For those in doubt

Bones, joints and muscles
1

About 18 months ago I tried to get up a rope ladder on a gulet boat in Turkey and my usual flexible body let out a yelp of shooting pain through my hip.

I wasn't expecting the osteoarthritis diagnosis nearly a year later in hips and back but I deteriorated quickly and by April 2015 I could barely walk without wincing. I was down, full of drugs and lost my job to boot as I couldn't work.

As the consultant pointed out the squiggly mess in my joints he said there was no option but to think about hip replacement as bone was rubbing on bone. At 52 I was in the younger bracket but the prognosis was a bit grim without doing anything.

One of the delights of being adopted is that I had no family history to say that early onset arthritis is common in my genes. I remember feeling shock - I wasn't expecting that. I was, however, relieved at a final diagnosis - I wasn't going mad.

I hobbled off for my first new hip on 30th June 2015. Everything went well and although the x-rays looked like my left hip was in better condition it wasn't long before it also started to go downhill rapidly.

At my six week check up my surgeon agreed that I was lopsided (thanks!) and also down to the bone and he would to do the next one in six months.

By Christmas my new hip was strong but I was limping like Quasimodo's cousin. My date had been cancelled for six weeks, I could hardly move and I was miserable.

On Feb 12th I had number two done.

Hooorayyyyyy!

Already I can feel the difference. I am straighter. I have a heavy leg and a sore wound BUT there is no arthritis pain. I have realised just how well my first hip is doing because it's supporting me. Already I can get in and out of the shower and bed by myself. I am sometimes walking (very slowly) on my own in the house but use a crutch when I am tired. I have been shopping, out for coffee, prepare meals (mostly sat on my perch stool). I am still resting a lot but building in a short exercise program every day to strengthen my muscles.

I would say to anyone thinking about this op, or waiting for it, it is not easy. The first two weeks are tough but if you follow the rules, look after yourself and don't do anything stupid, within two weeks you can start to feel hopeful that there is life beyond.

I have arthritis in my fingers, shoulders and spine, but do you know what? In a few years time I can see that they will be 3D printing me some replacements so I'll just carry on healing and grabbing life by the throat.

And you?

Go for it.

 

2

Lovely positive post from you Kate!

Glad you are doing well and have a great new life to look forward to. You have done so well getting your two hips done

​I am almost 9 months post op now and feel so good, i forget that i have had it done most of the time. A few muscular niggles now and then, but no arthritic pain!

​Like you, I have osteo arthritis in my fingers and I suspect, my shoulder, but hey ho, they will be able to replace most bits in the not too distant future, so we need to enjoy every single day and just crack on with it all!

Kind wishes Linda

3

Good for you Kate! It sounds like you've been dealt a harsh blow but have gotten up from it in fighting form. I imagine the last 18 months has been long though!

4

Thank you both. I do realise that my story is probably similar to a lot of people but also quicker than a lot. I know a few of you suffered for years before your surgeons offered new hips. I think mine works on the principle of quality of life now but also accounts for the strict instructions I've been given about preserving them.

I have just got back from Sunday morning breakfast with friends at a cafe that overlooks the sea (it was aquamarine this morning). Life's simple pleasures are still there - I'm smiling

5

What a fab post Kate. It is always interesting to learn more about friends and there journey to this point in theirs lives - and indeed, to this forum. 

I am sure you positivity will inspire many.

Michael x

6

Lovely post Kate. At 46 & being in agony for 2 years, I was diagnosed last year with severe OA in my right hip. My left hip looks absolutely fine on the x-ray so I'm hopeful it will stay that way! After struggling on for the last year, I finally caved in & now have my date. Your post fills me with confidence that I've made the right decision. I'm too young to carry on with all the restrictions that OA impose upon us. I know the first few weeks will be hard but surely not as painful as the OA & reading such positive posts are a massive inspiration. Thank you & best wishes x

7

THEIR  !!!!!! 

8

Sitting here eating my toast on Day 9 when I opened your beautiful post. I am so sorry for your troubles, but delighted at at the vista you lay open before you. I agree that the 1st 2 weeks are a challenge, and yes Rocket man I am following the rules, doing my exercises and elevating my leg to reduce swelling. But I digress - even at this point, I know this was worth doing. And I salute Kate for the road she has travelled and for reminding us how lucky we are to have this option available to us.

9

Hey kate you are an inspiration hun. Like us all we all have oir own stories. I have had my 2 hips replaced within 6 months. So far l have no OA anywhere else but no doubt it will come at some point but will cross that bridge when it comes but so far l feel so happy to get rid of the OA pain forever. Hip replacement was the best thing l have done as well kate and done my first walk outside yesterdaý.

Well said Kate we will get there xxxx

10

Oh Fernlady, the arthritis brought me to tears some days. I had gone from being super fit to lying on the sofa taking pills. It wasn't really a choice in the end, walk or don't walk, but there were some days when I tried to talk myself out of such a big operation. I am so glad I didn't succeed. The results are amazing even after two weeks.

11

I read this forum last year, Michael, before I ventured to comment. It gave me inspiration and hope to hear that my hips could and would be better.

Sharing our experiences and stories made me feel a lot braver about the weird things I went through while healing.

12

A few years ago we would all be looking at life from a wheelchair - I feel so lucky that I will have some life back

13

Well done I had my left hip done on 9th Feb and maybe need the right one doing soon.i am 54 and suffered osteoporosis for years before the sugeon would do it because of my age.I too had no quality of life and hoping to do simple things in life like go for a walk.I have been a little walk around the block in the sunshine with one crutch and felt no pain other than from the surgery. I can also manage a few steps without my crutches in the house but very wary as not to fall. Good luck with your recovery x

14

Yay, well done on the walk in the great outdoors. I live on a private lane so have been trying to walk up and down it all week. I am a bit of an outdoors girl and miss walking on the beach and cliffs near my home. I should be just back in action as Cornwall gets underway with spring.

The rest of the OA is just inconvenience, I can live with it and combat it with various potions and lotions. I couldn't ignore my hips every time I got up. It is such a relief not to have that grinding pain any more

15

Dear Kate

Lovely message showing growth and healing...and sounds like healthy doing exercises and resting too.

Soooo come June you'll be on a boat off Turkey...moonlight, lapping water, cold wine, and using legs and body delightfully in up close and personal exercises beneath the full moon.

Mic.xxx

16

It sounds gourgous where you stay kate unfortunatly l stay in freezing cold scotland inland. Went out another walk today this time l never took my stick and walked a bit further. The only pain is from the wound on my hip/bum other than that if l keep walking a little bit further everyday it should help me get stronger. Be lovely to have a nice walk where you are l would need to drive to get anywhere really nice which l can't .

Getting there now l feel xx

17

Hi Kate, well done to you!

I admire all the brave hippies on this site who pass on their invaluable experience to the undecided like me.

I am particularly attracted by your note about the Turkish Gulet trip.As a regular visitor to North Cyprus (the Turkish side) I have long intended to pop over to Turkey and enjoy a Gulet trip.

A few things are on hold at present due to my OA but I still have a long list of things I plan to do.

From following this forum it is clear that so many members are keen on adventure and travel, a good incentive to get well fast.

Best wishes for your continued progress

Joy X