Re: US surgery or overseas

[Guest guest]

Dear surfacehippy members - I am a new member to your group and am very

much interested in where to go from here. I was recently diagnosed as

an immediate candidate for THR of the right hip, am 55 and up till now

very active. I like you do not want the THR restrictions or possible

need for revision and am wondering where to go from here. Is it worth

it to investigate physicians in the US willing to perform this surgery

only to find out if it goes wrong I could wake up with a THR and/or

possibly pay just as much out of pocket after insurance/higher costs

than if I'd gone directly to Dr. De Smet in the first place? Can any of

you who've had this done both in the US/Dr. De Smet get back to me with

your thoughts and an idea of what I'd pay in each scenario. Thank you

so much.

White2342003

[Guest guest]

A year ago I was exactly where you are today. Only I was 57. The

closest resurfacing option for me from Minnesota was in

Galesburg IL. In January I visited Dr. Stachniw and liked him very

much. He did tell me ( I think they tell everyone something like

this) that because of my dysplasia I might wake up from surgery

with a total hip. When I said (half kidding) " If you can't fit me,

could you wrap me up and put me on a plane overseas? " he

answered that since I was so opposed to the idea of a THR it

might be better to go overseas in the first place where there is a

dysplasia cup available. So I started looking into Belgium and a

BHR. I liked what I read about both Dr. DeSmet and the BHR and

made my arrangements. My surgery was May 13. I could not be

happier. I am pain free and have spent this Christmas season

remembering how awful it was last year trying to shop and

decorate etc compared to how much fun it has been this year!

The cost was 10500 Euros and I think it is the same now. I

submitted some of my bills to my insurance and they paid 60%

out of network. That was a surprise. I had a lot of wonderful

advice from other Belgium veterans on this board and it made

the whole experience very easy. I would be glad to email you

personally if you have any other questions. Good luck!

Ruth rbhr 5/13/03

[Guest guest]

Dear Ruth - thank you so much for the information, reassurance and offer

to email. I really appreciate it as right now I feel totally

overwhelmed. I went through denial for quite a while and am still going

back and forth about whether to continue with exercise/live with the

pain or do something. I also think my quality of life has lessened quite

a bit. I am no where near as active as I was last year at this time.

I did check into the cost and you're right it is the same - the

exchange rate may be different. Anyway, did you check with your

insurance ahead of time in order for them to pay or just submit after?

Did you have special coverage allowing you to go out of the country?

That was a nice surprise and I would hope mine would be the same - I

have Aetna PPO. Once you submitted your XR's to Dr. De Smet, and

decided to go ahead, how long did you wait for the surgery?

That is all I can think of for right now, sorry for all the questions.

Thank you again

newtl@...

Re: US surgery or overseas

A year ago I was exactly where you are today. Only I was 57. The

closest resurfacing option for me from Minnesota was in

Galesburg IL. In January I visited Dr. Stachniw and liked him very

much. He did tell me ( I think they tell everyone something like

this) that because of my dysplasia I might wake up from surgery

with a total hip. When I said (half kidding) " If you can't fit me,

could you wrap me up and put me on a plane overseas? " he

answered that since I was so opposed to the idea of a THR it

might be better to go overseas in the first place where there is a

dysplasia cup available. So I started looking into Belgium and a

BHR. I liked what I read about both Dr. DeSmet and the BHR and

made my arrangements. My surgery was May 13. I could not be

happier. I am pain free and have spent this Christmas season

remembering how awful it was last year trying to shop and

decorate etc compared to how much fun it has been this year!

The cost was 10500 Euros and I think it is the same now. I

submitted some of my bills to my insurance and they paid 60%

out of network. That was a surprise. I had a lot of wonderful

advice from other Belgium veterans on this board and it made

the whole experience very easy. I would be glad to email you

personally if you have any other questions. Good luck!

Ruth rbhr 5/13/03

[Guest guest]

I know of one case only where Dr De Smet ended up doing a THR---an older

gentleman-in his 70's- who perhaps wasn't the best candidate. Also one of

Koens first resurfacing patients. I went to De Smet because I wanted my best

shot at a BHR. At the time of my resurfacing the US manufacturers did not

supply all the sizes available for the trial. In addition- only the BHR has a

screw fixation dysplasia cup if needed. The afternoon prior to my surgery I

asked Koen whether we needed to talk about an option. He told me it was not

necessary in my case. I would get a BHR. Period Arrogant perhaps---but I

liked that statement and I trusted him. Soooo...I am looking forward to Red

Rocks for yet another climbing adventure after the New Year. Hopefully the

weather will cooperate!!

I was resurfaced in 2002 and my cost for surgeon and hospital- after refund- was

$9000.00 US funds. Quite a bargain if you ask me. Still waiting on insurance,

however have not been told " no " yet.

Good luck,

Rock climbin' Jude

LBHR De Smet 09/11/02

Re: US surgery or overseas

It can go wrong with DeSmet too. He has done THR on people who've

gone in for BHR. There are many competent surgeons in the US. They

have to just be more honest about the " possibilities " . DeSmet appears

less uncertain only because in Belgium he isn't as likely to get sued

for something. Especially by some American, who has to come back to

Belgium for court.

In the States we sue you if you drop your hat. US Dr's are constantly

on the guard for that.

Capt Amaze_O C+ Dr Mont Sinai Hospital 12-17-01

> Dear surfacehippy members - I am a new member to your group and am

very

> much interested in where to go from here. I was recently diagnosed

as

> an immediate candidate for THR of the right hip, am 55 and up till

now

> very active. I like you do not want the THR restrictions or

possible

> need for revision and am wondering where to go from here. Is it

worth

> it to investigate physicians in the US willing to perform this

surgery

> only to find out if it goes wrong I could wake up with a THR and/or

> possibly pay just as much out of pocket after insurance/higher costs

> than if I'd gone directly to Dr. De Smet in the first place? Can

any of

> you who've had this done both in the US/Dr. De Smet get back to me

with

> your thoughts and an idea of what I'd pay in each scenario. Thank

you

> so much.

>

> White2342003

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I know of one case only where Dr De Smet ended up doing a THR---an older

gentleman-in his 70's- who perhaps wasn't the best candidate. Also one of

Koens first resurfacing patients. I went to De Smet because I wanted my best

shot at a BHR. At the time of my resurfacing the US manufacturers did not

supply all the sizes available for the trial. In addition- only the BHR has a

screw fixation dysplasia cup if needed. The afternoon prior to my surgery I

asked Koen whether we needed to talk about an option. He told me it was not

necessary in my case. I would get a BHR. Period Arrogant perhaps---but I

liked that statement and I trusted him. Soooo...I am looking forward to Red

Rocks for yet another climbing adventure after the New Year. Hopefully the

weather will cooperate!!

I was resurfaced in 2002 and my cost for surgeon and hospital- after refund- was

$9000.00 US funds. Quite a bargain if you ask me. Still waiting on insurance,

however have not been told " no " yet.

Good luck,

Rock climbin' Jude

LBHR De Smet 09/11/02

Re: US surgery or overseas

It can go wrong with DeSmet too. He has done THR on people who've

gone in for BHR. There are many competent surgeons in the US. They

have to just be more honest about the " possibilities " . DeSmet appears

less uncertain only because in Belgium he isn't as likely to get sued

for something. Especially by some American, who has to come back to

Belgium for court.

In the States we sue you if you drop your hat. US Dr's are constantly

on the guard for that.

Capt Amaze_O C+ Dr Mont Sinai Hospital 12-17-01

> Dear surfacehippy members - I am a new member to your group and am

very

> much interested in where to go from here. I was recently diagnosed

as

> an immediate candidate for THR of the right hip, am 55 and up till

now

> very active. I like you do not want the THR restrictions or

possible

> need for revision and am wondering where to go from here. Is it

worth

> it to investigate physicians in the US willing to perform this

surgery

> only to find out if it goes wrong I could wake up with a THR and/or

> possibly pay just as much out of pocket after insurance/higher costs

> than if I'd gone directly to Dr. De Smet in the first place? Can

any of

> you who've had this done both in the US/Dr. De Smet get back to me

with

> your thoughts and an idea of what I'd pay in each scenario. Thank

you

> so much.

>

> White2342003

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I know of one case only where Dr De Smet ended up doing a THR---an older

gentleman-in his 70's- who perhaps wasn't the best candidate. Also one of

Koens first resurfacing patients. I went to De Smet because I wanted my best

shot at a BHR. At the time of my resurfacing the US manufacturers did not

supply all the sizes available for the trial. In addition- only the BHR has a

screw fixation dysplasia cup if needed. The afternoon prior to my surgery I

asked Koen whether we needed to talk about an option. He told me it was not

necessary in my case. I would get a BHR. Period Arrogant perhaps---but I

liked that statement and I trusted him. Soooo...I am looking forward to Red

Rocks for yet another climbing adventure after the New Year. Hopefully the

weather will cooperate!!

I was resurfaced in 2002 and my cost for surgeon and hospital- after refund- was

$9000.00 US funds. Quite a bargain if you ask me. Still waiting on insurance,

however have not been told " no " yet.

Good luck,

Rock climbin' Jude

LBHR De Smet 09/11/02

Re: US surgery or overseas

It can go wrong with DeSmet too. He has done THR on people who've

gone in for BHR. There are many competent surgeons in the US. They

have to just be more honest about the " possibilities " . DeSmet appears

less uncertain only because in Belgium he isn't as likely to get sued

for something. Especially by some American, who has to come back to

Belgium for court.

In the States we sue you if you drop your hat. US Dr's are constantly

on the guard for that.

Capt Amaze_O C+ Dr Mont Sinai Hospital 12-17-01

> Dear surfacehippy members - I am a new member to your group and am

very

> much interested in where to go from here. I was recently diagnosed

as

> an immediate candidate for THR of the right hip, am 55 and up till

now

> very active. I like you do not want the THR restrictions or

possible

> need for revision and am wondering where to go from here. Is it

worth

> it to investigate physicians in the US willing to perform this

surgery

> only to find out if it goes wrong I could wake up with a THR and/or

> possibly pay just as much out of pocket after insurance/higher costs

> than if I'd gone directly to Dr. De Smet in the first place? Can

any of

> you who've had this done both in the US/Dr. De Smet get back to me

with

> your thoughts and an idea of what I'd pay in each scenario. Thank

you

> so much.

>

> White2342003

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/14/03 1:47:58 AM Eastern Standard Time,

judy_toelle@... writes:

> I was resurfaced in 2002 and my cost for surgeon and hospital- after

> refund- was $9000.00 US funds. Quite a bargain if you ask me. Still waiting

on

> insurance, however have not been told " no " yet.

>

You mean you only paid 9000.00 Us? I will have to pay the whole things as I

have medicare and supplement which will not cover my going out of the country.

Diane

[Guest guest]

You say you wonder if you should continue to " live with the pain " .

I'll submit that you're not really living. At least I wasn't. I had the

denial thing going too. After all the pain wasn't really that bad,

was it? I could do almost everything I needed to. And an OS had

told me that I was nowhere near ready for a THR. So, when I

found out about and decided to go ahead with this procedure. I

really had to cross the bridge Looking back now, though, I see

that my life had become hell. The gradual changes I had

adjusted to had ended up limiting my activities tremendously.

How could I have thought that was OK? It's true that I was fairly

active, swimming daily and biking too. But I couldn't walk the

paths around here, yard work was painful, and all of my

movements were slow. I literally felt old and tired - slept a lot but

didn't sleep well because the hip would ache and wake me up. I

guess I actually had forgotten what " normal " was. Well, now I

know. And I can't believe the diffference. People tell me I look

years younger. Pain has a way of doing that, too. My husband

and I just returned from a 3 mile walk. I go up and down the

three flights of stairs in this house easily (I used to plot my route

carefully to avoid unnecessary steps). I no longer have to stand

in the Kmart or Target entrance deciding if I really want to go all

the way to the back to get that thing I wanted to buy. My son and

his wife were here this fall and were going to help with the

raking. I went out first and had half of it done before they got

there. My son said " Give that woman a new hip and watch out! "

Sorry I am rambling but I think you get the idea. It isn't worth

waiting.

About the insurance. I had no special coverage and said not a

word to my carrier prior to the surgery. I just wanted it over with.

Afterward, on a lark, I simply submitted the hospital bills from

Belgium along with a 1500 form that had been prepared by them

in English.

I would be happy to talk to you personally as you sort this all out.

Email my address. If you'd like to chat, I'll send you my phone

number. Good luck. Don't wait. Life is way too short to suffer

needlessly. (My mentor in this process was another !)

Ruth rbhr 5/13/03 DeSmet

[Guest guest]

Yes. Travel not included.

Jude

Re: Re: US surgery or overseas

In a message dated 12/14/03 1:47:58 AM Eastern Standard Time,

judy_toelle@... writes:

> I was resurfaced in 2002 and my cost for surgeon and hospital- after

> refund- was $9000.00 US funds. Quite a bargain if you ask me. Still waiting

on

> insurance, however have not been told " no " yet.

>

You mean you only paid 9000.00 Us? I will have to pay the whole things as I

have medicare and supplement which will not cover my going out of the country.

Diane

[Guest guest]

When the good doctor (DeSmet) first viewed my x-rays he wrote back

and told me " I think a resurfacing with you is difficult but still to

do. " The night before surgery I asked Koen if there was a chance I

would wake up with a THR and he replied " If you do...you would be the

first one " .

All is well and 5 weeks into recovery is better than I could have

ever imagined.

Hope this helps .

Alan

DeSmet RBHR 12Nov03

> > Dear surfacehippy members - I am a new member to your group and

am

> very

> > much interested in where to go from here. I was recently

diagnosed

> as

> > an immediate candidate for THR of the right hip, am 55 and up

till

> now

> > very active. I like you do not want the THR restrictions or

> possible

> > need for revision and am wondering where to go from here. Is it

> worth

> > it to investigate physicians in the US willing to perform this

> surgery

> > only to find out if it goes wrong I could wake up with a THR

and/or

> > possibly pay just as much out of pocket after insurance/higher

costs

> > than if I'd gone directly to Dr. De Smet in the first place?

Can

> any of

> > you who've had this done both in the US/Dr. De Smet get back to

me

> with

> > your thoughts and an idea of what I'd pay in each scenario.

Thank

> you

> > so much.

> >

> > White2342003

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >