Re: [Surfacehippy] New Member

[Guest guest]

Hi Steamboatskigirl,

Initially thought I would send this reply to you privately. God Knows

....(Opps can't say that any more) ...A recurrent theme on the surfacehippy group

is:

" Should I or should I not resurface given the fact I was told mine is a more

difficult case. " I literally agonized over this decision and had some sleepless

nights because of it. Sure others, besides yourself face this very question

today. My heart goes out to all of you.

Heard and read many wonderful things about Dr Gross. Think you will be in

very confident hands. Believe I meet some of your criteria for being a more

difficult case. A prominent American Resurfacer said in Nov 03, " If I were you,

I

would have a THR instead of a Resurfacing. " Said I face a significant risk of

femur fracture with advanced avascular necrosis and large cysts. Was told by

a few OS that my femur head was nearly entirely collapsed.

Maybe I am a risk taker, probably more likely, though ...just want to remain

incredibly active like you. If the procedure should fail prematurely, at least

I can say I tried and went to whom I consider the very best surgeon. Anyway,

will probably not do the NYC marathon or sky dive again (only because looking

to try something different) Always wanted to hang glide and not ready to sell

my roller blades on e-bay any time soon (Smile) Anyway, if you might not have

come across my posting a few weeks back ...here it is again with an email to

Dr. De Smet. I am doing amazingly well at 8 weeks post op and am very happy and

with my decision.

Yikes! ...Don't know what got into me ....but this is my third posting today

in this group. Hope you gals and guys are not tired of me already.

K. (NYC)

Dear Dr. De Smet,

It is five weeks since my surgery date of Feb 3rd. Very happy to report that

I am progressing very well.  Feel with every day decreasing stiffness and more

ROM. 

It is really quite wonderful, that it certainly appears that I will fully

regain my life back as I have once known it. Thank you very much for

reconsidering my more difficult surgical case. I look back fondly on the whole

experience

and will never will forget your kindness and that of your staff.

Below is a posting I sent to the .com Surfacehippy ListServ on

February 25. Feel to quote me from anything I have written.

Warmest Regards,

K.

My Belgium Experience (Feb 3rd, 2004)

How many breakfast buffets can one eat? …This Belgium surfacehippy (Feb 3rd)

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, 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 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 more metal in them. The

disease

has progressed so much over the months 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 at 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, cool, easy to manage, elbow

crutches that look more like ski poles.

Seven 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 simultaneously (smile).

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

fracture.  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,

the femur bone under the cap should continue to strengthen, as in the case

with other surfacehippies. He said 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

became 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   r/BHR  De Smet   Feb 3rd, 04

Hello friends -

I am a 35 yo female.  I am scheduled for hip resurfacing surgery with

Dr. Gross in early May. 

I love to ski, mountain bike, rock climb, etc.  & I am choosing this

option, because I want to return to that quality of life a.s.a.p. 

Honestly, I can't imagine life without being able to do these things.

I have some anxieties, because I am a female, & a 'special case'.

I have JRA & have been on steroids on & off since age 2. The doctors

tell me that due to some osteoporosis, my risk of neck fracture is

somewhat greater.  They also tell me that I am at higher risk of

infection, because I have been on medicines which supress my immune

system for so long.  I am currently down to 10mg of Prednisone & that

is the lowest dose I can tolerate for now.

I have decided that I want to take the risk for the resurfacing,

because as I see it, the worst case scenario will be that this will

be converted to a total hip if it doesn't work.

My other concern is that I want to have children, & I have learned

that the metal parts rubbing together release particles in the

bloodstream.  The doctors tell me there is just not enough research

yet to determine how this may affect a fetus.

If any of you have a similar situation or information that might help

it would be grately appreciated.  One of the things I most appreciate

about this situation is how compassionate & helpful others have been.

Thank you to everyone out there for being on line & sharing your

experiences.

steamboatskigirl