Hip Resurfacing In India

Made it home... feels great!

2006-04-26T04:32:00.000-07:00

Well, after the longest Tuesday of my life, I'm typing this from home. The flights were actually quite nice, and I would definitely recommend British Air to anybody flying long distances. The service was great, the staff very nice, and they actually fed all of us regularly during the flights! Made the long hours very tolerable.

I wanted to use this post to let everyone know that I'm fine, but still suffering from that stupid paralysis in my quad. I am sure it will get better, and it is, but I figure I'm about 30% of the way to full function. I'm not worried about it, just wish it would go away!

And I also wanted to let you know that I will not post regularly anymore, at least that's my plan. The trip is done, I've got my shiny new hip, and I'm now on the road to try to recover some normalcy in everyday life. I'll be strapped to the house for a while here until the leg gets better, but other than that life is good.

Thank you for reading my blog. Karen has passed on that many people she knows have been following, unknown to me. Thank you. This has been quite a journey, and while it isn't quite over yet, it's close. It's been fun sharing my experience with everyone, it made it very much a shared experience; I was not alone in India!

So it's now time to try to get back to normal. Since I'm self-employed, the time away from work is time without pay, so I need to get back too it! And my clients have been extremely supportive and patient (thanks to everyone at ECHO and GMG/GXT!) in letting things slide a bit so I could take care of this issue. But I'm ready to get back to it fulltime, so much to do!

Thanks again, and thanks for reading,
Rus

Goodbye India

2006-04-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

I tried to post this earlier this evening but was having trouble with the blog. Looks like it's working now! Enjoy...

Well, today is the first day of transition for the long journey home. Left the Ideal Resort at about noon for another enjoyable trip of trying to figure out how these guys survive the drive. Was delivered at the Park with enough time to eat at the Thai restaurant with the goldfish. I guess the same rules apply at lunch as at dinner: No one dines alone; the fish will always be there. After a great lunch, the driver picked me and delivered me to the Apollo Hospital at about 3 for my last face-to-face visit with Dr. Bose.

I've been leaving my incision open to the air after my last waterproof bandage gave up the ghost about 2 days ago. I covered it while showering with plastic but otherwise left it open as it's very healthy and I was developing some blisters from the plastic waterproof bandage. Dr. Bose agreed, it looked great and left it without a bandage. We did talk a bit more about my neuropraxia. Basically, the more muscle there is a the incision, the harder they have to tension the spanners that keep the incision open and allow visibility for surgery. The higher the tension the higher likelihood that the nerves will be compressed and neuropraxia will occur.

I think, in a nice way, he was trying to tell me I have a big butt. Fair enough. Never thought I'd have nerve numbness from a big butt. Learn something everyday. We had a great chat and said our goodbyes. One hell of a surgeon, but not less of a human being. I am better in many ways for knowing him.

Lasting impressions of India?

The people. They are great. And despite what is pretty dirty and polluted environment, very healthy and happy. For a large part, they don't drink, smoke. They are mostly vegetarian and very few seem to be overweight. And very happy. I've never seen so many people that are caring, smiling, and beaming as here. Far different that Europe in my experience.

So I'll leave you with this shot of the Chennai skyline. And extend thanks to all, both those reading this blog and those that aren't. It's 7:00 pm and I have a 1:30 am wakeup call and still need to get a light dinner. Until I post from home, goodbye.

Rus

Sunday Morning

2006-04-23T02:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning walk. Only one more day here! At the resort anyway. Got out early, right at sunrise, lots of fishing boats out on the water. It is definitely cooler in the morning, by a few degrees, but I still end up sweating quite a bit. Went for a total of 1/2 mile I'd guess.

Enjoy these shots.

Rus

Doing some laps

2006-04-22T01:56:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Saturday here in India, I can start to feel Colorado just around the corner. Went for a long walk this morning along the beach after an OK night of sleep. Came back, had a good breakfast then returned to the room for a refreshing shower. By the time I finished the shower I had been up for about 5 hours, so yes, you guessed it, time for a nap.

I slept for a solid 2 hours with the deepest sleep I've experienced here at the resort. Dang did that feel good. I can't help think that my body, deep inside, is still on Colorado time. My nap corresponded to 10:30 pm at home, just about bed time on a Friday night. I awoke feeling very rested and surprised I slept as hard as I did. I also noticed that my hip and leg felt markedly better. As a bike racer, I know you don't get stronger when you train, you get stronger when you rest. Same goes for recovery. After that nap, my hip, and especially my thigh and nerve felt much better. It's funny how the same rules apply.

So, had a great nap, what to do next? Watch another movie of course! I switched on the movie channel and "Crimson Tide" was just starting. The channel is great, but during the day the movies are punctuated by long commercial breaks. (Not so much at night, they try to hurry through the bad movies.) You know, the kind that show the same commercial sequence every break? So what I did during each of these breaks, was get up and do laps across the room, without any aid, working on my gait.

Man did that make the commercial breaks tolerable. I felt like I could complete a lap or two each break without much of a limp, but with some pain in the hip. But it's the good kind of pain, of muscle strengthening and use.

So for about 2 hours, every 15 minutes I'd do laps across the room. I imagined I was track racing, round and round, concentrating on my form. I think I'm going to make it through this thing!

So there you have it, another day in the life of Rus. Oh yea, I watched "EdTV" last night, can't help to draw a small parallel to the movie and this blog. Is anybody really interested in these ramblings?...

Can't wait to come home. I miss Karen and the kids deeply, I've never been away this long. But the end is near! Dang it's hot out there I can feel it trying to break in through the front window, better turn the cooler up a bit...

Rus

You're never going to believe this

2006-04-21T04:50:00.000-07:00

So, for my recovery walks, I've been going down to the beach. The resort only has about 100 yards of beachfront, so I haven't ventured too far. Partly because their are "beach vendors" to the South, and what looks like a slum/fishing village to the North. So yesterday I got brave and headed further South, of course to be intercepted by the vendor. He asks me what was up, and I told him, "hip surgery." He responds "me too, 4 months ago." Hmmm. Pure salesman I think. But he's nice enough and walks with me for a while, and also confirms that Dr. Bose was one of the team that worked on him. Unbelievable. Anyway I finish my walk and return to resort. I thought what the heck, I have only spent about $40 of the $100 in cash I brought so I thought I'd buy something from him tomorrow.

So I go out this morning, again intercepted. This time he shows me his scar. Dang he might be telling the truth. "I'll bring my x-ray this afternoon and show it to you," he says. Really! I was of course curious to see if indeed he got resurfacing or the old replacement. He said he was a fisherman but still hesitant about getting back in the boat yet, too early at 4 months. OK, I'll come see you this afternoon.

I decided to go for my afternoon walk and change $20 into 880 rupees at the resort and head to the beach. I see him walking and he sees me. I want to kind of get through this so I head right for him. He welcomes me and says, "I have my x-ray, come see." Dang. It's a resurface indeed. He had a badly misshapen pelvis, but there it was, a resurface just like mine. His name is Palani and he said to give Dr. Bose his regards when I see him on Monday.

Here's a guy who sells stuff on the beach and probably makes $2 a day gets better health care than we do in the US. Why is that? I'm sitting here shaking my head in disbelief, I have to abandon our health care system, spend all my own money to travel literally half way around the world to get health care provided to the indigent in India. Something's wrong with this picture.

But I did get a couple of nice carved elephants out of the deal.

Rus

Tough Duty

2006-04-20T01:20:00.000-07:00

Well, getting better at walking, and can take several (10+) unaided steps before I start using one crutch again. If it were'nt for that stupid numbness... it is getting better, but not very fast. Surgery was one week ago today.

Here's a shot of me, well, uh, reading about database normalization. Tough day at the office, I know. Getting into the hammock wasn't too bad, but getting out I had to have the security guard help me. Now I know how a trout in a net feels. Pretty stylish socks, huh? Stupid TEDs - need to wear them to prevent blood clots for the next... month. Oh well, no wonder everybody stares at me, "That guy trying to start a fashion trend? Well it ain't workin'."

The folks here at the resort are wonderful, catering to my every need. Maybe that's one thing the TEDs are good for, who couldn't feel sorry fo a guy walking around in them? Just finished lunch, which like every meal, is a buffet. Of course they carry my plate for me. And start at the first bowl. And put in some rice. Then open the next. And the next. And Next. I think you get the idea. The stop at everything in the buffet and put some on for me. Talk about overeating, no need for inbetween meal snacks! But since I quit taking the painkillers they gave me, I'm feeling much better. Right now I'm only taking an iron suppliment, an aspirin they gave me, and my malaria pill. I can feel my body empty the drugs each day, and am feeling better because of it.

Back to a little more reading, but need to rest up for dinner...

Rus

Made it to the Ideal Beach Resort

2006-04-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

I'm composing this early Wednesday morning (7:15 am) after my first night at the resort. I didn't sleep very well, which seems to be a recurring problem lately. Hopefully that'll get better. At least this time I was able to watch a couple of crummy movies IN ENGLISH while I lay awake. And I am right now listening to my Sirius satellite radio through the internet while I type! Man I missed that. The proxy server I had to go through at the hospital precluded me from listening there.

Got to the resort around 5:30 last night.

Honestly, I don't understand how this country works. Because I'm a stupid American I guess. The traffic is unbelievable, I can't believe that there aren't dead bodies all over the way these people travel. The driver would fly by a bike at about 3 inches clearance going 40 while a motorcycle passes us at the same clearance on the other side. And he's slicing between us and an oncoming bus with similar clearance to the bus. A totally random mix of foot traffic, bikes, bike rickshaws (carrying, like, propane bottles), rickshaws, cars, massive buses...

And the country side is the same jumble. Incredible poverty a few tens of feet from a brand new shiny office building. And I still don't understand the infrastructure either. It appears that the electricity is above ground, but seeing these sagging cables give you no confidence you could have any reliable power at all. But with all that, the people look for the most part happy, the facilities I've directly delt with have been very good, and in a micro-analysis it's hard to tell I'm not home. But when I try to comprehend it as a whole I fall short.

So, in part, is why I came to India for surgery. I wanted to experience another culture and I sure am!

I hope you enjoy these shots.

$6000 Man!

2006-04-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

Well, OK, a bit more than that but not much. In preparation for departure from the hospital, I was given a copy of my x-ray post-op. I quickly placed it in the window in the hospital room and snapped this photo. It isn't great, and the Chennai skyline is in the background, but does show the general idea. For those of you wondering, the bright mushroom-looking deal on the left is my new BHR hip. Just if you were wondering.

Dr. Bose had an emergency surgery so we were a bit late getting out of the hospital yesterday, but I still made it to the resort before sundown.

Met with Dr. Bose again - leaving tomorrow!

2006-04-17T02:16:00.000-07:00

Met again with Dr. Bose, last time was Saturday when I was in bed. This time up and walking and in street clothes. Even with my neuropraxia I got the green light to leave tomorrow, and got the resort to confirm an arrival for tomorrow! Great. Here's a shot of me and Dr. Bose.

Rus

Loose the gown and ... a SHOWER!

2006-04-17T01:23:00.000-07:00

Well, again, life is puncuated with small everyday events that somehow become triumphant in the correct context. Dr. Bose's assistant replaced my gauze bandage with a waterproof one, while uttering "all healed!" Dr. Bose uses sub-dermal (or whatever you call it) stitches so there is nothing but a fine line for the scar. He estimated mine at 15 cm (7 inches). Anyway, with a waterproof bandage in place, and some new wrist crutches I had my first shower after surgery. And got the word that I will be able to leave tomorrow. I still have the problem with my nerve, but can tell it is getting better slowly, and heck it sure doesn't slow down my walking. Anyway, I hope you enjoy these shots...

The Hospital - Post Op

2006-04-16T03:35:00.000-07:00

OK, here we are Easter afternoon, just had a good nap. Thought I'd post the few pictures I took of the staff. They collectively call themselves either "Brother" or "Sister", so that's the shortcut way to address either a male or female. I did make an effort to learn names, but now realize that I don't see the same people very often so it's very hard! Anyway, here are pictures of Sam, Remya, and Revathi. Revathi stayed with me the first two nights after surgery, and while she didn't have a lot to do, it was nice knowing if anything did happen, she was there. Very sweet girl, and like almost all the Indians I've met, pretty small. But Revathi actually told me her weight, as she was obviously a lot smaller than me. 36Kg. Hang on, doing some math, thats... 79 lbs. Remya and Sam both were under 100 lbs too is my guess (definitely Remya). And they were all in their early 20s. Pretty much all of them work at the hospital 12 hr shifts, then stay at the Apollo Hostel for their other 12 hours. So they pretty much do nothing else. Same with the girl I met at the Park Hotel. She worked a split shift, and didn't really ever leave the hotel. Dang.

So, for a few observations of the Hospital. Now that I can get around with a walker, the bathroom really stinks. Two small steps-up to get into, and the door has a really strong closer on it, AND the door-stop only kind of works. So much for handicap accessable! So for me to get into the bathroom, I'm pushing the walker into the door, trying to keep it open, while at the same time trying to negotiate two narrow steps. Reverse to leave. Lots of fun. And it seems I also learned another hard lesson last night. As it was the first time I had been back in the bathroom after surgery (I was urinating in a urine bottle in bed), I decided to put my wedding ring back on. I had taken it off, along with my watch, for my shower before surgery and placed it on the bathroom counter. Sometime after surgery (Friday?) one of the cleaning boys handed me my watch as I lay in bed. Hmmm? Why? I just placed it on the stand next to the bed. So, when I got in the bathroom last night I expected my ring to be there.

No such luck. Looks like my wedding ring left. Not sure if it was one of the cleaning crew or what, but it's gone. There is a lockbox in the room, and now everything is in it. Bummer.

I'm getting around better and better, but am still suffering from the numbness in my quad. The physical therapist called it Neuropraxia, as did Dr. Bose last night. So I looked it up on the internet today to figure out what to expect. Basically, it's a case of hitting your funnybone, but in this case my ... um.. funnythigh? Something like that. Basically a mild temporary trauma to the nerve in the thigh. Should go away soon. Happens occasionally I guess. I can walk fine, but only with my leg in a near-locked position. Hopefully that'll be gone soon.

So for tomorrow, removal of the gauze stuff over the incision, replaced with a waterproof bandage. That way I can take a shower. Good, believe me, I need it. And I get my elbow crutches. You know, the kind handicapped people use? Never thought I'd be happy about getting a pair of those! And if all goes well, out of here the next day!

Enough for now, I'll try to take some more shots of the hostpital, and if you're really good, Dr. Bose showed me some pictures from my surgery, and, yes!, a short video of the shaping of my femoric head! Bet you can't wait!

Rus

Back at the Computer

2006-04-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Here in Chennai at the computer for the first time since surgery. It's 5 in the morning so I can sneak around a bit and fire the computer up - hee hee.

All went well, and at the beginning of day 3 the only problem I have is that my quad in the operated leg is on extended vacation. Dr. Bose says not to worry, he's seen it before a few time in athletic patients. He assured me no nerves were cut, just that the muscle, being contracted during surgery to gain exposure to the hip, has some trouble getting going again. I can tell it's coming back, slowly.

Other than that, no more IVs, no drain tube. The incision is excellent, and the surgery was excellent too. My physical therapy is going good except for that stupid quad, and I'm sure I could walk with only crutches today if it weren't for the quad. Heck, maybe even just one crutch. I can put full weight on the operated leg, but the muscle stability isn't quite back yet.

Thanks everyone for the support and well wishes, I'll try to start posting regularly again here soon.

Rus

All Is Well

2006-04-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

We received the word this morning from my Dad that the surgery went well. Hopefully he will recover quickly and be able to give everyone the gory details.

Brady

Dr. Bose gives the green light!

2006-04-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Just met Dr. Bose, he looked at the x-rays, bloodwork, etc., and I'm good to go! Surgery in the morning at 8:30. He did have some good news: new studies show that the human body doesn't have the capacity to wear out the BHR! That's a great theory, I'll spend the next few decades testing that theory... goodnight, see you after surgery.

At the Hospital

2006-04-12T00:20:00.000-07:00

I'm posting this from my hospital room. I was met by Mohan in the lobby and promptly taken to my (oversize) room. Very nice. I'm posting this from my own computer! The IT guys came in, had to set a couple of proxy settings, but got everything working, except for my mail client. (I need to ask him to do that) Met a couple from NY that are originally from the UK next door. They're on their way to Fisherman's Cove here in a few hours. Had his surgery last Friday and is doing great. They said People magazine has been following their story, so hopefully that'll come out soon. Here are a couple of shots of my room.

Signing off from the Park

2006-04-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

Well, Mohan will be here in a couple of hours to pick me up for the short trip to the Apollo Hospital. Had a nice, but light, breakfast this morning at the Aqua restaurant next to the pool. Muesli and a couple of small pancakes. And juice marked "for digestion." Hmmm, can always use a little digestion, eh? And a couple cups of coffee. All packed up here, just delaying unplugging the computer as that's the only thing not packed. And I like listening to my Sirius satellite radio - through the web. A nice little reminder of home.

Hip is hurting a bit this morning, which is good. It's been feeling pretty dang good this week, which of course makes me question this trip - "is it really that bad?" Well, this morning it is.

I'll try to post as soon as I can from the Hospital. Getting ever so slightly nervous. Healthy I guess.

Guests for dinner!

2006-04-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

So, for my last night at the Park (before surgery that is), I went back to the Thai restaurant, The Lotus, that I had lunch at yesterday. Wonderful food at lunch, and it works out, wonderful food for dinner. Again I was greeted very promptly by a fine young Indian man. He seated me, coincidentally, at the same table I sat yesterday for lunch. Noticing I was alone (I guess, unless I otherwise looked needy!) brought out a fishbowl with three goldfish! Not thinking, I didn't bring my camera to dinner, sorry for not having pictures. I asked for recommendations for dinner, and a rice omelet was recommended that was wonderful. Since the fish were there for dinner, I asked if they could eat too! The waiter obliged and brought out fish food. "Only a pinch." I agreed, and somehow wished that was how they treated me. But of course it was way too much food for me, so I left most uneaten. I've never in my life had such wonderful service. Somehow, I expect I'll receive the same tomorrow when I go to Apollo Hospital...

So this is it before surgery I expect, now seeing the light dim as I enter the tunnel... but knowing it is very bright at the exit of the tunnel.

Rus

Out on the Town

2006-04-10T23:47:00.000-07:00

OK - so I start off walking out of the hotel "compound" and am able to cross the street by sticking a few inches from a guy that is also crossing. Otherwise I'd never been able to. Within a few blocks I learned a couple of things. First, impossible to move here without sweating. Good thing I brought a bandana with me as I was dripping sweat walking in the hot sun within 2 blocks. Second, it is (nearly) impossible for a white guy like me to walk in Chennai. I immediately spotted by the rickshaw drivers and began getting hit on. Finally when one of the guys followed me for half a block and I could finally could understand him, I bit: "I will take you all day all around Chennai for 20 rupees." Hmmm, 44 = $1, so that's about 45 cents. OK I bit. What a ride. I wanted to see the town and I saw the town. He returned me to the hotel at my request by noon. I'd seen, experienced, and spent enough. The streets were very dirty, and my eyes and throat could feel it. And the aromas, well, they were pretty odiferous. Pretty much ran the gambit on smells, but no matter what the smell was, it was strong. He did take me to the Basilica of St. Thomas which was nice. Got to say a couple of Hail Mary's and Our Father's before my surgery. That was nice. Got to see the tomb complete with relics. And then he drove me by the beach, and to the Fort Museum. Didn't have any rupees so I couldn't get in. No problem. He then took me to the Fort Museum Gift shop, and man they had some nice stuff. I definitely wanted to bring back some trinkets, so it was good. But I didn't expect to spend over $250! Oh well, it was worth it.

So now I'm back at the room, will shower and maybe work a bit, and rest. This is my last afternoon as I'll be picked up here at 11:30 tomorrow to go check into the hospital.

I'm glad I made the trip out into town, but I wouldn't do it every day. Almost forgot to mention it. The man spend half a day with me, showing me everything and catering very caringly. Instead of the 45 cents he wanted, I gave him a $20. I'm sure it made his day, but he made mine.

Tuesday Breakfast

2006-04-10T21:07:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful buffet breakfast at the Park Aqua restaurant. It is right next to the pool and very quiet. The hostess was wonderful, and gave me tips on where to shop and how to get there. I also met Brian, an American in Chennai on business, for a total of about 3 weeks. He also gave me some tips, and I took a shot of him with the hostess, so he reciprocated. So, belly is full, It's time to take off on adventure - off to Spencer shops! About a 2K walk. I'll let you know what I find when I return... Rus

Monday at the Park

2006-04-10T02:50:00.000-07:00

Took another Ambien at about 5am to ensure I'd sleep. It worked again. I woke at 8 to a call from Mohan from Apollo Hospital telling me they planned on picking me up on Wednesday at the Park for a 10 am departure and checkout to head to the hospital. Good. That's set. Back to sleep to be awoken at about 10:30 - 11:00 by housekeeping. I told him (yes, him) that I'd pass today. I may now regret that as I will likely use up my water bottles and will need to use one of the "for purchase" evian bottles on the table. Hmmm, 280 Rupees/44.7 = $6.26. Dang. I bet if I knew where to go I could get one of them on the street for 2 Rupees...

Went to the workout facilities to check it out, stayed to use the dry sauna and hottub. But the hottub wasn't so hot (like 90 degrees?) and the steam room wasn't very steamy. But I can understand that as I was pretty much the only one in there and they conserve energy around here if something isn't used. So everything was pretty much powered down. That's OK. The dry sauna was wonderful, hadn't used one for a while so it worked pretty well to suck the Ambien out the pores and to shake the fog out of the head. The floor also had like 10 massage rooms, each I guess with a different type of massage. The strangest was a wooden table that I guess has a dripper that drips on you forehead as you get a massage. Interesting. Also got a look at the pool - very nice, probably 20m, outside. I'll take some shots after lunch. Speaking of lunch, I'd better look at the guide and see what I can find. I did see a very small restaurant next to the pool (but inside) called Aqua, may go there. Hmmm... where is that hotel guide.

Ate at the Thai restaurant in the lobby - it was great! Got the buffet for 425, which is like $9.50. Awesome. Curry fish and curry lamb, some awesome salads, and some soup. The soup was at like a soup-bar where there was all kinds of stuff to choose from. The Chef must have realized I was trying to figure out what went with what and such. He grabbed a cup and started putting some of everything in it. Not that that is what I would have done, but it was great. I then went into the gift shop. Definitely a 5-star type of shop. Very fancy, but even with the 5 star pricing, a purse I was eying for Katy was only $30. (No, Kat, I didn't get it... yet).

Went to the pool to take a couple of street shots. Enjoy. Also, the man at the gift shop said there was a mall about a 2k walk, 4k car ride away. Hmmm. Too hot to go now (about 100 degrees, 100% humidity) but maybe later...

Park Hotel in Chennai

2006-04-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

My trip from the airport to the Park took about 15 minutes. But since it was 3:30 in the morning the roads were empty, I could easily see it take 4 times that. There were still people out-and-about, but the driving was smooth sailing. Here are a few shots of the room.

The trip to Chennia

2006-04-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

I'm typing this from London. My first two segments were from Denver to Chicago and then Chicago to London. The Denver flight was 1/2 hr late so my connection at O'Hare was pretty tight. I was one of the last on the plane to London, forced to put my backpack at my feet for the trip. Not a big problem. British Air was very nice, the fed us both Dinner and Breakfast, but since the flight ended at like 2am Denver time, I just watched 2 movies on my laptop and didn't sleep. I'll try to sleep on the way to Chennai.

And now from the Park in Chennia. The last segment was not bad at all - I had an isle seat with an empty seat next to me. I took one Ambien after about an hour boarding and it put me out for a few hours. It's now 4:30 am in Chennia and I'm not too tired. But after I finish this post I think I'll take a shower and another Ambien and get some more sleep. At the Chennai Airport I was greeted just as expected by a driver with my name on a placard. What I didn't expect was to see all the people sleeping outside! Looked like there were several taxi drivers that were using their taxies dual duty as both house and job. Guys sleeping on top of their cars - wierd! Anyway, here are the shots of the Chennai airport and me and Karen when I left DIA.

Overall a pretty good flight considering I'm half way around the world!

Last Morning at Home

2006-04-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

Well the day has arrived. Brady spent the morning on Lookout Mountain hosting and racing the CSM collegiate TimeTrial up Lariat Loop. It was great being there to support him and spend my last few hours with my family. And, Tom Danielson of the Discovery team raced, riding a 16:02 which I believe is a new course record. Brady did well too, not sure exactly the time. My next post will be from Chennai, from the Park Hotel. I'll let you know how the first leg of the trip was then.

All Systems Go!

2006-04-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm in my last week in Colorado before the trip, and I'm finishing up all the details. Got my prescriptions filled for malaria and jet lag, notified the bank about upcoming overseas charges, and am preparing my business for a little slowdown. While I will be working while I'm away, I won't be doing anything near full-time. I leave in 5 days...

The pictures shows what I found important to do in my last few days at home...

Prepare for India: Surgery April 13, 2006

2006-03-14T19:32:00.000-08:00

I got my date with Dr. Bose - April 13, 2006. The Thursday before Easter. I need to get tickets, shots (what kind?), visa (how?), reservations at a resort to recover. Vicky Marlow was great in helping me stay on track: Let Shoba Bhasker help with the resort. And the details in India. I only had to book tickets, get my visa, get some shots.

Tickets. I got round-trip tickets through Orbitz for about $1600US including taxes from Denver to Chennai on British Air. On the way back I only have one stop in London. It'll be a long trip, but worth it.

Visa. Took a little digging, but found out my Indian Consulate is in San Francisco. Web address: http://www.cgisf.org/
I completed this form: http://www.cgisf.org/visa/visaform.pdf , sent it in a certified mail envelope along with a self-addressed stamped express mail envelope (as instructed), included a check for $60 US, and the letter sent by Dr. Bose, and my passport. I had my visa back within a week. Very painless.

Shots. I checked with the CDC. Got a little advice from Vicky and others. I decided to get a Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, flu, and malaria. The Typhoid actually came as a series of 4 pills, malaria I'll get tomorrow from my family doctor. Hep A&B came as one shot, I go also tomorrow to get my 2nd set of shots, one month after my first. (You need to get on the shot program at least a month before you leave!)

Resort to recover: I first booked for Fisherman's Cove, but last week changed to Ideal Beach Resort at the recommendation of Mari Stanley. Her and her husband Mace highly recommended it, and at a price that's 1/2 of what the Fisherman's Cove price, I said yes. And heck, I've never stayed in a 5 star resort in my life, why should I start now? Ideal Resort:
http://www.idealresort.com/ibresort.htm

Decisions: Who, When, What?

2006-03-14T19:23:00.000-08:00

What doctor should I choose? When should I get my resurface, this year? What device? To answer these questions, I posted many questions to the newsgroup, surfacehippy. The address is http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/surfacehippy/

I decided to go with Dr. Bose for several reasons. He has a wonderful reputation, and a minimally invasive approach that should afford me a quick recovery. He has no restrictions on activity after healing. And the price was right - $6500US for all hospital and doctor services. I only had to get over there (to India) and pay for my recovery at a resort after being discharged from the hospital. I am hoping the Birmingham hip is right for me, as the long track record sounds good. But if the ASR affords a better fit, then so be it. I'll let Dr. Bose decide.

As for timing? I have a large commitment in the fall (promoting a large cyclocross race) so it's either now, or after. I chose now. Time to prepare.

What the Experts Said

2006-03-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

I sent my x-rays off to the experts (all for free):

Dr. De Smet:

"Looking to your x-rays, age, bone quality, shape of your bones, you are a very good candidate for resurfacing. There is not one reason why I could find a negative reason not to do it."


Dr. Bose:

"I have assessed your x-rays in detail . Your left hip shows advanced arthritis but very good bone stock.  i am happy to inform you that you would be an excellent candidate

for hip resurfacing surgery."

Dr. Bala (Dr. Balasubramanian):

Thanks for your mail and the x rays. Your x ray shows adequate good quality bone on the left hip which means you are a perfect candidate for Hip Resurfacing,

Dr. Prakash:


Suitability : The short answer is Yes, you seem to be a good candidate

for hip resurfacing purely based on your x-rays and pending formal

consultation.



Dr. Pispati:


I have seen your x rays...you are very suitable for resurfacing.

Let's See Where We Are

2006-03-10T12:38:00.000-08:00

So, now I've learned a lot. I've scoured the Internet for as much info as I could. I saw so much I couldn't remember where I saw it all. But first I had to find out where I was: I needed x-rays. So I started checking around and was ready to just go to any old ortho and instruct them to "just take the x-rays and shut up" but luckily found out about an orthopedic surgeon in the area that was educated on resurfacing, and had done several semi-resurfacings: Dr. Cynthia Kelly. I got an appointment with her and this is what we saw (see x-ray).

"You definitely have arthritis in your left hip. Actually even without your accident, you probably would have been in here eventually. You have a shallow hip socket on your left side. Your right side is perfectly healthy. Even though I can't do it, you are a perfect candidate for hip resurfacing." Ha! My right side is good! But as you can see, my left hip margin is very narrowed at the top (black arrow).

"Here is the name of a surgeon that has dedicated his career to hip resurfacing. His name is Dr. Amstutz. Talk with him if you need it soon."

OK, so now I have my x-rays, I can start getting some opinions. I knew I could send my x-rays to Dr. Bose and Dr. De Smet and get free evaluations. And there were all the US doctors, but also the insurance problems to deal with...

"I recommend starting your investigation by joining the Yahoo Surface Hippy chat room"

2006-03-10T12:29:00.000-08:00

That was the first sentence in the email from Louis Welt. I received this email January 13, 2006. It was a Friday afternoon (Friday the 13th, the luckiest day of my life!).

He proceeded to tell me about the two best docs in the world, Dr. De Smet and Dr. Bose. "Read the newsgroup and in a week you will be an expert. And don't let anyone talk you into a total hip replacement!"

And in one week I was indeed an expert. There were certainly folks that new more, but I was an expert compared to the Drs. Doom-and-Gloom I'd met! What a bunch of idiots!

But mostly I had hope. I could look forward to the possibility of an active life in the future. I still had a lot to learn, but I saw pictures of people that were skiing after hip resurfacing. I saw pictures of people that were doing ironman-length triathlons after resurfacing. I saw hope!

2001-2005: Knowing, and living a restricted life

2006-03-10T12:18:00.000-08:00

So I have arthritis. So do a lot of other people. I won a national championship on the mountain bike, so that part of my life is complete. I can still ride, so that is OK. Doesn't hurt much anyway. In 2001 I am part of a 4-man 35+ team, we earn another national title. Cool. Then my son, Brady, comes of age on the bike (he's 14 now). We do Ride-The-Rockies together, have a blast (2002). In 2003 he's asked to join a new developmental team started by Tour deFrance rider Jonathan Vaughters. Brady's excited, and so am I. I decide to race in 2003 with him, because by now we're pretty well matched. We race on the road together, trading beating each other and wins in the local cat 3 races, and on the mtb. I race the national championships at Durango and win my 3rd national championships. All is well. We start the 2004 season together but I break my collarbone in a crit on Memorial Day weekend. The season is pretty much over for me, but that's OK.

My hip becomes more-and-more problematic, but glucosamine and condroitin help a lot. And I'm doing less. But now I'm having pain in the other leg, compensating I guess...

January 3, 2006. After 2 days of painful skiing, I can barely hobble around the office. An officemate says, "You should talk to my friend Lou, he just went to Belgium for something with his hip. Not sure if it's the same, but you should talk with him."

Do I owe that friend (my officemate, Dave) A LOT...

Dr. Doom-and-gloom #3

2006-03-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

OK, on the recommendation of a different friend, I see a different orthopedic surgeon. Pretty much the same story, but with a slightly more upbeat twist: "I don't have a problem with you riding your bike, but you should avoid running."

I can deal with that. No running - not a problem. I like it but can live with out it. No skiing bumps. Well, maybe I can every once and a while...

No riding my bike. Unacceptable. But this guy says it's OK, so I can live my life. OK, let's get on with it.

January 2001: Dr. Doom-and-gloom #2

2006-03-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

So, after listening to Dr. Upbeat (not) #1, I take the advice of a research Dr. friend of mine and visit another ortho. He's older, and low-and-behold, his prognosis is even worse.

"You have arthritis. The best thing you could do for the rest of your life is sleep." (HE ACTUALLY SAID THAT!!!) "There is no new technology in hip replacement, we are doing the same thing we did in the '60s, and that won't change in our lifetimes. And by the way, I don't like what I see in your x-rays. I'm ordering a MRI as I think you might have avascular necrosis. If so, we'll need to do a hip replacement right away." HOLY CRAP!

So I get the MRI, and the diagnosis is not AVN, whew! But he continues "you should not ride your bike. You should not run. Anything you do will wear out your hip. Think of it as having 100 pennies in a jar - use them wisely as they will run out. Then you will need a new hip."

OK - same old story, let's try one more ortho...

November 2000: You have arthritis

2006-03-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

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...

July 23, 1995: The Wreck

2006-03-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

Mountain bike racing has more-or-less consumed all my spare time for about 6 years now. I just (One month ago) won my first national series race (Norba national CC 35+ at Vail, CO). I'm leading the Colorado Off-Road Points Series (CORPS), 35+. Today is Sunday. Today's race is the long leg of a 2-day weekend, I won the dirt crit. yesterday in a sprint. The start is fast, maybe a bit too fast. We climb for about 1 minute before a 20-30 minute downhill into our first of two big loops. I get the hole shot over the top and put on the gas. We negotiate a few sliding hairpins and then head into a semi-steep straight-away with some large rollers. Hit the first roller at high speed and when I'm in the air, my pedal unclips. Stupid *@$#@ pedals, too much mud early in the season wore them down. Land it OK, but then hit another. This time I'm going faster, and leave the ground with only one foot on the pedals, seated on the saddle... I start a slow airborne flip, land on my upper-back at speed and start rolling.

I come to a stop in a seated position. Check for feeling in the legs. Check. Look for road rash. Yea, some but not too much. Damn my hip hurts, as does my back. I stand up. Everything OK. But not good enough to continue. I straddle the bike and limp back to first aid. They patch me up and we pack up for home. We have a 4 hour drive ahead of us.

I just couldn't get comfortable the entire trip home. We go to the ER at a walk-in clinic at home and get the word "I don't know much about hips, but I do know they're supposed to be in one piece. We're calling an ambulance to take you to the hospital." Of course I respond, "Oh no you're not, we just drove 4 hrs, we can drive ourselves to the hospital." I broke out in tears for a minute or so because the qualification race for the World Championships was only 2 weeks away. I wouldn't make it.

We were met at the Hospital by a wheelchair and I was admitted overnight. While my hip wasn't bad enough to require surgery, I was told I'd be on crutches for 6 weeks, from there we'd see how it went. "You may develop arthritis in the hip, time will tell." Well, this is how it went: I accidentally put full weight on my leg about a week later and it didn't hurt.

I was back racing in 3 weeks. Just missed winning the CO title by 1 spot, but did win the last big race of the year.

A Little History

2006-03-10T09:03:00.000-08:00

Let me start with a little history to give context to my story. I am a Colorado native, born in Denver in March of 1960. I began racing bicycles (road at the time) in high school at the age of 17. I left college for a year and a half to race and then returned to college at the Colorado School of Mines and graduated with a BS degree in Geophysical Engineering in 1985. In 1984 I married my lovely wife Karen and we have two wonderful children, Brady, a national level cyclist and CSM freshman, and Katy, a wonderfully strong girl and pretty darn good tennis player following in her mom's footsteps.

I began racing mountain bikes (cross-country) in 1989 after my son got out of diapers. I did very well, and have been a national cross-country champion in 2000, 2001, and 2003 for my age group. I also was the CO state champion I think 7 times during the last 15 years. It was the pursuit of these titles that led to an unfortunate incident in 1995...

My Journey through Hip Resurfacing

2006-03-08T13:22:00.000-08:00

I am sharing my journey through reconstructive hip surgery so others who follow know what it involves. Please follow me if you're interested...