Re: Ten Questions - Anyone Returning to Skiing or Running?

[Guest guest]

>Almost all of us here have experienced those negative responses -

often from very highly respected OS - I don't get it myself, and in

fact the one who tried to talk us out of it is now doing resurfs... in

fact is probably operating on a friend of mine as we speak. Every OS

can't be up on every surgery, but there is enough of this being done

in the world now I believe they owe to themselves to at least research

and discuss it. Some may still not be believers, but to just state

that it doesn't work makes no sense to me at all.

Anyway to the questions that I can answer:

1. If you are bone on bone, then it's not worth waiting - you may not

have the option if you are too far gone. If you can't live your life

and enjoy your children then now is the time - what better reason is

there.

2. You could jeopardize your chances of getting a resurf - believe me

it never gets better it just continues to get worse and can reach the

point of no options.

3. I am sure research is on going, but I would go with what has been

proven to date. They are working - just ask the martial arts guys,

the runners, the ironmen, the triathletes, the rock climbers, the

dancers and skaters on this list.

4. I know that McMinn does it with a very small incision and I think

some of the US docs do too... Cliff and I have 11-13 " scars and we

were both back on the ice two weeks after surgery - the scar is long,

but the damage was minimal! ( I like to show it off )

>

5. I have better range of motion than I have had in several years -

both sides are equal now - and at 16 months post op both sides are

getter better all the time.

6. While each of us believes that our own doctor as at the very least

a demi-god, probably the results would be similar, it's just that they

have been doing the procedure in Europe for about 12 years now so they

have the data. We liked the history of BHR and so opted for that.

7. Some of the best date for effectiveness might just be the people

on this site (although it has been pointed out that some of the less

successful ones might not post) - but look through the files and links

sections here - there is so much information there - no one really

know how long it will last yet - there are several people out ther who

have been pounding their hip (or hips) for 9 - 10 years and still

going strong. There are posts about them here.

9. I don't think you can be resurfaced more than once at this point

in time. We are all hoping we won't need it!

10. Recovery is a very individual thing - often based on your

strength and fitness level going in. Some of us are pretty much back

to normal within a few weeks and others take several months - it is

always a listen to your body thing (as in life generally anyway).

I can only tell you that I wish I had done this earlier - I feel I

wasted at least 2 years, but probably more trying to just live with

the pain until I was " old enough " for a thr.... So the good thing is

that in waiting I found out about resurfing and life is absolutely

wonderful again.... I can do anything I want.

Pamela

LBHR De Smet Oct 23/02

> Questions: (sorry for the delay in getting here)

> 1. What can be anticipated in the near term future (two years)

> for alternatives to treat this condition? Is it worth waiting? How

> do you decide?

> 2. Am I jeopardizing being a candidate for this procedure if I

> remain active given my current state?

> 3. Are better materials being considered and when will they be

> available?

> 4. Is anyone able to do this in a minimally invasive approach?

> Is it possible?

> 5. Will I regain some range of motion? Currently it is dismal.

> 6. Is it possible to get back to some level of rigorous activity

> and sport?

> 7. Are there data points to suggest that the results or

> procedures are more effective in Europe compared to the US?

> 8. Are there any studies or is data available relative to the

> effectiveness of this procedure generally? How long will it last?

> 9. Can a joint be resurfaced more that one time?

> 10. How long does recovery take?

>

> Thank you for your time and potential response to my questions.