Testimonial for Low Cost Hip Surgery Abroad- Wendy Crouse
Wendy Crouse, Nashua, NH
For a few years I had been having pain in my hip, but I could take Motrin and it would subside. In December of 2007 I fell on a tile floor very hard on my left hip. I got up and was able to walk, but a month later started to have pain and lost some range of movement. When I met with the doctor he said you have osteoarthritis and down the road you will need a hip replacement. He told me to continue the Motrin and to start physical therapy. My mother has arthritis and she has never had surgery so I thought this would heal.
In September my right knee gave out. This is a problem that I have had for years and it usually corrects itself in five days. But this threw off my posture and after that the hip got really bad. I was taking 2400 mg of Ibuprofen a day and my stomach was hurting too. Soon, I lost so much range of motion I could not tie my shoes or lift my leg. The doctor suggested a cortisone shot in the hip joint. This gave me instant relief, but my right side had compensated so long I began to have problems with that hip so I got a cortisone shot in that hip too. This relief only lasted 2 months on the left. In December 2008, I went back and had 2 more shots: one in the joint and one on the side.
I went back to Thailand in Jan 2009. and the cortisone gave 1 1/2 months relief. I consulted with many doctors about hip resurfacing verses hip replacement. .I had a CAT scan and bone density test to see if I was a candidate for resurfacing and I was told that I was, but many doctors suggested replacement I went to a chiropractor in Bangkok and he told me you need surgery and the sooner the better. I was given Arcoxia 60 mg for the inflammation and this worked very well. I found a website called WORLD MED ASSIST. I was emailing to Janet Kwan. I had already planned a trip to Goa, India and contemplated meeting with a doctor in Mumbai who did hip resurfacing, but just before I was to leave I met an old Chinese bone doctor who saw my CAT scan and x-rays and said that he could fix me This did not work out. I was very disheartened. I was confused and did not want to cut my bone and have a full hip replacement. At this point I was in so much pain I was taking Arcoxia 60 mg, muscle relaxers, antacid, and pain pills.
In May, I had another x-ray and the bone on bone was getting worse. I decided to contact Janet Kwan again. She was so friendly and answered all my questions. She asked me where I wanted to do the surgery and told me the options. I replied India. We discussed the two options in India and she was very patient with my state of indecision. After seeing the video of Dr. Bose I knew he was the surgeon that I wanted. I emailed my x-rays to her and she forwarded Doctor Vijay Bose in Chennai, India. He said I was a candidate for resurfacing. My bone density was a bit low, but he said that would improve after the surgery. He made me feel comfortable and confident that he could take care of the problem. I talked more with Janet about the hospital and she told me about the new wing that was built onto the Apollo Hospital. We talked about the hotel choices that were recommended after the surgery before flying home. I was still in Thailand and did not need help with airlines. At the end of the day, I made the decision and scheduled the surgery for June 2, 2009. I went alone to India with no worries.
The first day at the hospital, I was taken to my room. Which was a suite with a bed for a guest and a hospital bed with sage green soft sheets, a sage green marble floor, the two large windows were decorated with beige silk drapes. There was a big modern bathroom. The amenities included a/c, a fridge, desk, flat screen TV and laptop with internet access. Mr. Mohan came to see me everyday and asked if I needed anything and accommodated all my requests. During the first day, I was given all the tests to be sure I was okay for surgery. Later, I met with Doctor Bose and his team of doctors. Then Doctor Bose explained the procedure, showed me the Birmingham hip resurfacing prosthesis and answered all my questions. He was so calm and confident and his self-assurance made me feel relaxed. He is a dignified man gifted with intelligence, wisdom and humility.
The next day I was given a special soap to use in the shower. Then the nurses put beta dine on the hip that was to be operated on. I was given a pill to relax me. I remember being wheeled to the operating room, but fell to sleep before entering. After the surgery someone called my name and I replied then fell back to sleep. Janet called my mother and son and told them I was okay. She called me when I was awake and then everyday to check on me. She was compassionate and caring; this was very comforting when alone after surgery.
Each day doctor Bose, doctor Biz, and Doctor Ilavarasan would come in and check on me. I can not say enough The nurses were wonderful so friendly and always trying to make me happy. I was treated like a princess. The staff was always smiling: when the meals were served, when I needed help from any of the nurses and the physical therapist. The physical therapy started right away, two times a day. I would walk and do exercises. The food was fine. Each day there was fresh fruit with every meal. You could have Indian or western food. A dietician came to discuss the menu as I am vegetarian and they wanted to be sure I was getting enough protein. On day four I was able to take a shower. On day five I was amazed that I was able to get out of bed on my own and with the walker get to the bathroom. So I was ready to leave on day six and get to the resort.
I went to GRT Temple Bay. GRT Temple Bay was a paradise where I was pampered with unrivalled friendly hospitality. The property was located in Mamallapurama with breath taking views of the Bay of Bengal. It was set on 46 acres; a golf cart picked me up and took me anywhere on the property I needed to go. The rooms with ocean views were tastefully decorated and surrounded by peaceful gardens. The rooms had satellite color TV, air con, private phone, refrigerator, hot and cold shower, and even a menu of pillows to select from. I enjoyed myself having one of the Ayurvedic massage therapies at the spa where they take a bowl of hot oil and drizzle it over your forehead back and forth for 45 mins. In the evening I went to the Wharf Restaurant. It was a romantic open air seaside restaurant and I could hear the waves crashing as I enjoyed the delicious delicacies prepared to my fancy. The breakfast buffet had many selections and the service was perfect. The staff took such good care of me all the time; helping me with the teds stockings, changing the dressing and helping me in the restaurant.
I went back to Chennai city to meet with Doctor Bose before flying back to Thailand. He said everything looked well and asked me to send an x-ray in six months. If you must have surgery it was a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend going to Doctor Bose and using World Med Assist.
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