1 year anniversary involving mountain biking and the E.R.

January 2, 2004

Almost a year post op, I can report my resurfaced hip is in tip top

shape but according to the Emergency Room doctor, my head needs to

be examined.

While doing business in Phoenix for the last few days I wanted to

spend a day winding down so I grabbed a mountain bike and headed to

Sedona for some scenic and exhilarating off-road riding. Aside from

weak lungs all else was great and I was riding strong for seven

miles. The skull and cross bones on the map should have been a

sign that the tide was about to turn. Small rocks beneath the tires

and cautious riding due to a steep drop off to the right contributed

to a scary " end-over-end " `crash. Fortunately, my outreached right

arm absorbed enough energy to keep the rest of my body from

cascading down the steep rocky cliff. Unfortunately, it dislocated

in the process. After a long hike to civilization a nice couple

escorted me to the ER in town.

After describing my shoulder injury history the nurse asked if there

was anything else I should tell her. " oh yea, about a year ago I

had a hip replacement " , I said. She smiled and shook her head

showing her opinion of my lack of discretion and left the room to

talk to the doctor. The conversation between two nurses and the

doctor that followed made me smile (and laugh). .Nurse- " he has a

history of shoulder dislocation but none recently " , doctor,- " blah

blah blah " , nurse- " the patient had hip surgery less that a year

ago " , doctor- " WHAT?, Why is he mountain biking? " , the nurse sighed.

The conversation continued in a similar manner (expressing denial,

stupidity and amazement) for another two or three minutes.

After a shot of muscle relaxant (similar to the stuff you get after

hip replacement), some aggressive tugging, and thirty minutes, I

was intact and free to go.

Perhaps the most important lesson is get out and enjoy the new

freedom facilitated by your new hip but be careful of the rest of

your body along the way.

Steve C

Madison, WI

BHR DeSmet-1-2003

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