Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 > Hello fellow hipsters - > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > is not enough research yet. Okay, here are some things to think about: 1) You may be a small female, but you're also a *young* female and, judging from your " nom de yahoo " an active one who does a lot of weight-bearing exercise. Your bone quality is probably pretty damned good. 2) It's true that the track record for resurfacing isn't very long (maybe 12 years in the UK, more like 6 in the US). However, it's also true that the track record for THRs in young, active patients is nothing to brag about. Look at the Swedish Hip Register data for long-term survival of THRs in active patients under 55 and you'll see what I mean. 3) What is the absolute WORST thing that can happen if you get a resurfacing and it fails? You'll be revised to a primary total hip, that's what. In other words, the worst thing that can happen is the very procedure that all these people are trying to talk you into. If you get a resurfacing, you can always revise to a primary total hip. Once you opt for a THR and they've decapitated your femur, there's no going back. Why not make the choice that preserves your future options? Yes, there's a chance that there's some hitherto unobserved failure mode that will make all the resurfacing prostheses spontaneously fail at the 15 year mark. If that happens, then at the very least all of those resurfaced patients will have been saved about 1 revision THR each. They also will have had 15 years at activity levels that most THR patients are strongly discouraged from. Ask your OS if you'll be able to ski bumps after THR surgery. When I asked an OS that, his response was " Well, people do all sorts of things that we don't recommend. " For some reason, that didn't exactly make we want to leap onto the table. ;-) It wasn't a good enough answer for me, and I suspect it isn't for you. Steve (just down the road in Cosmic Boulder...and fighting some more with my wonderful insurance company) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 > Hello fellow hipsters - > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > is not enough research yet. Okay, here are some things to think about: 1) You may be a small female, but you're also a *young* female and, judging from your " nom de yahoo " an active one who does a lot of weight-bearing exercise. Your bone quality is probably pretty damned good. 2) It's true that the track record for resurfacing isn't very long (maybe 12 years in the UK, more like 6 in the US). However, it's also true that the track record for THRs in young, active patients is nothing to brag about. Look at the Swedish Hip Register data for long-term survival of THRs in active patients under 55 and you'll see what I mean. 3) What is the absolute WORST thing that can happen if you get a resurfacing and it fails? You'll be revised to a primary total hip, that's what. In other words, the worst thing that can happen is the very procedure that all these people are trying to talk you into. If you get a resurfacing, you can always revise to a primary total hip. Once you opt for a THR and they've decapitated your femur, there's no going back. Why not make the choice that preserves your future options? Yes, there's a chance that there's some hitherto unobserved failure mode that will make all the resurfacing prostheses spontaneously fail at the 15 year mark. If that happens, then at the very least all of those resurfaced patients will have been saved about 1 revision THR each. They also will have had 15 years at activity levels that most THR patients are strongly discouraged from. Ask your OS if you'll be able to ski bumps after THR surgery. When I asked an OS that, his response was " Well, people do all sorts of things that we don't recommend. " For some reason, that didn't exactly make we want to leap onto the table. ;-) It wasn't a good enough answer for me, and I suspect it isn't for you. Steve (just down the road in Cosmic Boulder...and fighting some more with my wonderful insurance company) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 Hi , Sorry to hear you are having hassles with support............. But these things happen regardless.......... i.e. I had the anaesthestist telling me that under no circumstances should I be having the scheduled op next day the night before because of my past infection history.......... My local hospital fought me, others thought me quite mad........... Today......... well they tell me how happy and healthy I look..............with skin glowing and a happy look on my face after years of misery......... Sometimes you really just have to follow your gut............ and it is your body afterall........... There isn't a lot of history on many current THR's either.........they are constantly changing the materials etc.......... but people think because it has the same name it got to be the same..........and what amount of research do they all want............?? the procedure has been getting used for over 12 years now in UK and 4 yrs in Australia......... And, personal luck plays a big part in all this too, regardless of prothesis, so no prothesis has a 100% guarantee in every case. Lastly what the heck does being a small female have to do with it.........??? If Dr. Goss says he has a prothesis that fits your femur head being big or small has little to do with it from what I have seen.............. and as a female just think through a few of the other activities you may like to do in your life with happy abandon and no worries about dislocation............ smile. Edith LBHR Dr. L Walter Syd Aust 8/02 > Hello fellow hipsters - > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > is not enough research yet. > > Any advice? > > Thanks, > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 Hi , Sorry to hear you are having hassles with support............. But these things happen regardless.......... i.e. I had the anaesthestist telling me that under no circumstances should I be having the scheduled op next day the night before because of my past infection history.......... My local hospital fought me, others thought me quite mad........... Today......... well they tell me how happy and healthy I look..............with skin glowing and a happy look on my face after years of misery......... Sometimes you really just have to follow your gut............ and it is your body afterall........... There isn't a lot of history on many current THR's either.........they are constantly changing the materials etc.......... but people think because it has the same name it got to be the same..........and what amount of research do they all want............?? the procedure has been getting used for over 12 years now in UK and 4 yrs in Australia......... And, personal luck plays a big part in all this too, regardless of prothesis, so no prothesis has a 100% guarantee in every case. Lastly what the heck does being a small female have to do with it.........??? If Dr. Goss says he has a prothesis that fits your femur head being big or small has little to do with it from what I have seen.............. and as a female just think through a few of the other activities you may like to do in your life with happy abandon and no worries about dislocation............ smile. Edith LBHR Dr. L Walter Syd Aust 8/02 > Hello fellow hipsters - > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > is not enough research yet. > > Any advice? > > Thanks, > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 Hi , Sorry to hear you are having hassles with support............. But these things happen regardless.......... i.e. I had the anaesthestist telling me that under no circumstances should I be having the scheduled op next day the night before because of my past infection history.......... My local hospital fought me, others thought me quite mad........... Today......... well they tell me how happy and healthy I look..............with skin glowing and a happy look on my face after years of misery......... Sometimes you really just have to follow your gut............ and it is your body afterall........... There isn't a lot of history on many current THR's either.........they are constantly changing the materials etc.......... but people think because it has the same name it got to be the same..........and what amount of research do they all want............?? the procedure has been getting used for over 12 years now in UK and 4 yrs in Australia......... And, personal luck plays a big part in all this too, regardless of prothesis, so no prothesis has a 100% guarantee in every case. Lastly what the heck does being a small female have to do with it.........??? If Dr. Goss says he has a prothesis that fits your femur head being big or small has little to do with it from what I have seen.............. and as a female just think through a few of the other activities you may like to do in your life with happy abandon and no worries about dislocation............ smile. Edith LBHR Dr. L Walter Syd Aust 8/02 > Hello fellow hipsters - > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > is not enough research yet. > > Any advice? > > Thanks, > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 Oh rubbish. It really, really, gets my dander up when professionals who should know better issue authoritarian statements based on old and/or incomplete information or are too plain lazy to go find out the score. We've all, most of us anyway, girl been through this; had to stand up and look consultants metaphorically, sometimes literally, in the eye andsay, " You are wrong. " It takes guts, faith, confidence and belief in youyr own research to do that. But, hey, you are right and they are wrong. They are just plumbers, just highly-skilled, highly-educated plumbers. And they can get it wrong,just like plumbers. If you don't like your plumber you change him/her. Do the same with these arrogant passers-on of knowledge from what they think are tablets of stone but what we, all of us on this extraordinary web group know, are tissues of insubstantiality written on scraps of paper. Believe us on this group. Believe your own findings. You are responsible for your health and fitness, not some wonderful-sounding old doctor trained twenty years ago and very comfortable, thank you so much, to do hip replacement after hip replacement. Tell yourt doctors and friends that you know what you are doing, other people, including small females - doesn't the patronidsing inherent in that phrase make you cross? - have done it before and the results are great. Good luck in whatever you decide to do. Chris. > Hello fellow hipsters - > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > is not enough research yet. > > Any advice? > > Thanks, > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 Oh rubbish. It really, really, gets my dander up when professionals who should know better issue authoritarian statements based on old and/or incomplete information or are too plain lazy to go find out the score. We've all, most of us anyway, girl been through this; had to stand up and look consultants metaphorically, sometimes literally, in the eye andsay, " You are wrong. " It takes guts, faith, confidence and belief in youyr own research to do that. But, hey, you are right and they are wrong. They are just plumbers, just highly-skilled, highly-educated plumbers. And they can get it wrong,just like plumbers. If you don't like your plumber you change him/her. Do the same with these arrogant passers-on of knowledge from what they think are tablets of stone but what we, all of us on this extraordinary web group know, are tissues of insubstantiality written on scraps of paper. Believe us on this group. Believe your own findings. You are responsible for your health and fitness, not some wonderful-sounding old doctor trained twenty years ago and very comfortable, thank you so much, to do hip replacement after hip replacement. Tell yourt doctors and friends that you know what you are doing, other people, including small females - doesn't the patronidsing inherent in that phrase make you cross? - have done it before and the results are great. Good luck in whatever you decide to do. Chris. > Hello fellow hipsters - > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > is not enough research yet. > > Any advice? > > Thanks, > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 : I am a small female. I am 5' 1 " . I had no problem with having my hip resurfaced. I think more important then the size of a man/woman is the hip size. Only a OS looking at an X-Ray can tell that. And from what I understand, even X-Rays don't tell the whole story and the OS can't tell for sure until they have you opened on the operating table. I just had my 1 year check-up with my local OS. He is NOT the OS who did the surgery (Dr. Mont did). Both my local OS and his right-hand (Ortho-nurse who assists in surgery) were discussing the benefits of hip resurfacing with me even thought he DOES NOT PERFORM this surgery and I am his ONLY PATIENT who has had this done. They were talking about how tough it is with young people (insert yourself here) who need a THR and then a revision. They said having a revision (this would mean a 2d THR) is pretty hard to go through and recovery is tough. Anything beyond a 2d is just about unthinkable. Wheelchair comes to mind. So, at 35, if you have a resurf, if you ever do need a THR, to your bone it's as if it were the " first time " . Remember, resurf is in FDA trials....that is why your doc/family are freaking out. Were're hoping it will get the FDA approval this year. When it does, will your OS and family sing a different tune? Take your time. Stay on this site and read all you can. Don't rush your decision. It's you who has to be sure. Lois C+ 3/27/03 D. Mont Running out of ammo Hello fellow hipsters - As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & now everyone around me is freaking out. I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there is not enough research yet. Any advice? Thanks, * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 : I am a small female. I am 5' 1 " . I had no problem with having my hip resurfaced. I think more important then the size of a man/woman is the hip size. Only a OS looking at an X-Ray can tell that. And from what I understand, even X-Rays don't tell the whole story and the OS can't tell for sure until they have you opened on the operating table. I just had my 1 year check-up with my local OS. He is NOT the OS who did the surgery (Dr. Mont did). Both my local OS and his right-hand (Ortho-nurse who assists in surgery) were discussing the benefits of hip resurfacing with me even thought he DOES NOT PERFORM this surgery and I am his ONLY PATIENT who has had this done. They were talking about how tough it is with young people (insert yourself here) who need a THR and then a revision. They said having a revision (this would mean a 2d THR) is pretty hard to go through and recovery is tough. Anything beyond a 2d is just about unthinkable. Wheelchair comes to mind. So, at 35, if you have a resurf, if you ever do need a THR, to your bone it's as if it were the " first time " . Remember, resurf is in FDA trials....that is why your doc/family are freaking out. Were're hoping it will get the FDA approval this year. When it does, will your OS and family sing a different tune? Take your time. Stay on this site and read all you can. Don't rush your decision. It's you who has to be sure. Lois C+ 3/27/03 D. Mont Running out of ammo Hello fellow hipsters - As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & now everyone around me is freaking out. I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there is not enough research yet. Any advice? Thanks, * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 I'm in EXACTLY the same situation! I'm 22 and came to the conclusion that resurfacing was by far the better option for me at this point in my life. - Aside from anything else to have a THR I'd have to get the pins out of my femur, wait a couple of years at least for my bones to heal, then have a THR. And at the moment I can't walk more than 100 metres! I'm tall and female and specialists treat me like I'm daft - My first doc - a complete THR fan before even discussing the idea of a resurfacing (which I'd never heard of before) was telling me that it's a ridiculous idea, is far too new, doesn't work in the long term...I could go on. AND friends who know nothing about either procedure have been erm...advising me...that I should definitley have a THR simply because resurfacings have only been on the market for a short period of time. I don't even bother arguing with them. I just tell them to go and do thier own research and come back to me and give me a valid arguement of why a THR is better. - None of them have been able to. I just wish I could get it dne soon. I'm getting it done on the NHS so I have to wait till November ( Morag x > > Hello fellow hipsters - > > > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > > is not enough research yet. > > > > Any advice? > > > > Thanks, > > > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 I'm in EXACTLY the same situation! I'm 22 and came to the conclusion that resurfacing was by far the better option for me at this point in my life. - Aside from anything else to have a THR I'd have to get the pins out of my femur, wait a couple of years at least for my bones to heal, then have a THR. And at the moment I can't walk more than 100 metres! I'm tall and female and specialists treat me like I'm daft - My first doc - a complete THR fan before even discussing the idea of a resurfacing (which I'd never heard of before) was telling me that it's a ridiculous idea, is far too new, doesn't work in the long term...I could go on. AND friends who know nothing about either procedure have been erm...advising me...that I should definitley have a THR simply because resurfacings have only been on the market for a short period of time. I don't even bother arguing with them. I just tell them to go and do thier own research and come back to me and give me a valid arguement of why a THR is better. - None of them have been able to. I just wish I could get it dne soon. I'm getting it done on the NHS so I have to wait till November ( Morag x > > Hello fellow hipsters - > > > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > > is not enough research yet. > > > > Any advice? > > > > Thanks, > > > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 I'm in EXACTLY the same situation! I'm 22 and came to the conclusion that resurfacing was by far the better option for me at this point in my life. - Aside from anything else to have a THR I'd have to get the pins out of my femur, wait a couple of years at least for my bones to heal, then have a THR. And at the moment I can't walk more than 100 metres! I'm tall and female and specialists treat me like I'm daft - My first doc - a complete THR fan before even discussing the idea of a resurfacing (which I'd never heard of before) was telling me that it's a ridiculous idea, is far too new, doesn't work in the long term...I could go on. AND friends who know nothing about either procedure have been erm...advising me...that I should definitley have a THR simply because resurfacings have only been on the market for a short period of time. I don't even bother arguing with them. I just tell them to go and do thier own research and come back to me and give me a valid arguement of why a THR is better. - None of them have been able to. I just wish I could get it dne soon. I'm getting it done on the NHS so I have to wait till November ( Morag x > > Hello fellow hipsters - > > > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > > is not enough research yet. > > > > Any advice? > > > > Thanks, > > > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 sure- ask them to prove to you that a thr will be any better than a resurf. ask them to promise you that plastic parts are a good thing. ask them to promise you that plastic wear debris has no ill effect on bone & tissue. ask them to tell you why if you are small, then cutting off more bone is a good thing. ask them to give you a copy of exactly what research they have read on the subject of resurfacing. ask your doctor which specific manufacturers devices he is allowed to use on his patients. ask him how much profit he is going to make with each implant. then tell them to leave you alone, you got it covered. jeff Running out of ammo Hello fellow hipsters - As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & now everyone around me is freaking out. I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there is not enough research yet. Any advice? Thanks, * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 sure- ask them to prove to you that a thr will be any better than a resurf. ask them to promise you that plastic parts are a good thing. ask them to promise you that plastic wear debris has no ill effect on bone & tissue. ask them to tell you why if you are small, then cutting off more bone is a good thing. ask them to give you a copy of exactly what research they have read on the subject of resurfacing. ask your doctor which specific manufacturers devices he is allowed to use on his patients. ask him how much profit he is going to make with each implant. then tell them to leave you alone, you got it covered. jeff Running out of ammo Hello fellow hipsters - As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & now everyone around me is freaking out. I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there is not enough research yet. Any advice? Thanks, * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2004 Report Share Posted April 8, 2004 sure- ask them to prove to you that a thr will be any better than a resurf. ask them to promise you that plastic parts are a good thing. ask them to promise you that plastic wear debris has no ill effect on bone & tissue. ask them to tell you why if you are small, then cutting off more bone is a good thing. ask them to give you a copy of exactly what research they have read on the subject of resurfacing. ask your doctor which specific manufacturers devices he is allowed to use on his patients. ask him how much profit he is going to make with each implant. then tell them to leave you alone, you got it covered. jeff Running out of ammo Hello fellow hipsters - As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & now everyone around me is freaking out. I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there is not enough research yet. Any advice? Thanks, * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 Hi, I am a small female, 5'2 " maybe 100 lbs. Resurfacing gave me my life back Remember-once the head of your femur is gone- it is gone. What do you want the quality of your life to be? I know that I went from barely being able to walk around my backyard to a return to rock climbing, cycling, and working out at the gym. I don't think about my hip at all and am leading the extremely active life that I had before my BHR. Send your x-rays to a resurfacing doc and ask him questions. Life is short- yes it IS full of risks. I could be killed in a fall rock climbing or by a crazy driver when I cycle to work. But I am doing those things I love, pain free Consider that by the time there is " enough research " . ( whatever that is) you may no longer be a candidate for a resurf. You may also cripple yourself up in other places because of your bad hip. Many on this sight are very conservative- others are not. I for one decided to give this hip of mine a run for it's money. I have. Then Dr Amstutz' report came out identifying small women as most at risk. Oh well.. I'm still here and unable to stop what I enjoy. So far so good. So much depends on you and your surgeons skill. How dense are your bones? How many resurfs has your doc done? I hear nothing but good things about Dr Gross. It is your body and most importantly YOUR life! It does take courage- I got so much flack from people when they learned that I chose my doctor from information learned on the internet!!! I just laugh--on my way to the crags. You go girl- just do it! Good luck, Rock climbin' Jude LBHR De Smet 09/11/02 Running out of ammo Hello fellow hipsters - As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & now everyone around me is freaking out. I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there is not enough research yet. Any advice? Thanks, * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 Dear Morag- ine's advice about telephoning your consultant (or his secretary) for more information is excellent. Can I also echo 's comments about asking to be put on the cancellation list when you finally do get a consultation in Birmingham. I had a cancellation operation (in London) within 6 weeks of my op being agreed, but that was in winter and apparently more cancellations come up in the winter. You have to be prepared to move at very short notice, however. In the meantime, don't what access you have to various alternative therapies to help you cope with pain and limited mobility? They all cost money, of course. I found Technique and Cranial Osteopathy excellent at keeping me moving while waiting for my op. Technique helps you to use your body as effectively as possible. Pilates, yoga, acupuncture, massage---all these can also help. Good luck, Eleanor Re: Running out of ammo I'm in EXACTLY the same situation! I'm 22 and came to the conclusion that resurfacing was by far the better option for me at this point in my life. - Aside from anything else to have a THR I'd have to get the pins out of my femur, wait a couple of years at least for my bones to heal, then have a THR. And at the moment I can't walk more than 100 metres! I'm tall and female and specialists treat me like I'm daft - My first doc - a complete THR fan before even discussing the idea of a resurfacing (which I'd never heard of before) was telling me that it's a ridiculous idea, is far too new, doesn't work in the long term...I could go on. AND friends who know nothing about either procedure have been erm...advising me...that I should definitley have a THR simply because resurfacings have only been on the market for a short period of time. I don't even bother arguing with them. I just tell them to go and do thier own research and come back to me and give me a valid arguement of why a THR is better. - None of them have been able to. I just wish I could get it dne soon. I'm getting it done on the NHS so I have to wait till November ( Morag x > > Hello fellow hipsters - > > > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > > is not enough research yet. > > > > Any advice? > > > > Thanks, > > > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. _____ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 Dear Morag- ine's advice about telephoning your consultant (or his secretary) for more information is excellent. Can I also echo 's comments about asking to be put on the cancellation list when you finally do get a consultation in Birmingham. I had a cancellation operation (in London) within 6 weeks of my op being agreed, but that was in winter and apparently more cancellations come up in the winter. You have to be prepared to move at very short notice, however. In the meantime, don't what access you have to various alternative therapies to help you cope with pain and limited mobility? They all cost money, of course. I found Technique and Cranial Osteopathy excellent at keeping me moving while waiting for my op. Technique helps you to use your body as effectively as possible. Pilates, yoga, acupuncture, massage---all these can also help. Good luck, Eleanor Re: Running out of ammo I'm in EXACTLY the same situation! I'm 22 and came to the conclusion that resurfacing was by far the better option for me at this point in my life. - Aside from anything else to have a THR I'd have to get the pins out of my femur, wait a couple of years at least for my bones to heal, then have a THR. And at the moment I can't walk more than 100 metres! I'm tall and female and specialists treat me like I'm daft - My first doc - a complete THR fan before even discussing the idea of a resurfacing (which I'd never heard of before) was telling me that it's a ridiculous idea, is far too new, doesn't work in the long term...I could go on. AND friends who know nothing about either procedure have been erm...advising me...that I should definitley have a THR simply because resurfacings have only been on the market for a short period of time. I don't even bother arguing with them. I just tell them to go and do thier own research and come back to me and give me a valid arguement of why a THR is better. - None of them have been able to. I just wish I could get it dne soon. I'm getting it done on the NHS so I have to wait till November ( Morag x > > Hello fellow hipsters - > > > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > > is not enough research yet. > > > > Any advice? > > > > Thanks, > > > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. _____ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 Dear Morag- ine's advice about telephoning your consultant (or his secretary) for more information is excellent. Can I also echo 's comments about asking to be put on the cancellation list when you finally do get a consultation in Birmingham. I had a cancellation operation (in London) within 6 weeks of my op being agreed, but that was in winter and apparently more cancellations come up in the winter. You have to be prepared to move at very short notice, however. In the meantime, don't what access you have to various alternative therapies to help you cope with pain and limited mobility? They all cost money, of course. I found Technique and Cranial Osteopathy excellent at keeping me moving while waiting for my op. Technique helps you to use your body as effectively as possible. Pilates, yoga, acupuncture, massage---all these can also help. Good luck, Eleanor Re: Running out of ammo I'm in EXACTLY the same situation! I'm 22 and came to the conclusion that resurfacing was by far the better option for me at this point in my life. - Aside from anything else to have a THR I'd have to get the pins out of my femur, wait a couple of years at least for my bones to heal, then have a THR. And at the moment I can't walk more than 100 metres! I'm tall and female and specialists treat me like I'm daft - My first doc - a complete THR fan before even discussing the idea of a resurfacing (which I'd never heard of before) was telling me that it's a ridiculous idea, is far too new, doesn't work in the long term...I could go on. AND friends who know nothing about either procedure have been erm...advising me...that I should definitley have a THR simply because resurfacings have only been on the market for a short period of time. I don't even bother arguing with them. I just tell them to go and do thier own research and come back to me and give me a valid arguement of why a THR is better. - None of them have been able to. I just wish I could get it dne soon. I'm getting it done on the NHS so I have to wait till November ( Morag x > > Hello fellow hipsters - > > > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > > is not enough research yet. > > > > Any advice? > > > > Thanks, > > > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. _____ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 Lois - thanks for the reply. What has been creating the most fear in me has been family, o/s opinions that I am a 'special case' & while it may work for some, it may not work for me. I am aware of that. But I stil want to go for it! As I hear stories like yours of others who beat the curve, it gives me hope. My plan is to go back to my o/s & open his mind & dissuade his fears by being a living example of success. thanks for sharing, > > : > > I am a small female. I am 5' 1 " . I had no problem with having my hip > resurfaced. I think more important then the size of a man/woman is the > hip size. Only a OS looking at an X-Ray can tell that. And from what I > understand, even X-Rays don't tell the whole story and the OS can't tell for > sure until they have you opened on the operating table. > > I just had my 1 year check-up with my local OS. He is NOT the OS who did > the surgery (Dr. Mont did). Both my local OS and his right-hand > (Ortho-nurse who assists in surgery) were discussing the benefits of hip > resurfacing with me even thought he DOES NOT PERFORM this surgery and I am > his ONLY PATIENT who has had this done. They were talking about how tough > it is with young people (insert yourself here) who need a THR and then a > revision. They said having a revision (this would mean a 2d THR) is pretty > hard to go through and recovery is tough. Anything beyond a 2d is just > about unthinkable. Wheelchair comes to mind. So, at 35, if you have a > resurf, if you ever do need a THR, to your bone it's as if it were the > " first time " . > > Remember, resurf is in FDA trials....that is why your doc/family are > freaking out. Were're hoping it will get the FDA approval this year. > When it does, will your OS and family sing a different tune? > > Take your time. Stay on this site and read all you can. Don't rush your > decision. It's you who has to be sure. > > Lois > C+ 3/27/03 D. Mont > > > > Running out of ammo > > > Hello fellow hipsters - > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > is not enough research yet. > > Any advice? > > Thanks, > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 Jeff - I'm not afraid anymore. Just ready to move on (so to speak). I personally can't wait to prove them wrong, & open their minds as a living example! thanks for replying, I love all of you brave surfacehippy's for not being afraid to take the risk! > sure- > > ask them to prove to you that a thr will be any better than a resurf. > ask them to promise you that plastic parts are a good thing. > ask them to promise you that plastic wear debris has no ill effect on bone & tissue. > ask them to tell you why if you are small, then cutting off more bone is a good thing. > ask them to give you a copy of exactly what research they have read on the subject of resurfacing. > ask your doctor which specific manufacturers devices he is allowed to use on his patients. > ask him how much profit he is going to make with each implant. > > then tell them to leave you alone, you got it covered. > > jeff > Running out of ammo > > > Hello fellow hipsters - > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > is not enough research yet. > > Any advice? > > Thanks, > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 I'm ready to smile. Did I tell you how much I love you all...Bravery is underrated.... > Hi , > > Sorry to hear you are having hassles with support............. But these > things happen regardless.......... i.e. I had the anaesthestist telling me > that under no circumstances should I be having the scheduled op next day the > night before because of my past infection history.......... My local > hospital fought me, others thought me quite mad........... > > Today......... well they tell me how happy and healthy I > look..............with skin glowing and a happy look on my face after years > of misery......... Sometimes you really just have to follow your > gut............ and it is your body afterall........... > > There isn't a lot of history on many current THR's either.........they are > constantly changing the materials etc.......... but people think because it > has the same name it got to be the same..........and what amount of research > do they all want............?? the procedure has been getting used for over > 12 years now in UK and 4 yrs in Australia......... And, personal luck plays > a big part in all this too, regardless of prothesis, so no prothesis has a > 100% guarantee in every case. > > Lastly what the heck does being a small female have to do with > it.........??? If Dr. Goss says he has a prothesis that fits your femur head > being big or small has little to do with it from what I have > seen.............. and as a female just think through a few of the other > activities you may like to do in your life with happy abandon and no worries > about dislocation............ smile. > > Edith LBHR Dr. L Walter Syd Aust 8/02 > > > > Hello fellow hipsters - > > > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > > is not enough research yet. > > > > Any advice? > > > > Thanks, > > > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 : I'd seriously consider finding another OS to do follow-up after (and before) your resurf surgery. I hand-picked mine (which is why he was so kind towards me). Many OS's are not this way. Rather then try to convert yours to see the light, I'd suggest finding another OS who is more open and receptive. Best of luck. Lois C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont Running out of ammo > > > Hello fellow hipsters - > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > is not enough research yet. > > Any advice? > > Thanks, > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2004 Report Share Posted April 9, 2004 : I'd seriously consider finding another OS to do follow-up after (and before) your resurf surgery. I hand-picked mine (which is why he was so kind towards me). Many OS's are not this way. Rather then try to convert yours to see the light, I'd suggest finding another OS who is more open and receptive. Best of luck. Lois C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont Running out of ammo > > > Hello fellow hipsters - > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > is not enough research yet. > > Any advice? > > Thanks, > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 12, 2004 Report Share Posted April 12, 2004 Hi ! Forget about opening his mind! Find an OS who is supportive of and interested in this procedure. Not only will this be better emotionally for you, but if you convince him/her that resurfacing is a good alternative to a THR for younger, active patients, it will have a greater effect on the mindset of your local OS community. Someone who is open-minded and interested in new procedures will be more likely to spread the word of your success to other OSs in his/her practice group and professional associations than someone who was proven wrong and may resent it! I'm seeing a local OS this week for my authorization to return to work next week. She's been very supportive and intellectually curious about this procedure, and I think she'll have a much greater effect on the acceptance of resurfacing among the local OS community than someone who has publicly taken a stand against it...at least the experience will be much healthier for me than dealing with the first OS I consulted whose behavior could only be described as rude! Hang in there and go with your gut! Many of my family and friends couldn't understand why I would want to go to another country for a procedure that was not approved by the FDA, but they were amazed to see me walking better less than two weeks after surgery than I had for months. You've done the research and are better informed than all your well-meaning friends, family, and doctors! Oh, that thing about being small... Statisticallly, according to the data the JRI has accumulated during the clinical trials, being small and female puts you at (slightly) higher risk for a failed hip resurfacing. They probably have some info about it on their website. Remember, though, that some of the women who post here are small and have had remarkable success. " Rock Climbin' Jude " is only about 5 feet tall! rBHR 3/3/04 De Smet (5'3 " ) Running out of ammo > > > > > > Hello fellow hipsters - > > > > As a newbie, I continue to have multiple questions. > > > > Finally, I get to the point where I am feeling confident in my > > decision to go with hip resurfacing v. a total hip replacement*, & > > now everyone around me is freaking out. > > > > I'm only 35. My local OS, & my family are trying to talk me out of > > resurfacing, because I am a small female, & because they say, there > > is not enough research yet. > > > > Any advice? > > > > Thanks, > > > > * Scheduled with Dr. Gross, SC May 12. > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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