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Larry Sheeler – 4/25/07, Dr. Michael Clarke PDF Print E-mail

larryApril 25 was my one year anniversary of hip resurfacing. I am 58 and have always been active and involved in sports. For many years I ran 2 to 3 times per week (just one to two miles). I also play baseball in some tournaments during the summer. It's not that I am an exceptional athlete or runner, it has just always been extremely important to me that I could do these things. Most importantly I love to be out with my kids and now two young grandsons, running around, playing catch or whatever. During 2006 I gradually realized I had a bad hip. I did extensive physical therapy and later had two cortisone shots. Two well respected orthopedics recommended hip replacement. As I researched replacement surgery the consensus information I got was you

can do a lot of things after hip replacement, but on every list of things not to do were running, baseball, basketball, etc.

SheelerI began researching further and did some internet searches such as “alternatives to hip replacement”. I soon came across Birmingham hip resurfacing and Dr Clarke’s name. I sent Dr Clarke an email and to my surprise he responded within one day to have me set an appointment. At this point I was limping badly. Friends and co-workers really felt badly for me.

After the surgery I was religious about following the hip precautions and working hard at physical therapy. The first four weeks were tough but then things got better quickly. I was very anxious to start running but waited for my 6 month follow up visit. At that point Dr Clarke said I could do whatever I wanted now (just start gradually). That day I walked out of his office and ran a lap around his parking lot to celebrate.

I am currently planning to do a 5K run with my co-workers on May 15. I am registered in a baseball tournament in Cooperstown NY in July. But again, most importantly I have regularly been out with the kids, running around throwing the football, baseball, basketball, etc. I am thrilled and thankful that I found Dr Clarke and had the resurfacing surgery. I would be happy to speak with people who are considering it.

Larry J Sheeler, CPA
 
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