Thank you for your reply! As it happens, I DID some more research and located another surgeon who went to medical school in Russia, residencies there, residency in Switzerland, Germany and one at the pre-eminent hospital systems in the world. He is now the head of "orthopedic reconstruction." He trained under Dr. Gavriil Abramovich Ilizarov - who revolutionized bone lengthening. Since the initial method, there have been other devices available for bone distraction. Yes, your bone IS cut - just like a broken leg, and as you heal, the device distracts your bone 1mml per day.
As it turns out, because I still HAVE the entire femur and only the head and socket are shot, he is confident that I will have my original length back. My thigh muscle looks horrendous - the only way I can describe it is - pretend you have a shish ka bob, and mush all the "meat" down. When I saw him, as I waited, I saw very young children with obvious bone deformities, length issues of arms or legs, and the same with adults. I spoke with some of them and they have been very happy with results.
I had a new round of x-rays (this is now the 3rd complete set ...(not counting the waste of time at the other orthopod who took several x-rays, even though I had the discs with me, spent 5 minutes - I wanted to see his partner who does another procedure, but because I had seen this one in '98 ...his staff is instructed to NOT appoint anyone who was his previous patient to the associate ....which was a complete and utter waste of my time, and frankly, a bit unethical) but I digress.
The Surgeon I saw, this time my spouse coming with me (he's a Surgeon) I saw hope. My bones are strong, and he felt that both legs will be of equal length. During the surgery - he is going in through the front side with a minimally invasive method which will preserve my muscle (ie - not slice through it), and during the surgery will check to make sure both legs are of equal length. He likes to send patients home for recovery, but frankly, because of stairs (I do have a full bath on my first floor, etc) but being in my master bedroom, my bath is here) and that I have NO ONE to help - bring up meals, mail, etc ... I would like to stay at an inpatient rehab facility - one that actually DOES rehab, for 2 weeks. I in no way want to risk a wrong turn, a fall down the stairs, etc.
I cancelled the other surgeon, and three weeks from today I will be having my THP. I will NOT need to self donate blood, will NOT be given the injection some older patients receive to help build red blood cells, and if for some reason the length doesn't match, he is highly trained. I am willing to do whatever it takes to rehabilitate - I want my life to return to normal. You can not walk with a 2 to 3 inch difference in leg length, and although I use a crutch, but hold it only like a cane - it is STILL very difficult to walk, and quite painful. I am on pain meds, and will have to switch to the "tylenol" version ( which I do not like because of the acetaminophen dangers to your liver)
Animals are very perceptive and your beautiful goldie knows you well enough that she can sense what you need and tries the best she can to help. There's a reason why they're called man's best friend. It sounds like both of you are VERY lucky!
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Dear "Anonymous,"
Thank you for your reply! As it happens, I DID some more research and located another surgeon who went to medical school in Russia, residencies there, residency in Switzerland, Germany and one at the pre-eminent hospital systems in the world. He is now the head of "orthopedic reconstruction." He trained under Dr. Gavriil Abramovich Ilizarov - who revolutionized bone lengthening. Since the initial method, there have been other devices available for bone distraction. Yes, your bone IS cut - just like a broken leg, and as you heal, the device distracts your bone 1mml per day.
As it turns out, because I still HAVE the entire femur and only the head and socket are shot, he is confident that I will have my original length back. My thigh muscle looks horrendous - the only way I can describe it is - pretend you have a shish ka bob, and mush all the "meat" down. When I saw him, as I waited, I saw very young children with obvious bone deformities, length issues of arms or legs, and the same with adults. I spoke with some of them and they have been very happy with results.
I had a new round of x-rays (this is now the 3rd complete set ...(not counting the waste of time at the other orthopod who took several x-rays, even though I had the discs with me, spent 5 minutes - I wanted to see his partner who does another procedure, but because I had seen this one in '98 ...his staff is instructed to NOT appoint anyone who was his previous patient to the associate ....which was a complete and utter waste of my time, and frankly, a bit unethical) but I digress.
The Surgeon I saw, this time my spouse coming with me (he's a Surgeon) I saw hope. My bones are strong, and he felt that both legs will be of equal length. During the surgery - he is going in through the front side with a minimally invasive method which will preserve my muscle (ie - not slice through it), and during the surgery will check to make sure both legs are of equal length. He likes to send patients home for recovery, but frankly, because of stairs (I do have a full bath on my first floor, etc) but being in my master bedroom, my bath is here) and that I have NO ONE to help - bring up meals, mail, etc ... I would like to stay at an inpatient rehab facility - one that actually DOES rehab, for 2 weeks. I in no way want to risk a wrong turn, a fall down the stairs, etc.
I cancelled the other surgeon, and three weeks from today I will be having my THP. I will NOT need to self donate blood, will NOT be given the injection some older patients receive to help build red blood cells, and if for some reason the length doesn't match, he is highly trained. I am willing to do whatever it takes to rehabilitate - I want my life to return to normal. You can not walk with a 2 to 3 inch difference in leg length, and although I use a crutch, but hold it only like a cane - it is STILL very difficult to walk, and quite painful. I am on pain meds, and will have to switch to the "tylenol" version ( which I do not like because of the acetaminophen dangers to your liver)
Animals are very perceptive and your beautiful goldie knows you well enough that she can sense what you need and tries the best she can to help. There's a reason why they're called man's best friend. It sounds like both of you are VERY lucky!
February 3, 2012 - 11:12amThis Comment
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