Introduction from new member

[Guest guest]

Ron --

Sorry if my glib reply misled you. I am in fact seriously considering

traveling to South Carolina for the surgery. Dr. Gross has performed

1200 resurfacing procedures. Granted that is roughly half the number for

Dr. De Smet. However, it seems sufficient to have mastered the procedure.

More importantly, I am prepared to fly two hours home after the surgery but

not eight.

I continue to be very impressed with the way you went about choosing a

surgeon. Sadly, I am not that diligent. However, I think you will discover

in time that I am every bit as serious about this matter.

This email is such an unfaithful messenger. My mother has said that it is

like " cheap chicken soup -- because there is no meat/meet in it. " It is all

too easy to misinterpret email.

In fact, my glib quip does not measure my lack of seriousness but a

frustration at how difficult it has been to get a direct answer from my

local physicians. My personal physician recently wrote to me and said he

was unable to " come up with much information [about resurfacing] " . He went

on to say " i have heard it's not all it's cranked up to be " This is so

surprising when I am finding reams of information -- and much of it from

board certified osteosurgeons. A month ago my local OS told me that the

alternative to a Stryker THR would be to travel 250 miles to Chicago and pay

over $10,000 out of my own pocket. I am fairly confident that Dr. Gross is

covered by my insurance.

If my doctor were a serious health scientist he should have said something

like " sorry but I can not comment because this is outside my area of

expertise. "

Thanks again for all the information you have shared with the group,

Re: Re: Introduction from new member

> >

> > I actually disagree about finding the prosthesis you want then the

> doctor

> > who will do it.

> >

> > I say find the best surgeon you can, and be guided by them as to the

> kind of

> >

> > hip that is put in.

> >

> > I'm not asking you to change your mind, just putting a different

> point of

> > view on record.

> >

> > Aussie Margaret

> > LTHR 1990 revised 2004

> >

> > Re: Re: Introduction from new member

> >

> >

> > I haven't had one put in, but based on my research & what 3 doctors have

> > told me, the Journey looks like the best combo of femoral component and

> > tibial component for women (and men).

> >

> > I don't have anything to do with the company that makes them ( &

> > Nephew).

> >

> > I do feel that it's a good idea to choose the type of knee you want &

> then

> > find a doctor who's been doing that knee for at least 2 years.

> >

> > The nurse of one of the docs I talked to said that the doc went to

> training

> > specifically for the Journey and got certified to use that implant. In

> > addition, she said that a company rep comes to each surgery to make

> sure the

> >

> > doc is doing the right stuff.

> >

> > & Nephew also offer computer-assisted surgery. I don't know

> whether

> > it's a routine part of surgeries for this knee, but I think it's worth

> > asking for, if a person's insurance won't balk at paying for it.

> >

> > Ann

> >

> >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Your last post certainly gave a completely different impression than the

previous one and that is a relief, I must say!

Once surgeons get up in their numbers like Dr. Gross has done I would

not hessitate for a minute either to rely on him, he also seems a nice

person from what I learned. He is not exactly dull either, showing

enough initiatives that proof that his interest in resurfacing is genuine.

Yes I am behind you on the local physicians and in my case I even found

the same attitude with some local orthopaedic surgeons. I must also say

that in the end I also found one surgeon not far from here who wanted to

help me, but he just did not have the experience and surgery would have

to be planned more than 6 months ahead if during the first visit (also 6

months later) I was considered a good candidate. The total waiting

period of 12 months just wasn't acceptable to me, while Dr. De Smet

could take me at that point within 6 weeks!

All the other " locals " kept the resurfacing option hidden from me as if

it did not exist and I really wasn't aware of it either. I am sure that

some of the doctors that I met actually had to know of it's existance,

but just would not mention it, possibly because they themselves knew too

little or were opposed to the method, I'll never know. In stead I had to

find out about resurfacing through a small article in one of my wife's

magazines and that got the process going for me.

I also agree that doctors should admit it when they know too little

about some device or a procedure and recommend the patient a colleague

surgeon who has experience in that area. I am sure that a patient will

respect that surgeon highly for his fairness. If a surgeon paints a

procedure black before his patient he could very well be trying to cover

over his own lack of experience, knowledge or interest in that area.

When his patients then finally finds out what the truth is he will have

lost face and the respect from that patient for ever.

Anyway, I hope that you'll succeed with the surgery by Dr. Gross

Ron van Mierlo

RH BHR 2007-01-23 Dr. De Smet

Fremon skrev:

> Ron --

>

> Sorry if my glib reply misled you. I am in fact seriously considering

> traveling to South Carolina for the surgery. Dr. Gross has performed

> 1200 resurfacing procedures. Granted that is roughly half the number for

> Dr. De Smet. However, it seems sufficient to have mastered the procedure.

> More importantly, I am prepared to fly two hours home after the surgery but

> not eight.

>

> I continue to be very impressed with the way you went about choosing a

> surgeon. Sadly, I am not that diligent. However, I think you will discover

> in time that I am every bit as serious about this matter.

>

> This email is such an unfaithful messenger. My mother has said that it is

> like " cheap chicken soup -- because there is no meat/meet in it. " It is all

> too easy to misinterpret email.

>

> In fact, my glib quip does not measure my lack of seriousness but a

> frustration at how difficult it has been to get a direct answer from my

> local physicians. My personal physician recently wrote to me and said he

> was unable to " come up with much information [about resurfacing] " . He went

> on to say " i have heard it's not all it's cranked up to be " This is so

> surprising when I am finding reams of information -- and much of it from

> board certified osteosurgeons. A month ago my local OS told me that the

> alternative to a Stryker THR would be to travel 250 miles to Chicago and pay

> over $10,000 out of my own pocket. I am fairly confident that Dr. Gross is

> covered by my insurance.

>

> If my doctor were a serious health scientist he should have said something

> like " sorry but I can not comment because this is outside my area of

> expertise. "

>

> Thanks again for all the information you have shared with the group,

>

>

> Re: Re: Introduction from new member

>>>

>>> I actually disagree about finding the prosthesis you want then the

>>>

>> doctor

>>

>>> who will do it.

>>>

>>> I say find the best surgeon you can, and be guided by them as to the

>>>

>> kind of

>>

>>> hip that is put in.

>>>

>>> I'm not asking you to change your mind, just putting a different

>>>

>> point of

>>

>>> view on record.

>>>

>>> Aussie Margaret

>>> LTHR 1990 revised 2004

>>>

>>> Re: Re: Introduction from new member

>>>

>>>

>>> I haven't had one put in, but based on my research & what 3 doctors have

>>> told me, the Journey looks like the best combo of femoral component and

>>> tibial component for women (and men).

>>>

>>> I don't have anything to do with the company that makes them ( &

>>> Nephew).

>>>

>>> I do feel that it's a good idea to choose the type of knee you want &

>>>

>> then

>>

>>> find a doctor who's been doing that knee for at least 2 years.

>>>

>>> The nurse of one of the docs I talked to said that the doc went to

>>>

>> training

>>

>>> specifically for the Journey and got certified to use that implant. In

>>> addition, she said that a company rep comes to each surgery to make

>>>

>> sure the

>>

>>> doc is doing the right stuff.

>>>

>>> & Nephew also offer computer-assisted surgery. I don't know

>>>

>> whether

>>

>>> it's a routine part of surgeries for this knee, but I think it's worth

>>> asking for, if a person's insurance won't balk at paying for it.

>>>

>>> Ann

>>>

>>>

>>>

[Guest guest]

Oh Great. Definately sufficient. Dr. Gross is one of the best, and

the only one in the states out of about 20 who gave me a solid " yes "

on taking my rather difficult case. He will do a good job. I have a

personal friend here in my state who went to him, and at six+ months

she is doing great. Good pain management post-op too. I like his

work in developing the cementless Biomet device, although I still

would have probably chosen cemented as it has a long track record. In

regards the flight, it's true 8 hours was hard, but by the time you

leave, you've had 7-10 days of physical therapy, and are doing quite

well.

Kellen in NM

>

> Ron --

>

> Sorry if my glib reply misled you. I am in fact seriously

considering

> traveling to South Carolina for the surgery. Dr. Gross has

performed

> 1200 resurfacing procedures. Granted that is roughly half the

number for

> Dr. De Smet. However, it seems sufficient to have mastered the

procedure.

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much Ron –

I hope you won’t mind if I continue

to ask naïve questions and reveal a little frustration from time to time. 

I am a scientist by training (mathematics)

and expect other scientists to communicate carefully and openly.  I am

discovering that some physicians have motives other than the careful and open

exchange of ideas.

Thanks again for your help,

From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of Ron & Eefje

Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007

5:54 PM

Joint Replacement

Subject: Re:

Re: Introduction from new member

Hi

,

Your last post certainly gave a completely different impression than the

previous one and that is a relief, I must say!

Once surgeons get up in their numbers like Dr. Gross has done I would

not hessitate for a minute either to rely on him, he also seems a nice

person from what I learned. He is not exactly dull either, showing

enough initiatives that proof that his interest in resurfacing is genuine.

Yes I am behind you on the local physicians and in my case I even found

the same attitude with some local orthopaedic surgeons. I must also say

that in the end I also found one surgeon not far from here who wanted to

help me, but he just did not have the experience and surgery would have

to be planned more than 6 months ahead if during the first visit (also 6

months later) I was considered a good candidate. The total waiting

period of 12 months just wasn't acceptable to me, while Dr. De Smet

could take me at that point within 6 weeks!

All the other " locals " kept the resurfacing option hidden from me as

if

it did not exist and I really wasn't aware of it either. I am sure that

some of the doctors that I met actually had to know of it's existance,

but just would not mention it, possibly because they themselves knew too

little or were opposed to the method, I'll never know. In stead I had to

find out about resurfacing through a small article in one of my wife's

magazines and that got the process going for me.

I also agree that doctors should admit it when they know too little

about some device or a procedure and recommend the patient a colleague

surgeon who has experience in that area. I am sure that a patient will

respect that surgeon highly for his fairness. If a surgeon paints a

procedure black before his patient he could very well be trying to cover

over his own lack of experience, knowledge or interest in that area.

When his patients then finally finds out what the truth is he will have

lost face and the respect from that patient for ever.

Anyway, I hope that you'll succeed with the surgery by Dr. Gross

Ron van Mierlo

RH BHR 2007-01-23 Dr. De Smet

Fremon skrev:

> Ron --

>

> Sorry if my glib reply misled you. I am in fact seriously considering

> traveling to South Carolina

for the surgery. Dr. Gross has performed

> 1200 resurfacing procedures. Granted that is roughly half the number for

> Dr. De Smet. However, it seems sufficient to have mastered the procedure.

> More importantly, I am prepared to fly two hours home after the surgery

but

> not eight.

>

> I continue to be very impressed with the way you went about choosing a

> surgeon. Sadly, I am not that diligent. However, I think you will discover

> in time that I am every bit as serious about this matter.

>

> This email is such an unfaithful messenger. My mother has said that it is

> like " cheap chicken soup -- because there is no meat/meet in

it. " It is all

> too easy to misinterpret email.

>

> In fact, my glib quip does not measure my lack of seriousness but a

> frustration at how difficult it has been to get a direct answer from my

> local physicians. My personal physician recently wrote to me and said he

> was unable to " come up with much information [about resurfacing] " .

He went

> on to say " i have heard it's not all it's cranked up to be " This

is so

> surprising when I am finding reams of information -- and much of it from

> board certified osteosurgeons. A month ago my local OS told me that the

> alternative to a Stryker THR would be to travel 250 miles to Chicago and pay

> over $10,000 out of my own pocket. I am fairly confident that Dr. Gross is

> covered by my insurance.

>

> If my doctor were a serious health scientist he should have said something

> like " sorry but I can not comment because this is outside my area of

> expertise. "

>

> Thanks again for all the information you have shared with the group,

>

>

> Re: Re: Introduction from

new member

>>>

>>> I actually disagree about finding the prosthesis you want then the

>>>

>> doctor

>>

>>> who will do it.

>>>

>>> I say find the best surgeon you can, and be guided by them as to

the

>>>

>> kind of

>>

>>> hip that is put in.

>>>

>>> I'm not asking you to change your mind, just putting a different

>>>

>> point of

>>

>>> view on record.

>>>

>>> Aussie Margaret

>>> LTHR 1990 revised 2004

>>>

>>> Re: Re: Introduction from

new member

>>>

>>>

>>> I haven't had one put in, but based on my research & what 3

doctors have

>>> told me, the Journey looks like the best combo of femoral

component and

>>> tibial component for women (and men).

>>>

>>> I don't have anything to do with the company that makes them

( &

>>> Nephew).

>>>

>>> I do feel that it's a good idea to choose the type of knee you

want &

>>>

>> then

>>

>>> find a doctor who's been doing that knee for at least 2 years.

>>>

>>> The nurse of one of the docs I talked to said that the doc went to

>>>

>> training

>>

>>> specifically for the Journey and got certified to use that

implant. In

>>> addition, she said that a company rep comes to each surgery to

make

>>>

>> sure the

>>

>>> doc is doing the right stuff.

>>>

>>> & Nephew also offer computer-assisted surgery. I don't

know

>>>

>> whether

>>

>>> it's a routine part of surgeries for this knee, but I think it's

worth

>>> asking for, if a person's insurance won't balk at paying for it.

>>>

>>> Ann

>>>

>>>

>>>

[Guest guest]

Yes that's okay. I know that I shared a fair amount frustration on this

also (in another group though)!

Ron

Fremon skrev:

>

> Thanks so much Ron –

>

> I hope you won’t mind if I continue to ask naïve questions and reveal

> a little frustration from time to time.

>

> I am a scientist by training (mathematics) and expect other scientists

> to communicate carefully and openly. I am discovering that some

> physicians have motives other than the careful and open exchange of ideas.

>

> Thanks again for your help,

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> *From:* Joint Replacement

> [mailto:Joint Replacement ] *On Behalf Of *Ron &

> Eefje

> *Sent:* Thursday, October 18, 2007 5:54 PM

> *To:* Joint Replacement

> *Subject:* Re: Re: Introduction from new member

>

> Hi ,

>

> Your last post certainly gave a completely different impression than the

> previous one and that is a relief, I must say!

> Once surgeons get up in their numbers like Dr. Gross has done I would

> not hessitate for a minute either to rely on him, he also seems a nice

> person from what I learned. He is not exactly dull either, showing

> enough initiatives that proof that his interest in resurfacing is genuine.

> Yes I am behind you on the local physicians and in my case I even found

> the same attitude with some local orthopaedic surgeons. I must also say

> that in the end I also found one surgeon not far from here who wanted to

> help me, but he just did not have the experience and surgery would have

> to be planned more than 6 months ahead if during the first visit (also 6

> months later) I was considered a good candidate. The total waiting

> period of 12 months just wasn't acceptable to me, while Dr. De Smet

> could take me at that point within 6 weeks!

> All the other " locals " kept the resurfacing option hidden from me as if

> it did not exist and I really wasn't aware of it either. I am sure that

> some of the doctors that I met actually had to know of it's existance,

> but just would not mention it, possibly because they themselves knew too

> little or were opposed to the method, I'll never know. In stead I had to

> find out about resurfacing through a small article in one of my wife's

> magazines and that got the process going for me.

>

> I also agree that doctors should admit it when they know too little

> about some device or a procedure and recommend the patient a colleague

> surgeon who has experience in that area. I am sure that a patient will

> respect that surgeon highly for his fairness. If a surgeon paints a

> procedure black before his patient he could very well be trying to cover

> over his own lack of experience, knowledge or interest in that area.

> When his patients then finally finds out what the truth is he will have

> lost face and the respect from that patient for ever.

>

> Anyway, I hope that you'll succeed with the surgery by Dr. Gross

>

> Ron van Mierlo

> RH BHR 2007-01-23 Dr. De Smet

>

> Fremon skrev:

> > Ron --

> >

> > Sorry if my glib reply misled you. I am in fact seriously considering

> > traveling to South Carolina for the surgery. Dr. Gross has

> performed

> > 1200 resurfacing procedures. Granted that is roughly half the number for

> > Dr. De Smet. However, it seems sufficient to have mastered the procedure.

> > More importantly, I am prepared to fly two hours home after the

> surgery but

> > not eight.

> >

> > I continue to be very impressed with the way you went about choosing a

> > surgeon. Sadly, I am not that diligent. However, I think you will

> discover

> > in time that I am every bit as serious about this matter.

> >

> > This email is such an unfaithful messenger. My mother has said that it is

> > like " cheap chicken soup -- because there is no meat/meet in it. " It

> is all

> > too easy to misinterpret email.

> >

> > In fact, my glib quip does not measure my lack of seriousness but a

> > frustration at how difficult it has been to get a direct answer from my

> > local physicians. My personal physician recently wrote to me and said he

> > was unable to " come up with much information [about resurfacing] " . He

> went

> > on to say " i have heard it's not all it's cranked up to be " This is so

> > surprising when I am finding reams of information -- and much of it from

> > board certified osteosurgeons. A month ago my local OS told me that the

> > alternative to a Stryker THR would be to travel 250 miles to Chicago

> and pay

> > over $10,000 out of my own pocket. I am fairly confident that Dr.

> Gross is

> > covered by my insurance.

> >

> > If my doctor were a serious health scientist he should have said

> something

> > like " sorry but I can not comment because this is outside my area of

> > expertise. "

> >

> > Thanks again for all the information you have shared with the group,

> >

> >

> > Re: Re: Introduction from new member

> >>>

> >>> I actually disagree about finding the prosthesis you want then the

> >>>

> >> doctor

> >>

> >>> who will do it.

> >>>

> >>> I say find the best surgeon you can, and be guided by them as to the

> >>>

> >> kind of

> >>

> >>> hip that is put in.

> >>>

> >>> I'm not asking you to change your mind, just putting a different

> >>>

> >> point of

> >>

> >>> view on record.

> >>>

> >>> Aussie Margaret

> >>> LTHR 1990 revised 2004

> >>>

> >>> Re: Re: Introduction from new member

> >>>

> >>>

> >>> I haven't had one put in, but based on my research & what 3 doctors

> have

> >>> told me, the Journey looks like the best combo of femoral component and

> >>> tibial component for women (and men).

> >>>

> >>> I don't have anything to do with the company that makes them ( &

> >>> Nephew).

> >>>

> >>> I do feel that it's a good idea to choose the type of knee you want &

> >>>

> >> then

> >>

> >>> find a doctor who's been doing that knee for at least 2 years.

> >>>

> >>> The nurse of one of the docs I talked to said that the doc went to

> >>>

> >> training

> >>

> >>> specifically for the Journey and got certified to use that implant. In

> >>> addition, she said that a company rep comes to each surgery to make

> >>>

> >> sure the

> >>

> >>> doc is doing the right stuff.

> >>>

> >>> & Nephew also offer computer-assisted surgery. I don't know

> >>>

> >> whether

> >>

> >>> it's a routine part of surgeries for this knee, but I think it's worth

> >>> asking for, if a person's insurance won't balk at paying for it.

> >>>

> >>> Ann

> >>>

> >>>

> >>>

>

>

[Guest guest]

:

I would not call it a negative " built in preferences " . I had the same

concerns and issues related to the hardware. Left LTR Dec 2006. My

background is Mechanical Design so I have some working knowledge about

this. After looking at the different brands of knee joints (did not

do hips) I came to the conclusion that all of them are not to

different from each other mechanically. They have all gone through a

lot of testing to qualify. So putting a percentage on doctor verses

hardware I would give 75% doctor to 25% device in importance IMHO. It

is my experience that doctors generally use on brand but may use

different models depending on the patients needs. Doctors like all of

us learn how to put in a particular device and feel comfortable with

that. How they came to using one over the other could be by trying

several, reading up on the technical literature or listening to a

sales pitch. But because of all of the similarities they settle on

one. So to me it is more important how often and many the doctor has

done that the brand.

As far as hips are concerned (and my knowledge is little).

Resurfacing and replacement are two different animals. I do see the

advantage in resurfacing if it is an option. But as to use metal on

metal, ceramic on metal or any number of combinations I would leave

that with the doctor who has the most experience.

Don

PS Don't know if you have told your doctor you are a scientist but

that might help in him talking more technically about the subject.

Tell him your ideas of " built in preferences " . If he/she does not

answer in a professional way then I would seek another doctor. I have

always considered that a patient doctor relationship is an equal

partnership and if I since it is not I am not interested in working

with him.

>

> Hi Margaret --

>

> Your logic makes sense to me too. However, based on just a little

> experience, I am beginning to suspect that many surgeons come with their

> built in preferences. I am looking for a surgeon who can say " I

have done a

> hundred Strykers, a hundred Zimmers, two hundred s, and a hundred

> fifty BioMets and my broad experience leads me to recommend X for

you. " Has

> anybody met such a renaissance surgeon?

>

> I fear that as soon as you choose the surgeon you will have to

settle for

> her/his favorite prosthesis, which may or may not be the best choice for

> you.

>

> Cheers,

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Don –

Your thoughtful comments are very

helpful.  The scientist-to-scientist relationship is tricky.  Mathematicians

have a discipline, technical vocabulary, research literature, research method,

and procedural caution just as surgeons do.  However the vocabularies and

literature are very different.  When it comes to discipline, method, and

caution, I can stand eyeball to eyeball with any surgeon.  However, I have a

lot to learn about the vocabulary and literature. 

Thanks again,

From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of Don

Sent: Friday, October 19, 2007

12:15 PM

Joint Replacement

Subject:

Re: Introduction from new member

:

I would not call it a negative " built in preferences " . I had the

same

concerns and issues related to the hardware. Left LTR Dec 2006. My

background is Mechanical Design so I have some working knowledge about

this. After looking at the different brands of knee joints (did not

do hips) I came to the conclusion that all of them are not to

different from each other mechanically. They have all gone through a

lot of testing to qualify. So putting a percentage on doctor verses

hardware I would give 75% doctor to 25% device in importance IMHO. It

is my experience that doctors generally use on brand but may use

different models depending on the patients needs. Doctors like all of

us learn how to put in a particular device and feel comfortable with

that. How they came to using one over the other could be by trying

several, reading up on the technical literature or listening to a

sales pitch. But because of all of the similarities they settle on

one. So to me it is more important how often and many the doctor has

done that the brand.

As far as hips are concerned (and my knowledge is little).

Resurfacing and replacement are two different animals. I do see the

advantage in resurfacing if it is an option. But as to use metal on

metal, ceramic on metal or any number of combinations I would leave

that with the doctor who has the most experience.

Don

PS Don't know if you have told your doctor you are a scientist but

that might help in him talking more technically about the subject.

Tell him your ideas of " built in preferences " . If he/she does

not

answer in a professional way then I would seek another doctor. I have

always considered that a patient doctor relationship is an equal

partnership and if I since it is not I am not interested in working

with him.

>

> Hi Margaret --

>

> Your logic makes sense to me too. However, based on just a little

> experience, I am beginning to suspect that many surgeons come with their

> built in preferences. I am looking for a surgeon who can say " I

have done a

> hundred Strykers, a hundred Zimmers, two hundred s, and a hundred

> fifty BioMets and my broad experience leads me to recommend X for

you. " Has

> anybody met such a renaissance surgeon?

>

> I fear that as soon as you choose the surgeon you will have to

settle for

> her/his favorite prosthesis, which may or may not be the best choice for

> you.

>

> Cheers,

>

[Guest guest]

But you all have analytical minds and will analyse things.

The doctor has a great opportunity to direct that thinking a bit with

information he thinks it is important for you to know.

Some patients are quite passive and have the attitude " Doctor knows what is

right. " For them it is better for them not to think to much about how many

rights there could be.

Some think of doctoring in terms of science, some in terms of fashion. I'm

one of the people who thinks evidence based medicine is not always named

well.

Aussie Margaret

LTHR 1990 revised 2004

RE: Re: Introduction from new member

Thanks Don –

Your thoughtful comments are very helpful. The scientist-to-scientist

relationship is tricky. Mathematicians have a discipline, technical

vocabulary, research literature, research method, and procedural caution

just as surgeons do. However the vocabularies and literature are very

different. When it comes to discipline, method, and caution, I can stand

eyeball to eyeball with any surgeon. However, I have a lot to learn about

the vocabulary and literature.

Thanks again,

[Guest guest]

Good morning Deb –

I met with Dr. Karl Schultz about a month

ago.  He seemed almost  exclusively focused on the Stryker THR.  He may turn

out to be very right but I am just not ready to foreclose on all the other

options.

Please tell me who you would recommend at

UMHS?

Thanks,

From:

Joint Replacement

[mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of Deb

Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2007

6:06 AM

Joint Replacement

Subject:

Re: Introduction from new member

, which OS did you consult in Michigan? There are a number of

them doing resurfacings since the FDA approval of the BHR. Not all

of them have a lot of background in it. The most experienced

resurfacing OS is at UofM Ann Arbor. I had mine done there in Feb.

Deb

>

> Hi Gloria -

>

>

>

> I am sure you are right. These surgeons are caught in a nasty

bind. They

> learn from people who went to school more than ten years earlier.

They

> develop an expertise and track record with one procedure and

device. Then

> someone develops a new approach and device and they have to start

all over

> from the beginning. My problem is that the Michigan surgeon said

some

> apparently inappropriate negative things about resurfacing.

>

>

>

> Cheers,

>

>

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: Joint Replacement

> [mailto:Joint Replacement ]

On Behalf Of

mthoover

> Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 11:43 AM

> Joint Replacement

> Subject: RE: Re: Introduction from new

member

>

>

>

>

> > fifty BioMets and my broad experience leads me to recommend X

for you. "

> > Has

> > anybody met such a renaissance surgeon?

> Hi

>

> My surgeon and the Institute comes pretty close to that. I asked

about what

> was available and he went down the list of the pros and cons of

each one and

>

> why they felt I can't remember what I have was the best overall.

The same

> way with the different procedures, I got the full run down.

>

> It really comes down to many of the newer devices/procedures just

do not

> have a proven track record. Some hospitals will allow the cutting

edge to

> be used, many prefer a more traditional approach.

>

> Gloria

>

[Guest guest]

Kellen –

A friend who had his resurface by Gross

said he was flying home on the second day.

Cheers,

From:

Joint Replacement

[mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of supernalsmirk

Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007

6:08 PM

To:

Joint Replacement

Subject:

Re: Introduction from new member

Oh Great. Definately sufficient. Dr. Gross is one of

the best, and

the only one in the states out of about 20 who gave me a solid " yes "

on taking my rather difficult case. He will do a good job. I have a

personal friend here in my state who went to him, and at six+ months

she is doing great. Good pain management post-op too. I like his

work in developing the cementless Biomet device, although I still

would have probably chosen cemented as it has a long track record. In

regards the flight, it's true 8 hours was hard, but by the time you

leave, you've had 7-10 days of physical therapy, and are doing quite

well.

Kellen in NM

>

> Ron --

>

> Sorry if my glib reply misled you. I am in fact seriously

considering

> traveling to South Carolina

for the surgery. Dr. Gross has

performed

> 1200 resurfacing procedures. Granted that is roughly half the

number for

> Dr. De Smet. However, it seems sufficient to have mastered the

procedure.

[Guest guest]

I flew home 2nd day from each of my 2 resurfs from Gross. He also

removed a couple cysts during surgery. I've had great results.

Hollie

> Kellen -

>

>

>

> A friend who had his resurface by Gross said he was flying home on

the

> second day.

>

>

>

> Cheers,

>

>

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: Joint Replacement

> [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of

supernalsmirk

> Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 6:08 PM

> Joint Replacement

> Subject: Re: Introduction from new member

>

>

>

> Oh Great. Definately sufficient. Dr. Gross is one of the best, and

> the only one in the states out of about 20 who gave me a

solid " yes "

> on taking my rather difficult case. He will do a good job. I have

a

> personal friend here in my state who went to him, and at six+

months

> she is doing great. Good pain management post-op too. I like his

> work in developing the cementless Biomet device, although I still

> would have probably chosen cemented as it has a long track record.

In

> regards the flight, it's true 8 hours was hard, but by the time

you

> leave, you've had 7-10 days of physical therapy, and are doing

quite

> well.

> Kellen in NM

>

>

> >

> > Ron --

> >

> > Sorry if my glib reply misled you. I am in fact seriously

> considering

> > traveling to South Carolina for the surgery. Dr. Gross

has

> performed

> > 1200 resurfacing procedures. Granted that is roughly half the

> number for

> > Dr. De Smet. However, it seems sufficient to have mastered the

> procedure.

>

[Guest guest]

Hollie –

Please tell me more about “cysts”

on the femoral ball. Are they hard or soft tissue? Are they dents or bumps

above the surface? I can see the white spots on my x-ray but can’t quite

imagine what they look like.

Thanks again,

From:

Joint Replacement

[mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of Hollie

Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2007

2:33 PM

To:

Joint Replacement

Subject:

Re: Introduction from new member

I flew home 2nd day from each of my 2 resurfs from

Gross. He also

removed a couple cysts during surgery. I've had great results.

Hollie

> Kellen -

>

>

>

> A friend who had his resurface by Gross said he was flying home on

the

> second day.

>

>

>

> Cheers,

>

>

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: Joint Replacement

> [mailto:Joint Replacement ]

On Behalf Of

supernalsmirk

> Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 6:08 PM

> Joint Replacement

> Subject: Re: Introduction from new member

>

>

>

> Oh Great. Definately sufficient. Dr. Gross is one of the best, and

> the only one in the states out of about 20 who gave me a

solid " yes "

> on taking my rather difficult case. He will do a good job. I have

a

> personal friend here in my state who went to him, and at six+

months

> she is doing great. Good pain management post-op too. I like his

> work in developing the cementless Biomet device, although I still

> would have probably chosen cemented as it has a long track record.

In

> regards the flight, it's true 8 hours was hard, but by the time

you

> leave, you've had 7-10 days of physical therapy, and are doing

quite

> well.

> Kellen in NM

>

>

> >

> > Ron --

> >

> > Sorry if my glib reply misled you. I am in fact seriously

> considering

> > traveling to South Carolina

for the surgery. Dr. Gross

has

> performed

> > 1200 resurfacing procedures. Granted that is roughly half the

> number for

> > Dr. De Smet. However, it seems sufficient to have mastered the

> procedure.

>

[Guest guest]

, I'm sorry I don't know what cysts are made of, I'm only

guessing they are hard little balls. I think you'll need to ask

this question of someone more knowledgable, probably at Surface

Hippy forums.

I didn't even see them on XRay, not that I bothered to look. I just

put all my troubles in Dr. Gross's hands and let him do what he

wanted. I did hold the metal implant and asked if I could subtract

the weight of it from my weight on the scale from now on...they said

no.

Hollie

> Hollie -

>

>

>

> Please tell me more about " cysts " on the femoral ball. Are they

hard or

> soft tissue? Are they dents or bumps above the surface? I can

see the

> white spots on my x-ray but can't quite imagine what they look

like.

>

>

>

> Thanks again,

>

>

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: Joint Replacement

> [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of

Hollie

> Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2007 2:33 PM

> Joint Replacement

> Subject: Re: Introduction from new member

>

>

>

> I flew home 2nd day from each of my 2 resurfs from Gross. He also

> removed a couple cysts during surgery. I've had great results.

>

> Hollie

>

> > Kellen -

> >

> >

> >

> > A friend who had his resurface by Gross said he was flying home

on

> the

> > second day.

> >

> >

> >

> > Cheers,

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > _____

> >

> > From: Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

40>

> Replacement

> > [mailto:Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

40>

> Replacement ] On Behalf Of

> supernalsmirk

> > Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 6:08 PM

> > Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

40>

> Replacement

> > Subject: Re: Introduction from new

member

> >

> >

> >

> > Oh Great. Definately sufficient. Dr. Gross is one of the best,

and

> > the only one in the states out of about 20 who gave me a

> solid " yes "

> > on taking my rather difficult case. He will do a good job. I

have

> a

> > personal friend here in my state who went to him, and at six+

> months

> > she is doing great. Good pain management post-op too. I like his

> > work in developing the cementless Biomet device, although I

still

> > would have probably chosen cemented as it has a long track

record.

> In

> > regards the flight, it's true 8 hours was hard, but by the time

> you

> > leave, you've had 7-10 days of physical therapy, and are doing

> quite

> > well.

> > Kellen in NM

> >

> >

> > >

> > > Ron --

> > >

> > > Sorry if my glib reply misled you. I am in fact seriously

> > considering

> > > traveling to South Carolina for the surgery. Dr. Gross

> has

> > performed

> > > 1200 resurfacing procedures. Granted that is roughly half the

> > number for

> > > Dr. De Smet. However, it seems sufficient to have mastered the

> > procedure.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Hollie –

Sounds like good advice. The point of

searching the world for the right surgeon is so you can “let him do what

he [thinks is best]”

Thanks again,

From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of Hollie

Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2007

6:46 PM

Joint Replacement

Subject:

Re: Introduction from new member

, I'm sorry I don't know what cysts are made

of, I'm only

guessing they are hard little balls. I think you'll need to ask

this question of someone more knowledgable, probably at Surface

Hippy forums.

I didn't even see them on XRay, not that I bothered to look. I just

put all my troubles in Dr. Gross's hands and let him do what he

wanted. I did hold the metal implant and asked if I could subtract

the weight of it from my weight on the scale from now on...they said

no.

Hollie

> Hollie -

>

>

>

> Please tell me more about " cysts " on the femoral ball. Are they

hard or

> soft tissue? Are they dents or bumps above the surface? I can

see the

> white spots on my x-ray but can't quite imagine what they look

like.

>

>

>

> Thanks again,

>

>

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: Joint Replacement

> [mailto:Joint Replacement ]

On Behalf Of

Hollie

> Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2007 2:33 PM

> Joint Replacement

> Subject: Re: Introduction from new member

>

>

>

> I flew home 2nd day from each of my 2 resurfs from Gross. He also

> removed a couple cysts during surgery. I've had great results.

>

> Hollie

>

> > Kellen -

> >

> >

> >

> > A friend who had his resurface by Gross said he was flying home

on

> the

> > second day.

> >

> >

> >

> > Cheers,

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > _____

> >

> > From: Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

40>

> Replacement

> > [mailto:Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

40>

> Replacement ]

On Behalf Of

> supernalsmirk

> > Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 6:08 PM

> > Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

40>

> Replacement

> > Subject: Re: Introduction from new

member

> >

> >

> >

> > Oh Great. Definately sufficient. Dr. Gross is one of the best,

and

> > the only one in the states out of about 20 who gave me a

> solid " yes "

> > on taking my rather difficult case. He will do a good job. I

have

> a

> > personal friend here in my state who went to him, and at six+

> months

> > she is doing great. Good pain management post-op too. I like his

> > work in developing the cementless Biomet device, although I

still

> > would have probably chosen cemented as it has a long track

record.

> In

> > regards the flight, it's true 8 hours was hard, but by the time

> you

> > leave, you've had 7-10 days of physical therapy, and are doing

> quite

> > well.

> > Kellen in NM

> >

> >

> > >

> > > Ron --

> > >

> > > Sorry if my glib reply misled you. I am in fact seriously

> > considering

> > > traveling to South

Carolina for the surgery. Dr. Gross

> has

> > performed

> > > 1200 resurfacing procedures. Granted that is roughly half the

> > number for

> > > Dr. De Smet. However, it seems sufficient to have mastered the

> > procedure.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

, exploring all of your options and being an educated and

informed patient is so very important. If an OS is exclusively

focused on one device it probably means that is all he knows. It's

easy for them to stay in their own comfort zone just like the rest

od us sometimes. Dr. J. Blaha is clinical professor at UofM as

well as one of the top ortho surgeons. The nice thing is that he

offers all of the devices from ceramic on ceramic THR to metal on

metal resurfacing because each patient is an individual to him. If

you are a good candidate for resurfacing he will tell you that and

if not he will tell you about the next best option. Dr. Blaha has

been involved in resurfacing for many years, trained under Dr.

Amstutz in L.A. and Dr. McMinn(who invented it)in the U.K. He was

also involved with clinical trials prior to FDA approval. He has

done well over 100 resurfacings to date, and that is just with the

modern devices. I felt I was in capable hands. If you go to the UMHS

website you will find information on how to get a consult. Expect to

wait a few months for an appointment and another few months for

surgery. It's worth the wait. He's a really nice guy and will sit

and answer your questions for as long as it takes until you are

comfortable. The staff at his office,the hospital and everything

else was a very positive experience for me.

Deb

> >

> > Hi Gloria -

> >

> >

> >

> > I am sure you are right. These surgeons are caught in a nasty

> bind. They

> > learn from people who went to school more than ten years

earlier.

> They

> > develop an expertise and track record with one procedure and

> device. Then

> > someone develops a new approach and device and they have to

start

> all over

> > from the beginning. My problem is that the Michigan surgeon said

> some

> > apparently inappropriate negative things about resurfacing.

> >

> >

> >

> > Cheers,

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > _____

> >

> > From: Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

40>

> Replacement

> > [mailto:Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

40>

> Replacement ] On Behalf Of

> mthoover

> > Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 11:43 AM

> > Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

40>

> Replacement

> > Subject: RE: Re: Introduction from new

> member

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > > fifty BioMets and my broad experience leads me to recommend X

> for you. "

> > > Has

> > > anybody met such a renaissance surgeon?

> > Hi

> >

> > My surgeon and the Institute comes pretty close to that. I asked

> about what

> > was available and he went down the list of the pros and cons of

> each one and

> >

> > why they felt I can't remember what I have was the best overall.

> The same

> > way with the different procedures, I got the full run down.

> >

> > It really comes down to many of the newer devices/procedures

just

> do not

> > have a proven track record. Some hospitals will allow the

cutting

> edge to

> > be used, many prefer a more traditional approach.

> >

> > Gloria

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much Deb –

I will try to get an appointment/consult

with Dr Blaha. 

How did you find out how many resurface

operations he has done?  Is it published somewhere?

Thanks again,

From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of Deb

Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2007

7:34 AM

Joint Replacement

Subject:

Re: Introduction from new member

, exploring all of your options and being an

educated and

informed patient is so very important. If an OS is exclusively

focused on one device it probably means that is all he knows. It's

easy for them to stay in their own comfort zone just like the rest

od us sometimes. Dr. J. Blaha is clinical professor at UofM as

well as one of the top ortho surgeons. The nice thing is that he

offers all of the devices from ceramic on ceramic THR to metal on

metal resurfacing because each patient is an individual to him. If

you are a good candidate for resurfacing he will tell you that and

if not he will tell you about the next best option. Dr. Blaha has

been involved in resurfacing for many years, trained under Dr.

Amstutz in L.A. and Dr. McMinn(who invented

it)in the U.K.

He was

also involved with clinical trials prior to FDA approval. He has

done well over 100 resurfacings to date, and that is just with the

modern devices. I felt I was in capable hands. If you go to the UMHS

website you will find information on how to get a consult. Expect to

wait a few months for an appointment and another few months for

surgery. It's worth the wait. He's a really nice guy and will sit

and answer your questions for as long as it takes until you are

comfortable. The staff at his office,the hospital and everything

else was a very positive experience for me.

Deb

> >

> > Hi Gloria -

> >

> >

> >

> > I am sure you are right. These surgeons are caught in a nasty

> bind. They

> > learn from people who went to school more than ten years

earlier.

> They

> > develop an expertise and track record with one procedure and

> device. Then

> > someone develops a new approach and device and they have to

start

> all over

> > from the beginning. My problem is that the Michigan surgeon said

> some

> > apparently inappropriate negative things about resurfacing.

> >

> >

> >

> > Cheers,

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > _____

> >

> > From: Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

40>

> Replacement

> > [mailto:Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

40>

> Replacement ]

On Behalf Of

> mthoover

> > Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 11:43 AM

> > Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

40>

> Replacement

> > Subject: RE: Re: Introduction from new

> member

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > > fifty BioMets and my broad experience leads me to recommend X

> for you. "

> > > Has

> > > anybody met such a renaissance surgeon?

> > Hi

> >

> > My surgeon and the Institute comes pretty close to that. I asked

> about what

> > was available and he went down the list of the pros and cons of

> each one and

> >

> > why they felt I can't remember what I have was the best overall.

> The same

> > way with the different procedures, I got the full run down.

> >

> > It really comes down to many of the newer devices/procedures

just

> do not

> > have a proven track record. Some hospitals will allow the

cutting

> edge to

> > be used, many prefer a more traditional approach.

> >

> > Gloria

> >

>

[Guest guest]

, I asked the first time I went in October 2006 and then

again at my six month follow up. They are very pleased with the

results of their resurfaced patients. They are pretty conservative

on their candidates but if they took a chance on me, a non-athletic

but fairly active 48 year old small boned caucasion female at risk

for osteoporosis and with femoral head cysts,that means the surgeon

has a lot of experience and confidence in the outcome. Best thing I

have done for myself in many years.

Deb

> > >

> > > Hi Gloria -

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > I am sure you are right. These surgeons are caught in a nasty

> > bind. They

> > > learn from people who went to school more than ten years

> earlier.

> > They

> > > develop an expertise and track record with one procedure and

> > device. Then

> > > someone develops a new approach and device and they have to

> start

> > all over

> > > from the beginning. My problem is that the Michigan surgeon

said

> > some

> > > apparently inappropriate negative things about resurfacing.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Cheers,

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > _____

> > >

> > > From: Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> 40>

> > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

> > > [mailto:Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> 40>

> > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

] On

> Behalf Of

> > mthoover

> > > Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 11:43 AM

> > > Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> 40>

> > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

> > > Subject: RE: Re: Introduction from

new

> > member

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > > fifty BioMets and my broad experience leads me to recommend

X

> > for you. "

> > > > Has

> > > > anybody met such a renaissance surgeon?

> > > Hi

> > >

> > > My surgeon and the Institute comes pretty close to that. I

asked

> > about what

> > > was available and he went down the list of the pros and cons

of

> > each one and

> > >

> > > why they felt I can't remember what I have was the best

overall.

> > The same

> > > way with the different procedures, I got the full run down.

> > >

> > > It really comes down to many of the newer devices/procedures

> just

> > do not

> > > have a proven track record. Some hospitals will allow the

> cutting

> > edge to

> > > be used, many prefer a more traditional approach.

> > >

> > > Gloria

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Deb –

This is very helpful.  I will try to get

an appointment to see Dr Blaha as soon as I return in November.

Thanks again,

From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of Deb

Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2007

8:46 AM

Joint Replacement

Subject:

Re: Introduction from new member

, I asked the first time I went in October 2006

and then

again at my six month follow up. They are very pleased with the

results of their resurfaced patients. They are pretty conservative

on their candidates but if they took a chance on me, a non-athletic

but fairly active 48 year old small boned caucasion female at risk

for osteoporosis and with femoral head cysts,that means the surgeon

has a lot of experience and confidence in the outcome. Best thing I

have done for myself in many years.

Deb

> > >

> > > Hi Gloria -

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > I am sure you are right. These surgeons are caught in a nasty

> > bind. They

> > > learn from people who went to school more than ten years

> earlier.

> > They

> > > develop an expertise and track record with one procedure and

> > device. Then

> > > someone develops a new approach and device and they have to

> start

> > all over

> > > from the beginning. My problem is that the Michigan surgeon

said

> > some

> > > apparently inappropriate negative things about resurfacing.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Cheers,

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > _____

> > >

> > > From: Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> 40>

> > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

> > > [mailto:Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> 40>

> > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

] On

> Behalf Of

> > mthoover

> > > Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 11:43 AM

> > > Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> 40>

> > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

> > > Subject: RE: Re: Introduction

from

new

> > member

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > > fifty BioMets and my broad experience leads me to recommend

X

> > for you. "

> > > > Has

> > > > anybody met such a renaissance surgeon?

> > > Hi

> > >

> > > My surgeon and the Institute comes pretty close to that. I

asked

> > about what

> > > was available and he went down the list of the pros and cons

of

> > each one and

> > >

> > > why they felt I can't remember what I have was the best

overall.

> > The same

> > > way with the different procedures, I got the full run down.

> > >

> > > It really comes down to many of the newer devices/procedures

> just

> > do not

> > > have a proven track record. Some hospitals will allow the

> cutting

> > edge to

> > > be used, many prefer a more traditional approach.

> > >

> > > Gloria

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Haven't you seen my list with details on most resurfacing surgeons in

the world yet? There I do state the number of performed operations and

many more details for each surgeon. See:

http://resurfacingscan.be/eindex.htm and select " Doctors & hospitals "

from the menu. Be ware, it is a large list!

Ron van Mierlo

RH BHR 2007-01-23 Dr. De Smet

Fremon skrev:

>

> Thanks so much Deb –

>

> I will try to get an appointment/consult with Dr Blaha.

>

> How did you find out how many resurface operations he has done? Is it

> published somewhere?

>

> Thanks again,

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> *From:* Joint Replacement

> [mailto:Joint Replacement ] *On Behalf Of *Deb

> *Sent:* Sunday, October 21, 2007 7:34 AM

> *To:* Joint Replacement

> *Subject:* Re: Introduction from new member

>

> , exploring all of your options and being an educated and

> informed patient is so very important. If an OS is exclusively

> focused on one device it probably means that is all he knows. It's

> easy for them to stay in their own comfort zone just like the rest

> od us sometimes. Dr. J. Blaha is clinical professor at UofM as

> well as one of the top ortho surgeons. The nice thing is that he

> offers all of the devices from ceramic on ceramic THR to metal on

> metal resurfacing because each patient is an individual to him. If

> you are a good candidate for resurfacing he will tell you that and

> if not he will tell you about the next best option. Dr. Blaha has

> been involved in resurfacing for many years, trained under Dr.

> Amstutz in L.A. and Dr. McMinn(who invented it)in the U.K. He was

> also involved with clinical trials prior to FDA approval. He has

> done well over 100 resurfacings to date, and that is just with the

> modern devices. I felt I was in capable hands. If you go to the UMHS

> website you will find information on how to get a consult. Expect to

> wait a few months for an appointment and another few months for

> surgery. It's worth the wait. He's a really nice guy and will sit

> and answer your questions for as long as it takes until you are

> comfortable. The staff at his office,the hospital and everything

> else was a very positive experience for me.

>

> Deb

>

>

> > >

> > > Hi Gloria -

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > I am sure you are right. These surgeons are caught in a nasty

> > bind. They

> > > learn from people who went to school more than ten years

> earlier.

> > They

> > > develop an expertise and track record with one procedure and

> > device. Then

> > > someone develops a new approach and device and they have to

> start

> > all over

> > > from the beginning. My problem is that the Michigan surgeon said

> > some

> > > apparently inappropriate negative things about resurfacing.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Cheers,

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > _____

> > >

> > > From: Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> 40>

> > Replacement <mailto:Replacement%40>

> > > [mailto:Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> 40>

> > Replacement <mailto:Replacement%40>]

> On Behalf Of

> > mthoover

> > > Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 11:43 AM

> > > Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> 40>

> > Replacement <mailto:Replacement%40>

> > > Subject: RE: Re: Introduction from new

> > member

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > > fifty BioMets and my broad experience leads me to recommend X

> > for you. "

> > > > Has

> > > > anybody met such a renaissance surgeon?

> > > Hi

> > >

> > > My surgeon and the Institute comes pretty close to that. I asked

> > about what

> > > was available and he went down the list of the pros and cons of

> > each one and

> > >

> > > why they felt I can't remember what I have was the best overall.

> > The same

> > > way with the different procedures, I got the full run down.

> > >

> > > It really comes down to many of the newer devices/procedures

> just

> > do not

> > > have a proven track record. Some hospitals will allow the

> cutting

> > edge to

> > > be used, many prefer a more traditional approach.

> > >

> > > Gloria

> > >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ron --

Yes, thanks: I have seen your spreadsheet. I have downloaded it and

filtered it for US doctors with over 500 resurfacing operations.

Thanks again,

PS: It is indeed a large list but much smaller than most of my

spreadsheets.

RE: Re: Introduction from new

> > member

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > > fifty BioMets and my broad experience leads me to recommend X

> > for you. "

> > > > Has

> > > > anybody met such a renaissance surgeon?

> > > Hi

> > >

> > > My surgeon and the Institute comes pretty close to that. I asked

> > about what

> > > was available and he went down the list of the pros and cons of

> > each one and

> > >

> > > why they felt I can't remember what I have was the best overall.

> > The same

> > > way with the different procedures, I got the full run down.

> > >

> > > It really comes down to many of the newer devices/procedures

> just

> > do not

> > > have a proven track record. Some hospitals will allow the

> cutting

> > edge to

> > > be used, many prefer a more traditional approach.

> > >

> > > Gloria

> > >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

Deb –

Thank you again for all the helpful

information.  I have contacted my PCP.  He said he will refer me to Dr. Blaha. 

If Dr Blaha has done a hundred resurfacing operations and will accept my case,

it would save me an expensive trip to South

Carolina.

There is one other detail that would help

me, Deb.  Would you mind telling me the length of your incision?  I have heard

that Dr Gross uses a 4” incision.  I recently heard about an Ann Arbor OS

who uses a 10” incision.  That just has to translate to more pain and

more recovery time – don’t you think? 

Thanks again,

From:

Joint Replacement

[mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of Deb

Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2007

8:46 AM

Joint Replacement

Subject:

Re: Introduction from new member

, I asked the first time I went in October 2006

and then

again at my six month follow up. They are very pleased with the

results of their resurfaced patients. They are pretty conservative

on their candidates but if they took a chance on me, a non-athletic

but fairly active 48 year old small boned caucasion female at risk

for osteoporosis and with femoral head cysts,that means the surgeon

has a lot of experience and confidence in the outcome. Best thing I

have done for myself in many years.

Deb

> > >

> > > Hi Gloria -

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > I am sure you are right. These surgeons are caught in a nasty

> > bind. They

> > > learn from people who went to school more than ten years

> earlier.

> > They

> > > develop an expertise and track record with one procedure and

> > device. Then

> > > someone develops a new approach and device and they have to

> start

> > all over

> > > from the beginning. My problem is that the Michigan surgeon

said

> > some

> > > apparently inappropriate negative things about resurfacing.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Cheers,

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > _____

> > >

> > > From: Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> 40>

> > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

> > > [mailto:Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> 40>

> > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

] On

> Behalf Of

> > mthoover

> > > Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 11:43 AM

> > > Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> 40>

> > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

> > > Subject: RE: Re: Introduction

from

new

> > member

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > > fifty BioMets and my broad experience leads me to recommend

X

> > for you. "

> > > > Has

> > > > anybody met such a renaissance surgeon?

> > > Hi

> > >

> > > My surgeon and the Institute comes pretty close to that. I

asked

> > about what

> > > was available and he went down the list of the pros and cons

of

> > each one and

> > >

> > > why they felt I can't remember what I have was the best

overall.

> > The same

> > > way with the different procedures, I got the full run down.

> > >

> > > It really comes down to many of the newer devices/procedures

> just

> > do not

> > > have a proven track record. Some hospitals will allow the

> cutting

> > edge to

> > > be used, many prefer a more traditional approach.

> > >

> > > Gloria

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

, my scar is a lovely 8 inches gently curved along the side

of my hip towards the front. The incision was a huge concern for me

pre-op as I had never had surgery before. It turned out to be such a

non-issue. Dr. Blaha used glue instead of staples which pleased me

very much. The incision was never painful and healed fast. It

doesn't matter how small or large the incision is because it is the

muscles that need to recover and that is the same no matter what. I

think I had a fairly normal recovery with no big issues.

Deb

> > > >

> > > > Hi Gloria -

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > I am sure you are right. These surgeons are caught in a

nasty

> > > bind. They

> > > > learn from people who went to school more than ten years

> > earlier.

> > > They

> > > > develop an expertise and track record with one procedure and

> > > device. Then

> > > > someone develops a new approach and device and they have to

> > start

> > > all over

> > > > from the beginning. My problem is that the Michigan surgeon

> said

> > > some

> > > > apparently inappropriate negative things about resurfacing.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Cheers,

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > _____

> > > >

> > > > From: Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> > 40>

> > > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

>

> > > > [mailto:Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> > 40>

> > > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

> ] On

> > Behalf Of

> > > mthoover

> > > > Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 11:43 AM

> > > > Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> > 40>

> > > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

>

> > > > Subject: RE: Re: Introduction from

> new

> > > member

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > > fifty BioMets and my broad experience leads me to

recommend

> X

> > > for you. "

> > > > > Has

> > > > > anybody met such a renaissance surgeon?

> > > > Hi

> > > >

> > > > My surgeon and the Institute comes pretty close to that. I

> asked

> > > about what

> > > > was available and he went down the list of the pros and cons

> of

> > > each one and

> > > >

> > > > why they felt I can't remember what I have was the best

> overall.

> > > The same

> > > > way with the different procedures, I got the full run down.

> > > >

> > > > It really comes down to many of the newer devices/procedures

> > just

> > > do not

> > > > have a proven track record. Some hospitals will allow the

> > cutting

> > > edge to

> > > > be used, many prefer a more traditional approach.

> > > >

> > > > Gloria

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks again Deb –

I really appreciate your help. These may

seem like trivial issues – after your successful operation. However, I

am struggling to decide between Dr. Blaha with 100 resurfacing procedures and

Dr. Gross with 1200. A friend who has had both THR and resurfacing says an OS

probably doesn’t improve much after the first hundred.

Thanks again for your help. I am looking

forward to meeting Dr. Blaha when I return to Michigan in November.

Cheers,

From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of Deb

Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007

5:13 AM

Joint Replacement

Subject:

Re: Introduction from new member

, my scar is a lovely 8 inches gently curved

along the side

of my hip towards the front. The incision was a huge concern for me

pre-op as I had never had surgery before. It turned out to be such a

non-issue. Dr. Blaha used glue instead of staples which pleased me

very much. The incision was never painful and healed fast. It

doesn't matter how small or large the incision is because it is the

muscles that need to recover and that is the same no matter what. I

think I had a fairly normal recovery with no big issues.

Deb

> > > >

> > > > Hi Gloria -

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > I am sure you are right. These surgeons are caught in a

nasty

> > > bind. They

> > > > learn from people who went to school more than ten years

> > earlier.

> > > They

> > > > develop an expertise and track record with one procedure

and

> > > device. Then

> > > > someone develops a new approach and device and they have to

> > start

> > > all over

> > > > from the beginning. My problem is that the Michigan surgeon

> said

> > > some

> > > > apparently inappropriate negative things about resurfacing.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Cheers,

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > _____

> > > >

> > > > From: Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> > 40>

> > > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

>

> > > > [mailto:Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> > 40>

> > > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

> ] On

> > Behalf Of

> > > mthoover

> > > > Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 11:43 AM

> > > > Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> > 40>

> > > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

>

> > > > Subject: RE: Re:

Introduction from

> new

> > > member

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > > fifty BioMets and my broad experience leads me to

recommend

> X

> > > for you. "

> > > > > Has

> > > > > anybody met such a renaissance surgeon?

> > > > Hi

> > > >

> > > > My surgeon and the Institute comes pretty close to that. I

> asked

> > > about what

> > > > was available and he went down the list of the pros and

cons

> of

> > > each one and

> > > >

> > > > why they felt I can't remember what I have was the best

> overall.

> > > The same

> > > > way with the different procedures, I got the full run down.

> > > >

> > > > It really comes down to many of the newer

devices/procedures

> > just

> > > do not

> > > > have a proven track record. Some hospitals will allow the

> > cutting

> > > edge to

> > > > be used, many prefer a more traditional approach.

> > > >

> > > > Gloria

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

You're welcome . Nothing seems trivial. I had many questions

and concerns pre-op. This is major surgery and there is no going

back once it's done. I know a lot of people travel great distances

to have their surgery whether for financial reasons(ie:India)or for

a particular surgeon whom they trust has the experience needed. I

wanted to consult with Dr. Blaha first. He put me completely at

ease. I was willing to travel and would have but feel very fortunate

to have been able to stay close to home.

Deb

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi Gloria -

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > I am sure you are right. These surgeons are caught in a

> nasty

> > > > bind. They

> > > > > learn from people who went to school more than ten years

> > > earlier.

> > > > They

> > > > > develop an expertise and track record with one procedure

and

> > > > device. Then

> > > > > someone develops a new approach and device and they have

to

> > > start

> > > > all over

> > > > > from the beginning. My problem is that the Michigan

surgeon

> > said

> > > > some

> > > > > apparently inappropriate negative things about

resurfacing.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > Cheers,

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > _____

> > > > >

> > > > > From: Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> > > 40>

> > > > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

> >

> > > > > [mailto:Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> > > 40>

> > > > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

> > ] On

> > > Behalf Of

> > > > mthoover

> > > > > Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 11:43 AM

> > > > > Total_Joint_ <mailto:Joint Replacement%

> > > 40>

> > > > Replacement@ <mailto:Replacement%40>

> >

> > > > > Subject: RE: Re: Introduction

from

> > new

> > > > member

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > > fifty BioMets and my broad experience leads me to

> recommend

> > X

> > > > for you. "

> > > > > > Has

> > > > > > anybody met such a renaissance surgeon?

> > > > > Hi

> > > > >

> > > > > My surgeon and the Institute comes pretty close to that. I

> > asked

> > > > about what

> > > > > was available and he went down the list of the pros and

cons

> > of

> > > > each one and

> > > > >

> > > > > why they felt I can't remember what I have was the best

> > overall.

> > > > The same

> > > > > way with the different procedures, I got the full run down.

> > > > >

> > > > > It really comes down to many of the newer

devices/procedures

> > > just

> > > > do not

> > > > > have a proven track record. Some hospitals will allow the

> > > cutting

> > > > edge to

> > > > > be used, many prefer a more traditional approach.

> > > > >

> > > > > Gloria

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>