Re: Belgium in May

April 3, 2003

I wish !! I am going to check on the schedule... so maybe the end of May.

Does he interview hi patients ? I mean -- is there some qualifying thing he

does?

Other than age and activity which I am aware of...?

Margo

April 4, 2003

Scheduled MAy 14/03

Fred Vancouver Canada

Belgium in May

Is there anyone else here scheduled for resurfacing with Dr.

DeSmet the week of May 12?

April 4, 2003

I am scheduled for a RBHR with DeSmet on May 13th. Not a great time

right now to be traveling oversees for surgery. My wife and

daughters (18 and 12) will be going with me. We were thinking to fly

into Paris, spend a couple of days and train up to Ghent. With the

political attitude towards Americans right now, I am wondering if we

should fly into Amsterdam for sightseeing first? I would appreciate

anyone's feedback.

Also, having been on anti-inflam drugs for 8 yrs and pain meds for

probably 4, once I come off of those prior to surgery, I am wondering

if I will be able to enjoy any sights the w/e before surgery after

making that trans-atlantic flight from Indy. I have been bone on

bone for 2 years, so I am assuming I will be using a cane once off

drugs and we have requested wheel-chair assistance through airports.

I would appreciate knowing how some of you Belgium hippies did pre-

op, once off meds. We have really enjoyed reading all of your posts

about Ghent, Koen DeSmet, his staff, Holiday Inn, and post op

recovery, etc.

Thanks,

Rusty Gait, scheduled to have RBHR, DeSmet May 13th 03

> Scheduled MAy 14/03

>

> Fred Vancouver Canada

>

> Belgium in May

>

> Is there anyone else here scheduled for resurfacing with Dr.

> DeSmet the week of May 12?

>

April 4, 2003

we flew to amsterdam first ...loved it and hada great time also easy to get

to ghent by train from amsterdam and cost is good...I stayed ina hotel by the

rtrain station and it was lovely the train station is a breathtaking

monument in itself...I loved the train to gent and arrived on time to the

hospital the day of ..OUr flight was also alot cheaper going direct to and

from amsterdam...I am in LA so Im not sure where you are..but do not worry

about the world attitude ...you will run int that anywhere you go..just go

with a good smile and some euros and have a blast

Sue

April 4, 2003

we flew to amsterdam first ...loved it and hada great time also easy to get

to ghent by train from amsterdam and cost is good...I stayed ina hotel by the

rtrain station and it was lovely the train station is a breathtaking

monument in itself...I loved the train to gent and arrived on time to the

hospital the day of ..OUr flight was also alot cheaper going direct to and

from amsterdam...I am in LA so Im not sure where you are..but do not worry

about the world attitude ...you will run int that anywhere you go..just go

with a good smile and some euros and have a blast

Sue

April 4, 2003

He looks at xrays. I sent mine in January after which he informed

me that I was a candidate and we scheduled the date. I don't

know what he asks beyond that. Maybe some of the others who

have had their resurfacing know. Good luck!

> I wish !! I am going to check on the schedule... so maybe the

end of May.

>

> Does he interview hi patients ? I mean -- is there some

qualifying thing he

> does?

> Other than age and activity which I am aware of...?

>

> Margo

>

April 4, 2003

Rusty: I went off the meds as soon as Dr. De Smet told me to-I think

it was late July and quite honestly it was hell. By the time we left

for Belgium in October I was on crutches and couldn't sleep, sit or

stand. Before I had OA I was not sympathetic enough to those who

suffer from it - I will never doubt again. So, we did not do any

sightseeing before surgery - it just would not have worked - but we

were both having surgery so with your family around it might be

possible. We did however, do quite a bit after surgery - from day 4

you are quite capable of wandering around Ghent, travelling to Brugges

and I believe that by day 8 we could easily have gone to Paris for a

couple of days before travelling home.

That's just our experience - but however you do it you are going to

love Koen - As so many of us have said - he is a doctor like no other

we have ever met. His job satisfaction rate must be off the scale.

Pamela and Cliff

LBHR and RBHR De Smet Oct 23/02

> > Scheduled MAy 14/03

> >

> > Fred Vancouver Canada

> >

> > Belgium in May

> >

> > Is there anyone else here scheduled for resurfacing with Dr.

> > DeSmet the week of May 12?

> >

April 4, 2003

Thanks -- So from January, how far ahead did you have to schedule the

surgery? Any reason you didn't do it in the US? Insurance may cover it

according to some...

Margo

April 4, 2003

Thanks -- So from January, how far ahead did you have to schedule the

surgery? Any reason you didn't do it in the US? Insurance may cover it

according to some...

Margo

April 5, 2003

Hi

Don't worry about the politics. Americans aren't disliked. It's the American &

UK Governments that are bearing the brut of it and not the population. The

attitude of some nations is only the same as they have been treating the UK for

a long time - it is a minority view and it's nowhere near as bad as the media

would have you believe. The only suggestion I would make is not to talk about

Politics - that way you don't get involved. You'll find lots of friendly faces

from all nationalities.

.

Belgium in May

>

> Is there anyone else here scheduled for resurfacing with Dr.

> DeSmet the week of May 12?

>

April 5, 2003

I sent my xrays to Dr. DeSmet in mid January. I had asked for a

May surgery date because of teaching obligations and so he

scheduled me at that time. I learned about resurfacing in

November (from a post on TH!) and read everything I could find

during December. In early January I saw Dr. Stachniw in Illinois.

He told me that, because of my dysplasia, there was a slight

chance he would not be able to fit the device he used on my

anatomy and I would end up needing a THR. Since avoiding

THR was my main reason for going with resurfacing, he advised

me to go to Europe where they use the Birmingham device

which has variations for dysplasia. I have received lots of

encouragement from other folks on this board who have gone

this route. I am looking forward to having it done! I am going to

ask my insurance about coverage but I doubt if they will cover

anything. So now I have 38 days to wait.

April 5, 2003

I sent my xrays to Dr. DeSmet in mid January. I had asked for a

May surgery date because of teaching obligations and so he

scheduled me at that time. I learned about resurfacing in

November (from a post on TH!) and read everything I could find

during December. In early January I saw Dr. Stachniw in Illinois.

He told me that, because of my dysplasia, there was a slight

chance he would not be able to fit the device he used on my

anatomy and I would end up needing a THR. Since avoiding

THR was my main reason for going with resurfacing, he advised

me to go to Europe where they use the Birmingham device

which has variations for dysplasia. I have received lots of

encouragement from other folks on this board who have gone

this route. I am looking forward to having it done! I am going to

ask my insurance about coverage but I doubt if they will cover

anything. So now I have 38 days to wait.

April 5, 2003

rebures, I am writing to let you know that the dysplasia cup option of

the BHR is the essential reason I am planning on a De Smet resurfacing,

if I can possibly make it happen. There are many other excellent

reasons to go this route, not the least of which is Dr. De Smet's

phenomenal record of success, but the dysplasia option places the BHR at

the head of the list.

We have just had our income tax questions answered for the 2002 tax year

and know that now, even if we cannot get insurance coverage, most of the

costs involved in the trip to Ghent for me and some for my wife, will be

deductible from our income next year. Our hospitalization insurance and

other medical costs now seem sufficient to warrant doing the 'long

form'<G>.

With the guidance of those on this list, I have become more optimistic

about actually gaining coverage for a BHR in Belgium, than I thought

possible. We've begun the appeal process, and will offer up a 'play by

play' in due time. Best wishes...

danz

rebures wrote:

> I sent my xrays to Dr. DeSmet in mid January. I had asked for a

> May surgery date because of teaching obligations and so he

> scheduled me at that time. I learned about resurfacing in

> November (from a post on TH!) and read everything I could find

> during December. In early January I saw Dr. Stachniw in Illinois.

> He told me that, because of my dysplasia, there was a slight

> chance he would not be able to fit the device he used on my

> anatomy and I would end up needing a THR. Since avoiding

> THR was my main reason for going with resurfacing, he advised

> me to go to Europe where they use the Birmingham device

> which has variations for dysplasia. I have received lots of

> encouragement from other folks on this board who have gone

> this route. I am looking forward to having it done! I am going to

> ask my insurance about coverage but I doubt if they will cover

> anything. So now I have 38 days to wait.

>

April 8, 2003

Good Luck to you. Be sure to read the old posts from others who

have been to Belgium. There are lots of helpful tips. I have been

feeling very positive about my decision. I even had a dream last

night that I was walking without my limp!! Ruth

> I am feeling more and more like going this route - with DeSmet

- I have Blue

> Cross/Shield -- hopefully I can get coverage -- that would be so

awesome! My

> dream come true. Your wait wasn't long -- I hope it goes well

for you - I am

> talking to DeSmet now - he wants my X-rays -- I am feeling very

positive.

>

> Thanks - for sharing.

> Margo

>

April 10, 2003

OK all of you soon to be Belgium Hippies!!! I have thrown out this offer

before, but amazingly (to me) have had no takers!!! (And believe me- all of you

who have been to Belgium WILL understand!)

It is true that you may not need a raised toilet seat, but it certainly does

make recovering much easier. Especially if you are tall. I am small and found

the seat quite a nicety. So- here is the offer. I will send to you a totally

disinfected and squeaky clean raised toilet seat to your home FREE OF CHARGE in

exchange for a box of Belgium chocolates. (approx $7 US) Dark, no liquors. Now

you see- I had become quite an addict whilst enjoying my stay in the gracious

country of Belgium with De Smet and company. It's tough, very tough. And

nobody has taken me up On this!!!

I just may have to deliver my yearly x-ray in person. Actually I have heard

that Belgium has great climbing..........

Good luck to ye all!

Rock climbin' Jude

LBHR De Smet 09/11/02

Re: Belgium in May

Good Luck to you. Be sure to read the old posts from others who

have been to Belgium. There are lots of helpful tips. I have been

feeling very positive about my decision. I even had a dream last

night that I was walking without my limp!! Ruth

> I am feeling more and more like going this route - with DeSmet

- I have Blue

> Cross/Shield -- hopefully I can get coverage -- that would be so

awesome! My

> dream come true. Your wait wasn't long -- I hope it goes well

for you - I am

> talking to DeSmet now - he wants my X-rays -- I am feeling very

positive.

>

> Thanks - for sharing.

> Margo

>

April 10, 2003

Rock'Climbin Jude.

I will take you up on your toilet seat offer!

I will send you 2 boxes, though, not one. Final offer.

I am scheduled with De Smet on May 20.

Blum

10097 Cleary Blvd. #289

Plantation, Florida 33324

FAX

Re: Belgium in May

Good Luck to you. Be sure to read the old posts from others who

have been to Belgium. There are lots of helpful tips. I have been

feeling very positive about my decision. I even had a dream last

night that I was walking without my limp!! Ruth

> I am feeling more and more like going this route - with DeSmet

- I have Blue

> Cross/Shield -- hopefully I can get coverage -- that would be so

awesome! My

> dream come true. Your wait wasn't long -- I hope it goes well

for you - I am

> talking to DeSmet now - he wants my X-rays -- I am feeling very

positive.

>

> Thanks - for sharing.

> Margo

>

April 10, 2003

Hi Rock climin'Jude,

If the first taker for the toilet seat doesn't work out, I'm next in

line! I'm scheduled for the 1st of July in Belgium.

izumi

> > I am feeling more and more like going this route - with DeSmet

> - I have Blue

> > Cross/Shield -- hopefully I can get coverage -- that would be so

> awesome! My

> > dream come true. Your wait wasn't long -- I hope it goes well

> for you - I am

> > talking to DeSmet now - he wants my X-rays -- I am feeling very

> positive.

> >

> > Thanks - for sharing.

> > Margo

> >

April 13, 2003

> Hi Rock climin'Jude,

>

> If the first taker for the toilet seat doesn't work out, I'm next

in

> line! I'm scheduled for the 1st of July in Belgium.

>

> izumi

I am also scheduled for rbhr with De Smet july 1.mtaymor

April 13, 2003

,

guess we'll see each other in a couple months.

-- In surfacehippy , " mtaymor " <mtaymor@e...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Rock climin'Jude,

> >

> > If the first taker for the toilet seat doesn't work out, I'm next

> in

> > line! I'm scheduled for the 1st of July in Belgium.

> >

> > izumi

> I am also scheduled for rbhr with De Smet july 1.mtaymor

April 15, 2003

hi everyone!

just returned from a glorious (is that too weird a word when we're talking

surgery and strangeness?) couple of weeks in europe--first paris for just

five nights with my boyfriend, and then by train to ghent for the de smet

experience.

i highly recommend sight seeing when you are there. it worked for me/us!

being canadian, the exchange rate isn't great for our dollar so getting the

most out of our trip was high on the agenda of things to do. it is amazing

how having a lot of sights to see is great motivation for walking!

plus.....eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die was my motto before

surgery. if i fell off the perch on the operating table i wanted to have

seen paris!

saw and experienced as much of paris as humanly possible. ready for a huge

rest by the time we arrived in ghent just in time for check-in and surgery.

koen de smet is a remarkable human being. he does his miraculous work

without becoming inflated or arrogant, in fact he is disarmingly simple and

direct. the nurses and physios were exceptional--always forward thinking and

positive and professional without being cold. dr. de smet is an artist in

his field, and (pardon the pun) but 'on the cutting edge' of medicine, as,

i think much of belgium is, being influenced by being surrounded by so many

other countries...... koen's team of physios--hi marc and chantal--and

nurses--hi brad and all--deserve a huge part of the glory too for they are

first and foremost humanely professional, unstressed, and simply doing their

job well without distraction or arrogance.

everyone in belgium, it seems, speaks at least 16 languages!

if anyone wants to talk about my experience--i'm in canada in

victoria--please feel free to call me at . i'd be very happy to

answer any questions at all.

HUGE thanks to pamela and cliff and the others i spoke with before i went.

you have changed my life by your example and enthusiasm and strength. i

thank the powers that beeeeee that i have a rbhr de smet april 2/03 instead

of a limp or a thr.

it's almost two weeks and i'm on one crutch and doing water exercises in the

deep end with a float belt. with some wrangling i'm managing to get the

socks on and get dressed.

being verryyyy careful when i walk.

this may sound quite hoaky but before surgery i listened to some 'pre-op

relaxation tapes' from the munro institute a friend loaned me, and i was

very calm going into surgery. listened to them after too. research shows

that listening to tapes leads to better recovery.....also....taking vitamin

A and zinc and collagen....

so am doing all that and quite amazed at how things are

progressing......truly amazed.

there's a long way to go......but today's a good day.

and all my referred pain from before is gone...........

it's grand to have my life back.

i am eternally greatful to all who brought me to this place.

steph

rbhr desmet april 2/03

April 15, 2003

Hi !

Wow- two boxes of chocolate- can't pass that up! The seat will be shipped on

Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest!

Good luck on your upcoming surgery. You have made a great choice with Dr De

Smet! Please give him and his staff my warmest regards!

When you check into the Holiday Inn you may receive a handicapped room which

will be helpful. If you don't- since they usually book those for bilaterals-

ask s at the front desk for a seat for your room. The Inn does have a few

raised seats for your stay there.

Don't forget that you will need to take a towel and soap for the hospital. Also

some PJs or sweats. They will provide you with a gown for surgery, but prefer

that you are in your own things prior to and after. More comfortable anyway!

Ah! Chocolate! The Inn will give you a voucher for a V Taxi to go into the city

square- Korenmart- for free. Neushaus is good as well as Jaclyn's on I believe-

Marrianstraat. A great place for dinner- reservations recommended is on Reep.

The restaurant is called " Food On " - very good. Hmmm...sounds as though I ate my

way through Belgium. Could be true! Shopping was great as well. Enjoy the

experience and your new hip!

Regards,

Rock climbin' Jude

LBHR De Smet 09/11/02

Re: Belgium in May

Good Luck to you. Be sure to read the old posts from others who

have been to Belgium. There are lots of helpful tips. I have been

feeling very positive about my decision. I even had a dream last

night that I was walking without my limp!! Ruth

> I am feeling more and more like going this route - with DeSmet

- I have Blue

> Cross/Shield -- hopefully I can get coverage -- that would be so

awesome! My

> dream come true. Your wait wasn't long -- I hope it goes well

for you - I am

> talking to DeSmet now - he wants my X-rays -- I am feeling very

positive.

>

> Thanks - for sharing.

> Margo

>

April 15, 2003

Jude,

I just got the other one. Thank you very much!!! Please let me know what the

freight is, so I can reimburse. All these tips for Belgium are making things

so easy and self assuring. I am so excited to get to Belgium, that I keep

forgetting about the surgery...that is intentional!

Did you take the train to Amsterdam before your surgery?

Blum

10097 Cleary Blvd. #289

Plantation, Florida 33324

FAX

Re: Belgium in May

Good Luck to you. Be sure to read the old posts from others who

have been to Belgium. There are lots of helpful tips. I have been

feeling very positive about my decision. I even had a dream last

night that I was walking without my limp!! Ruth

> I am feeling more and more like going this route - with DeSmet

- I have Blue

> Cross/Shield -- hopefully I can get coverage -- that would be so

awesome! My

> dream come true. Your wait wasn't long -- I hope it goes well

for you - I am

> talking to DeSmet now - he wants my X-rays -- I am feeling very

positive.

>

> Thanks - for sharing.

> Margo

>

April 15, 2003

Hi Steph,

I am glad to hear you arrived home safe and sound. It appears you are recovering

nicely. It also sounds as if you are as delighted as I am at the results of our

operation. Life is great!!. After only 2 weeks I am totally without pain in my

hip joint. My minimal pain is limited to muscle repair. Like you I am doing

deep water exercises and following the stretching program provided by Mark (the

physiotherapist).

Besides thanking Dr DeSmet for giving me my life back I want to thank you and

your boyfriend for your company in Belgium. My wife and I had a lot of fun.

I will be e-mailing in the next few days and provide the information I

had promised to send him.

I echo your comments on the wonderful treatment we received from DeSmet and his

staff. I only wish I had done this a year ago and saved a lot of pain and

wasting a year of my life.

For all those people considering a resurfacing by Dr. DeSmet I would whole

heartedly recommend it. The only thing I would change is the dry shaving of my

leg before the operation by the nurse. I should have insisted on a wet shave

with shaving cream. I had razor burn for over a week and I think the added

inconvenience was unnecessary. but I would endure it a thousand times over

considering the end results.

Good luck and a speedy recovery.

Ron

lbhr desmet April 2/03

Re: Re: Belgium in May