Hi

Welcome.  I would make sure you find out about your hip device.  You are younger and could possibly consider a hip resurfacing. If you consider that you will most likely have to travel to find a really expeirnced surgeon.  You cqn check out my resurfacing site here http://www.surfacehippy.info/visitorguide.php

Since you are still young and active I  would make sure you get a large ball MOM metal on metal THR.  The shorter the stem - the better.  Then they don't cut off as much of your femur bone.  With hip resurfacing, they don't cut any femur off, but reshape the ball of the femur.  They use the same components as a MOM THR, but the femur cap does not have a long stem.  Make sure you understand what you are to get and what your options are.  Once the surgery is done - it is too late to change your mind.  Ask about the device, the size of it compared to your femur ball size and what restrictions you will have.  A small ball old fashioned THR will have many restrictions.  I was 61 when I had my resurfacing and did not want an old fasioned THR.  So I flew to Belgium for my resurfacing.  There are now many expeirnced surgeons in the US that do resurfacing.   A MOM THR and a resurfacing use the same size components.  You still have a more natural gait with a resurfacing since to femur bone was cut off.  Ask a lot of questions.  An educated patient is a happy patient. You want to get out of pain, yet remain active without any restrictions when you heal.

Pat

Hello,
I'm new to this group, and now scheduled for a total hip replacement (my only option) in October, at St. Johns Medical Center, in Tulsa, OK. My OS is Dr. Scott Dunitz. I just had my first appointment with him to review my severe hip pain, and including my rotated outward right knee, in compensating for my limping for so long, and on a cane. I'm 54 years old, female, in good physical shape, but OA is taking out my joints now in post menopause.  According to my Dexascan, my bones are not showing much osteoporosis, but it is a concern.  I like Dr. Dunitz, and he was thorough with my exams at his office at Tulsa Bone & Joint Associates, and very patient. I was not infirmed like this until 2-1/2  years ago.  Menopause started the aggravation of the damage I had to my hip and sacral joints,that already had OA  (old injuries and 40 years of hard work). I also have severe issues with my back, OA there, and kyphotic lumbar and sacral joint, so am consulting a spine specialist as well.  I was working and very physically active up to 2-1/2 years ago, working horses, livestock and running an engineering firm. I've been going downhill ever since, and  I am now on crutches to save my hip & knee, awaiting surgery, more NSAID's.  and I would like to know if anyone else has experience with this doctor and this medical center? Would appreciate any info. I have not had my pre surgical appointment yet, and have no idea about the THR components he will be using, except that it will either be a 4 inch or 8 inch stem, depending upon what he finds,  :)and made by a French company.  I found the recent articles on component recalls to be disturbing, so now started to research this.  I live in rural Oklahoma, I'm new to this state (from CA) there is not much in this area, so I have to drive 1 hour 45 minutes to my specialists in Tulsa.  Any info on the medical center and this Dr. would be very helpful and gratefully appreciated.
Thank you! 

hi Pat
as promised - i said id post a reply on progress.
Had a hip re-surfacing op with Mr McMinn 2 weeks ago on 20th July, so not long into re-hab. However, very happy that I had it done and very happy with progress. I can fully weight bear on my operated leg and can move easily and quickly with one crutch (though i carry two - surgeons orders).
Thanks for the encouragement to see Me NcMinn - so far so good.
Jonathan

Hi

I am sorry, but I don't have any specific information about the surgeon you listed.  I shortened the information about him since I don't normally list all that information about a surgeon.

My suggestion is to ask him for the name of several of his patients that you can contact to ask about their surgery experince and post op recovery. YOu definitely want to use a surgeon that specializes in hip replacement.  Not a surgeon that does a little of this and a little of that.  YOu want to use a hosptial that also specializes in orthopedics.  Ask questions about how many hip replacements he does a year and how many the hospital does.  I have several medical studies that indicate you will normally have a better outcome using a very expiernced surgeon that specializes in the surgery you considering.

Good Luck.

Pat

Hello, I am working on selecting a surgeon. Does anyone have any experience with Dr. Hur in Indianapolis, IN?

John Hur, MD

Dr. Hur is the Medical Director of Orthopedics and Joint Replacement as well as the Medical Director of Rehabilitation at the Clarian North Medical Center.

thanks for your reply, JW.  It really does help to have someone acknowledge the slowness of THR recovery. I do exercises daily and I did walk on the treadmill today, which is progress and am no longer needing pain pills--just Tylenol.  I still need my grabber to get dressed and help from my husband when putting on my compression socks.  I wonder how long the swelling in feet and legs will last.  My surgeon says, "A long time!".  (If I have to  have my other hip "done", I may pick another doctor!)  Are you feeling any despression with this healing process?  I'm finally sleeping with the help of Ambien--don't like to take it, but it gives me so much more rest than the 2-3 hours I was getting nightly for weeks after surgery.
Guess we just have to  "hang in there!"
My best,
Bas

Hi Bas,
I'm 7 weeks out from my THR and wondering the same things. I had a BHR on 12/3/09 that had to be revised to a THR on 5/21/10. My BHR recovery seemed to go faster and easier and by 7 weeks had a great range of motion but still needed a cane (I could do a tailor sit and put on my own socks unassisted although still stiff). This time out, I have just transitioned to one crutch (forearm crutches) and am having difficulty moving to a cane. Still one-stepping the stairs. Not even close to putting shoes or socks on without aids or picking stuff up off the floor without a grabber or weird contortions. I'd love to be able to sit in an Adirondack or beach chair.
I thought my (perceived) delay was due to them having to go in through the same incision twice.

Anyway, thanks for posting. Although it's wonderful for the people who have unusually speedy recoveries, sometimes it's hard to read about them when your own recovery seems to be going at a snail's pace. Seeing that someone is progressing at a similar pace is actually encouraging and makes me worry less about the process.

Good Luck going forward,
JW

Thanks for your reply, Pat.  I have asked my surgeon and he answered the questions I HAD--but, as time goes on, I keep thinking of new ones!  And thought I might get an idea of when others had resumed normal activities.  Each person is different; there might be a some common denominators.  I'm anxious to "get back to normal".  Bas

Hi

Welcome to Total Hip Talk.  I had a hip resurfacing and was able to break the 90 degree rule about 6 weeks post op.  Acutally earlier if I was careful.

In your case, you really need to ask your surgeon with you can start doing regular things.  He/she might know something we don't and want you to remain more cautious longer.  You need to call his/her office and ask the question. 

It took me quite awhile to sleep on my operated side.  I was on my unoperated side about a week after with a big pillow between my legs.  Again, to be safe - ask.  That is always best.

Let us know how you are doing now and then.

Pat

I had hip replacement May 11 and, now, 8 weeks post-op, am wondering when I can:  pick things up from the floor without my grabber, sit in low, comfy chairs, sleep on my "new" hip side, tie my shoes. go up and down stairs right foot after left foot--activities like this that are so familiar, but have been a no-no since surgery.  Thanks for your answers.  I've been lurking on this site for a while, but now a newly registered member.  Good reading from all of you.  Bas