Go to France for the anterior approach
Posted , 18 users are following.
Hi All,
I had the anterior approach left hip replacement surgery on 14th Feb 2014 in France. I am 52 mother of 3, youngest 7. I lived in pain for three years and was told by Kings they would review for the op in two years sentencing me to two more years of pain. I even left my job as a social worker (of twenty three years with a London LA) I couldn't sit for prolonged periods without extreme pain, couldn't walk at all some days.
I took matters into my own hands and researched and found a company that offered private surgery in France at a nominal fee as the hospital claims back the rest on the EHIC. I took the plunge and went in trepidation, well what a surprise. A magician for a surgeon or what! I had the anterior approach I had the ceramic, titanium hybrid plastic (not the Johnson Johnson one!) as advised I could do impact sports eventually as the plastic cushions the hip joint. I was put in a hotel (all transfers etc) had all my tests completed in one day, urine, blood, x-rays the lot and met the consultant who took me through the details of the op. The next day I was in having the op biff, baff, bosh!
Well, well, well! Contrary to all my fears I was up the day after surgery, able to walk without a stick in 3 days; no lie! I even went to the shops sneakily to stock up on fruit and nuts as was constipated after the surgery. I was visited daily by the consultant and the guy from the company who brought me chocolate, water etc, the nurses were an absolute delight. I only stayed six nights although seven nights was the package, but wanted to see the kids and felt well enough too.
I, of course take a stick out as a support just now, but no limp etc, but happily use nothing at home. Stopped taking pain killers after 5 days, did take a pain killer last night, as had been on my feet for four hours. No problem bending either with the anterior approach, as very little risk of dislocation. Putting on my left sock or tight a bit of a nuisance getting on, so not quite able to do gymnastics yet!
If anyone out there is living in pain and has a diagnosis and needs the op but the NHS is reluctant and uses excuses like you are too young etc, my advice is get ahead and do it make sure it is the anterior approach though.
If you want to contact me and I will give you the low down exactly about my French experience. To say it was a breeze is a bit cheeky but I had a great experience and could not recommend highly enough.
1 like, 17 replies
Lucite
Posted
briela
Posted
The anterior approach is marvelous as the consultant doesn't wade through muscles so it reduces the possibility of muscle and nerve damage or the prothesis dislocating as the muscles to hold it in place i.e. your buttock muscles have not been undermined. Consequently you have greatly reduced recovery time and very little damage to surrounding flesh. I have just measured the scar it is flat, no rumpling scar tissue and measures just under 7cm. My friend came over yesterday and joked that I had had a placebo operation!
The only problem is finding a very competent surgeon. THe Anterior approach is specialized and surgeons need a lot of extra training to become competent. It was also a surgical technique which was begun in France. My surgeon stated that he has completed over 500 anterior ops, so he knows exactly what he is doing. I was linked up with him through the services of a company that specializes in elective surgery and has a wide knowledge of the reputation of surgeons in France.
THe cost is fantastic as the company processes a claim back to the NHS through the European Health Card, you don't need a referral from your GP or consultant, I by passed mine, you don't pay this money up front either. But the treatment is private, private room 7 night hospital care etc etc. at a fraction of the cost.
I struck lucky, very lucky.
Look up; surgery in France and the company should become obvious!
anna2349
Posted
you used... there seem to be several under surgery in France... is it possible to get in touch if you would
rather not share this information publicly.... It does sound as though you had a very good experience.
joe93243
Posted
Emis Moderator comment: I have removed the email address, please use the message facility to exchange details if required.
lindylollypops
Posted
I fell 18 months ago I tripped and fell and snapped the head of my femur off and twisted the leg 40% the wrong way. I had 3 metal pins placed in the hip.
I was doing quite well for a few months and then things went wrong.
I had no help when the pain started from my NHS surgeon so paid privately to have my 3 metal pins removed 7 weeks ago.
Again I did quite well and then had problems. The dissolvable suture did not dissolve and I had infection at both ends of the suture left hanging out of my long hip wound.
Dealing with that but I fear I may need the hip replaced as x ray showed it mis -shapened and it is painful to walk on.
18 months later I still have not got my life back and still in pain. I do believe I have a metal intolerance. Plenty of past history to prove that but my new surgeon wants £10,000 to replace my hip, (or I am on a long waiting list) with a metal hip in to a ceramic cup and a cut in to the side of the thigh again.
I just wonder if what you have had is so much better? Can I PM you to get details please of the operation in France? Thank You
briela
Posted
I have sent you personal message.
Who was the old surgeon and who is the new surgeon-NHS??
The surgeon in France is super and if it needs a revision then you will off set the cost with your EHIC.
What I loved about the French surgeon is he spoke to you like a peer, they are not on high.
Have you had any tests re having a metal intolerence? The prothesis' are usually titanium in part topped at the femur end with ceramic etc, are you intolerant of all metals?
Sounds although the private surgery was quite poor. France is very good at avoiding infections, they give intravenous antibiotics etc. and lots more including being washed in iodine before surgery!
jane74574
Posted
lindylollypops
Posted
Sorry i have not been in touch sooner. thanks for replying and I shall be in touch very soon with you re surgeons in France and Anterior Approach. I am interested.
My friendly surgeon in Dorchester only fits the EXETER 316 THR and that is NOT done by Anterior approach.
I would prefer to get this op done in the UK but where do you begin to find out who does it in England?
i barely know where to start looking.
I also fear i have a metal intolerance and cannot get anyone to take this seriously and get me checked out to confirm or deny this.
I will be in touch shortly. Thanks
Lindylollypops.
briela
Posted
Thought I would give you an update on my progress. After walking without a stick after ten days I did find it easier to keep on the move in the early weeks sitting for any length of time was uncomfortable (a bit annoying as I thought I could finish off my novel during my convalescence!) Instead I was doing anything to keep on the move! House looked clean though! Problem was the family didn't treat me like a person who needs any TLCso the big op didn't deliver on that front LOOL!
At this moment and time I am back to full activity no pain or discomfort. In the first four weeks I had the muscle aggravation problem in my thigh, tingling, spikey, restless leg, sort of thing. But that went after a few sessions of acupuncture, really knocked it on the head. Also if I over exercise my muscles ache then I use my hoot beanie bags (I am back to the gym and moving up with weights on my leg extension, moreover I have been hobbling aroound in the gym before the THR trying to do something to keep fit. My body hasn't done any proper exercise in 3 years it is great to be back actually doing a work out and reconditioning my floppy muscles.)
I went swimming with my daughter yesterday and was being cagey about the breast stroke movement but it was fine, Doc Michaut said there is very little chance of dislocation with the anterior approach so I have taken him at his word. As for bending right over I have been doing that since week two regularly with also no problem. Week one/day one I was also doing it but carefully one can't live without being able to pick things up in a family house it would look like a............. after one week and three children, dog, husband.
As for my scar it is light pink totally healed
(I cut off the end knot myself as the nurse said she didn't need too but the skin healed and sank back and it was sticking out. Joke was the nurse was so impressed she too took details of the surgeon, she has a gammy hip and told just wear and tear but in pain, what is it with everyone making light of such an aggravating and painful condition?!)
and looks like a small scratch, would love to post a pic (will ask my son if that is possible) and is exactly five and a half cms long. (just measured it) As my friend said I have had a placebo hip replacement LOL.
Anyway Dr Michaut I can't thank him enough, he made the whole experience what it was with his skill. But I know that to go all the way to France is not everyone's cup of tea.
There are a few people heading off to France since contacting me. I hope we can develop a Doc Michaut fan club!!!
groen briela
Posted
Can you please emai me details as I so much want to have this done in France and am very inspired by your experience, well done.
Regards
Tom
joy47826 briela
Posted
Even though I had anterior, good results into 5th month, and things went downhill for me as I ended up with the dreaded Femoral Nerve Damage that can happen with the Anterior approach....it's 4 yrs soon and I deal with massive numbness and tingling....heard about this from others who did anterior as well...not many, but it happens.
gloriajoy briela
Posted
I am aged 78 and have osteoporosis.
Could you please let me have details of how and where and if possible the name of your surgeon.
gloriajoy briela
Posted
If you could explain how you went about using the EHIC I would be very grateful.
I hope you are still doing well,I think you were really brave to take the initiative for your own health
and deserve a great outcome. X
joy47826 briela
Posted
Never a crutch, a walker for a few days and then not needed....cane outside in the first few days with PT worker....now the cane is in the back seat of my auto, just in case, I might get stuck somewhere.....
I actually drove a short distance at 10 days....my daughter needed a lift to grandgirl's school, so I said I'll take you.
But I do deal with Femoral Nerve damage which I understand can happen due to anterior approach..... but MANY I understand do very good with anterior...HOPE I NEVER get another surgery thou.... j
jumer briela
Posted