 PM |
| 443. | While only 5 days post-op I thought I'd add my two cents at this point. More later. | Mon, 10/15/07 6:52 PM |
| 444. | I will be having my other hip done when I can find the time. | Mon, 10/15/07 6:49 PM |
| 445. | Dr. Vijay C. Bose did the surgery in Chennai, India. He's one of the best in the world and if you meet him you know why. Worth the trip, worth the risk. Feel free to e-mail me with questions. eeksan1@yahoo.com | Mon, 10/15/07 6:38 PM |
| 446. | Feel about 98-99% recovered. Still have problems putting on socks by lifting leg to chest and leg lifts are still tough to do. | Mon, 10/15/07 6:38 PM |
| 447. | Only wish the BHR was available sooner. I was waiting three years for it to be approved in the USA | Mon, 10/15/07 6:38 PM |
| 448. | I am a conservative rehab timetable. I will not be able to do any serious rehabbing until after 10 weeks and that includes full weight bearing on the operated hip. | Mon, 10/15/07 6:38 PM |
| 449. | Also had other hip BHR 1/3/07 | Mon, 10/15/07 6:36 PM |
| 450. | Post-op follow-up was done via e-mail, including x-rays. No need for PT after discharge. Flew 11 days post-op from Chennai to Orlando, FL (24 hours travel time). Lovenox x 7 days then aspirin x 1 month. TEDS x 1 month. | Mon, 10/15/07 6:32 PM |
| 451. | Slow recovery due to extensive muscle/nerve damage from a lifetime of limping. Still getting better ROM after 6-years | Mon, 10/15/07 6:30 PM |
| 452. | It gave me my life back. | Mon, 10/15/07 6:19 PM |