Hip, hip, hooray....I'm getting a new one.

[John Schmidt]

Hip, that is! Most of the Fla. groupies are aware of the battle I've had over the last three years, finally am getting some positive action. Had two prior ortho. surgeons and all they wanted to do was prescribe shots, none of which lasted more than ten days. Both said I didn't qualify for replacement so I asked why. They said I didn't have the arthritic damage normally associated with replacement. So I asked why I'm in constant pain, to which they answered....you have little to no cartilage left.  OK, so what causes the loss of cartilage. Funny....never got an answer to that one. I quit going back to either of them over a year ago but now it's getting really bad, leg going out from under me at times. I decided to find a local surgeon that uses the "anterior" procedure(no cutting of the muscles, faster recouping), found one that's been doing it for ten years and also instructs on how to do it. Had my first appt. last Tuesday, big dude, came in wearing the brightest and loudest Polo shirt I've ever seen. Had on non-matching slacks and sandals, everyone else was dressed in the usual white lab coats. Has a wild sense of humor, we got along great. Took one look at the xrays, showed me the results and after a short discussion told me we'll just replace it and be done with it. Day not set, need to get clearance from the other drs. whose kids we're putting through college. My daughter, Toni, will be coming down to (quote) "help haul your fat butt out of the chairs." After telling her she didn't need to go to that expense, I was told "this is your mama bear daughter talking and I'm coming down."  "Yes dear!"   

Some of you might remember her, she kept the board advised of my progress four years ago when I was in the hospital.

[baldo]

That sounds great, John. A friend of mine had one six months ago. That sounds like the procedure he had, and he's doing great. Says it's the best move he's ever made......

Good luck!

[John Schmidt]

That sounds great, John. A friend of mine had one six months ago. That sounds like the procedure he had, and he's doing great. Says it's the best move he's ever made......

Good luck!

Thanks, I think I'm looking forward to it.    Just to bug my dr. a little, soon as I can I want to go out back and stand on the fairway of the 7th hole on the golf course we live on. Then when I go in for my two week follow up I'll tell him I feel great and have already been out on the golf course. When he comes down off the ceiling I'll tell him the rest of the story. 

[Hooter]

Finally,  good on you and congrats!

[Karen]

Always thought that you were very hip, John, congrats on getting the right doctor, may you be mobile and pain free in the shortest possible amount of time!

[old2soon]

Go on ahead and piss off the Doctor who's cutting on ya/has cut on ya!  THAT is good news John-Sooooo which is more important-golfin or ridin??  I REALLY do NOT need an answer!    RIDE SAFE.

[John Schmidt]

Always thought that you were very hip, John, congrats on getting the right doctor, may you be mobile and pain free in the shortest possible amount of time!

Karen, I think those "hip" days are behind me but thanks.    I'm guessing it will be close to mid-September before everything is in place. My daughter can't come until after the 12th due to her youngest starting back to school(3 rd. grade I think), her older daughter finished college last year and is living at home while saving enough to strike out on her own. She will get her little sis off to school before going to work, my ex lives in the area and will pick the little one up after school. My son-in-law and son that just grad. from HS are working together and are self reliant....so they say. 

Dennis, I'm figuring to be back in the saddle by the time it's cool enough down here to ride, hoping for mid-October. I can play pasture pool anytime, even if it's only the two holes out back. Leaving home for a few hours is another issue, don't always feel comfy leaving the house. But if on the golf course, I'm no more than five minutes away at any point. It will be a while before I can walk the course again but hope to eventually.

[Hook#3287]

John, you sound really upbeat

Good luck.

[solo1]

John I'm glad that someone has finally consented to do your hip. That's gotta be painful.
It'll turn out great especially with your daughter riding shotgun, you'd better do what she tells you.

[Patrick]

Good, Its good to hear you finally found what seems like a competent doctor. They seem to be in short supply.  Good luck and heal quickly.

A friend was recently telling me of a new procedure for fixing knees,  I haven't looked and don't know if there is something similar for hips. I'll throw this out just in case though. This originated in Germany and there is a doctor in Buffalo performing it. Apparently insurance companies don't want to pay for it though. Blood is taken and the red cells are then injected into the knee. This friend needed both replaced and since he is a computer genius, he started looking and this is what he found. He had this done a  couple years ago and his knees are fine.

[NewValker]

John, good luck and keep us updated on how it goes.
I been thru the same B/S with 2 doctors, shots from 1 that lasted less that 2 weeks each, and the 2nd said I was 5 years from a new hip, but gave me a generous supply of oxy...
Cried and screamed to PCP to get a referral to a DR. that does the anterior replacement, he took x-rays looked at em and said when do you want it done?
I have foot surgery next month, so the hip has to wait till that's 100%, so hopefully springtime it'll happen.
Craig