Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 At 02:45 PM 7/16/2004 +0000, you wrote: >OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling)about >my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who >felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > >1)I am only 25 and the thought of losing my real hip (albeit a >damaged one) so early on in life is making me panic. > >2) The surgeon said to get this done when the pain is so bad and the >limitations on your life are so bad that it is worth it. I guess only >I can be the judge of this. I was told by an OS in 1996, that when you couldn't sleep because of the pain, the time was right. Well guess what? I never had trouble sleeping. In fact that was the ONLY time that I wasn't in pain. I was so disabled though that I couldn't put on socks without the helper, couldn't tie my own shoes without a HUGE struggle, and everything was difficult. I didn't want to do anything anymore because of being so disabled. I decided that I wanted to have those days much later in my life, not at the age of 40. Now I'm living the years I missed, and with great gusto! Is the real hip worth saving? Is it letting you live normally these days? Is it going to get any better? These are the questions I asked myself probably hourly in the days prior to my first resurf. After that, when the doc called me for the date for the second one, I jumped up and down (mostly inside as I was still on crutches from the first) and whooped and hollered for joy! Cindy C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 At 02:45 PM 7/16/2004 +0000, you wrote: >OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling)about >my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who >felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > >1)I am only 25 and the thought of losing my real hip (albeit a >damaged one) so early on in life is making me panic. > >2) The surgeon said to get this done when the pain is so bad and the >limitations on your life are so bad that it is worth it. I guess only >I can be the judge of this. I was told by an OS in 1996, that when you couldn't sleep because of the pain, the time was right. Well guess what? I never had trouble sleeping. In fact that was the ONLY time that I wasn't in pain. I was so disabled though that I couldn't put on socks without the helper, couldn't tie my own shoes without a HUGE struggle, and everything was difficult. I didn't want to do anything anymore because of being so disabled. I decided that I wanted to have those days much later in my life, not at the age of 40. Now I'm living the years I missed, and with great gusto! Is the real hip worth saving? Is it letting you live normally these days? Is it going to get any better? These are the questions I asked myself probably hourly in the days prior to my first resurf. After that, when the doc called me for the date for the second one, I jumped up and down (mostly inside as I was still on crutches from the first) and whooped and hollered for joy! Cindy C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 Jacqui, Not sure this will be helpful, but... if there were a way I could trade places with you, I would. In an instant. You have to remember that, whatever your hip feels like now, it will only hurt more as time passes; no matter how limited your activity may be now, it will only be more limited unless you do something soon. If you're second-guessing youself now, try to imagine how you would second-guess yourself, if you delayed the surgery, and found when you tried again that you had passed the point at which resurf was possible. You talk about " losing " your " real hip " . It's like " losing " a damaged tooth. If you act soon, you can get a " crown " (a resurf) and really save the tooth/hip. If you wait, you'll get a THR. The dental equivalent is to lose the tooth and get a bridge, or an implant. I know people who have both...and they're not even a close second-best to a crown on a real tooth. I've not yet been resurfed, but... I know what eight years of limited motion and increasing pain will do. Don't go there. All the best, Alan > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling)about > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 Jacqui, Not sure this will be helpful, but... if there were a way I could trade places with you, I would. In an instant. You have to remember that, whatever your hip feels like now, it will only hurt more as time passes; no matter how limited your activity may be now, it will only be more limited unless you do something soon. If you're second-guessing youself now, try to imagine how you would second-guess yourself, if you delayed the surgery, and found when you tried again that you had passed the point at which resurf was possible. You talk about " losing " your " real hip " . It's like " losing " a damaged tooth. If you act soon, you can get a " crown " (a resurf) and really save the tooth/hip. If you wait, you'll get a THR. The dental equivalent is to lose the tooth and get a bridge, or an implant. I know people who have both...and they're not even a close second-best to a crown on a real tooth. I've not yet been resurfed, but... I know what eight years of limited motion and increasing pain will do. Don't go there. All the best, Alan > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling)about > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling)about > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > > 1)I am only 25 and the thought of losing my real hip (albeit a > damaged one) so early on in life is making me panic. > > 2) The surgeon said to get this done when the pain is so bad and the > limitations on your life are so bad that it is worth it. I guess only > I can be the judge of this. When the pain started waking me at night > and I couldnt walk far without stiffness and pain, I figured that the > time is right, but now it is so close, I keep thinking that I could > live with it a bit longer and that perhaps I am rushing it. I've > lived with the pain so long now, I can live with it. Do I really want > to lose my real hip so young? Or maybe that is just my nerves > talking... > > 3) I'm scared!!!! > > Sorry to sound like such a wuss, normally I am so level-headed and > calm about things! > > Please reply surfies, it's only 5 days away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling)about > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > > 1)I am only 25 and the thought of losing my real hip (albeit a > damaged one) so early on in life is making me panic. > > 2) The surgeon said to get this done when the pain is so bad and the > limitations on your life are so bad that it is worth it. I guess only > I can be the judge of this. When the pain started waking me at night > and I couldnt walk far without stiffness and pain, I figured that the > time is right, but now it is so close, I keep thinking that I could > live with it a bit longer and that perhaps I am rushing it. I've > lived with the pain so long now, I can live with it. Do I really want > to lose my real hip so young? Or maybe that is just my nerves > talking... > > 3) I'm scared!!!! > > Sorry to sound like such a wuss, normally I am so level-headed and > calm about things! > > Please reply surfies, it's only 5 days away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 Hi Jacqui, Cindy and Alan are right on the money! Of course, it's scary but when you are waking up at night it's going to get real bad real fast if it's anything like mine was. When your resurf heals, it will feel and work like a real hip. The last thing you want to do is cancel, perhaps jeopardizing having a resurf instead of a THR. At age 25, the resurf is your very best option. Feeling nervous or scared just shows you are a normal, intelligent person. I can tell you very honestly that if my other hip ever goes, I will have the resurf before things get so painful that I'm waking up at night. Don't feel like a wuss! We are all here for you. Please feel free to contact me directly if you wish. I know it meant a lot to me to talk on the phone with a resurfed patient right before it was my turn. Best wishes, Skater Gwen (hate to admit it, but yes I'm 50) C2K 9/16/02 left knee 11/13/03 Dr. Gross P.S. The surgeries went so well that we skated Nationals in July of 2003 and will skate them again for 2004 in about a week and a half. Jacqui wrote: >OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling)about >my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who >felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > >1)I am only 25 and the thought of losing my real hip (albeit a >damaged one) so early on in life is making me panic. > >2) The surgeon said to get this done when the pain is so bad and the >limitations on your life are so bad that it is worth it. I guess only >I can be the judge of this. When the pain started waking me at night >and I couldnt walk far without stiffness and pain, I figured that the >time is right, but now it is so close, I keep thinking that I could >live with it a bit longer and that perhaps I am rushing it. I've >lived with the pain so long now, I can live with it. Do I really want >to lose my real hip so young? Or maybe that is just my nerves >talking... > >3) I'm scared!!!! > >Sorry to sound like such a wuss, normally I am so level-headed and >calm about things! > >Please reply surfies, it's only 5 days away. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 Jacqui, There's not much I can add to what Alan wrote. I think his tooth analogy is great. For me the only jitters came with what it would cost. Should I wait for the FDA approval so that my insurance would cover it being done locally? I'm glad that I didn't put it off. The pain was gone instantly and I am so much better now than I was for over two years. Think positively! Think about how much better it will be. Let go of that damaged hip, it's not going to get any better. Also, if you wait too long and the head it too far gone, the only solution is THR, which at your age is not good with certain multiple revisions. Remember, there is a downside to waiting too long. JUST DO IT! Fred Dr. Gross, C2K 1/21/04 > > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling) about > > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who > > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 Jacqui, There's not much I can add to what Alan wrote. I think his tooth analogy is great. For me the only jitters came with what it would cost. Should I wait for the FDA approval so that my insurance would cover it being done locally? I'm glad that I didn't put it off. The pain was gone instantly and I am so much better now than I was for over two years. Think positively! Think about how much better it will be. Let go of that damaged hip, it's not going to get any better. Also, if you wait too long and the head it too far gone, the only solution is THR, which at your age is not good with certain multiple revisions. Remember, there is a downside to waiting too long. JUST DO IT! Fred Dr. Gross, C2K 1/21/04 > > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling) about > > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who > > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 1) At 25, you'll sail through the surgery and the recovery. 2) As far as I can tell, resurfacing devices are (as a group) showing no significant signs of deteriorating 10+ years after they started being implanted. Who knows how long they can keep going for? And not only do they last, but they permit people to do some extremely active things. 3) When I booked in for mine in May, I asked my surgeon if there was any benefit in delaying until November/December, so that I could benefit from any technological advances on the horizon. It was only one person's opinion, of course, but he said no. He thought the devices at the moment are as good as they're going to get for a while. 4) (here's where I get a little deep) We all have tough decisions to make at times and sometimes these decisions don't get any easier no matter how much advice we seek. The important thing is that a person in that situation makes the right decision. Only you know what that is, deep down. (This sounds like one of those times when you're not sure if you really want something, but when the chance of having it is taken away, you decide that you wanted it after all. I hate those times!) Good luck !! T > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling) about > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > > 1)I am only 25 and the thought of losing my real hip (albeit a > damaged one) so early on in life is making me panic. > > 2) The surgeon said to get this done when the pain is so bad and the > limitations on your life are so bad that it is worth it. I guess only > I can be the judge of this. When the pain started waking me at night > and I couldnt walk far without stiffness and pain, I figured that the > time is right, but now it is so close, I keep thinking that I could > live with it a bit longer and that perhaps I am rushing it. I've > lived with the pain so long now, I can live with it. Do I really want > to lose my real hip so young? Or maybe that is just my nerves > talking... > > 3) I'm scared!!!! > > Sorry to sound like such a wuss, normally I am so level-headed and > calm about things! > > Please reply surfies, it's only 5 days away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 1) At 25, you'll sail through the surgery and the recovery. 2) As far as I can tell, resurfacing devices are (as a group) showing no significant signs of deteriorating 10+ years after they started being implanted. Who knows how long they can keep going for? And not only do they last, but they permit people to do some extremely active things. 3) When I booked in for mine in May, I asked my surgeon if there was any benefit in delaying until November/December, so that I could benefit from any technological advances on the horizon. It was only one person's opinion, of course, but he said no. He thought the devices at the moment are as good as they're going to get for a while. 4) (here's where I get a little deep) We all have tough decisions to make at times and sometimes these decisions don't get any easier no matter how much advice we seek. The important thing is that a person in that situation makes the right decision. Only you know what that is, deep down. (This sounds like one of those times when you're not sure if you really want something, but when the chance of having it is taken away, you decide that you wanted it after all. I hate those times!) Good luck !! T > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling) about > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > > 1)I am only 25 and the thought of losing my real hip (albeit a > damaged one) so early on in life is making me panic. > > 2) The surgeon said to get this done when the pain is so bad and the > limitations on your life are so bad that it is worth it. I guess only > I can be the judge of this. When the pain started waking me at night > and I couldnt walk far without stiffness and pain, I figured that the > time is right, but now it is so close, I keep thinking that I could > live with it a bit longer and that perhaps I am rushing it. I've > lived with the pain so long now, I can live with it. Do I really want > to lose my real hip so young? Or maybe that is just my nerves > talking... > > 3) I'm scared!!!! > > Sorry to sound like such a wuss, normally I am so level-headed and > calm about things! > > Please reply surfies, it's only 5 days away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 1) At 25, you'll sail through the surgery and the recovery. 2) As far as I can tell, resurfacing devices are (as a group) showing no significant signs of deteriorating 10+ years after they started being implanted. Who knows how long they can keep going for? And not only do they last, but they permit people to do some extremely active things. 3) When I booked in for mine in May, I asked my surgeon if there was any benefit in delaying until November/December, so that I could benefit from any technological advances on the horizon. It was only one person's opinion, of course, but he said no. He thought the devices at the moment are as good as they're going to get for a while. 4) (here's where I get a little deep) We all have tough decisions to make at times and sometimes these decisions don't get any easier no matter how much advice we seek. The important thing is that a person in that situation makes the right decision. Only you know what that is, deep down. (This sounds like one of those times when you're not sure if you really want something, but when the chance of having it is taken away, you decide that you wanted it after all. I hate those times!) Good luck !! T > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling) about > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > > 1)I am only 25 and the thought of losing my real hip (albeit a > damaged one) so early on in life is making me panic. > > 2) The surgeon said to get this done when the pain is so bad and the > limitations on your life are so bad that it is worth it. I guess only > I can be the judge of this. When the pain started waking me at night > and I couldnt walk far without stiffness and pain, I figured that the > time is right, but now it is so close, I keep thinking that I could > live with it a bit longer and that perhaps I am rushing it. I've > lived with the pain so long now, I can live with it. Do I really want > to lose my real hip so young? Or maybe that is just my nerves > talking... > > 3) I'm scared!!!! > > Sorry to sound like such a wuss, normally I am so level-headed and > calm about things! > > Please reply surfies, it's only 5 days away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 > 3) When I booked in for mine in May, I asked my surgeon if there was > any benefit in delaying until November/December, so that I could > benefit from any technological advances on the horizon. It was only > one person's opinion, of course, but he said no. He thought the > devices at the moment are as good as they're going to get for a > while. As someone involved in engine building for race cars and motorcycles I can assure you that the technology advances in materials is the only reason I'm doing this now. The resurf ball joint is very similar to a connecting rod bearing in that the ball is floating on a very thin film of liquid and actual contact is very bad. Rod bearings have gone through a similar development from lead/tin (too soft, wears out like poly) to some variant of today's aluminum/copper (wears very well, hard enough to not fail from load pressure) and they last just about forever. The surface treatment and composition of the new MOM resurf parts is amazing. Given the low rotational speeds of the hip joint it should last forever (underlying bone issues aside). I realize this is a bit odd of an approach, but as engineering is in my blood, I couldn't help it. I'm a product of UC Berkeley, and while not an engineering major (I could JUST hack the math) I've taken a few mechanical engineering classes and have been tinkering with things my whole life. Resurfacing makes sense in a bunch of ways, and hopefully after the US trials are complete and the operation is more widely known it'll replace THR where possible. Of course, my operation could end up some kind of disaster, but it seems unlikely. -Anton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 > 3) When I booked in for mine in May, I asked my surgeon if there was > any benefit in delaying until November/December, so that I could > benefit from any technological advances on the horizon. It was only > one person's opinion, of course, but he said no. He thought the > devices at the moment are as good as they're going to get for a > while. As someone involved in engine building for race cars and motorcycles I can assure you that the technology advances in materials is the only reason I'm doing this now. The resurf ball joint is very similar to a connecting rod bearing in that the ball is floating on a very thin film of liquid and actual contact is very bad. Rod bearings have gone through a similar development from lead/tin (too soft, wears out like poly) to some variant of today's aluminum/copper (wears very well, hard enough to not fail from load pressure) and they last just about forever. The surface treatment and composition of the new MOM resurf parts is amazing. Given the low rotational speeds of the hip joint it should last forever (underlying bone issues aside). I realize this is a bit odd of an approach, but as engineering is in my blood, I couldn't help it. I'm a product of UC Berkeley, and while not an engineering major (I could JUST hack the math) I've taken a few mechanical engineering classes and have been tinkering with things my whole life. Resurfacing makes sense in a bunch of ways, and hopefully after the US trials are complete and the operation is more widely known it'll replace THR where possible. Of course, my operation could end up some kind of disaster, but it seems unlikely. -Anton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 Oh how I empathize with you. My hip pain went into hiding the two weeks before my surgery, and I drove myself nuts!!! I was so terrified that I was going to be permanently altered....somehow irreversibly changed, and that scared me. My wife literally dragged me out of my house, and the long drive to LA was torture. But I now know (three months out) that I made the right decision. Pain sucks. It was ruining me slowly, taking away all the things I loved. Surfing, working, exercising. And I might point out that if you are a candidate for resurfacing, than you have already " lost " your hip. Age is immaterial, it's all about how badly it hurts, and what limitations you are willing to accept. I wish you well, whatever your decision is. And I encourage you to go into the surgery room (should you decide to go forward) with a positive mindset. And for what it's worth, I spent the day at a company picnic. My son and I finished the horseshoe tournament in second place, and I never once even thought about my hip. I have NO pain now. None. Hang tough, Jacqui. C+ 4-15-04 > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling) about > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > > 1)I am only 25 and the thought of losing my real hip (albeit a > damaged one) so early on in life is making me panic. > > 2) The surgeon said to get this done when the pain is so bad and the > limitations on your life are so bad that it is worth it. I guess only > I can be the judge of this. When the pain started waking me at night > and I couldnt walk far without stiffness and pain, I figured that the > time is right, but now it is so close, I keep thinking that I could > live with it a bit longer and that perhaps I am rushing it. I've > lived with the pain so long now, I can live with it. Do I really want > to lose my real hip so young? Or maybe that is just my nerves > talking... > > 3) I'm scared!!!! > > Sorry to sound like such a wuss, normally I am so level-headed and > calm about things! > > Please reply surfies, it's only 5 days away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 Oh how I empathize with you. My hip pain went into hiding the two weeks before my surgery, and I drove myself nuts!!! I was so terrified that I was going to be permanently altered....somehow irreversibly changed, and that scared me. My wife literally dragged me out of my house, and the long drive to LA was torture. But I now know (three months out) that I made the right decision. Pain sucks. It was ruining me slowly, taking away all the things I loved. Surfing, working, exercising. And I might point out that if you are a candidate for resurfacing, than you have already " lost " your hip. Age is immaterial, it's all about how badly it hurts, and what limitations you are willing to accept. I wish you well, whatever your decision is. And I encourage you to go into the surgery room (should you decide to go forward) with a positive mindset. And for what it's worth, I spent the day at a company picnic. My son and I finished the horseshoe tournament in second place, and I never once even thought about my hip. I have NO pain now. None. Hang tough, Jacqui. C+ 4-15-04 > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling) about > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > > 1)I am only 25 and the thought of losing my real hip (albeit a > damaged one) so early on in life is making me panic. > > 2) The surgeon said to get this done when the pain is so bad and the > limitations on your life are so bad that it is worth it. I guess only > I can be the judge of this. When the pain started waking me at night > and I couldnt walk far without stiffness and pain, I figured that the > time is right, but now it is so close, I keep thinking that I could > live with it a bit longer and that perhaps I am rushing it. I've > lived with the pain so long now, I can live with it. Do I really want > to lose my real hip so young? Or maybe that is just my nerves > talking... > > 3) I'm scared!!!! > > Sorry to sound like such a wuss, normally I am so level-headed and > calm about things! > > Please reply surfies, it's only 5 days away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2004 Report Share Posted July 16, 2004 One thing I've seen in all of these groups (both THR and Resurfers) is the common statement 'I would have done it sooner if I'd have known it would be this good.' Sure there's an element of risk, but the odds are far and away in your favor. Go for it. -Anton > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling)about > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > > 1)I am only 25 and the thought of losing my real hip (albeit a > damaged one) so early on in life is making me panic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2004 Report Share Posted July 17, 2004 Sounds like you desperately need hip resurfacing to sort you out! Go for it...do not hesitate. Dr Ameet Pispati Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mumbai, India > > OK, I'm really getting the jitters (thinking about cancelling) about > > my resurf on Wednesday and would love to hear from anyone who > > felt/feels the same or anyone with any advice... > > > > 1)I am only 25 and the thought of losing my real hip (albeit a > > damaged one) so early on in life is making me panic. > > > > 2) The surgeon said to get this done when the pain is so bad and > the > > limitations on your life are so bad that it is worth it. I guess > only > > I can be the judge of this. When the pain started waking me at > night > > and I couldnt walk far without stiffness and pain, I figured that > the > > time is right, but now it is so close, I keep thinking that I could > > live with it a bit longer and that perhaps I am rushing it. I've > > lived with the pain so long now, I can live with it. Do I really > want > > to lose my real hip so young? Or maybe that is just my nerves > > talking... > > > > 3) I'm scared!!!! > > > > Sorry to sound like such a wuss, normally I am so level-headed and > > calm about things! > > > > Please reply surfies, it's only 5 days away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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