Hello folks. I'm happy to introduce myself here. I have been learning quite a bit reading through the experiences and stories here, and am starting my own now.
My name is Rob. I'm 36 years old and was quite suddenly diagnosed with avascular necrosis 4 months ago, caused by no reason at all.
It put me from a very active swimming/cycling/outdoor job every day to ow-ville, population: Me. I started out with some mild groin pain, but that evolved into a limp, which evolved into CT/MRI.. which turned into needing a cane, and then crutches with no weight bearing at all. It's been quite the experience being taken right out of life so fast.
I am now having my left hip replaced, and got the date nailed down today to November 20th.
This has all happened really fast for me, which of course means a lot of questions I completely spaced when talking with my ortho surgeon earlier this morning. It's been nice just spending time here (and online), learning a bit more and helping to take the edge off of some of the slow kind of nerves one gets after news like this.
I look foward to talking with everyone, and appreciate the candid and willingness to share your stories here with the community.
Do you know what approach you are having? Anterior, lateral or posterior? You might want to google all procedures, there are great differences as far as restrictions and recovery time. I had lateral approach ( down the side of my hip) no precautions and went back to work after 3 weeks. Anterior is a good approach also, I am short and my surgeon preferred to do a lateral since my thigh is so short not as much room to do a anterior approach.
you can watch each procedure on YouTube.
good luck to you.
I'm not positive which procedure they will use, but it's been added to my stuff to ask for next time.
Today was mostly discussing surgical options, which led to the total hip replacement decision. They also considered resurfacing and core decompression since I'm pretty young yet, but we decided to just do the whole hip since the others had a smaller chance of being "one and done."
They tried to do a repair on my hip a year and half before. Didn't work. As you said you might as well do it right the first time. Wish I had.
As mentioned before YouTube had all three approaches, there are surgical videos and teatimonies, which really helped Me.
I'm filtering through Youtube now. lol
I'm a military veteran and have seen things that don't really bother me, but put it on a surgical table and make it methodical and I turn into a wuss. Life is hilarity like that, if nothing else.
Ha, ha. You can search for animated anterior approach. Its easier to tolerate. More of a drawing.
Are you in the US?
I am, tho am also an honorary Canadian, since I'm in Minnesota.
The animated drawings were much more my style. ha ha is right.
How about yourself? You said they tried to repair before going to a full replacement? How's life been after the rebound? It doesn't look like I'll be doing anymore distance running, but hopefully I can still keep most of the other outdoor stuff in my life.
March 2014 they stitched my labrum (cartilage between ball and socket) they also shaved off a bone spur from the ball of the femur.. It was done ortho-scopy. I couldn't put any weight on leg for 6 weeks, that was the worst part if it all.
A year and half later my hip was In just as bad of shape. I am 53 and had been In pain for 8 years. So I figured it was time to take care of it for good.
It is major surgery, Its not the easiest thing to go through. I'm still tired and my leg is weak. But I am doing really well at only 4 weeks out. I was walking with a cane one week out, And I still walk with one, only cause of my weakness And my PT doesn't want me limping. Everyday it gets better though and am hoping to drop the cane next week.
That's great! I only had my cane for 3 months prior to being put on crutches, and I wanted to put it through a wood chipper. You have to be positively thrilled.
"Positively thrilled" - well maybe in a week or two!! I know I'm doing good, but not as good as I want to be, so sometimes I get discouraged! But this will pass and I'll will be "positively thrilled" !!!
What's wrong with your hip?
Hi ScubaRob,You are now in the right place,with people who have been through it and who care,you have had a rough time of it.At this stage all you can do is to listen to your Surgeon and your Physio,and do all they ask the a hippies will.help you through,this will be a big help,good luck,look forward to your op and the weeks will soon go by,and then the road to recovery,Best wishes Michael.
I got diagnosed with avascular necrosis, which just means the blood supply to my hip was lost somehow. Our bones are alive like the rest of us, so without that supply, the ball part of the joint dies and turns brittle.
The ball part of the joint eventually becomes unable to bear weight and it collapses.. so instead of a nice round frictionless joint, you get a hipfull of broken bone.
Usually, it happens after an injury, or other medical reasons, but sometimes people get it for no particular reason. That's the boat i'm floatin around in.
Crazy stuff, but at least it's treatable, and I'll be able to walk again.
Dear Rob,
Well, welcome to our Hippies family and thank you for paticipating ...
you already found out that we share our personal stories, our victories, set backs , we rant and rave - it is priceless to have a place to go to where people know what you are going through -
go ahead and ask your questions ...
wishing you a good night for now
big warm hug
renee
Hi rob
How long between the first symptoms and your op??
Mine started as a twinge in my groin when I was out running to the op 4 years and 4 months later 2004-2008
Now I've got a nackered knee on the other leg and groin ache too
Mine went really fast. I didn't have any problems at all until July of this year. It was the amazing collapsing hip show. I went from the mild groin ache to where I'm at now with no walking, quick fast and in a hurry.
So, that will be 5 months by the time I have my operation. I can't imagine going through it over 4 years. 4 months has been enough for a lifetime.
It is nice to have a whole community of folks who are/have been through it all tho. Family is wonderful and they're supportive, but it's tough to ask them to understand it all.
So I had my right hip replaced at 33 and just had my left done at 50. The surgeries were very different and I find the recovery has been also. This time around I did not go "under" but had surgery using a spinal block- no I was not awake. I recovered faster and came out of surgery feeling fine. My hospital stay was shorter- three days. Few restriction for less amount of time.... overall much better easier than my first one. I am almost 6 weeks out now and am still using two crutches but putting some weight on my left leg....I followed all of the doctors restrictions and do PT everyday. I have some pain- but nothing like before surgery. I live a very active life- hiking, kayaking, travel etc... and look forward to getting back to it soon. You will be so happy to get this done! Just be sure to prepare- modify your living environment if you need- stock up on food and snacks= arrange for people to come help or stay with you when you get out- at least for a few days or more.... rent movies and read... make the most of your time off!
Hi Rob. Welcome to our hippie gang. What a horrific experience you have had and so quick on someone so young and active .
Agree with all comments be prepared ! ,I thought as a health professional myself and someone who had worked in occupational therapy and rehab and would breeze it ! But it can be a bit up and down . But as you see on here we are all so glad we had it done .I am 55 and independent and active and it was frustration initially that I found but that soon passes and where there's a will there's a way .
Keep on this site it's supportive and fun too
Regards Denise
Hi Rob
I had my hip replaced last Friday and only had trouble with it suddenly last March. I'm 53 and have always been active & was suprised by the diagnosis. This forum was really helpful in making the decision to get it done and figure out what I'd be capable off afterwards.
I've taken the advice from my surgeon who knows the type of physically active job I'll be returning to. Whatever kind of approach there is still a new ball & socket joint that is not the same as the one nature gave you and the laws of physics apply to it. So long as you understand the limits of range & movement you can work within them. My surgeon told me that he actually put my new joint when fitting it into all the wrong positions to make sure it wouldn't dislocate, maybe that's why I'm sore now!
Good luck with this new challenge make sure you get advice about getting your home sorted before you return it makes a big difference in the early days. Feel free to ask any questions and you get a great response on this site.
Alan
Hi ScubRob sorry to hear your tale of woe. I had a TRHR last Dec . The operation was done under what is called Superpathhip, it's a brilliant method no cutting muscles etc quicker recovery time with no restrictions imposed on your new hip. My surgeon said the new hip will do whatever the old one did but minus the pain and so far he is correct.There is a Dr Jimmy Chow in the States who I understand specialises in this op. Anyway you can research him it may give you another option to think about.
By the way my name is Mark and I am from Oz and so glad I had the operation and now have my life back.
All the best for your op whichever way you decide to go.
Regards
Mark
there is a guy who has famously completed 20 marathons on a new hip. I was told I would be able to play tennis after the op. Am 7 weeks post-op am feel like I could play now but will leave it a few weeks just in case. If you were active before I think you will be a quick recoverer