How did you make the decision to have a replacement?
I keep going between thinking that I need to have it as soon as possible and then I think no I will try everything else first.
I can not walk more than 30 minutes without feeling pain (on a good day).
I am on daily medication to help with the pain.
I struggle to put socks on, get in a car and go up stairs.
Most nights I am woken due to pain or hips being sore.
I am 52 and have bilateral hip arthritis.
An extract from my X-ray
“There is large overhanging osteophyte formation at the left hip acclabulum, which is likely labral ossification, with soft tissue calcification superior to this. There is also moderate osteonate formation at the right hip Joint wit mild joint space narrowing superior”
Any advice would be so appreciated.
Thank you.
Written by
Snowleopard_1970
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I saw an orthopaedic surgeon privately and he said I would be in a wheelchair in six months without a hip replacement. I then saw my GP who said I should see a rheumatologist first, which took six months. She then saw my x-ray and said my hip was in a bad way and applied for me to have a hip replacement. I then had to get funding through my GP. When I got funding I was able to see a surgeon, he then made the decision I needed a new hip and put me on the waiting list. It took 15 months for me to actually get one. For the second hip I went privately.
I would most certainly go for hip replacement . Waking up at night with pain should be sufficient reason alone. Good sleep is vital for your health. Have you seen an orthopaedic surgeon ?
Definitely have a hip replacement. I had one at 60 years old and my husband is 6 weeks on from his 2nd hip replacement. We tried everything , yoga , pilates 2 to 1 in a pilates studio , physiotherapy and a walking workout where we do squats , lunges and so on. We are still doing all this . It certainly helps and makes recovery from a hip replacement quicker but it will not stop the hip deteriorating and your quality of life diminishing. After years of suffering with hip pain and the consequent effects of a severe limp ( ankle pain, knee pain) he was put on the waiting list for a replacement. It took 18 months . He is now pain free and can look forward to long walks again. Hip replacements are amazing. Why suffer pain and distort your muscular skeletal structure when you could be pain free/
I have had both my hips replaced and it was the best decision ever I was at the stage where it was bone on bone so was in the most excruciating painIt gave me a complete new lease of life
At your age you shouldn't be living with this pain
get it done as soon as. I delayed at 50 as they said I am very young and the amount of pain I suffered in the last 18 months was not anything I would wish on anyone.
Had both mine done. Now going into precio for left shoulder.
Hi Snowleopard , I'm sorry you going through this pain. I feel you. I'm 42 and I have arthritis on my both hips and lower back. One hip is worse than the other. I had arthroscopic surgery years back but its not sufficient anymore and last time when I had X -Ray, I was told I can only manage it it with pain relief. It's getting there but is not that bad to replace the hip. I have multiple medical conditions, so even if tomorrow I would get the call to come, I'm not sure if the risk is worth it. BUT living in constant pain , walking with walking stick when I'm able to and hoping it's gonna get better, not being able to sleep many times and so on is THIS IS a life I want ? I just don't know. Honestly. I hope you make the right decision for you and it goes well. I wish you all the best. 🙂
My left hip has progressed from mild osteoarthritis to severe over the last five years. My right hip seems to be heading the same direction but it hadn’t progressed like the right one.
A few weeks ago an orthopedic doctor reviewed the x-rays and says a hip replacement — there is no cartilage left, I’m bone on bone — is my only option but that it is elective major surgery. He predicted I’ll be asking for the surgery soon.
I’m not deciding yet — I want to think and process this change.
Like you I have a lot of trouble getting in and out of cars and climbing stairs. The doc said to use a cane — and he’s right, it does help, more than I can expected. He also suggested using “other assistive devices” for help with socks and so on.
I’ve continued the stretching exercises that have helped since the early arthritis days. They loosen my hip and make it easier to get around the house with minimal pain
I used to walk 1-2 miles a day but now a mile is my maximum (too much pain otherwise) and the flatter the surface the better. A lot of days my mile is comprised of puttering in the yard or pushing the cart through the grocery store. As long as I keep moving I’ve decided it counts (and my phone’s activity tracker totals it for me).
I’ve always used pain relievers sparingly and continue that. I’m lucky that low doses have always worked well for me. I usually need something by mid afternoon.
I’m also lucky that the pain doesn’t wake me up at night or disrupt my sleep. Trial and error have sorted out the most comfortable sleeping positions. Though my senior cat (age 17) still does a fine job of disturbing my sleep 😊
Cold stormy weather increases my pain more than it used to. Those days can be difficult. There are other days that are surprisingly comfortable and I can’t discern a pattern. Those days are a pleasant surprise.
From everything I’ve read and what others have said, the surgery is successful for the vast majority and patients are pleased. It seems the risks are minimal. I think between my six years of polymyalgia rheumatica pain,, other health issues, and the state of the world, emotionally I need to feel I am in control of something and that the decision is fully mine. For my personality that means trying different things and seeing for awhile how it goes without surgery. Again, I think we’re all individual in everything from our response to pain to our comfort level with medical procedures. Just my perspective. I wish you well in your journey and decisions.
I am 65 and had Oesteoarthiritis in hips for years, but will never have a replacement till it gets to bad. I have bulging discs in Spine having cortisone injections in my spine next week for them. It’s a juggling act to be honest but my hips seem to have calmed down abit, probably back pain taken over. I swear by taking ng turemic every day take two or three think it has helped me??? But you never really know??? Wish you luck with what ever decision you make🙏
I've never had hip pain and joined a private medical insurance company as thought it might be needed one day. However shortly after my last DEXA scan I fell over and broke my leg and ankle. It was a serious fall not just tripping over lol. Anyway they looked at my DEXA and said my bones are great despite the RA and CKD as I've been taking AD Cal for years. So no need to even think about hips ! My leg and ankle have mended now so all is good. But years ago I had an operation to straighten my painful left foot which had twisted and it was the best thing I've ever had done. A couple of days in hospital and a few weeks in a boot and lovely tpainfree felt and back to running, dancing and rambling. So go for it what have you got to lose ? only pain and misery. Surely its worth it.
the best advice I can give you is. Go for it. You will be pain free. I put off for about a year until I had to have it. Wished I’d done it the year before x
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