[ponjohn]

Originally Posted by ron cozzo

If you guys don't mind I'll keep this thread alive for awhile longer. Thanks to those posting their progress. I'll be going in for a left total hip replacement June 13. Talked to three different surgeons before choosing this one. He's going to do a ceramic/plastic joint, anterior approach. I was kind of hoping to do both hips, bilateral avascular necrosis, at the same time, but none of the three surgeons thought it was a good idea. The left hip is significantly worse recently, so I'll be happy to have this one fixed soon.

The reason why Docs don't perform bilateral (hip or knee) is the compensation from the insurance company is not double as if they did them separately.

Sometimes they'll "stack" the schedule and do one side and while you're still in the hospital they do the second side. Needless to say insurance companies are wise to this strategy.

Any prognosis as to why you have AVN?

Good luck!!

[ron cozzo]

Originally Posted by ponjohn

The reason why Docs don't perform bilateral (hip or knee) is the compensation from the insurance company is not double as if they did them separately.

Sometimes they'll "stack" the schedule and do one side and while you're still in the hospital they do the second side. Needless to say insurance companies are wise to this strategy.

Any prognosis as to why you have AVN?

Good luck!!

Ponjohn, thanks for the insight. No certain idea why I got AVN, but I do drink and did smoke for twenty years before quitting three years ago. Those are factors. I know people who smoke and drink more, but are fine. Doesn't matter at this point I suppose, the damage is done. I wish someone could tell me why I got it or how to prevent it, but no one's tried.

[wheelspin]

Originally Posted by ponjohn

The reason why Docs don't perform bilateral (hip or knee) is the compensation from the insurance company is not double as if they did them separately.

Sometimes they'll "stack" the schedule and do one side and while you're still in the hospital they do the second side. Needless to say insurance companies are wise to this strategy.

Any prognosis as to why you have AVN?

Good luck!!

At my urging, my doctor performed bi-lateral knee replacements on me at age 57 in 1997. I had totally worn out my cartilage, leaving my knees bone-on-bone. I convinced my doc that my wife's and my quality of life was at stake, and that I recognized that I might have to have them done again in 10-15 years. Every couple of years I request x-rays and so far everything is in good order. At 73 years old I no longer jog, play tennis, or desert race my Husky so I hope to outlive the need for a second surgery.

TUFF recovery, having both knees replaced at the same time . I used a passive knee exercise machine for one hour on one knee, then switched to the other knee for most of my waking hours. For me it was worth it since I was able to half the rehab time compared to doing them separately.

The surgery was performed by Cigna, my HMO at the time.

[td_65]

I am all for this hip replacement. 6 weeks and walking ok. Some muscle tighness and most pain is in my knee. That's what got me to the doctor - knee pain. He said knees looked good as gap goes but miniscus cause swelling. Then said look at that hip - not good. I thought I could live with it. He said most guys try the tuff guy contest and just let him know when I give up. Said he has not had a spontanious healing yet. I went almost a year and gave up. I had had pins in my hip from when I was 11 so he sent me to a specialist. Young guy, looked like one of the kids on my little league team. Great Doctor - really smart. He removed the pins and replaced my entire hip. Told me the pin holes needed extra time to fill in as they created a week spot. Asked me to limit crossing my leg and be careful not to dislocate the hip. I just fine it hard to believe that 6 weeks ago someone cut the top of my leg off and I am back walking already. I am back working on my cars again (as I can). The pain was making me want to just sit im my chair. I am a happy camper again. 65 Today - got a card from AARP yesterday. Glad the wife decided to restore insted of getting something new. Remember OLD STUFF IS COOL!