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BHR 33I had a Birmingham Hip Resurfacing in 2004, I was 45 years old, weighed 51kg. Except for osteoarthritis I was a healthy female.

I went from hip pain pre surgery to back pain, hip pain, leg pain and numbness, burning sensation in my operated hip, not being able to sit for more than a few minutes, as I had buttock pain. I also have stomach problems, memory loss and am light headed at times.

I lost 10 kg in a few months post-surgery.

When I went back to the surgeon all he said after an X- ray was that the implant was perfectly aligned and that was it. He believed it was a success and I am sure this would have been passed onto our Australian watchdog the TGA. How accurate are the statistics on success rate if they are based on surgeons input. I did send the surgeon an email 6 months after surgery and he did phone me and all he said was it may take some time for things to settle.

In nearly 10 years I have never been asked to come back to the surgeon as a follow up or been offered to have blood tests. I was also never told that the BHR is not suitable for small framed females and suspect the surgeon at the time was also not aware of this which is a failing on behalf of Smith & Nephew.

Over the years I have had bone scans, X-rays, physio, acupuncture, cortisone injections. I have visited sports doctors, my GP and other specialists without much success. In 2011 when the J&J recall took place I went to another surgeon, who sent me for X-rays, ultrasound for another cortisone injection and blood tests. My metal levels were a little high, the cortisone injection did not work and the surgeon said the implant was perfectly aligned . Out of frustration I did not pursue it any further.

Recently my symptoms have I become worse so I have rescheduled another visit to the surgeon I saw in 2011 and have recently had a CT scan another x-ray and blood tests.