My Belgium Experience (Feb 3rd, 2004)

[Guest guest]

How many breakfast buffets can one eat?... This Belgium surfacehippy

(Feb 3) finally went home last week. I, too, have the highest regard

for Dr. Koen De Smet. Could not have asked for a more skilled,

caring and dedicated surgeon. The phrase, a well oiled machine, many

times mentioned beforehand, aptly describes the whole Belgium

experience ... If it's 10:15am ... Having physical therapy with Marc.

Was originally denied by Dr. De Smet in the fall of 2003, as

having " Crossed the line " with advanced Avascular Necrosis and

cysts. He later reconsidered, upon my pleading (smile). He would

only acknowledge that a resurfacing " May be possible. "

He custom made my BHR by turning it upside, poured in cement and set

it aside. He said the additional cement would harden and add to the

thickness of the metal prosthesis. Said in countries where AVN is

more widespread (due to excessive alcohol consumption) the prosthesis

have much more metal in them. The disease has progressed so much over

the months that it has become difficult to walk without nearly

toppling over.

I arrived in Gent with my industrial strength, stainless steel elbow

crutches. Was chided with the name, " Tiny Tim, " as it outwardly

appeared that I was stricken with some highly irreversible

degenerative disorder. Hoped it was not too late for Dr. De Smet to

be able to perform his magic upon me.

Already resigned myself to the fact that I may likely wake up in the

recovery room with a THR. My last conscious moment, before the

surgery, was being told that we are going to see the anesthetist.

Woke up in recovery, with immense soreness on my operated side.

Asked the attending nurse, if received a resurfacing procedure. She

responded, " You better ask Dr. De Smet. " … (Yikes, I thought, … not a

good sign.) Later that day, Dr. De Smet walked in my hospital room

and broke the news. Said my bone was soft and had much to remove to

get to something solid, but I did indeed get a resurfacing. He said

soberly, " Nine out of ten surgeons would have performed a THR on

me. "

He instructed me to remain on crutches for six weeks. (A rarity, for

him, I hear.) I have no problem with that. This is what surgeons

advise in America, anyway. Donated my industrial strength crutches

to the hotel for someone who may need then more than me. Purchased

from Marc, the physical therapist, cool, easy to manage, elbow

crutches that look more like ski poles.

Seen days post-op we toured Paris. Saw the Eiffel Tower and Notre

Dame Cathedral and had a wonderful dinner. (Hi, Mike and !)

Remarkably, I cannot distinguish any leg length discrepancy. Hard to

recall when both legs touched the ground simultaneity (smile).

Dr. De Smet said the next six months are critical with an increased

risk of fracture. He advised to refrain from lower body exercises

during this time. Am in no rush to head to my gym anytime soon.

Otherwise, he said, after six months, my femur bone under the cap

should continue to strengthen, as in the case with other

surfachippies.

He said that while he does not personally recommend it, I could get a

Dexa Scan of my hip upon arrival in America and repeat the procedure

six months later. He said the scan would show that my femur bone has

become a whole lot stronger. Realizing that I am a gym rat, I think

Dr. De Smet wanted to put my mind at ease. The kind doctor listens

carefully to his patients.

I will keep you informed of my progress. Yesterday, I removed my

bandage and visited my physician who checked the incision. He was

amazed how incredibly careful it was stitched and how quickly it was

healing. He was amazed too, how well and active I appeared so soon

after undergoing major surgery. I left his office feeling like a

medical marvel and a truly lucky man. Already sensing a taste a

spring in the air after a rather harsh winter, I felt brighter,

warmer and happier days lie ahead. Thank You, Dr. Koen De Smet!

Kavaliauskas 46 years (NYC)