Resurfacing

[Guest guest]

> Matt

> resurfacing has been going on for more than 60 years

> Rog

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> Matt

> resurfacing has been going on for more than 60 years

> Rog

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Matt

In the UK above 7000 resurfacing operations are projected this year with the

figure climbing annually. It is approved by the UK National Health Service.

Worldwide it is readily available in a large number of countries. 3 UK OS's

independently stated to me it was the ideal treatment for me - 2 of these only

do THR currently. The success rate is high for the years it has been monitored

over here - that is why NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) have

given their approval. It will improve as is true of everything - name 1 area

of technology, medical or otherwise, that hasn't advanced every few years.

I trust you look back in future years and be glad you took the decision you did.

Best Wishes

Rog

Re: Resurfacing

> Matt

> resurfacing has been going on for more than 60 years

> Rog

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Matt

In the UK above 7000 resurfacing operations are projected this year with the

figure climbing annually. It is approved by the UK National Health Service.

Worldwide it is readily available in a large number of countries. 3 UK OS's

independently stated to me it was the ideal treatment for me - 2 of these only

do THR currently. The success rate is high for the years it has been monitored

over here - that is why NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) have

given their approval. It will improve as is true of everything - name 1 area

of technology, medical or otherwise, that hasn't advanced every few years.

I trust you look back in future years and be glad you took the decision you did.

Best Wishes

Rog

Re: Resurfacing

> Matt

> resurfacing has been going on for more than 60 years

> Rog

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

BHR Treacy left hip May, right hip three and a half weeks ago. On my first

re-visit at 6 weeks to Treacy I proudly showed off how I could now squat and

was mildly rebuked by him. The cup which unlike the ball is not cemented

apparently takes 12 weeks for the bone to graft and grow into the top surface

and although we are fully weight bearing ourselves we should not put on extra

stress. No heavy lifting etc. I was however allowed to start swimming after

this consultation

After both ops I went straight to walking with sticks on the fourth day and

asked why others were on crutches. One answer was that some had had bone

grafting and needed extra support. The discharge info after the first op was

quite clear, 'do not take part in swimming or cycling or sporting activities

until first post operative review'. I stopped using sticks the first time at

four and half weeks and I am already not using them indoors after three and

half weeks. I use one stick outside as it broadcasts to others that I am

still very unsteady.

I think dance classes are definitely out for at least 12 weeks post op, but I

would be upset at having to use crutches for this time.

PG

Obviously I was held back by my right hip anywayJust to confuse thasThis is

down to the consultants own ideas The ball is cemented onto this jointto

fully

[Guest guest]

BHR Treacy left hip May, right hip three and a half weeks ago. On my first

re-visit at 6 weeks to Treacy I proudly showed off how I could now squat and

was mildly rebuked by him. The cup which unlike the ball is not cemented

apparently takes 12 weeks for the bone to graft and grow into the top surface

and although we are fully weight bearing ourselves we should not put on extra

stress. No heavy lifting etc. I was however allowed to start swimming after

this consultation

After both ops I went straight to walking with sticks on the fourth day and

asked why others were on crutches. One answer was that some had had bone

grafting and needed extra support. The discharge info after the first op was

quite clear, 'do not take part in swimming or cycling or sporting activities

until first post operative review'. I stopped using sticks the first time at

four and half weeks and I am already not using them indoors after three and

half weeks. I use one stick outside as it broadcasts to others that I am

still very unsteady.

I think dance classes are definitely out for at least 12 weeks post op, but I

would be upset at having to use crutches for this time.

PG

Obviously I was held back by my right hip anywayJust to confuse thasThis is

down to the consultants own ideas The ball is cemented onto this jointto

fully

[Guest guest]

BHR Treacy left hip May, right hip three and a half weeks ago. On my first

re-visit at 6 weeks to Treacy I proudly showed off how I could now squat and

was mildly rebuked by him. The cup which unlike the ball is not cemented

apparently takes 12 weeks for the bone to graft and grow into the top surface

and although we are fully weight bearing ourselves we should not put on extra

stress. No heavy lifting etc. I was however allowed to start swimming after

this consultation

After both ops I went straight to walking with sticks on the fourth day and

asked why others were on crutches. One answer was that some had had bone

grafting and needed extra support. The discharge info after the first op was

quite clear, 'do not take part in swimming or cycling or sporting activities

until first post operative review'. I stopped using sticks the first time at

four and half weeks and I am already not using them indoors after three and

half weeks. I use one stick outside as it broadcasts to others that I am

still very unsteady.

I think dance classes are definitely out for at least 12 weeks post op, but I

would be upset at having to use crutches for this time.

PG

Obviously I was held back by my right hip anywayJust to confuse thasThis is

down to the consultants own ideas The ball is cemented onto this jointto

fully

[Guest guest]

My name is Helen, 47 years old and I live in Harrow just outside

London, England. I had a hip resurfacing on the 20th October and

have been very pleased.

I had suffered, in increasing discomfort, since January 2001 and so

was very pleased to be offered the surgery.

My main concern is that, having had my first outpatient appointment,

my hospital consultant is insisting that I should be partially

weightbearing on the operated hip for another two months! All my

research on the web had highlighted the fact that resurfacing meant a

faster recovery period and that, after 6-8 weeks patients were

walking unaided and driving. I have been told to continue to use

crutches until my next outpatients appointment in February!

I know I shall have to live with this but feel they're being

extremely over-cautious. I feel well, the new hip seems ok and, as I

was fit and active before the operation, am anxious to start getting

some dance classes in which I obviously can't if they want me to

continue on crutches.

All the other information I've read would seem to indicate they're

taking an extremely cautious line with me as other resurfacing

patients indicate they start living a fairly normal existence very

quickly post-op.

Has anyone got any comments in this regard? I have queried this with

the consultant and the comment was that, as this was a new technique,

particularly at the hospital, they were anxious that I should not

dislocate my hip. I thought there was a much reduced risk of

disclocation following a resurfacing?

Regards,

Helen

[Guest guest]

I feel for you. The time the surgeon has suggested does seem very excessive but

you are in a no win situation as far as he is concerned unless you can prove to

him, somehow, that most experienced surgeons in this field like McMinn and

deSmet etc: feel 6 weeks weight bearing is more than sufficient. This is of

course assuming that your op was straight forward. Even then, he is unlikely to

change his mind. Perhaps you can ask him why he thinks 12 weeks is necessary and

if he knows of any other surgeons who suggest 12 weeks as well.

All this is of not much use to you I know but if he is new to this type of

operation, the chances are that he was taught by McMinn or one of his

colleagues. I get the impression that many of the surgeons throughout the world

practising this type of op learnt it under McMinn or Treacy.

All the best. Joe

Resurfacing

My name is Helen, 47 years old and I live in Harrow just outside

London, England. I had a hip resurfacing on the 20th October and

have been very pleased.

I had suffered, in increasing discomfort, since January 2001 and so

was very pleased to be offered the surgery.

My main concern is that, having had my first outpatient appointment,

my hospital consultant is insisting that I should be partially

weightbearing on the operated hip for another two months! All my

research on the web had highlighted the fact that resurfacing meant a

faster recovery period and that, after 6-8 weeks patients were

walking unaided and driving. I have been told to continue to use

crutches until my next outpatients appointment in February!

I know I shall have to live with this but feel they're being

extremely over-cautious. I feel well, the new hip seems ok and, as I

was fit and active before the operation, am anxious to start getting

some dance classes in which I obviously can't if they want me to

continue on crutches.

All the other information I've read would seem to indicate they're

taking an extremely cautious line with me as other resurfacing

patients indicate they start living a fairly normal existence very

quickly post-op.

Has anyone got any comments in this regard? I have queried this with

the consultant and the comment was that, as this was a new technique,

particularly at the hospital, they were anxious that I should not

dislocate my hip. I thought there was a much reduced risk of

disclocation following a resurfacing?

Regards,

Helen

[Guest guest]

I feel for you. The time the surgeon has suggested does seem very excessive but

you are in a no win situation as far as he is concerned unless you can prove to

him, somehow, that most experienced surgeons in this field like McMinn and

deSmet etc: feel 6 weeks weight bearing is more than sufficient. This is of

course assuming that your op was straight forward. Even then, he is unlikely to

change his mind. Perhaps you can ask him why he thinks 12 weeks is necessary and

if he knows of any other surgeons who suggest 12 weeks as well.

All this is of not much use to you I know but if he is new to this type of

operation, the chances are that he was taught by McMinn or one of his

colleagues. I get the impression that many of the surgeons throughout the world

practising this type of op learnt it under McMinn or Treacy.

All the best. Joe

Resurfacing

My name is Helen, 47 years old and I live in Harrow just outside

London, England. I had a hip resurfacing on the 20th October and

have been very pleased.

I had suffered, in increasing discomfort, since January 2001 and so

was very pleased to be offered the surgery.

My main concern is that, having had my first outpatient appointment,

my hospital consultant is insisting that I should be partially

weightbearing on the operated hip for another two months! All my

research on the web had highlighted the fact that resurfacing meant a

faster recovery period and that, after 6-8 weeks patients were

walking unaided and driving. I have been told to continue to use

crutches until my next outpatients appointment in February!

I know I shall have to live with this but feel they're being

extremely over-cautious. I feel well, the new hip seems ok and, as I

was fit and active before the operation, am anxious to start getting

some dance classes in which I obviously can't if they want me to

continue on crutches.

All the other information I've read would seem to indicate they're

taking an extremely cautious line with me as other resurfacing

patients indicate they start living a fairly normal existence very

quickly post-op.

Has anyone got any comments in this regard? I have queried this with

the consultant and the comment was that, as this was a new technique,

particularly at the hospital, they were anxious that I should not

dislocate my hip. I thought there was a much reduced risk of

disclocation following a resurfacing?

Regards,

Helen

[Guest guest]

I feel for you. The time the surgeon has suggested does seem very excessive but

you are in a no win situation as far as he is concerned unless you can prove to

him, somehow, that most experienced surgeons in this field like McMinn and

deSmet etc: feel 6 weeks weight bearing is more than sufficient. This is of

course assuming that your op was straight forward. Even then, he is unlikely to

change his mind. Perhaps you can ask him why he thinks 12 weeks is necessary and

if he knows of any other surgeons who suggest 12 weeks as well.

All this is of not much use to you I know but if he is new to this type of

operation, the chances are that he was taught by McMinn or one of his

colleagues. I get the impression that many of the surgeons throughout the world

practising this type of op learnt it under McMinn or Treacy.

All the best. Joe

Resurfacing

My name is Helen, 47 years old and I live in Harrow just outside

London, England. I had a hip resurfacing on the 20th October and

have been very pleased.

I had suffered, in increasing discomfort, since January 2001 and so

was very pleased to be offered the surgery.

My main concern is that, having had my first outpatient appointment,

my hospital consultant is insisting that I should be partially

weightbearing on the operated hip for another two months! All my

research on the web had highlighted the fact that resurfacing meant a

faster recovery period and that, after 6-8 weeks patients were

walking unaided and driving. I have been told to continue to use

crutches until my next outpatients appointment in February!

I know I shall have to live with this but feel they're being

extremely over-cautious. I feel well, the new hip seems ok and, as I

was fit and active before the operation, am anxious to start getting

some dance classes in which I obviously can't if they want me to

continue on crutches.

All the other information I've read would seem to indicate they're

taking an extremely cautious line with me as other resurfacing

patients indicate they start living a fairly normal existence very

quickly post-op.

Has anyone got any comments in this regard? I have queried this with

the consultant and the comment was that, as this was a new technique,

particularly at the hospital, they were anxious that I should not

dislocate my hip. I thought there was a much reduced risk of

disclocation following a resurfacing?

Regards,

Helen

[Guest guest]

At 03:48 PM 12/4/2002 +0000, you wrote:

>My main concern is that, having had my first outpatient appointment,

>my hospital consultant is insisting that I should be partially

>weightbearing on the operated hip for another two months! All my

>research on the web had highlighted the fact that resurfacing meant a

>faster recovery period and that, after 6-8 weeks patients were

>walking unaided and driving.

Helen,

There may be something in your bones or your anatomy that is causing the

additional crutch time for you. I think I still hold the record-I was on

crutches from May 25th until Jan. 14th!!! I had horrid dysplasia which

often means weaker femurs because of the anatomy of the hip, and I could

not have walked unaided for any distance (although I did around the house)

without the crutches. I was driving after nine days and back to work after

two weeks on the first hip and three on the second. I was more mobile with

the crutches than I had been pre-op, so my crutch time was still a huge

improvement over what I had before. You've got that great new hip--do you

really want to take a chance and jeopardize it?

Conserve Plus

5/25/01 and 6/28/01

[Guest guest]

At 03:48 PM 12/4/2002 +0000, you wrote:

>My main concern is that, having had my first outpatient appointment,

>my hospital consultant is insisting that I should be partially

>weightbearing on the operated hip for another two months! All my

>research on the web had highlighted the fact that resurfacing meant a

>faster recovery period and that, after 6-8 weeks patients were

>walking unaided and driving.

Helen,

There may be something in your bones or your anatomy that is causing the

additional crutch time for you. I think I still hold the record-I was on

crutches from May 25th until Jan. 14th!!! I had horrid dysplasia which

often means weaker femurs because of the anatomy of the hip, and I could

not have walked unaided for any distance (although I did around the house)

without the crutches. I was driving after nine days and back to work after

two weeks on the first hip and three on the second. I was more mobile with

the crutches than I had been pre-op, so my crutch time was still a huge

improvement over what I had before. You've got that great new hip--do you

really want to take a chance and jeopardize it?

Conserve Plus

5/25/01 and 6/28/01

[Guest guest]

At 03:48 PM 12/4/2002 +0000, you wrote:

>My main concern is that, having had my first outpatient appointment,

>my hospital consultant is insisting that I should be partially

>weightbearing on the operated hip for another two months! All my

>research on the web had highlighted the fact that resurfacing meant a

>faster recovery period and that, after 6-8 weeks patients were

>walking unaided and driving.

Helen,

There may be something in your bones or your anatomy that is causing the

additional crutch time for you. I think I still hold the record-I was on

crutches from May 25th until Jan. 14th!!! I had horrid dysplasia which

often means weaker femurs because of the anatomy of the hip, and I could

not have walked unaided for any distance (although I did around the house)

without the crutches. I was driving after nine days and back to work after

two weeks on the first hip and three on the second. I was more mobile with

the crutches than I had been pre-op, so my crutch time was still a huge

improvement over what I had before. You've got that great new hip--do you

really want to take a chance and jeopardize it?

Conserve Plus

5/25/01 and 6/28/01

[Guest guest]

Hi Helen,

This sounds very difficult for you........... you say your hospital

consultant........was this the guy who actually operated or someone you were

referred to later.............I was left a little unclear

there.............I live in an area where my Resurface is the first

seen by many........ so I have to watch how much knowledge these people

have who may want to express an opinion............

I know how frustrated you must feel as I felt 6 weeks on crutches a life

time........... My first thoughts would be finding out for sure what your

particular problem is that requires this degree of caution - on the basis

that full knowlege may assist with impatience - and do presume you have a

right to know this in total detail. i.e. is it weak bones and/or do you

have some problems with weak muscles that may be causing them to worry about

dislocation even though the BHR is better........... And do ask them to

write it down for you so you can study it later etc.

Edith

> My name is Helen, 47 years old and I live in Harrow just outside

> London, England. I had a hip resurfacing on the 20th October and

> have been very pleased.

>

> I had suffered, in increasing discomfort, since January 2001 and so

> was very pleased to be offered the surgery.

>

> My main concern is that, having had my first outpatient appointment,

> my hospital consultant is insisting that I should be partially

> weightbearing on the operated hip for another two months! All my

> research on the web had highlighted the fact that resurfacing meant a

> faster recovery period and that, after 6-8 weeks patients were

> walking unaided and driving. I have been told to continue to use

[Guest guest]

> My name is Helen, 47 years old and I live in Harrow just outside

> London, England. I had a hip resurfacing on the 20th October and

> have been very pleased.

>

> I had suffered, in increasing discomfort, since January 2001 and so

> was very pleased to be offered the surgery.

>

> My main concern is that, having had my first outpatient

appointment,

> my hospital consultant is insisting that I should be partially

> weightbearing on the operated hip for another two months

Dear Helen,

I don't have anything to add to what has already been said - except

to re-enforce that you should do what they advise, even though it

seems overcautious and a real nuisance for you.

I just wanted to say that it's good to hear from someone local - I

live in Ealing and had my resurface with Mr McMinn in April.

In the meantime think of the advantages of being on crutches - seats

on the tube/bus,people opening doors for you, drivers stopping to let

you cross the road and generally being waited on!

Take care,

Stella

[Guest guest]

Helen

It is most unusual for BHR patients to restricted like this. Unless

there are special circumstances, one would expect the advice to be

consistent. Until recently all BHR surgeons were trained by

McMinn/Treacy but I believe they have now trained others to do the

training as the operation grows in popularity throughout the world.

I, like most BHR hippies, was full weight bearing from day 1. During

my hospital stay I progressed from walker, to crutches, to stick

(cane), then kept the stick until my 6 week appt., by which time it

was more of an accessory than an aid.

Your regime suggests that you have some extra problems that require

this amount of care. Have you asked the OS whether he routinely

insists on 3 months of partial weight bearing? Your situation is

unusual and I think you're entitled to ask why.

I should be very interested to know where you had your op. and by

whom. Two years ago, one of the leading OS's at NPH hadn't even heard

of resurfacing as a current operation!

Your neighbour in Harrow,

Terry

RH BHR by Muirhead-Allwood, Princess Grace Hosp W1 Feb 09,2001

>

> > My name is Helen, 47 years old and I live in Harrow just outside

> > London, England. I had a hip resurfacing on the 20th October and

> > have been very pleased.

> >

> > I had suffered, in increasing discomfort, since January 2001 and

so

> > was very pleased to be offered the surgery.

> >

> > My main concern is that, having had my first outpatient

> appointment,

> > my hospital consultant is insisting that I should be partially

> > weightbearing on the operated hip for another two months

[Guest guest]

Hi Helen,

I am currently 9 weeks post op BHR (Australia) and like several on

this board have had a history of hip problems stemming from birth. My

BHR op was my 7th operation and subsequently my leg bone and femur

were in the words of my OS very soft. I was on crutches for 6 weeks

(limited weight bearing) and then on one crutch until several days

ago where I have been using my cane. I am able to walk (hobble)

unaided for short distances around the house when I forget where I

put my cane but am not strong enough to do so without limping. I am

taking Fosamax to strengthen my bones have been driving since week 3.

Your restrictions sound a little over the top and like others have

suggested I would be wanting to know exactly why the caution. Seek a

clarification to ease your mind. My OS has told me to be very careful

especially for the first 3 months but he wants me to put weight on my

bones as this allows them to grow stronger.

All the best

Dasher

[Guest guest]

Terry

My op took place at Mount Vernon Hosp. Where are you in Harrow? I

live just off Locket Road.

It's a long story but originally, I was offered the resurfacing by Mr

Langstaff at an appointment NPH had sent me to in an effort to reduce

their long waiting times for ortho 1st appointments. Mr Langstaff

recommended resurfacing, offered to do the op himself if I could get

referred to him at Hillingdon hosp and told me to do some research

between then and the time my GP received his letter. Langstaff

actually then 'just didn't bother' with my letter to the GP - it

never got sent in the post, despite my chasing. When it did arrive,

1st week August, my GP immediately wrote to Langstaff to request

resurfacing surgery since I'd done my homework and was pleased to see

that the recovery time was much quicker than a replacement. Then

Langstaff " sat " on the admission paperwork until the 1st week

September until it finally arrived in Admissions. To add insult to

injury, everyone had assured me that my wait on Langstaff's waiting

list would commence from the date of my consultation with him - 19th

June 2002. However, Admissions having told me they'd now received

the paperwork assured me I was right at the back of the list, entered

as of the 1st week of September " because I saw Mr Langstaff as a

private paient " !!!! In fact, NPH had bought Langstaff's time and sent

me to the appointment and you can imagine how angry, distressed and

conerned I was to be told I would have a year's wait from September

2002!

I wrote to letter of complaint to Langstaff (not too heavy 'cos I

still wanted him to operate), whose tone was that he couldn't

understand why I was complaining - he was sure the problems he had

had with administration - explained in the letter as being due to not

having secretary (although why that should be my problem, I don't

know) - and that any maladminisration of paperwork wouldn't have

adversely affected the amount of time I would wait for my operation!

Then, in the last paragraph of his letter, he said he'd decided not

to work on hips any more - to only carry out knee surgery and he'd

passed on my details to a colleague, Mr Singh of Mount Vernon. In

the very same post was a letter from Mr Singh asking me to come to

outpatients later that week. The Monday after my outpatients

appointment I was asked to attend for a post op session on the

Thursday, then turn up on the Sunday and be operated upon on the

Monday - so I was more than happy to get the ball rolling.

However, it seems that the consultant and registrar, due to their

limited knowledge for the recovery of resurfacing patients, are

treating me just like a replacement patient which, obviously, defeats

the main object of having the resurfacing, i.e., getting back to

a " normal " lifestyle quicker.

I haven't had any 'extra problems' in fact I think I've recovered

extremely well. My main complaint whilst in hospital was that,

because they weren't used to patients needing surgery in a person of

my age and at my level of fitness, I was constantly treated like a 90

year old and talked to accordingly! Even down to discharge - THEY

decided I should not be discharged on the Saturday and stay until the

next Monday - without consulting me! I did make rather pointed

comments to them in that regard.

The Physios are of the opinion that they/I must carry out the wishes

of the consultant and are telling me to continue to use two

crutches. Since I feel they 'mean well' but don't really appreciate

how well I have recovered, I am cautiously using one crutch during

the daytime, with occasional trips round the house unaided (very

occasional!)

> > > My name is Helen, 47 years old and I live in Harrow just

outside

> > > London, England. I had a hip resurfacing on the 20th October

and

> > > have been very pleased.

> > >

> > > I had suffered, in increasing discomfort, since January 2001

and

> so

> > > was very pleased to be offered the surgery.

> > >

> > > My main concern is that, having had my first outpatient

> > appointment,

> > > my hospital consultant is insisting that I should be partially

> > > weightbearing on the operated hip for another two months

[Guest guest]

Terry

My op took place at Mount Vernon Hosp. Where are you in Harrow? I

live just off Locket Road.

It's a long story but originally, I was offered the resurfacing by Mr

Langstaff at an appointment NPH had sent me to in an effort to reduce

their long waiting times for ortho 1st appointments. Mr Langstaff

recommended resurfacing, offered to do the op himself if I could get

referred to him at Hillingdon hosp and told me to do some research

between then and the time my GP received his letter. Langstaff

actually then 'just didn't bother' with my letter to the GP - it

never got sent in the post, despite my chasing. When it did arrive,

1st week August, my GP immediately wrote to Langstaff to request

resurfacing surgery since I'd done my homework and was pleased to see

that the recovery time was much quicker than a replacement. Then

Langstaff " sat " on the admission paperwork until the 1st week

September until it finally arrived in Admissions. To add insult to

injury, everyone had assured me that my wait on Langstaff's waiting

list would commence from the date of my consultation with him - 19th

June 2002. However, Admissions having told me they'd now received

the paperwork assured me I was right at the back of the list, entered

as of the 1st week of September " because I saw Mr Langstaff as a

private paient " !!!! In fact, NPH had bought Langstaff's time and sent

me to the appointment and you can imagine how angry, distressed and

conerned I was to be told I would have a year's wait from September

2002!

I wrote to letter of complaint to Langstaff (not too heavy 'cos I

still wanted him to operate), whose tone was that he couldn't

understand why I was complaining - he was sure the problems he had

had with administration - explained in the letter as being due to not

having secretary (although why that should be my problem, I don't

know) - and that any maladminisration of paperwork wouldn't have

adversely affected the amount of time I would wait for my operation!

Then, in the last paragraph of his letter, he said he'd decided not

to work on hips any more - to only carry out knee surgery and he'd

passed on my details to a colleague, Mr Singh of Mount Vernon. In

the very same post was a letter from Mr Singh asking me to come to

outpatients later that week. The Monday after my outpatients

appointment I was asked to attend for a post op session on the

Thursday, then turn up on the Sunday and be operated upon on the

Monday - so I was more than happy to get the ball rolling.

However, it seems that the consultant and registrar, due to their

limited knowledge for the recovery of resurfacing patients, are

treating me just like a replacement patient which, obviously, defeats

the main object of having the resurfacing, i.e., getting back to

a " normal " lifestyle quicker.

I haven't had any 'extra problems' in fact I think I've recovered

extremely well. My main complaint whilst in hospital was that,

because they weren't used to patients needing surgery in a person of

my age and at my level of fitness, I was constantly treated like a 90

year old and talked to accordingly! Even down to discharge - THEY

decided I should not be discharged on the Saturday and stay until the

next Monday - without consulting me! I did make rather pointed

comments to them in that regard.

The Physios are of the opinion that they/I must carry out the wishes

of the consultant and are telling me to continue to use two

crutches. Since I feel they 'mean well' but don't really appreciate

how well I have recovered, I am cautiously using one crutch during

the daytime, with occasional trips round the house unaided (very

occasional!)

> > > My name is Helen, 47 years old and I live in Harrow just

outside

> > > London, England. I had a hip resurfacing on the 20th October

and

> > > have been very pleased.

> > >

> > > I had suffered, in increasing discomfort, since January 2001

and

> so

> > > was very pleased to be offered the surgery.

> > >

> > > My main concern is that, having had my first outpatient

> > appointment,

> > > my hospital consultant is insisting that I should be partially

> > > weightbearing on the operated hip for another two months

[Guest guest]

Terry

My op took place at Mount Vernon Hosp. Where are you in Harrow? I

live just off Locket Road.

It's a long story but originally, I was offered the resurfacing by Mr

Langstaff at an appointment NPH had sent me to in an effort to reduce

their long waiting times for ortho 1st appointments. Mr Langstaff

recommended resurfacing, offered to do the op himself if I could get

referred to him at Hillingdon hosp and told me to do some research

between then and the time my GP received his letter. Langstaff

actually then 'just didn't bother' with my letter to the GP - it

never got sent in the post, despite my chasing. When it did arrive,

1st week August, my GP immediately wrote to Langstaff to request

resurfacing surgery since I'd done my homework and was pleased to see

that the recovery time was much quicker than a replacement. Then

Langstaff " sat " on the admission paperwork until the 1st week

September until it finally arrived in Admissions. To add insult to

injury, everyone had assured me that my wait on Langstaff's waiting

list would commence from the date of my consultation with him - 19th

June 2002. However, Admissions having told me they'd now received

the paperwork assured me I was right at the back of the list, entered

as of the 1st week of September " because I saw Mr Langstaff as a

private paient " !!!! In fact, NPH had bought Langstaff's time and sent

me to the appointment and you can imagine how angry, distressed and

conerned I was to be told I would have a year's wait from September

2002!

I wrote to letter of complaint to Langstaff (not too heavy 'cos I

still wanted him to operate), whose tone was that he couldn't

understand why I was complaining - he was sure the problems he had

had with administration - explained in the letter as being due to not

having secretary (although why that should be my problem, I don't

know) - and that any maladminisration of paperwork wouldn't have

adversely affected the amount of time I would wait for my operation!

Then, in the last paragraph of his letter, he said he'd decided not

to work on hips any more - to only carry out knee surgery and he'd

passed on my details to a colleague, Mr Singh of Mount Vernon. In

the very same post was a letter from Mr Singh asking me to come to

outpatients later that week. The Monday after my outpatients

appointment I was asked to attend for a post op session on the

Thursday, then turn up on the Sunday and be operated upon on the

Monday - so I was more than happy to get the ball rolling.

However, it seems that the consultant and registrar, due to their

limited knowledge for the recovery of resurfacing patients, are

treating me just like a replacement patient which, obviously, defeats

the main object of having the resurfacing, i.e., getting back to

a " normal " lifestyle quicker.

I haven't had any 'extra problems' in fact I think I've recovered

extremely well. My main complaint whilst in hospital was that,

because they weren't used to patients needing surgery in a person of

my age and at my level of fitness, I was constantly treated like a 90

year old and talked to accordingly! Even down to discharge - THEY

decided I should not be discharged on the Saturday and stay until the

next Monday - without consulting me! I did make rather pointed

comments to them in that regard.

The Physios are of the opinion that they/I must carry out the wishes

of the consultant and are telling me to continue to use two

crutches. Since I feel they 'mean well' but don't really appreciate

how well I have recovered, I am cautiously using one crutch during

the daytime, with occasional trips round the house unaided (very

occasional!)

> > > My name is Helen, 47 years old and I live in Harrow just

outside

> > > London, England. I had a hip resurfacing on the 20th October

and

> > > have been very pleased.

> > >

> > > I had suffered, in increasing discomfort, since January 2001

and

> so

> > > was very pleased to be offered the surgery.

> > >

> > > My main concern is that, having had my first outpatient

> > appointment,

> > > my hospital consultant is insisting that I should be partially

> > > weightbearing on the operated hip for another two months

[Guest guest]

Hi Helen

I live in Northumberland Road, N. Harrow (starts near N.Harrow

Station).

Thanks for taking the time to tell your story. You really did go

through the (not untypical) NHS mill, didn't you! I guess, if any

good came out it, the dramatically quick response by Mr Singh must be

something of a record and just compensation for the stressful time

you were put through.

I know it is the intention of Mr McMinn that all the surgeons that

perform BHR get the same standard of training, which surely extends

to the advice to the patient for the post operative period.

IMHO I think you should get an explanation from Mr Singh or his

registrar as to why you have to plod around on crutches for another

couple of months, when most of us have thrown the stick away. Either

they have detected something very fragile in your condition, which

indicates this very conservative regime, or something is getting lost

in the translation somewhere. Did the physio's say that he insists

on the long period of partial weight bearing for ALL his BHR

patients?

Its great news that BHR is being performed at Mount Vernon under the

NHS. It was a different story 2 or 3 years ago. I was due to have a

THR at Northwick Park in Oct 99, after 15 month wait. Thank God the

waiting lists were so long, as my brother saw the BHR article on

BBC " Watchdog-Healthcheck " and told me, just in time to cancel my THR.

After that, information was so scarce, I rather let things ride,

until I fell onto my bad hip trying to bowl at ten-pin bowling at NH

Superbowl. The pain was so bad, I was gelled into action and ended

up spending most of our savings having the op done privately. The

improvement of quality of life is such that I don't regret a penny of

the cost.

I do hope that you manage to get things sorted out.

Terry

> Terry

> My op took place at Mount Vernon Hosp. Where are you in Harrow? I

> live just off Locket Road.

>

> It's a long story but originally, I was offered the resurfacing by

Mr

> Langstaff at an appointment NPH had sent me to in an effort to

reduce

> their long waiting times for ortho 1st appointments. Mr Langstaff

> recommended resurfacing, offered to do the op himself if I could

get

> referred to him at Hillingdon hosp and told me to do some research

> between then and the time my GP received his letter. Langstaff

> actually then 'just didn't bother' with my letter to the GP - it

> never got sent in the post, despite my chasing. When it did

arrive,

> 1st week August, my GP immediately wrote to Langstaff to request

> resurfacing surgery since I'd done my homework and was pleased to

see

> that the recovery time was much quicker than a replacement. Then

> Langstaff " sat " on the admission paperwork until the 1st week

> September until it finally arrived in Admissions. To add insult to

> injury, everyone had assured me that my wait on Langstaff's waiting

> list would commence from the date of my consultation with him -

19th

> June 2002. However, Admissions having told me they'd now received

> the paperwork assured me I was right at the back of the list,

entered

> as of the 1st week of September " because I saw Mr Langstaff as a

> private paient " !!!! In fact, NPH had bought Langstaff's time and

sent

> me to the appointment and you can imagine how angry, distressed and

> conerned I was to be told I would have a year's wait from September

> 2002!

>

> I wrote to letter of complaint to Langstaff (not too heavy 'cos I

> still wanted him to operate), whose tone was that he couldn't

> understand why I was complaining - he was sure the problems he had

> had with administration - explained in the letter as being due to

not

> having secretary (although why that should be my problem, I don't

> know) - and that any maladminisration of paperwork wouldn't have

> adversely affected the amount of time I would wait for my operation!

> Then, in the last paragraph of his letter, he said he'd decided not

> to work on hips any more - to only carry out knee surgery and he'd

> passed on my details to a colleague, Mr Singh of Mount Vernon. In

> the very same post was a letter from Mr Singh asking me to come to

> outpatients later that week. The Monday after my outpatients

> appointment I was asked to attend for a post op session on the

> Thursday, then turn up on the Sunday and be operated upon on the

> Monday - so I was more than happy to get the ball rolling.

>

> However, it seems that the consultant and registrar, due to their

> limited knowledge for the recovery of resurfacing patients, are

> treating me just like a replacement patient which, obviously,

defeats

> the main object of having the resurfacing, i.e., getting back to

> a " normal " lifestyle quicker.

>

> I haven't had any 'extra problems' in fact I think I've recovered

> extremely well. My main complaint whilst in hospital was that,

> because they weren't used to patients needing surgery in a person

of

> my age and at my level of fitness, I was constantly treated like a

90

> year old and talked to accordingly! Even down to discharge - THEY

> decided I should not be discharged on the Saturday and stay until

the

> next Monday - without consulting me! I did make rather pointed

> comments to them in that regard.

>

> The Physios are of the opinion that they/I must carry out the

wishes

> of the consultant and are telling me to continue to use two

> crutches. Since I feel they 'mean well' but don't really

appreciate

> how well I have recovered, I am cautiously using one crutch during

> the daytime, with occasional trips round the house unaided (very

> occasional!)

[Guest guest]

Terry

Practically neighbours!

Yes, Mr Singh put my faith back into the medical profession

somewhat.

As to your comment with regard to surgeons performing BHR to the same

standard - I couldn't say with any certainty that Mr Singh is

affiliated in any way with Mr McMinn or the Birmingham facility that

I've seen web pages about. Mr Langstaff, who was originally going to

operate and who, in actual fact suggested that I should have a

resurfacing, did not mention BHR. He put the suggestion to have a

resurfacing, said he'd write to my GP and I should research what the

operation entails on the web and decide if I wanted it or a THR.

Since I suspect neither medicos have any actual link to McMinn or

Birmingham, they have obviously gained the necessary knowledge to be

able to carry out resurfacings where and when they have a patient

they can offer it to. At the time it was first mentioned I did ask

what the success rate was, to be told that it was a very new

procedure in Britain (for the last 8 years) and Langstaff had only

performed 3. Success rates were difficult to give because of the

limited number performed and the lack of data available.

I think their caution with regard to my recovery and the use of

crutches boils down to their lack of knowledge about recovery

times/success rates, etc. and you can't really blame them for being

cautious! They have not said that there is a *reason* for " plodding

around on crutches " other than their aforementioned lack of

knowledge, hence their careful stance ('scuse the pun!).

I don't have weak bones, am not fragile and certainly nothing was

said that would suggest they thought this.

I would add that it is not " BHR " as such that I was offered, either

by Mr Langstaff or Mr Singh at Mount Vernon. What I was offered, and

received, was a Cemented Hip Resurfacing. I didn't get " private

health care " on the NHS, other than the appointment at Bishops Wood

that NPH sent me to in order to reduce the waiting time for my

orthopaedic appointment. I have queried the way they are dealing

with my recovery post-op but don't want to be heavy handed about it -

I've had the surgery, I'm on the mend - if it takes an extra couple

of months on Incapacity Benefit, so be it.

I think if I'd had to wait any longer, I might have seriously looked

into going privately and somehow drum up the money. Thankfully, it

didn't come to that.

I have to say, I'm also glad I didn't end up at NPH, since I don't

actually have a lot of trust in them. Last year they were unable to

diagnose my husband's respiratory problems over a course of 4 months.

Barnet later said he was suffering congestive heart failure and

couldn't understand why NPH hadn't noticed. God bless our over-

worked hospitals!

Best wishes,

Helen

[Guest guest]

Terry

Practically neighbours!

Yes, Mr Singh put my faith back into the medical profession

somewhat.

As to your comment with regard to surgeons performing BHR to the same

standard - I couldn't say with any certainty that Mr Singh is

affiliated in any way with Mr McMinn or the Birmingham facility that

I've seen web pages about. Mr Langstaff, who was originally going to

operate and who, in actual fact suggested that I should have a

resurfacing, did not mention BHR. He put the suggestion to have a

resurfacing, said he'd write to my GP and I should research what the

operation entails on the web and decide if I wanted it or a THR.

Since I suspect neither medicos have any actual link to McMinn or

Birmingham, they have obviously gained the necessary knowledge to be

able to carry out resurfacings where and when they have a patient

they can offer it to. At the time it was first mentioned I did ask

what the success rate was, to be told that it was a very new

procedure in Britain (for the last 8 years) and Langstaff had only

performed 3. Success rates were difficult to give because of the

limited number performed and the lack of data available.

I think their caution with regard to my recovery and the use of

crutches boils down to their lack of knowledge about recovery

times/success rates, etc. and you can't really blame them for being

cautious! They have not said that there is a *reason* for " plodding

around on crutches " other than their aforementioned lack of

knowledge, hence their careful stance ('scuse the pun!).

I don't have weak bones, am not fragile and certainly nothing was

said that would suggest they thought this.

I would add that it is not " BHR " as such that I was offered, either

by Mr Langstaff or Mr Singh at Mount Vernon. What I was offered, and

received, was a Cemented Hip Resurfacing. I didn't get " private

health care " on the NHS, other than the appointment at Bishops Wood

that NPH sent me to in order to reduce the waiting time for my

orthopaedic appointment. I have queried the way they are dealing

with my recovery post-op but don't want to be heavy handed about it -

I've had the surgery, I'm on the mend - if it takes an extra couple

of months on Incapacity Benefit, so be it.

I think if I'd had to wait any longer, I might have seriously looked

into going privately and somehow drum up the money. Thankfully, it

didn't come to that.

I have to say, I'm also glad I didn't end up at NPH, since I don't

actually have a lot of trust in them. Last year they were unable to

diagnose my husband's respiratory problems over a course of 4 months.

Barnet later said he was suffering congestive heart failure and

couldn't understand why NPH hadn't noticed. God bless our over-

worked hospitals!

Best wishes,

Helen

[Guest guest]

Terry

Practically neighbours!

Yes, Mr Singh put my faith back into the medical profession

somewhat.

As to your comment with regard to surgeons performing BHR to the same

standard - I couldn't say with any certainty that Mr Singh is

affiliated in any way with Mr McMinn or the Birmingham facility that

I've seen web pages about. Mr Langstaff, who was originally going to

operate and who, in actual fact suggested that I should have a

resurfacing, did not mention BHR. He put the suggestion to have a

resurfacing, said he'd write to my GP and I should research what the

operation entails on the web and decide if I wanted it or a THR.

Since I suspect neither medicos have any actual link to McMinn or

Birmingham, they have obviously gained the necessary knowledge to be

able to carry out resurfacings where and when they have a patient

they can offer it to. At the time it was first mentioned I did ask

what the success rate was, to be told that it was a very new

procedure in Britain (for the last 8 years) and Langstaff had only

performed 3. Success rates were difficult to give because of the

limited number performed and the lack of data available.

I think their caution with regard to my recovery and the use of

crutches boils down to their lack of knowledge about recovery

times/success rates, etc. and you can't really blame them for being

cautious! They have not said that there is a *reason* for " plodding

around on crutches " other than their aforementioned lack of

knowledge, hence their careful stance ('scuse the pun!).

I don't have weak bones, am not fragile and certainly nothing was

said that would suggest they thought this.

I would add that it is not " BHR " as such that I was offered, either

by Mr Langstaff or Mr Singh at Mount Vernon. What I was offered, and

received, was a Cemented Hip Resurfacing. I didn't get " private

health care " on the NHS, other than the appointment at Bishops Wood

that NPH sent me to in order to reduce the waiting time for my

orthopaedic appointment. I have queried the way they are dealing

with my recovery post-op but don't want to be heavy handed about it -

I've had the surgery, I'm on the mend - if it takes an extra couple

of months on Incapacity Benefit, so be it.

I think if I'd had to wait any longer, I might have seriously looked

into going privately and somehow drum up the money. Thankfully, it

didn't come to that.

I have to say, I'm also glad I didn't end up at NPH, since I don't

actually have a lot of trust in them. Last year they were unable to

diagnose my husband's respiratory problems over a course of 4 months.

Barnet later said he was suffering congestive heart failure and

couldn't understand why NPH hadn't noticed. God bless our over-

worked hospitals!

Best wishes,

Helen