A friend of mine had hip surgery sixteen years ago in Boise, ID. Unfortunately his doctor has retired and he has not heard of anyone who is considered exceptionally good in hip surgery. He is now having pain in the hip and knee and suspects he will have to have his hip redone in the near future. He is 69 years old, in good physical condition other than he has diabetes which he controls with diet.

If anyone knows of a doctor that might be able to help him, please contact me at my e-mail address and I will give him the information.

Thank you,

-- Patricia Hilty (pathilty@yahoo.com), April 01, 2004

Answers

I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia (from birth) when I was 25 years old. I am now 30 and have had both my hips replaced. I had a THR on the right two years ago and am doing very well with that hip. I had the THR on the left about a month ago. The first surgery that I had was the traditional, 12-inch incision. That surgery took a good four months to completely heal to where I could walk without assistance of a cane. This second surgery, I had the new MIS 2-incision hip replacement and it has been wonderful. They do this procedure through 2 two-inch incisions (one near the groin and one on the side) and there is no cutting of muscles, tendons, or ligaments. They are able to access the joint by separating the muscles. There has been less pain and a quicker recovery of this recent surgery. I was off narcotics and out of bed the day of the surgery! Being a month out from surgery, I can walk on my own around the house and for short distances. I still need the cane for long walks, but I should be off that in a week or so. I would highly recommend researching this procedure for anyone that needs a THR. It has been wonderful. The website to research this or to find a doctor in your area is www.pacewithlife.com.

Good luck to you all!

-- Sonya Luther (sonyal123@hotmail.com), April 13, 2004.