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

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I would also add to Jim's excellent response that:

7) Takes on difficult cases: Dr. De Smet has successfully resurfaced many

patients that some US surgeons would not attempt.

8) Unhurried but no wasted motions in OR: It takes Dr.De Smet and his

surgical team about half as long to do a resurfacing as it typically does in

the US. Shorter times in the surgical suite correspond with less blood loss

and less chance of infection.

Those of us who have had the Belgian Experience truly love the man!

Przygoda

rBHR 3/3/04 De Smet

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

> Hi Aleks,

>

> Please allow me to take a crack at your 1st question about Dr. De

> Smet: " Why does Dr. De Smet get so much attention with this group? "

>

> >From my perspective, there are several reasons:

>

> 1) Insurance Problems in the U.S.: Many U.S. insurance companies

> won't authorize resurfacing surgery (unless, of course, the

> requesting surgeon uses the AMA code for a THR on the request for

> certification). This means prospective patients face a $25K-$40K

> bill if they choose to have the surgery done in the U.S. But, when

> they learn that the cost to have a BHR done by Dr. De Smet is

> approximately $13K, most rejoice at the thought.

>

> 2) Long Waiting Lists in Some Countries: In some countries, there

> are long waiting lists for resurfacing surgery--and having to wait

> for the procedure often jeopardizes a prospective patient's

> candidacy. As a result, many folks look for an alternative: A

> reasonably priced and readily available surgeon--preferably, one with

> lots of experience.

>

> 3) Experience and Skill: I dare say that many in this group--myself

> included--believe Dr. De Smet is one of the two or three best

> resurfacing surgeons in the world. We certainly cannot prove this

> claim, but he is clearly one of the most experienced. More

> specifically, he currently performs 10-15 BHRs a week and has done

> more than 1,200 since he learned the procedure from Dr. McMinn five

> years ago. Incidentally, he used to perform many different types of

> orthopaedic surgery, but he now does BHRs exclusively.

>

> 4) Quick & Personal Responses: Dr. De Smet responds personally and

> very quickly (usually overnight) to e-mail requests for consultation

> and other information.

>

> 5) He Runs a Well-oiled Machine: Dr. De Smet conducts the " BHR

> experience " in Ghent with clockwork-like precision. Everyone knows

> their job and does it very professionally--including the Jan Palfijn

> Hospital staff and Dr. De Smet's team (i.e., his wife, Hugo, Jan,

> Marc, etc.).

>

> 6) He's a Very Warm and Caring Person: Upon meeting Dr. De Smet, his

> patients quickly learn how reassuring, warm, and caring the man is.

> For example, he stopped in to see how I was doing every single day I

> was in the hospital and at the Holiday Inn Gent--a total of seven

> days in a row!

>

> Finally, I should add that Dr. De Smet resurfaced my left hip four

> months ago today and I am doing very well--I'm even able to play

> racquetball again after having to give it up a year ago.

>

> Jim V.S.

> LHBR, De Smet, 11/25/03

>

>

>

>

> > 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

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I would also add to Jim's excellent response that:

7) Takes on difficult cases: Dr. De Smet has successfully resurfaced many

patients that some US surgeons would not attempt.

8) Unhurried but no wasted motions in OR: It takes Dr.De Smet and his

surgical team about half as long to do a resurfacing as it typically does in

the US. Shorter times in the surgical suite correspond with less blood loss

and less chance of infection.

Those of us who have had the Belgian Experience truly love the man!

Przygoda

rBHR 3/3/04 De Smet

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

> Hi Aleks,

>

> Please allow me to take a crack at your 1st question about Dr. De

> Smet: " Why does Dr. De Smet get so much attention with this group? "

>

> >From my perspective, there are several reasons:

>

> 1) Insurance Problems in the U.S.: Many U.S. insurance companies

> won't authorize resurfacing surgery (unless, of course, the

> requesting surgeon uses the AMA code for a THR on the request for

> certification). This means prospective patients face a $25K-$40K

> bill if they choose to have the surgery done in the U.S. But, when

> they learn that the cost to have a BHR done by Dr. De Smet is

> approximately $13K, most rejoice at the thought.

>

> 2) Long Waiting Lists in Some Countries: In some countries, there

> are long waiting lists for resurfacing surgery--and having to wait

> for the procedure often jeopardizes a prospective patient's

> candidacy. As a result, many folks look for an alternative: A

> reasonably priced and readily available surgeon--preferably, one with

> lots of experience.

>

> 3) Experience and Skill: I dare say that many in this group--myself

> included--believe Dr. De Smet is one of the two or three best

> resurfacing surgeons in the world. We certainly cannot prove this

> claim, but he is clearly one of the most experienced. More

> specifically, he currently performs 10-15 BHRs a week and has done

> more than 1,200 since he learned the procedure from Dr. McMinn five

> years ago. Incidentally, he used to perform many different types of

> orthopaedic surgery, but he now does BHRs exclusively.

>

> 4) Quick & Personal Responses: Dr. De Smet responds personally and

> very quickly (usually overnight) to e-mail requests for consultation

> and other information.

>

> 5) He Runs a Well-oiled Machine: Dr. De Smet conducts the " BHR

> experience " in Ghent with clockwork-like precision. Everyone knows

> their job and does it very professionally--including the Jan Palfijn

> Hospital staff and Dr. De Smet's team (i.e., his wife, Hugo, Jan,

> Marc, etc.).

>

> 6) He's a Very Warm and Caring Person: Upon meeting Dr. De Smet, his

> patients quickly learn how reassuring, warm, and caring the man is.

> For example, he stopped in to see how I was doing every single day I

> was in the hospital and at the Holiday Inn Gent--a total of seven

> days in a row!

>

> Finally, I should add that Dr. De Smet resurfaced my left hip four

> months ago today and I am doing very well--I'm even able to play

> racquetball again after having to give it up a year ago.

>

> Jim V.S.

> LHBR, De Smet, 11/25/03

>

>

>

>

> > 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

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Aleks,

To add to the DeSmet question, I went to a US surgeon who only gave

me a 50% chance of being able to wake up with a resurfacing rather

than a THR. Dr. DeSmet told me for certain that he can do a

resurfacing because the BHR has a dysplasia cup available for those

of us born with dysplasia. This isn't available in the US yet,

although I believe a company bought the rights to begin trials with

this prothesis about a month ago. So that's why I'm going to DeSmet

in less than a week!

Limpy

> > > 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

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thank you all for your responses. I am closing in on the first

stage of my journey I share with all of you. I made the decision to

have my right hip resurfaced at JRI on May 4th. I will try to buy a

year on the left hip. Like many of you, as a former athlete making

a living relying on your body you are very aware of every muscle,

ligament, tendon, joint, etc. As I educated myself with your help,

it became very intuitive to me that this, i.e., resurfacing, is the

only viable alternative for me at this juncture in my life.

I am the coach of my boy's baseball and soccer teams and one of the

parents is an OS. I shared with him my plans. He asked where I

received my medical training. As I am now a business executive I

simply stated, " The University of Surfacehippy. "

The runners would appreciate this. I live two blocks from the

Boston Marathon course (mile 15). My boys watched me race as I ran

it consistently until the hip problem kicked in and forced me to

stop. My boys had a race of their own on the side and my four year

old stated that he needed to stop at the Red Cross tent because his

hips were bothering him. I guess it is time for me to get fixed and

stop complaining.

Insurance – JRI proactively offered to BCBS that I was having an

investigative device as part of the operation. I also wanted to

mitigate my risk and contacted BCBS directly and stated all the

facts. They told me they understood and that I was approved for

surgery. I have since received two letters of approval from an MD

at BCBS. Good enough for me and they can deal with my attorney/wife

while I focus on rehab.

Pre-Op – a question for some of the vascular surgeon types out

there. I am doing all of the pre-op work in my home state. The

doctor ordered a DVT ultrasound exam. The local hospital didn't

want to do it because I had no symptoms. A personal friend of mine

died in Iraq from DVT while he was working for NBC. I didn't take

any chances and had it done. Why would they order this exam?

Although I am a broken down old retired athlete I am 150 pounds and

about 4% body fat. I did have several reconstructive knee

operations while I was competing. Could this be the reason?

Surgeon Selection – you have all provided a wealth of knowledge in

this area. From my perspective the more experience and a sound

track record the better. In my estimation any of the OS who are

forward thinking enough to play in this arena already speaks volumes

about their potential skills. I spoke with several patients five-

plus years post op as part of my due diligence. Sound advice I

received along the way, do your homework and be comfortable

with " your " decision.

Surgery – I read with interest the posts on anesthesia. I was awake

for a couple of my knee operations. I kind of enjoyed seeing the

process although the power tools were a bit concerning. I am not

sure which direction to go on this one. Perhaps I won't have an

option. Any others with experience in this regard at JRI?

Post-Op – My biggest concern is to take things slowly and allow my

body to heal. I do not have a good track record here. Hopefully I

have grown up by now and will focus on the important things in life

and why I am getting this done. I will continue to review all the

post-op advice and it is very helpful.

THR – I continue to receive advice that I am making a mistake by not

going with a THR. If this is my only option in the future I will

get it done. I refuse to sit around and wait for my bone-on-bone

condition to deteriorate for the next five years while I could be

enjoying life.

I apologize for the lengthy post. I don't post often, however, I do

read recounts of your experiences with great enthusiasm and

curiosity. I hope to give back to any future surfacehippies any way

possible as an appreciation for all of the time and support you have

all graciously provided me.

Best of luck to each of you with your personal decisions and speedy

recovery.

Aleks…see you on the other side.

[Guest guest]

Alek,

Getting a venous ultrasound prior to surgery serves as baseline study

to ensure you have not had any previous episodes of deep venous

thrombosis (DVT). Not all episodes of DVT are symptomatic. If you

have had a prior DVT you are at higher risk for developing DVT from

the surgery. This might lead the OS to change his/her approach to

your DVT prohylaxis perioperatively and postoperatively. I think it

is a reasonable approach to the preoperative work-up for patients

undergoing THR or HR.

Regards,

Dr. Mark

> Thank you all for your responses. I am closing in on the first

> stage of my journey I share with all of you. I made the decision

to

> have my right hip resurfaced at JRI on May 4th. I will try to buy

a

> year on the left hip. Like many of you, as a former athlete making

> a living relying on your body you are very aware of every muscle,

> ligament, tendon, joint, etc. As I educated myself with your help,

> it became very intuitive to me that this, i.e., resurfacing, is the

> only viable alternative for me at this juncture in my life.

>

> I am the coach of my boy's baseball and soccer teams and one of the

> parents is an OS. I shared with him my plans. He asked where I

> received my medical training. As I am now a business executive I

> simply stated, " The University of Surfacehippy. "

>

> The runners would appreciate this. I live two blocks from the

> Boston Marathon course (mile 15). My boys watched me race as I ran

> it consistently until the hip problem kicked in and forced me to

> stop. My boys had a race of their own on the side and my four year

> old stated that he needed to stop at the Red Cross tent because his

> hips were bothering him. I guess it is time for me to get fixed

and

> stop complaining.

>

> Insurance – JRI proactively offered to BCBS that I was having an

> investigative device as part of the operation. I also wanted to

> mitigate my risk and contacted BCBS directly and stated all the

> facts. They told me they understood and that I was approved for

> surgery. I have since received two letters of approval from an MD

> at BCBS. Good enough for me and they can deal with my

attorney/wife

> while I focus on rehab.

>

> Pre-Op – a question for some of the vascular surgeon types out

> there. I am doing all of the pre-op work in my home state. The

> doctor ordered a DVT ultrasound exam. The local hospital didn't

> want to do it because I had no symptoms. A personal friend of mine

> died in Iraq from DVT while he was working for NBC. I didn't take

> any chances and had it done. Why would they order this exam?

> Although I am a broken down old retired athlete I am 150 pounds and

> about 4% body fat. I did have several reconstructive knee

> operations while I was competing. Could this be the reason?

>

> Surgeon Selection – you have all provided a wealth of knowledge in

> this area. From my perspective the more experience and a sound

> track record the better. In my estimation any of the OS who are

> forward thinking enough to play in this arena already speaks

volumes

> about their potential skills. I spoke with several patients five-

> plus years post op as part of my due diligence. Sound advice I

> received along the way, do your homework and be comfortable

> with " your " decision.

>

> Surgery – I read with interest the posts on anesthesia. I was

awake

> for a couple of my knee operations. I kind of enjoyed seeing the

> process although the power tools were a bit concerning. I am not

> sure which direction to go on this one. Perhaps I won't have an

> option. Any others with experience in this regard at JRI?

>

> Post-Op – My biggest concern is to take things slowly and allow my

> body to heal. I do not have a good track record here. Hopefully I

> have grown up by now and will focus on the important things in life

> and why I am getting this done. I will continue to review all the

> post-op advice and it is very helpful.

>

> THR – I continue to receive advice that I am making a mistake by

not

> going with a THR. If this is my only option in the future I will

> get it done. I refuse to sit around and wait for my bone-on-bone

> condition to deteriorate for the next five years while I could be

> enjoying life.

>

> I apologize for the lengthy post. I don't post often, however, I

do

> read recounts of your experiences with great enthusiasm and

> curiosity. I hope to give back to any future surfacehippies any

way

> possible as an appreciation for all of the time and support you

have

> all graciously provided me.

>

> Best of luck to each of you with your personal decisions and speedy

> recovery.

>

> Aleks…see you on the other side.

[Guest guest]

Limpy,

Glad to hear you'll be seeing the Good Doctor in less than a week! I'm

so happy for you! Let me know if I can be of any help with what to take/what

to wear issues, or anything else. Say hi to Koen, Hugo, Marc and Jan from

the March Belgian surfacehippies!

Przygoda

rBHR 3/3/04 De Smet

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

> - dear aleks, be very alert to the insurance issue.my b.c. of ca.

> has refused any payment at all anywhere in the states.also i was

> told i would never run again if i had thr. being a former marathon

> runner and professional athlete,i was totally depressed until i

> researched resurfacing and found many people who were running with

> no problems.do your homework and you will see that resurfacing is a

> total miracle,especially for younger athletes. good luck art 831

> 2472621 lbr desmet june 8,

> > To add to the DeSmet question, I went to a US surgeon who only

> gave

> > me a 50% chance of being able to wake up with a resurfacing rather

> > than a THR. Dr. DeSmet told me for certain that he can do a

> > resurfacing because the BHR has a dysplasia cup available for

> those

> > of us born with dysplasia. This isn't available in the US yet,

> > although I believe a company bought the rights to begin trials

> with

> > this prothesis about a month ago. So that's why I'm going to

> DeSmet

> > in less than a week!

> > Limpy

> >

> > > > > 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

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

-- Dear Alek Congratulations!!!!you are doing the right thing,

and congrats on getting bcbs to cover it. I would so love to talk

with you in person as i have been continuously denied by bcbs of ca

for the last year,even though they have covered it in mass,oregon,

wash,and probably others.may you have some magic that would help

me? art 8314257864 8312472621

> Alek,

> Getting a venous ultrasound prior to surgery serves as baseline

study

> to ensure you have not had any previous episodes of deep venous

> thrombosis (DVT). Not all episodes of DVT are symptomatic. If

you

> have had a prior DVT you are at higher risk for developing DVT

from

> the surgery. This might lead the OS to change his/her approach to

> your DVT prohylaxis perioperatively and postoperatively. I think

it

> is a reasonable approach to the preoperative work-up for patients

> undergoing THR or HR.

> Regards,

> Dr. Mark

>

> > Thank you all for your responses. I am closing in on the first

> > stage of my journey I share with all of you. I made the

decision

> to

> > have my right hip resurfaced at JRI on May 4th. I will try to

buy

> a

> > year on the left hip. Like many of you, as a former athlete

making

> > a living relying on your body you are very aware of every

muscle,

> > ligament, tendon, joint, etc. As I educated myself with your

help,

> > it became very intuitive to me that this, i.e., resurfacing, is

the

> > only viable alternative for me at this juncture in my life.

> >

> > I am the coach of my boy's baseball and soccer teams and one of

the

> > parents is an OS. I shared with him my plans. He asked where I

> > received my medical training. As I am now a business executive

I

> > simply stated, " The University of Surfacehippy. "

> >

> > The runners would appreciate this. I live two blocks from the

> > Boston Marathon course (mile 15). My boys watched me race as I

ran

> > it consistently until the hip problem kicked in and forced me to

> > stop. My boys had a race of their own on the side and my four

year

> > old stated that he needed to stop at the Red Cross tent because

his

> > hips were bothering him. I guess it is time for me to get fixed

> and

> > stop complaining.

> >

> > Insurance – JRI proactively offered to BCBS that I was having an

> > investigative device as part of the operation. I also wanted to

> > mitigate my risk and contacted BCBS directly and stated all the

> > facts. They told me they understood and that I was approved for

> > surgery. I have since received two letters of approval from an

MD

> > at BCBS. Good enough for me and they can deal with my

> attorney/wife

> > while I focus on rehab.

> >

> > Pre-Op – a question for some of the vascular surgeon types out

> > there. I am doing all of the pre-op work in my home state. The

> > doctor ordered a DVT ultrasound exam. The local hospital didn't

> > want to do it because I had no symptoms. A personal friend of

mine

> > died in Iraq from DVT while he was working for NBC. I didn't

take

> > any chances and had it done. Why would they order this exam?

> > Although I am a broken down old retired athlete I am 150 pounds

and

> > about 4% body fat. I did have several reconstructive knee

> > operations while I was competing. Could this be the reason?

> >

> > Surgeon Selection – you have all provided a wealth of knowledge

in

> > this area. From my perspective the more experience and a sound

> > track record the better. In my estimation any of the OS who are

> > forward thinking enough to play in this arena already speaks

> volumes

> > about their potential skills. I spoke with several patients

five-

> > plus years post op as part of my due diligence. Sound advice I

> > received along the way, do your homework and be comfortable

> > with " your " decision.

> >

> > Surgery – I read with interest the posts on anesthesia. I was

> awake

> > for a couple of my knee operations. I kind of enjoyed seeing

the

> > process although the power tools were a bit concerning. I am

not

> > sure which direction to go on this one. Perhaps I won't have an

> > option. Any others with experience in this regard at JRI?

> >

> > Post-Op – My biggest concern is to take things slowly and allow

my

> > body to heal. I do not have a good track record here.

Hopefully I

> > have grown up by now and will focus on the important things in

life

> > and why I am getting this done. I will continue to review all

the

> > post-op advice and it is very helpful.

> >

> > THR – I continue to receive advice that I am making a mistake by

> not

> > going with a THR. If this is my only option in the future I

will

> > get it done. I refuse to sit around and wait for my bone-on-

bone

> > condition to deteriorate for the next five years while I could

be

> > enjoying life.

> >

> > I apologize for the lengthy post. I don't post often, however,

I

> do

> > read recounts of your experiences with great enthusiasm and

> > curiosity. I hope to give back to any future surfacehippies any

> way

> > possible as an appreciation for all of the time and support you

> have

> > all graciously provided me.

> >

> > Best of luck to each of you with your personal decisions and

speedy

> > recovery.

> >

> > Aleks…see you on the other side.

[Guest guest]

Hi Art. I received your message late last night and I was uncertain

about your time zone. I will attempt to call you later today. The

whole insurance thing is a bit confusing and frustrating. I will

help any way I can. All we need is for a few of the executives at

BCBS CA to hang around in as much pain as you are in for awhile and

tease them with a cure, but then inform them that they don't qualify

because they work for BCBS.

Regards...Aleks

> > > Thank you all for your responses. I am closing in on the

first

> > > stage of my journey I share with all of you. I made the

> decision

> > to

> > > have my right hip resurfaced at JRI on May 4th. I will try to

> buy

> > a

> > > year on the left hip. Like many of you, as a former athlete

> making

> > > a living relying on your body you are very aware of every

> muscle,

> > > ligament, tendon, joint, etc. As I educated myself with your

> help,

> > > it became very intuitive to me that this, i.e., resurfacing,

is

> the

> > > only viable alternative for me at this juncture in my life.

> > >

> > > I am the coach of my boy's baseball and soccer teams and one

of

> the

> > > parents is an OS. I shared with him my plans. He asked where

I

> > > received my medical training. As I am now a business

executive

> I

> > > simply stated, " The University of Surfacehippy. "

> > >

> > > The runners would appreciate this. I live two blocks from the

> > > Boston Marathon course (mile 15). My boys watched me race as

I

> ran

> > > it consistently until the hip problem kicked in and forced me

to

> > > stop. My boys had a race of their own on the side and my four

> year

> > > old stated that he needed to stop at the Red Cross tent

because

> his

> > > hips were bothering him. I guess it is time for me to get

fixed

> > and

> > > stop complaining.

> > >

> > > Insurance – JRI proactively offered to BCBS that I was

having

an

> > > investigative device as part of the operation. I also wanted

to

> > > mitigate my risk and contacted BCBS directly and stated all

the

> > > facts. They told me they understood and that I was approved

for

> > > surgery. I have since received two letters of approval from

an

> MD

> > > at BCBS. Good enough for me and they can deal with my

> > attorney/wife

> > > while I focus on rehab.

> > >

> > > Pre-Op – a question for some of the vascular surgeon types

out

> > > there. I am doing all of the pre-op work in my home state.

The

> > > doctor ordered a DVT ultrasound exam. The local hospital

didn't

> > > want to do it because I had no symptoms. A personal friend of

> mine

> > > died in Iraq from DVT while he was working for NBC. I didn't

> take

> > > any chances and had it done. Why would they order this exam?

> > > Although I am a broken down old retired athlete I am 150

pounds

> and

> > > about 4% body fat. I did have several reconstructive knee

> > > operations while I was competing. Could this be the reason?

> > >

> > > Surgeon Selection – you have all provided a wealth of

knowledge

> in

> > > this area. From my perspective the more experience and a

sound

> > > track record the better. In my estimation any of the OS who

are

> > > forward thinking enough to play in this arena already speaks

> > volumes

> > > about their potential skills. I spoke with several patients

> five-

> > > plus years post op as part of my due diligence. Sound advice

I

> > > received along the way, do your homework and be comfortable

> > > with " your " decision.

> > >

> > > Surgery – I read with interest the posts on anesthesia. I

was

> > awake

> > > for a couple of my knee operations. I kind of enjoyed seeing

> the

> > > process although the power tools were a bit concerning. I am

> not

> > > sure which direction to go on this one. Perhaps I won't have

an

> > > option. Any others with experience in this regard at JRI?

> > >

> > > Post-Op – My biggest concern is to take things slowly and

allow

> my

> > > body to heal. I do not have a good track record here.

> Hopefully I

> > > have grown up by now and will focus on the important things in

> life

> > > and why I am getting this done. I will continue to review all

> the

> > > post-op advice and it is very helpful.

> > >

> > > THR – I continue to receive advice that I am making a

mistake

by

> > not

> > > going with a THR. If this is my only option in the future I

> will

> > > get it done. I refuse to sit around and wait for my bone-on-

> bone

> > > condition to deteriorate for the next five years while I could

> be

> > > enjoying life.

> > >

> > > I apologize for the lengthy post. I don't post often,

however,

> I

> > do

> > > read recounts of your experiences with great enthusiasm and

> > > curiosity. I hope to give back to any future surfacehippies

any

> > way

> > > possible as an appreciation for all of the time and support

you

> > have

> > > all graciously provided me.

> > >

> > > Best of luck to each of you with your personal decisions and

> speedy

> > > recovery.

> > >

> > > Aleks…see you on the other side.

[Guest guest]

Hi Art. I received your message late last night and I was uncertain

about your time zone. I will attempt to call you later today. The

whole insurance thing is a bit confusing and frustrating. I will

help any way I can. All we need is for a few of the executives at

BCBS CA to hang around in as much pain as you are in for awhile and

tease them with a cure, but then inform them that they don't qualify

because they work for BCBS.

Regards...Aleks

> > > Thank you all for your responses. I am closing in on the

first

> > > stage of my journey I share with all of you. I made the

> decision

> > to

> > > have my right hip resurfaced at JRI on May 4th. I will try to

> buy

> > a

> > > year on the left hip. Like many of you, as a former athlete

> making

> > > a living relying on your body you are very aware of every

> muscle,

> > > ligament, tendon, joint, etc. As I educated myself with your

> help,

> > > it became very intuitive to me that this, i.e., resurfacing,

is

> the

> > > only viable alternative for me at this juncture in my life.

> > >

> > > I am the coach of my boy's baseball and soccer teams and one

of

> the

> > > parents is an OS. I shared with him my plans. He asked where

I

> > > received my medical training. As I am now a business

executive

> I

> > > simply stated, " The University of Surfacehippy. "

> > >

> > > The runners would appreciate this. I live two blocks from the

> > > Boston Marathon course (mile 15). My boys watched me race as

I

> ran

> > > it consistently until the hip problem kicked in and forced me

to

> > > stop. My boys had a race of their own on the side and my four

> year

> > > old stated that he needed to stop at the Red Cross tent

because

> his

> > > hips were bothering him. I guess it is time for me to get

fixed

> > and

> > > stop complaining.

> > >

> > > Insurance – JRI proactively offered to BCBS that I was

having

an

> > > investigative device as part of the operation. I also wanted

to

> > > mitigate my risk and contacted BCBS directly and stated all

the

> > > facts. They told me they understood and that I was approved

for

> > > surgery. I have since received two letters of approval from

an

> MD

> > > at BCBS. Good enough for me and they can deal with my

> > attorney/wife

> > > while I focus on rehab.

> > >

> > > Pre-Op – a question for some of the vascular surgeon types

out

> > > there. I am doing all of the pre-op work in my home state.

The

> > > doctor ordered a DVT ultrasound exam. The local hospital

didn't

> > > want to do it because I had no symptoms. A personal friend of

> mine

> > > died in Iraq from DVT while he was working for NBC. I didn't

> take

> > > any chances and had it done. Why would they order this exam?

> > > Although I am a broken down old retired athlete I am 150

pounds

> and

> > > about 4% body fat. I did have several reconstructive knee

> > > operations while I was competing. Could this be the reason?

> > >

> > > Surgeon Selection – you have all provided a wealth of

knowledge

> in

> > > this area. From my perspective the more experience and a

sound

> > > track record the better. In my estimation any of the OS who

are

> > > forward thinking enough to play in this arena already speaks

> > volumes

> > > about their potential skills. I spoke with several patients

> five-

> > > plus years post op as part of my due diligence. Sound advice

I

> > > received along the way, do your homework and be comfortable

> > > with " your " decision.

> > >

> > > Surgery – I read with interest the posts on anesthesia. I

was

> > awake

> > > for a couple of my knee operations. I kind of enjoyed seeing

> the

> > > process although the power tools were a bit concerning. I am

> not

> > > sure which direction to go on this one. Perhaps I won't have

an

> > > option. Any others with experience in this regard at JRI?

> > >

> > > Post-Op – My biggest concern is to take things slowly and

allow

> my

> > > body to heal. I do not have a good track record here.

> Hopefully I

> > > have grown up by now and will focus on the important things in

> life

> > > and why I am getting this done. I will continue to review all

> the

> > > post-op advice and it is very helpful.

> > >

> > > THR – I continue to receive advice that I am making a

mistake

by

> > not

> > > going with a THR. If this is my only option in the future I

> will

> > > get it done. I refuse to sit around and wait for my bone-on-

> bone

> > > condition to deteriorate for the next five years while I could

> be

> > > enjoying life.

> > >

> > > I apologize for the lengthy post. I don't post often,

however,

> I

> > do

> > > read recounts of your experiences with great enthusiasm and

> > > curiosity. I hope to give back to any future surfacehippies

any

> > way

> > > possible as an appreciation for all of the time and support

you

> > have

> > > all graciously provided me.

> > >

> > > Best of luck to each of you with your personal decisions and

> speedy

> > > recovery.

> > >

> > > Aleks…see you on the other side.

[Guest guest]

-hi aleks found out yesterday that jri reduced their fees

dramatically in order to be competitive,so as they are so close to

me i'm going to go with dr. smaltzreid as soon as possible,hopefully

within the next few weeks, might be fun to try to schedule them

together and share the same room if they put 2 in a room.sounds like

we would have some interesting discussions on how to find and

maintain the ZONE in competitive sports.i was a professional golfer

a few years back and played breifly on the Senior Tour circuit.chuck

adams cleared away my excitement when he told me that bcbs of ca is

wholly independent from other states so your sucess in mass has no

bearing on my situation.i choose dr smaltzreid on the recommendation

of a friend who he resurfaced and also i was very impressed with his

bio on the jri website.got your phone message but no return # let's

talk -- In surfacehippy , " aleksblaise "

wrote:

> Hi Art. I received your message late last night and I was

uncertain

> about your time zone. I will attempt to call you later today.

The

> whole insurance thing is a bit confusing and frustrating. I will

> help any way I can. All we need is for a few of the executives at

> BCBS CA to hang around in as much pain as you are in for awhile

and

> tease them with a cure, but then inform them that they don't

qualify

> because they work for BCBS.

>

> Regards...Aleks

>

>

> > > > Thank you all for your responses. I am closing in on the

> first

> > > > stage of my journey I share with all of you. I made the

> > decision

> > > to

> > > > have my right hip resurfaced at JRI on May 4th. I will try

to

> > buy

> > > a

> > > > year on the left hip. Like many of you, as a former athlete

> > making

> > > > a living relying on your body you are very aware of every

> > muscle,

> > > > ligament, tendon, joint, etc. As I educated myself with

your

> > help,

> > > > it became very intuitive to me that this, i.e., resurfacing,

> is

> > the

> > > > only viable alternative for me at this juncture in my life.

> > > >

> > > > I am the coach of my boy's baseball and soccer teams and one

> of

> > the

> > > > parents is an OS. I shared with him my plans. He asked

where

> I

> > > > received my medical training. As I am now a business

> executive

> > I

> > > > simply stated, " The University of Surfacehippy. "

> > > >

> > > > The runners would appreciate this. I live two blocks from

the

> > > > Boston Marathon course (mile 15). My boys watched me race

as

> I

> > ran

> > > > it consistently until the hip problem kicked in and forced

me

> to

> > > > stop. My boys had a race of their own on the side and my

four

> > year

> > > > old stated that he needed to stop at the Red Cross tent

> because

> > his

> > > > hips were bothering him. I guess it is time for me to get

> fixed

> > > and

> > > > stop complaining.

> > > >

> > > > Insurance – JRI proactively offered to BCBS that I was

> having

> an

> > > > investigative device as part of the operation. I also

wanted

> to

> > > > mitigate my risk and contacted BCBS directly and stated all

> the

> > > > facts. They told me they understood and that I was approved

> for

> > > > surgery. I have since received two letters of approval from

> an

> > MD

> > > > at BCBS. Good enough for me and they can deal with my

> > > attorney/wife

> > > > while I focus on rehab.

> > > >

> > > > Pre-Op – a question for some of the vascular surgeon types

> out

> > > > there. I am doing all of the pre-op work in my home state.

> The

> > > > doctor ordered a DVT ultrasound exam. The local hospital

> didn't

> > > > want to do it because I had no symptoms. A personal friend

of

> > mine

> > > > died in Iraq from DVT while he was working for NBC. I

didn't

> > take

> > > > any chances and had it done. Why would they order this

exam?

> > > > Although I am a broken down old retired athlete I am 150

> pounds

> > and

> > > > about 4% body fat. I did have several reconstructive knee

> > > > operations while I was competing. Could this be the reason?

> > > >

> > > > Surgeon Selection – you have all provided a wealth of

> knowledge

> > in

> > > > this area. From my perspective the more experience and a

> sound

> > > > track record the better. In my estimation any of the OS who

> are

> > > > forward thinking enough to play in this arena already speaks

> > > volumes

> > > > about their potential skills. I spoke with several patients

> > five-

> > > > plus years post op as part of my due diligence. Sound

advice

> I

> > > > received along the way, do your homework and be comfortable

> > > > with " your " decision.

> > > >

> > > > Surgery – I read with interest the posts on anesthesia. I

> was

> > > awake

> > > > for a couple of my knee operations. I kind of enjoyed

seeing

> > the

> > > > process although the power tools were a bit concerning. I

am

> > not

> > > > sure which direction to go on this one. Perhaps I won't

have

> an

> > > > option. Any others with experience in this regard at JRI?

> > > >

> > > > Post-Op – My biggest concern is to take things slowly and

> allow

> > my

> > > > body to heal. I do not have a good track record here.

> > Hopefully I

> > > > have grown up by now and will focus on the important things

in

> > life

> > > > and why I am getting this done. I will continue to review

all

> > the

> > > > post-op advice and it is very helpful.

> > > >

> > > > THR – I continue to receive advice that I am making a

> mistake

> by

> > > not

> > > > going with a THR. If this is my only option in the future I

> > will

> > > > get it done. I refuse to sit around and wait for my bone-on-

> > bone

> > > > condition to deteriorate for the next five years while I

could

> > be

> > > > enjoying life.

> > > >

> > > > I apologize for the lengthy post. I don't post often,

> however,

> > I

> > > do

> > > > read recounts of your experiences with great enthusiasm and

> > > > curiosity. I hope to give back to any future surfacehippies

> any

> > > way

> > > > possible as an appreciation for all of the time and support

> you

> > > have

> > > > all graciously provided me.

> > > >

> > > > Best of luck to each of you with your personal decisions and

> > speedy

> > > > recovery.

> > > >

> > > > Aleks…see you on the other side.

[Guest guest]

Hi Art. I will call you again and leave my number. Funny you

mentioned the golf. I was going to put something out there and ask

about returning to golf. I love the game. My game went to hell

when my range of motion went. This was the first year I opted out

of the guys golf outing at Troon and it was painful to miss it...but

more painful to go. I figured between the 2000mg plus of ibubrofen

and the beers starting on the first tee at 8:00, I would save myself

the agony. I am 40; do you think I could get my game in shape to be

competitive on the senior tour? What age does the senior tour

begin...50? I am booked for May 4th...come join the party. I am

happy things are headed in the right direction for you.

Best Regards....Aleks

> > > > > Thank you all for your responses. I am closing in on the

> > first

> > > > > stage of my journey I share with all of you. I made the

> > > decision

> > > > to

> > > > > have my right hip resurfaced at JRI on May 4th. I will

try

> to

> > > buy

> > > > a

> > > > > year on the left hip. Like many of you, as a former

athlete

> > > making

> > > > > a living relying on your body you are very aware of every

> > > muscle,

> > > > > ligament, tendon, joint, etc. As I educated myself with

> your

> > > help,

> > > > > it became very intuitive to me that this, i.e.,

resurfacing,

> > is

> > > the

> > > > > only viable alternative for me at this juncture in my

life.

> > > > >

> > > > > I am the coach of my boy's baseball and soccer teams and

one

> > of

> > > the

> > > > > parents is an OS. I shared with him my plans. He asked

> where

> > I

> > > > > received my medical training. As I am now a business

> > executive

> > > I

> > > > > simply stated, " The University of Surfacehippy. "

> > > > >

> > > > > The runners would appreciate this. I live two blocks from

> the

> > > > > Boston Marathon course (mile 15). My boys watched me race

> as

> > I

> > > ran

> > > > > it consistently until the hip problem kicked in and forced

> me

> > to

> > > > > stop. My boys had a race of their own on the side and my

> four

> > > year

> > > > > old stated that he needed to stop at the Red Cross tent

> > because

> > > his

> > > > > hips were bothering him. I guess it is time for me to get

> > fixed

> > > > and

> > > > > stop complaining.

> > > > >

> > > > > Insurance – JRI proactively offered to BCBS that I was

> > having

> > an

> > > > > investigative device as part of the operation. I also

> wanted

> > to

> > > > > mitigate my risk and contacted BCBS directly and stated

all

> > the

> > > > > facts. They told me they understood and that I was

approved

> > for

> > > > > surgery. I have since received two letters of approval

from

> > an

> > > MD

> > > > > at BCBS. Good enough for me and they can deal with my

> > > > attorney/wife

> > > > > while I focus on rehab.

> > > > >

> > > > > Pre-Op – a question for some of the vascular surgeon

types

> > out

> > > > > there. I am doing all of the pre-op work in my home

state.

> > The

> > > > > doctor ordered a DVT ultrasound exam. The local hospital

> > didn't

> > > > > want to do it because I had no symptoms. A personal

friend

> of

> > > mine

> > > > > died in Iraq from DVT while he was working for NBC. I

> didn't

> > > take

> > > > > any chances and had it done. Why would they order this

> exam?

> > > > > Although I am a broken down old retired athlete I am 150

> > pounds

> > > and

> > > > > about 4% body fat. I did have several reconstructive knee

> > > > > operations while I was competing. Could this be the

reason?

> > > > >

> > > > > Surgeon Selection – you have all provided a wealth of

> > knowledge

> > > in

> > > > > this area. From my perspective the more experience and a

> > sound

> > > > > track record the better. In my estimation any of the OS

who

> > are

> > > > > forward thinking enough to play in this arena already

speaks

> > > > volumes

> > > > > about their potential skills. I spoke with several

patients

> > > five-

> > > > > plus years post op as part of my due diligence. Sound

> advice

> > I

> > > > > received along the way, do your homework and be

comfortable

> > > > > with " your " decision.

> > > > >

> > > > > Surgery – I read with interest the posts on anesthesia.

I

> > was

> > > > awake

> > > > > for a couple of my knee operations. I kind of enjoyed

> seeing

> > > the

> > > > > process although the power tools were a bit concerning. I

> am

> > > not

> > > > > sure which direction to go on this one. Perhaps I won't

> have

> > an

> > > > > option. Any others with experience in this regard at JRI?

> > > > >

> > > > > Post-Op – My biggest concern is to take things slowly

and

> > allow

> > > my

> > > > > body to heal. I do not have a good track record here.

> > > Hopefully I

> > > > > have grown up by now and will focus on the important

things

> in

> > > life

> > > > > and why I am getting this done. I will continue to review

> all

> > > the

> > > > > post-op advice and it is very helpful.

> > > > >

> > > > > THR – I continue to receive advice that I am making a

> > mistake

> > by

> > > > not

> > > > > going with a THR. If this is my only option in the future

I

> > > will

> > > > > get it done. I refuse to sit around and wait for my bone-

on-

> > > bone

> > > > > condition to deteriorate for the next five years while I

> could

> > > be

> > > > > enjoying life.

> > > > >

> > > > > I apologize for the lengthy post. I don't post often,

> > however,

> > > I

> > > > do

> > > > > read recounts of your experiences with great enthusiasm

and

> > > > > curiosity. I hope to give back to any future

surfacehippies

> > any

> > > > way

> > > > > possible as an appreciation for all of the time and

support

> > you

> > > > have

> > > > > all graciously provided me.

> > > > >

> > > > > Best of luck to each of you with your personal decisions

and

> > > speedy

> > > > > recovery.

> > > > >

> > > > > Aleks…see you on the other side.

[Guest guest]

-hi alek, i'll call jri tomorrow and see if i can party with you in

the hospital, i hear the morphine is a pretty interesting trip. i

don't know what your game is like but unless you play fairly

consistently in the 60's,it's very hard to compete.the level of

mastery these guys perform on is 1 in 5,000,000,nothing short of

miraculous.i also used to run marathons and this is a formal

challenge ,25 laps around the hospital ward,winner gets a gets a

double shot of morphine at the expense of the looser at the hospital

bar.hope to see you in la. art -- In

surfacehippy , " aleksblaise " wrote:

> Hi Art. I will call you again and leave my number. Funny you

> mentioned the golf. I was going to put something out there and

ask

> about returning to golf. I love the game. My game went to hell

> when my range of motion went. This was the first year I opted out

> of the guys golf outing at Troon and it was painful to miss

it...but

> more painful to go. I figured between the 2000mg plus of

ibubrofen

> and the beers starting on the first tee at 8:00, I would save

myself

> the agony. I am 40; do you think I could get my game in shape to

be

> competitive on the senior tour? What age does the senior tour

> begin...50? I am booked for May 4th...come join the party. I am

> happy things are headed in the right direction for you.

>

> Best Regards....Aleks

>

>

> > > > > > Thank you all for your responses. I am closing in on

the

> > > first

> > > > > > stage of my journey I share with all of you. I made the

> > > > decision

> > > > > to

> > > > > > have my right hip resurfaced at JRI on May 4th. I will

> try

> > to

> > > > buy

> > > > > a

> > > > > > year on the left hip. Like many of you, as a former

> athlete

> > > > making

> > > > > > a living relying on your body you are very aware of

every

> > > > muscle,

> > > > > > ligament, tendon, joint, etc. As I educated myself with

> > your

> > > > help,

> > > > > > it became very intuitive to me that this, i.e.,

> resurfacing,

> > > is

> > > > the

> > > > > > only viable alternative for me at this juncture in my

> life.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I am the coach of my boy's baseball and soccer teams and

> one

> > > of

> > > > the

> > > > > > parents is an OS. I shared with him my plans. He asked

> > where

> > > I

> > > > > > received my medical training. As I am now a business

> > > executive

> > > > I

> > > > > > simply stated, " The University of Surfacehippy. "

> > > > > >

> > > > > > The runners would appreciate this. I live two blocks

from

> > the

> > > > > > Boston Marathon course (mile 15). My boys watched me

race

> > as

> > > I

> > > > ran

> > > > > > it consistently until the hip problem kicked in and

forced

> > me

> > > to

> > > > > > stop. My boys had a race of their own on the side and

my

> > four

> > > > year

> > > > > > old stated that he needed to stop at the Red Cross tent

> > > because

> > > > his

> > > > > > hips were bothering him. I guess it is time for me to

get

> > > fixed

> > > > > and

> > > > > > stop complaining.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Insurance – JRI proactively offered to BCBS that I was

> > > having

> > > an

> > > > > > investigative device as part of the operation. I also

> > wanted

> > > to

> > > > > > mitigate my risk and contacted BCBS directly and stated

> all

> > > the

> > > > > > facts. They told me they understood and that I was

> approved

> > > for

> > > > > > surgery. I have since received two letters of approval

> from

> > > an

> > > > MD

> > > > > > at BCBS. Good enough for me and they can deal with my

> > > > > attorney/wife

> > > > > > while I focus on rehab.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Pre-Op – a question for some of the vascular surgeon

> types

> > > out

> > > > > > there. I am doing all of the pre-op work in my home

> state.

> > > The

> > > > > > doctor ordered a DVT ultrasound exam. The local

hospital

> > > didn't

> > > > > > want to do it because I had no symptoms. A personal

> friend

> > of

> > > > mine

> > > > > > died in Iraq from DVT while he was working for NBC. I

> > didn't

> > > > take

> > > > > > any chances and had it done. Why would they order this

> > exam?

> > > > > > Although I am a broken down old retired athlete I am 150

> > > pounds

> > > > and

> > > > > > about 4% body fat. I did have several reconstructive

knee

> > > > > > operations while I was competing. Could this be the

> reason?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Surgeon Selection – you have all provided a wealth of

> > > knowledge

> > > > in

> > > > > > this area. From my perspective the more experience and

a

> > > sound

> > > > > > track record the better. In my estimation any of the OS

> who

> > > are

> > > > > > forward thinking enough to play in this arena already

> speaks

> > > > > volumes

> > > > > > about their potential skills. I spoke with several

> patients

> > > > five-

> > > > > > plus years post op as part of my due diligence. Sound

> > advice

> > > I

> > > > > > received along the way, do your homework and be

> comfortable

> > > > > > with " your " decision.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Surgery – I read with interest the posts on anesthesia.

> I

> > > was

> > > > > awake

> > > > > > for a couple of my knee operations. I kind of enjoyed

> > seeing

> > > > the

> > > > > > process although the power tools were a bit concerning.

I

> > am

> > > > not

> > > > > > sure which direction to go on this one. Perhaps I won't

> > have

> > > an

> > > > > > option. Any others with experience in this regard at

JRI?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Post-Op – My biggest concern is to take things slowly

> and

> > > allow

> > > > my

> > > > > > body to heal. I do not have a good track record here.

> > > > Hopefully I

> > > > > > have grown up by now and will focus on the important

> things

> > in

> > > > life

> > > > > > and why I am getting this done. I will continue to

review

> > all

> > > > the

> > > > > > post-op advice and it is very helpful.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > THR – I continue to receive advice that I am making a

> > > mistake

> > > by

> > > > > not

> > > > > > going with a THR. If this is my only option in the

future

> I

> > > > will

> > > > > > get it done. I refuse to sit around and wait for my

bone-

> on-

> > > > bone

> > > > > > condition to deteriorate for the next five years while I

> > could

> > > > be

> > > > > > enjoying life.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I apologize for the lengthy post. I don't post often,

> > > however,

> > > > I

> > > > > do

> > > > > > read recounts of your experiences with great enthusiasm

> and

> > > > > > curiosity. I hope to give back to any future

> surfacehippies

> > > any

> > > > > way

> > > > > > possible as an appreciation for all of the time and

> support

> > > you

> > > > > have

> > > > > > all graciously provided me.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Best of luck to each of you with your personal decisions

> and

> > > > speedy

> > > > > > recovery.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Aleks…see you on the other side.