Hi, Injured my back in 1990, several ops later and full of screws and wire, nerve damage to my right leg, been in pain ever since, but I'm not moaning as it was touch and go for a while if I would end up in a wheelchair, over the last two years my mobility and pain have increased, had two MRI's and seen two different neurosurgeons who both said there was little they could do for my back... shame they didn't look a bit further afield... finally diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in both hips, saw the surgeon yesterday who said he would recommend the ceramic joint (I'm 51) and asked if I wanted both done at the same time or one after the other....
I'm thinking of getting it all over in one go, but wondered if anyone had any views... is it much worse recovering from two???
Any comments or experience gratefully received
Thanks
Pete
out of curousity I would be interested in the answers you get....I"m havingone done it seems almost impossible to get around, let around doing two at the same time, unless for sureyou went to rehab of some sort.....sorry about your situation but you should get some good feedback from this site, patricia from Toronto
It's big surgery with quite a lot of manipulation so it could affect your back for better or worse. It improved mine because they manipulated my pelvis back into alignment - not sure whether that was deliberate or not but I'm very pleased.
You should expect rehab to take longer as you won't have a 'good' leg and stairs might be difficult for a while. I would discuss your home arrangements with the surgeon or his team as well as post-op rehab and support before you commit yourself.
Whatever you decide hope it works out.
Hi, I'm 58 & had both done at the same time in December last year. I cannot imagine not getting both done together as I couldn't stand the thought of having one done then in 3-4 months having to go thru it all again. I can honestly say it wasn't too bad, you have the same time recovering from one or both. The only downside was that I couldn't sleep on either side for about 8 wks & you have to sleep on your back but that was a small price to pay for getting it all over with in one go. My recovery was pretty smooth. I was admitted on the Monday & out on the Friday & going up/down stairs before going home & out for short walks with crutches each day after that increasing distance daily. I had no problems at all fortunately & recovery was good. The one thing I would advise for anyone getting one or both hips done is to buy/ hire an excersise bike prior to your surgery ( if your physically able) & get your leg muscles going regularly for 15-30 mins twice a day. I had pain trying to do it but managed by raising the seat to the highest level to minimise pain in the groin. I would say that it stood me in good stead post surgery. Anyway go for both that's my advice, it's not any worse than one
Forgot to say, if your not in good health generally & have other significant medical conditions etc then maybe not.
remember to get the different aids in that you will require before you go for the op whether you get one or both done, raised seat/bed/ toilet seat, cushions to raise you up on your dining chair or to put in the car to raise you up, a " grabber" to pick up things from the floor so you don't bend, "a put your sock on thingy" sock aid I think it's called.
Hi,I had bilateral hip replacement done at the end of March and I am pleased I had them done
together. I was only in hospital four nights and had to do stairs,walk with crutches before I could leave.
The main thing that coursed me problems was sleeping as I found it difficult to sleep on my back.
At six week check all restrictions lifted and discharged. Now at four months on apart from being a bit stiff after
seating to long I am fine.
By the way I had OA in both hips and am 66yrs old but it is different for everyone and not everyone is as lucky
as me to have had such a good recovery.
The way I see it is I have only had one op.and one recovery.
Good luck
Anita
My Father-in Law had two done exactly the same recovery time as me who had one ,Im 58 he is 65 best thing ever im on week four brilliant no limp can walk without crutches but still use them , but best of all no pain sandra
I hope yours goes well, do you need both doing??
I am aware of possible back problems and nerve damage but don't see it as a reason not to get them done, glad yours went well for you
I'm feeling exactly the same, can't see the point of getting them done twice.... I can't pick anything off the floor or put my own socks on now... I haven't had more than two hours sleep in a chair since before last Christmas, can't think it will be any worse.....!!!! Thanks for the advice, glad yours went well...
My thoughts exactly Anita, I don't get much sleep now so it won't be anything new, glad yours went well...
Glad youv'e got rid of the pain.... be good to get rid of some of mine and get some mobility back.... can't say I let it stop me doing anything anyway... had bad back pain now for over 20years, I thought it was deteriation of my back causing my problems, I'm actually glad it's my hips as at least they should be able to sort them out...
Yes, the arthritis is worse in the right so I'm doing it first (haven't been able to do much in the last year even with a cane, and the left next year (though the hip dysplasia is worse in the left...he promised after the left was done both legs would be equal, but after the first the right might be "under a centimetre" difference..here's hoping its not more.
I had both hips done 10 months apart. Like you, on my initial visit the doctor asked me the question, both same time or not? Without thinking really, I said yes, both at the same time. Then later at home i realized that it was the wrong answer. I live alone and could only have help at home for about a week, with bilateral surgery you need serious help for longer than a week. One after another gives you a break since you are able to use your good leg to support you. That was my opinion anyway, i am sure some will say it is better to do both together and get it over with. I waited 10 months between the 2 and it was just right for me. My doctor wanted to do it after 3 months
Hi there, both my hips are bone on bone and I can no,longer work and am suffering terrible pain, I would desperately love to get both done at same time as I don't know how effectively I will be able to exercise if only one is done at a time. My hospital is a small general hospital in the borders ( wwhich I must admit have been fantastic). I was not aware that doing both at thecsame time was even an option. It will give me something to discuss with my surgeon when I next go back. Please keep us posted on how you get on. I will be following with interest. That very best of luck to you love Maggie xxxxx
They seem to be getting better at making them the same length so hopefully it will be OK, Good luck with it...
Luckily I have an understanding wife, she's just getting over breast cancer so we're used to looking after each other.... I would imagine it would be very difficult if you live alone...
Maggie, I didn't think they would do them together but he did offer it as an option, came home and thought about it and it does seem like a better option for me, hopefully be seeing him again soon so I'll ask for it, hope yours goes well....
You have help so you could do it. Remember, it is going double pain and inconvenience including sleeping and we all recover differently. I wish you the best wether you go bilateral or single.
Hi Anita, I am needing both hips done as one is as bad as the other ! If I were at all possible I would love to get them done at the same time. I am 50 years old and have already been off work for almost 3 months. My partner died 3 years ago so I am on my own and have to take care of all household bills on my own. I am fortunate in so far as my mother lives lives just 200 yards from me and she has a bungalow. She says I am welcome to stay with her as long as I need. ( a godsend ). Also most of my friends work in care and O.T. And would be more than willing to help with physio and recovery. I think the next appointment I have with my surgeon I will discuss this with him. God bless you all for you help and understanding. You have no idea how this site has helped me mentally. It is also good to know I am not going through this alone. Sending you all much love and hugs Maggie xxxx