Need advice and suggestions of OS in Boston or the North East

[Guest guest]

Hi Folks,

this is my first post to the surfacehippy group. I

have been reading the posts for a few weeks now and

have learnt a great deal - thank you. I am a 48 year

old male with bone on bone in the right hip. I can't

walk for more than 10-15 minutes with out hobbling and

plenty of pain - in the hip, down the front of the

quadriceps and behind the knee cap. I heard about the

BHR while in Australia and mentioned the proceedure to

both OS (both in their sixties) I have seen in Boston

when I live. The first OS dismissed the BHR as a

" failed procedure in the US " . The second OS said " it

may be an attractive option for you but I don't know

anyone in the North East who does it " . Reading the

posts over the past few weeks along with other research has

convinced me of the value of the procedure - I would

love to take long walks and play tennis again. I have

two questions I would really appreciate help on:

1. Can you recommend doctors in the North East I can

consult.

2. How to work with Blue Cross Blue Shield MA for

coverage.

Cheers ... .

[Guest guest]

Hi .

I live in Boston and had my right hip resurfaced in May by Dr.

Amstutz in LA. I travel frequently on business so a trip to LA to

have one of the best in the world do my surgery was no big deal. I

highly recommend the effort to visit them to review your condition.

My window of opportunity was nearly closed even though I was highly

active at the time. I never visited them personally prior to my

surgery as I was well versed in my condition after seeing the best

of the best OSs in Boston. If I listened to them I would have given

up most of the things I enjoy in life. I sent xrays, had a

telephone consult with Dr. Amstutz and scheduled surgery all in two

months. I owe this group for much of the knowledge I gained in a

short period of time. The OSs in Boston are some of the best with

THRs. It was highly recommended that I have bilateral THR. This

was not an option for me. I am 40 and I was not willing to live

with the restrictions. I am bilateral, however, I elected to have

the worse of the two done first. I did my research and I am very

pleased with the progress and outcome. Dr. A was in Boston two

weeks ago and I met with him for my follow up at his hotel. They

are a great group of people and Dr. Amstutz is one of the best in

the business with the longest and highly successful track record. I

returned to work after a week, and I am back to life as normal

without the constant pain. I am playing all sports with my kids,

cycling at a good pace, golfing, weight lifting and jogging with

zero problems after a couple of months post op. There is also

another Bostonian, Jim, who recently went down south to have his

done recently. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA and my entire

operation and all related costs were covered 100%. Let me know if

you have any additional questions.

Best of luck.....C+ Dr. Amstutz 5/04/04

> Hi Folks,

>

> this is my first post to the surfacehippy group. I

> have been reading the posts for a few weeks now and

> have learnt a great deal - thank you. I am a 48 year

> old male with bone on bone in the right hip. I can't

> walk for more than 10-15 minutes with out hobbling and

> plenty of pain - in the hip, down the front of the

> quadriceps and behind the knee cap. I heard about the

> BHR while in Australia and mentioned the proceedure to

> both OS (both in their sixties) I have seen in Boston

> when I live. The first OS dismissed the BHR as a

> " failed procedure in the US " . The second OS said " it

> may be an attractive option for you but I don't know

> anyone in the North East who does it " . Reading the

> posts over the past few weeks along with other research has

> convinced me of the value of the procedure - I would

> love to take long walks and play tennis again. I have

> two questions I would really appreciate help on:

>

> 1. Can you recommend doctors in the North East I can

> consult.

>

> 2. How to work with Blue Cross Blue Shield MA for

> coverage.

>

> Cheers ... .

[Guest guest]

Hi .

I live in Boston and had my right hip resurfaced in May by Dr.

Amstutz in LA. I travel frequently on business so a trip to LA to

have one of the best in the world do my surgery was no big deal. I

highly recommend the effort to visit them to review your condition.

My window of opportunity was nearly closed even though I was highly

active at the time. I never visited them personally prior to my

surgery as I was well versed in my condition after seeing the best

of the best OSs in Boston. If I listened to them I would have given

up most of the things I enjoy in life. I sent xrays, had a

telephone consult with Dr. Amstutz and scheduled surgery all in two

months. I owe this group for much of the knowledge I gained in a

short period of time. The OSs in Boston are some of the best with

THRs. It was highly recommended that I have bilateral THR. This

was not an option for me. I am 40 and I was not willing to live

with the restrictions. I am bilateral, however, I elected to have

the worse of the two done first. I did my research and I am very

pleased with the progress and outcome. Dr. A was in Boston two

weeks ago and I met with him for my follow up at his hotel. They

are a great group of people and Dr. Amstutz is one of the best in

the business with the longest and highly successful track record. I

returned to work after a week, and I am back to life as normal

without the constant pain. I am playing all sports with my kids,

cycling at a good pace, golfing, weight lifting and jogging with

zero problems after a couple of months post op. There is also

another Bostonian, Jim, who recently went down south to have his

done recently. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA and my entire

operation and all related costs were covered 100%. Let me know if

you have any additional questions.

Best of luck.....C+ Dr. Amstutz 5/04/04

> Hi Folks,

>

> this is my first post to the surfacehippy group. I

> have been reading the posts for a few weeks now and

> have learnt a great deal - thank you. I am a 48 year

> old male with bone on bone in the right hip. I can't

> walk for more than 10-15 minutes with out hobbling and

> plenty of pain - in the hip, down the front of the

> quadriceps and behind the knee cap. I heard about the

> BHR while in Australia and mentioned the proceedure to

> both OS (both in their sixties) I have seen in Boston

> when I live. The first OS dismissed the BHR as a

> " failed procedure in the US " . The second OS said " it

> may be an attractive option for you but I don't know

> anyone in the North East who does it " . Reading the

> posts over the past few weeks along with other research has

> convinced me of the value of the procedure - I would

> love to take long walks and play tennis again. I have

> two questions I would really appreciate help on:

>

> 1. Can you recommend doctors in the North East I can

> consult.

>

> 2. How to work with Blue Cross Blue Shield MA for

> coverage.

>

> Cheers ... .

[Guest guest]

I should have also mentioned that you should contact Chuck at

JRI who is very well versed with the insurance related issues and

worked with BCBS MA on my behalf. He was very gracious with his

time early in the process and walked me through everything in detail

to expedite getting my life back.

Best.......

> Hi Folks,

>

> this is my first post to the surfacehippy group. I

> have been reading the posts for a few weeks now and

> have learnt a great deal - thank you. I am a 48 year

> old male with bone on bone in the right hip. I can't

> walk for more than 10-15 minutes with out hobbling and

> plenty of pain - in the hip, down the front of the

> quadriceps and behind the knee cap. I heard about the

> BHR while in Australia and mentioned the proceedure to

> both OS (both in their sixties) I have seen in Boston

> when I live. The first OS dismissed the BHR as a

> " failed procedure in the US " . The second OS said " it

> may be an attractive option for you but I don't know

> anyone in the North East who does it " . Reading the

> posts over the past few weeks along with other research has

> convinced me of the value of the procedure - I would

> love to take long walks and play tennis again. I have

> two questions I would really appreciate help on:

>

> 1. Can you recommend doctors in the North East I can

> consult.

>

> 2. How to work with Blue Cross Blue Shield MA for

> coverage.

>

> Cheers ... .

[Guest guest]

:

I am a fellow Bostonian and had the same experience with several

prominent orthopedic surgeons in Boston. I too was bone on bone in

my left hip. After reading this board for over a year and

corresponding with a number of the members, I decided that

resurfacing was the way to go. Unfortunately, there was nobody doing

this procedure in Boston (and to my knowledge there still isn't). I

considered Dr. Amstutz in California (a pioneer in this field) and

Dr. Gross in South Carolina. Ultimately I settled on the latter and

was fortunate to be selected as a patient. I had my hip resurfaced

two weeks ago today and it feels fabulous!! Another Bostonian by the

name of had his hip done by Dr Amstutz several months before

me and he has had similar excellent results, I believe. Yes, it

means a plane ticket and a somewhat uncomfortable trip back home

with a swollen backside, but Dr's Amstutz and Gross have

collectively done hundreds of these procedures. In fact, Dr. Gross

cranked out FIVE on the day I was there.

The insurance situation is challenging. If you let the physician

handle the details, you may have the best luck. Make sure to let the

physician get you pre-approved.

Good luck with your decision!!

Jim

RC2K Dr. Gross 6-23-04

[Guest guest]

I am sxcheduled for bilateral resurfacing in Baltimore with Dr. Mont

both he and Dr. Gross have many patients on this site but North

Carolina was a stretch for me.......

> :

>

> I am a fellow Bostonian and had the same experience with several

> prominent orthopedic surgeons in Boston. I too was bone on bone in

> my left hip. After reading this board for over a year and

> corresponding with a number of the members, I decided that

> resurfacing was the way to go. Unfortunately, there was nobody

doing

> this procedure in Boston (and to my knowledge there still isn't). I

> considered Dr. Amstutz in California (a pioneer in this field) and

> Dr. Gross in South Carolina. Ultimately I settled on the latter and

> was fortunate to be selected as a patient. I had my hip resurfaced

> two weeks ago today and it feels fabulous!! Another Bostonian by

the

> name of had his hip done by Dr Amstutz several months before

> me and he has had similar excellent results, I believe. Yes, it

> means a plane ticket and a somewhat uncomfortable trip back home

> with a swollen backside, but Dr's Amstutz and Gross have

> collectively done hundreds of these procedures. In fact, Dr. Gross

> cranked out FIVE on the day I was there.

>

> The insurance situation is challenging. If you let the physician

> handle the details, you may have the best luck. Make sure to let

the

> physician get you pre-approved.

>

> Good luck with your decision!!

>

> Jim

> RC2K Dr. Gross 6-23-04

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Let me preface this by letting you know that I just joined this group

and do not have a clue what I am talking about. I am 46 and have the

same symptoms as you. I live west of Boston toward the Worcester

area. I also have BC/BS. I just did a Physician search on the

web page and these were the results. I have not contacted any of

these physicians yet. However, was highly recommened

to me for a THR. Good luck and please let me know if you find out

anything and I will do the same.

Thank you for using the Physician Locator located at

http://www.wmt.com/physlocator/physloce.asp

Matches for your search criteria are detailed below.

Anatomical Specialty: Hip

Product Specialty: CONSERVE® Femoral Resurfacing

Radius: 100 Miles

--------------------------------------------------------------------

The physicians identified by , listed alphabetically, are

physicians who have used 's products in the past. No other

criteria are used by in identifying these physicians.

makes no endorsements, warranties or representations, express or

implied, regarding the abilities or qualifications of the identified

physicians as it relates to your particular condition or

circumstance. You are responsible for making an independent

determination of the qualifications of these physicians and whether

these physicians suit your particular needs and expectations.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

M.D. Alfredo L. Axtmayer

4 Fairfield Blvd

Wallingford, CT 06492

---------------------------------------------------------------------

M.D. Todd W. Mailly

47 Jolly Drive

Bloomfield, CT 06002

---------------------------------------------------------------------

M.D.

125 Hill Ave

Boston, MA 02120

www.stephenmurphy.org

---------------------------------------------------------------------

M.D. Sledge

471 Broadway, Rt. 1 N

Lynnfield, MA 01940

> Hi Folks,

>

> this is my first post to the surfacehippy group. I

> have been reading the posts for a few weeks now and

> have learnt a great deal - thank you. I am a 48 year

> old male with bone on bone in the right hip. I can't

> walk for more than 10-15 minutes with out hobbling and

> plenty of pain - in the hip, down the front of the

> quadriceps and behind the knee cap. I heard about the

> BHR while in Australia and mentioned the proceedure to

> both OS (both in their sixties) I have seen in Boston

> when I live. The first OS dismissed the BHR as a

> " failed procedure in the US " . The second OS said " it

> may be an attractive option for you but I don't know

> anyone in the North East who does it " . Reading the

> posts over the past few weeks along with other research has

> convinced me of the value of the procedure - I would

> love to take long walks and play tennis again. I have

> two questions I would really appreciate help on:

>

> 1. Can you recommend doctors in the North East I can

> consult.

>

> 2. How to work with Blue Cross Blue Shield MA for

> coverage.

>

> Cheers ... .

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Let me preface this by letting you know that I just joined this group

and do not have a clue what I am talking about. I am 46 and have the

same symptoms as you. I live west of Boston toward the Worcester

area. I also have BC/BS. I just did a Physician search on the

web page and these were the results. I have not contacted any of

these physicians yet. However, was highly recommened

to me for a THR. Good luck and please let me know if you find out

anything and I will do the same.

Thank you for using the Physician Locator located at

http://www.wmt.com/physlocator/physloce.asp

Matches for your search criteria are detailed below.

Anatomical Specialty: Hip

Product Specialty: CONSERVE® Femoral Resurfacing

Radius: 100 Miles

--------------------------------------------------------------------

The physicians identified by , listed alphabetically, are

physicians who have used 's products in the past. No other

criteria are used by in identifying these physicians.

makes no endorsements, warranties or representations, express or

implied, regarding the abilities or qualifications of the identified

physicians as it relates to your particular condition or

circumstance. You are responsible for making an independent

determination of the qualifications of these physicians and whether

these physicians suit your particular needs and expectations.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

M.D. Alfredo L. Axtmayer

4 Fairfield Blvd

Wallingford, CT 06492

---------------------------------------------------------------------

M.D. Todd W. Mailly

47 Jolly Drive

Bloomfield, CT 06002

---------------------------------------------------------------------

M.D.

125 Hill Ave

Boston, MA 02120

www.stephenmurphy.org

---------------------------------------------------------------------

M.D. Sledge

471 Broadway, Rt. 1 N

Lynnfield, MA 01940

> Hi Folks,

>

> this is my first post to the surfacehippy group. I

> have been reading the posts for a few weeks now and

> have learnt a great deal - thank you. I am a 48 year

> old male with bone on bone in the right hip. I can't

> walk for more than 10-15 minutes with out hobbling and

> plenty of pain - in the hip, down the front of the

> quadriceps and behind the knee cap. I heard about the

> BHR while in Australia and mentioned the proceedure to

> both OS (both in their sixties) I have seen in Boston

> when I live. The first OS dismissed the BHR as a

> " failed procedure in the US " . The second OS said " it

> may be an attractive option for you but I don't know

> anyone in the North East who does it " . Reading the

> posts over the past few weeks along with other research has

> convinced me of the value of the procedure - I would

> love to take long walks and play tennis again. I have

> two questions I would really appreciate help on:

>

> 1. Can you recommend doctors in the North East I can

> consult.

>

> 2. How to work with Blue Cross Blue Shield MA for

> coverage.

>

> Cheers ... .