Surgeon Advice

[Glorenz]

This is my first visit to the forum. I've been told since I was 10 (I'm now 48) that I would need a THR. I feel like I'm finally at the place where I want to consider having it done. My hip was "restructured" when I was 12 and spent a considerable amount of time in a total body cast following surgery. My longtime childhood OS retired several years ago so I've mostly been being seen by my GP. About two years ago I consulted with Dr. Robin Fuchs in Kirkland, Washington. He told me that my situation is so complex that he would only recommend 3 OS in the Seattle area. Dr. Craig McAllister, Dr. Sean Toomey, and Dr. James Crutcher. All in the Seattle area. Of course, anyone I've ever seen says to "wait as long as you can."

1. I'm tired of hurting. 2. I'm feeling really emotional about even thinking about having my THR. 3. I don't know if it's the right thing to do. 4. I know nothing about any of these surgeons.

Any advice and help appreciated.

 

[Judles]

Welcome, Glorenz.....You answered the question yourself! You want to get on with your life!! Now, you have your homework to do! Go to different surgeons, Yes, you have to shop them out, especially, with your complex case, see who YOU feel most comfortable with..and most importantly, who has the most SKILL for your long term outcome! Best of luck and keep us posted!!!
:thmb:

 

[Judles]

Really.....Dr. Crutcher??????? :whis::hehe:

 

[JudyS]

Welcome
Yes it is time for sure. Hip replacements are the best. The most important piece is the surgeon, especially for you. So as Judles said, go and see all of them. See who you like best, who also has the skill to do your hip.

You will be so happy you did this, i'm sorry you waited so long . i had my right hip replaced last year, and every time i feel a twinge on my left, i'm like no big deal, if it needs to be replaced, i'd just sign up!!!

On this site there is so much info. I'm really bad with computers, but there is a thread on how to pick a good surgeon. It will have many questions for you to ask.

let us know

 

[Texas]

Hi and welcone no dont wait get on with your life it will be worth it why stay yrs in pain.......get someone else if he wont do it......keep us posted and stick to wha you know that you just cant take it anymore...im 42 and was told the same about my knee.......)

 

[Josephine]

Absolutely! What you've been told before was people working on old information which no longer applies. You need to read around and see the great reports we have from members saying "why ever did I wait so long!".

Just two things to remember - if one surgeon is reluctant, go on to the next one and so on. There is no reason to wait any longer. Heck, we've had youngsters of 20 on here had THRs and done really well. Don't lose any more of your life - it's far too precious.

I seem to have heard of Sean Toomey. I think he's been in print a few times and at conferences. If he's the one I'm thinking of, and he is!, then he knows his stuff!

Have you read How to choose a surgeon and a prosthesis? Make that your next stop!

 

[SheriALS]

My recommendation is for Dr. Phil Downer at Seattle Orthopedic Center. His web site is seattlehipsurgery.com. The number is 206-633-8100https://www.orthopedicspecialistsofseattle.com/

I just had anterior approach with him 3.5 weeks ago. He specializes in tissue sparing, osteotomies, young patients, dysplastic patients, complicated surgery. He operates out of Swedish Ballard.
I also have dysplasia but it was never discovered until this past spring so I have not had any previous surgeries but I was out of the hospital in 25 hours, tying my own shoe after 2 weeks, sitting cross legged again and walking with less pain than I have had for a least a year. Because I had the anterior approach I have no restrictions on how I could sleep or move.
The best thing I did was to take the time to find the right surgeon who did the procedure I wanted.
I know about your concerns and although this recovery hasn't been a walk in the park I am already so happy that I had this done. It feels so natural, stronger every day, less pain than I have had for so many years
I wish you all the best,
Sheri

 

[shugaplum]

Absolutely search around and talk to different surgeons. Find the one who understands both you and your situation the best.

As for waiting...I'm one of those "youngsters" Jo spoke of. I'm 26 and had my THR 9 weeks ago. My original surgeon refused to do the surgery. He wanted to try everything else in the book first by putting me under a series of painful and unnecessary procedures. After a few months of this I walked out of his office and have never looked back. I found a wonderful surgeon and could not be happier. If I waited I would still be waiting in pain...I'd be gearing up for the Holidays (my favorite time of year) by barely sleeping through the night, not being able to drive, not being able to walk around the mall to Christmas shop, and not seeing friends and family. It is entirely unfair for a doctor to ask you wait when you are at your own personal limit. Luckily my surgeon saw that I was ready and we went for it...and lucky we did because my last xray showed more damage to the joint than I could have imagined. I had deteriorated so fast that if I had waited I would have had very serious problems. I'm not trying to scare you but to simply say that its ok to want to push for the surgery...its your body and you're the only one who can say when its time.

Best of luck to you and please keep all of us updated!

 

[classic57year]

Its a good idea to do your homework when picking a surgeon. I started on the internet and looked up the 2009 US News & World Report issue that ranks US hospitals by whatever procedure you are having. For instance Rush Hospital in Chicago is currently ranked no 12 in the entire country in orthopedics. Since I live only a few hours from the hospital I was lucky to find a good hip surgeon there. The internet has tons of information on hip clinics & surgeons, but I found the ratings in this publication the best. It even publishes mortality rates at each hospital!

https://health.usnews.com/health/best-hospitals

 

[1jt@atime]

Glorenz, I went for years being told to wait as long as I could until I reached the point of damaging additional joints. I am now scheduled for my third joint replacement and I'm the same age as you. Please don't let one doctor that advised you it was going to be a complicated case scare you off.

Get out there and meet with some surgeons until you find one that makes sense to you and can give you a reasonable pathway to getting rid of this pain. My advice is to start with the surgeon names you have. Sheri also gave you an excellent reference. Good luck!

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Glorenz...welcome to BoneSmart! You have the right idea....find a few good surgeons, go out and interview them, pick the one who "feels" right (you'll know him when you meet him), and go for it! Why live in pain just waiting for some "magic" date when it's finally okay to do something about it??? That's just CRAZY!!!

You'll have tons of support here from people just like you who wanted to reclaim their lives. Hip replacement surgery can do just that.

Why don't you Google the surgeons you found and see what you can read about them before you go see them. And don't forget to take Jo's questions.....they will help you start some dialogue to help you decide when doctor is right for you.

Good luck and continue to let us know how you're getting along!