johnasmo Posted August 27, 2022 Report Share Posted August 27, 2022 Good luck Neil. Elective surgery can be a tough choice to make, but some conditions just aren't going to fix themselves with wishful thinking. I have chronic hip issue, but I'm choosing to believe it is SI joint for now. The orthos haven't concluded otherwise, so I'm not technically in denial yet. Besides, I've got something else to deal with in the short term. This happened a month ago downhill mountain biking at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Took a hit to the shoulder. Shoulder armor saved the humerus, but the force still had to go somewhere so it took out my scapula this time. That's a new one for me; I thought I dislocated the shoulder and cracked a rib or two, but it was really the scapula. Got a MRI of the shoulder since then, but the doctor is on vacation so no word yet on rotator cuff damage. Either way, I'm confident I'll be back on snow before the MCC. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Gendzwill Posted August 27, 2022 Report Share Posted August 27, 2022 Ouch! Sorry about that, John. Here’s hoping you heal up soon. I believe the medical term for my hip is FUBAR. Or as the imaging report says, “severe osteoarthritis of the left hip with complete loss of superior joint space, osteophytes and subchondral cystic change.” 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumpyride Posted August 28, 2022 Report Share Posted August 28, 2022 Hopefully both of you, John and Neil, will be on the mend soon. Gave up biking Downhill at Big Sky. Failure is painful with long falls and hard rocks. There were a few close calls when off trail meant 50' fall onto talus. Snow is much softer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1xsculler Posted August 28, 2022 Report Share Posted August 28, 2022 On 8/27/2022 at 12:18 AM, Neil Gendzwill said: Ouch! Sorry about that, John. Here’s hoping you heal up soon. I believe the medical term for my hip is FUBAR. Or as the imaging report says, “severe osteoarthritis of the left hip with complete loss of superior joint space, osteophytes and subchondral cystic change.” Very sorry to hear what sounds like a diagnosis requiring a joint replacement BUT, even though you’re not interested but I am, I will run that diagnosis by Dr Dan Nelson during his radio show next Sunday. Dan is an MD with a PhD in pain management and is one Dr in a group with 14 orthopedic surgeons. Dan has specialized in stem cell treatment and pain management for 30 years and he sometimes can help patients avoid unnecessary surgery. You’ll get his opinion even though you don’t want it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Gendzwill Posted August 28, 2022 Report Share Posted August 28, 2022 43 minutes ago, 1xsculler said: I am not in significant pain. Let me repeat that once more for the cheap sets: I am not in significant pain. If I was in any pain I am perfectly capable of getting help in that direction from my own doctors who are all qualified. Also if I was in serious pain I would likely get moved up the list and get the surgery sooner on the government’s nickel. The joint is barely functional. If all I wanted to do was walk with a limp and live pain-free, I am pretty much doing that already. I would like to be able to do the things I love. That’s why I want surgery. What on earth makes you think your guy and your guy only has all the answers to this situation? He's just another doc. We have pain specialists here, too. If I had enough pain to require management beyond the odd dose of ibuprofen, I would be seeing one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunSurfer Posted August 29, 2022 Report Share Posted August 29, 2022 (edited) Remember, medicine is better in the USA. While in most first world nations 80% of doctors are better than average, in the USA at least 90+% are the best in their field. Trust me, I'm a doctor! Edited August 29, 2022 by SunSurfer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhamann Posted August 29, 2022 Report Share Posted August 29, 2022 8 hours ago, SunSurfer said: Remember, medicine is better in the USA. While in most first world nations 80% of doctors are better than average, in the USA at least 90+% are the best in their field. i beg to differ, but perhaps i just have a cloud hanging over me. after five months with first ortho, guy tells me he doesn't do surgery for my particular injury. lateral process fracture of the talus ("snowboarders ankle") and suggests i get a referral to a foot/ankle specialist that can help. it took a month before i could get in front of next ortho. i'm six months from injury where only PT has been done. bone/fracture is crooked from CT scan at 4 months in, minimally displaced 2.8mm, non union. other things going on neurologically, etc. that are obviously underlying issues due to fracture (numb toes, etc). unfortunately, the doc's i've dealt with so far all have pinocchio nose. ER nurse sent me home with a "sprained ankle". likely not riding at all this year due to surgery. in my experience it's not about the patient, it's about the billing. sick world. sick industry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Gendzwill Posted August 29, 2022 Report Share Posted August 29, 2022 24 minutes ago, dhamann said: i beg to differ Alan may have been being a tad facetious there. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
st_lupo Posted September 9, 2022 Report Share Posted September 9, 2022 On 8/29/2022 at 4:50 PM, Neil Gendzwill said: Alan may have been being a tad facetious there. Rereading SunSurfer’s post with a John Cleese voice helps. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryj Posted September 10, 2022 Report Share Posted September 10, 2022 On 8/24/2022 at 1:55 PM, Neil Gendzwill said: no effect on my medical choices. At least you guys have a choice and a predictable recovery................I'm still limping around mentally and physically after my medical situation...aka:collision I don't even remember happening! One day I'm feeling 45 and the next I got all the aches and pains of a 85 year old....and still do after 8 months post collision. Finally, after 6 months of daily Advil I weaned myself off in Advil. And just today another Damn bill! for the Med Flight shows up for $65,000 more than they already got! For a Helicopter ride I don't even remember! Man........I'm just hoping to get some of my mojo back this winter. The few days I was allowed back out on the hill late last spring I felt like All My Boards were broken and I was driving/riding a Dump Truck! Riding my body knew what to do but my brain couldn't keep up with the action....really I had trouble just getting into my BTD3 SI's? Like I was a beginner. Damn humbling! Still feeling humbled physically 8 months post collision but really hoping to get back on my game this winter! Here's hoping we all mend well and have a injury free season! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1xsculler Posted September 10, 2022 Report Share Posted September 10, 2022 8 minutes ago, barryj said: At least you guys have a choice and a predictable recovery................I'm still limping around mentally and physically after my medical situation...aka:collision I don't even remember happening! One day I'm feeling 45 and the next I got all the aches and pains of a 85 year old....and still do after 8 months post collision. Finally, after 6 months of daily Advil I weaned myself off in Advil. And just today another Damn bill! for the Med Flight shows up for $65,000 more than they already got! For a Helicopter ride I don't even remember! Man........I'm just hoping to get some of my mojo back this winter. The few days I was allowed back out on the hill late last spring I felt like All My Boards were broken and I was driving/riding a Dump Truck! Riding my body knew what to do but my brain couldn't keep up with the action....really I had trouble just getting into my BTD3 SI's? Like I was a beginner. Damn humbling! Still feeling humbled physically 8 months post collision but really hoping to get back on my game this winter! Here's hoping we all mend well and have a injury free season! Wow, super bummer, Barry. I hope you recover completely and sooner rather than later! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
west carven Posted September 10, 2022 Report Share Posted September 10, 2022 howdy johnasmo cool dinosaur bones mri ... dinosaur bones are fragile due to it's age ... i keep looking at mountain bikes, but who am i kidding ... i am no spring chicken and with one foot already in the dirt ... not a good idea ... i am trying to preserve myself for another season on the snow ... hope you get better by this season ... the mri could have been another coiler ... get better ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1xsculler Posted September 12, 2022 Report Share Posted September 12, 2022 On 8/27/2022 at 12:18 AM, Neil Gendzwill said: Ouch! Sorry about that, John. Here’s hoping you heal up soon. I believe the medical term for my hip is FUBAR. Or as the imaging report says, “severe osteoarthritis of the left hip with complete loss of superior joint space, osteophytes and subchondral cystic change.” FWIW: I read the above diagnosis to Dr Dan Nelson, ProOrtho, Kirkland, WA, on the radio yesterday and, just as I expected, he would need to, at the very least, see an X-ray as a diagnostic note like this is not very helpful when trying to recommend or decide on treatment. Like he said total hip replacement may be the correct treatment but a Xray would tell the tail and, in some cases, stem cell treatment can solve the issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lordmetroland Posted September 12, 2022 Report Share Posted September 12, 2022 27 minutes ago, 1xsculler said: Like he said total hip replacement may be the correct treatment but a Xray would tell the tail and, in some cases, stem cell treatment can solve the issue. So can a liberal application of freshly butchered chicken blood and muttering very specific incantations, but you'll need the Xray to confirm. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Gendzwill Posted September 12, 2022 Report Share Posted September 12, 2022 2 hours ago, 1xsculler said: FWIW: I read the above diagnosis to Dr Dan Nelson, ProOrtho, Kirkland, WA, on the radio yesterday and, just as I expected, he would need to, at the very least, see an X-ray as a diagnostic note like this is not very helpful when trying to recommend or decide on treatment. Like he said total hip replacement may be the correct treatment but a Xray would tell the tail and, in some cases, stem cell treatment can solve the issue. Yes, so far two qualified orthopaedic surgeons have looked at the xrays and said that this is a clear case where hip replacement is the only option. Well, not the only - I can continue on as I am for some time and eventually get into pain management, but if I want a functional hip I need a new one. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShortcutToMoncton Posted September 18, 2022 Report Share Posted September 18, 2022 Out of curiousity, have you talked with Bruce Varsava? I think he got a hip replacement a few years back and might be a nice source for hardbooting-specific feedback in particular…. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumpyride Posted September 19, 2022 Report Share Posted September 19, 2022 On 9/12/2022 at 2:31 PM, Neil Gendzwill said: Yes, so far two qualified orthopaedic surgeons have looked at the xrays and said that this is a clear case where hip replacement is the only option. Well, not the only - I can continue on as I am for some time and eventually get into pain management, but if I want a functional hip I need a new one. Hey Neil, First, sorry to hear you have to have a new hip. Second, I had a Mako Knee Replacement 11 or 12 years ago, and it has been pretty great, with a very short recovery time and great range of motion. It has not slowed me down down the Moguls and hard riding on the Mountain Bike. Anyway, I thought I'd pass this along to you. I'm pretty sold on the whole Mako Procedure. You may have heard about it, or maybe not. Only Docs that have access to the Mako will tell you about it. Anyway look if you want, and best wishes. https://www.grossmontortho.com/knee/mako-robotic-assisted-knee-and-hip-surgery/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Gendzwill Posted December 12, 2022 Report Share Posted December 12, 2022 Just to let everyone know, I had my hip replaced on Nov 22 and it went about as well as it possibly could. I’m following my post surgery instructions as closely as possible and already can walk smoothly without assistance. I mostly use a cane as the leg tires quickly and needs some support, with it I can walk a km or so before I feel I have done too much. This season is toast but I should be good to go next year. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryj Posted December 12, 2022 Report Share Posted December 12, 2022 3 minutes ago, Neil Gendzwill said: good to go next year. Glad to hear it went well for ya and your already out and about Neil! Impressive!! Keep us updated on your progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1xsculler Posted December 13, 2022 Report Share Posted December 13, 2022 On 12/12/2022 at 5:45 AM, Neil Gendzwill said: Just to let everyone know, I had my hip replaced on Nov 22 and it went about as well as it possibly could. I’m following my post surgery instructions as closely as possible and already can walk smoothly without assistance. I mostly use a cane as the leg tires quickly and needs some support, with it I can walk a km or so before I feel I have done too much. This season is toast but I should be good to go next year. So happy to hear, Neil! Well, very lucky me as I was positive I would have to go under the knife myself after falling off my skis onto my left shoulder and feeling a stabbing pain…I knew it was a bad sign. YouTube convinced me that with my symptoms I had a massive trashing of my Supraspinatus requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery. I went to the office of my favorite Orthopedic surgeon at 8:00 this morning and, much to my surprise, got a 2:15 appointment. I then got a Thursday afternoon appointment with my favorite stem cell guy for a 2nd opinion and then stopped by my concierge GP’s office at 9:00, when he opened. He put my arm through different positions and sent me for an X-ray which he and I reviewed in his office a few minutes later. He pointed out a few possible defects and asked me to let him know what the Orthopedic surgeon said. This highly regarded shoulder specialist took one look at the X-ray and my arm, asked me a few questions and he said I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?Before I could answer he said, Ok, the bad news is you broke your upper arm bone. The good news is the broken piece , about the size of a fifty cent piece to which the Supraspinatus is attached, is not displaced and it will heal all by itself if you’re pretty careful and you’ll be rowing and snowboarding after 6 weeks. So, Boston during the third weekend in October to try to win the 80-84 single sculler event is still on my schedule! Resume snowboarding after we return from Maui in the middle of February. I consider myself to be one lucky guy! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drschwartz Posted December 13, 2022 Report Share Posted December 13, 2022 Neil, Happy to hear things are going well so far. I would expect a great result. Have been off the thread for awhile as I get super busy (ie. 4 total shoulders and 2 rotator cuff repairs today, 4 more shoulders and 2 total knee’s tomorrow). I think you will be happy with your decision. I have a bit of a unique perspective being both a snowboarder and an orthopedic surgeon. My personal journey began when I hurt my right knee playing hockey at age 16. I dealt with gradually increasing difficulties for nearly 50 years, through two prior knee scopes, and multiple rounds of various injections (steroid, hyaluron, prp). As many of you know I ride hardboots and coach a high school snowboard team. 2 years ago my symptoms finally got the best of me. The best way I can describe it is that my best friend and I, along with our wives, went to Mount Bachelor for a long weekend in a huge snowstorm. Day 1, 2 hours on a board. Day 2, 1 1/2 hours. Day 3 - a beautiful bluebird Bachelor day with close to 3 ft of powder over the prior 2 days - we took our wives shopping. Both Steve and I were so painful we couldn’t even bear the thought of getting back on the boards. I got my knee done in the summer and competed at Nationals 8 months later. I just did Steve’s first knee last month and his second one will be in about 2 months. The inability to do the thing I loved was the last straw. The knee replacement is the best thing I ever did…. next to marrying my wife. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Gendzwill Posted December 13, 2022 Report Share Posted December 13, 2022 Thanks, Paul. Had a checkup with my surgeon today and he said I am doing exceptionally well, so that was very encouraging. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1xsculler Posted December 13, 2022 Report Share Posted December 13, 2022 Good to hear these stories of success! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drschwartz Posted December 13, 2022 Report Share Posted December 13, 2022 For what it’s worth Neil, hips and shoulders are generally faster and easier recoveries than knees. Not sure I would recommend trying to get on a board this winter, but you’ll probably be itching for it by spring, doing sport over the summer, and on it like a bum on a baloney sandwich next November. Paul As I think about it, might be a gods time to plan that South American summer ski trip you’ve always dreamed about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Gendzwill Posted December 13, 2022 Report Share Posted December 13, 2022 Surgeon says no high impact activities until at least 6 months, fully healed 1 year. I reckon I’m an idiot if I don’t follow his instructions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.