Guest guest Posted April 5, 2003 Report Share Posted April 5, 2003 , Very sorry to hear you need more surgery. You will end up with a large diameter metal / metal THR, whose success inspired modern resurfacing. My Dad's pair are still going strong after over thirty years. Do you think that, given what he knows now Dr A would not have recommended resurfacing for you on that side? Thanks for letting us know. All the best, Vale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2003 Report Share Posted April 5, 2003 , Very sorry to hear you need more surgery. You will end up with a large diameter metal / metal THR, whose success inspired modern resurfacing. My Dad's pair are still going strong after over thirty years. Do you think that, given what he knows now Dr A would not have recommended resurfacing for you on that side? Thanks for letting us know. All the best, Vale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2003 Report Share Posted April 5, 2003 Sorry to hear about your required revision. You have been an inspiration to a lot of people and we will all be thinking of you. I have posted several times regarding my revision to a large ball THR and I can tell you seven months out I am feeling great and doing everything I expected with a resurfacing. Having a big ball is so important whether it is resurfacing or THR. I trail bike, work out at the gym, swim, etc with no discomfort. In fact the doctor explained to me the mechanics of this THR could provide better ROM which it has. My recovery was much quicker than the original surgery even though the uncemeted THR will require much more weight bearing discipline to allow fixation to occur. I started PT right away being two weeks post op and that really helped. Best of luck. You will not notice the difference from the resurfacing. Bob Conserve Plus Left Hip April 2001 LTHR 09/02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2003 Report Share Posted April 5, 2003 Sorry to hear about your required revision. You have been an inspiration to a lot of people and we will all be thinking of you. I have posted several times regarding my revision to a large ball THR and I can tell you seven months out I am feeling great and doing everything I expected with a resurfacing. Having a big ball is so important whether it is resurfacing or THR. I trail bike, work out at the gym, swim, etc with no discomfort. In fact the doctor explained to me the mechanics of this THR could provide better ROM which it has. My recovery was much quicker than the original surgery even though the uncemeted THR will require much more weight bearing discipline to allow fixation to occur. I started PT right away being two weeks post op and that really helped. Best of luck. You will not notice the difference from the resurfacing. Bob Conserve Plus Left Hip April 2001 LTHR 09/02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2003 Report Share Posted April 5, 2003 , :<( I'm sorry about your hip. Thank you so much for being honest with us about your situation. We hear so many success stories and it's just as important that we hear when there are problems. These bone failures can happen at any time and we need to remember that. It would not serve us well to live in denial, the consequences could be devistating should it happen to us. You're showing us that there are solutions. My best and a big hug. 2/19/03 BHR DeSmet > As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of > the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently > I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness > on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained > that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of > the operation. It wasn't so much that there was a large cyst, but there were > many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a > sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he > showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription > for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. > > A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what > was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified > arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if > my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain > in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. > Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the > front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the > groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and > with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went > and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no > significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the > lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it > was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any > chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my > options. > > After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we > decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on > that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was > best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. > Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz's choice for style of > uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April > 24. > > I don't want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should > point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had > very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no > radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not > being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are > drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few > cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction > of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the > radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5'7 " , 145 lb) where there is > less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit > with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5'1 " and > avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it > seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly > it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and > having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have > learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time > of my surgery more than 3 years ago. > > Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I > felt it probably wasn't worth the chance that it would have to be redone > again – I'm thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed > that was not his strongest recommendation. > > So there it is, sorry if I haven't been giving a blow-by-blow of all this > while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get > better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. > > My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this > weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in > Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect > that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last > time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. > > - > Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2003 Report Share Posted April 5, 2003 > Dear , > > I want to thank you so much for your post. I > especially appreciate your balance and clarity > regarding what is probably a great disappointment. > Your voice continues to be of great support to all of > us who have found surfacehippy to be a lifeline. None > of us have any guarantees; we elect surface hip > replacement thinking it's the best choice and hoping > for longevity. We could be in your shoes at any time > and it behooves us to know the range of options - > which you have shared so well. > > I wish you all the best, and have a strong feeling > that things will go well for you. Expect some good > Midwestern mojo coming your way on April 24! > > Cate > c2k/Dr. Gross/Oct 2001 > Hi ! Cate expressed my feelings so well that I just want to add my best wishes for your upcoming surgery; and my eternal thanks for the changes you helped bring about in MY life with my new hip!! Deb C+ 5-2-02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2003 Report Share Posted April 5, 2003 > Dear , > > I want to thank you so much for your post. I > especially appreciate your balance and clarity > regarding what is probably a great disappointment. > Your voice continues to be of great support to all of > us who have found surfacehippy to be a lifeline. None > of us have any guarantees; we elect surface hip > replacement thinking it's the best choice and hoping > for longevity. We could be in your shoes at any time > and it behooves us to know the range of options - > which you have shared so well. > > I wish you all the best, and have a strong feeling > that things will go well for you. Expect some good > Midwestern mojo coming your way on April 24! > > Cate > c2k/Dr. Gross/Oct 2001 > Hi ! Cate expressed my feelings so well that I just want to add my best wishes for your upcoming surgery; and my eternal thanks for the changes you helped bring about in MY life with my new hip!! Deb C+ 5-2-02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2003 Report Share Posted April 5, 2003 --You've fought a good fight. Besides a conversion isn't the end of the world. You forged the way for those like me. When I grow up I still want to be like you. Love you man, Cap > As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of > the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently > I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness > on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained > that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of > the operation. It wasn't so much that there was a large cyst, but there were > many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a > sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he > showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription > for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. > > A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what > was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified > arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if > my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain > in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. > Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the > front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the > groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and > with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went > and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no > significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the > lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it > was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any > chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my > options. > > After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we > decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on > that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was > best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. > Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz's choice for style of > uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April > 24. > > I don't want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should > point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had > very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no > radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not > being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are > drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few > cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction > of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the > radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5'7 " , 145 lb) where there is > less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit > with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5'1 " and > avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it > seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly > it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and > having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have > learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time > of my surgery more than 3 years ago. > > Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I > felt it probably wasn't worth the chance that it would have to be redone > again – I'm thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed > that was not his strongest recommendation. > > So there it is, sorry if I haven't been giving a blow-by-blow of all this > while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get > better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. > > My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this > weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in > Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect > that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last > time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. > > - > Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2003 Report Share Posted April 5, 2003 --You've fought a good fight. Besides a conversion isn't the end of the world. You forged the way for those like me. When I grow up I still want to be like you. Love you man, Cap > As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of > the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently > I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness > on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained > that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of > the operation. It wasn't so much that there was a large cyst, but there were > many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a > sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he > showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription > for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. > > A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what > was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified > arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if > my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain > in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. > Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the > front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the > groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and > with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went > and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no > significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the > lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it > was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any > chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my > options. > > After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we > decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on > that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was > best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. > Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz's choice for style of > uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April > 24. > > I don't want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should > point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had > very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no > radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not > being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are > drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few > cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction > of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the > radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5'7 " , 145 lb) where there is > less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit > with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5'1 " and > avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it > seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly > it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and > having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have > learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time > of my surgery more than 3 years ago. > > Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I > felt it probably wasn't worth the chance that it would have to be redone > again – I'm thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed > that was not his strongest recommendation. > > So there it is, sorry if I haven't been giving a blow-by-blow of all this > while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get > better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. > > My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this > weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in > Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect > that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last > time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. > > - > Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 I am so sorry to hear you are going to have to face another surgery. You have been such a fountain of inspiration and information to all of us. Maybe this is just an extra challenge god had given you so you can understand and help someone else who may end up with the same problem....even though you have helped so many already. Too many of us believe so strongly that the only way is a resurf and we can't imagine having anything else or the disappointment would be unbearable. The reality is this though ....whatever does the job to keep us moving, pain free, so we can enjoy living, laughing and yes, loving in everyway we so choose. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, for a speedy recovery, acceptance and a smile in your heart because, this too you shall conquer. Roll on my friend, I'll be chearing for you. Dannielle LH, C+ feb02 Ottawa, Canada (home of the idiot prime minister) > As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of > the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently > I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness > on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained > that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of > the operation. It wasn't so much that there was a large cyst, but there were > many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a > sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he > showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription > for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. > > A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what > was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified > arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if > my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain > in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. > Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the > front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the > groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and > with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went > and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no > significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the > lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it > was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any > chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my > options. > > After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we > decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on > that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was > best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. > Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz's choice for style of > uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April > 24. > > I don't want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should > point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had > very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no > radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not > being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are > drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few > cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction > of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the > radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5'7 " , 145 lb) where there is > less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit > with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5'1 " and > avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it > seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly > it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and > having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have > learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time > of my surgery more than 3 years ago. > > Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I > felt it probably wasn't worth the chance that it would have to be redone > again – I'm thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed > that was not his strongest recommendation. > > So there it is, sorry if I haven't been giving a blow-by-blow of all this > while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get > better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. > > My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this > weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in > Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect > that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last > time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. > > - > Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 , I'm sure sorry to hear about the upcoming surgery. I'm positive you'll do great though, and continue to be the inspiration for others that you have been to me in the past. Wishing you all the best! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 - Good luck with doing what you have to do. Again...you're out there leading the pack in uncharted territory for others to take example and inspiration from. You have the support and gratitude of an untold amount of folks for all you've done for us. Brad B Return to JRI > As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of > the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently > I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness > on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained > that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of > the operation. It wasn't so much that there was a large cyst, but there were > many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a > sponge - in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he > showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription > for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. > > A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what > was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified > arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if > my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain > in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. > Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the > front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the > groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and > with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went > and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no > significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the > lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it > was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any > chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my > options. > > After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we > decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on > that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was > best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. > Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz's choice for style of > uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April > 24. > > I don't want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should > point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had > very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no > radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not > being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are > drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few > cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction > of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the > radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5'7 " , 145 lb) where there is > less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit > with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5'1 " and > avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it > seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly > it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and > having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have > learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time > of my surgery more than 3 years ago. > > Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I > felt it probably wasn't worth the chance that it would have to be redone > again - I'm thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed > that was not his strongest recommendation. > > So there it is, sorry if I haven't been giving a blow-by-blow of all this > while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get > better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. > > My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this > weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in > Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect > that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last > time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. > > - > Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 - Good luck with doing what you have to do. Again...you're out there leading the pack in uncharted territory for others to take example and inspiration from. You have the support and gratitude of an untold amount of folks for all you've done for us. Brad B Return to JRI > As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of > the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently > I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness > on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained > that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of > the operation. It wasn't so much that there was a large cyst, but there were > many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a > sponge - in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he > showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription > for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. > > A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what > was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified > arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if > my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain > in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. > Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the > front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the > groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and > with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went > and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no > significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the > lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it > was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any > chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my > options. > > After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we > decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on > that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was > best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. > Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz's choice for style of > uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April > 24. > > I don't want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should > point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had > very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no > radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not > being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are > drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few > cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction > of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the > radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5'7 " , 145 lb) where there is > less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit > with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5'1 " and > avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it > seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly > it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and > having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have > learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time > of my surgery more than 3 years ago. > > Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I > felt it probably wasn't worth the chance that it would have to be redone > again - I'm thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed > that was not his strongest recommendation. > > So there it is, sorry if I haven't been giving a blow-by-blow of all this > while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get > better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. > > My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this > weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in > Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect > that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last > time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. > > - > Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 G'day , Just wanted to add my best wishes and thoughts to you, and echo the words of others. All the best for your impending jri sojurn and I wish you the best possible outcome for your troubles. OOOOrrrroooo Skip > As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of > the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently > I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness > on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained > that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of > the operation. It wasn't so much that there was a large cyst, but there were > many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a > sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he > showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription > for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. > > A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what > was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified > arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if > my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain > in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. > Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the > front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the > groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and > with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went > and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no > significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the > lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it > was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any > chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my > options. > > After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we > decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on > that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was > best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. > Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz's choice for style of > uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April > 24. > > I don't want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should > point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had > very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no > radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not > being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are > drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few > cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction > of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the > radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5'7 " , 145 lb) where there is > less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit > with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5'1 " and > avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it > seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly > it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and > having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have > learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time > of my surgery more than 3 years ago. > > Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I > felt it probably wasn't worth the chance that it would have to be redone > again – I'm thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed > that was not his strongest recommendation. > > So there it is, sorry if I haven't been giving a blow-by-blow of all this > while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get > better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. > > My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this > weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in > Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect > that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last > time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. > > - > Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 G'day , Just wanted to add my best wishes and thoughts to you, and echo the words of others. All the best for your impending jri sojurn and I wish you the best possible outcome for your troubles. OOOOrrrroooo Skip > As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of > the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently > I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness > on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained > that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of > the operation. It wasn't so much that there was a large cyst, but there were > many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a > sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he > showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription > for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. > > A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what > was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified > arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if > my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain > in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. > Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the > front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the > groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and > with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went > and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no > significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the > lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it > was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any > chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my > options. > > After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we > decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on > that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was > best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. > Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz's choice for style of > uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April > 24. > > I don't want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should > point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had > very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no > radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not > being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are > drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few > cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction > of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the > radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5'7 " , 145 lb) where there is > less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit > with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5'1 " and > avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it > seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly > it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and > having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have > learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time > of my surgery more than 3 years ago. > > Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I > felt it probably wasn't worth the chance that it would have to be redone > again – I'm thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed > that was not his strongest recommendation. > > So there it is, sorry if I haven't been giving a blow-by-blow of all this > while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get > better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. > > My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this > weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in > Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect > that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last > time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. > > - > Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 Good luck with your surgery, . It's unfortunate this happened at all, but especially to you, who have given us so much. I send you lots of positive energy for a successful outcome. Best Wishes, Donna Goodley > As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of > the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently > I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness > on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained > that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of > the operation. It wasn't so much that there was a large cyst, but there were > many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a > sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he > showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription > for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. > > A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what > was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified > arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if > my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain > in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. > Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the > front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the > groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and > with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went > and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no > significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the > lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it > was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any > chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my > options. > > After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we > decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on > that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was > best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. > Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz's choice for style of > uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April > 24. > > I don't want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should > point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had > very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no > radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not > being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are > drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few > cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction > of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the > radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5'7 " , 145 lb) where there is > less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit > with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5'1 " and > avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it > seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly > it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and > having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have > learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time > of my surgery more than 3 years ago. > > Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I > felt it probably wasn't worth the chance that it would have to be redone > again – I'm thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed > that was not his strongest recommendation. > > So there it is, sorry if I haven't been giving a blow-by-blow of all this > while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get > better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. > > My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this > weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in > Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect > that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last > time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. > > - > Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 Good luck with your surgery, . It's unfortunate this happened at all, but especially to you, who have given us so much. I send you lots of positive energy for a successful outcome. Best Wishes, Donna Goodley > As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of > the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently > I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness > on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained > that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of > the operation. It wasn't so much that there was a large cyst, but there were > many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a > sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he > showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription > for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. > > A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what > was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified > arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if > my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain > in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. > Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the > front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the > groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and > with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went > and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no > significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the > lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it > was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any > chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my > options. > > After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we > decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on > that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was > best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. > Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz's choice for style of > uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April > 24. > > I don't want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should > point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had > very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no > radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not > being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are > drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few > cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction > of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the > radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5'7 " , 145 lb) where there is > less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit > with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5'1 " and > avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it > seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly > it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and > having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have > learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time > of my surgery more than 3 years ago. > > Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I > felt it probably wasn't worth the chance that it would have to be redone > again – I'm thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed > that was not his strongest recommendation. > > So there it is, sorry if I haven't been giving a blow-by-blow of all this > while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get > better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. > > My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this > weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in > Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect > that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last > time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. > > - > Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 : I feel badly that you have to undergo surgery. Nobody wants to and it isn't fun. I am just 10 days post-op and it will be awhile before one's memory of doing " it " fades. However, I (or we or us) would never have it any other way. It is pain that drives us to surgery and a severly compromised lifestyle and has rendered the joyful not-so. On the flip side, who isn't thankful that there is a REAL solution to our problem lurking out there? Resurf or THR, does it matter? I think not. While Resurf may be our first course of action, the THR is just merely a sibling. They are all designed to improve your quality of life. The good news? From everything I have read that was posted, THR is a quicker one to recover from. When that new part comes (can you engrave your name on it?) it will bring you a better lifestyle. Take care. Lois C+ Dr. Mont 3/27/03 Return to JRI As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of the operation. It wasn’t so much that there was a large cyst, but there were many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my options. After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz’s choice for style of uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April 24. I don’t want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5’7”, 145 lb) where there is less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5’1” and avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time of my surgery more than 3 years ago. Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I felt it probably wasn’t worth the chance that it would have to be redone again – I’m thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed that was not his strongest recommendation. So there it is, sorry if I haven’t been giving a blow-by-blow of all this while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. - Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 : I feel badly that you have to undergo surgery. Nobody wants to and it isn't fun. I am just 10 days post-op and it will be awhile before one's memory of doing " it " fades. However, I (or we or us) would never have it any other way. It is pain that drives us to surgery and a severly compromised lifestyle and has rendered the joyful not-so. On the flip side, who isn't thankful that there is a REAL solution to our problem lurking out there? Resurf or THR, does it matter? I think not. While Resurf may be our first course of action, the THR is just merely a sibling. They are all designed to improve your quality of life. The good news? From everything I have read that was posted, THR is a quicker one to recover from. When that new part comes (can you engrave your name on it?) it will bring you a better lifestyle. Take care. Lois C+ Dr. Mont 3/27/03 Return to JRI As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of the operation. It wasn’t so much that there was a large cyst, but there were many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my options. After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz’s choice for style of uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April 24. I don’t want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5’7”, 145 lb) where there is less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5’1” and avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time of my surgery more than 3 years ago. Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I felt it probably wasn’t worth the chance that it would have to be redone again – I’m thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed that was not his strongest recommendation. So there it is, sorry if I haven’t been giving a blow-by-blow of all this while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. - Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 I am indebted to you . I will never forget stumbling upon your website and wondering, " Who IS this guy? " The rest is resurface history. We all know that we are test subjects. We have made a choice and recognize the risks. You have been an inspiration and great source of information to so many. I am all pulling for you, praying for you and certainly wishing you the best. I hope you continue to keep us so well informed. Sincerely, Judy Toelle Return to JRI As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of the operation. It wasn’t so much that there was a large cyst, but there were many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my options. After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz’s choice for style of uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April 24. I don’t want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5’7â€, 145 lb) where there is less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5’1†and avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time of my surgery more than 3 years ago. Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I felt it probably wasn’t worth the chance that it would have to be redone again – I’m thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed that was not his strongest recommendation. So there it is, sorry if I haven’t been giving a blow-by-blow of all this while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. - Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2003 Report Share Posted April 6, 2003 I am indebted to you . I will never forget stumbling upon your website and wondering, " Who IS this guy? " The rest is resurface history. We all know that we are test subjects. We have made a choice and recognize the risks. You have been an inspiration and great source of information to so many. I am all pulling for you, praying for you and certainly wishing you the best. I hope you continue to keep us so well informed. Sincerely, Judy Toelle Return to JRI As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of the operation. It wasn’t so much that there was a large cyst, but there were many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my options. After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz’s choice for style of uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April 24. I don’t want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5’7â€, 145 lb) where there is less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5’1†and avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time of my surgery more than 3 years ago. Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I felt it probably wasn’t worth the chance that it would have to be redone again – I’m thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed that was not his strongest recommendation. So there it is, sorry if I haven’t been giving a blow-by-blow of all this while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. - Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2003 Report Share Posted April 7, 2003 , I extend praise and wish to thank you for the time and effort you have invested to inform the masses of this new and exciting procedure. ly, so many of us would have experienced life-long limitations had we not been informed by the the product of your work. It's risk takers and educators like you that open the door for the rest of us and we appreciate all your contributions. All hippies have been warned of the possibility of failure before taking the plung but I think it's safe to assume none of us ever expect to hear a revision will be required, especially three years out. Stand proud, you were dealt a bad hand (and soft bone). Hippies, both current and future, will learn from your experience by understanding the cause for your revised resurfacing rather than dwelling on the negative. Good luck in LA and we all pray for your speedy recovery. Steve C BHR 1-2003 > As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of the operation. It wasn't so much that there was a large cyst, but there were many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. > > A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my options. > > After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz's choice for style of uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April 24. > > I don't want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5'7 " , 145 lb) where there is less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5'1 " and avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time of my surgery more than 3 years ago. > > Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I felt it probably wasn't worth the chance that it would have to be redone again – I'm thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed that was not his strongest recommendation. > > So there it is, sorry if I haven't been giving a blow-by-blow of all this while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. > > My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA thisweekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. > > - > Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2003 Report Share Posted April 7, 2003 , I extend praise and wish to thank you for the time and effort you have invested to inform the masses of this new and exciting procedure. ly, so many of us would have experienced life-long limitations had we not been informed by the the product of your work. It's risk takers and educators like you that open the door for the rest of us and we appreciate all your contributions. All hippies have been warned of the possibility of failure before taking the plung but I think it's safe to assume none of us ever expect to hear a revision will be required, especially three years out. Stand proud, you were dealt a bad hand (and soft bone). Hippies, both current and future, will learn from your experience by understanding the cause for your revised resurfacing rather than dwelling on the negative. Good luck in LA and we all pray for your speedy recovery. Steve C BHR 1-2003 > As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of the operation. It wasn't so much that there was a large cyst, but there were many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. > > A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my options. > > After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz's choice for style of uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April 24. > > I don't want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5'7 " , 145 lb) where there is less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5'1 " and avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time of my surgery more than 3 years ago. > > Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I felt it probably wasn't worth the chance that it would have to be redone again – I'm thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed that was not his strongest recommendation. > > So there it is, sorry if I haven't been giving a blow-by-blow of all this while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. > > My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA thisweekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. > > - > Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2003 Report Share Posted April 7, 2003 The best of luck, . I really appreciate all you have done for surface hippydome. Wisconsin will be rooting for you. in Oshkosh. C+ 5/23/01, DMC Return to JRI As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of the operation. It wasn’t so much that there was a large cyst, but there were many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my options. After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz’s choice for style of uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April 24. I don’t want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5’7”, 145 lb) where there is less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5’1” and avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time of my surgery more than 3 years ago. Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I felt it probably wasn’t worth the chance that it would have to be redone again – I’m thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed that was not his strongest recommendation. So there it is, sorry if I haven’t been giving a blow-by-blow of all this while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. - Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2003 Report Share Posted April 7, 2003 The best of luck, . I really appreciate all you have done for surface hippydome. Wisconsin will be rooting for you. in Oshkosh. C+ 5/23/01, DMC Return to JRI As I reported last fall I have had a radiolucency (a shadow near the edge of the guide post) in my x-rays of my right hip for some time. Until recently I had perfect function of the hip and no pain, except for a little soreness on some days when I had been on my feet all day. Dr. Amstutz had explained that it was due to the soft condition of the bone in that hip at the time of the operation. It wasn’t so much that there was a large cyst, but there were many small crevices such that the top of the femoral head looked like a sponge – in contrast to the left hip which had a smooth, hard finish (he showed me pictures). After the visit last fall he gave me a prescription for Fosamax, but was not certain if it would help the situation. A month or so ago I did start getting some pain. Oddly it started as what was referred pain in my knee. Since I have some sort of unspecified arthritis (symptoms are somewhat like ankylosing spondylitis) I wondered if my knee was starting to go out. However, occasionally I felt a sharp pain in the hip if I was leaning forward and putting a lot of weight on that leg. Then one day I began getting weight-bearing pain in that leg. It was in the front of the thigh and running down to the knee. It was different than the groin pain I had before surgery but it seemed clear it was from the hip and with time I had some lingering pain at night, clearly in the hip. So I went and had some more x-rays taken and sent them to Dr. Amstutz. There was no significant difference in the x-rays, but it was clear to him from the lucency and my symptoms that the cap had begun to come loose. He told me it was unlikely to loosen catastrophically, but to lessen the pain and any chance of that happening I began to use walking aides, and we discussed my options. After a week of that and another x-ray view to get some measurements we decided it was best to go ahead and swap the cap for a large diameter THR on that side. The acetabular cup was holding rock-solid so it was felt it was best to use that and keep the advantages of the large diameter bearing. Because of the shape of my femur and Dr. Amstutz’s choice for style of uncemented stem, a custom part was ordered, and will be installed on April 24. I don’t want this to cause a lot of fear among my fellow resurfers; I should point out some of the special situations that apply to my case. 1) I had very soft bone on that side, the left side is still solid and no radiolucencies, 2) at the time of my surgery the center guide pin was not being cemented, 3) now in certain cases additional securing holes are drilled for cement to increase hold, 4) Dr. Amstutz told me that the few cases they have of radiolucencies (a few percent of hips), only a fraction of those have come loose, 5) there does seem to be a tendency of the radiolucencies to be in smaller patients (I am 5’7”, 145 lb) where there is less surface area on the underside of the cap. That said, at my last visit with him I saw another of his patients who was quite petite (about 5’1” and avg weight) and she was very happy with her resurfacing after 5 years, so it seems there is a combination of factors that contributed to this. Clearly it does seem, however, that there might be costs in waiting too long and having too much arthritic damage in the femoral head. Also, they have learned more about the proper signs for eligible candidates since the time of my surgery more than 3 years ago. Dr A said he could try to redo my cap using their current techniques, but I felt it probably wasn’t worth the chance that it would have to be redone again – I’m thinking about setting foundations on sandy soil. I also sensed that was not his strongest recommendation. So there it is, sorry if I haven’t been giving a blow-by-blow of all this while its been happening. I was holding out some hope that it would get better on its own with the Fosamax and keeping off of it for a bit. My wife, Crystal, and I will be finalizing plans for the trip to LA this weekend; my brother and sister-in-law have set us up with a condo in Oceanside for a few days to gain strength before the flight home. I expect that since there is about a quarter of the work that had to be done last time, the immediate recovery should go smoothly, even better than before. - Bilateral C+, 1/20/2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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