Turtle Group Musing--Who has expertise in post-operative difficulties?

[Guest guest]

For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for those of

us who not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who can

be limping along months post-op with various aches and pains and

difficulties, but who none-the-less know that we'll get there in the

end. We tend to worry that we're going to put people off by writing

about our difficulties, but be rest assured that the majority on this

site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty pain-free and progress at

a steady normal pace to finding a new active life (even without managing

karate and especially bungee jumping!).

So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative

difficulties? Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing on and

off the site to each other. One thing that has become apparent is that

it is difficult to know where to go for an assessment or more complete

understanding of why we might be struggling. How interested and/or

knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should they be

more interested or is this not really their area of speciality? Is this

really more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team? When

is it appropriate to get referred to other specialists---neurologist/

spinal specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists a lot

for my difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I get a

referral? Has there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare

different in the US and Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in what

way?

Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there is a

clear path, just trial and error.

And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course, everyone's

body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when

working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I do

wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems pre-op,

surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there must be

others.

And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further down the

line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

Eleanor

[Guest guest]

FAO Eleanor

I feel like chipping in my tupence worth even though I’d probably be better

classified in the cheetah group – extremely fast healing, walking without

aides, walking without limp, no pain etc. However, I feel that the magnificent

advantages of resurfacing are, at least in Britain and in NHS cases, severely

undermined by inadequate physiotherapy. I can only speak in superlatives about

the NHS when it comes to the resurfacing operation and post-operative care while

in hospital. I can’t say the same for physiotherapy (on the NHS) as I feel

that this service is so badly run/funded/set-up that it beggars belief. In my

experience (I am based in London) it takes weeks before an appointment is made,

and then after the initial examination you get told to go home and do exercises

(which they’ve shown you once) on your own.

It is beyond me why there is such a service at all. It does nothing useful –

unless you are a self-taught physiotherapist – and the delay in starting this

programme adversely affects the body condition after a successful operation. In

my case I noticed that there are at least 3 groups of muscle & tendon tissues

that have been affected prior to, during and after the operation –

* Atrophied tissue due to under- or non-use during the onset and

development of OA

* Traumatised tissue – cut and/or stretched/disturbed during the op

* Newly inflamed tissue that gets misused after the op due to new

posture/gait/non-suppleness

I believe it is crucial that professional advice and supervision is provided

immediately upon discharge from hospital so that correct exercises are

undertaken in the appropriate manner and intensity. A lot of these exercises

require personal assistance from a third party who is, preferably, a trained

physiotherapist (for example, I still can’t grab hold of the sole of my

operated leg’s foot and I need this leverage in order to pull my leg up beyond

900; I know that some clever dick will tell me of endless alternative exercises

that will circumvent the lack of a person who could be pushing my leg in the

right way/intensity etc., but that is not the right solution, I believe). It

is, in my view, nonsensical that we are prepared to fund an operation costing

(the NHS) between £3-5,000.00 only to then mitigate its success by inadequate

post-operative rehabilitation.

I am not convinced that the physiotherapy protocols have been already updated

such that specific programmes are in place for resurfacing patients. Without

these what one gets is a modified set of exercises suitable for THR patients –

yet THR is such a different intervention using a different prosthesis and

requiring different convalescence and rehabilitation programmes.

As you can see, I feel quite strongly about this despite making superb progress

so far (today – 5 weeks and 1 day after the operation - I rode my motorbike

for the first time). I have decided to pursue my physiotherapy needs without

hindrance – I am therefore going abroad for a 3 week period to a country where

this service is superbly set and yet it is significantly cheaper than privately

funded physiotherapy in the UK.

So, if you have significant post-operative difficulties – and from memory, you

and Sunita in Canada, and some others do have them – and if you have no access

to a useful NHS physiotherapy department in your area, or if you can’t afford

to go private, you have my deepest sympathy. I hope that you have at least a

decent swimming pool nearby.

Sorry if I can’t be of more help to you. Good luck in your recovery.

Regards

Dan

* +44 (0)7974 981-407

* +44 (0)20 8501-2573

@ dan.milosevic@...

_____

From: eleanor

Sent: 24 March 2004 18:45

To: surfacehippy

Subject: Turtle Group Musing--Who has expertise in post-operative

difficulties?

For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for those of us who

not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who can be limping along

months post-op with various aches and pains and difficulties, but who

none-the-less know that we'll get there in the end. We tend to worry that

we're going to put people off by writing about our difficulties, but be rest

assured that the majority on this site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty

pain-free and progress at a steady normal pace to finding a new active life

(even without managing karate and especially bungee jumping!).

So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative difficulties?

Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing on and off the site to each

other. One thing that has become apparent is that it is difficult to know where

to go for an assessment or more complete understanding of why we might be

struggling. How interested and/or

knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should they be

more interested or is this not really their area of speciality? Is this really

more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team? When is it

appropriate to get referred to other specialists---neurologist/ spinal

specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists a lot for my

difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I get a referral? Has

there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare different in the US and

Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in what way?

Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there is a clear

path, just trial and error.

And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course, everyone's body is

different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when working through

difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I do wonder if there have been

any detailed studies about turtle problems-slow recoverers? It would be

interesting to look at the difference certain variables might make---gender,

age, problems pre-op, surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure

there must be others.

And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further down the line who

have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

Eleanor

[Guest guest]

Hi Eleanor,

I am sort of answering this twice............. a wet day in my end of the

world.........

I don't know of many documented studies done in this sort of thing re

recovery and problems......... A search of the net may yield something as it

looks like a great little topic for a physio PhD.......... Do you happen to

live anywhere near a major Uni - a visit may excite some interest in the

topic............??? Which gets me wondering whether there are problems with

it tending to be the young and fit who frequent our unis doing the sorts of

research you would be wanting to see........ It may take them a few years of

being 'physio's' before they see the problem so to speak.......... By then

they have other priorities than writing it up etc...........

When I first realised I could have my hip replaced I saw one brief study on

people like me during a search.......... it didn't have much to say other

than talk about failure rates etc......... I really didn't have much of a

clue what I would be needing to do to recover the use of my body until well

after the operation........... I was sort of told but it sounded so grim and

hopeless I didn't really want to know........... and as it has worked out I

was better not to have accepted the limitations given back then..........

i.e. people like me rarely walk again, let alone without a limp.............

Edith LBHR Dr. L Walter Syd Aust 8/02

>

> And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course, everyone's

> body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when

> working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I do

> wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

> problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

> difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems pre-op,

> surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there must be

> others.

>

> And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further down the

> line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

>

> Eleanor

[Guest guest]

Eleanor,

After reading your email about slower recovery. I thought

how significant it was to me, that the turtle group were, mainly,

women. And I remembered my father after a serious illness(pulmonary

embolism after knee surgery) He was bed ridden for months with-out

any physio. Then on crutches for months.

When he came home from the hospital, he dedicated his time

and effort to 'his' recovery. Doing his exercises religously,

spending alot of time and money down the gym. Going swimming as

often as he needed etc. All the things, that as a woman I am NOT as

able to do.

I am unable to concentrate on my own recovery(from the

accident I had)as I have to take care of my partner and two very

young children. I had to shuffle at first(sat on the floor)along on

my behind, with Lily 10months old on my lap, if she needed picking

up or settling. Putting them to bed was a nightmare for me, as was

much of my house hold duties. My partner was also severly injured

and suffuring from Post Tramatic Shock, he was eventually admitted

into a mental hospital, where I visited him almost every day, by bus

and pushing 2 toddlers up a hill in a push chair. I have been told

by my consultant and physio, to NOT carry my children on my hip or

push a heavey pushchair or the like but I find this impossible.

If I want to stop my children being put into care, then I

must work very hard to look after them.

Before I get the violin out I will get to the point. Women,

in a most homes, are still expected to dedicate themselves to their

family, do the majority of house work, child care etc. Many do this

and have professional paid job to go to aswell. When do we have time

to do exersizes two+ times a day and do what is best for OUR

recovery. Maybe this could be a factor in some of our slow

recoveries, coupled with those points that Dan made about inadequate

Physiotherepy and the fact that we are all so different.

ZOE

rant over.....

> For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for

those of

> us who not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who

can

> be limping along months post-op with various aches and pains and

> difficulties, but who none-the-less know that we'll get there in

the

> end. We tend to worry that we're going to put people off by

writing

> about our difficulties, but be rest assured that the majority on

this

> site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty pain-free and

progress at

> a steady normal pace to finding a new active life (even without

managing

> karate and especially bungee jumping!).

>

> So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative

> difficulties? Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing

on and

> off the site to each other. One thing that has become apparent is

that

> it is difficult to know where to go for an assessment or more

complete

> understanding of why we might be struggling. How interested and/or

> knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should

they be

> more interested or is this not really their area of speciality?

Is this

> really more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team?

When

> is it appropriate to get referred to other specialists---

neurologist/

> spinal specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists

a lot

> for my difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I

get a

> referral? Has there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare

> different in the US and Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in

what

> way?

>

> Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there

is a

> clear path, just trial and error.

>

> And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course,

everyone's

> body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when

> working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I

do

> wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

> problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

> difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems

pre-op,

> surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there must

be

> others.

>

> And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further

down the

> line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

>

> Eleanor

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Eleanor,

After reading your email about slower recovery. I thought

how significant it was to me, that the turtle group were, mainly,

women. And I remembered my father after a serious illness(pulmonary

embolism after knee surgery) He was bed ridden for months with-out

any physio. Then on crutches for months.

When he came home from the hospital, he dedicated his time

and effort to 'his' recovery. Doing his exercises religously,

spending alot of time and money down the gym. Going swimming as

often as he needed etc. All the things, that as a woman I am NOT as

able to do.

I am unable to concentrate on my own recovery(from the

accident I had)as I have to take care of my partner and two very

young children. I had to shuffle at first(sat on the floor)along on

my behind, with Lily 10months old on my lap, if she needed picking

up or settling. Putting them to bed was a nightmare for me, as was

much of my house hold duties. My partner was also severly injured

and suffuring from Post Tramatic Shock, he was eventually admitted

into a mental hospital, where I visited him almost every day, by bus

and pushing 2 toddlers up a hill in a push chair. I have been told

by my consultant and physio, to NOT carry my children on my hip or

push a heavey pushchair or the like but I find this impossible.

If I want to stop my children being put into care, then I

must work very hard to look after them.

Before I get the violin out I will get to the point. Women,

in a most homes, are still expected to dedicate themselves to their

family, do the majority of house work, child care etc. Many do this

and have professional paid job to go to aswell. When do we have time

to do exersizes two+ times a day and do what is best for OUR

recovery. Maybe this could be a factor in some of our slow

recoveries, coupled with those points that Dan made about inadequate

Physiotherepy and the fact that we are all so different.

ZOE

rant over.....

> For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for

those of

> us who not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who

can

> be limping along months post-op with various aches and pains and

> difficulties, but who none-the-less know that we'll get there in

the

> end. We tend to worry that we're going to put people off by

writing

> about our difficulties, but be rest assured that the majority on

this

> site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty pain-free and

progress at

> a steady normal pace to finding a new active life (even without

managing

> karate and especially bungee jumping!).

>

> So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative

> difficulties? Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing

on and

> off the site to each other. One thing that has become apparent is

that

> it is difficult to know where to go for an assessment or more

complete

> understanding of why we might be struggling. How interested and/or

> knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should

they be

> more interested or is this not really their area of speciality?

Is this

> really more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team?

When

> is it appropriate to get referred to other specialists---

neurologist/

> spinal specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists

a lot

> for my difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I

get a

> referral? Has there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare

> different in the US and Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in

what

> way?

>

> Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there

is a

> clear path, just trial and error.

>

> And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course,

everyone's

> body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when

> working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I

do

> wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

> problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

> difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems

pre-op,

> surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there must

be

> others.

>

> And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further

down the

> line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

>

> Eleanor

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Eleanor,

After reading your email about slower recovery. I thought

how significant it was to me, that the turtle group were, mainly,

women. And I remembered my father after a serious illness(pulmonary

embolism after knee surgery) He was bed ridden for months with-out

any physio. Then on crutches for months.

When he came home from the hospital, he dedicated his time

and effort to 'his' recovery. Doing his exercises religously,

spending alot of time and money down the gym. Going swimming as

often as he needed etc. All the things, that as a woman I am NOT as

able to do.

I am unable to concentrate on my own recovery(from the

accident I had)as I have to take care of my partner and two very

young children. I had to shuffle at first(sat on the floor)along on

my behind, with Lily 10months old on my lap, if she needed picking

up or settling. Putting them to bed was a nightmare for me, as was

much of my house hold duties. My partner was also severly injured

and suffuring from Post Tramatic Shock, he was eventually admitted

into a mental hospital, where I visited him almost every day, by bus

and pushing 2 toddlers up a hill in a push chair. I have been told

by my consultant and physio, to NOT carry my children on my hip or

push a heavey pushchair or the like but I find this impossible.

If I want to stop my children being put into care, then I

must work very hard to look after them.

Before I get the violin out I will get to the point. Women,

in a most homes, are still expected to dedicate themselves to their

family, do the majority of house work, child care etc. Many do this

and have professional paid job to go to aswell. When do we have time

to do exersizes two+ times a day and do what is best for OUR

recovery. Maybe this could be a factor in some of our slow

recoveries, coupled with those points that Dan made about inadequate

Physiotherepy and the fact that we are all so different.

ZOE

rant over.....

> For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for

those of

> us who not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who

can

> be limping along months post-op with various aches and pains and

> difficulties, but who none-the-less know that we'll get there in

the

> end. We tend to worry that we're going to put people off by

writing

> about our difficulties, but be rest assured that the majority on

this

> site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty pain-free and

progress at

> a steady normal pace to finding a new active life (even without

managing

> karate and especially bungee jumping!).

>

> So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative

> difficulties? Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing

on and

> off the site to each other. One thing that has become apparent is

that

> it is difficult to know where to go for an assessment or more

complete

> understanding of why we might be struggling. How interested and/or

> knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should

they be

> more interested or is this not really their area of speciality?

Is this

> really more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team?

When

> is it appropriate to get referred to other specialists---

neurologist/

> spinal specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists

a lot

> for my difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I

get a

> referral? Has there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare

> different in the US and Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in

what

> way?

>

> Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there

is a

> clear path, just trial and error.

>

> And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course,

everyone's

> body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when

> working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I

do

> wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

> problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

> difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems

pre-op,

> surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there must

be

> others.

>

> And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further

down the

> line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

>

> Eleanor

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Zoe,

When I finished your mail, I felt like applauding, and had tears in my

eyes.

This needs to be said. (Except that you probably don't have time to

read, Carole Shield's book called 'Unless' contains similar rants that I

know would hit home base with you.) You should send this mail to the

Guardian. Seriously.

In the 'olden days' when I worked as a social worker and we worked

generically, had local community teams and home help departments, in

some areas, and depending on who your social worker was, families in

your situation would get a daily home help (perhaps twice daily at

getting children up and putting to bed time, for example) and a social

work assistant for emotional support and practical help. Now, with all

the cut backs, this is rarely available although might be? Somewhere?

Was just wondering if you had tried your local social services who are

supposed to, by law, do needs assessments of clients AND their partners.

For physical disability this usually means older people, and so

departments geared to younger people and children are often not up on

home care availability and need prodding on their duties, especially if

the social workers, or 'care managers' as some departments insist on

calling their workers, are not very experienced and are overworked.

Advocates (supplied by the county) can help if this is the case. There

is also a good volunteer organisation is some areas called 'Home Start'

that can give a lot of support.

Keep ranting. And pushing. (Although not push chairs up hills, if

possible.)

Eleanor

Re: Turtle Group Musing--Who has expertise in

post-operative difficulties?

Eleanor,

After reading your email about slower recovery. I thought

how significant it was to me, that the turtle group were, mainly,

women. And I remembered my father after a serious illness(pulmonary

embolism after knee surgery) He was bed ridden for months with-out

any physio. Then on crutches for months.

When he came home from the hospital, he dedicated his time

and effort to 'his' recovery. Doing his exercises religously,

spending alot of time and money down the gym. Going swimming as

often as he needed etc. All the things, that as a woman I am NOT as

able to do.

I am unable to concentrate on my own recovery(from the

accident I had)as I have to take care of my partner and two very

young children. I had to shuffle at first(sat on the floor)along on

my behind, with Lily 10months old on my lap, if she needed picking

up or settling. Putting them to bed was a nightmare for me, as was

much of my house hold duties. My partner was also severly injured

and suffuring from Post Tramatic Shock, he was eventually admitted

into a mental hospital, where I visited him almost every day, by bus

and pushing 2 toddlers up a hill in a push chair. I have been told

by my consultant and physio, to NOT carry my children on my hip or

push a heavey pushchair or the like but I find this impossible.

If I want to stop my children being put into care, then I

must work very hard to look after them.

Before I get the violin out I will get to the point. Women,

in a most homes, are still expected to dedicate themselves to their

family, do the majority of house work, child care etc. Many do this

and have professional paid job to go to aswell. When do we have time

to do exersizes two+ times a day and do what is best for OUR

recovery. Maybe this could be a factor in some of our slow

recoveries, coupled with those points that Dan made about inadequate

Physiotherepy and the fact that we are all so different.

ZOE

rant over.....

> For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for

those of

> us who not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who

can

> be limping along months post-op with various aches and pains and

> difficulties, but who none-the-less know that we'll get there in

the

> end. We tend to worry that we're going to put people off by

writing

> about our difficulties, but be rest assured that the majority on

this

> site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty pain-free and

progress at

> a steady normal pace to finding a new active life (even without

managing

> karate and especially bungee jumping!).

>

> So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative

> difficulties? Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing

on and

> off the site to each other. One thing that has become apparent is

that

> it is difficult to know where to go for an assessment or more

complete

> understanding of why we might be struggling. How interested and/or

> knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should

they be

> more interested or is this not really their area of speciality?

Is this

> really more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team?

When

> is it appropriate to get referred to other specialists---

neurologist/

> spinal specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists

a lot

> for my difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I

get a

> referral? Has there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare

> different in the US and Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in

what

> way?

>

> Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there

is a

> clear path, just trial and error.

>

> And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course,

everyone's

> body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when

> working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I

do

> wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

> problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

> difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems

pre-op,

> surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there must

be

> others.

>

> And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further

down the

> line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

>

> Eleanor

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Dan and Edith and Zoe,

Such excellent and thought-provoking replies. Many many thanks. Must

run (waddle!) off to work now, but do think there could be possibilities

of encouraging some new developments here. Will show these postings to

my physiotherapist who I think will be most interested.

ine---Am aware that you are still in the midst of very new rehab,

but was wondering about the physiotherapy department in Birmingham where

this all started and what they would say on this issue? Have they been

able to develop expertise on this area as have their great surgeons? If

you are going there (which you may not be, as it is quite a distance

away), would be curious what they have to say.

Eleanor

Skinner Nov./04

Ps Just curious, Dan, where did you have your op in London?

Turtle Group Musing--Who has expertise in

post-operative difficulties?

For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for those of

us who not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who can

be limping along months post-op with various aches and pains and

difficulties, but who none-the-less know that we'll get there in the

end. We tend to worry that we're going to put people off by writing

about our difficulties, but be rest assured that the majority on this

site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty pain-free and progress at

a steady normal pace to finding a new active life (even without managing

karate and especially bungee jumping!).

So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative

difficulties? Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing on and

off the site to each other. One thing that has become apparent is that

it is difficult to know where to go for an assessment or more complete

understanding of why we might be struggling. How interested and/or

knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should they be

more interested or is this not really their area of speciality? Is this

really more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team? When

is it appropriate to get referred to other specialists---neurologist/

spinal specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists a lot

for my difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I get a

referral? Has there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare

different in the US and Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in what

way?

Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there is a

clear path, just trial and error.

And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course, everyone's

body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when

working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I do

wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems pre-op,

surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there must be

others.

And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further down the

line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

Eleanor

[Guest guest]

Dear Dan and Edith and Zoe,

Such excellent and thought-provoking replies. Many many thanks. Must

run (waddle!) off to work now, but do think there could be possibilities

of encouraging some new developments here. Will show these postings to

my physiotherapist who I think will be most interested.

ine---Am aware that you are still in the midst of very new rehab,

but was wondering about the physiotherapy department in Birmingham where

this all started and what they would say on this issue? Have they been

able to develop expertise on this area as have their great surgeons? If

you are going there (which you may not be, as it is quite a distance

away), would be curious what they have to say.

Eleanor

Skinner Nov./04

Ps Just curious, Dan, where did you have your op in London?

Turtle Group Musing--Who has expertise in

post-operative difficulties?

For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for those of

us who not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who can

be limping along months post-op with various aches and pains and

difficulties, but who none-the-less know that we'll get there in the

end. We tend to worry that we're going to put people off by writing

about our difficulties, but be rest assured that the majority on this

site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty pain-free and progress at

a steady normal pace to finding a new active life (even without managing

karate and especially bungee jumping!).

So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative

difficulties? Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing on and

off the site to each other. One thing that has become apparent is that

it is difficult to know where to go for an assessment or more complete

understanding of why we might be struggling. How interested and/or

knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should they be

more interested or is this not really their area of speciality? Is this

really more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team? When

is it appropriate to get referred to other specialists---neurologist/

spinal specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists a lot

for my difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I get a

referral? Has there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare

different in the US and Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in what

way?

Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there is a

clear path, just trial and error.

And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course, everyone's

body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when

working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I do

wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems pre-op,

surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there must be

others.

And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further down the

line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

Eleanor

[Guest guest]

Eleanor,

I think what you hinted at is true - we are all, us post-op surface

hippies -largely on our own. For many the fast recovery means the lack

of skillful physiotherapists, knowledgeable GPS and general post-op

services aware of surfacehippy problems just don't matter. But when

recovery is slower than this then the lack of a reference framework of

knowledge about hip resurfacing recovery is very apparent.

Surgeons aren't involved in this. These people are osteo-plumbers,

terrific ones, but they don't know much about the interplay of

recovering bones joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles. If the joint

works then their job is, basically, done. Your joint, the metal on

metal bits in your pelvis, works, we might say. The things it is

connected to and the things driving it - muscles, spinal column, etc.

- don't work properly. Who can you turn to?

Physiotherapists tend to be generalists. GPs are generalists. Ortho

surgeons are specialists. There isn't any obvious person or discipline

that looks at the wholeness of a hip resurfacing operation. Why not?

Too few of us to matter I guess.

It would be good news if there was a physiotherapist or two who had

had resurfaced hips. They might be a good starting point for turning

turtles into ninja turtles:-)

Chris.

> For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for

those of

> us who not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who

can

> be limping along months post-op with various aches and pains and

> difficulties, but who none-the-less know that we'll get there in the

> end. We tend to worry that we're going to put people off by

writing

> about our difficulties, but be rest assured that the majority on

this

> site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty pain-free and

progress at

> a steady normal pace to finding a new active life (even without

managing

> karate and especially bungee jumping!).

>

> So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative

> difficulties? Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing on

and

> off the site to each other. One thing that has become apparent is

that

> it is difficult to know where to go for an assessment or more

complete

> understanding of why we might be struggling. How interested and/or

> knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should they

be

> more interested or is this not really their area of speciality? Is

this

> really more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team?

When

> is it appropriate to get referred to other

specialists---neurologist/

> spinal specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists a

lot

> for my difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I

get a

> referral? Has there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare

> different in the US and Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in

what

> way?

>

> Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there

is a

> clear path, just trial and error.

>

> And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course,

everyone's

> body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when

> working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I

do

> wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

> problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

> difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems

pre-op,

> surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there must

be

> others.

>

> And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further down

the

> line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

>

> Eleanor

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Eleanor,

I think what you hinted at is true - we are all, us post-op surface

hippies -largely on our own. For many the fast recovery means the lack

of skillful physiotherapists, knowledgeable GPS and general post-op

services aware of surfacehippy problems just don't matter. But when

recovery is slower than this then the lack of a reference framework of

knowledge about hip resurfacing recovery is very apparent.

Surgeons aren't involved in this. These people are osteo-plumbers,

terrific ones, but they don't know much about the interplay of

recovering bones joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles. If the joint

works then their job is, basically, done. Your joint, the metal on

metal bits in your pelvis, works, we might say. The things it is

connected to and the things driving it - muscles, spinal column, etc.

- don't work properly. Who can you turn to?

Physiotherapists tend to be generalists. GPs are generalists. Ortho

surgeons are specialists. There isn't any obvious person or discipline

that looks at the wholeness of a hip resurfacing operation. Why not?

Too few of us to matter I guess.

It would be good news if there was a physiotherapist or two who had

had resurfaced hips. They might be a good starting point for turning

turtles into ninja turtles:-)

Chris.

> For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for

those of

> us who not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who

can

> be limping along months post-op with various aches and pains and

> difficulties, but who none-the-less know that we'll get there in the

> end. We tend to worry that we're going to put people off by

writing

> about our difficulties, but be rest assured that the majority on

this

> site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty pain-free and

progress at

> a steady normal pace to finding a new active life (even without

managing

> karate and especially bungee jumping!).

>

> So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative

> difficulties? Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing on

and

> off the site to each other. One thing that has become apparent is

that

> it is difficult to know where to go for an assessment or more

complete

> understanding of why we might be struggling. How interested and/or

> knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should they

be

> more interested or is this not really their area of speciality? Is

this

> really more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team?

When

> is it appropriate to get referred to other

specialists---neurologist/

> spinal specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists a

lot

> for my difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I

get a

> referral? Has there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare

> different in the US and Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in

what

> way?

>

> Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there

is a

> clear path, just trial and error.

>

> And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course,

everyone's

> body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when

> working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I

do

> wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

> problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

> difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems

pre-op,

> surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there must

be

> others.

>

> And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further down

the

> line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

>

> Eleanor

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, Folks. I must say that, being nearly 8 weeks post-op, I have contacted my

surgeron's office (Dr Gross) many times with questions about the recovery

process and I have gotten a prompt and thoughtful reply each and every time.

Their " service " to me did not end with the surgery; they continue to provide

guidance and the benefit of their expertise all along the way. Believe me, I

feel like I am still in their care. And I don't feel " on my own " at all. Joyce

(Dr Gross, LHR, 2/2/04)

[Guest guest]

Hi, Folks. I must say that, being nearly 8 weeks post-op, I have contacted my

surgeron's office (Dr Gross) many times with questions about the recovery

process and I have gotten a prompt and thoughtful reply each and every time.

Their " service " to me did not end with the surgery; they continue to provide

guidance and the benefit of their expertise all along the way. Believe me, I

feel like I am still in their care. And I don't feel " on my own " at all. Joyce

(Dr Gross, LHR, 2/2/04)

[Guest guest]

Hi, Folks. I must say that, being nearly 8 weeks post-op, I have contacted my

surgeron's office (Dr Gross) many times with questions about the recovery

process and I have gotten a prompt and thoughtful reply each and every time.

Their " service " to me did not end with the surgery; they continue to provide

guidance and the benefit of their expertise all along the way. Believe me, I

feel like I am still in their care. And I don't feel " on my own " at all. Joyce

(Dr Gross, LHR, 2/2/04)

[Guest guest]

FAO Eleanor

I had my left hip resurfaced at St. Cross Hospital in Rugby, Warwickshire, by Mr

Krikler on 16th February. I was his 330th+ patient. As I mentioned, the op was

done on the NHS. I covered the op in more detail in my posts to surfacehippy

group – if you’re interested you can see these if you logon to

www.yahoogroups.com http://www.yahoogroups.com/> and then search fro

surfacehippy group and scan the emails between the 23rd February and 10th March.

Regards

Dan

* +44 (0)7974 981-407

* +44 (0)20 8501-2573

@ dan.milosevic@...

_____

From: eleanor

Sent: 25 March 2004 07:56

To: surfacehippy

Subject: RE: Turtle Group Musing--Who has expertise in

post-operative difficulties?

Dear Dan and Edith and Zoe,

Such excellent and thought-provoking replies. Many many thanks. Must run

(waddle!) off to work now, but do think there could be possibilities of

encouraging some new developments here. Will show these postings to my

physiotherapist who I think will be most interested.

ine---Am aware that you are still in the midst of very new rehab, but was

wondering about the physiotherapy department in Birmingham where this all

started and what they would say on this issue? Have they been able to develop

expertise on this area as have their great surgeons? If you are going there

(which you may not be, as it is quite a distance away), would be curious what

they have to say.

Eleanor

Skinner Nov./04

Ps Just curious, Dan, where did you have your op in London?

Turtle Group Musing--Who has expertise in post-operative

difficulties?

For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for those of us who

not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who can be limping along

months post-op with various aches and pains and difficulties, but who

none-the-less know that we'll get there in the end. We tend to worry that

we're going to put people off by writing about our difficulties, but be rest

assured that the majority on this site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty

pain-free and progress at a steady normal pace to finding a new active life

(even without managing karate and especially bungee jumping!).

So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative difficulties?

Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing on and off the site to each

other. One thing that has become apparent is that it is difficult to know where

to go for an assessment or more complete understanding of why we might be

struggling. How interested and/or

knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should they be

more interested or is this not really their area of speciality? Is this really

more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team? When is it

appropriate to get referred to other specialists---neurologist/ spinal

specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists a lot for my

difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I get a referral? Has

there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare different in the US and

Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in what way?

Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there is a clear

path, just trial and error.

And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course, everyone's body is

different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when working through

difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I do wonder if there have been

any detailed studies about turtle problems-slow recoverers? It would be

interesting to look at the difference certain variables might make---gender,

age, problems pre-op, surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure

there must be others.

And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further down the line who

have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

Eleanor

[Guest guest]

FAO Eleanor

I had my left hip resurfaced at St. Cross Hospital in Rugby, Warwickshire, by Mr

Krikler on 16th February. I was his 330th+ patient. As I mentioned, the op was

done on the NHS. I covered the op in more detail in my posts to surfacehippy

group – if you’re interested you can see these if you logon to

www.yahoogroups.com http://www.yahoogroups.com/> and then search fro

surfacehippy group and scan the emails between the 23rd February and 10th March.

Regards

Dan

* +44 (0)7974 981-407

* +44 (0)20 8501-2573

@ dan.milosevic@...

_____

From: eleanor

Sent: 25 March 2004 07:56

To: surfacehippy

Subject: RE: Turtle Group Musing--Who has expertise in

post-operative difficulties?

Dear Dan and Edith and Zoe,

Such excellent and thought-provoking replies. Many many thanks. Must run

(waddle!) off to work now, but do think there could be possibilities of

encouraging some new developments here. Will show these postings to my

physiotherapist who I think will be most interested.

ine---Am aware that you are still in the midst of very new rehab, but was

wondering about the physiotherapy department in Birmingham where this all

started and what they would say on this issue? Have they been able to develop

expertise on this area as have their great surgeons? If you are going there

(which you may not be, as it is quite a distance away), would be curious what

they have to say.

Eleanor

Skinner Nov./04

Ps Just curious, Dan, where did you have your op in London?

Turtle Group Musing--Who has expertise in post-operative

difficulties?

For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for those of us who

not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who can be limping along

months post-op with various aches and pains and difficulties, but who

none-the-less know that we'll get there in the end. We tend to worry that

we're going to put people off by writing about our difficulties, but be rest

assured that the majority on this site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty

pain-free and progress at a steady normal pace to finding a new active life

(even without managing karate and especially bungee jumping!).

So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative difficulties?

Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing on and off the site to each

other. One thing that has become apparent is that it is difficult to know where

to go for an assessment or more complete understanding of why we might be

struggling. How interested and/or

knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should they be

more interested or is this not really their area of speciality? Is this really

more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team? When is it

appropriate to get referred to other specialists---neurologist/ spinal

specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists a lot for my

difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I get a referral? Has

there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare different in the US and

Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in what way?

Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there is a clear

path, just trial and error.

And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course, everyone's body is

different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when working through

difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I do wonder if there have been

any detailed studies about turtle problems-slow recoverers? It would be

interesting to look at the difference certain variables might make---gender,

age, problems pre-op, surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure

there must be others.

And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further down the line who

have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

Eleanor

[Guest guest]

FAO Eleanor

I had my left hip resurfaced at St. Cross Hospital in Rugby, Warwickshire, by Mr

Krikler on 16th February. I was his 330th+ patient. As I mentioned, the op was

done on the NHS. I covered the op in more detail in my posts to surfacehippy

group – if you’re interested you can see these if you logon to

www.yahoogroups.com http://www.yahoogroups.com/> and then search fro

surfacehippy group and scan the emails between the 23rd February and 10th March.

Regards

Dan

* +44 (0)7974 981-407

* +44 (0)20 8501-2573

@ dan.milosevic@...

_____

From: eleanor

Sent: 25 March 2004 07:56

To: surfacehippy

Subject: RE: Turtle Group Musing--Who has expertise in

post-operative difficulties?

Dear Dan and Edith and Zoe,

Such excellent and thought-provoking replies. Many many thanks. Must run

(waddle!) off to work now, but do think there could be possibilities of

encouraging some new developments here. Will show these postings to my

physiotherapist who I think will be most interested.

ine---Am aware that you are still in the midst of very new rehab, but was

wondering about the physiotherapy department in Birmingham where this all

started and what they would say on this issue? Have they been able to develop

expertise on this area as have their great surgeons? If you are going there

(which you may not be, as it is quite a distance away), would be curious what

they have to say.

Eleanor

Skinner Nov./04

Ps Just curious, Dan, where did you have your op in London?

Turtle Group Musing--Who has expertise in post-operative

difficulties?

For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for those of us who

not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who can be limping along

months post-op with various aches and pains and difficulties, but who

none-the-less know that we'll get there in the end. We tend to worry that

we're going to put people off by writing about our difficulties, but be rest

assured that the majority on this site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty

pain-free and progress at a steady normal pace to finding a new active life

(even without managing karate and especially bungee jumping!).

So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative difficulties?

Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing on and off the site to each

other. One thing that has become apparent is that it is difficult to know where

to go for an assessment or more complete understanding of why we might be

struggling. How interested and/or

knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should they be

more interested or is this not really their area of speciality? Is this really

more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team? When is it

appropriate to get referred to other specialists---neurologist/ spinal

specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists a lot for my

difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I get a referral? Has

there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare different in the US and

Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in what way?

Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there is a clear

path, just trial and error.

And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course, everyone's body is

different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when working through

difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I do wonder if there have been

any detailed studies about turtle problems-slow recoverers? It would be

interesting to look at the difference certain variables might make---gender,

age, problems pre-op, surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure

there must be others.

And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further down the line who

have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

Eleanor

[Guest guest]

I'm based in London, UK, and had a LBHR two years ago with

Muirhead-Allwood. She was great, and I was also lucky and made a

very quick recovery, but I am certain that it was very much

accelerated by a number of points which linked together to create the

right conditions.

1. It was done privately (ie non-NHS)and as a result I was in

hospital for eleven days, most of which were spent doing rehab work

with hospital physiotherapists, with whom I had hours of one-on-one

sessions.

2. The Hospital (King VII) has its own hydrotherapy pool,

wich proved to be an invaluable addition to the services available.

3. On going home, I was again able to use a hydrotherapy pool at my

local private hospital, and get as much physio time as I could take

(and afford!)

4. On going back to work (5 weeks post-op) I found that the Gym in

the basement of my office building had a specialist Rehab trainer.

This young New Zealander had done a full degree course in

Rehabilitation therapy, (he says not generally available in Europe)

and really knew what he was doing. After a number of sessions with

him, which included 50% water work and 50% weight machines and static

biking, I was able to continue on my own, and now really would not

know I'd had an operation.

The hip has been subjected to two skiing holidays now, and has given

no hint of trouble - I can even get close to keeping up with my ski-

racing son. The most difficult test, however, was prolonged sessions

of ish dancing!

All this proves, I am certain, that the quality of the follow up care

is a huge part of the whole process.

By the way, I travel a great deal by air, and never fail to set off

the alarms - to the extent that if by chance it doesn't go of I tell

them to up the sensitivity.

Thanks for all the good information on this group,

> > For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for

> those of

> > us who not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but

who

> can

> > be limping along months post-op with various aches and pains and

> > difficulties, but who none-the-less know that we'll get there in

the

> > end. We tend to worry that we're going to put people off by

> writing

> > about our difficulties, but be rest assured that the majority on

> this

> > site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty pain-free and

> progress at

> > a steady normal pace to finding a new active life (even without

> managing

> > karate and especially bungee jumping!).

> >

> > So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative

> > difficulties? Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing

on

> and

> > off the site to each other. One thing that has become apparent

is

> that

> > it is difficult to know where to go for an assessment or more

> complete

> > understanding of why we might be struggling. How interested

and/or

> > knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should

they

> be

> > more interested or is this not really their area of speciality?

Is

> this

> > really more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team?

> When

> > is it appropriate to get referred to other

> specialists---neurologist/

> > spinal specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative

therapists a

> lot

> > for my difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I

> get a

> > referral? Has there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare

> > different in the US and Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in

> what

> > way?

> >

> > Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like

there

> is a

> > clear path, just trial and error.

> >

> > And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course,

> everyone's

> > body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error

when

> > working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before)

I

> do

> > wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

> > problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

> > difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems

> pre-op,

> > surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there

must

> be

> > others.

> >

> > And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further

down

> the

> > line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

> >

> > Eleanor

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I'm based in London, UK, and had a LBHR two years ago with

Muirhead-Allwood. She was great, and I was also lucky and made a

very quick recovery, but I am certain that it was very much

accelerated by a number of points which linked together to create the

right conditions.

1. It was done privately (ie non-NHS)and as a result I was in

hospital for eleven days, most of which were spent doing rehab work

with hospital physiotherapists, with whom I had hours of one-on-one

sessions.

2. The Hospital (King VII) has its own hydrotherapy pool,

wich proved to be an invaluable addition to the services available.

3. On going home, I was again able to use a hydrotherapy pool at my

local private hospital, and get as much physio time as I could take

(and afford!)

4. On going back to work (5 weeks post-op) I found that the Gym in

the basement of my office building had a specialist Rehab trainer.

This young New Zealander had done a full degree course in

Rehabilitation therapy, (he says not generally available in Europe)

and really knew what he was doing. After a number of sessions with

him, which included 50% water work and 50% weight machines and static

biking, I was able to continue on my own, and now really would not

know I'd had an operation.

The hip has been subjected to two skiing holidays now, and has given

no hint of trouble - I can even get close to keeping up with my ski-

racing son. The most difficult test, however, was prolonged sessions

of ish dancing!

All this proves, I am certain, that the quality of the follow up care

is a huge part of the whole process.

By the way, I travel a great deal by air, and never fail to set off

the alarms - to the extent that if by chance it doesn't go of I tell

them to up the sensitivity.

Thanks for all the good information on this group,

> > For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for

> those of

> > us who not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but

who

> can

> > be limping along months post-op with various aches and pains and

> > difficulties, but who none-the-less know that we'll get there in

the

> > end. We tend to worry that we're going to put people off by

> writing

> > about our difficulties, but be rest assured that the majority on

> this

> > site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty pain-free and

> progress at

> > a steady normal pace to finding a new active life (even without

> managing

> > karate and especially bungee jumping!).

> >

> > So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative

> > difficulties? Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing

on

> and

> > off the site to each other. One thing that has become apparent

is

> that

> > it is difficult to know where to go for an assessment or more

> complete

> > understanding of why we might be struggling. How interested

and/or

> > knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should

they

> be

> > more interested or is this not really their area of speciality?

Is

> this

> > really more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team?

> When

> > is it appropriate to get referred to other

> specialists---neurologist/

> > spinal specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative

therapists a

> lot

> > for my difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I

> get a

> > referral? Has there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare

> > different in the US and Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in

> what

> > way?

> >

> > Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like

there

> is a

> > clear path, just trial and error.

> >

> > And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course,

> everyone's

> > body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error

when

> > working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before)

I

> do

> > wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

> > problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

> > difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems

> pre-op,

> > surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there

must

> be

> > others.

> >

> > And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further

down

> the

> > line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

> >

> > Eleanor

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I'm based in London, UK, and had a LBHR two years ago with

Muirhead-Allwood. She was great, and I was also lucky and made a

very quick recovery, but I am certain that it was very much

accelerated by a number of points which linked together to create the

right conditions.

1. It was done privately (ie non-NHS)and as a result I was in

hospital for eleven days, most of which were spent doing rehab work

with hospital physiotherapists, with whom I had hours of one-on-one

sessions.

2. The Hospital (King VII) has its own hydrotherapy pool,

wich proved to be an invaluable addition to the services available.

3. On going home, I was again able to use a hydrotherapy pool at my

local private hospital, and get as much physio time as I could take

(and afford!)

4. On going back to work (5 weeks post-op) I found that the Gym in

the basement of my office building had a specialist Rehab trainer.

This young New Zealander had done a full degree course in

Rehabilitation therapy, (he says not generally available in Europe)

and really knew what he was doing. After a number of sessions with

him, which included 50% water work and 50% weight machines and static

biking, I was able to continue on my own, and now really would not

know I'd had an operation.

The hip has been subjected to two skiing holidays now, and has given

no hint of trouble - I can even get close to keeping up with my ski-

racing son. The most difficult test, however, was prolonged sessions

of ish dancing!

All this proves, I am certain, that the quality of the follow up care

is a huge part of the whole process.

By the way, I travel a great deal by air, and never fail to set off

the alarms - to the extent that if by chance it doesn't go of I tell

them to up the sensitivity.

Thanks for all the good information on this group,

> > For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for

> those of

> > us who not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but

who

> can

> > be limping along months post-op with various aches and pains and

> > difficulties, but who none-the-less know that we'll get there in

the

> > end. We tend to worry that we're going to put people off by

> writing

> > about our difficulties, but be rest assured that the majority on

> this

> > site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty pain-free and

> progress at

> > a steady normal pace to finding a new active life (even without

> managing

> > karate and especially bungee jumping!).

> >

> > So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative

> > difficulties? Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing

on

> and

> > off the site to each other. One thing that has become apparent

is

> that

> > it is difficult to know where to go for an assessment or more

> complete

> > understanding of why we might be struggling. How interested

and/or

> > knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should

they

> be

> > more interested or is this not really their area of speciality?

Is

> this

> > really more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team?

> When

> > is it appropriate to get referred to other

> specialists---neurologist/

> > spinal specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative

therapists a

> lot

> > for my difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I

> get a

> > referral? Has there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare

> > different in the US and Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in

> what

> > way?

> >

> > Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like

there

> is a

> > clear path, just trial and error.

> >

> > And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course,

> everyone's

> > body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error

when

> > working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before)

I

> do

> > wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

> > problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

> > difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems

> pre-op,

> > surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there

must

> be

> > others.

> >

> > And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further

down

> the

> > line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

> >

> > Eleanor

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Eleanor

To answer your question....

I was in the Birmingham Nuffield for seven nights. The physios

appeared to be an essential part of the rehab team (whichis a very

well oiled macine up there!!) I had a physio session twice a day post

op. They gradually introduced me to a series of exercises over the

days, building up to the programme I have brought home to do a

specified number of times each day. They are available for questions

by telephone during the first six weeks and felt I did not need

additional one-on-one support at this stage.

Best wishes

ine

> Dear Dan and Edith and Zoe,

>

> Such excellent and thought-provoking replies. Many many thanks.

Must

> run (waddle!) off to work now, but do think there could be

possibilities

> of encouraging some new developments here. Will show these

postings to

> my physiotherapist who I think will be most interested.

>

> ine---Am aware that you are still in the midst of very new

rehab,

> but was wondering about the physiotherapy department in Birmingham

where

> this all started and what they would say on this issue? Have they

been

> able to develop expertise on this area as have their great

surgeons? If

> you are going there (which you may not be, as it is quite a distance

> away), would be curious what they have to say.

>

> Eleanor

> Skinner Nov./04

>

> Ps Just curious, Dan, where did you have your op in London?

>

> Turtle Group Musing--Who has expertise in

> post-operative difficulties?

>

> For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for

those of

> us who not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who

can

> be limping along months post-op with various aches and pains and

> difficulties, but who none-the-less know that we'll get there in the

> end. We tend to worry that we're going to put people off by

writing

> about our difficulties, but be rest assured that the majority on

this

> site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty pain-free and

progress at

> a steady normal pace to finding a new active life (even without

managing

> karate and especially bungee jumping!).

>

> So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative

> difficulties? Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing on

and

> off the site to each other. One thing that has become apparent is

that

> it is difficult to know where to go for an assessment or more

complete

> understanding of why we might be struggling. How interested and/or

> knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should

they be

> more interested or is this not really their area of speciality? Is

this

> really more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team?

When

> is it appropriate to get referred to other specialists---

neurologist/

> spinal specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists

a lot

> for my difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I

get a

> referral? Has there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare

> different in the US and Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in

what

> way?

>

> Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there

is a

> clear path, just trial and error.

>

> And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course,

everyone's

> body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when

> working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I

do

> wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

> problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

> difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems pre-

op,

> surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there must

be

> others.

>

> And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further down

the

> line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

>

> Eleanor

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Eleanor

To answer your question....

I was in the Birmingham Nuffield for seven nights. The physios

appeared to be an essential part of the rehab team (whichis a very

well oiled macine up there!!) I had a physio session twice a day post

op. They gradually introduced me to a series of exercises over the

days, building up to the programme I have brought home to do a

specified number of times each day. They are available for questions

by telephone during the first six weeks and felt I did not need

additional one-on-one support at this stage.

Best wishes

ine

> Dear Dan and Edith and Zoe,

>

> Such excellent and thought-provoking replies. Many many thanks.

Must

> run (waddle!) off to work now, but do think there could be

possibilities

> of encouraging some new developments here. Will show these

postings to

> my physiotherapist who I think will be most interested.

>

> ine---Am aware that you are still in the midst of very new

rehab,

> but was wondering about the physiotherapy department in Birmingham

where

> this all started and what they would say on this issue? Have they

been

> able to develop expertise on this area as have their great

surgeons? If

> you are going there (which you may not be, as it is quite a distance

> away), would be curious what they have to say.

>

> Eleanor

> Skinner Nov./04

>

> Ps Just curious, Dan, where did you have your op in London?

>

> Turtle Group Musing--Who has expertise in

> post-operative difficulties?

>

> For those who are new to this site---the 'turtles group' is for

those of

> us who not only can't do karate within a week of their op, but who

can

> be limping along months post-op with various aches and pains and

> difficulties, but who none-the-less know that we'll get there in the

> end. We tend to worry that we're going to put people off by

writing

> about our difficulties, but be rest assured that the majority on

this

> site who have resurfacing are very soon pretty pain-free and

progress at

> a steady normal pace to finding a new active life (even without

managing

> karate and especially bungee jumping!).

>

> So-back to my original query---who has expertise in post-operative

> difficulties? Several of us with 'problems' have been e-mailing on

and

> off the site to each other. One thing that has become apparent is

that

> it is difficult to know where to go for an assessment or more

complete

> understanding of why we might be struggling. How interested and/or

> knowledgeable are surgeons about difficult recoveries? Should

they be

> more interested or is this not really their area of speciality? Is

this

> really more the area of the physiotherapist on the medical team?

When

> is it appropriate to get referred to other specialists---

neurologist/

> spinal specialists? I am in the UK and use alternative therapists

a lot

> for my difficulties, but if I didn't have money to do so, could I

get a

> referral? Has there been any evaluation of this? Is aftercare

> different in the US and Australia than in Britain, and, if so, in

what

> way?

>

> Sorry---this is all rather garbled, but it doesn't feel like there

is a

> clear path, just trial and error.

>

> And, perhaps, that is how it should be, because, of course,

everyone's

> body is different and I know there is a lot of trial and error when

> working through difficulties. But, (as I've raised here before) I

do

> wonder if there have been any detailed studies about turtle

> problems-slow recoverers? It would be interesting to look at the

> difference certain variables might make---gender, age, problems pre-

op,

> surgical technique, exercise pre and post op---I'm sure there must

be

> others.

>

> And thank you, once again, to all those 'turtles' much further down

the

> line who have given me faith that all will eventually be well.

>

> Eleanor

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I would say the same about the advice I had from Mr Treacy post-op. I

was taught excercises in hospital. I found no difficulty doing these

unsupervised - they were very simple (if painful at first!). I

contacted Mr T's office very regularly, particularly when ready to

move onto the next stage (e.g. from crutches to sticks). I always

received just the advice and encouragement that I needed.

In my case, although I had a slow recovery (8 months to no limp),

there wasn't any need for a physiotherapy.

However, I was fit apart from the hip - so maybe that's the

difference.

Kathy

L BHR dysplasia - bone grafts June 2002

> Hi, Folks. I must say that, being nearly 8 weeks post-op, I have

contacted my surgeron's office (Dr Gross) many times with questions

about the recovery process and I have gotten a prompt and thoughtful

reply each and every time. Their " service " to me did not end with

the surgery; they continue to provide guidance and the benefit of

their expertise all along the way. Believe me, I feel like I am

still in their care. And I don't feel " on my own " at all. Joyce (Dr

Gross, LHR, 2/2/04)

>

>