Hip replacement

**dennford** · 25th July 2008, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by joe greiner

This thread is most timely, and definitely worth adding to my WWFindex.txt. I expect I'll need similar attention in the not-too-distant future, and can provide the link to my ortho if he/she is so disposed. The minimal incision is very intriguing. As some have said, the sooner you get up and about, the more rapid the recovery. I think that applies to most surgeries in our more enlightened times, even as far back as about 20 years.

By chance, a few years ago, I visited a garage sale, and came upon a set of acetabular spherical reamers. All I really wanted was the aluminium case. The reamers were a bonus: from 38mm to 76mm in 1mm increments. That should almost cover the range from children to horses. I think it must have been a salesman's sample box, but the seller was too busy on his cell phone for extended conversation; although he did say they could be used on timber. One of the reamers, about 43mm IIRC, was suitable for a ball-and-socket connection using a golf ball. Later investigation via the weird wild web suggested a base price in the neighbourhood of US$10,000; I paid US$7 for the set and a companion empty aluminium case.

Not gloating, mind you; I haven't found any other application.

DIY hip replacement is of course beyond my ambition. Some things can be carried too far.

Joe

acetabular spherical reamers - No one should be without a set, if only I had a set when my hip was stuffed.

However on a more serious not, Some of you mention physio', interestingly enough most of my physio was done before the operation - and only a couple of weeeks after were nesscesary. The theory being that if you build up a general physical fitness together with specific muscle tone and strength it will help recovery afterwards.

Denn

**KeithP** · 29th July 2008, 02:33 PM

Thanks to all who replied, most re-assuring.

Pedro

**Pheonix** · 29th July 2008, 07:17 PM

Pedro:Make sure you are in a private health fund. Bills have just started arriving for my wifes knee (bloody things followed me home)
Surgeon:$3479
Hospital and appliance $23789( 21 days in private hospital)
Misc:$256 (ice packs,walking sticks,hire of equipment)
Thank god I'm in one

**Buzza** · 29th July 2008, 07:36 PM

Yes, I see I never mentioned that part of it. The ever, extra, essential, Medical Cover. Either that, or use your limp together with a tin cup, and go begging in front of your nearest pollie's office.

**KeithP** · 29th July 2008, 11:43 PM

Thanks Fellas, I do have private hospital only cover. Do you reckon I should have extras cover also ?

Pedro

**Gwhat** · 3rd August 2008, 11:42 AM

Hi all,

To add to this discussion I had my 4th joint replacement (2 knees + 1 hip previously) due to complication (bleeding into the wound cavity) from an unrelated condition, I needed to go on a VAC pump for about 6 weeks, thankfully BUPA (parent of HBA, MBF etc.) saw the merit and paid for the whole lot. The pump alone cost $100+ per day.

In June, an infection flared up in the wound and my surgeon opted for a 'wash-out' basically opening it up and cleaning it out. To avoid a recurrence of the problem he used the VAC pump again, this time for 5 weeks, BUPA again paid for it + the Royal District Nursing Service's commercial arm 'Rally' to change the dressing twice a week.

The point of this comes from a discussion with the surgeon who advised, that if I was with another fund they wouldn't have paid for the VAC, probably opting for a longer stay in hospital.

We had thought of looking at alternatives to save a few $$$'s but gee I'm glad we didn't!!!!

The moral to this is; Check your cover is adequate with both your surgeon and hospital at the first consultation... having the right cover potentially has saved us thousands and allowed me to work through the recovery process, being self-employed there wasn't much option.

BTW, I can't speak highly enough of the Royal District Nursing Service and their great staff.

Also don't be put off by my experience, it was very much a rare occurrence.

Regards

Grahame

**prozac** · 3rd August 2008, 12:25 PM

I think waht Gwhat relates is a reminder to all of us more mature types to assess if what we have in cover is sufficient to see us into our declining years.

Phoenix, it may have been cheaper to get a divorce!

prozac

BTW; Just had a look at your website Gwhat. Nicely laid out and easy to navigate.

**Pheonix** · 3rd August 2008, 05:05 PM

No my health fund paid for nearly all of it, only out of pocket about $1500 for the surgeon.Thank god for health funds

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