Just come back from hospital and been told that I need to consider a hip replacement as the hip is beyond keyhole surgery. I have been advised to think carefully of the following, quality of life involving current pain and awkwardness of movement. 2 arguments. I want to get back to reasonable fitness, possibly playing football again as soon as possible. Secondly been advised that they only last for a certain period depending on activities undertaken. No real pain at present but my knee and back are compensating for the hip. Any thoughts anyone?
Went to see consultant 8 months ago told to keep going as long as I could not much pain then going back this Friday to get booked in to have it done got no quality of life now can hardly walk 100 mts Iam 47
Hi Simon, I'd go for it! I had failed keyhole surgery and wasted 6 months waiting for it to heal. Of course we will all probably need a revision at some point on the hip replacements that we now have but surgeons are unable to give us approximate time periods due to the fact that they just dont have the data as the prosethics are constantly being updated! Anyway, I am 4 weeks in and yes, it is frustrating, but the thought of being able to get back to fitness again after a year out is pretty enticing! If your knee and back are compensating for your hip I guess you have to consider whether you will end up damaging them (which I imagine you'd want to avoid). Dilemma, but ultimately it sounds like you'll need to press ahead. Are you taking any medication? I took diclofenac for a while to delay the inevitable but eventually just had to go for it. I'm 44 BTW so same age as you and I wish I had done this straightaway as opposed to waste time with the keyhole. Are you able to have your hip re-surfaced as opposed to a THR? Apparently this works well for men and their is a guy called Andrew McMinn in Birmingham who is supposed to be the best for these. They dont recommend them for women as the failure rate is higher due to our bone density. Best of luck!
I wasin your situation in my late 40s. Apart from being horrified that my body wouldn't do what I had been used to it doing I was also scared of surgery. I did tons of research and kept coming up with the idea of putting it off for as long as possible as you may need to have it done again later on. So, I did put it off. I ended up being in agony (took loads of painkillers which made me feel like a zombie), very limited mobility, using sticks then crutches. When I look back now I wish I had had them done earlier - I had to have them both replaced due to hip dysplasia. It was my chiropractor who told me I couldn't put off my life because of something that may happen in the future as I didn't know what the future held ie I could leave his practice and be run over by a bus. My back pain disappeared after surgery but I still have problems with my left ankle due (I think) to the awkward way I walked for 2-3 years. Pain removal was a big factor for me, but I could also feel that other part of my body were suffering too. If I could speak to my younger self I would say 'Just Do It'. Each case is different but I hope this helps.
It's a difficult decision and one only you can make, depends how much pain you are prepared to live with and how debilitating it is. If you do decide to have it done consider very carefully which consultant you choose, check how many hip/revision operations they have performed, unfortunately you cannot check their success rates. Make a list of questions you want answered and stick to it. A big problem with hip replacement seems to be leg length discrepancy after the op, that would be at the top of my list, ask about their success rates, they may not be totally honest but watch their reaction and how they deliver the response, don't take what they say as gospel even if you think they are the professionals. Type of implant and ask about pain relief after the op. Hope all goes well
Hi Simon....don't put up with the pain any longer...you really wont know what damage you're doing to your other joints! Reckon on at least 20 years of normal use out of a new joint and consider if that's OK
Recovery really is fine although everyone recovers at different rates...I had developed a sort of rolling gait and now thats gone.....10 weeks post op and almost back to normal!!
I think that this decision is only one you can make, gather as much information as possible and then make an informed decision.
Well 43 is young however u need to consider the following...
if u delay what impact on your knees, back etc as they will be compensating for the bad hip, the longer u leave it the worse that will become. ( this happened to me with my knee, need replacement now) I had bilateral hip replace in dec)
you say no hip pain at present, if your hip is requiring surgery then inevitably you will get pain as it can only deteriorate.
You say you want to get back to playing footy...not going to happen in the first 6-12 months post op as not advisable until hip beds in & worry of dislocation even without contact sports. Sorry not to be more upbeat but on the reverse side it was the best thing I ever did as I was previously very active ( noy footy) but I'm on an excersise bike now & hav been for past couple months building up muscle again & it's getting better. I have no doubt that my hips impacted on my knee & you want to avoid this if poss. new hips these days can last 10yrs if your lucky or more.
food for thought
i was told at 50 I needed one. The pain was bad in the hip. I had it done and do not regret that EXCEPT - they did not glue it and i have some complications due to not being glued so ASK loads of questions and if you want to move well (I am flexible but walking has issues) go for it!
Hi
I totally understand your predicament as i was in the same boat 18 months ago. I was a very active person until i started having pain in my groin from doing the three peaks. I was 38 at the time and am now 41 and six months into my right hip replacement. I must admit, i was petrified of having the op however the pain in my groin, back and knees became to much. It is lovely to wake up literally pain free even though i know i wont be able to run or play squash like i did.
You will only go with what you feel is right for you but i dont regret my decision and recently went skiing ha.The fear factor is the biggest thing to get over however being pain free and winge free was my biggest motivator. It s about time i
slowed down a little anyway <-). All the best with whatever decision you make.
Richard, I was told to give it 6 months. Looking at all my replies I might be contacting consultant earlier with loads of questions about his ability in operating on me. Thanks for the reply.
Louise, just ibuprofen when needed at present. I haven't asked about the re coating of the hip. Is this what they refer to as 'referee hip' as a lot of refs get this type done. Consultant was quite adamant it would've a full hip replacement. Thanks for the reply and advice
Possum, it does help a great deal and thanks for being brutally honest. I'm treating it as if my gadget is broken but it's time for a newer brighter version. Happy days.
Fantastic advice. And duly noted. Questions will be asked of the consultant and his success rates, implant type, recovery time and pain relief. Leg length will not be a shortcoming either.
crissy wissy, It's showing in my knee and has been in my back for years. I'm interested in recovery time very much. I want to get back to some sort of a healthier lifestyle.
Valuable words Sue. Thanks for this
I'll ask them to use glue on mine. Loads of questions heading their way thanks byte me
That's what I'm worried about if I leave the decision until 6 months time. I'm beginning to realise that football won't be for a while. I'm hoping for longer than 10 years
Thanks for the encouraging words s792.
Just had mine done at 48 (at 10 weeks post op) and wished I'd gone for it 2-3 years ago, but struggled through the pain after various recommendations.
My final decision points were 1/ I want to have some quality time with my young kids, the pain was getting so bad I couldn't go on bike rides with them or do anything particularly taxing. 2/ The recovery time at this age is generally far better and complications less likely 3/ if my ceramic/ceramic hip lasts for 20 years as it supposed to do, I'll be nearly 70 before I need further treatment and they may last longer as there is little data to suggest otherwise 4/ I'd rather have my fun now while I'm young and relatively fit, and have further revisions when I have fewer commitments.
i haven't regretted a moment, I am now walking 5-10 miles at weekends and although I get stiff and achy afterward, this should pass. Even at 10 weeks, I have no pain and just a little muscle stiffness...my general mood is much better and I sleep better too!!
From my perspective I'd advise you to go for it.