Re: follow up care for complications

[Guest guest]

: I know I had some of the same concerns before we went to

Belgium too. However our own surgeon here in Canada said he would do

any follow up we needed and in fact today I made a 6 week appointment

with him. (funny, I can get in for follow-up for surgery he didn't

even do in 6 weeks, but had to wait 1 year to talk to him initially

and 2 more years for the surgery - go figure). ly, I think there

is little follow-up care and Koen seems quite sure that there will be

very little. He spends more time with his foreign patients after the

surgery to be sure that everything is working because he knows that

they are not coming back for a follow up. I am unsure of the US

system, but I can't imagine that if you had some problem a doctor

would refuse to see you, but I don't recall many people with problems

on this site at all. Cliff and I both are moving really well now at

day 14. We will see a PT for exercise/strengthening and expect that

is really all the follow up we will need.

Koen will suggest sending him a digital xray at one year, but other

than that feels little follow up necessary assuming you behave

yourself!

Pamela

> I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

advise

> me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find some-

> one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium if

I

> had any problems.

> I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you have

> any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

plans

> for postop follow-up/complications.

> I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat to

> think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

>

[Guest guest]

: I know I had some of the same concerns before we went to

Belgium too. However our own surgeon here in Canada said he would do

any follow up we needed and in fact today I made a 6 week appointment

with him. (funny, I can get in for follow-up for surgery he didn't

even do in 6 weeks, but had to wait 1 year to talk to him initially

and 2 more years for the surgery - go figure). ly, I think there

is little follow-up care and Koen seems quite sure that there will be

very little. He spends more time with his foreign patients after the

surgery to be sure that everything is working because he knows that

they are not coming back for a follow up. I am unsure of the US

system, but I can't imagine that if you had some problem a doctor

would refuse to see you, but I don't recall many people with problems

on this site at all. Cliff and I both are moving really well now at

day 14. We will see a PT for exercise/strengthening and expect that

is really all the follow up we will need.

Koen will suggest sending him a digital xray at one year, but other

than that feels little follow up necessary assuming you behave

yourself!

Pamela

> I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

advise

> me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find some-

> one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium if

I

> had any problems.

> I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you have

> any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

plans

> for postop follow-up/complications.

> I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat to

> think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ! Even those of us who had our surgery in the US are

often huge distances from our surgeons, so the situation may be the

same. I have the name of an OS in Michigan (where I live) who

is " friendly " to resurfs, even though he doesn't offer them. I got

his name from both Cap'n Amaze_O and Pat. Hopefully - none of us

will ever need him in an emergency.......

Ask around - Docs like Mont and Amstutz are forever holding seminars

on resurfacing - so someone in your area should be aware of the

procedure!

Deb C+ 5-2-02

> I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

advise

> me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find some-

> one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium

if I

> had any problems.

> I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you

have

> any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

plans

> for postop follow-up/complications.

> I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat to

> think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ! Even those of us who had our surgery in the US are

often huge distances from our surgeons, so the situation may be the

same. I have the name of an OS in Michigan (where I live) who

is " friendly " to resurfs, even though he doesn't offer them. I got

his name from both Cap'n Amaze_O and Pat. Hopefully - none of us

will ever need him in an emergency.......

Ask around - Docs like Mont and Amstutz are forever holding seminars

on resurfacing - so someone in your area should be aware of the

procedure!

Deb C+ 5-2-02

> I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

advise

> me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find some-

> one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium

if I

> had any problems.

> I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you

have

> any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

plans

> for postop follow-up/complications.

> I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat to

> think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ! Even those of us who had our surgery in the US are

often huge distances from our surgeons, so the situation may be the

same. I have the name of an OS in Michigan (where I live) who

is " friendly " to resurfs, even though he doesn't offer them. I got

his name from both Cap'n Amaze_O and Pat. Hopefully - none of us

will ever need him in an emergency.......

Ask around - Docs like Mont and Amstutz are forever holding seminars

on resurfacing - so someone in your area should be aware of the

procedure!

Deb C+ 5-2-02

> I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

advise

> me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find some-

> one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium

if I

> had any problems.

> I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you

have

> any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

plans

> for postop follow-up/complications.

> I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat to

> think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

>

[Guest guest]

Maybe the key is to find a local orthopedic who will be supportive,

prior to going for surgery.

It sounds like you haven't had any trouble at all securing f/u care.

thanks for the supportive reply and the best to you and your husband

in your recovery

> > I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

> advise

> > me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications

arose

> > post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find

some-

> > one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium

if

> I

> > had any problems.

> > I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> > Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you

have

> > any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> > And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

> plans

> > for postop follow-up/complications.

> > I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat

to

> > think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> > He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

While my situation is different I still had to travel 1500 miles to my OS

and come back to nothing - In fact some of my local doctors were expressing

down right hostility about what I was planning to do............ all they

could see was the complication of osteomylitis/dead muscles etc and perhaps

worrying that they would have to pick up the pieces........... Plus the more

I poke around the more I find that there are some 'interesting' OS out there

that do some strange things to people in the name of helping them..........

so it pays to have an OS with a good reputation...........

To 13 weeks there have been no hassles, I have taken one plane ride back for

a check up and will happily do so again in a couple of months.............

just nice to see the man who changed my life........... and really I feel I

could only trust him if something did go wrong infection wise............

I took that attitude that trouble is trouble............ if it is going to

happen there it is hard to head it off and even if you were under closer

care there isn't a guarantee that they would be immediately able to help,

know what is happening etc............. i.e. we presume that things will be

just there to help when we want but that isn't always the case and issues

can get complicated............ sometimes somethings have to be left to

trust............ And besides I correctly guessed that life post BHR is a

jolly sight nicer than pre BHR.........

Edith

7/8/02 BHR Sydney

> I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They advise

> me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find some-

> one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium if I

> had any problems.

> I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you have

> any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your plans

> for postop follow-up/complications.

> I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat to

> think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

While my situation is different I still had to travel 1500 miles to my OS

and come back to nothing - In fact some of my local doctors were expressing

down right hostility about what I was planning to do............ all they

could see was the complication of osteomylitis/dead muscles etc and perhaps

worrying that they would have to pick up the pieces........... Plus the more

I poke around the more I find that there are some 'interesting' OS out there

that do some strange things to people in the name of helping them..........

so it pays to have an OS with a good reputation...........

To 13 weeks there have been no hassles, I have taken one plane ride back for

a check up and will happily do so again in a couple of months.............

just nice to see the man who changed my life........... and really I feel I

could only trust him if something did go wrong infection wise............

I took that attitude that trouble is trouble............ if it is going to

happen there it is hard to head it off and even if you were under closer

care there isn't a guarantee that they would be immediately able to help,

know what is happening etc............. i.e. we presume that things will be

just there to help when we want but that isn't always the case and issues

can get complicated............ sometimes somethings have to be left to

trust............ And besides I correctly guessed that life post BHR is a

jolly sight nicer than pre BHR.........

Edith

7/8/02 BHR Sydney

> I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They advise

> me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find some-

> one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium if I

> had any problems.

> I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you have

> any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your plans

> for postop follow-up/complications.

> I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat to

> think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

>

[Guest guest]

hi Deb

a few phone calls to some of the orthopedics I've seen in the last

several years could answer the question of follow-up real fast.

One orthopedic I saw knew of resurfacing, and knew of Amstutz, and

was quite supportive of me contacting JRI. In fact, he wrote a letter

of referral for me so that I could go to JRI. I think he would

probably be a good place to start.

When the doubts and fears start to creep in, or in my case flood in,

it's great to have a place to go for information and support.

Thanks for your post

> > I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

> advise

> > me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications

arose

> > post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find

some-

> > one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium

> if I

> > had any problems.

> > I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> > Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you

> have

> > any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> > And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

> plans

> > for postop follow-up/complications.

> > I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat

to

> > think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> > He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

> >

[Guest guest]

hi Deb

a few phone calls to some of the orthopedics I've seen in the last

several years could answer the question of follow-up real fast.

One orthopedic I saw knew of resurfacing, and knew of Amstutz, and

was quite supportive of me contacting JRI. In fact, he wrote a letter

of referral for me so that I could go to JRI. I think he would

probably be a good place to start.

When the doubts and fears start to creep in, or in my case flood in,

it's great to have a place to go for information and support.

Thanks for your post

> > I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

> advise

> > me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications

arose

> > post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find

some-

> > one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium

> if I

> > had any problems.

> > I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> > Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you

> have

> > any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> > And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

> plans

> > for postop follow-up/complications.

> > I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat

to

> > think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> > He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

> >

[Guest guest]

, where are you that you were considering coming to JRI? I am

about 65 miles or so from there, and after the fact Dr. Schmalzreid

agreed to follow me up. Maybe Amstutz is trying to head off a storm

of people doing that, or is JRI not near you? I needed to see

someone about my incision, turned out ok, you can check the archives

if you like. Isara (BMR DeSmet 7-3-02)

> > > I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

> > advise

> > > me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications

> arose

> > > post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find

> some-

> > > one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to

Belgium

> > if I

> > > had any problems.

> > > I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> > > Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you

> > have

> > > any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> > > And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

> > plans

> > > for postop follow-up/complications.

> > > I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat

> to

> > > think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> > > He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

> > >

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/7/2002 6:54:27 AM Pacific Standard Time,

jlmoulton@... writes:

> just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

> advise

> >me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> >post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find some-

> >one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium if

> I

> >had any problems.

> >I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> >Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you have

> >any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> >And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

> plans

>

This is a serious question which requires serious thought and a leap of faith

if you're traveling far from home for a resurf. I went to Birmingham, UK from

California for mine a year ago.

I went there because I knew I was going to the most experienced and

successful surgeon around (Mr. Treacy) who came highly recommended by a

trusted friend, also a recipient of a BHR. I stayed in hospital for a week

and in Birmingham for another two weeks before flying home.

My calculation was that if anything were to go wrong that needed immediate

follow-up, it would happen within the two weeks post-discharge and could be

addressed by the surgeon. If it were anything more serious, the likelihood

was that I was looking at a THR as the remedy, no matter where I was. With

all due respect to the US surgeons who do resurf's they simply don't have the

experience to compete with that of the Brits and maybe DeSmet from what I've

read.

On the other hand, THR's are probably handled just as well in the US, so if

that's what was needed, it wouldn't matter if the serious complication

occurred in the US.

With any surgery, you have to believe in a successful outcome and the ability

of your surgeon. I was lucky enough to have made a full recovery from my

first resurf, and am delighted with the result. I found out a couple of weeks

ago I will need to have the other one done, and have no hesitation in going

back to Birmingham as soon as I can manage it, to get it over with.

By the way, I went to Birmingham alone, and stayed in the hotel for two weeks

by myself with no problems.

Hope this helps anyone with the same doubts I had.

Best wishes,

Des Tuck

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/7/2002 6:54:27 AM Pacific Standard Time,

jlmoulton@... writes:

> just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

> advise

> >me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> >post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find some-

> >one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium if

> I

> >had any problems.

> >I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> >Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you have

> >any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> >And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

> plans

>

This is a serious question which requires serious thought and a leap of faith

if you're traveling far from home for a resurf. I went to Birmingham, UK from

California for mine a year ago.

I went there because I knew I was going to the most experienced and

successful surgeon around (Mr. Treacy) who came highly recommended by a

trusted friend, also a recipient of a BHR. I stayed in hospital for a week

and in Birmingham for another two weeks before flying home.

My calculation was that if anything were to go wrong that needed immediate

follow-up, it would happen within the two weeks post-discharge and could be

addressed by the surgeon. If it were anything more serious, the likelihood

was that I was looking at a THR as the remedy, no matter where I was. With

all due respect to the US surgeons who do resurf's they simply don't have the

experience to compete with that of the Brits and maybe DeSmet from what I've

read.

On the other hand, THR's are probably handled just as well in the US, so if

that's what was needed, it wouldn't matter if the serious complication

occurred in the US.

With any surgery, you have to believe in a successful outcome and the ability

of your surgeon. I was lucky enough to have made a full recovery from my

first resurf, and am delighted with the result. I found out a couple of weeks

ago I will need to have the other one done, and have no hesitation in going

back to Birmingham as soon as I can manage it, to get it over with.

By the way, I went to Birmingham alone, and stayed in the hotel for two weeks

by myself with no problems.

Hope this helps anyone with the same doubts I had.

Best wishes,

Des Tuck

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/7/2002 6:54:27 AM Pacific Standard Time,

jlmoulton@... writes:

> just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

> advise

> >me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> >post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find some-

> >one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium if

> I

> >had any problems.

> >I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> >Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you have

> >any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> >And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

> plans

>

This is a serious question which requires serious thought and a leap of faith

if you're traveling far from home for a resurf. I went to Birmingham, UK from

California for mine a year ago.

I went there because I knew I was going to the most experienced and

successful surgeon around (Mr. Treacy) who came highly recommended by a

trusted friend, also a recipient of a BHR. I stayed in hospital for a week

and in Birmingham for another two weeks before flying home.

My calculation was that if anything were to go wrong that needed immediate

follow-up, it would happen within the two weeks post-discharge and could be

addressed by the surgeon. If it were anything more serious, the likelihood

was that I was looking at a THR as the remedy, no matter where I was. With

all due respect to the US surgeons who do resurf's they simply don't have the

experience to compete with that of the Brits and maybe DeSmet from what I've

read.

On the other hand, THR's are probably handled just as well in the US, so if

that's what was needed, it wouldn't matter if the serious complication

occurred in the US.

With any surgery, you have to believe in a successful outcome and the ability

of your surgeon. I was lucky enough to have made a full recovery from my

first resurf, and am delighted with the result. I found out a couple of weeks

ago I will need to have the other one done, and have no hesitation in going

back to Birmingham as soon as I can manage it, to get it over with.

By the way, I went to Birmingham alone, and stayed in the hotel for two weeks

by myself with no problems.

Hope this helps anyone with the same doubts I had.

Best wishes,

Des Tuck

[Guest guest]

Hi Edith,

I guess alot of things in life are a step in faith and this is no

different. You're right, we presume alot, and I guess I take comfort

in my presumtions. Life is a gamble any way you look at it.

We could worry ourselves sick with 'what if's'.

I think having a professional warn me against going overseas for

surgery some-how makes me a little more uncomfortable but some-times

even the 'professionals' can't tell us what is the best thing to do

in our circumstance.

I guess that is where trusting in our ability to make the best

decision comes in.

You know, I have my appeal in, and am waiting for the determination

by the Department of Managed care.

This will determine the way I go.

I can't afford 28,000 in the states for surgery, and I can't go on

like this ( will I guess I could, but I don't want to)

So.......... It's pray for the best and plan for the possibilities

and go from there. Drawing strength from all the postive posts on

this site.

best to you in your new life.

> Hi ,

>

> While my situation is different I still had to travel 1500 miles to

my OS

> and come back to nothing - In fact some of my local doctors were

expressing

> down right hostility about what I was planning to do............

all they

> could see was the complication of osteomylitis/dead muscles etc

and perhaps

> worrying that they would have to pick up the pieces........... Plus

the more

> I poke around the more I find that there are some 'interesting' OS

out there

> that do some strange things to people in the name of helping

them..........

> so it pays to have an OS with a good reputation...........

>

> To 13 weeks there have been no hassles, I have taken one plane ride

back for

> a check up and will happily do so again in a couple of

months.............

> just nice to see the man who changed my life........... and really

I feel I

> could only trust him if something did go wrong infection

wise............

>

> I took that attitude that trouble is trouble............ if it is

going to

> happen there it is hard to head it off and even if you were under

closer

> care there isn't a guarantee that they would be immediately able to

help,

> know what is happening etc............. i.e. we presume that things

will be

> just there to help when we want but that isn't always the case and

issues

> can get complicated............ sometimes somethings have to be

left to

> trust............ And besides I correctly guessed that life post

BHR is a

> jolly sight nicer than pre BHR.........

>

> Edith

> 7/8/02 BHR Sydney

>

>

>

>

> > I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

advise

> > me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> > post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find

some-

> > one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium

if I

> > had any problems.

> > I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> > Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you

have

> > any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> > And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

plans

> > for postop follow-up/complications.

> > I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat to

> > think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> > He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Edith,

I guess alot of things in life are a step in faith and this is no

different. You're right, we presume alot, and I guess I take comfort

in my presumtions. Life is a gamble any way you look at it.

We could worry ourselves sick with 'what if's'.

I think having a professional warn me against going overseas for

surgery some-how makes me a little more uncomfortable but some-times

even the 'professionals' can't tell us what is the best thing to do

in our circumstance.

I guess that is where trusting in our ability to make the best

decision comes in.

You know, I have my appeal in, and am waiting for the determination

by the Department of Managed care.

This will determine the way I go.

I can't afford 28,000 in the states for surgery, and I can't go on

like this ( will I guess I could, but I don't want to)

So.......... It's pray for the best and plan for the possibilities

and go from there. Drawing strength from all the postive posts on

this site.

best to you in your new life.

> Hi ,

>

> While my situation is different I still had to travel 1500 miles to

my OS

> and come back to nothing - In fact some of my local doctors were

expressing

> down right hostility about what I was planning to do............

all they

> could see was the complication of osteomylitis/dead muscles etc

and perhaps

> worrying that they would have to pick up the pieces........... Plus

the more

> I poke around the more I find that there are some 'interesting' OS

out there

> that do some strange things to people in the name of helping

them..........

> so it pays to have an OS with a good reputation...........

>

> To 13 weeks there have been no hassles, I have taken one plane ride

back for

> a check up and will happily do so again in a couple of

months.............

> just nice to see the man who changed my life........... and really

I feel I

> could only trust him if something did go wrong infection

wise............

>

> I took that attitude that trouble is trouble............ if it is

going to

> happen there it is hard to head it off and even if you were under

closer

> care there isn't a guarantee that they would be immediately able to

help,

> know what is happening etc............. i.e. we presume that things

will be

> just there to help when we want but that isn't always the case and

issues

> can get complicated............ sometimes somethings have to be

left to

> trust............ And besides I correctly guessed that life post

BHR is a

> jolly sight nicer than pre BHR.........

>

> Edith

> 7/8/02 BHR Sydney

>

>

>

>

> > I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

advise

> > me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> > post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find

some-

> > one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium

if I

> > had any problems.

> > I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> > Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you

have

> > any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> > And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

plans

> > for postop follow-up/complications.

> > I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat to

> > think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> > He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

> >

[Guest guest]

hi Isara,

I am in Sacramento, a 1hr plane ride to LA.

I was thinking why wouldn't JRI want to follow me if I had any

complications.

Maybe they don't think I would want to travel all that way for

complications.

I saw Amstutz 6 months ago (this is how long I have been waiting for

authorization for surgery) and he knows I have family in the area

that I was planning on staying with post-op.

I would think that they would be happy for any-one who could get

resurfaced any-where, but maybe they just don't want to start seeing

people for post-op only.

I don't know.

I might call and see if he would follow me post-op. the e-mail

message I received didn't sound like he would.

I don't know of a resurfacing doc any closer to me than JRI.

> > > > I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI.

They

> > > advise

> > > > me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications

> > arose

> > > > post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find

> > some-

> > > > one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to

> Belgium

> > > if I

> > > > had any problems.

> > > > I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> > > > Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did

you

> > > have

> > > > any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> > > > And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are

your

> > > plans

> > > > for postop follow-up/complications.

> > > > I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a

beat

> > to

> > > > think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> > > > He's in the business so he should know what he's talking

about.

> > > >

[Guest guest]

hi Isara,

I am in Sacramento, a 1hr plane ride to LA.

I was thinking why wouldn't JRI want to follow me if I had any

complications.

Maybe they don't think I would want to travel all that way for

complications.

I saw Amstutz 6 months ago (this is how long I have been waiting for

authorization for surgery) and he knows I have family in the area

that I was planning on staying with post-op.

I would think that they would be happy for any-one who could get

resurfaced any-where, but maybe they just don't want to start seeing

people for post-op only.

I don't know.

I might call and see if he would follow me post-op. the e-mail

message I received didn't sound like he would.

I don't know of a resurfacing doc any closer to me than JRI.

> > > > I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI.

They

> > > advise

> > > > me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications

> > arose

> > > > post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find

> > some-

> > > > one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to

> Belgium

> > > if I

> > > > had any problems.

> > > > I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> > > > Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did

you

> > > have

> > > > any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> > > > And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are

your

> > > plans

> > > > for postop follow-up/complications.

> > > > I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a

beat

> > to

> > > > think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> > > > He's in the business so he should know what he's talking

about.

> > > >

[Guest guest]

hi Isara,

I am in Sacramento, a 1hr plane ride to LA.

I was thinking why wouldn't JRI want to follow me if I had any

complications.

Maybe they don't think I would want to travel all that way for

complications.

I saw Amstutz 6 months ago (this is how long I have been waiting for

authorization for surgery) and he knows I have family in the area

that I was planning on staying with post-op.

I would think that they would be happy for any-one who could get

resurfaced any-where, but maybe they just don't want to start seeing

people for post-op only.

I don't know.

I might call and see if he would follow me post-op. the e-mail

message I received didn't sound like he would.

I don't know of a resurfacing doc any closer to me than JRI.

> > > > I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI.

They

> > > advise

> > > > me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications

> > arose

> > > > post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find

> > some-

> > > > one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to

> Belgium

> > > if I

> > > > had any problems.

> > > > I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> > > > Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did

you

> > > have

> > > > any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> > > > And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are

your

> > > plans

> > > > for postop follow-up/complications.

> > > > I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a

beat

> > to

> > > > think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> > > > He's in the business so he should know what he's talking

about.

> > > >

[Guest guest]

Boxy you can respond to this one. Many people who live 'in the

states' traveled hours away from their homes for surgery...in the

states...but do not go to the surgeon who performed the surgery for

follow-up care because it is just too far away and inconvenient. I

don't see the difference here.

Lynda

Dr. De Smet 11/12/02

> I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

advise

> me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find some-

> one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium if

I

> had any problems.

> I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you have

> any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

plans

> for postop follow-up/complications.

> I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat to

> think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

>

[Guest guest]

Boxy you can respond to this one. Many people who live 'in the

states' traveled hours away from their homes for surgery...in the

states...but do not go to the surgeon who performed the surgery for

follow-up care because it is just too far away and inconvenient. I

don't see the difference here.

Lynda

Dr. De Smet 11/12/02

> I just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

advise

> me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find some-

> one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium if

I

> had any problems.

> I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you have

> any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

plans

> for postop follow-up/complications.

> I respect Dr Amstutz's opinion and it make my heart skip a beat to

> think that I might not get the care I need once I return home.

> He's in the business so he should know what he's talking about.

>

[Guest guest]

It is possible that Dr. Amstutz is talking about a worse case

scenerio,i.e. femoral failure.I'm preety sure that the BHR can be

revised to a large diamiter THR using the same acetabular cup.Maybe

this is what he is refering to.You would have to travel back to

Belgium if this were necessary,which would be a problem if you needed

immediate care.

I live in Sacramento as well,I was resurfaced at JRI on 9-19-02.If I

had any type of emergency i could reach JRI within 8 hrs by car.As

far as routine follow up most Docs seem to have no problems.

I had a long appeal with Blue shield,while appealing I looked into

the DMHC.You can go to the website and look at previous appeals

regarding m/m resurfacing.When I looked into it there were no

examples of them overturning the denial.The thing that interested me

most is the reasons for this.I don't remember all the particulars but

I know one case talks about earlier trials ,which I think were metal

on poly resurfacings.Most stated that resurfacing was not a viable

option, which is just plain ridiculess.I think if necessary it could

be shown that the DMHC is not even considering the requested

procedure.

Good luck,I hope you get approved.

Matt

> hi Isara,

> I am in Sacramento, a 1hr plane ride to LA.

> I was thinking why wouldn't JRI want to follow me if I had any

> complications.

> Maybe they don't think I would want to travel all that way for

> complications.

> I saw Amstutz 6 months ago (this is how long I have been waiting

for

> authorization for surgery) and he knows I have family in the area

> that I was planning on staying with post-op.

> I would think that they would be happy for any-one who could get

> resurfaced any-where, but maybe they just don't want to start

seeing

> people for post-op only.

> I don't know.

> I might call and see if he would follow me post-op. the e-mail

> message I received didn't sound like he would.

> I don't know of a resurfacing doc any closer to me than JRI.

>

>

[Guest guest]

It is possible that Dr. Amstutz is talking about a worse case

scenerio,i.e. femoral failure.I'm preety sure that the BHR can be

revised to a large diamiter THR using the same acetabular cup.Maybe

this is what he is refering to.You would have to travel back to

Belgium if this were necessary,which would be a problem if you needed

immediate care.

I live in Sacramento as well,I was resurfaced at JRI on 9-19-02.If I

had any type of emergency i could reach JRI within 8 hrs by car.As

far as routine follow up most Docs seem to have no problems.

I had a long appeal with Blue shield,while appealing I looked into

the DMHC.You can go to the website and look at previous appeals

regarding m/m resurfacing.When I looked into it there were no

examples of them overturning the denial.The thing that interested me

most is the reasons for this.I don't remember all the particulars but

I know one case talks about earlier trials ,which I think were metal

on poly resurfacings.Most stated that resurfacing was not a viable

option, which is just plain ridiculess.I think if necessary it could

be shown that the DMHC is not even considering the requested

procedure.

Good luck,I hope you get approved.

Matt

> hi Isara,

> I am in Sacramento, a 1hr plane ride to LA.

> I was thinking why wouldn't JRI want to follow me if I had any

> complications.

> Maybe they don't think I would want to travel all that way for

> complications.

> I saw Amstutz 6 months ago (this is how long I have been waiting

for

> authorization for surgery) and he knows I have family in the area

> that I was planning on staying with post-op.

> I would think that they would be happy for any-one who could get

> resurfaced any-where, but maybe they just don't want to start

seeing

> people for post-op only.

> I don't know.

> I might call and see if he would follow me post-op. the e-mail

> message I received didn't sound like he would.

> I don't know of a resurfacing doc any closer to me than JRI.

>

>

[Guest guest]

It is possible that Dr. Amstutz is talking about a worse case

scenerio,i.e. femoral failure.I'm preety sure that the BHR can be

revised to a large diamiter THR using the same acetabular cup.Maybe

this is what he is refering to.You would have to travel back to

Belgium if this were necessary,which would be a problem if you needed

immediate care.

I live in Sacramento as well,I was resurfaced at JRI on 9-19-02.If I

had any type of emergency i could reach JRI within 8 hrs by car.As

far as routine follow up most Docs seem to have no problems.

I had a long appeal with Blue shield,while appealing I looked into

the DMHC.You can go to the website and look at previous appeals

regarding m/m resurfacing.When I looked into it there were no

examples of them overturning the denial.The thing that interested me

most is the reasons for this.I don't remember all the particulars but

I know one case talks about earlier trials ,which I think were metal

on poly resurfacings.Most stated that resurfacing was not a viable

option, which is just plain ridiculess.I think if necessary it could

be shown that the DMHC is not even considering the requested

procedure.

Good luck,I hope you get approved.

Matt

> hi Isara,

> I am in Sacramento, a 1hr plane ride to LA.

> I was thinking why wouldn't JRI want to follow me if I had any

> complications.

> Maybe they don't think I would want to travel all that way for

> complications.

> I saw Amstutz 6 months ago (this is how long I have been waiting

for

> authorization for surgery) and he knows I have family in the area

> that I was planning on staying with post-op.

> I would think that they would be happy for any-one who could get

> resurfaced any-where, but maybe they just don't want to start

seeing

> people for post-op only.

> I don't know.

> I might call and see if he would follow me post-op. the e-mail

> message I received didn't sound like he would.

> I don't know of a resurfacing doc any closer to me than JRI.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I second that. I, too, wanted the more experienced surgeon and there were some

valid reasons why I wanted the BHR device. Incidentally- I am now 8 weeks post

op. I have my life back. And I would not hesitate to hop on a plane and return

to Belgium should I have a problem. In addition, I had NO problem finding an

orthopedic surgeon to do follow up care in Spokane WA.

Jude

BHR De Smet 09/11/02

Re: Re: follow up care for complications

In a message dated 11/7/2002 6:54:27 AM Pacific Standard Time,

jlmoulton@... writes:

> just received an e-mail from Dr Amstutz office at JRI. They

> advise

> >me not to go to Belgium for surgery because if complications arose

> >post-op, once I returned home, they didn't think I could find some-

> >one here to follow my care. They doubt I would return to Belgium if

> I

> >had any problems.

> >I have a question for the Belgium hippies.

> >Have any of you had complications from the surgery and did you have

> >any trouble finding a physician who would care for you.

> >And for those of you who haven't had any problems what are your

> plans

>

This is a serious question which requires serious thought and a leap of faith

if you're traveling far from home for a resurf. I went to Birmingham, UK from

California for mine a year ago.

I went there because I knew I was going to the most experienced and

successful surgeon around (Mr. Treacy) who came highly recommended by a

trusted friend, also a recipient of a BHR. I stayed in hospital for a week

and in Birmingham for another two weeks before flying home.

My calculation was that if anything were to go wrong that needed immediate

follow-up, it would happen within the two weeks post-discharge and could be

addressed by the surgeon. If it were anything more serious, the likelihood

was that I was looking at a THR as the remedy, no matter where I was. With

all due respect to the US surgeons who do resurf's they simply don't have the

experience to compete with that of the Brits and maybe DeSmet from what I've

read.

On the other hand, THR's are probably handled just as well in the US, so if

that's what was needed, it wouldn't matter if the serious complication

occurred in the US.

With any surgery, you have to believe in a successful outcome and the ability

of your surgeon. I was lucky enough to have made a full recovery from my

first resurf, and am delighted with the result. I found out a couple of weeks

ago I will need to have the other one done, and have no hesitation in going

back to Birmingham as soon as I can manage it, to get it over with.

By the way, I went to Birmingham alone, and stayed in the hotel for two weeks

by myself with no problems.

Hope this helps anyone with the same doubts I had.

Best wishes,

Des Tuck