Hip Resurfacing In India

November 2000: You have arthritis

Fast Forward 5 years later. While I knew I could develop arthritis, I certainly didn't spend much time thinking about it. I started trail running in earnest in 1997 and would frequently do 50 miles of running in a week along with 200 miles of riding. Lots of fun. Went skiing this weekend, man am I stiff on Monday. Getting up from the computer meant some slow steps down the hall.

I decide to go to my family doctor and get a check up, and mention the symptoms. Knowing my history, he recommends x-rays and a visit with a orthopedic surgeon. So I do the x-rays and meet with Dr. Doom-and-gloom #1.

"You have arthritis in your left hip. You will need a total hip replacement at some point, but you should put every effort into putting this off as long as possible. At the activity level of a 65 year old it may last 15 years. The second will only last half that. The third half of the second." Hmmm, well, I'm pretty good at math: 40 (yrs now) + 15 + 7.5 + 3.75 = 66.25. CRAP! That means I won't be able to walk when I retire! So he continues "Get a cane. Stop running, unless of course you're about to be hit by a bus. Don't ski, but if you do don't ski bumps. Don't gain weight."

Thank you sir may I have another. Another opinion, that is, off to see Dr. Doom-and-gloom #2...

posted by Russell Kappius @ 11:56 AM