Hi
I was wondering if I could ask for some advice.
Four months ago I was told I needed a left hip replacement surgery. But the MRI also showed a bulging disc that was causing quite unbearable pain down my right leg. I was then advised to have the spine surgery (TLIF) before the hip replacement one.
So, three months ago I had the spine surgery, this got rid of the pre op calf pains on my right leg, which was great (although some back pain from surgery is still there - it comes and goes). But the pains from my left hip (4/10 - just about bearable) remain, and I am now being advised to have the hip replacement next month!
Has anyone had the same experience? Should I be having one major operation so soon after another one? Will I be able to take it at my age (69)? I am told I am in reasonably good health.
Would be grateful for your thoughts.
Thanks
Jeremy
I haven't had anything like you are going to have. Im 11 post op fir my right hip replacement. But lots of people have one hip done follow by the other a few months later.. so it must be ok to have 2 major ops near each other. Im sure the surgeon wouldn't do it if you were at any more risk that normal. Good luck, enjoy a pain free future. X
Thanks Dawn, that's very reassuring. It's amazing what encouragement like yours can do, already feeling better about what's coming! Hope you are recovering well. Best, Jeremy
Hi again Jeremy,
As earlier, I'd go for it. Have that hip replacement that your surgeon recommends. It's not good to live with pain, it wears you down. Loads of people here have one hip replaced then a few months later the other one.
69 is no age. I'm nearly 68, had one hip replaced a couple of weeks ago and I'm already in much less pain than before. The first week or so are a bit tough and then you really start to believe you've turned a corner.
Good luck, Cels xxx
hi jeremy,
official welcome to our forum where personal stories and experiences are shared -
Again, I agree with has been commented in previous posts ... I had 2 THR surgeries within 6 months -
How do you feel about it yourself ? Would you rather wait a little bit longer?
If your surgeon deems you fit and healthy to get this hip surgery then do it, however, it is not only physical but also emotional ... at least for me it was/is -
I am sure you will make the right decision -
big warm hug
renee
A THR is a hefty op at any age and to be honest I think (sorry) slightly older people seem to cope with it better.
The changes in anaesthesia these days has less impact on the body. I don't think anyone gets put forward for a THR lightly and I am sure your surgeon is trying to prevent you from getting to the horribly high levels of pain and lack of mobility that you can get from severly degenerated hips.
The choice is still yours and maybe you need to talk to your hip consultant again and look at your x-rays and prognosis from all angles.
My personal opinion would be to go for it now before they get any worse.
Hi Renee, Kate
Thank you for reassuring me, really appreciated.
I was slightly (actually more than that!) apprehensive as the bilateral THR will be my third op in 9 months (the first spine op didn't work, had to have a second one 3 months after the first). My biggest worry was that my body won't be able to take three ops in 9 months. Next comes those first 2 weeks at home post op with the pain, the crutches etc.
But, with all the encouragement and support I have received, and continue to receive, from this wonderful forum, I have decided to bite the bullet and go for it!
Thanks again,
Jeremy
Bi-lateral eh? I hadn't realised that but my advice remains the same and best to get it all over with in one go or it would be 4 operations. Of course, it will be a bit tougher at the start but then, fixed spine and fixed hips and back on your feet for the summer. Fabulous.
Keep us informed Jeremy. We'll all be here to give you all the advice and support we can.
Cels xxx
I will keep you informed Cels, great to have such encouragement! Great people, great forum!
Jeremy