I don’t know what to do!!!

[Dolphfan47]

I wish I knew the right answer.. Today I had a follow-up with my orthopedic doctor it didn’t go to good. A little back story about two months ago I started seeing a new ortho doctor because I have been having pain in my right hip. I already had an MRI/ XRay done so I knew what was going on with the hip. I have a tear in my labrum, osteoarthritis and bone spur. I started PT because in 2001 I had both knees replaced and my one knee was bothering me so they figured a little PT would help it. So when I went to the new Ortho she just continued PT put me on some medicine and said follow up with me in 6 weeks we will discuss further options. Well today was the follow up and it was not a good visit the medicine is not helping and since I have done cortisone shots (previously in my knees never worked) she basically told me my next option is a total hip replacement. I am only 48 years old I am not looking to have another replacement done. I am so discouraged. My anxiety is up because I know it’s not good to live in pain or on muscle relaxers/ anti inflammatory all the time but is getting a replacement at my age the right thing to do? I am at a loss. Don’t know what to do.

[LadyZen]

Get a 2nd opinion. It's such a hassle, but doctors come up with different diagnosis and solutions all the time. My daughter was struggling with severe allergies and breathing issues until 8 years ago. One allergist said she needed allergy shots for a whole year. Another allergist recommended we seal our attic after I told her what started her allergies. After we sealed our attic an found and ENT, she was cured. Had we listened to the 1st allergist, she'd be suffering to this day.

[Dolphfan47 in reply to LadyZen]

This was my second opinion the first one said that yes I would need the hip replacement but he said to see another dr to get a second opinion. I just don’t want to get all these replacement parts so early on because truthfully they are only good for 10-15 years. So my knees will most likely have to be done again in my late 50’s early 60’s . Than if I do my hip that would have to be done again around the same time.. it depends on the wear and tear I don’t do a lot to mess up my knees and I have actually lost about 50-60 pounds since my surgery. So that’s a plus and I’m keeping that off. It’s just a lot to factor in and decide I also have my 5 year old son that I have to take care of and if I have surgery I will be laid up for about 6-8 weeks healing and going to PT . Just a lot to think about..

[LadyZen in reply to Dolphfan47]

I see. It is a lot to think about. Hopefully, the 2nd opinion gets you closer to an answer you can find some peace with.

[CLB1125]

I agree with Ladyzen. It’s a hassle to set up another opinion but with something so major it’s well worth it. One neurologist told me there was nothing that could be done about my migraines and learn to live with it. A new neurologist started me on a shot once a month and it’s been a miracle. I have maybe 2 migraines a month vs 3 weeks in a month.

[Dolphfan47 in reply to CLB1125]

This was the second opinion doctor. That’s what frustrates me so much because she understands that I don’t really want to have the surgery but at the same time she is like we have limited options.. I agree about going to the second neurologist about migraines I deal with them on a daily basis in fact I just got taken off the shot because it wasn’t helping I am actually on another pill that I take at night. So far I have gone a couple of days without a migraine which is good especially since I am sick right now and that usually when I suffer from them the most.

[mizzou7016]

my mom had this issue before.....she is no where near as mobile as she was before.....although she also went undiagnosed for a long period of time. you have to take into consideration "what you have lost.." and what you have the potential to gain back...my mom is sad that she didn't have things done sooner....she's not nearly as active now because of the pain she's in...

[Dolphfan47 in reply to mizzou7016]

Wow I am so sorry to hear that about your mom.. that’s my biggest fear if I don’t get the surgery what will happen with my mobility.. right now I can barely move when it’s cold or rainy out. I actually had to take a couple of weeks off from PT because of that and also because of the holidays.. I will start back up in January.