Upcoming left THR

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I'm new to this site, found only by accident but so glad I did find it! I'm going to need a left THR in the coming months (was hoping years but think that is unlikely), or whenever the pain gets to a point that I decide to have the surgery.

I'm struggling most with when to have the surgery. I'm 42 years old, never had surgery/ labor so I'm not sure I know when enough is enough. I don't want to get to a place where the pain causes tears or that quality of life is degraded completely.

I've switched my exercise to cycling and swimming mainly.... sometimes an elliptical if it feels ok. I've been limping since December, but even that fluctuates. My surgeon said the surgery timing is my call, but am unsure when is right. If you'd be willing to share some insights into what made you decide to have the surgery, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks!

Christine

2

Hi Christine

If you are limping, twisting & not able to function without pain meds then it’s woeth considering THR.

Please check out this site for issues related to the anterior approach. 

You’re young and the anterior approach comes with long term risks. The approach to get in and successfully do the surgery is restrictive and unless you have a surgeon who is super experienced in this approach I would be super cautious . 

I had posterior approach on my right hip 6 years ago, for sure a tougher surgery to recover from but by 10 weeks I was fully recovered & moving well and to this day that hip is perfect. 2 years ago my left hip needed replacing and I fell for hype about anterior approach being “less invasive.” 

In actual fact this is a very difficult approach to do successfully and my psoas was exposed to an exposed acetabular cup & excruciating bursitis followed. The upshot being 12 months after that surgery I had to have revision surgery. I’m 8 months post revision & slowly improving. 

Please scour through this site & check out anterior approach & psoas release & tendonopathy.

Research your surgeon and post on here who you decide to go with. You will get great feedback & support. 

3

Hi Christine welcome to the forum it's a great way to share experiences.  I had my right hip full replacement 7 weeks ago and it is the best thing I have ever done.  I am 50 now but have been suffering with hip pain for many years where it got to a point where I couldn't stand it anymore as it was affecting my home life work life and got very depressed.  I've always been very active and a keen jogger which broke my heart when I couldn't do it anymore.  I now week 7 post op and have my life back I'm doing 15,000 steps minimum now and taking my dog out for walks again.  I'm getting back to normal unfortunately advised not to run anymore but using crosse trainer for a week now and the best feeling ever is not suffering from arthritic pain in my hip.  If I'd known how good I would feel I would of asked to have replacement years ago.  Is is a slow steady progression once done but you will see improvements every week.  Don't be worried if you get to the point where your pain affects your life style then it's time to get your op done.  Best of luck to you xx

4

Hi Karen, l had my hip replacement 4 weeks tomorrow, l have had pain in my hip for years, l was told was my back then last year all the scans showed my hip was the main course .Anyway l was worried about having a hip replacement, but very surprised the things you can do so quick, like standing the stairs getting into bed, first day i was with the physio walking with two sticks then the stairs plus excersies. Of course there is pain, and weird feelings but l am glad l said yes. I have had a few tears but not the last 2 weeks, l seem to stand so much better too, from what you have said Karen l would have the op good luck, early days for me but l am happy l had it done 😊

5

I switched from distance cycling to using the bike to go to the gym and swimming.  Immediately before surgery I was using crutches to get to the water but once in, the pain disappeared

6

For choice of where to have it done, I'd look at the Care Quality Commission website, they rate hospitals, clinics etc. The reports make for interesting reading.

Otherwise, see my website for tips, the address is in my personal info here ...

   http://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025

and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at

   http://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147

Best wishes

Graham - 🚀💃 🤸    ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

7

I had a private diagnosis (my GP said I had 100% movement) saying that I needed a hip now and I would be in a wheelchair in six months if I did not have one. A year later I was unable to get to the swimming pool and was unable to drive, in fact I was housebound.  By that time I could not wait for a hip replacement I was in so much pain. I had decided to go on the NHS and required funding etc so it took time. I think the operation was more difficult for the surgeon as I had developed several cysts and spurs. 

8

Good stuff.

I've had two hip replacements twenty years apart both done posterior with quick pain free outcomes and based on this abd all that I have read there is no way that I would be happy with an alternative approach.

The choice of surgeon is critical and should be based on their experience, ability and hospital records. Bedside manner should not be the way you make your choice of surgeon.

Cheers Richard

9

Hi Christine, Just wanted to touch base as I am in a similar position to you coming from the PRE op side of things. 

​Last year I made apointment with surgeon and was in a very bad head space regarding the whole thing. I eventually decided no I couldnt do it....I think I was hoping for a miracle to happen..maybe?

​Things settled and I thought oh this is good maybe just maybe I can get away with this not happening to me

​but things got worse...worse pain..more restrictions..more frustration.

There were other factors involved in my head space last year as I had lost my Dad which affected me big time as well so I really was all over the place.. I was very ungrounded and thats not a good place to be making decisions from anyway.

​I found a group of Yoga Therapists that I had joined quite some time ago ( I am a Yoga Teacher ) and I connected with one of them and she was/is at the same stage as me.

​It really helps to talk things through..

Fast forward 7 months and I have been to see another surgeon and am on a waiting list. Still waiting for a date.

​Mentally I am ready. I have come to terms with the fact I will have foreign matter in my body (that seemed to be my biggest problem)

I am really ready and just want to get it done now.

​I am in NZ and am on the public health system. There is about a 4 month wait list.  Once I get a date I will probably freak im sure but this pain and limited mobility is not good!

​great you have come here. Its very good of folk to share their stories.

​I am actually looking forward to recovery and my self Reiki healing sessions....well sort of!

​So I think you will know when you are "mentally prepared" ....you will just know

Feel free to email me to keep in touch....

Much love & Reiki blessings & healing to you     

Moderator comment: I have removed the email address as we do not publish these in the forums. If users wish to exchange contact details please use the Private Message service.

10

Dear cckiwi, I went through exactly the same thinking as you. I was horrified when I was told I needed a new hip and the thought of something artificial inside me made me shudder. Having to wait for funding and then being put on the waiting list made me get used to the idea. By the time I actually got to the operation I was in an awful lot of pain and could not care less about anything artificial inside me! I now lie in bed and cannot believe it is not my old hip as it seems just the same as before.

11

Yes it is amazing how one simply is not aware of it. The replacement ankle to far longer due to the very extended recovery time but after a time I had basically forgotten that I had it. Had I not had it or the hip I would have been in a wheelchair these past over twenty years instead of which I've led a full and active life.

Cheers Richard

12

Hi Christine,

I'm 52 and had left THR just over 10 weeks ago. Like you, I struggled with the same question when to have surgery as I was not having much pain. I had hip dysplasia, as did my older sister who had her THR about 10 years ago. She was in brutal pain for years before her surgery, so I knew what was in store down the road.

My surgeon also said it was up to me when but it would need to be done some day. When I went back to him in Oct 2017 and said I can no longer put my socks on, we agreed it was time.

So while I did not have much pain prior to surgery, I had a very bad limp for several years. I think it was about 5 years ago when someone first commented on it. I had extreme lack of flexibility and range of motion. I did ache that ibruprophen relieved. Mostly the hip just fatigued after about 30 mins of being on it. So the past year I did not do much besides work, short grocery jaunts and necessary errands, as I would get very fatigued and limp very bad. It was really just a few weeks prior to surgery when I started to get jabs of pain radiating down my thigh to knee. Also, about 5 years ago I had a herniated disc that I believe was a symptom of the hip problem.

So it was mainly a quality of life issue. I was unable to do the things I enjoyed like hiking and photography. I am also wanting to change my employment and thought, limping in and out of interviews would not make a good impression unfortunately. So there was that factor too. I really just wanted to get on with life (and put my socks on)!

On last thing. While I was waiting for surgery date to come around I did struggle with the thought of being in more pain coming out of surgery then going in. But that worry was all for naught as I have had minimal pain post op. The usual stiffness and sensitivity at incision site but overall minimal pain. It is a long recovery though building up strength and flexibility. But so well worth it!

Good luck and best wishes.

13

Dear Lori

I'm so glad that you had a good outcome but when you say that is a long recovery I think you should have said that for you it was a long recovery because for a number of people here it was not a long recovery.

For some people sadly for various reasons their outcomes did not go as well as they had hoped and they are struggling in various ways even a year or more after their surgery.

I'm just trying to ensure that we are putting forward information here that is correct.

All the best, Richard

14

The longer you wait, the worse the pain and limp get.  When the limping gets very bad, your muscles start moving and getting used to being a certain way.  All this makes the recovery worse and longer. 

I wish I had been able to get my hip done 10 years ago. 

15

Hello Christine60415,

I am 61 was very scared to have an operation, I do not take any medications, been doing Pilates, aeriobics, using my elliptical walker. I left my THR far too long, it started with the pain in the groin 8 years ago after a fall 10 months earlier, over the last 3 years it had been very bad, I walk with a limp well like a penguin actually.

I had my operation last Wednesday a posterior THR and came home on Friday. They gave my oxycontin pain killers which made me and others feel sick/constipated, I refused all tablets except paracetamol as a precaution when I left hospital and to be honest I have not had any pain, brusing and only minimal swelling.

After all the years of pain and limping I would say do not leave it too long if the pain starts to interfere with everyday life get it, done again I have been lucky as I did not have a long wait. Good luck.

16

Spot on. The need for surgery is not going to go away and the longer it is left the more it will harm your quality of life and will be on a downward slope to a desperate situation The recovery after the inevitable hip surgery is likely to be more contracted and less successful and longer and more uncomfortable.

Cheers, Richard

17

Hi Christine,

One week ago I had a THR on my left hip due to advanced osteoarthritis.  18 weeks earlier I had a THR as a result of a hip resurfacing procedure 8 years earlier that was failing.  I've run into many people through the years who had been asking themselves the same question you are.  It is a universal issue we all face when it comes to hip replacement.  My advice is simple...DO IT NOW!! 

The reality of your situation is also simple.  Your hip isn't going to get better.  The pain isn't going to go away.  You can put off the inevitable, but why?  Take control of the situation!!  Why live with the pain when you'll only end up having surgery in the end anyway?  That is the one regret I had with my first hip replacement.  I subjected myself to pain for a long time that I didn't have to, and also prolonged getting back to a normal, pain free lifestyle.

Christine...Don't be afraid...you can do it.   Do it now !!!

18

Thanks Richard! I went ahead and am scheduling a pre-op appointment to get the ball rolling on this. I value all the feedback and posts I've read on this site, and there is no good reason to wait. I know I will have to have another surgery in 15-20 years.... and I do not like walking/twisting/existing in discomfort in pain.

Christine

19

thanks Karen!

20

Thanks for the resources!! I'll check them out!