Re: follow up care for complications

[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

[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

[Guest guest]

Lynda,

Thanks for your post.

Maybe there is a difference in follow-up care and care for

complications r/t the surgery.

follow up care is pretty basic. x-rays, physical exam. Maybe there

would be some reluctance to take on a case if a patient had a surgery

one was not familiar with. I'm just guessing here.

the reality is that many people have problems and go to physicians

all the time, and some-times they don't return to the same

physician/surgeon for care. I have thought about this and I can't see

a surgeon refusing to care for some-one in need, or at least I

believe that would be the exception.

> > 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

______

I had a major problem even thinking about going out of state for

surgery. I had a major come-around due to the advice of a trusted

friend and opted for a most reputed surgeon to do my surgery. The

options were not available in my state. Either I could wait another

10 yrs and get a " suitable THR for my age " by the orthos in my city,

who, by the way, referred me to a guy who does C/C THR studies, or do

my homework..... Homework done~ drove 12+ hrs away, was given my life

back, and was driven back home. Instead of hunting down the orthos

who gave me a 10 yr death sentence, I opted to call the one and only

man who gave me any hope for the future for my follow-ups~ the only

ortho in my state who told me, " for Gods sake, at least get the M/M

resurf " (the C/C man)~ he's the only person I would trust to do my

follow-ups. He's the one who laughed and said, " you had to drive ALL

the way here for your follow-ups? " Geesh~ think I'd venture forth to

the people who gave me no options?? Think NOT! But, giving credit

where it's due, I would LOVE to see Dr. Mont every 6 weeks,

nevertheless, regardless where I go, Dr. Mont sees my hip at least

that often, at least 2x in the past 15+ weeks. (and keeps me updated)

I KNOW I'm well taken care of whether it's me he sees in person or

just an xray!

[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

______

I had a major problem even thinking about going out of state for

surgery. I had a major come-around due to the advice of a trusted

friend and opted for a most reputed surgeon to do my surgery. The

options were not available in my state. Either I could wait another

10 yrs and get a " suitable THR for my age " by the orthos in my city,

who, by the way, referred me to a guy who does C/C THR studies, or do

my homework..... Homework done~ drove 12+ hrs away, was given my life

back, and was driven back home. Instead of hunting down the orthos

who gave me a 10 yr death sentence, I opted to call the one and only

man who gave me any hope for the future for my follow-ups~ the only

ortho in my state who told me, " for Gods sake, at least get the M/M

resurf " (the C/C man)~ he's the only person I would trust to do my

follow-ups. He's the one who laughed and said, " you had to drive ALL

the way here for your follow-ups? " Geesh~ think I'd venture forth to

the people who gave me no options?? Think NOT! But, giving credit

where it's due, I would LOVE to see Dr. Mont every 6 weeks,

nevertheless, regardless where I go, Dr. Mont sees my hip at least

that often, at least 2x in the past 15+ weeks. (and keeps me updated)

I KNOW I'm well taken care of whether it's me he sees in person or

just an xray!

[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

______

I had a major problem even thinking about going out of state for

surgery. I had a major come-around due to the advice of a trusted

friend and opted for a most reputed surgeon to do my surgery. The

options were not available in my state. Either I could wait another

10 yrs and get a " suitable THR for my age " by the orthos in my city,

who, by the way, referred me to a guy who does C/C THR studies, or do

my homework..... Homework done~ drove 12+ hrs away, was given my life

back, and was driven back home. Instead of hunting down the orthos

who gave me a 10 yr death sentence, I opted to call the one and only

man who gave me any hope for the future for my follow-ups~ the only

ortho in my state who told me, " for Gods sake, at least get the M/M

resurf " (the C/C man)~ he's the only person I would trust to do my

follow-ups. He's the one who laughed and said, " you had to drive ALL

the way here for your follow-ups? " Geesh~ think I'd venture forth to

the people who gave me no options?? Think NOT! But, giving credit

where it's due, I would LOVE to see Dr. Mont every 6 weeks,

nevertheless, regardless where I go, Dr. Mont sees my hip at least

that often, at least 2x in the past 15+ weeks. (and keeps me updated)

I KNOW I'm well taken care of whether it's me he sees in person or

just an xray!

[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

______

I had a major problem even thinking about going out of state for

surgery. I had a major come-around due to the advice of a trusted

friend and opted for a most reputed surgeon to do my surgery. The

options were not available in my state. Either I could wait another

10 yrs and get a " suitable THR for my age " by the orthos in my city,

who, by the way, referred me to a guy who does C/C THR studies, or do

my homework..... Homework done~ drove 12+ hrs away, was given my life

back, and was driven back home. Instead of hunting down the orthos

who gave me a 10 yr death sentence, I opted to call the one and only

man who gave me any hope for the future for my follow-ups~ the only

ortho in my state who told me, " for Gods sake, at least get the M/M

resurf " (the C/C man)~ he's the only person I would trust to do my

follow-ups. He's the one who laughed and said, " you had to drive ALL

the way here for your follow-ups? " Geesh~ think I'd venture forth to

the people who gave me no options?? Think NOT! But, giving credit

where it's due, I would LOVE to see Dr. Mont every 6 weeks,

nevertheless, regardless where I go, Dr. Mont sees my hip at least

that often, at least 2x in the past 15+ weeks. (and keeps me updated)

I KNOW I'm well taken care of whether it's me he sees in person or

just an xray!

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Well I do hope you get some satisfaction with the news you await - it has to

be awful to need to wait in pain for decisions about ones future.........

thankfully from the moment I found my surgeon all simply flowed fairly

quickly............

Last night I was again reminded how precious our time can be.......... Now

well and pain free enough to think about plans for my new life I attended a

presentation at the local Uni re further study........... Outside the door

of the lecture hall is a painting of my cousin done a couple of months

before his death from cancer...........which I hadn't seen for the 7 years

since he died.......... I suddenly realised he was the same age as me when

he died.........early 50's......... I could only toast the painting and

think of spending each new day in joy of having my new found freedom, for

life can be so short..........

Edith BHR 7/8/02 Sydney

> 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.

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your encouraging message. Sorry you have to go back for

another surgery.

We don't hear often from some-one who has gone to the UK, and I enjoy

hearing from every-one. So many decisions to make and it sure is

interesting to hear from all the different experiences out there. I

like hearing that you were able to go alone without any problems.

That is very encouraging.

I think you might be right about the treatment for any really serious

complications, a THR.

And we would not have trouble finding surgeons here who can do this

for us.

Maybe, right now, it would be difficult to find some-one who knows

every-thing about resurfacing.

That will likely change soon, as soon as the surgery is cleared by

the FDA and all orthopedic surgeons are scrambling to learn the new

procedure.

Maybe we can wait to have any really serious complications until the

FDA approval

Best to you

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

> jlmoulton@d... 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 Matt,

I also looked at the DOMC website, there were several people who

attempted to get the decision for denial overturned, and you're

right, they didn't overturn any of them. There were only 2-3. One

surgeon said that they felt it would be too difficult to convert to a

total hip. I don't think he knew what he was talking about.

any-way, I wait. 3 weeks monday since I sent out a 2 page 'plea', if

you will, and tons of information showing how sucessful the surgery

has been, to the DOMC. I think with what I sent them, if the denial

is not overturned, some-one just isn't wanting to overturn denials. I

mean, that's how plain and straight forward the information is.

I'm glad you got your surgery. Just in time to get out there and

clean up from our latest storm (sorry now you might not have a good

excuse for not working in the yard)

Here's to a speedy recovery and a winter full of yard work

> > 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]

Hi Matt,

I also looked at the DOMC website, there were several people who

attempted to get the decision for denial overturned, and you're

right, they didn't overturn any of them. There were only 2-3. One

surgeon said that they felt it would be too difficult to convert to a

total hip. I don't think he knew what he was talking about.

any-way, I wait. 3 weeks monday since I sent out a 2 page 'plea', if

you will, and tons of information showing how sucessful the surgery

has been, to the DOMC. I think with what I sent them, if the denial

is not overturned, some-one just isn't wanting to overturn denials. I

mean, that's how plain and straight forward the information is.

I'm glad you got your surgery. Just in time to get out there and

clean up from our latest storm (sorry now you might not have a good

excuse for not working in the yard)

Here's to a speedy recovery and a winter full of yard work

> > 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 sound like you shouldn't respect Dr Amstutz' opinion "

as " they didn't think I could find someone here to follow my care "

sounds like they are saying " don't come to us if you have any

complications " .

If you look carefully you will find someone locally to familiarize

themselves with your case, device, and condition, that can be

available " just in case... "

I have found several OS's who are interested in my hip locally. One I

found in looking for a follow up Ortho so I didn't have to travel

500+ miles to Baltimore every follow up. Another two were found while

taking my mother in for her broken knee cap she sustained in a fall,

and my son when he broke his wrist in soccer. In both cases, I asked

while the OS was done with the primary visit, if he were interested

in looking at the films of my hip. Both were very intrigued at the

prospect of learning more about the " new resurfacing " . Now I have a

very big safety net.

I don't know for sure but sometimes things coming from Dr A's office

can be quite lame. My opinion, and I'm not throwing stones, (all

Ortho's have big heads) but not all resurf is done at JRI and others

have also been quite innovative.

Besides, I assume you want to go to Belgium because of the insurance

issue in California. My challenge to JRI is why can't they have

better success with insurance offices like elsewhere? Do they care? I

would think the deep pockets of the insurance providers would be a

preferable way of collecting fees than $30 a month in installments

and eventually having it go " to collections "

Spoke my onions, Captain Amaze_O

> 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 went back and looked into the DMHC.Your right they only have 3

cases ,but when I looked through my paper work I found 4.This is the

one that talks specifically about early 80s resurfacings.It also

talks about the difficulty to revise.The ID# is EI101-000408,I'm not

sure when this case was reviewed but it clearly shows that the

current generation of resurfacings and results were not being

considered.

I do look funny out in the yard with a rake in one hand and a cane in

the other.

I hope you get the denial overturned,

Matt

> Hi Matt,

> I also looked at the DOMC website, there were several people who

> attempted to get the decision for denial overturned, and you're

> right, they didn't overturn any of them. There were only 2-3. One

> surgeon said that they felt it would be too difficult to convert to

a

> total hip. I don't think he knew what he was talking about.

> any-way, I wait. 3 weeks monday since I sent out a 2 page 'plea',

if

> you will, and tons of information showing how sucessful the surgery

> has been, to the DOMC. I think with what I sent them, if the denial

> is not overturned, some-one just isn't wanting to overturn denials.

I

> mean, that's how plain and straight forward the information is.

> I'm glad you got your surgery. Just in time to get out there and

> clean up from our latest storm (sorry now you might not have a good

> excuse for not working in the yard)

> Here's to a speedy recovery and a winter full of yard work

>

>

> > >

[Guest guest]

I went back and looked into the DMHC.Your right they only have 3

cases ,but when I looked through my paper work I found 4.This is the

one that talks specifically about early 80s resurfacings.It also

talks about the difficulty to revise.The ID# is EI101-000408,I'm not

sure when this case was reviewed but it clearly shows that the

current generation of resurfacings and results were not being

considered.

I do look funny out in the yard with a rake in one hand and a cane in

the other.

I hope you get the denial overturned,

Matt

> Hi Matt,

> I also looked at the DOMC website, there were several people who

> attempted to get the decision for denial overturned, and you're

> right, they didn't overturn any of them. There were only 2-3. One

> surgeon said that they felt it would be too difficult to convert to

a

> total hip. I don't think he knew what he was talking about.

> any-way, I wait. 3 weeks monday since I sent out a 2 page 'plea',

if

> you will, and tons of information showing how sucessful the surgery

> has been, to the DOMC. I think with what I sent them, if the denial

> is not overturned, some-one just isn't wanting to overturn denials.

I

> mean, that's how plain and straight forward the information is.

> I'm glad you got your surgery. Just in time to get out there and

> clean up from our latest storm (sorry now you might not have a good

> excuse for not working in the yard)

> Here's to a speedy recovery and a winter full of yard work

>

>

> > >

[Guest guest]

Cap

It's possible they want full payment even if it takes 30 years to get

it.I haven't got a copy of my bill from my insurance company yet but

if the pre-op bills are any indication they only pay about 50% of the

billed amount.This is just a theory.One other thing about JRI is that

it's part of a childrens hospital so they may not have the resources

that other locations have.I agree with you about orthos and big

heads.The doc who told me about resurfacing,in passing,expressed no

interest in doing my follow up.I find this really odd since he

mentioned it in speach about waiting for better technology.I got the

impression that if he does'nt perform the surgery he could careless

about the outcome.

Matt

> > 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]

Cap

It's possible they want full payment even if it takes 30 years to get

it.I haven't got a copy of my bill from my insurance company yet but

if the pre-op bills are any indication they only pay about 50% of the

billed amount.This is just a theory.One other thing about JRI is that

it's part of a childrens hospital so they may not have the resources

that other locations have.I agree with you about orthos and big

heads.The doc who told me about resurfacing,in passing,expressed no

interest in doing my follow up.I find this really odd since he

mentioned it in speach about waiting for better technology.I got the

impression that if he does'nt perform the surgery he could careless

about the outcome.

Matt

> > 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]

captain,

I think my first reaction to the e-mail from JRI was panic. After

all, They are in the business and their information should be

accurate.

After thinking about it, I don't believe I would have any trouble

finding good care should problems arise.

Most physicians are interested in helping others and I can't see

being turned away.

In my last several yrs of 'ortho hopping' I have run across many

caring and eager to help orthopedic surgeons. I haven't found any

unwilling to help me. In fact, you mention the interest of the

surgeon who saw your x-rays. I would think that would be a more

common response.

I don't worry about follow-up any-more. Several hippies, like

yourself, have posted that they had no problem with post op care, and

I shouldn't either.

Thanks for your post and your encouragement

> > 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]

captain,

I think my first reaction to the e-mail from JRI was panic. After

all, They are in the business and their information should be

accurate.

After thinking about it, I don't believe I would have any trouble

finding good care should problems arise.

Most physicians are interested in helping others and I can't see

being turned away.

In my last several yrs of 'ortho hopping' I have run across many

caring and eager to help orthopedic surgeons. I haven't found any

unwilling to help me. In fact, you mention the interest of the

surgeon who saw your x-rays. I would think that would be a more

common response.

I don't worry about follow-up any-more. Several hippies, like

yourself, have posted that they had no problem with post op care, and

I shouldn't either.

Thanks for your post and your encouragement

> > 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]

captain,

I think my first reaction to the e-mail from JRI was panic. After

all, They are in the business and their information should be

accurate.

After thinking about it, I don't believe I would have any trouble

finding good care should problems arise.

Most physicians are interested in helping others and I can't see

being turned away.

In my last several yrs of 'ortho hopping' I have run across many

caring and eager to help orthopedic surgeons. I haven't found any

unwilling to help me. In fact, you mention the interest of the

surgeon who saw your x-rays. I would think that would be a more

common response.

I don't worry about follow-up any-more. Several hippies, like

yourself, have posted that they had no problem with post op care, and

I shouldn't either.

Thanks for your post and your encouragement

> > 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.

> >