2nd opinion today. Best decision I ever made

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Got my apt for RTHR for 11th August & went for a 2nd opinion today as a precaution. My health insurance doesn't cover me with 2nd surgeon I'm so thrilled that he knows the surgeon doing my op. He said he couldn't recommend him highly enough. So that's really reassuring. I had a list of 20 questions to ask him about every aspect from preparation before to aftercare. I didn't even need to ask one question he discussed everything in full detail including a model of what my new hip will look like. He discussed methods of anaesthesia, whether anterior or posterior approach, unlikely/likely problems that may arise. He went through quali of life/fear of the op. I decided to pay the private fee for the consultation as the consultant doing the op would address my worries. I can honestly say it was the best €150 Ive spent in years. So roll on 11th August & he recommends LTHR 3 months later. So instead of turning 50 in January, I'll feel 35. 

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Good for you girl. I have my six weeks review 11_Aug so will be thinking of you.

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Thanx attractac. Hope all goes well for both of us that day. Did I see u posting that Ur travelling from Dublin to Manchester for a wedding? So are u in Ireland too? Or am I the only Irish hippie?

4

Great news Gossip,

I also went to see two surgeons and the second was like you described.....explained everything, pros, cons, other options and what was best for me and why. It makes a big difference and I think too makes you feel safer which is so important.

All the best with everything.

🌈💌🌈💌

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Good morning dear Gossip ....

wow, that must be a great relief ... well done you !!!  

and brilliant that you had your questions with you and he took the time to answer and explain them ... 

Can you share with us what he recommends for you ? 

I am in the process of getting second THR, now on left hip - 17 weeks post op of R THR ... 

I am so happy for you ... peace of mind and trust is so important,

warm hug 

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Hi Renee I just feel so much more reassured & informed now. He showed me the type of implants he uses & described in detail what happens during the op. He suggests that posterior approach is best for me because of my age. He said it's likely within 15/20 years I will need to have my hips replaced again so it makes the revision less complicated by doing 1st op by posterior approach. He explained about the different forms of anaesthesia for the op whether I prefer general or epidural. He told me to insist on what I would rather & not to accept what the anaesthesiologist decides if I would something different. He did say recovery is quicker & pain relief last longer & less blood loss with epidural but I told him I am very anxious about the sound effects during op & he said I can have sedation along with the epidural that will have me out of it so I wont remember it afterwards. Also the anti clotting meds are given by injection while in hospital & in tablet form once I go home after op. He doesn't recommend any exercise programme before op to strengthen my muscles  as I am in too much pain as my hips are ankylosed (fixed). He said not to put myself through unnecessary pain before hand. He also suggested having 2nd hip done 3 months after RTHR rather than waiting 6/12 months as my 1st hip will be strong enough to support 2nd op & that within 6 months I'll be a new woman. It's getting exciting now 😄😱😄😱💃💃💃💃🏃🏃🏃🏃

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thank you Gossip .... I wish my surgeon told me more about 2nd surgery - I can tell that my right, operated, hip is suffering - I was still in shock when he told me and then said: make an appointment for 6 months from now ... 

I chose GA over local and had no problems - no nausea or anything - and will have  GA again ... but this is my personal choice ... the thought of an epidural freaks me out - and what if I do hear the noise and smell whatever ... I am such a coward !! 

thank you again for sharing this information ....

Good luck with making your decision ---

warm hug

renee

thanks again - 

good luck 

 

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I just feel so informed now & the fact that he told me to speak up & say what my preference is makes me feel more in control to certain degree. I'm actually so looking forward to my new life & 2 new hips. I never thought I would hear myself say that to be honest. I know when the time of the op comes I'll be a shivering wreck but I'm so looking forward to a life again. 

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I had epidural. All I felt was some leg pulling. I could hear noise but it was like if my neighbour 3 doors down was working at his house. I wasscin a wee world of my own. I was sick later but think it was pain meds.

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Dear Gossip,

I am glad you feel more reassured...I had epudural and sedation, I don't remember anything, it was lovely to wake up with thinking that it was all over.

I would recommend this op to anyone with painful hips...it's lovely not to feel that bone-on-bone dreadful pain...

Best wishes

Ella 

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  re; looking forward to --- I am 17 weeks post op R THR and now have L THR in the very near future ... I was dreading and in denial for so long about this surgery and now I am sort of looking forward to the second one ... thanks to this forum though...