I'm seeing a Surgeon tomorrow - 10/29/07 - to discuss my hip(s) and resurfacing surgery. What is the typical time it takes from a doctor confirming you need surgery to when it can actually take place? I realise that this can be subjective on many factors; doctors schedule, insurance issues (if any), planning etc, but I was hoping to get a ballpark estimate if someone could le me know their approximate waiting period. Thanks.
Terry
Hi Terry
It can be anywhere fromf 2 weeks to 6 months depending on the surgeon.
Be sure to ask many questions of your surgeon. Here is a basic list you can print out
http://www.surfacehippy.info/questionsfordoctor.php (http://www.surfacehippy.info/questionsfordoctor.php)
Find out how many hip resurfacings they have done to date, how many loose cups, how many femur neck fractures, how many infections, how many revision of their hip resurfacings have occured.
If the doctor is not open and share this info - be looking for another doctor. The experienced doctors will all share the info and many have it posted don their websites.
Good luck and keep in touch.
Pat in Ohio
I've already printed the list and I'm taking it with me this morning. If I don't like what I hear, I'll be out of there and look for a better candidate. I have BCBS PPO, so I'll look to find a surgeon that will cover me. I may see about Dr. Ball in San Diego, as that is relatively close to me if my doctor doesn't work out.
Terry
I was told before my first large arthroscopic hip surgery that hip resurfacing was in my future. Little did I realize one year after the first surgery I would be told I needed the hip resurfacing that was a total of 8 weeks, August 1st my doctor in Colorado told me and sent in my x ray to Mr. Treacy, the 3rd week of August I heard from Mr. Treacy and he said it was "fairly urgent" that I get this done soon, so I had my surgery 10/2/07 in the UK. I thought this went very quickly, of course as I recover it is such slow going, I get very bored, love those walks.
Leslie
Treacy 10/2/07
R BHR