Re: CALL TO ALL HIPPIES - questions, concerns, ETC!

May 4, 2004

>

>1) So that's a long-winded intro to my first question - if Beaule is

>in the same group as Amstutz and Schmalzried...am I good to go with

>Beaule even though my " thing " was experience?

I would personally have been ok with any of them, as they have all worked

with Dr. Amstutz (as did my surgeon, Dr. Boyd), and I'm sure if he didn't

feel they were excellent, they wouldn't be working together. Since there

is only one resurfacing surgeon in my state, I didn't have that question to

deal with.

>2) Insurance. I have BC of CA-PPO and was told that coverage ain't

>happenin'. So exciting to pay out the ying-yang for hassles - the

>one of VERY few times I use insurance (knock on wood). My feeling is

>to ask BC about coverage anyway, no? What's the worst they can say --

>no.......no? Part 2 of the same question - if/when I do call BC,

>what do I say/how do I begin (sounds like a song)?

DON " T CALL THEM!!!!! Let the docs office do the insurance work. If you

call them, it is nearly a certain denial. You may end up being involved in

an appeal process, but don't start off with a huge red flag on your file.

>3) Recovery time. I know it varies...but I'm told 4-6 weeks on

>crutches...but what about work? I'm focused on recovering and taking

>however long is necessary...but 1) I'd prefer to return to work as

>soon as possible, 'cuz it's just the way I am ... and 2) I need to

>let my workplace know apx. how long - even if it's a range of time.

>I work in real estate services - I'm in the office apx 50% of the

>time on the computer and phone...and the other apx 50% I'm driving

>around LA and OC to clients, tenants, etc.

You can use crutches at work. I work in an insurance office and I was off

work for two weeks, back to work for two more, then had the second hip

done. Off another three weeks, then back 1/2 time for a week, then back

full time. I had some nerve issues, so ended up on crutches for seven

months. I would have been better off if I'd had to use crutches for the

rest of my life than I was pre-op, so I didn't find the crutches a big

issue. I was also driving after nine days, but I wouldn't recommend that

if you live in L.A./OC (which is where I grew up BTW).

>4) Is it feasible to think that w/in my first couple weeks recovering

>I can do some file maintenance?

The drugs do wacky things to your memory. You might be able to manage

putting them in alphabetical order, but don't plan on anything much more

complicated than that. I thought I would get caught up on lots of projects

that I could do sitting, but I kept falling asleep.

>5) I also live on my own which concerned me until the last day or

>two. From what I gather, other hippies (Chris) are also on their own

>and haven't had too much of a problem. Though I live in a 3rd floor

>apt w/ stairs...will all this practice on the stairs be ok, or should

>I reconsider where I will be recovering my first week home?

You might want to consider some help, or staying with a friend or relative

(still thinking maybe I should quit my job and be a professional

hippy-sitter-LOL). With that many stairs, you will likely not be wanting

to do them often, and will need help getting groceries and such up the stairs.

Cindy

C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01

May 5, 2004

> Okay, I gotta get going here and get some of my concerns addressed.

> Some of my reluctance has been not wanting to mention names,

> etc...but let's just say...I'm over it!

>

> I went and saw Dr. Beaule at JRI on 4/26. I'm definitely a candidate

> (yippee, surf's up!)...but there are questions. Like all of you seem

> to be, I need to get all the info and process it so that I can feel

> confident and excited wheeling into surgery! One of my things going

> into this was to find the doc with the most experience. Dr. Beaule

> is an incredible professional. He's a dear, sweet man...he's

> adorable (what can I say, I'm a girl!) ...but I'm not looking for an

> adorable, dear surgeon! Am I crazy to wonder if I consult with

> Amstutz as he clearly has more experience? Am I wrong to question

> docs in the same group? I know someone who personally who got her

> resurf done by Beaule. I have been told he's MORE than competent,

> I'm just throwing it out there and asking for feedback.

Peple who've been treated by Beaule' speak very highly of him. Those

of us who've been resurf-ed by Amstutz are really impressed by *him*.

This is a major decision - go with what makes you comfortable.

> Also last week I flew back East (where I'm from) and saw another

> doc. Turns out he doesn't do resurf (he was referred to me by a

> family memeber who had her THR by him and raved). In a nutshell, he

> didn't neg resurf, nor did he encourage it. He questioned the long-

> term results of resurf vs. THR, but also said there's no individ

> guarantee w/ either procedure. The last thing he left me with? He

> referred me to Dr. Schmalzried, not realizing he was in the same

> group as Beaule at JRI. When I told him, he told me I was " in good

> hands. "

Yup.

> 1) So that's a long-winded intro to my first question - if Beaule is

> in the same group as Amstutz and Schmalzried...am I good to go with

> Beaule even though my " thing " was experience?

Beaule' has a very good reputation.

> 2) Insurance. I have BC of CA-PPO and was told that coverage ain't

> happenin'. So exciting to pay out the ying-yang for hassles - the

> one of VERY few times I use insurance (knock on wood). My feeling is

> to ask BC about coverage anyway, no? What's the worst they can say --

> no.......no? Part 2 of the same question - if/when I do call BC,

> what do I say/how do I begin (sounds like a song)? I've never had to

> deal with insurance companies, so I have no clue. Any input would

> help.

Let JRI handle it. If BC of CA turns you down, you can always join the

class-action suit against them.

>

> 3) Recovery time. I know it varies...but I'm told 4-6 weeks on

> crutches...but what about work? I'm focused on recovering and taking

> however long is necessary...but 1) I'd prefer to return to work as

> soon as possible, 'cuz it's just the way I am ... and 2) I need to

> let my workplace know apx. how long - even if it's a range of time.

> I work in real estate services - I'm in the office apx 50% of the

> time on the computer and phone...and the other apx 50% I'm driving

> around LA and OC to clients, tenants, etc.

It's the driving around that's going to hammer you.

Are you getting the right side, left side, or both sides resurf-ed?

Is your car a manual shift or an automatic?

> 4) Is it feasible to think that w/in my first couple weeks recovering

> I can do some file maintenance

>

> 5) I also live on my own which concerned me until the last day or

> two. From what I gather, other hippies (Chris) are also on their own

> and haven't had too much of a problem.

Not - he's married. I, however, live alone and I'm two weeks

post-op from a bilateral. However, my house is a single story and I've

had a lot of help from friends. Would I *prefer* to have someone here?

Absolutely/ You will be better off if you can get a friend to stay

with you for a week or so.

>Though I live in a 3rd floor

> apt w/ stairs...will all this practice on the stairs be ok, or should

> I reconsider where I will be recovering my first week home?

If you're getting a bilateral, then I'd definitely try to stay with

someone. 3 flights of stairs is a lot to handle everyday and falling

would be absolutely disastrous while you're in the early stages of

recovery. It'll be easier if you're only getting one side done, but

stairs are no picnic the first couple of weeks.

Steve (bilateral C+ 4/20/04, Amstutz)

May 5, 2004

Okay, I gotta get going here and get some of my concerns addressed.

Some of my reluctance has been not wanting to mention names,

etc...but let's just say...I'm over it!

Peple who've been treated by Beaule' speak very highly of him. Those

of us who've been resurf-ed by Amstutz are really impressed by *him*.

This is a major decision - go with what makes you comfortable.

Also last week I flew back East (where I'm from) and saw another

doc. Turns out he doesn't do resurf (he was referred to me by a

family memeber who had her THR by him and raved). In a nutshell, he

didn't neg resurf, nor did he encourage it. He questioned the long-

term results of resurf vs. THR, but also said there's no individ

guarantee w/ either procedure. The last thing he left me with? He

referred me to Dr. Schmalzried, not realizing he was in the same

group as Beaule at JRI. When I told him, he told me I was " in good

hands. "

Yup.

1) So that's a long-winded intro to my first question - if Beaule is

in the same group as Amstutz and Schmalzried...am I good to go with

Beaule even though my " thing " was experience?

Beaule' has a very good reputation. I KNOW, FROM SOMEONE I KNOW AND

WHAT I'VE READ ON HERE. MY CATHOLIC UPBRINGING IS MAKING ME FEEL

GUILTY FOR EVEN ASKING! ) KUDOS TO DR. BEAULE AND ALL @ JRI!

I'M REALIZING HOW FORTUNATE I TRULY AM LIVING AN HOUR SOUTH OF THESE

OSs!

2) Insurance. I have BC of CA-PPO and was told that coverage ain't

happenin'. So exciting to pay out the ying-yang for hassles - the

one of VERY few times I use insurance (knock on wood). My feeling is

to ask BC about coverage anyway, no? What's the worst they can say --

no.......no? Part 2 of the same question - if/when I do call BC,

what do I say/how do I begin (sounds like a song)? I've never had to

deal with insurance companies, so I have no clue. Any input would

help.

Let JRI handle it. If BC of CA turns you down, you can always join the

class-action suit against them. I DON'T KNOW THAT THEIR HELPING WAS

AN OPTION, I DIDN'T COME OUT AND ASK (AS I RECALL) BECAUSE IT WAS

MORE OR LESS DISCOURAGED FROM THE START - I ASSUME 'CUZ OF THEIR LACK

OF RESPONSE W/ OTHER PATIENTS. SHALL I CALL AND ASK LAURA/NIKKI TO

GIVE IT A WING ANYWAY? I'M CERTAIN THAT THEY WON'T PROCEED UNTIL

THEY GET EITHER 1) CLEARED BY INSURANCE OR 2) HAVE MONEY IN THEIR

HANDS. I WILL MORE THAN LIKELY PAY UPFRONT BUT I WANT TO ATTEMPT

GETTING REIMUBURSED - - THANK YOU STEVE AND CINDY FOR YOUR

RESPONSE!!! )

3) Recovery time. I know it varies...but I'm told 4-6 weeks on

crutches...but what about work? I'm focused on recovering and taking

however long is necessary...but 1) I'd prefer to return to work as

soon as possible, 'cuz it's just the way I am ... and 2) I need to

let my workplace know apx. how long - even if it's a range of time.

I work in real estate services - I'm in the office apx 50% of the

time on the computer and phone...and the other apx 50% I'm driving

around LA and OC to clients, tenants, etc.

It's the driving around that's going to hammer you.

re you getting the right side, left side, or both sides resurf-ed?

Is your car a manual shift or an automatic?

I'M DOING LEFT SIDE ONLY, CAR'S AUTO. I FIGURED IT'D BE TOUGH FOR A

WHILE - IT'S TOUGH NOW AND BOTTOM LINE, I DON'T WANNA PUSH IT POST OP

I SIMPLY WANNA GET A ROUGH IDEA - THANKS AGAIN STEVE AND CINDY FOR

YOUR RESPONSES!

4) Is it feasible to think that w/in my first couple weeks recovering

some file maintenance? THANKS CINDY - FALLIN' ASLEEP IS A PROBLEM

PRE-OP - NOT THE MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF THE JOB FOR SURE!!!

5) I also live on my own which concerned me until the last day or

two. From what I gather, other hippies (Chris) are also on their own

and haven't had too much of a problem.

Not - he's married. OOOOPS! OBVIOUSLY MIXED YOU GUYS UP! IT'S

YOU I WAS THINKING OF! SORRY ABOUT THAT! I, however, live alone and

I'm two weeks post-op from a bilateral. However, my house is a single

story and I've had a lot of help from friends. Would I *prefer* to

have someone here? Absolutely/ You will be better off if you can get

a friend to stay with you for a week or so.

Though I live in a 3rd floor apt w/ stairs...will all this practice

on the stairs be ok, or should I reconsider where I will be

recovering my first week home?

If you're getting a bilateral, then I'd definitely try to stay with

someone. 3 flights of stairs is a lot to handle everyday and falling

would be absolutely disastrous while you're in the early stages of

recovery. It'll be easier if you're only getting one side done, but

stairs are no picnic the first couple of weeks. MY FAMILY'S ALL BACK

EAST - BUT I HAVE FRIENDS AND C0-WORKERS HERE THAT WILL SURELY HELP!

CINDY - SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN - TO QUIT YOUR " REAL JOB " AND ASSIST

SURFACE HIPPIES!!! )

MANY THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR RESPONSES!!

Steve (bilateral C+ 4/20/04, Amstutz)

May 5, 2004

> 2) Insurance. I have BC of CA-PPO and was told that coverage ain't

> happenin'. So exciting to pay out the ying-yang for hassles - the

> one of VERY few times I use insurance (knock on wood). My feeling is

> to ask BC about coverage anyway, no? What's the worst they can say --

> no.......no? Part 2 of the same question - if/when I do call BC,

> what do I say/how do I begin (sounds like a song)? I've never had to

> deal with insurance companies, so I have no clue. Any input would

> help.

I suggest you do not call your insurance company. Let the people at

the doctor's office deal with them.

> 3) Recovery time. I know it varies...but I'm told 4-6 weeks on

> crutches...but what about work? I'm focused on recovering and taking

> however long is necessary...but 1) I'd prefer to return to work as

> soon as possible, 'cuz it's just the way I am ... and 2) I need to

> let my workplace know apx. how long - even if it's a range of time.

> I work in real estate services - I'm in the office apx 50% of the

> time on the computer and phone...and the other apx 50% I'm driving

> around LA and OC to clients, tenants, etc.

Everyone is different. I am just over 6 weeks and I am walking around

the house and short walks in the neighborhood without assistance - for

longer walks I use a cane. I am able to walk over 2 miles without

discomfort. The real problem has been driving and riding in cars.

This has been fairly painful. It's getting better - it's mostly a

matter of stretching.

> 4) Is it feasible to think that w/in my first couple weeks recovering

> I can do some file maintenance?

As long as you don't have to bend too much - you probably could. I've

been using my computer since the day I got back from the hospital.

Best of luck!

RC2K Dr. Gross 3/24/04

May 5, 2004

,

Are you getting both hips done? I had one done 3 weeks ago and

I'm feeling great. Been on one crutch for a week, and cane in the

house. Cooking dinner, swimming, I can even put my TED on my

surgical side by myself. Everyone's different, but if you're in good

shape going into surgery, you'll probably be ok to survive on your

own soon after.

As for the surgeon, I don't think you can go wrong at JRI.

Although I know that DR. Schmalzried (sp?) does a lot of knees, and

DR. Amstutz is Mr. Hip. Dr. Amstutz did mine, and I liked that his

name is at the bottom of alot of published material about

resurfacings. He is obviously one the U.S.'s top dogs in the field.

To me, he is the starting quarterback at JRI...all are skilled

surgeons to be sure, but Dr. Amstutz has played in way more games,

so he will have more experience. But even Dr. Amstutz himself told

me that resurfacings are more like woodworking than surgery. It's

all about getting the angles and " cuts " right. But there are so many

fine, experienced surgeons discussed on this site, if you choose one

with a few hundered resurfs under his belt you'll be fine.

I would suggest talking to JRI first about your insurance

questions. They took my info and got back to me within 3 days with a

response from AETNA. I'd let them handle your insurance if I were

you.

So stay in shape, and plan on bringing something to eat to the

hospital, unless your'e ok with yucky airplane type food. It was a

problem for me, I eat whole foods.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

C+ 4-04

> Okay, I gotta get going here and get some of my concerns

addressed.

> Some of my reluctance has been not wanting to mention names,

> etc...but let's just say...I'm over it!

>

> I went and saw Dr. Beaule at JRI on 4/26. I'm definitely a

candidate

> (yippee, surf's up!)...but there are questions. Like all of you

seem

> to be, I need to get all the info and process it so that I can

feel

> confident and excited wheeling into surgery! One of my things

going

> into this was to find the doc with the most experience. Dr.

Beaule

> is an incredible professional. He's a dear, sweet man...he's

> adorable (what can I say, I'm a girl!) ...but I'm not looking for

an

> adorable, dear surgeon! Am I crazy to wonder if I consult with

> Amstutz as he clearly has more experience? Am I wrong to question

> docs in the same group? I know someone who personally who got her

> resurf done by Beaule. I have been told he's MORE than competent,

> I'm just throwing it out there and asking for feedback.

>

> Also last week I flew back East (where I'm from) and saw another

> doc. Turns out he doesn't do resurf (he was referred to me by a

> family memeber who had her THR by him and raved). In a nutshell,

he

> didn't neg resurf, nor did he encourage it. He questioned the

long-

> term results of resurf vs. THR, but also said there's no individ

> guarantee w/ either procedure. The last thing he left me with?

He

> referred me to Dr. Schmalzried, not realizing he was in the same

> group as Beaule at JRI. When I told him, he told me I was " in

good

> hands. "

>

> 1) So that's a long-winded intro to my first question - if Beaule

is

> in the same group as Amstutz and Schmalzried...am I good to go

with

> Beaule even though my " thing " was experience?

>

> 2) Insurance. I have BC of CA-PPO and was told that coverage

ain't

> happenin'. So exciting to pay out the ying-yang for hassles - the

> one of VERY few times I use insurance (knock on wood). My feeling

is

> to ask BC about coverage anyway, no? What's the worst they can

say --

> no.......no? Part 2 of the same question - if/when I do call BC,

> what do I say/how do I begin (sounds like a song)? I've never had

to

> deal with insurance companies, so I have no clue. Any input would

> help.

>

> 3) Recovery time. I know it varies...but I'm told 4-6 weeks on

> crutches...but what about work? I'm focused on recovering and

taking

> however long is necessary...but 1) I'd prefer to return to work as

> soon as possible, 'cuz it's just the way I am ... and 2) I need to

> let my workplace know apx. how long - even if it's a range of

time.

> I work in real estate services - I'm in the office apx 50% of the

> time on the computer and phone...and the other apx 50% I'm driving

> around LA and OC to clients, tenants, etc.

>

> 4) Is it feasible to think that w/in my first couple weeks

recovering

> I can do some file maintenance?

>

> 5) I also live on my own which concerned me until the last day or

> two. From what I gather, other hippies (Chris) are also on their

own

> and haven't had too much of a problem. Though I live in a 3rd

floor

> apt w/ stairs...will all this practice on the stairs be ok, or

should

> I reconsider where I will be recovering my first week home?

>

> I know there's more floating in this head of mine...but I'm gonna

> start with these 5 things and THANK YOU ALL in advance for any

> feedback! SUERTE A TODO - GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!

May 5, 2004

,

Are you getting both hips done? I had one done 3 weeks ago and

I'm feeling great. Been on one crutch for a week, and cane in the

house. Cooking dinner, swimming, I can even put my TED on my

surgical side by myself. Everyone's different, but if you're in good

shape going into surgery, you'll probably be ok to survive on your

own soon after.

As for the surgeon, I don't think you can go wrong at JRI.

Although I know that DR. Schmalzried (sp?) does a lot of knees, and

DR. Amstutz is Mr. Hip. Dr. Amstutz did mine, and I liked that his

name is at the bottom of alot of published material about

resurfacings. He is obviously one the U.S.'s top dogs in the field.

To me, he is the starting quarterback at JRI...all are skilled

surgeons to be sure, but Dr. Amstutz has played in way more games,

so he will have more experience. But even Dr. Amstutz himself told

me that resurfacings are more like woodworking than surgery. It's

all about getting the angles and " cuts " right. But there are so many

fine, experienced surgeons discussed on this site, if you choose one

with a few hundered resurfs under his belt you'll be fine.

I would suggest talking to JRI first about your insurance

questions. They took my info and got back to me within 3 days with a

response from AETNA. I'd let them handle your insurance if I were

you.

So stay in shape, and plan on bringing something to eat to the

hospital, unless your'e ok with yucky airplane type food. It was a

problem for me, I eat whole foods.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

C+ 4-04

> Okay, I gotta get going here and get some of my concerns

addressed.

> Some of my reluctance has been not wanting to mention names,

> etc...but let's just say...I'm over it!

>

> I went and saw Dr. Beaule at JRI on 4/26. I'm definitely a

candidate

> (yippee, surf's up!)...but there are questions. Like all of you

seem

> to be, I need to get all the info and process it so that I can

feel

> confident and excited wheeling into surgery! One of my things

going

> into this was to find the doc with the most experience. Dr.

Beaule

> is an incredible professional. He's a dear, sweet man...he's

> adorable (what can I say, I'm a girl!) ...but I'm not looking for

an

> adorable, dear surgeon! Am I crazy to wonder if I consult with

> Amstutz as he clearly has more experience? Am I wrong to question

> docs in the same group? I know someone who personally who got her

> resurf done by Beaule. I have been told he's MORE than competent,

> I'm just throwing it out there and asking for feedback.

>

> Also last week I flew back East (where I'm from) and saw another

> doc. Turns out he doesn't do resurf (he was referred to me by a

> family memeber who had her THR by him and raved). In a nutshell,

he

> didn't neg resurf, nor did he encourage it. He questioned the

long-

> term results of resurf vs. THR, but also said there's no individ

> guarantee w/ either procedure. The last thing he left me with?

He

> referred me to Dr. Schmalzried, not realizing he was in the same

> group as Beaule at JRI. When I told him, he told me I was " in

good

> hands. "

>

> 1) So that's a long-winded intro to my first question - if Beaule

is

> in the same group as Amstutz and Schmalzried...am I good to go

with

> Beaule even though my " thing " was experience?

>

> 2) Insurance. I have BC of CA-PPO and was told that coverage

ain't

> happenin'. So exciting to pay out the ying-yang for hassles - the

> one of VERY few times I use insurance (knock on wood). My feeling

is

> to ask BC about coverage anyway, no? What's the worst they can

say --

> no.......no? Part 2 of the same question - if/when I do call BC,

> what do I say/how do I begin (sounds like a song)? I've never had

to

> deal with insurance companies, so I have no clue. Any input would

> help.

>

> 3) Recovery time. I know it varies...but I'm told 4-6 weeks on

> crutches...but what about work? I'm focused on recovering and

taking

> however long is necessary...but 1) I'd prefer to return to work as

> soon as possible, 'cuz it's just the way I am ... and 2) I need to

> let my workplace know apx. how long - even if it's a range of

time.

> I work in real estate services - I'm in the office apx 50% of the

> time on the computer and phone...and the other apx 50% I'm driving

> around LA and OC to clients, tenants, etc.

>

> 4) Is it feasible to think that w/in my first couple weeks

recovering

> I can do some file maintenance?

>

> 5) I also live on my own which concerned me until the last day or

> two. From what I gather, other hippies (Chris) are also on their

own

> and haven't had too much of a problem. Though I live in a 3rd

floor

> apt w/ stairs...will all this practice on the stairs be ok, or

should

> I reconsider where I will be recovering my first week home?

>

> I know there's more floating in this head of mine...but I'm gonna

> start with these 5 things and THANK YOU ALL in advance for any

> feedback! SUERTE A TODO - GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!

May 5, 2004

Hey ,

I'm an hour or so south of JRI too, in Vista. Wanna give me a

call? . I'm fresh out of JRI 3 weeks ago. Also, I wanted

to ask you if you've received an information packet from JRI. It has

a patient reference list included, complete with the phone #'s of

patients who've received resurfs from as early as 98-99. I sat down

and called dozens of them, and to a person they were doing great!!!

Playing volleyball, soccer, cycling, surfing, skiiing, snowboarding,

etc. That was very helpful to me, to actually speak in person with

people who'd had the procedure done 5 or 6 years ago. Just a

suggestion.

And for your info, I dealt with Nikki at JRI with my insurance

issues and she was AWESOME! But she prefers to do business via e-

mail. (just a heads up). Let me know if I can help you in any way.

C+ 4-04

> Okay, I gotta get going here and get some of my concerns

addressed.

> Some of my reluctance has been not wanting to mention names,

> etc...but let's just say...I'm over it!

>

> Peple who've been treated by Beaule' speak very highly of him.

Those

> of us who've been resurf-ed by Amstutz are really impressed by

*him*.

> This is a major decision - go with what makes you comfortable.

>

> Also last week I flew back East (where I'm from) and saw another

> doc. Turns out he doesn't do resurf (he was referred to me by a

> family memeber who had her THR by him and raved). In a nutshell,

he

> didn't neg resurf, nor did he encourage it. He questioned the

long-

> term results of resurf vs. THR, but also said there's no individ

> guarantee w/ either procedure. The last thing he left me with?

He

> referred me to Dr. Schmalzried, not realizing he was in the same

> group as Beaule at JRI. When I told him, he told me I was " in

good

> hands. "

>

> Yup.

>

> 1) So that's a long-winded intro to my first question - if Beaule

is

> in the same group as Amstutz and Schmalzried...am I good to go

with

> Beaule even though my " thing " was experience?

>

> Beaule' has a very good reputation. I KNOW, FROM SOMEONE I KNOW

AND

> WHAT I'VE READ ON HERE. MY CATHOLIC UPBRINGING IS MAKING ME FEEL

> GUILTY FOR EVEN ASKING! ) KUDOS TO DR. BEAULE AND ALL @

JRI!

> I'M REALIZING HOW FORTUNATE I TRULY AM LIVING AN HOUR SOUTH OF

THESE

> OSs!

>

> 2) Insurance. I have BC of CA-PPO and was told that coverage

ain't

> happenin'. So exciting to pay out the ying-yang for hassles - the

> one of VERY few times I use insurance (knock on wood). My feeling

is

> to ask BC about coverage anyway, no? What's the worst they can

say --

> no.......no? Part 2 of the same question - if/when I do call BC,

> what do I say/how do I begin (sounds like a song)? I've never had

to

> deal with insurance companies, so I have no clue. Any input would

> help.

>

> Let JRI handle it. If BC of CA turns you down, you can always join

the

> class-action suit against them. I DON'T KNOW THAT THEIR HELPING

WAS

> AN OPTION, I DIDN'T COME OUT AND ASK (AS I RECALL) BECAUSE IT WAS

> MORE OR LESS DISCOURAGED FROM THE START - I ASSUME 'CUZ OF THEIR

LACK

> OF RESPONSE W/ OTHER PATIENTS. SHALL I CALL AND ASK LAURA/NIKKI

TO

> GIVE IT A WING ANYWAY? I'M CERTAIN THAT THEY WON'T PROCEED UNTIL

> THEY GET EITHER 1) CLEARED BY INSURANCE OR 2) HAVE MONEY IN THEIR

> HANDS. I WILL MORE THAN LIKELY PAY UPFRONT BUT I WANT TO ATTEMPT

> GETTING REIMUBURSED - - THANK YOU STEVE AND CINDY FOR YOUR

> RESPONSE!!! )

>

> 3) Recovery time. I know it varies...but I'm told 4-6 weeks on

> crutches...but what about work? I'm focused on recovering and

taking

> however long is necessary...but 1) I'd prefer to return to work as

> soon as possible, 'cuz it's just the way I am ... and 2) I need to

> let my workplace know apx. how long - even if it's a range of

time.

> I work in real estate services - I'm in the office apx 50% of the

> time on the computer and phone...and the other apx 50% I'm driving

> around LA and OC to clients, tenants, etc.

>

> It's the driving around that's going to hammer you.

> re you getting the right side, left side, or both sides resurf-ed?

> Is your car a manual shift or an automatic?

>

> I'M DOING LEFT SIDE ONLY, CAR'S AUTO. I FIGURED IT'D BE TOUGH FOR

A

> WHILE - IT'S TOUGH NOW AND BOTTOM LINE, I DON'T WANNA PUSH IT POST

OP

> I SIMPLY WANNA GET A ROUGH IDEA - THANKS AGAIN STEVE AND CINDY FOR

> YOUR RESPONSES!

>

> 4) Is it feasible to think that w/in my first couple weeks

recovering

> some file maintenance? THANKS CINDY - FALLIN' ASLEEP IS A PROBLEM

> PRE-OP - NOT THE MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF THE JOB FOR SURE!!!

>

> 5) I also live on my own which concerned me until the last day or

> two. From what I gather, other hippies (Chris) are also on their

own

> and haven't had too much of a problem.

>

> Not - he's married. OOOOPS! OBVIOUSLY MIXED YOU GUYS UP!

IT'S

> YOU I WAS THINKING OF! SORRY ABOUT THAT! I, however, live alone

and

> I'm two weeks post-op from a bilateral. However, my house is a

single

> story and I've had a lot of help from friends. Would I *prefer* to

> have someone here? Absolutely/ You will be better off if you can

get

> a friend to stay with you for a week or so.

>

> Though I live in a 3rd floor apt w/ stairs...will all this

practice

> on the stairs be ok, or should I reconsider where I will be

> recovering my first week home?

>

> If you're getting a bilateral, then I'd definitely try to stay with

> someone. 3 flights of stairs is a lot to handle everyday and

falling

> would be absolutely disastrous while you're in the early stages of

> recovery. It'll be easier if you're only getting one side done, but

> stairs are no picnic the first couple of weeks. MY FAMILY'S ALL

BACK

> EAST - BUT I HAVE FRIENDS AND C0-WORKERS HERE THAT WILL SURELY

HELP!

> CINDY - SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN - TO QUIT YOUR " REAL JOB " AND ASSIST

> SURFACE HIPPIES!!! )

>

> MANY THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR RESPONSES!!

>

> Steve (bilateral C+ 4/20/04, Amstutz)

May 5, 2004

I WANNA CRY SOMETIMES WHEN I READ MESSAGES FROM ALL YOU HIPPIES I

DON'T EVEN KNOW!!! YOU'RE ALL SO HELPFUL - ESP YOU CHRIS!! YOU'RE ALL

OVER THIS HERE SITE!

I WILL DEFINTIELY CALL YOU - I'M " CHEATING " AT WORK RIGHT NOW THOUGH,

SO I'LL WAIT TILL AFTER - BUT I'M SO READY TO GO THAT I NEEDED TO GET

SOME ANSWER TO PROCEED...ASAP!

HOW DO YOU DO PERSONAL RESPONSES TO FOLKS? CAN YOU ONLY DO SO IF

THEY GIVE THEIR EMAIL IN THE POST? A BIT CONFUSED...I DID IT SOMEHOW

W/ ALAN, WHO'S SOON TO BE RESURFACED...BUT NOT SURE HOW!

I'M IN S. OC...I'LL SHOUT YOU LATER...OR PERHAPS NOW IF ONLY FOR A

SEC TO GET NIKKI'S EMAIL!

THANKS TO CHRIS, THANKS TO YOU ALLLLLLLLLLL!

LAURA

> > Okay, I gotta get going here and get some of my concerns

> addressed.

> > Some of my reluctance has been not wanting to mention names,

> > etc...but let's just say...I'm over it!

> >

> > Peple who've been treated by Beaule' speak very highly of him.

> Those

> > of us who've been resurf-ed by Amstutz are really impressed by

> *him*.

> > This is a major decision - go with what makes you comfortable.

> >

> > Also last week I flew back East (where I'm from) and saw another

> > doc. Turns out he doesn't do resurf (he was referred to me by a

> > family memeber who had her THR by him and raved). In a nutshell,

> he

> > didn't neg resurf, nor did he encourage it. He questioned the

> long-

> > term results of resurf vs. THR, but also said there's no individ

> > guarantee w/ either procedure. The last thing he left me with?

> He

> > referred me to Dr. Schmalzried, not realizing he was in the same

> > group as Beaule at JRI. When I told him, he told me I was " in

> good

> > hands. "

> >

> > Yup.

> >

> > 1) So that's a long-winded intro to my first question - if

Beaule

> is

> > in the same group as Amstutz and Schmalzried...am I good to go

> with

> > Beaule even though my " thing " was experience?

> >

> > Beaule' has a very good reputation. I KNOW, FROM SOMEONE I KNOW

> AND

> > WHAT I'VE READ ON HERE. MY CATHOLIC UPBRINGING IS MAKING ME FEEL

> > GUILTY FOR EVEN ASKING! ) KUDOS TO DR. BEAULE AND ALL @

> JRI!

> > I'M REALIZING HOW FORTUNATE I TRULY AM LIVING AN HOUR SOUTH OF

> THESE

> > OSs!

> >

> > 2) Insurance. I have BC of CA-PPO and was told that coverage

> ain't

> > happenin'. So exciting to pay out the ying-yang for hassles -

the

> > one of VERY few times I use insurance (knock on wood). My

feeling

> is

> > to ask BC about coverage anyway, no? What's the worst they can

> say --

> > no.......no? Part 2 of the same question - if/when I do call BC,

> > what do I say/how do I begin (sounds like a song)? I've never

had

> to

> > deal with insurance companies, so I have no clue. Any input

would

> > help.

> >

> > Let JRI handle it. If BC of CA turns you down, you can always

join

> the

> > class-action suit against them. I DON'T KNOW THAT THEIR HELPING

> WAS

> > AN OPTION, I DIDN'T COME OUT AND ASK (AS I RECALL) BECAUSE IT WAS

> > MORE OR LESS DISCOURAGED FROM THE START - I ASSUME 'CUZ OF THEIR

> LACK

> > OF RESPONSE W/ OTHER PATIENTS. SHALL I CALL AND ASK LAURA/NIKKI

> TO

> > GIVE IT A WING ANYWAY? I'M CERTAIN THAT THEY WON'T PROCEED UNTIL

> > THEY GET EITHER 1) CLEARED BY INSURANCE OR 2) HAVE MONEY IN THEIR

> > HANDS. I WILL MORE THAN LIKELY PAY UPFRONT BUT I WANT TO ATTEMPT

> > GETTING REIMUBURSED - - THANK YOU STEVE AND CINDY FOR YOUR

> > RESPONSE!!! )

> >

> > 3) Recovery time. I know it varies...but I'm told 4-6 weeks on

> > crutches...but what about work? I'm focused on recovering and

> taking

> > however long is necessary...but 1) I'd prefer to return to work

as

> > soon as possible, 'cuz it's just the way I am ... and 2) I need

to

> > let my workplace know apx. how long - even if it's a range of

> time.

> > I work in real estate services - I'm in the office apx 50% of the

> > time on the computer and phone...and the other apx 50% I'm

driving

> > around LA and OC to clients, tenants, etc.

> >

> > It's the driving around that's going to hammer you.

> > re you getting the right side, left side, or both sides resurf-ed?

> > Is your car a manual shift or an automatic?

> >

> > I'M DOING LEFT SIDE ONLY, CAR'S AUTO. I FIGURED IT'D BE TOUGH FOR

> A

> > WHILE - IT'S TOUGH NOW AND BOTTOM LINE, I DON'T WANNA PUSH IT

POST

> OP

> > I SIMPLY WANNA GET A ROUGH IDEA - THANKS AGAIN STEVE AND CINDY

FOR

> > YOUR RESPONSES!

> >

> > 4) Is it feasible to think that w/in my first couple weeks

> recovering

> > some file maintenance? THANKS CINDY - FALLIN' ASLEEP IS A

PROBLEM

> > PRE-OP - NOT THE MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF THE JOB FOR SURE!!!

> >

> > 5) I also live on my own which concerned me until the last day or

> > two. From what I gather, other hippies (Chris) are also on their

> own

> > and haven't had too much of a problem.

> >

> > Not - he's married. OOOOPS! OBVIOUSLY MIXED YOU GUYS UP!

> IT'S

> > YOU I WAS THINKING OF! SORRY ABOUT THAT! I, however, live alone

> and

> > I'm two weeks post-op from a bilateral. However, my house is a

> single

> > story and I've had a lot of help from friends. Would I *prefer*

to

> > have someone here? Absolutely/ You will be better off if you can

> get

> > a friend to stay with you for a week or so.

> >

> > Though I live in a 3rd floor apt w/ stairs...will all this

> practice

> > on the stairs be ok, or should I reconsider where I will be

> > recovering my first week home?

> >

> > If you're getting a bilateral, then I'd definitely try to stay

with

> > someone. 3 flights of stairs is a lot to handle everyday and

> falling

> > would be absolutely disastrous while you're in the early stages of

> > recovery. It'll be easier if you're only getting one side done,

but

> > stairs are no picnic the first couple of weeks. MY FAMILY'S ALL

> BACK

> > EAST - BUT I HAVE FRIENDS AND C0-WORKERS HERE THAT WILL SURELY

> HELP!

> > CINDY - SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN - TO QUIT YOUR " REAL JOB " AND ASSIST

> > SURFACE HIPPIES!!! )

> >

> > MANY THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR RESPONSES!!

> >

> > Steve (bilateral C+ 4/20/04, Amstutz)

May 5, 2004

I WANNA CRY SOMETIMES WHEN I READ MESSAGES FROM ALL YOU HIPPIES I

DON'T EVEN KNOW!!! YOU'RE ALL SO HELPFUL - ESP YOU CHRIS!! YOU'RE ALL

OVER THIS HERE SITE!

I WILL DEFINTIELY CALL YOU - I'M " CHEATING " AT WORK RIGHT NOW THOUGH,

SO I'LL WAIT TILL AFTER - BUT I'M SO READY TO GO THAT I NEEDED TO GET

SOME ANSWER TO PROCEED...ASAP!

HOW DO YOU DO PERSONAL RESPONSES TO FOLKS? CAN YOU ONLY DO SO IF

THEY GIVE THEIR EMAIL IN THE POST? A BIT CONFUSED...I DID IT SOMEHOW

W/ ALAN, WHO'S SOON TO BE RESURFACED...BUT NOT SURE HOW!

I'M IN S. OC...I'LL SHOUT YOU LATER...OR PERHAPS NOW IF ONLY FOR A

SEC TO GET NIKKI'S EMAIL!

THANKS TO CHRIS, THANKS TO YOU ALLLLLLLLLLL!

LAURA

> > Okay, I gotta get going here and get some of my concerns

> addressed.

> > Some of my reluctance has been not wanting to mention names,

> > etc...but let's just say...I'm over it!

> >

> > Peple who've been treated by Beaule' speak very highly of him.

> Those

> > of us who've been resurf-ed by Amstutz are really impressed by

> *him*.

> > This is a major decision - go with what makes you comfortable.

> >

> > Also last week I flew back East (where I'm from) and saw another

> > doc. Turns out he doesn't do resurf (he was referred to me by a

> > family memeber who had her THR by him and raved). In a nutshell,

> he

> > didn't neg resurf, nor did he encourage it. He questioned the

> long-

> > term results of resurf vs. THR, but also said there's no individ

> > guarantee w/ either procedure. The last thing he left me with?

> He

> > referred me to Dr. Schmalzried, not realizing he was in the same

> > group as Beaule at JRI. When I told him, he told me I was " in

> good

> > hands. "

> >

> > Yup.

> >

> > 1) So that's a long-winded intro to my first question - if

Beaule

> is

> > in the same group as Amstutz and Schmalzried...am I good to go

> with

> > Beaule even though my " thing " was experience?

> >

> > Beaule' has a very good reputation. I KNOW, FROM SOMEONE I KNOW

> AND

> > WHAT I'VE READ ON HERE. MY CATHOLIC UPBRINGING IS MAKING ME FEEL

> > GUILTY FOR EVEN ASKING! ) KUDOS TO DR. BEAULE AND ALL @

> JRI!

> > I'M REALIZING HOW FORTUNATE I TRULY AM LIVING AN HOUR SOUTH OF

> THESE

> > OSs!

> >

> > 2) Insurance. I have BC of CA-PPO and was told that coverage

> ain't

> > happenin'. So exciting to pay out the ying-yang for hassles -

the

> > one of VERY few times I use insurance (knock on wood). My

feeling

> is

> > to ask BC about coverage anyway, no? What's the worst they can

> say --

> > no.......no? Part 2 of the same question - if/when I do call BC,

> > what do I say/how do I begin (sounds like a song)? I've never

had

> to

> > deal with insurance companies, so I have no clue. Any input

would

> > help.

> >

> > Let JRI handle it. If BC of CA turns you down, you can always

join

> the

> > class-action suit against them. I DON'T KNOW THAT THEIR HELPING

> WAS

> > AN OPTION, I DIDN'T COME OUT AND ASK (AS I RECALL) BECAUSE IT WAS

> > MORE OR LESS DISCOURAGED FROM THE START - I ASSUME 'CUZ OF THEIR

> LACK

> > OF RESPONSE W/ OTHER PATIENTS. SHALL I CALL AND ASK LAURA/NIKKI

> TO

> > GIVE IT A WING ANYWAY? I'M CERTAIN THAT THEY WON'T PROCEED UNTIL

> > THEY GET EITHER 1) CLEARED BY INSURANCE OR 2) HAVE MONEY IN THEIR

> > HANDS. I WILL MORE THAN LIKELY PAY UPFRONT BUT I WANT TO ATTEMPT

> > GETTING REIMUBURSED - - THANK YOU STEVE AND CINDY FOR YOUR

> > RESPONSE!!! )

> >

> > 3) Recovery time. I know it varies...but I'm told 4-6 weeks on

> > crutches...but what about work? I'm focused on recovering and

> taking

> > however long is necessary...but 1) I'd prefer to return to work

as

> > soon as possible, 'cuz it's just the way I am ... and 2) I need

to

> > let my workplace know apx. how long - even if it's a range of

> time.

> > I work in real estate services - I'm in the office apx 50% of the

> > time on the computer and phone...and the other apx 50% I'm

driving

> > around LA and OC to clients, tenants, etc.

> >

> > It's the driving around that's going to hammer you.

> > re you getting the right side, left side, or both sides resurf-ed?

> > Is your car a manual shift or an automatic?

> >

> > I'M DOING LEFT SIDE ONLY, CAR'S AUTO. I FIGURED IT'D BE TOUGH FOR

> A

> > WHILE - IT'S TOUGH NOW AND BOTTOM LINE, I DON'T WANNA PUSH IT

POST

> OP

> > I SIMPLY WANNA GET A ROUGH IDEA - THANKS AGAIN STEVE AND CINDY

FOR

> > YOUR RESPONSES!

> >

> > 4) Is it feasible to think that w/in my first couple weeks

> recovering

> > some file maintenance? THANKS CINDY - FALLIN' ASLEEP IS A

PROBLEM

> > PRE-OP - NOT THE MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF THE JOB FOR SURE!!!

> >

> > 5) I also live on my own which concerned me until the last day or

> > two. From what I gather, other hippies (Chris) are also on their

> own

> > and haven't had too much of a problem.

> >

> > Not - he's married. OOOOPS! OBVIOUSLY MIXED YOU GUYS UP!

> IT'S

> > YOU I WAS THINKING OF! SORRY ABOUT THAT! I, however, live alone

> and

> > I'm two weeks post-op from a bilateral. However, my house is a

> single

> > story and I've had a lot of help from friends. Would I *prefer*

to

> > have someone here? Absolutely/ You will be better off if you can

> get

> > a friend to stay with you for a week or so.

> >

> > Though I live in a 3rd floor apt w/ stairs...will all this

> practice

> > on the stairs be ok, or should I reconsider where I will be

> > recovering my first week home?

> >

> > If you're getting a bilateral, then I'd definitely try to stay

with

> > someone. 3 flights of stairs is a lot to handle everyday and

> falling

> > would be absolutely disastrous while you're in the early stages of

> > recovery. It'll be easier if you're only getting one side done,

but

> > stairs are no picnic the first couple of weeks. MY FAMILY'S ALL

> BACK

> > EAST - BUT I HAVE FRIENDS AND C0-WORKERS HERE THAT WILL SURELY

> HELP!

> > CINDY - SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN - TO QUIT YOUR " REAL JOB " AND ASSIST

> > SURFACE HIPPIES!!! )

> >

> > MANY THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR RESPONSES!!

> >

> > Steve (bilateral C+ 4/20/04, Amstutz)

May 5, 2004

:

No need to shout.

:-)

RC2K Dr. Gross 3/24/04

> > > Okay, I gotta get going here and get some of my concerns

> > addressed.

> > > Some of my reluctance has been not wanting to mention names,

> > > etc...but let's just say...I'm over it!

> > >

> > > Peple who've been treated by Beaule' speak very highly of him.

> > Those

> > > of us who've been resurf-ed by Amstutz are really impressed by

> > *him*.

> > > This is a major decision - go with what makes you comfortable.

> > >

> > > Also last week I flew back East (where I'm from) and saw another

> > > doc. Turns out he doesn't do resurf (he was referred to me by a

> > > family memeber who had her THR by him and raved). In a nutshell,

> > he

> > > didn't neg resurf, nor did he encourage it. He questioned the

> > long-

> > > term results of resurf vs. THR, but also said there's no individ

> > > guarantee w/ either procedure. The last thing he left me with?

> > He

> > > referred me to Dr. Schmalzried, not realizing he was in the same

> > > group as Beaule at JRI. When I told him, he told me I was " in

> > good

> > > hands. "

> > >

> > > Yup.

> > >

> > > 1) So that's a long-winded intro to my first question - if

> Beaule

> > is

> > > in the same group as Amstutz and Schmalzried...am I good to go

> > with

> > > Beaule even though my " thing " was experience?

> > >

> > > Beaule' has a very good reputation. I KNOW, FROM SOMEONE I KNOW

> > AND

> > > WHAT I'VE READ ON HERE. MY CATHOLIC UPBRINGING IS MAKING ME FEEL

> > > GUILTY FOR EVEN ASKING! ) KUDOS TO DR. BEAULE AND ALL @

> > JRI!

> > > I'M REALIZING HOW FORTUNATE I TRULY AM LIVING AN HOUR SOUTH OF

> > THESE

> > > OSs!

> > >

> > > 2) Insurance. I have BC of CA-PPO and was told that coverage

> > ain't

> > > happenin'. So exciting to pay out the ying-yang for hassles -

> the

> > > one of VERY few times I use insurance (knock on wood). My

> feeling

> > is

> > > to ask BC about coverage anyway, no? What's the worst they can

> > say --

> > > no.......no? Part 2 of the same question - if/when I do call BC,

> > > what do I say/how do I begin (sounds like a song)? I've never

> had

> > to

> > > deal with insurance companies, so I have no clue. Any input

> would

> > > help.

> > >

> > > Let JRI handle it. If BC of CA turns you down, you can always

> join

> > the

> > > class-action suit against them. I DON'T KNOW THAT THEIR HELPING

> > WAS

> > > AN OPTION, I DIDN'T COME OUT AND ASK (AS I RECALL) BECAUSE IT WAS

> > > MORE OR LESS DISCOURAGED FROM THE START - I ASSUME 'CUZ OF THEIR

> > LACK

> > > OF RESPONSE W/ OTHER PATIENTS. SHALL I CALL AND ASK LAURA/NIKKI

> > TO

> > > GIVE IT A WING ANYWAY? I'M CERTAIN THAT THEY WON'T PROCEED UNTIL

> > > THEY GET EITHER 1) CLEARED BY INSURANCE OR 2) HAVE MONEY IN THEIR

> > > HANDS. I WILL MORE THAN LIKELY PAY UPFRONT BUT I WANT TO ATTEMPT

> > > GETTING REIMUBURSED - - THANK YOU STEVE AND CINDY FOR YOUR

> > > RESPONSE!!! )

> > >

> > > 3) Recovery time. I know it varies...but I'm told 4-6 weeks on

> > > crutches...but what about work? I'm focused on recovering and

> > taking

> > > however long is necessary...but 1) I'd prefer to return to work

> as

> > > soon as possible, 'cuz it's just the way I am ... and 2) I need

> to

> > > let my workplace know apx. how long - even if it's a range of

> > time.

> > > I work in real estate services - I'm in the office apx 50% of the

> > > time on the computer and phone...and the other apx 50% I'm

> driving

> > > around LA and OC to clients, tenants, etc.

> > >

> > > It's the driving around that's going to hammer you.

> > > re you getting the right side, left side, or both sides resurf-ed?

> > > Is your car a manual shift or an automatic?

> > >

> > > I'M DOING LEFT SIDE ONLY, CAR'S AUTO. I FIGURED IT'D BE TOUGH FOR

> > A

> > > WHILE - IT'S TOUGH NOW AND BOTTOM LINE, I DON'T WANNA PUSH IT

> POST

> > OP

> > > I SIMPLY WANNA GET A ROUGH IDEA - THANKS AGAIN STEVE AND CINDY

> FOR

> > > YOUR RESPONSES!

> > >

> > > 4) Is it feasible to think that w/in my first couple weeks

> > recovering

> > > some file maintenance? THANKS CINDY - FALLIN' ASLEEP IS A

> PROBLEM

> > > PRE-OP - NOT THE MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF THE JOB FOR SURE!!!

> > >

> > > 5) I also live on my own which concerned me until the last day or

> > > two. From what I gather, other hippies (Chris) are also on their

> > own

> > > and haven't had too much of a problem.

> > >

> > > Not - he's married. OOOOPS! OBVIOUSLY MIXED YOU GUYS UP!

> > IT'S

> > > YOU I WAS THINKING OF! SORRY ABOUT THAT! I, however, live alone

> > and

> > > I'm two weeks post-op from a bilateral. However, my house is a

> > single

> > > story and I've had a lot of help from friends. Would I *prefer*

> to

> > > have someone here? Absolutely/ You will be better off if you can

> > get

> > > a friend to stay with you for a week or so.

> > >

> > > Though I live in a 3rd floor apt w/ stairs...will all this

> > practice

> > > on the stairs be ok, or should I reconsider where I will be

> > > recovering my first week home?

> > >

> > > If you're getting a bilateral, then I'd definitely try to stay

> with

> > > someone. 3 flights of stairs is a lot to handle everyday and

> > falling

> > > would be absolutely disastrous while you're in the early stages of

> > > recovery. It'll be easier if you're only getting one side done,

> but

> > > stairs are no picnic the first couple of weeks. MY FAMILY'S ALL

> > BACK

> > > EAST - BUT I HAVE FRIENDS AND C0-WORKERS HERE THAT WILL SURELY

> > HELP!

> > > CINDY - SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN - TO QUIT YOUR " REAL JOB " AND ASSIST

> > > SURFACE HIPPIES!!! )

> > >

> > > MANY THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR RESPONSES!!

> > >

> > > Steve (bilateral C+ 4/20/04, Amstutz)

May 5, 2004

Hi

Did you have OA or Avascular necrosis that you had the resurfacing

done?

Thanks! Roper

----------

> > Okay, I gotta get going here and get some of my concerns

> addressed.

> > Some of my reluctance has been not wanting to mention names,

> > etc...but let's just say...I'm over it!

> >

> > I went and saw Dr. Beaule at JRI on 4/26. I'm definitely a

> candidate

> > (yippee, surf's up!)...but there are questions. Like all of you

> seem

> > to be, I need to get all the info and process it so that I can

> feel

> > confident and excited wheeling into surgery! One of my things

> going

> > into this was to find the doc with the most experience. Dr.

> Beaule

> > is an incredible professional. He's a dear, sweet man...he's

> > adorable (what can I say, I'm a girl!) ...but I'm not looking for

> an

> > adorable, dear surgeon! Am I crazy to wonder if I consult with

> > Amstutz as he clearly has more experience? Am I wrong to

question

> > docs in the same group? I know someone who personally who got

her

> > resurf done by Beaule. I have been told he's MORE than

competent,

> > I'm just throwing it out there and asking for feedback.

> >

> > Also last week I flew back East (where I'm from) and saw another

> > doc. Turns out he doesn't do resurf (he was referred to me by a

> > family memeber who had her THR by him and raved). In a nutshell,

> he

> > didn't neg resurf, nor did he encourage it. He questioned the

> long-

> > term results of resurf vs. THR, but also said there's no individ

> > guarantee w/ either procedure. The last thing he left me with?

> He

> > referred me to Dr. Schmalzried, not realizing he was in the same

> > group as Beaule at JRI. When I told him, he told me I was " in

> good

> > hands. "

> >

> > 1) So that's a long-winded intro to my first question - if

Beaule

> is

> > in the same group as Amstutz and Schmalzried...am I good to go

> with

> > Beaule even though my " thing " was experience?

> >

> > 2) Insurance. I have BC of CA-PPO and was told that coverage

> ain't

> > happenin'. So exciting to pay out the ying-yang for hassles -

the

> > one of VERY few times I use insurance (knock on wood). My

feeling

> is

> > to ask BC about coverage anyway, no? What's the worst they can

> say --

> > no.......no? Part 2 of the same question - if/when I do call BC,

> > what do I say/how do I begin (sounds like a song)? I've never

had

> to

> > deal with insurance companies, so I have no clue. Any input

would

> > help.

> >

> > 3) Recovery time. I know it varies...but I'm told 4-6 weeks on

> > crutches...but what about work? I'm focused on recovering and

> taking

> > however long is necessary...but 1) I'd prefer to return to work

as

> > soon as possible, 'cuz it's just the way I am ... and 2) I need

to

> > let my workplace know apx. how long - even if it's a range of

> time.

> > I work in real estate services - I'm in the office apx 50% of the

> > time on the computer and phone...and the other apx 50% I'm

driving

> > around LA and OC to clients, tenants, etc.

> >

> > 4) Is it feasible to think that w/in my first couple weeks

> recovering

> > I can do some file maintenance?

> >

> > 5) I also live on my own which concerned me until the last day or

> > two. From what I gather, other hippies (Chris) are also on their

> own

> > and haven't had too much of a problem. Though I live in a 3rd

> floor

> > apt w/ stairs...will all this practice on the stairs be ok, or

> should

> > I reconsider where I will be recovering my first week home?

> >

> > I know there's more floating in this head of mine...but I'm gonna

> > start with these 5 things and THANK YOU ALL in advance for any

> > feedback! SUERTE A TODO - GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!

May 5, 2004

Hi

Did you have OA or Avascular necrosis that you had the resurfacing

done?

Thanks! Roper

----------

> > Okay, I gotta get going here and get some of my concerns

> addressed.

> > Some of my reluctance has been not wanting to mention names,

> > etc...but let's just say...I'm over it!

> >

> > I went and saw Dr. Beaule at JRI on 4/26. I'm definitely a

> candidate

> > (yippee, surf's up!)...but there are questions. Like all of you

> seem

> > to be, I need to get all the info and process it so that I can

> feel

> > confident and excited wheeling into surgery! One of my things

> going

> > into this was to find the doc with the most experience. Dr.

> Beaule

> > is an incredible professional. He's a dear, sweet man...he's

> > adorable (what can I say, I'm a girl!) ...but I'm not looking for

> an

> > adorable, dear surgeon! Am I crazy to wonder if I consult with

> > Amstutz as he clearly has more experience? Am I wrong to

question

> > docs in the same group? I know someone who personally who got

her

> > resurf done by Beaule. I have been told he's MORE than

competent,

> > I'm just throwing it out there and asking for feedback.

> >

> > Also last week I flew back East (where I'm from) and saw another

> > doc. Turns out he doesn't do resurf (he was referred to me by a

> > family memeber who had her THR by him and raved). In a nutshell,

> he

> > didn't neg resurf, nor did he encourage it. He questioned the

> long-

> > term results of resurf vs. THR, but also said there's no individ

> > guarantee w/ either procedure. The last thing he left me with?

> He

> > referred me to Dr. Schmalzried, not realizing he was in the same

> > group as Beaule at JRI. When I told him, he told me I was " in

> good

> > hands. "

> >

> > 1) So that's a long-winded intro to my first question - if

Beaule

> is

> > in the same group as Amstutz and Schmalzried...am I good to go

> with

> > Beaule even though my " thing " was experience?

> >

> > 2) Insurance. I have BC of CA-PPO and was told that coverage

> ain't

> > happenin'. So exciting to pay out the ying-yang for hassles -

the

> > one of VERY few times I use insurance (knock on wood). My

feeling

> is

> > to ask BC about coverage anyway, no? What's the worst they can

> say --

> > no.......no? Part 2 of the same question - if/when I do call BC,

> > what do I say/how do I begin (sounds like a song)? I've never

had

> to

> > deal with insurance companies, so I have no clue. Any input

would

> > help.

> >

> > 3) Recovery time. I know it varies...but I'm told 4-6 weeks on

> > crutches...but what about work? I'm focused on recovering and

> taking

> > however long is necessary...but 1) I'd prefer to return to work

as

> > soon as possible, 'cuz it's just the way I am ... and 2) I need

to

> > let my workplace know apx. how long - even if it's a range of

> time.

> > I work in real estate services - I'm in the office apx 50% of the

> > time on the computer and phone...and the other apx 50% I'm

driving

> > around LA and OC to clients, tenants, etc.

> >

> > 4) Is it feasible to think that w/in my first couple weeks

> recovering

> > I can do some file maintenance?

> >

> > 5) I also live on my own which concerned me until the last day or

> > two. From what I gather, other hippies (Chris) are also on their

> own

> > and haven't had too much of a problem. Though I live in a 3rd

> floor

> > apt w/ stairs...will all this practice on the stairs be ok, or

> should

> > I reconsider where I will be recovering my first week home?

> >

> > I know there's more floating in this head of mine...but I'm gonna

> > start with these 5 things and THANK YOU ALL in advance for any

> > feedback! SUERTE A TODO - GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!

May 5, 2004

Roper,

The necrosis of the femoral head happened during my childhood,

leaving a " quarter " shaped piece of the femoral head without blood.

The vascularized fibular graft was done 11 years later to try to

both give blood to the necrotic area, and to give it " structural "

support. Over time the odd shaped piece began to chew away at the

cartlidge which caused the arthritic condition, and the inevitable

demise of the joint. So I guess that's the long was of saying I had

both. I hope that helps more than confuses. Either way, I was just

entering the " bone on bone " zone, and opted to be slightly pro-

active, rather than wait til I was incapacitated. I was also

concerned about the health of my back, having limped for so long.

The x-rays don't lie...and it could only get worse.

C+ 4-04

> > > Okay, I gotta get going here and get some of my concerns

> > addressed.

> > > Some of my reluctance has been not wanting to mention names,

> > > etc...but let's just say...I'm over it!

> > >

> > > I went and saw Dr. Beaule at JRI on 4/26. I'm definitely a

> > candidate

> > > (yippee, surf's up!)...but there are questions. Like all of

you

> > seem

> > > to be, I need to get all the info and process it so that I can

> > feel

> > > confident and excited wheeling into surgery! One of my things

> > going

> > > into this was to find the doc with the most experience. Dr.

> > Beaule

> > > is an incredible professional. He's a dear, sweet man...he's

> > > adorable (what can I say, I'm a girl!) ...but I'm not looking

for

> > an

> > > adorable, dear surgeon! Am I crazy to wonder if I consult

with

> > > Amstutz as he clearly has more experience? Am I wrong to

> question

> > > docs in the same group? I know someone who personally who got

> her

> > > resurf done by Beaule. I have been told he's MORE than

> competent,

> > > I'm just throwing it out there and asking for feedback.

> > >

> > > Also last week I flew back East (where I'm from) and saw

another

> > > doc. Turns out he doesn't do resurf (he was referred to me by

a

> > > family memeber who had her THR by him and raved). In a

nutshell,

> > he

> > > didn't neg resurf, nor did he encourage it. He questioned the

> > long-

> > > term results of resurf vs. THR, but also said there's no

individ

> > > guarantee w/ either procedure. The last thing he left me

with?

> > He

> > > referred me to Dr. Schmalzried, not realizing he was in the

same

> > > group as Beaule at JRI. When I told him, he told me I was " in

> > good

> > > hands. "

> > >

> > > 1) So that's a long-winded intro to my first question - if

> Beaule

> > is

> > > in the same group as Amstutz and Schmalzried...am I good to go

> > with

> > > Beaule even though my " thing " was experience?

> > >

> > > 2) Insurance. I have BC of CA-PPO and was told that coverage

> > ain't

> > > happenin'. So exciting to pay out the ying-yang for hassles -

> the

> > > one of VERY few times I use insurance (knock on wood). My

> feeling

> > is

> > > to ask BC about coverage anyway, no? What's the worst they

can

> > say --

> > > no.......no? Part 2 of the same question - if/when I do call

BC,

> > > what do I say/how do I begin (sounds like a song)? I've never

> had

> > to

> > > deal with insurance companies, so I have no clue. Any input

> would

> > > help.

> > >

> > > 3) Recovery time. I know it varies...but I'm told 4-6 weeks

on

> > > crutches...but what about work? I'm focused on recovering and

> > taking

> > > however long is necessary...but 1) I'd prefer to return to

work

> as

> > > soon as possible, 'cuz it's just the way I am ... and 2) I

need

> to

> > > let my workplace know apx. how long - even if it's a range of

> > time.

> > > I work in real estate services - I'm in the office apx 50% of

the

> > > time on the computer and phone...and the other apx 50% I'm

> driving

> > > around LA and OC to clients, tenants, etc.

> > >

> > > 4) Is it feasible to think that w/in my first couple weeks

> > recovering

> > > I can do some file maintenance?

> > >

> > > 5) I also live on my own which concerned me until the last day

or

> > > two. From what I gather, other hippies (Chris) are also on

their

> > own

> > > and haven't had too much of a problem. Though I live in a 3rd

> > floor

> > > apt w/ stairs...will all this practice on the stairs be ok, or

> > should

> > > I reconsider where I will be recovering my first week home?

> > >

> > > I know there's more floating in this head of mine...but I'm

gonna

> > > start with these 5 things and THANK YOU ALL in advance for any

> > > feedback! SUERTE A TODO - GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!

May 5, 2004