Alan Ryan 12/03/08 Dr. Kruezer

I just wanted to pass on my experience with my hip resurfacing surgery at the 8 week mark post op. First, a little history.

I am a 54 year old male in excellent health and physical condition. I was very active and athletic throughout my life and thanks to the anterior resurfacing procedure I am getting back in the game. Actually, I feel like I have my life back. I owe this to Dr. Stefan Kreuzer of Memorial Bone and Joint in Houston, Texas, who was the 4th orthopedic surgeon I had seen in a period of 5 years. About 5 years ago I started noticing a pronounced loss in range of motion accompanied by pain in the left hip joint. I went to the company doctor who diagnosed the problem as osteo-arthritis. I saw my first specialist after that visit.This situation deteriorated over time until the past two years when the pain became so severe I could not sleep. I went through the standard treatments of supplements, precription drugs and pain managers. After a couple years nothing seemed to work.

Finally, I had a series of joint injections that gave me some temporary relief. The last injection did nothing. I knew that surgery was on the horizon so I did a lot of research and discovered this fairly new surgical procedure that seemed to fit the bill for me. Hip Resurfacing. Enter Doc Kreuzer.

On Wednesday December 3 of last year I had the anterior hip resurfacing surgery. There were some slight complications with bone spurs but the procedure was a huge success. I related to many people that , despite my surgical pain, I could actually feel that the arthritic pain was gone. I swear. Imagination.....maybe. Extreme mental desire for surgical success....possibly. But, I know what I felt and it was RELIEF! I departed the hospital after 3 days with my walker a little sore but relieved. The first few days at home were an adjustment but tolerable. I never took another pain med after my 2nd day at home.  I ditched the walker after a week. I ditched the first crutch after the 2nd week. I kept the one crutch around until after my 6 week post op visit. I really didn\'t need it for the hip. It was the knee that became a little weak due to strength loss in the surrounding muscles.

So, here I am at the 8 week mark. I\'ve been in strength re-hab for two weeks. I feel great. Dr. Kreuzer cautioned me about becoming too overzealous in my workouts and I am really trying to take it cool but it is hard for me to feel so good and hold back on the reins of recovery. Still, I\'m not pushing too hard. However, my flexibility is near normal. (I am easily tying my shoes, touching my toes and working out at the YMCA (just a little bit doc!). My wife has told me many times that it is great having the old me back. I guess I didn\'t realize how much constant pain can affect your attitude and demeanor. I regret not having the surgery earlier.

Thanks to all who had a part in my healing. Doc Kreuzer, PA Kevin Lancaster and rest of the staff. But, especially to my wife and family who supported, encouraged and nursed me back to my old self! I hope this testimonial helps others to take the plunge.