Re: more OS opinion equals more confusion

[Guest guest]

>

> I am tired of feeling scolded and ridiculed when I am just trying to

> plan my life and my pain management.

Welcome to the club!

Your story is pretty typical of people here.

From your description of your experience, it sounds like you're in the

United States. A lot of us have had to contend with the general

ignorance about resurfacing in the American orthopedic community.

> I am sick of being laughed at!

> Although, I know that it may not be time for resurf next week, but

> seems to me that it is something that is coming down the pike in a

> few years.

It sounds to me like you're due on at least one side right now.

You need to send your X-rays to a surgeon who does resurfacing and

you need to do it ASAP.

> My question is quite sincerely, am I misunderstanding the

> role of hip resurf for young patients as well as the prognosis?

No, you are not.

> Should I just wait until I am really severely disabled before I ask

> about resurf?

Absolutely not. Successful resurfacing depends in large measure on the

quality of your remaining bone. If you wait too long, you may

experience too much bone damage to permit a resurfacing. Besides, why

on earth would you want to sacrifice the best years of your life to

pain and disability when there's an alternative available??????

Steve

[Guest guest]

Hi Amy:

Read your flight with resigned candour. Doctor power at its worst it seems. You

have come to the right site. The great people who post to this site are

testimonies of the full range of biase, narrowmindeness and professional

ignorance to the totally enlightened, can do Doctors and Surgeons. You have

reached the right place, gagther your evidence and make your case.

Best wishes.

Phil Pre Op

Devon UK

more OS opinion equals more confusion

Hi all,

Like most people here at one time or another, I am frustrated and

confused. I am 32 with bilat ideopathic OA. I was diagnosed at 26.

I have heard so much hot air from different doctors that I don't know

what is up or down anymore. I went to OS here that I had been to

before he said terrible things to me (although I am sure he didn't

mean to say terrible things...)like, " Why do you keep coming here

when there is nothing anyone can do for you? " and " No one can help

you because you are too young for THR. Come back when you are over

50 and are ready for THR. " So I told him of resurfacing (he didn't

know of anything beyond the Wagner) and asked his opinion. He

said " If it works, it may be the best possible plan of action in your

case. I could refer you to an OS here that is the forerunner in all

replacement technology, but he will probably laugh at you and tell

you to learn to live with it. " I am absolutely not kidding. Of

course, I will never see that doctor again.

Since then, I made myself an appointment with the specailist figuring

that any respectable doctor would not 'laugh.' He did say I am not

ready for surgery or even close and he will not discuss the option.

He did at least order some tests to try to figure out the cause of

the OA. One thing he said that bothered me (again reflecting the

attitude of previous OS) was, " It only hurts you when you walk,

right? " First of all, I am only 32! Pain when I walk is an issue!

I am very active and work on my feet all day and hope to have

children. Secondly, I do have pain when I walk, but also wakes me up

at night. Running (even after a frisbee) left years ago. As I

understand things the status of my OA is that right hip is worse

(boy, don't I know it!), I have joint space narrowing and starting to

get bone on bone at top of the right hip. I have a lot of sclerosis

in both, and osteophytes. I am still functioning pretty well though

through the aid of glucosamine and NSAIDs. My ROM is 10 degrees

internally on right and 110 hip flextion on right (compared to 140

degrees on left leg) so it is starting to go.

I am tired of feeling scolded and ridiculed when I am just trying to

plan my life and my pain management. I am sick of being laughed at!

Although, I know that it may not be time for resurf next week, but

seems to me that it is something that is coming down the pike in a

few years. My question is quite sincerely, am I misunderstanding the

role of hip resurf for young patients as well as the prognosis?

Should I just wait until I am really severely disabled before I ask

about resurf?

I welcome and trust your collective input. Thank you all for helping.

Amy

[Guest guest]

I do NOT know why these doctors tell people to go home a " live with it! " THEY

should try " living with it. " If I were you (and I once was), I'd follow the

conversations here, check out Ortho Surgeons who do resurfacing and get ready to

get your life back. My doc was Dr Gross. He has a web site www.grossortho.com

and there are others who also have web sites. www.activejoints.com is also a

good site. For heaven's sake, unless there is some terribly compelling reason

to put this off -- get resurfaced! Joyce (Dr. Gross, LHR, 2/04)

[Guest guest]

I do NOT know why these doctors tell people to go home a " live with it! " THEY

should try " living with it. " If I were you (and I once was), I'd follow the

conversations here, check out Ortho Surgeons who do resurfacing and get ready to

get your life back. My doc was Dr Gross. He has a web site www.grossortho.com

and there are others who also have web sites. www.activejoints.com is also a

good site. For heaven's sake, unless there is some terribly compelling reason

to put this off -- get resurfaced! Joyce (Dr. Gross, LHR, 2/04)

[Guest guest]

---- Original Message -----

From: Joyce Graves

To: surfacehippy

Sent: 4/7/2004 5:22:43 PM

Subject: RE: more OS opinion equals more confusion

I do NOT know why these doctors tell people to go home a " live with it! " THEY

should try " living with it. " If I were you (and I once was), I'd follow the

conversations here, check out Ortho Surgeons who do resurfacing and get ready to

get your life back. My doc was Dr Gross. He has a web site www.grossortho.com

and there are others who also have web sites. www.activejoints.com is also a

good site. For heaven's sake, unless there is some terribly compelling reason

to put this off -- get resurfaced! Joyce (Dr. Gross, LHR, 2/04)

[Guest guest]

---- Original Message -----

From: Joyce Graves

To: surfacehippy

Sent: 4/7/2004 5:22:43 PM

Subject: RE: more OS opinion equals more confusion

I do NOT know why these doctors tell people to go home a " live with it! " THEY

should try " living with it. " If I were you (and I once was), I'd follow the

conversations here, check out Ortho Surgeons who do resurfacing and get ready to

get your life back. My doc was Dr Gross. He has a web site www.grossortho.com

and there are others who also have web sites. www.activejoints.com is also a

good site. For heaven's sake, unless there is some terribly compelling reason

to put this off -- get resurfaced! Joyce (Dr. Gross, LHR, 2/04)

[Guest guest]

Hi Amy,

Yet another sad but somewhat familiar story............. It seems to be some

of our luck to get these debiliating conditions and then to rarely find

doctors who have much sympathy.............. I was told I had to live with

my fused hip for 35 years.........it was impossible to operate rah

rah....... and yes there were indeed some heavy risk factors...............

BUT finally after searching I found that an OS would put me out of my misery

and interestingly enough he proved to be among the elite surgeons of my

country - Australia. This proved to me that if you want help sometimes you

really have to find the best.............. and believe me the best do not

laugh at you........... for some reason they are among the most

compassionate of doctors you will ever find. I think I have finally learnt

that arrogance usually covers up incompetence.

You have every right to expect assistance if you are in pain............. I

suspect you are in US which may make it a longer trail because your country

has decided to make it difficult for hip patients to have the latest

technology............. However from the list here you will find the names

of some compassionate surgeons, I suggest you find one near you and go

visit............. Then you will at least have something sane to deal with

as far as time lines etc............. for damage to the rest of the body

isn't easy to deal with long term and hips can quickly get beyond being able

to be resurfaced.

Edith LBHR Dr. L Walter Syd Aust 8/02

>

> Like most people here at one time or another, I am frustrated and

> confused. I am 32 with bilat ideopathic OA. I was diagnosed at 26.

> I have heard so much hot air from different doctors that I don't know

> what is up or down anymore. I went to OS here that I had been to

> before he said terrible things to me (although I am sure he didn't

> mean to say terrible things...)like, " Why do you keep coming here

> when there is nothing anyone can do for you? " and " No one can help

> you because you are too young for THR. Come back when you are over

> 50 and are ready for THR. " So I told him of resurfacing (he didn't

> know of anything beyond the Wagner) and asked his opinion. He

> said " If it works, it may be the best possible plan of action in your

> case. I could refer you to an OS here that is the forerunner in all

> replacement technology, but he will probably laugh at you and tell

> you to learn to live with it. " I am absolutely not kidding. Of

> course, I will never see that doctor again.

>

> Since then, I made myself an appointment with the specailist figuring

> that any respectable doctor would not 'laugh.' He did say I am not

> ready for surgery or even close and he will not discuss the option.

> He did at least order some tests to try to figure out the cause of

> the OA. One thing he said that bothered me (again reflecting the

> attitude of previous OS) was, " It only hurts you when you walk,

> right? " First of all, I am only 32! Pain when I walk is an issue!

> I am very active and work on my feet all day and hope to have

> children. Secondly, I do have pain when I walk, but also wakes me up

> at night. Running (even after a frisbee) left years ago. As I

> understand things the status of my OA is that right hip is worse

> (boy, don't I know it!), I have joint space narrowing and starting to

> get bone on bone at top of the right hip. I have a lot of sclerosis

> in both, and osteophytes. I am still functioning pretty well though

> through the aid of glucosamine and NSAIDs. My ROM is 10 degrees

> internally on right and 110 hip flextion on right (compared to 140

> degrees on left leg) so it is starting to go.

>

> I am tired of feeling scolded and ridiculed when I am just trying to

> plan my life and my pain management. I am sick of being laughed at!

> Although, I know that it may not be time for resurf next week, but

> seems to me that it is something that is coming down the pike in a

> few years. My question is quite sincerely, am I misunderstanding the

> role of hip resurf for young patients as well as the prognosis?

> Should I just wait until I am really severely disabled before I ask

> about resurf?

>

> I welcome and trust your collective input. Thank you all for helping.

>

> Amy

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Amy,

Yet another sad but somewhat familiar story............. It seems to be some

of our luck to get these debiliating conditions and then to rarely find

doctors who have much sympathy.............. I was told I had to live with

my fused hip for 35 years.........it was impossible to operate rah

rah....... and yes there were indeed some heavy risk factors...............

BUT finally after searching I found that an OS would put me out of my misery

and interestingly enough he proved to be among the elite surgeons of my

country - Australia. This proved to me that if you want help sometimes you

really have to find the best.............. and believe me the best do not

laugh at you........... for some reason they are among the most

compassionate of doctors you will ever find. I think I have finally learnt

that arrogance usually covers up incompetence.

You have every right to expect assistance if you are in pain............. I

suspect you are in US which may make it a longer trail because your country

has decided to make it difficult for hip patients to have the latest

technology............. However from the list here you will find the names

of some compassionate surgeons, I suggest you find one near you and go

visit............. Then you will at least have something sane to deal with

as far as time lines etc............. for damage to the rest of the body

isn't easy to deal with long term and hips can quickly get beyond being able

to be resurfaced.

Edith LBHR Dr. L Walter Syd Aust 8/02

>

> Like most people here at one time or another, I am frustrated and

> confused. I am 32 with bilat ideopathic OA. I was diagnosed at 26.

> I have heard so much hot air from different doctors that I don't know

> what is up or down anymore. I went to OS here that I had been to

> before he said terrible things to me (although I am sure he didn't

> mean to say terrible things...)like, " Why do you keep coming here

> when there is nothing anyone can do for you? " and " No one can help

> you because you are too young for THR. Come back when you are over

> 50 and are ready for THR. " So I told him of resurfacing (he didn't

> know of anything beyond the Wagner) and asked his opinion. He

> said " If it works, it may be the best possible plan of action in your

> case. I could refer you to an OS here that is the forerunner in all

> replacement technology, but he will probably laugh at you and tell

> you to learn to live with it. " I am absolutely not kidding. Of

> course, I will never see that doctor again.

>

> Since then, I made myself an appointment with the specailist figuring

> that any respectable doctor would not 'laugh.' He did say I am not

> ready for surgery or even close and he will not discuss the option.

> He did at least order some tests to try to figure out the cause of

> the OA. One thing he said that bothered me (again reflecting the

> attitude of previous OS) was, " It only hurts you when you walk,

> right? " First of all, I am only 32! Pain when I walk is an issue!

> I am very active and work on my feet all day and hope to have

> children. Secondly, I do have pain when I walk, but also wakes me up

> at night. Running (even after a frisbee) left years ago. As I

> understand things the status of my OA is that right hip is worse

> (boy, don't I know it!), I have joint space narrowing and starting to

> get bone on bone at top of the right hip. I have a lot of sclerosis

> in both, and osteophytes. I am still functioning pretty well though

> through the aid of glucosamine and NSAIDs. My ROM is 10 degrees

> internally on right and 110 hip flextion on right (compared to 140

> degrees on left leg) so it is starting to go.

>

> I am tired of feeling scolded and ridiculed when I am just trying to

> plan my life and my pain management. I am sick of being laughed at!

> Although, I know that it may not be time for resurf next week, but

> seems to me that it is something that is coming down the pike in a

> few years. My question is quite sincerely, am I misunderstanding the

> role of hip resurf for young patients as well as the prognosis?

> Should I just wait until I am really severely disabled before I ask

> about resurf?

>

> I welcome and trust your collective input. Thank you all for helping.

>

> Amy

>

[Guest guest]

>

> I am tired of feeling scolded and ridiculed when I am just trying

to

> plan my life and my pain management. I am sick of being laughed

at!

> Although, I know that it may not be time for resurf next week, but

> seems to me that it is something that is coming down the pike in a

> few years. My question is quite sincerely, am I misunderstanding

the

> role of hip resurf for young patients as well as the prognosis?

> Should I just wait until I am really severely disabled before I

ask

> about resurf?

>

> I welcome and trust your collective input. Thank you all for

helping.

>

> Amy

Hi Amy! I was told by my family physician that I was " too young " at

the tender age of 49, to have a hip replacement, even though I was

bone-on-bone. But he said to go do some research, because he had

heard rumors of new technologies....

If you are in the US and want resurfacing - you will have to go to

one of the surgeons involved in the FDA Trials. I chose Dr

Mont in Baltimore, and can't say enough good about the way I was

treated or the care I received!! I have no limp (was using a cane

before) and have no hip pain (now that the BIG pain is gone, I

notice the little pains in the other joints....LOL! Sure wish they

worked as good as the hip...)

Read the past posts on this board, and check with resurf surgeons

regarding your insurance - sometimes this is quite the hurdle. But

I can promise, from reading here through the years, that NONE of the

resurf surgeons will dismiss your pain as " something you have to

live with " . They're the best in their field; and can offer you your

active life back!

Deb C+ 5-2-02 Dr Mont

[Guest guest]

>

> I am tired of feeling scolded and ridiculed when I am just trying

to

> plan my life and my pain management. I am sick of being laughed

at!

> Although, I know that it may not be time for resurf next week, but

> seems to me that it is something that is coming down the pike in a

> few years. My question is quite sincerely, am I misunderstanding

the

> role of hip resurf for young patients as well as the prognosis?

> Should I just wait until I am really severely disabled before I

ask

> about resurf?

>

> I welcome and trust your collective input. Thank you all for

helping.

>

> Amy

Hi Amy! I was told by my family physician that I was " too young " at

the tender age of 49, to have a hip replacement, even though I was

bone-on-bone. But he said to go do some research, because he had

heard rumors of new technologies....

If you are in the US and want resurfacing - you will have to go to

one of the surgeons involved in the FDA Trials. I chose Dr

Mont in Baltimore, and can't say enough good about the way I was

treated or the care I received!! I have no limp (was using a cane

before) and have no hip pain (now that the BIG pain is gone, I

notice the little pains in the other joints....LOL! Sure wish they

worked as good as the hip...)

Read the past posts on this board, and check with resurf surgeons

regarding your insurance - sometimes this is quite the hurdle. But

I can promise, from reading here through the years, that NONE of the

resurf surgeons will dismiss your pain as " something you have to

live with " . They're the best in their field; and can offer you your

active life back!

Deb C+ 5-2-02 Dr Mont

[Guest guest]

At 04:44 PM 4/7/2004 +0000, you wrote:

> I went to OS here that I had been to

>before he said terrible things to me (although I am sure he didn't

>mean to say terrible things...)like, " Why do you keep coming here

>when there is nothing anyone can do for you? " and " No one can help

>you because you are too young for THR. Come back when you are over

>50 and are ready for THR. "

Amy,

Been there, as have many of us. I've had bad hips (DDH) all my life, so it

was not a surprise that they were going from bad to worse. I went to one

OS who told me there was nothing wrong with me except that I was fat, and

all I had to do was lose weight and my hips would be fine!

Two or three years later, I went to another OS to inquire about PAO (a

friend of mine had just had one, and at that time was thrilled with

it). He said I was bone on bone, and there was nothing left to do but THR,

but he hoped I could hold out for another ten years, as I was only 36

then. He also suggested (very nicely, I might add) that I try hard to drop

some weight, although he knew it would be difficult. He also said that he

couldn't figure out how I was walking on those horrible hips. He stated

that if he had seen the x-rays first, he would have come out looking for

someone in a wheelchair. He is a good OS (in fact was one of the first two

to do the minimally invasive THR's).

I learned about resurfacing in 2000 as I had got to the point where I was

ready to contemplate surgery. I had both hips resurfaced in 2001 and have

my life back! Yes, I'm still fat, but I'm up to walking a mile at a

stretch which is HUGE for me. If only the lower back didn't kick in with

muscle spasms, I could certainly walk much further...

It's your life, so learn all your options and then decide which of the

alternatives is best for YOU.

Cindy

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

[Guest guest]

At 04:44 PM 4/7/2004 +0000, you wrote:

> I went to OS here that I had been to

>before he said terrible things to me (although I am sure he didn't

>mean to say terrible things...)like, " Why do you keep coming here

>when there is nothing anyone can do for you? " and " No one can help

>you because you are too young for THR. Come back when you are over

>50 and are ready for THR. "

Amy,

Been there, as have many of us. I've had bad hips (DDH) all my life, so it

was not a surprise that they were going from bad to worse. I went to one

OS who told me there was nothing wrong with me except that I was fat, and

all I had to do was lose weight and my hips would be fine!

Two or three years later, I went to another OS to inquire about PAO (a

friend of mine had just had one, and at that time was thrilled with

it). He said I was bone on bone, and there was nothing left to do but THR,

but he hoped I could hold out for another ten years, as I was only 36

then. He also suggested (very nicely, I might add) that I try hard to drop

some weight, although he knew it would be difficult. He also said that he

couldn't figure out how I was walking on those horrible hips. He stated

that if he had seen the x-rays first, he would have come out looking for

someone in a wheelchair. He is a good OS (in fact was one of the first two

to do the minimally invasive THR's).

I learned about resurfacing in 2000 as I had got to the point where I was

ready to contemplate surgery. I had both hips resurfaced in 2001 and have

my life back! Yes, I'm still fat, but I'm up to walking a mile at a

stretch which is HUGE for me. If only the lower back didn't kick in with

muscle spasms, I could certainly walk much further...

It's your life, so learn all your options and then decide which of the

alternatives is best for YOU.

Cindy

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