gsouth
09-17-2005, 08:26 PM
My doctor said that my hip is totally worn out and wants me to have a hip replacement..I'm able to control the pain with OTC drugs..Should I rush in to surgery or wait until the pain is really bad? Please help me make a decision...
Sponsor
Tobias
09-17-2005, 10:07 PM
My doctor said that my hip is totally worn out and wants me to have a hip replacement..I'm able to control the pain with OTC drugs..Should I rush in to surgery or wait until the pain is really bad? Please help me make a decision...
Am assuming that you take NSAIDS such as Aleve or Motrin or Aspirin for your arthritis. As a veteran of bilateral THRs in my late 50s, I too relied on these drugs to keep me going for a few (about 4) years after I also was told that my hips were "shot". Aleve worked pretty good at first, then even at maximum dose, I couldn't walk any more. So, in addition to the pain, you also may have the portent of increasing disability in your future. The longer you wait, the more likely that your disability will become more serious. Mine got to the point where I couldn't take a step without a cane. I got to the OR just in time to side-step the next stages which would probably have included crutches and/or a wheelchair. As it was I still feel that I waited too long.
This isn't the kind of surgery that one necessarily needs to "rush" to. There's a reason that THR is referred to as "elective surgery". There is some wiggle room. You might have it 2 months from now or a year from now. This would be up to you. But do consider that the longer you go, the more likely your hip problem will begin to affect your quality of life. Maybe the pain meds will become less effective or you will develop GI problems from using them. You begin to sit more, do less, start measuring walking distances because it's too uncomfortable to walk far. I did all of these things, made many accommodations to cope with my increasing disability. First it was a matter of shopping all day or shopping half a day. Then it went from shopping in a mall to shopping only at stores that had shopping carts. From there I only shopped when I could park close to the store. And I quit my job because I just couldn't get through a day any more. For me, this was the last straw. And looking back, I waited too long, gave up more than I needed to, just because I was afraid of having the surgery and couldn't believe that moi could need THAT operation!.
You now have the luxury of some time to consider your decision; shop around for a good surgeon; and plan your life to accommodate major surgery and the sometimes lengthy recuperation and rehabilitation period that follows.
Am assuming that you take NSAIDS such as Aleve or Motrin or Aspirin for your arthritis. As a veteran of bilateral THRs in my late 50s, I too relied on these drugs to keep me going for a few (about 4) years after I also was told that my hips were "shot". Aleve worked pretty good at first, then even at maximum dose, I couldn't walk any more. So, in addition to the pain, you also may have the portent of increasing disability in your future. The longer you wait, the more likely that your disability will become more serious. Mine got to the point where I couldn't take a step without a cane. I got to the OR just in time to side-step the next stages which would probably have included crutches and/or a wheelchair. As it was I still feel that I waited too long.
This isn't the kind of surgery that one necessarily needs to "rush" to. There's a reason that THR is referred to as "elective surgery". There is some wiggle room. You might have it 2 months from now or a year from now. This would be up to you. But do consider that the longer you go, the more likely your hip problem will begin to affect your quality of life. Maybe the pain meds will become less effective or you will develop GI problems from using them. You begin to sit more, do less, start measuring walking distances because it's too uncomfortable to walk far. I did all of these things, made many accommodations to cope with my increasing disability. First it was a matter of shopping all day or shopping half a day. Then it went from shopping in a mall to shopping only at stores that had shopping carts. From there I only shopped when I could park close to the store. And I quit my job because I just couldn't get through a day any more. For me, this was the last straw. And looking back, I waited too long, gave up more than I needed to, just because I was afraid of having the surgery and couldn't believe that moi could need THAT operation!.
You now have the luxury of some time to consider your decision; shop around for a good surgeon; and plan your life to accommodate major surgery and the sometimes lengthy recuperation and rehabilitation period that follows.
legallyblondied
09-18-2005, 04:11 AM
Hi Tobias2........Thank you so much for posting your response regarding
when you felt it was necessary to have your hip surgery. Everything you said
is exactly my life scenario right now and I just got a cane and I feel like an old
lady which chronologically I am but not in body mind or spirit. I wanted to go
back to dance and walk and get my life back...I plan to do this surgery after
the holidays and prepare for it by being in the very best health I can be and
also have my house set up with all of the things that
this board has talked about. Thanks so much for all of your imput......Karen
when you felt it was necessary to have your hip surgery. Everything you said
is exactly my life scenario right now and I just got a cane and I feel like an old
lady which chronologically I am but not in body mind or spirit. I wanted to go
back to dance and walk and get my life back...I plan to do this surgery after
the holidays and prepare for it by being in the very best health I can be and
also have my house set up with all of the things that
this board has talked about. Thanks so much for all of your imput......Karen
Irishgal
09-18-2005, 07:31 AM
my opinion is, if your doc thinks you should have it done. go for it
i was in pain with my hip for nearly 10 years and im only 25. the last 3-4 years were particularly bad b ut i wanted to wait until i couldnt walk befor eit was done. i had it done in march, just 6 months ago and im a different woman. i was only in hosp for a week. the last few days in hosp i didnt need any pain medication. it was only my muscles that would hurt from walking cos i was using mucles i hadnt used in ages. i left the hosp on two walking sticks. i used one stick at home and two when i was walking outside, just incase but when i went for my 6 weeks check up i was walking perfectly, with no cane or nothing. the docs couldnt believe it
i just found it amazing and to think you are in so much pain nw, when that can stop, i think the solution is to go for it
i was in pain with my hip for nearly 10 years and im only 25. the last 3-4 years were particularly bad b ut i wanted to wait until i couldnt walk befor eit was done. i had it done in march, just 6 months ago and im a different woman. i was only in hosp for a week. the last few days in hosp i didnt need any pain medication. it was only my muscles that would hurt from walking cos i was using mucles i hadnt used in ages. i left the hosp on two walking sticks. i used one stick at home and two when i was walking outside, just incase but when i went for my 6 weeks check up i was walking perfectly, with no cane or nothing. the docs couldnt believe it
i just found it amazing and to think you are in so much pain nw, when that can stop, i think the solution is to go for it
silver515
09-18-2005, 02:16 PM
The pain medication will eventually stop working..i went through the otc ones , also celebrex and bextra...all worked in the beginning and that it got to a point when nothing worked. You are all right, it will effect your quality of life. I saw what happened when my mom put it off...so when I had these problems I got to the point where I just didnt want to wait. I thought why put it off when it will only get worse and worse. I was in so much pain, walked in pain with a limp, and was feeling depressed about it. I made the appt, was so scared, but in the end was so happy I didn't wait any longer. You will know when it's time to do it...when you start to feel this way, just do it...don't keep putting it off. YOu will be happy when you see that the horrible pain will be gone and you can get on with your life.
gregger
11-02-2005, 10:11 AM
Hi gsouth,
I myself have been putting off hip surgery for about 5 years. Although it started in 1999 as just off/on pain but the last year or two has gotten worse to the point as many have mentioned that my quality of life id diminishing. I can't remember the last good night sleep I had since the "rest pain" wakes me up and I toss and turn all night long. I'm 44 now and I could probably put it off for another coupler years but walking with a limp adds to other problems as well like knee pain, spine pain etc. So I have chosen to go ahead and get the hip done this year. On 11/28 I will be heading to Galesburg IL. To have my hip resurface instead of the full THR. You might want to consider this operation as well because what I have found out is its much better in terms of not dislocating as easy and you are less likely to have fractures and other problems associated with THR. The resurfacing is very big in Europe and is getting more recognition in the states. Only a handful of docs do this procedure and I have found on that is suppose to be excellent.
I have also tried the OTC and prescription pain killers, anti-inflammatory, etc. and this has caused some GI problems as well. It's gotten to the point for me at least that it's time to get my life back that I use to have. It is a big decision but as many have posted on this site it was well worth it post-op to not have the stabbing bone on bone pain anymore.
Good luck with whichever decision you make and as others say the longer you put it off the more problems you might incur.
Regards,
Greg :bouncing:
I myself have been putting off hip surgery for about 5 years. Although it started in 1999 as just off/on pain but the last year or two has gotten worse to the point as many have mentioned that my quality of life id diminishing. I can't remember the last good night sleep I had since the "rest pain" wakes me up and I toss and turn all night long. I'm 44 now and I could probably put it off for another coupler years but walking with a limp adds to other problems as well like knee pain, spine pain etc. So I have chosen to go ahead and get the hip done this year. On 11/28 I will be heading to Galesburg IL. To have my hip resurface instead of the full THR. You might want to consider this operation as well because what I have found out is its much better in terms of not dislocating as easy and you are less likely to have fractures and other problems associated with THR. The resurfacing is very big in Europe and is getting more recognition in the states. Only a handful of docs do this procedure and I have found on that is suppose to be excellent.
I have also tried the OTC and prescription pain killers, anti-inflammatory, etc. and this has caused some GI problems as well. It's gotten to the point for me at least that it's time to get my life back that I use to have. It is a big decision but as many have posted on this site it was well worth it post-op to not have the stabbing bone on bone pain anymore.
Good luck with whichever decision you make and as others say the longer you put it off the more problems you might incur.
Regards,
Greg :bouncing:
Chavela
11-04-2005, 10:24 AM
HI Gsouth -
About 8 months ago, I began taking arthrotec for what was just diagnosed as osteoarthritis in both hips. At first the medication worked well. Then not so well. I am limping and my quality of life is severely compromised. I can no longer commute by train to my job as many stairs are involved, and getting into a car on the drivers side is very painful - I actually have to lift my right leg to even get in. If I turn in bed at night, I wake in pain. In my opinion, this is no way to live. I am having bilateral THR next Wednesday. I think that it will be a temporary inconvenience that will get me my life back. Good luck!
About 8 months ago, I began taking arthrotec for what was just diagnosed as osteoarthritis in both hips. At first the medication worked well. Then not so well. I am limping and my quality of life is severely compromised. I can no longer commute by train to my job as many stairs are involved, and getting into a car on the drivers side is very painful - I actually have to lift my right leg to even get in. If I turn in bed at night, I wake in pain. In my opinion, this is no way to live. I am having bilateral THR next Wednesday. I think that it will be a temporary inconvenience that will get me my life back. Good luck!
MrsLinda
11-05-2005, 08:05 AM
Hi Gsough - My doctor left it up to me. He said "when your quality of life is suffering then it's time". Like Silver said there will come a time when the meds stop working....that's when you have to make up your mind.
I knew it was time when; I couldn't walk after immediately getting out of bed or when I would get out of a chair and couldn't move. Or when I would be walking and all of a sudden that hip would "lock" and I couldn't move without that horrible stabbing pain in the groin. Or at night when I'd turn over without "thinking" and the pain would cause me to cry out loud!!!! Then I knew.
Good luck in your decision...but try not to wait too long.
I knew it was time when; I couldn't walk after immediately getting out of bed or when I would get out of a chair and couldn't move. Or when I would be walking and all of a sudden that hip would "lock" and I couldn't move without that horrible stabbing pain in the groin. Or at night when I'd turn over without "thinking" and the pain would cause me to cry out loud!!!! Then I knew.
Good luck in your decision...but try not to wait too long.
madison55
11-05-2005, 07:45 PM
Hello,
I just turned 50 and I had left THR in June 05 and right side THR in June 06. I am thrilled with the results. My pain before the surgery was getting unbearable and was definitely affecting the quality of my life. I was taking Bextra along with 2 arthritis strength Tylenol to get me through a day at work and it still didn't stop my pain. Go for the surgery. I have had excellent results. Now, I walk without limping and take NO pain meds. My recovery was very uneventful and this last surgery, I was walking without any assistance at all (my cane) after about 3 weeks. It's great. Don't let horror stories about the recuperation period scare you away. It's not that bad and to be pain free is super!
Madison
I just turned 50 and I had left THR in June 05 and right side THR in June 06. I am thrilled with the results. My pain before the surgery was getting unbearable and was definitely affecting the quality of my life. I was taking Bextra along with 2 arthritis strength Tylenol to get me through a day at work and it still didn't stop my pain. Go for the surgery. I have had excellent results. Now, I walk without limping and take NO pain meds. My recovery was very uneventful and this last surgery, I was walking without any assistance at all (my cane) after about 3 weeks. It's great. Don't let horror stories about the recuperation period scare you away. It's not that bad and to be pain free is super!
Madison
gsouth
11-09-2005, 08:48 PM
:confused: Thank you everyone for all of the great replies..I'm still deciding on the hip surgery but now I have another problem and question..From my bad hip down to my knee is totally numb now..I could stick a pain in it and not feel a thing..Do you think this is from my hip problems or from something else? Has anyone expierenced this?
legallyblondied
11-10-2005, 12:52 AM
Hi gsouth.....if my leg was numb from my hip to my knee, I would see a Dr.
immediately..sounds like there is a pinched nerve someplace...my guess
would be that it could be coming from the lower lumbar part of the spine.
Just a guess.....go see a doctor soon.....Karen
immediately..sounds like there is a pinched nerve someplace...my guess
would be that it could be coming from the lower lumbar part of the spine.
Just a guess.....go see a doctor soon.....Karen
rodekill4404
01-02-2006, 05:06 PM
Do it.
Most people feel better before they leave the hospital.
just be sure and follow it up with physical therapy.
Most people feel better before they leave the hospital.
just be sure and follow it up with physical therapy.
gsouth
01-04-2006, 10:24 PM
I think I'm ready for the surgery..I need to know some answers to more questions...How long will it be until I'll be able to go to the bathroom instead of using a bedpan? I have no one else to ask these questions so please don't think I'm too crazy..I just don't like those things..Are there any excercises that I can do now for the pain before the surgery? I go to my doctor in March and I'll set up the surgery then..
Ripanco
01-05-2006, 11:03 AM
Hi gsouth,
Ask all the questions you want!! That is what this board is for:)
I have learned that every person, every surgery, every surgeon is different so there is no one pat answere. We can share our experiences with you.
I never had to use a bedpan. I had a catheter put in during surgery that was removed the next morning. Right after that I was able to use the bathroom with the help of my hubby. A nurse is also available to help.
If I can give you any advice on preparing for surgery it would be this: Start now to get strong! Learn how to strength train and start lifting weights. Get your upper body, core and legs as muscular as you can. While not easy to get going, it will pay off big time. Not only will it help with your pain now, since the muscles and tendons will take some of the load off your hips, it will make your recovery much, much easier and more succesful. It even can make the surgery itself more succesful if you are leaner and stronger. If your hips are really painful now, try workouts in the pool. Check out the book, 'Heal Your Hips' by Robert Klapper, MD. Lots of good pre and post exercises as well as water workouts.
And ask as many questions as you can:)
Ask all the questions you want!! That is what this board is for:)
I have learned that every person, every surgery, every surgeon is different so there is no one pat answere. We can share our experiences with you.
I never had to use a bedpan. I had a catheter put in during surgery that was removed the next morning. Right after that I was able to use the bathroom with the help of my hubby. A nurse is also available to help.
If I can give you any advice on preparing for surgery it would be this: Start now to get strong! Learn how to strength train and start lifting weights. Get your upper body, core and legs as muscular as you can. While not easy to get going, it will pay off big time. Not only will it help with your pain now, since the muscles and tendons will take some of the load off your hips, it will make your recovery much, much easier and more succesful. It even can make the surgery itself more succesful if you are leaner and stronger. If your hips are really painful now, try workouts in the pool. Check out the book, 'Heal Your Hips' by Robert Klapper, MD. Lots of good pre and post exercises as well as water workouts.
And ask as many questions as you can:)
gsouth
01-15-2006, 07:47 PM
I have one more question...My knee and shin has started hurting now..Could this be caused from my hip?
legallyblondied
01-16-2006, 02:24 AM
yes, it can be referred pain from the hip......
gsouth
02-07-2006, 07:40 PM
I need to ask another question about my hip...I went out to dinner this evening and I could hardly walk into the restaurant because I was in so much pain...When I got home I decided to go to the car wash and when I got 1/2 way there I could feel the pain ease up and by the time I got home I was in no pain..Is this normal? What's going on in there to hurt so bad and then stop so fast? Thanks
rp_aust
02-12-2006, 08:44 PM
I support what Gregger said about looking into hip resurfacing rather than total hip replacement. In mid Dec 2005 (7 weeks ago) I had both hips resurfaced in the one operation. I could not be happier!! I understand that resurfacing has a dislocation rate of 0.5% cf THR of 5% (because the implant is bigger and inherently more stable). Not cutting bone off also means that the stresses on the bones are natural, and thigh pain does not occur. If failure does occur down the track, then it is a simple operation to go to a THR, whereas revision surgery for a THR is much more complicated and not as successful as the original operation.
Having said all that, my surgeon warned that whether the bone condition allowed resurfacing could only be determined during surgery. Evidently poor density bones or cysts that are not removed during the reaming off of the surface can lead to failure, so a surgeon needs to be able to decide in the theatre whether resurfacing can proceed.
In my case I count myself as fortunate that both hips could be done in the one operation, and that they could be resurfaced. My brother in Law had one resurfaced a couple of years ago and swears by it. Now he needs the other hip done and I am encouraging him not to delay, as hips can deteriorate, and he would not want it to deteriorate to the point where resurfacing could not be done.
So, do look into resurfacing. I know that it is not as common in the US (I live in Melbourne Australia), but it is available, and the results you read in the academic articles (available on the internet) mean that it must become the preferred operation for healthy active persons with decades of life ahead of them.............
Having said all that, my surgeon warned that whether the bone condition allowed resurfacing could only be determined during surgery. Evidently poor density bones or cysts that are not removed during the reaming off of the surface can lead to failure, so a surgeon needs to be able to decide in the theatre whether resurfacing can proceed.
In my case I count myself as fortunate that both hips could be done in the one operation, and that they could be resurfaced. My brother in Law had one resurfaced a couple of years ago and swears by it. Now he needs the other hip done and I am encouraging him not to delay, as hips can deteriorate, and he would not want it to deteriorate to the point where resurfacing could not be done.
So, do look into resurfacing. I know that it is not as common in the US (I live in Melbourne Australia), but it is available, and the results you read in the academic articles (available on the internet) mean that it must become the preferred operation for healthy active persons with decades of life ahead of them.............