Re: Dr Mont or Dr Gross ?(long)

[Guest guest]

> I need help. Dr Mont uses a inplant. Dr gross uses a

> Corin inplant .Which is better?

>

> Do all resurfacing procedures require such a long ( eight inch )

> incision.

>

> Does resurfacing really last longer than say a metal on metal or

> a ceramic on ceramic THR.

>

> The longer i investigate, the more confused I become.....HELP!

Keep investigating, but narrow your search. This is the worst part,

and it gets better once you've made a decision of any kind.

Device-wise, there have been numerous discussions on this board, each

device being extolled as being superior in some way. For me, the

differences were too few to matter. As long as I got fixed, I didn't

care. That being decided, I narrrowed myself to doctor selection.

I live in CT, so Baltimore was closer to home. Dr Mont had done

about 100 more of these surgeries than Gross (as of last june or

july - I lose track) His manner is very professional - no warm

fuzzies. Excellent surgeon. He was in my insurance network, as was

the hospital. He had a good track record in getting approval for the

surgery. I found those to be the major plusses for him.

Dr Gross - equally excellent surgeon. Had done over 200 resurfs

before I entered the picture. Still more than many of the other

folks I'd read reports from. Nearing the end of his clinical trials

(as was Mont) so he had enough experience to really know what he was

doing. Lots of warm fuzzies. I sent x-rays by e-mail, was judged to

be a candidate without an office visit. He called once I told them I

was interested, and spoke with him on the phone FOR AN HOUR while he

answered every question I could come up with. Very personable. Was

also excellent at obtaining insurance approval for the procedure.

Was not in my LOCAL network for insurance, nor was the hospital.

Would be more expensive (would still have to pay 20% plus deductibles)

OK, so surgeons being pretty equal, and Dr Gross winning the warm

fuzzy war,and Mont the insurance war, I moved on to procedure,

recovery, restrictions, etc. Went through the surfacehippy board and

made a chart. What did each doctor do on regards to each of the

above mentioned subjects. At the time, there about 5 patients active

on the board from each doctor, so I compared their experiences, and

judged which ones would be important to me. For instance: Analogous

blood donations: Mont has you previously give a pint of your own

blood to be transfused in the event you need it (I don't know how

many of his patients actually need it or if everybody gets itas a

precautionary measure) Gross feels that his patients lose so little

blood that they normally don't need it. As long as the hemoglobin

count is high enough before surgery, it's not necessary. Incision:

both docs aound 6 or 7 inches or so. (About the length of a white bic

pen) Incision closure: Mont - staples, Gross internal stitches and

steri-strips. Weightbearing post surgery: Mont: 50% for some

period, crutches for 6 weeks. Gross, weight bearing as tolerated.

Some patients walk out using just canes. Phsical Therapy: Mont, yes

(I think), Gross, no. The wedge (between your legs after surgery to

keep your legs apart) - Mont , yes, Gross, no. Polar Care ice

machine running 24/7 to keep swelling and pain down - Mont, no,

Gross, yes.

I can't remember all the other criteria I used to determine which I

preferred, and I'm hoping I didn't report any of my memories

incorrectly, but these little things helped me sort out my mind and

make a decision. I went with Gross, because I needed the warm

fuzzies ( and Lee is such a sweetheart that you feel like she could

be your mom)and decided to wing it on the insurance. As it turned

out, insurance paid everything, and to this day I don't know why or

how, but I'm not going to rock that boat! The other aspects were

also important to me, to make me lean that way - especially the

weight bearing part. I'm VERY impatient and knew I would never last

on crutches (besides being spastic on them)and knew myself well

enough that as soon as I felt like it, I needed to be free of walking

aids. Which I was at 3 weeks. Gross also lets you drive when you

feel up to it. I waited for 2 1/2 weeks before I tried. I knew that

once I did, I'd never stay home. And that's exactly what

happened.

Perhaps those other little things make no differnece to you, in which

case you could easily decide on proximity or money alone. You can't

go wrong either way. And in 2 months, when all is said and done, it

won't matter a bit.

Both are wonderful surgeons, and your end result fron either I think

will be the same. Hope this helps you sort out your mind. Once your

mind is made up, however, you'll be so happy and anxious to get it

done and over with.

Good luck!

Lois

Dr Gross 8/6/03

[Guest guest]

> I need help. Dr Mont uses a inplant. Dr gross uses a

> Corin inplant .Which is better?

>

> Do all resurfacing procedures require such a long ( eight inch )

> incision.

>

> Does resurfacing really last longer than say a metal on metal or

> a ceramic on ceramic THR.

>

> The longer i investigate, the more confused I become.....HELP!

Keep investigating, but narrow your search. This is the worst part,

and it gets better once you've made a decision of any kind.

Device-wise, there have been numerous discussions on this board, each

device being extolled as being superior in some way. For me, the

differences were too few to matter. As long as I got fixed, I didn't

care. That being decided, I narrrowed myself to doctor selection.

I live in CT, so Baltimore was closer to home. Dr Mont had done

about 100 more of these surgeries than Gross (as of last june or

july - I lose track) His manner is very professional - no warm

fuzzies. Excellent surgeon. He was in my insurance network, as was

the hospital. He had a good track record in getting approval for the

surgery. I found those to be the major plusses for him.

Dr Gross - equally excellent surgeon. Had done over 200 resurfs

before I entered the picture. Still more than many of the other

folks I'd read reports from. Nearing the end of his clinical trials

(as was Mont) so he had enough experience to really know what he was

doing. Lots of warm fuzzies. I sent x-rays by e-mail, was judged to

be a candidate without an office visit. He called once I told them I

was interested, and spoke with him on the phone FOR AN HOUR while he

answered every question I could come up with. Very personable. Was

also excellent at obtaining insurance approval for the procedure.

Was not in my LOCAL network for insurance, nor was the hospital.

Would be more expensive (would still have to pay 20% plus deductibles)

OK, so surgeons being pretty equal, and Dr Gross winning the warm

fuzzy war,and Mont the insurance war, I moved on to procedure,

recovery, restrictions, etc. Went through the surfacehippy board and

made a chart. What did each doctor do on regards to each of the

above mentioned subjects. At the time, there about 5 patients active

on the board from each doctor, so I compared their experiences, and

judged which ones would be important to me. For instance: Analogous

blood donations: Mont has you previously give a pint of your own

blood to be transfused in the event you need it (I don't know how

many of his patients actually need it or if everybody gets itas a

precautionary measure) Gross feels that his patients lose so little

blood that they normally don't need it. As long as the hemoglobin

count is high enough before surgery, it's not necessary. Incision:

both docs aound 6 or 7 inches or so. (About the length of a white bic

pen) Incision closure: Mont - staples, Gross internal stitches and

steri-strips. Weightbearing post surgery: Mont: 50% for some

period, crutches for 6 weeks. Gross, weight bearing as tolerated.

Some patients walk out using just canes. Phsical Therapy: Mont, yes

(I think), Gross, no. The wedge (between your legs after surgery to

keep your legs apart) - Mont , yes, Gross, no. Polar Care ice

machine running 24/7 to keep swelling and pain down - Mont, no,

Gross, yes.

I can't remember all the other criteria I used to determine which I

preferred, and I'm hoping I didn't report any of my memories

incorrectly, but these little things helped me sort out my mind and

make a decision. I went with Gross, because I needed the warm

fuzzies ( and Lee is such a sweetheart that you feel like she could

be your mom)and decided to wing it on the insurance. As it turned

out, insurance paid everything, and to this day I don't know why or

how, but I'm not going to rock that boat! The other aspects were

also important to me, to make me lean that way - especially the

weight bearing part. I'm VERY impatient and knew I would never last

on crutches (besides being spastic on them)and knew myself well

enough that as soon as I felt like it, I needed to be free of walking

aids. Which I was at 3 weeks. Gross also lets you drive when you

feel up to it. I waited for 2 1/2 weeks before I tried. I knew that

once I did, I'd never stay home. And that's exactly what

happened.

Perhaps those other little things make no differnece to you, in which

case you could easily decide on proximity or money alone. You can't

go wrong either way. And in 2 months, when all is said and done, it

won't matter a bit.

Both are wonderful surgeons, and your end result fron either I think

will be the same. Hope this helps you sort out your mind. Once your

mind is made up, however, you'll be so happy and anxious to get it

done and over with.

Good luck!

Lois

Dr Gross 8/6/03

[Guest guest]

> I need help. Dr Mont uses a inplant. Dr gross uses a

> Corin inplant .Which is better?

>

> Do all resurfacing procedures require such a long ( eight inch )

> incision.

>

> Does resurfacing really last longer than say a metal on metal or

> a ceramic on ceramic THR.

>

> The longer i investigate, the more confused I become.....HELP!

Keep investigating, but narrow your search. This is the worst part,

and it gets better once you've made a decision of any kind.

Device-wise, there have been numerous discussions on this board, each

device being extolled as being superior in some way. For me, the

differences were too few to matter. As long as I got fixed, I didn't

care. That being decided, I narrrowed myself to doctor selection.

I live in CT, so Baltimore was closer to home. Dr Mont had done

about 100 more of these surgeries than Gross (as of last june or

july - I lose track) His manner is very professional - no warm

fuzzies. Excellent surgeon. He was in my insurance network, as was

the hospital. He had a good track record in getting approval for the

surgery. I found those to be the major plusses for him.

Dr Gross - equally excellent surgeon. Had done over 200 resurfs

before I entered the picture. Still more than many of the other

folks I'd read reports from. Nearing the end of his clinical trials

(as was Mont) so he had enough experience to really know what he was

doing. Lots of warm fuzzies. I sent x-rays by e-mail, was judged to

be a candidate without an office visit. He called once I told them I

was interested, and spoke with him on the phone FOR AN HOUR while he

answered every question I could come up with. Very personable. Was

also excellent at obtaining insurance approval for the procedure.

Was not in my LOCAL network for insurance, nor was the hospital.

Would be more expensive (would still have to pay 20% plus deductibles)

OK, so surgeons being pretty equal, and Dr Gross winning the warm

fuzzy war,and Mont the insurance war, I moved on to procedure,

recovery, restrictions, etc. Went through the surfacehippy board and

made a chart. What did each doctor do on regards to each of the

above mentioned subjects. At the time, there about 5 patients active

on the board from each doctor, so I compared their experiences, and

judged which ones would be important to me. For instance: Analogous

blood donations: Mont has you previously give a pint of your own

blood to be transfused in the event you need it (I don't know how

many of his patients actually need it or if everybody gets itas a

precautionary measure) Gross feels that his patients lose so little

blood that they normally don't need it. As long as the hemoglobin

count is high enough before surgery, it's not necessary. Incision:

both docs aound 6 or 7 inches or so. (About the length of a white bic

pen) Incision closure: Mont - staples, Gross internal stitches and

steri-strips. Weightbearing post surgery: Mont: 50% for some

period, crutches for 6 weeks. Gross, weight bearing as tolerated.

Some patients walk out using just canes. Phsical Therapy: Mont, yes

(I think), Gross, no. The wedge (between your legs after surgery to

keep your legs apart) - Mont , yes, Gross, no. Polar Care ice

machine running 24/7 to keep swelling and pain down - Mont, no,

Gross, yes.

I can't remember all the other criteria I used to determine which I

preferred, and I'm hoping I didn't report any of my memories

incorrectly, but these little things helped me sort out my mind and

make a decision. I went with Gross, because I needed the warm

fuzzies ( and Lee is such a sweetheart that you feel like she could

be your mom)and decided to wing it on the insurance. As it turned

out, insurance paid everything, and to this day I don't know why or

how, but I'm not going to rock that boat! The other aspects were

also important to me, to make me lean that way - especially the

weight bearing part. I'm VERY impatient and knew I would never last

on crutches (besides being spastic on them)and knew myself well

enough that as soon as I felt like it, I needed to be free of walking

aids. Which I was at 3 weeks. Gross also lets you drive when you

feel up to it. I waited for 2 1/2 weeks before I tried. I knew that

once I did, I'd never stay home. And that's exactly what

happened.

Perhaps those other little things make no differnece to you, in which

case you could easily decide on proximity or money alone. You can't

go wrong either way. And in 2 months, when all is said and done, it

won't matter a bit.

Both are wonderful surgeons, and your end result fron either I think

will be the same. Hope this helps you sort out your mind. Once your

mind is made up, however, you'll be so happy and anxious to get it

done and over with.

Good luck!

Lois

Dr Gross 8/6/03

[Guest guest]

I don't believe Dr. Gross chooses to use general anesthesia. He uses

an epidural and then gives the patient versed (sp?) before they go

in. It is GREAT stuff, too, I'm here to tell ya! I'd LOVE to be able

to buy some of that stuff. Technically, you aren't completely under,

but if you do happen to come around, you just don't CARE! I remember

them moving me onto the table and putting me on my side and that's it

until I came to in the recovery area. Doesn't matter to me how long

it takes as long as it's done right. Dr Gross doesn't usually have to

give the patient more blood following surgery either. (as long as you

hemaglobin is where they want it going into surgery) I love the short

incision, too. Like , mine is only about 4 1/2 to 5 inches

long. Loved the ability to bear 100% weight (as tolerated) ASAP, too.

I was up and practically running on those crutches immediately. I was

on a cane by week 4 and walking without a limp and unassisted before

my 6 week checkup.

There are many choices, but for the most part, they are all good. I

just know that I am extremely happy with my results. I'm back to

playing singles tennis after 7 mos. Never thought I'd be able to do

that again.

Dr. Gross 6/12/03

RHR C2K

[Guest guest]

Dr. Gross resurfaced my left hip the end of August, 2003. I had

previously had a THR on my right hip in Boston in 2000, a

disagreeable experience, involving bedpans, etc.

Dr. Gross's surgery and post-op regimen was so superior, and so pain

free, that I almost cannot praise him and his helping nurses enough.

They were all wonderful to me and I had a rapid and uneventful

recovery. I am now back on the tennis court, playing not-too-

competitive doubles, and am extremely grateful to Dr. Gross et al. I

don't know about other surgeons, but am happy I went to Dr. Gross.

> > > I need help. Dr Mont uses a inplant. Dr gross uses a

> > > Corin inplant .Which is better?

> > >

> > > Do all resurfacing procedures require such a long ( eight

> inch )

> > > incision.

> > >

> > > Does resurfacing really last longer than say a metal on metal

> or

> > > a ceramic on ceramic THR.

> > >

> > > The longer i investigate, the more confused I

> become.....HELP!

> >

> > Keep investigating, but narrow your search. This is the worst

> part,

> > and it gets better once you've made a decision of any kind.

> > Device-wise, there have been numerous discussions on this

> board, each

> > device being extolled as being superior in some way. For me,

> the

> > differences were too few to matter. As long as I got fixed, I

> didn't

> > care. That being decided, I narrrowed myself to doctor

> selection.

> > I live in CT, so Baltimore was closer to home. Dr Mont had

> done

> > about 100 more of these surgeries than Gross (as of last june

> or

> > july - I lose track) His manner is very professional - no warm

> > fuzzies. Excellent surgeon. He was in my insurance network,

> as was

> > the hospital. He had a good track record in getting approval

> for the

> > surgery. I found those to be the major plusses for him.

> > Dr Gross - equally excellent surgeon. Had done over 200

> resurfs

> > before I entered the picture. Still more than many of the other

> > folks I'd read reports from. Nearing the end of his clinical

trials

> > (as was Mont) so he had enough experience to really know

> what he was

> > doing. Lots of warm fuzzies. I sent x-rays by e-mail, was

> judged to

> > be a candidate without an office visit. He called once I told

> them I

> > was interested, and spoke with him on the phone FOR AN

> HOUR while he

> > answered every question I could come up with. Very

> personable. Was

> > also excellent at obtaining insurance approval for the

> procedure.

> > Was not in my LOCAL network for insurance, nor was the

> hospital.

> > Would be more expensive (would still have to pay 20% plus

> deductibles)

> >

> > OK, so surgeons being pretty equal, and Dr Gross winning the

> warm

> > fuzzy war,and Mont the insurance war, I moved on to procedure,

> > recovery, restrictions, etc. Went through the surfacehippy

> board and

> > made a chart. What did each doctor do on regards to each of

> the

> > above mentioned subjects. At the time, there about 5 patients

> active

> > on the board from each doctor, so I compared their

> experiences, and

> > judged which ones would be important to me. For instance:

> Analogous

> > blood donations: Mont has you previously give a pint of your

> own

> > blood to be transfused in the event you need it (I don't know

> how

> > many of his patients actually need it or if everybody gets itas a

> > precautionary measure) Gross feels that his patients lose so

> little

> > blood that they normally don't need it. As long as the

> hemoglobin

> > count is high enough before surgery, it's not necessary.

> Incision:

> > both docs aound 6 or 7 inches or so. (About the length of a

> white bic

> > pen) Incision closure: Mont - staples, Gross internal stitches

> and

> > steri-strips. Weightbearing post surgery: Mont: 50% for some

> > period, crutches for 6 weeks. Gross, weight bearing as

> tolerated.

> > Some patients walk out using just canes. Phsical Therapy:

> Mont, yes

> > (I think), Gross, no. The wedge (between your legs after

> surgery to

> > keep your legs apart) - Mont , yes, Gross, no. Polar Care ice

> > machine running 24/7 to keep swelling and pain down - Mont,

> no,

> > Gross, yes.

> > I can't remember all the other criteria I used to determine which

> I

> > preferred, and I'm hoping I didn't report any of my memories

> > incorrectly, but these little things helped me sort out my mind

> and

> > make a decision. I went with Gross, because I needed the

> warm

> > fuzzies ( and Lee is such a sweetheart that you feel like she

> could

> > be your mom)and decided to wing it on the insurance. As it

> turned

> > out, insurance paid everything, and to this day I don't know why

> or

> > how, but I'm not going to rock that boat! The other aspects

> were

> > also important to me, to make me lean that way - especially the

> > weight bearing part. I'm VERY impatient and knew I would

> never last

> > on crutches (besides being spastic on them)and knew myself

> well

> > enough that as soon as I felt like it, I needed to be free of

> walking

> > aids. Which I was at 3 weeks. Gross also lets you drive when

> you

> > feel up to it. I waited for 2 1/2 weeks before I tried. I knew

that

> > once I did, I'd never stay home. And that's exactly what

> > happened.

> > Perhaps those other little things make no differnece to you, in

> which

> > case you could easily decide on proximity or money alone. You

> can't

> > go wrong either way. And in 2 months, when all is said and

> done, it

> > won't matter a bit.

> >

> > Both are wonderful surgeons, and your end result fron either I

> think

> > will be the same. Hope this helps you sort out your mind.

> Once your

> > mind is made up, however, you'll be so happy and anxious to

> get it

> > done and over with.

> >

> > Good luck!

> > Lois

> > Dr Gross 8/6/03

>

>

> Thanks so much for very percise letter. I will take all you said to

> heart and I too like warm and fussies.