Osteoarthritis of both hips - Arthritis Message Board

Mary McCormick · 10-27-2009, 04:53 PM

Tomorrow I will be seeing an Orthopedist to discuss my hip osteoarthritis.
I have it in both hips, but they can only do surgery on one at a time.
I am a Senior (69) and was wondering what had to be done weeks before the actual surgery as far as testing, etc.? Also, how long do you have to stay in the hospital after the surgery? Does Medicare cover a lot of this surgery?

Thanks for any help.

Thomasinaa · 11-30-2009, 08:07 PM

Hello Mary
I too have just been diagnosed with osteo in both hips, one bad enough for sure to need a replacement. I have to wait 6 months just to see an orthopedic surgeon and then another 3 or 4 for the surgery. All I've been told so far, is to do what I can each day and the physiotherapist gave me a few leg exercises to do each day also. I too would like to know more about prep before the surgery, how others have coped while waiting..I find myself quite anxious at times because of this... I am 54 and my doctor completely missed my hip arthritis..said it was pain coming from my degenerative disks in my spine. I've changed to a new Dr. now, so hopefully won't have this kind of thing happen again. I've always walked, kept my weight down and appeared healthy, which is probably why he missed it. Although I did complain to him for the past year about groin and inner thigh pain and he kept saying the same thing over and over.

studey · 12-08-2009, 05:30 PM

I have had hip arthur for 4 years,,but docters will not do surgery on me,, god it is so pain ful,, i also hav e in in my spine ( all my spine ) but I have a S1 and l5 bad disc, yhey will not do surgery on that either,, pain goes down both legs to feet, so painful..I am 47,,had this for years,,,but had the brain aneurysm longer..so I get drugs to try to keep me comfortable..but it is hard to do with both chronic problems..Hope you guys surgery goes well, hugs, Cindy

Mary McCormick · 12-09-2009, 11:13 AM

I am so sorry you are in such pain. I was able to manage the pain with Advil although the doctor gave me pain pills also. I manage to get around with a cane for now. I love the holidays so didn't want to have any surgery at this time. You are so young to have these medical problems. It sounds like they don't want to do the surgery because of the brain aneurysm. Did you see a specialist for the brain aneurysm?

Mary McCormick · 12-09-2009, 11:18 AM

I also had the groin pain years ago and thought it was just a muscle pull after walking. Over the years the osteo has gotten worse in the hips, but surgery is the last resort for me. Because I can still manage to get around I have been postponing the surgery. I know a lot of people that had the surgery tell me they wish they did it sooner because it was such a relief. Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing. Happy Holidays to you.