Total hip replacement, early pregnancy and chronic pain advice

Bones, joints and muscles
1

hi all, new to the page but im desperate for some advice from someone who may be able to help. This is probably going go be a long post so please bare with me.

I was diagnosed with congenital hip dysplasia at 8 months old. I had my first surgery at 1 year old and have had 14 surgeries over the years. 3 years ago at the age of 20, (making me 23 years old now) I had a left total hip replacement and reconstruction, it took 9.5 hours and was an incredibly complex surgery. Sadly the surgery was not a success and I have finally been put back on the surgery list to remove the replacement, and redo it with several alterations.

so, 1 week after being put on the waiting list, i discovered I was pregnant, im only 7 weeks so early days but obviously, ill not be able to have my surgery anymore. So this is where the advice comes in.

I suffer from osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, joint hypermobility syndrome, TMJ, Fibromyalgia, planter fasciitis, trapped nerves and obviously all these conditions cause excruciating chronic pain and mobility issues. The hip replacement was supposed to be a little bit of a life line for pain issues.

My real question is, is there anyone here that has been through pregnancy with any of these conditions? how did you cope? what was the chronic pain like? did your hip replacement cause any issues during labour, and most importantly did any mothers who have/had hip dysplasia, did you baby have it too? this terrifies me the most because id hate to put a child through what iv been through. I dont really know how many of you here will be able to help, but im finding it incredibly difficult to find any videos, blogs, pages from mams/mams to be who are disabled and have similar conditions to me. I guess I just want some clarity on what may be to come and how you coped during your pregnancy with all the added extras

2

Hi,

firstly congratulations on the pregnancy!

I too was diagnosed with CDH as a child (although mine was missed initially) i’ve had the usual pin & plates followed by total hip replacement and two subsequent revisions due to complications.

I had my first child after my 3rd HR, I was very worried about the pressure i was putting hip under and passing condition on to my LO but midwives were brilliant in helping. LO was referred straight away for hip scans and thankfully got the all clear.

As for the labour myself and my midwife fought for a elective c-section and a week before my due date finally got one. We actually went into the birthing suites and tried the different positions and found none were comfortable enough, my other concern was if i had to have an assisted or epidural/spinal i wouldnt be able to tell them if my hip was hurting.

Good Luck, just remember you know your body better than anyone!

3

Sorry, I have nothing to offer you by way of experience, but wish you all the luck in the world. I am sure the hospital will offer you every support.

4

I was diagnosed with CHD (bilateral) at age of 2. I had 6 surgeries till the age of 12 y.o, then quite a normal life, some limping, pains when I was walking too much, mobility issues, but things got worse year after year.
When I was 30 I had my son I didn’t find my pregnancy very difficult. I didn’t walk too much, but could drive, work till 7th month. Pains were the usual ones, but I tried not to take many drugs. I had c-section and not other additional problems with my hips after that.
I had THR this year, 7 weeks ago.

Be optimistic, enjoy this time, try not to put much weight and everything will be fine!