Re: Still on the Fence Looking for another opinion

[Guest guest]

If you've spoken with Dr. Mont and Dr. De Smet and you call one unorganized

and liken the other to a car salesman, then friend, without being too

caustic to you.....you sound like someone who just isn't ready for this

procedure.

The reason not to wait too long is because this is a progressively

degenerative disease. It doesn't get better. If you wait too long you may

no longer be a viable candidate.

You can shop around all you like, but you won't find 2 finer surgeons then

Dr's Mont and De Smet.

Lois

C+ 3/2/7/03 Dr. Mont

Still on the Fence Looking for another opinion

I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

time.

I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding it

really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such bad

first impression on me.

I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He seemed

to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like a

car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States or

even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

it all out for me.

[Guest guest]

If you've spoken with Dr. Mont and Dr. De Smet and you call one unorganized

and liken the other to a car salesman, then friend, without being too

caustic to you.....you sound like someone who just isn't ready for this

procedure.

The reason not to wait too long is because this is a progressively

degenerative disease. It doesn't get better. If you wait too long you may

no longer be a viable candidate.

You can shop around all you like, but you won't find 2 finer surgeons then

Dr's Mont and De Smet.

Lois

C+ 3/2/7/03 Dr. Mont

Still on the Fence Looking for another opinion

I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

time.

I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding it

really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such bad

first impression on me.

I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He seemed

to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like a

car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States or

even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

it all out for me.

[Guest guest]

> At this point I think I need

> to personally visit with someone that will take more time with me and

> explain things in detail. I'm not jumping into this without thinking

> about what could go wrong this time. Thats is the only reason that I

> want a third opinion. I hope I have not offended anyone on the board

> nor Dr. Mont or Dr. De Smet. That was not my intention of this post.

> Again I would like to find a doctor in my area that I could within a

> reasonable distance travel to. A doctor that is good with initial

> consulting and familar with resurfacing would be great for me.

You said you live in California, right?

Dr. Amstutz at JRI (LA Orthopaedic Hospital) has done more

resurfacings than anyone else in the US. I've spoken with him at

length on several occasions about my case and he seems like a really

thoughtful, thorough, and methodical guy. It sounds to me like that's

what you're looking for to get a third opinion.

Steve

[Guest guest]

> At this point I think I need

> to personally visit with someone that will take more time with me and

> explain things in detail. I'm not jumping into this without thinking

> about what could go wrong this time. Thats is the only reason that I

> want a third opinion. I hope I have not offended anyone on the board

> nor Dr. Mont or Dr. De Smet. That was not my intention of this post.

> Again I would like to find a doctor in my area that I could within a

> reasonable distance travel to. A doctor that is good with initial

> consulting and familar with resurfacing would be great for me.

You said you live in California, right?

Dr. Amstutz at JRI (LA Orthopaedic Hospital) has done more

resurfacings than anyone else in the US. I've spoken with him at

length on several occasions about my case and he seems like a really

thoughtful, thorough, and methodical guy. It sounds to me like that's

what you're looking for to get a third opinion.

Steve

[Guest guest]

I tend to second 's prior advice. I also had AVN and it wasn't getting

any better. I was diagnosed in 1997 and was resurfaced in 2003 by Dr. Gross.

Prior to that time, I didn't have 'annual' xray, I went more frequently to

check the deterioration which albeit, was slow, but was definitely there...and

had begun to develop bone spurs which can also hinder resurfacing.

If you definitely have AVN and you definitely are looking at resurfacing, I

would probably pick up the pace and get to a surgeon you are comfortable with

and begin the process.

I don't want to sound alarming, but I also don't want you to get past the

point where resurfacing is not an option for you anymore and you're looking at

THR.

As for my surgery, it was July 2003, took a few months to recover and I have

never looked back. Doing absolutely great.

Dr. G 7/2003

[Guest guest]

I tend to second 's prior advice. I also had AVN and it wasn't getting

any better. I was diagnosed in 1997 and was resurfaced in 2003 by Dr. Gross.

Prior to that time, I didn't have 'annual' xray, I went more frequently to

check the deterioration which albeit, was slow, but was definitely there...and

had begun to develop bone spurs which can also hinder resurfacing.

If you definitely have AVN and you definitely are looking at resurfacing, I

would probably pick up the pace and get to a surgeon you are comfortable with

and begin the process.

I don't want to sound alarming, but I also don't want you to get past the

point where resurfacing is not an option for you anymore and you're looking at

THR.

As for my surgery, it was July 2003, took a few months to recover and I have

never looked back. Doing absolutely great.

Dr. G 7/2003

[Guest guest]

I tend to second 's prior advice. I also had AVN and it wasn't getting

any better. I was diagnosed in 1997 and was resurfaced in 2003 by Dr. Gross.

Prior to that time, I didn't have 'annual' xray, I went more frequently to

check the deterioration which albeit, was slow, but was definitely there...and

had begun to develop bone spurs which can also hinder resurfacing.

If you definitely have AVN and you definitely are looking at resurfacing, I

would probably pick up the pace and get to a surgeon you are comfortable with

and begin the process.

I don't want to sound alarming, but I also don't want you to get past the

point where resurfacing is not an option for you anymore and you're looking at

THR.

As for my surgery, it was July 2003, took a few months to recover and I have

never looked back. Doing absolutely great.

Dr. G 7/2003

[Guest guest]

Of course it is wise to be wary of doctors (or anyone for that matter)

because there are some that are just not very good. One needs to use

caution. I understand your terror. I too was extremely frightened of

surgery. However, by time I had this surgery I was in so much pain I would

have jumped on the gurney. (Pray you never get to that stage...) I'm

not clear how the cortisone in your foot affected your hip....are you sure

the OA in your hip is related? Could it be a separate issue?

I believe someone recommended Dr. Amstutz in LA. There are also a few

others who work at the same hospital. Dr. A is one of the founding fathers

of this surgery....he'd be excellent to talk with.

Best of luck to you. Keep on posting. Don't be discouraged....we're here

to help.

Lois C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont

Still on the Fence Looking for another

opinion

>

>

> I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> time.

> I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

it

> really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

bad

> first impression on me.

> I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He seemed

> to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

a

> car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States or

> even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> it all out for me.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Of course it is wise to be wary of doctors (or anyone for that matter)

because there are some that are just not very good. One needs to use

caution. I understand your terror. I too was extremely frightened of

surgery. However, by time I had this surgery I was in so much pain I would

have jumped on the gurney. (Pray you never get to that stage...) I'm

not clear how the cortisone in your foot affected your hip....are you sure

the OA in your hip is related? Could it be a separate issue?

I believe someone recommended Dr. Amstutz in LA. There are also a few

others who work at the same hospital. Dr. A is one of the founding fathers

of this surgery....he'd be excellent to talk with.

Best of luck to you. Keep on posting. Don't be discouraged....we're here

to help.

Lois C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont

Still on the Fence Looking for another

opinion

>

>

> I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> time.

> I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

it

> really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

bad

> first impression on me.

> I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He seemed

> to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

a

> car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States or

> even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> it all out for me.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Of course it is wise to be wary of doctors (or anyone for that matter)

because there are some that are just not very good. One needs to use

caution. I understand your terror. I too was extremely frightened of

surgery. However, by time I had this surgery I was in so much pain I would

have jumped on the gurney. (Pray you never get to that stage...) I'm

not clear how the cortisone in your foot affected your hip....are you sure

the OA in your hip is related? Could it be a separate issue?

I believe someone recommended Dr. Amstutz in LA. There are also a few

others who work at the same hospital. Dr. A is one of the founding fathers

of this surgery....he'd be excellent to talk with.

Best of luck to you. Keep on posting. Don't be discouraged....we're here

to help.

Lois C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont

Still on the Fence Looking for another

opinion

>

>

> I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> time.

> I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

it

> really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

bad

> first impression on me.

> I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He seemed

> to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

a

> car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States or

> even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> it all out for me.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Another good doctor to speak with is Dr. Gross in Columbia, SC. After

looking at xrays you send to him, he personally calls you back to

discuss whether or not he thinks you are a good candidate or not.

Also, is staff is extraordinarily wonderful.

Gross 6/12/03

RHR C2K

Back out on the tennis courts again!!

[Guest guest]

Another good doctor to speak with is Dr. Gross in Columbia, SC. After

looking at xrays you send to him, he personally calls you back to

discuss whether or not he thinks you are a good candidate or not.

Also, is staff is extraordinarily wonderful.

Gross 6/12/03

RHR C2K

Back out on the tennis courts again!!

[Guest guest]

Another good doctor to speak with is Dr. Gross in Columbia, SC. After

looking at xrays you send to him, he personally calls you back to

discuss whether or not he thinks you are a good candidate or not.

Also, is staff is extraordinarily wonderful.

Gross 6/12/03

RHR C2K

Back out on the tennis courts again!!

[Guest guest]

I understand you wanting to be cautious, but please consider that you

have AVN. This can seriously degrade the bone quality of your

femoral head over time and could make a resurf impossible. If this

happened then you would have to go with a THR.

I had my right hip done by De Smet in March 2002. It was discovered

that I had fairly bad AVN, but I was still a candidate for a BHR. In

my case, it is likely the AVN was brought on by oral prednisone I had

to take for asthma/bronchitis. I'd also had two cortisone shots into

the hip (which could have been a factor).

I don't believe Koen De Smet is the type of doctor who would tell you

that your case is urgent if it was not. I would take his advice

seriously.

Schiller

RBHR 3/12/02 De Smet

- In surfacehippy , " dball63 " wrote:

> I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> time.

> I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

it

> really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

bad

> first impression on me.

> I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He

seemed

> to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

a

> car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States

or

> even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> it all out for me.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I understand you wanting to be cautious, but please consider that you

have AVN. This can seriously degrade the bone quality of your

femoral head over time and could make a resurf impossible. If this

happened then you would have to go with a THR.

I had my right hip done by De Smet in March 2002. It was discovered

that I had fairly bad AVN, but I was still a candidate for a BHR. In

my case, it is likely the AVN was brought on by oral prednisone I had

to take for asthma/bronchitis. I'd also had two cortisone shots into

the hip (which could have been a factor).

I don't believe Koen De Smet is the type of doctor who would tell you

that your case is urgent if it was not. I would take his advice

seriously.

Schiller

RBHR 3/12/02 De Smet

- In surfacehippy , " dball63 " wrote:

> I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> time.

> I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

it

> really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

bad

> first impression on me.

> I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He

seemed

> to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

a

> car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States

or

> even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> it all out for me.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I understand you wanting to be cautious, but please consider that you

have AVN. This can seriously degrade the bone quality of your

femoral head over time and could make a resurf impossible. If this

happened then you would have to go with a THR.

I had my right hip done by De Smet in March 2002. It was discovered

that I had fairly bad AVN, but I was still a candidate for a BHR. In

my case, it is likely the AVN was brought on by oral prednisone I had

to take for asthma/bronchitis. I'd also had two cortisone shots into

the hip (which could have been a factor).

I don't believe Koen De Smet is the type of doctor who would tell you

that your case is urgent if it was not. I would take his advice

seriously.

Schiller

RBHR 3/12/02 De Smet

- In surfacehippy , " dball63 " wrote:

> I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> time.

> I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

it

> really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

bad

> first impression on me.

> I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He

seemed

> to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

a

> car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States

or

> even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> it all out for me.

>

>

[Guest guest]

--Let me paint you a picture of Dr Mont...

In mid October, I was at the stage where I had seen all the OS I

needed to see to get the message that I had to replace that left hip.

I mailed Dr Mont's office my xrays and called in a few days to make

sure he'd gotten them. I could tell right away, this guy is busy! I

decided to wait until Monday, ten days after I'd sent the films off,

to call back again.

Dr Mont called me on Sunday, we talked at length. He told me my

chances (95%) and told me I was an excellent candidate. He was not

pushing me, he said he did THR's and would just as easily do one on

me as to do the resurf. He said it was my choice. He told me I could

schedule a consult, on a Friday and stay the weekend and do the

surgery on Monday. He was to the point.

I knew I needed something done and so Monday I called and scheduled

surgery...five weeks hence. That's when the problems began.

I tried to talk to the same person everytime. That didn't always

work, but...

First thing went wrong was my " hip book " didn't come and it didn't

come. My pre op forms with it. It actually never arrived. Everytime I

called I got lame answers.

This was post 9/11 and the farce of the Anthrax in the mail really

slowed things down. I finally got them to fax the pre op stuff so I

could get things done before surgery. What surgery? There would be no

surgery without the pre op. I was not feeling assured.

I was, however, feeling good insurance-wise. had " my I's

dotted and my T's crossed " I knew I was covered.

Surgery morning came and I was so well taken care of that my check in

was done and I was in TEDS and a gown before I knew it. But I had

expected a visit from Dr Mont in the prep room beforehand. He wasn't

there. (Found out later, he had a difficult case just before my

surgery. My wife had seen him outside just before my surgery with an

assistant, seriously talking.) The guy was obviously taking care of

necessary business. He had support crew that could hold my hand.

As it were, just as I got into surgery and was still conscious, he

came in, appologized and asked me if I was OK and if I still had to

know anything. Heck I was ready for some relief.

Surgery, recovery, everything else went great! Food was very good. I

think I'd have paid money for those meals. (Guess I did) Mont visited

me several times in my room and each time, he got a phone call. But I

got discharged and went home.

He called me several times there to see how I was that first six

weeks. Heck, he's called me several times since my one year check up.

But my first six week visit back to Baltimore the office was busy. He

was busy. Other people, all white coats, were constantly crowding

around him. I was waiting from 9 till 11:30 for him to come see me.

They knew I didn't have to hurry to catch a plane. I drove there. But

finally he came in. Plunked himself into a chair and said, " Sir, I

applologize, I owe you some time. " We had a great chat. He devoted

every moment to my concerns, successes, hopes and fears of this new

hip I had. I had his undivided attention. When all my questions were

answered, of he went...a man possessed, a river for his people. Like

he had blinders on and was totally focussed as I watched him head for

his next patient. Somehow, our visit seemed worth the wait.

By the way, I never had to wait that long on subsequent appointments.

I guess what I'm saying is his office staff is to be endured but the

good doctor is 100% yours when you need him most.

And that's the important thing for me.

Gottago, Keepyerchinnup,

Captain Amaze_O (Mont, C+, 12-17-01)

> I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> time.

> I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

it

> really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

bad

> first impression on me.

> I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He

seemed

> to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

a

> car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States

or

> even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> it all out for me.

>

>

[Guest guest]

--Let me paint you a picture of Dr Mont...

In mid October, I was at the stage where I had seen all the OS I

needed to see to get the message that I had to replace that left hip.

I mailed Dr Mont's office my xrays and called in a few days to make

sure he'd gotten them. I could tell right away, this guy is busy! I

decided to wait until Monday, ten days after I'd sent the films off,

to call back again.

Dr Mont called me on Sunday, we talked at length. He told me my

chances (95%) and told me I was an excellent candidate. He was not

pushing me, he said he did THR's and would just as easily do one on

me as to do the resurf. He said it was my choice. He told me I could

schedule a consult, on a Friday and stay the weekend and do the

surgery on Monday. He was to the point.

I knew I needed something done and so Monday I called and scheduled

surgery...five weeks hence. That's when the problems began.

I tried to talk to the same person everytime. That didn't always

work, but...

First thing went wrong was my " hip book " didn't come and it didn't

come. My pre op forms with it. It actually never arrived. Everytime I

called I got lame answers.

This was post 9/11 and the farce of the Anthrax in the mail really

slowed things down. I finally got them to fax the pre op stuff so I

could get things done before surgery. What surgery? There would be no

surgery without the pre op. I was not feeling assured.

I was, however, feeling good insurance-wise. had " my I's

dotted and my T's crossed " I knew I was covered.

Surgery morning came and I was so well taken care of that my check in

was done and I was in TEDS and a gown before I knew it. But I had

expected a visit from Dr Mont in the prep room beforehand. He wasn't

there. (Found out later, he had a difficult case just before my

surgery. My wife had seen him outside just before my surgery with an

assistant, seriously talking.) The guy was obviously taking care of

necessary business. He had support crew that could hold my hand.

As it were, just as I got into surgery and was still conscious, he

came in, appologized and asked me if I was OK and if I still had to

know anything. Heck I was ready for some relief.

Surgery, recovery, everything else went great! Food was very good. I

think I'd have paid money for those meals. (Guess I did) Mont visited

me several times in my room and each time, he got a phone call. But I

got discharged and went home.

He called me several times there to see how I was that first six

weeks. Heck, he's called me several times since my one year check up.

But my first six week visit back to Baltimore the office was busy. He

was busy. Other people, all white coats, were constantly crowding

around him. I was waiting from 9 till 11:30 for him to come see me.

They knew I didn't have to hurry to catch a plane. I drove there. But

finally he came in. Plunked himself into a chair and said, " Sir, I

applologize, I owe you some time. " We had a great chat. He devoted

every moment to my concerns, successes, hopes and fears of this new

hip I had. I had his undivided attention. When all my questions were

answered, of he went...a man possessed, a river for his people. Like

he had blinders on and was totally focussed as I watched him head for

his next patient. Somehow, our visit seemed worth the wait.

By the way, I never had to wait that long on subsequent appointments.

I guess what I'm saying is his office staff is to be endured but the

good doctor is 100% yours when you need him most.

And that's the important thing for me.

Gottago, Keepyerchinnup,

Captain Amaze_O (Mont, C+, 12-17-01)

> I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> time.

> I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

it

> really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

bad

> first impression on me.

> I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He

seemed

> to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

a

> car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States

or

> even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> it all out for me.

>

>

[Guest guest]

--Let me paint you a picture of Dr Mont...

In mid October, I was at the stage where I had seen all the OS I

needed to see to get the message that I had to replace that left hip.

I mailed Dr Mont's office my xrays and called in a few days to make

sure he'd gotten them. I could tell right away, this guy is busy! I

decided to wait until Monday, ten days after I'd sent the films off,

to call back again.

Dr Mont called me on Sunday, we talked at length. He told me my

chances (95%) and told me I was an excellent candidate. He was not

pushing me, he said he did THR's and would just as easily do one on

me as to do the resurf. He said it was my choice. He told me I could

schedule a consult, on a Friday and stay the weekend and do the

surgery on Monday. He was to the point.

I knew I needed something done and so Monday I called and scheduled

surgery...five weeks hence. That's when the problems began.

I tried to talk to the same person everytime. That didn't always

work, but...

First thing went wrong was my " hip book " didn't come and it didn't

come. My pre op forms with it. It actually never arrived. Everytime I

called I got lame answers.

This was post 9/11 and the farce of the Anthrax in the mail really

slowed things down. I finally got them to fax the pre op stuff so I

could get things done before surgery. What surgery? There would be no

surgery without the pre op. I was not feeling assured.

I was, however, feeling good insurance-wise. had " my I's

dotted and my T's crossed " I knew I was covered.

Surgery morning came and I was so well taken care of that my check in

was done and I was in TEDS and a gown before I knew it. But I had

expected a visit from Dr Mont in the prep room beforehand. He wasn't

there. (Found out later, he had a difficult case just before my

surgery. My wife had seen him outside just before my surgery with an

assistant, seriously talking.) The guy was obviously taking care of

necessary business. He had support crew that could hold my hand.

As it were, just as I got into surgery and was still conscious, he

came in, appologized and asked me if I was OK and if I still had to

know anything. Heck I was ready for some relief.

Surgery, recovery, everything else went great! Food was very good. I

think I'd have paid money for those meals. (Guess I did) Mont visited

me several times in my room and each time, he got a phone call. But I

got discharged and went home.

He called me several times there to see how I was that first six

weeks. Heck, he's called me several times since my one year check up.

But my first six week visit back to Baltimore the office was busy. He

was busy. Other people, all white coats, were constantly crowding

around him. I was waiting from 9 till 11:30 for him to come see me.

They knew I didn't have to hurry to catch a plane. I drove there. But

finally he came in. Plunked himself into a chair and said, " Sir, I

applologize, I owe you some time. " We had a great chat. He devoted

every moment to my concerns, successes, hopes and fears of this new

hip I had. I had his undivided attention. When all my questions were

answered, of he went...a man possessed, a river for his people. Like

he had blinders on and was totally focussed as I watched him head for

his next patient. Somehow, our visit seemed worth the wait.

By the way, I never had to wait that long on subsequent appointments.

I guess what I'm saying is his office staff is to be endured but the

good doctor is 100% yours when you need him most.

And that's the important thing for me.

Gottago, Keepyerchinnup,

Captain Amaze_O (Mont, C+, 12-17-01)

> I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> time.

> I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

it

> really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

bad

> first impression on me.

> I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He

seemed

> to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

a

> car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States

or

> even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> it all out for me.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Cap'n:

Allow me to add my $0.02 worth.

I like Dr. Mont and I have tremendous respect for him but . . .

When left, they didn't fill her position for quite a

while (almost a year?) and it definitely caused serious problems.

They no longer had anyone experienced to deal with the insurance

issues. It appeared to me that the rest of his staff was trying to

make up the slack. I understand they are busy but I don't think there

is any excuse for not returning phone calls week after week.

My opinion is that things have gotten worse over the last 18 months.

> > I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> > 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> > getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> > time.

> > I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> > with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

> it

> > really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

> bad

> > first impression on me.

> > I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He

> seemed

> > to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> > That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

> a

> > car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> > need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> > another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> > someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States

> or

> > even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> > it all out for me.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Cap'n:

Allow me to add my $0.02 worth.

I like Dr. Mont and I have tremendous respect for him but . . .

When left, they didn't fill her position for quite a

while (almost a year?) and it definitely caused serious problems.

They no longer had anyone experienced to deal with the insurance

issues. It appeared to me that the rest of his staff was trying to

make up the slack. I understand they are busy but I don't think there

is any excuse for not returning phone calls week after week.

My opinion is that things have gotten worse over the last 18 months.

> > I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> > 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> > getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> > time.

> > I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> > with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

> it

> > really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

> bad

> > first impression on me.

> > I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He

> seemed

> > to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> > That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

> a

> > car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> > need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> > another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> > someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States

> or

> > even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> > it all out for me.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Cap'n:

Allow me to add my $0.02 worth.

I like Dr. Mont and I have tremendous respect for him but . . .

When left, they didn't fill her position for quite a

while (almost a year?) and it definitely caused serious problems.

They no longer had anyone experienced to deal with the insurance

issues. It appeared to me that the rest of his staff was trying to

make up the slack. I understand they are busy but I don't think there

is any excuse for not returning phone calls week after week.

My opinion is that things have gotten worse over the last 18 months.

> > I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> > 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> > getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> > time.

> > I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> > with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

> it

> > really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

> bad

> > first impression on me.

> > I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He

> seemed

> > to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> > That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

> a

> > car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> > need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> > another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> > someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States

> or

> > even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> > it all out for me.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all of the great advice. This board is the best. So much

care goes on here.

My problem with going forward with the sugery has been that I'm not

in much pain. I don't feel as though my condition has changed much

since my AVN diagnosis in 1996. The doctors that I have sent my xrays

say I need to hurry to get out of pain and I say to myself, " What

pain " . I just walked 27 holes of golf last weekend and still feel

fine. That is why I am so hesitant with proceeding. Thats how I got

in this mess in the first place......trying to ease some pain I had

in my foot years ago. Now I've got a bad foot still and a bad hip to

go with it. I just can't bring myself to let a doctor make another

bad decision that I'll have to live with again. This podaitrist was

suppossed to be a well respected podiatrist in the area too.

I can see why all of you push to get the procedure done when you are

in pain and you can't sit or stand without discomfort. Can you see my

problem?

Maybe I can try a trip out to see Dr. Mont in person. I'd really love

for him to be my guy.

Does anyone on the board know of someone that had the procedure done

at the advise of doctors when they werent' having much discomfort?

> I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> time.

> I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

it

> really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

bad

> first impression on me.

> I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He

seemed

> to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

a

> car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States

or

> even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> it all out for me.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all of the great advice. This board is the best. So much

care goes on here.

My problem with going forward with the sugery has been that I'm not

in much pain. I don't feel as though my condition has changed much

since my AVN diagnosis in 1996. The doctors that I have sent my xrays

say I need to hurry to get out of pain and I say to myself, " What

pain " . I just walked 27 holes of golf last weekend and still feel

fine. That is why I am so hesitant with proceeding. Thats how I got

in this mess in the first place......trying to ease some pain I had

in my foot years ago. Now I've got a bad foot still and a bad hip to

go with it. I just can't bring myself to let a doctor make another

bad decision that I'll have to live with again. This podaitrist was

suppossed to be a well respected podiatrist in the area too.

I can see why all of you push to get the procedure done when you are

in pain and you can't sit or stand without discomfort. Can you see my

problem?

Maybe I can try a trip out to see Dr. Mont in person. I'd really love

for him to be my guy.

Does anyone on the board know of someone that had the procedure done

at the advise of doctors when they werent' having much discomfort?

> I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> time.

> I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

it

> really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

bad

> first impression on me.

> I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He

seemed

> to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

a

> car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States

or

> even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> it all out for me.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all of the great advice. This board is the best. So much

care goes on here.

My problem with going forward with the sugery has been that I'm not

in much pain. I don't feel as though my condition has changed much

since my AVN diagnosis in 1996. The doctors that I have sent my xrays

say I need to hurry to get out of pain and I say to myself, " What

pain " . I just walked 27 holes of golf last weekend and still feel

fine. That is why I am so hesitant with proceeding. Thats how I got

in this mess in the first place......trying to ease some pain I had

in my foot years ago. Now I've got a bad foot still and a bad hip to

go with it. I just can't bring myself to let a doctor make another

bad decision that I'll have to live with again. This podaitrist was

suppossed to be a well respected podiatrist in the area too.

I can see why all of you push to get the procedure done when you are

in pain and you can't sit or stand without discomfort. Can you see my

problem?

Maybe I can try a trip out to see Dr. Mont in person. I'd really love

for him to be my guy.

Does anyone on the board know of someone that had the procedure done

at the advise of doctors when they werent' having much discomfort?

> I'm still weighing my options regarding my right hip (AVN since

> 1996). As you can see I'm in no hurry to have this done soon. I'm

> getting by pretty well considering some moderate pain from time-to-

> time.

> I've sent xrays and talked with Dr. Mont and was not too thrilled

> with his staff. They seemed very unorganized to me and I'm finding

it

> really hard to put much trust in Dr. Mont when is staff made such

bad

> first impression on me.

> I also sent xrays and spoke with Koen De Smet in Blegium. He

seemed

> to think I should go ahead and do the surgery as soon as possible.

> That may have been his honest opinion but it scared me. Seemed like

a

> car salesman trying to stick me in a car today that I really don't

> need. I'm due for my yearly xrays agian an would like to consult

> another resurfacing specialist in my area if I can. Was hoping

> someone could point me in the direction of a doctor in the States

or

> even better in California that is good with consultation and laying

> it all out for me.

>

>