Well just about out of cartilige in the left hip. Got an appt March 2nd to see the hot shot ortho guy who did the minimaly invasive hip joint replacement work on a couple of farriers that I know here in maine. Looks to be about 5-6 weeks off from actual work under the horse then back to work according to them. Thats much better than the old procedure. I don't know how backed up the guy is so I don't know when the procedure will happen. I'll be taking a week or two off then catching up on trims with my apprentice doing the work while I supervise. We'll do a bit of the shoeing as well as I in essence conduct farrier school for the apprentice and teach nailing. Boon for her as its tough to find time to teach nailing while in producton mode but obviously I will have lots of time and we have some nice quiet horses that need resetting that she and I can go and do. I will of course contact many area farriers as well to help out during the time that I cannot be under a horse. We have a strong tradition here in maine of helping each other out so there should be help available to keep my customers going out on the trail and to shows.

Its interesting that I cannot ascend stairs, ride a horse, ride my motorcycle, ride my ATV, range of motion is gone on the left side, quality of life is out the window, can't even take my dog for a walk. BUT I'm still shoeing. I'm either a nutcase or have a high pain threshold.

George, I had a total hip replacement in March 2003. I've never looked back. I was released to shoe 5-1/2 weeks later (admonished to choose my horses wisely. I've done nearly 2000 competitive endurance miles on that hip plus a few thousand training miles. I've been bucked off more than once and absolutely no problems. I had good insurance, but have told people if I'd paid for it, it would have been less than my truck and I intend to use it longer than a truck (I already have) and to spend more time using it. You'll be glad you did it.

nothing but positive thoughts for you, George! it will change your life!

the gentleman i help with the clydes is going to be 75 this year and has had 5 at this point (first ones were defective years ago)

you can't hardly keep the man down. he still cleans barn 365 days a year, rides both his stallions on a regular basis and even tho he's 20+ years older than i am, i am STILL always 3 steps behind that man trying to keep up with him.

you'll be back doing farrier work in no time!

George, I had a total hip replacement in March 2003. I've never looked back. I was released to shoe 5-1/2 weeks later (admonished to choose my horses wisely. I've done nearly 2000 competitive endurance miles on that hip plus a few thousand training miles. I've been bucked off more than once and absolutely no problems. I had good insurance, but have told people if I'd paid for it, it would have been less than my truck and I intend to use it longer than a truck (I already have) and to spend more time using it. You'll be glad you did it.

everyone I know that has had one has turned out great, I don't think you'll regret doing it in the long run.

All the best, George. I bet that once you are recovered you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Philosophically, do you think you'll be able to restore your Natural Balance with an artificial hip?

George my father would say to get the total hip replacement. He had the minimal invasive surgery and regrets it. A lot of pain and may need the total replacement anyway and go through that pain all over again.

Rick Burten wrote:
Its a tough call. I just spoke to Gene Last week about it. He gave me the OK but probably only because he now has 2 artifical knees!!!!!!! b


Steve, I love love love the popcorn icon.

George my good friend. If I was still up north I would drive the exta miles to come and help you. You know that to be true.
I know things will work out just fine for you.
Your one of the few folks I have had the privelaged to have ride with me and I valved our time together.
I have enjoyed your humor and watched with admiration as your business grew along with you constant desire to always advance.
We can recoup together, you with your hip and me with my heart.

Your one of the icons on this forum and your humor is unique only to you.
Laughter comes from the heart and you have a very big one.
Keep us posted on your surgery and down the road I will follow your lead.
my 2 cents worth

George, best wishes with this from both myself and Mal. I shared a hospital room with a lady that had had her hip replaced, they had her up next day.

Have you tried sidesaddle on the ATV? I do when my back starts to ache

Yes they brought me supper in bed, but said I'd have to get up for breakfast.

George, best of luck with this.... as you know, John T has had both of his hips done, one side each Winter a few years back.... he has done very well and his only regret was that he waited so long to have the surgery done. I helped him out with some of his horses both Winters and I'll be glad to give you a hand if I can be of any help.... BUT.....like I told him..if you want horses covered the third Winter, I know you just want it off, 'cause you ain't got three hips in there!!!

Dave

Dave Whitaker wrote:
Dave,

Thanks I will definately take you up on that. I am meeting with the doctor that did Anne and John on March 2nd and once i am scheduled for something will contact the folks that have offered to help to let em know when I will be down and arrange for some coverage. Hes good so I imagine hes backed up on his operating schedule so I have no idea when this will happen. So far you John, Anne and Phil have offered to help out. I am going to contact a couple of others as well so that all the kind offerers of help dont have that much to do as they are of course busy with their own practices.

My ex-son-in-law was 40 when had a total hip replacement. He says it was the smartest thing he ever did, but that he'd probably have to have it done again when he gets to be 50-something. I hope yours is as effective as his was
and lasts a helluva lot longer.

Regards,

Tom

Well saw the Ortho Surgeon today. I am going to have the "bad" hip done first and the "good" one early next winter. I am the third farrier he has done and he thinks we have a ridiculously high pain threshold. The left hip is a total train wreck and he is adjusting his schedule and going to do me on march 20th. He was booked out till late May but when he saw the radiographs decided to schedule me on one of his non-surgical days.

He commented that all three of us were out shoeing horses with damage that would have most people using a walker. I think the take away here for others reading this might be to see the doctor earlier maybe don't "cowboy up" so much.