JRI, Dr. Amstutz, Running, Insurance, etc.

[Guest guest]

Hi All.

I posted some time ago. I have learned a great deal since thanks in

large part to you. I was the guy who was a long time member of the

US Ski Team, National and NCAA Champion and ran 15 marathons

including a PR in the Boston marathon of 2:32:00 as a recreational

runner. I share this not to talk about myself, but to connect with

those who may go through the same issues I have the past couple of

years and want to remain active. I am now 40 years old with

bilateral OA. I am being seen by Dr. Amstutz and I had my initial

consult and review of my xrays. I was on an airplane and it was

difficult for me to hear the entire conversation. I am hoping some

of you may answer some questions or help fill in the blanks.

1. Insurance - all a big mystery! JRI got back to me and stated

they received approval for a THR, however, disclosed that I may have

a resurfacing. It appears that BCBS of MA will review it when it is

submitted. Does this mean that they will cover the procedure and

not the device? I am certain Chuck will clarify for me. By

the way, this guy and JRI are a real class act! Great people.

2. Bilateral - my right hip is terrible, however, Dr. Amstutz stated

that I may be able to buy some time on the left hip. He talked

about an alternative to resurfacing that sounded even less invasive

than resurfacing, but my right hip was too far gone to be considered

for such a procedure. Any idea what he is referring to?

3. Running - I hear many of my new found friends getting back to

running. I ran six miles today and just live in the normal day-to-

day pain. I took from Dr. Amstutz that he discourages running after

resurfacing, where the Euro Drs seem to encourage it. Thoughts?

4. Dr. Amstutz v. De Smet - why does Dr. De Smet get so much

attention with this group? Are there differences in the procedure,

devices, philosophy, results?

5. Bilateral - any feedback related to those who had simultaneous

bilateral versus waiting? Anyone have the second hip done a year

later and wish they had them done at the same time?

I really hope to become less restricted soon. I am doing this in

large part to remain active for my children. I have two boys who

love all sports. I just spent a week in Aspen and watching my four

year old ski the entire Ajax mountain top to bottom and it brought

me unbelievable joy and something I don't want to miss in the

future. I would be ok if they didn't like those awful bumps so

much...ouch...

As always, thanks for your support. Any advice or guidance is

greatly appreciated.

Best to all....Aleks