Hi everyone. Have any of you decided not to go for a hip replacement. After pre-op assessment I have decided I just do not want to take the risk. Were you able to get another consultation to discuss alternatives. If I do not have surgery or injections who will manage my pain. I do not want to be at the end of the road as I feel only a consultant can really help me. Has anyone been referred to a pain management clinic and who arranged the appointment for you.
Any one who is just "living with it" who do you get any help from.? Would so love to hear from you. Thank you.
Written by
cmjoyce
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Having a new hip was one of the best things I could have done. I even had my other hip replaced. I think back to the awful pain I had and am so happy it has gone. My new hips feel just like the old ones did except they don't hurt. Hip replacement is one of the most successful operations in the world. The only problem is there is a long NHS waiting list.
Best thing I ever did was have a hip replacement. Oh the absolute joy of not being in pain and being able to just walk without thinking about it. Apparently I will eventually need to have the other hip done and will do it like a shot as it’s like a magic bullet. The first two weeks post op are a bit uncomfortable, but then, for me it was like a new lease of life. I am thrilled with my new hip and feel very grateful.
Totally agree with everything you say I have had both my hips replaced and once you get through that first couple of weeks it's great isn't it The pain beforehand was just unbearable All the best
Thank you, Cat33. Best wishes to you too. The pain pre op is indescribable, and then it’s just gone….. Wonderful, isn’t it!! I am just so glad we live in an age where such surgery is possible as I couldn’t imagine having to live the rest of my life in such pain.
Oh my goodness the pain before my first one was excruciating I remember when I came round in hospital bursting into tears that I was going to be free of it Yes so wonderful and we are so blessed with the surgeons
No it would have been unthinkable to have lived on in that pain
Thank you and all the best to you too enjoy a pain free life
Like others I have had a hip replaced - as well as one knee and one shoulder…but then perhaps I just like taking risks😳..
But on a serious note, if you don’t have a replacement, I think you are more likely to be at risk…..
You are likely to be in constant pain [if mine was anything to go by] which will eventually lead to being depressed,
The hip is likely to deteriorate even more leaving you unable to walk properly, with the danger of falling and breaking other bones,
Or even if you can still walk affecting your gait which then can lead to issues with the other hip - and knees and ankles.
You may end up in a wheelchair because you are unable to walk.
Who will manage your pain?- you probably, the NHS is overwhelmed, so no guarantee you can get into a Pain Clinic as regularly as you need.
As for living with it, many of us lived with the pain pre operation, and it was horrendous….yours may not be, but why take the risk that it's likely to increase - and you cannot get onto surgeon's list for a replacements
At the end of the day it’s your decision, but maybe have a look at this post - it’s posted on another forum, but you should be able to read it -
I have osteoarthritis on both my knees. I have have been told many times that I need both replacing but have refused. I live alone and would struggle for a start but mainly because I am needle phobic so not an option for me. I went to a brilliant private muscular skeletal physio at a sports club as the NHS physios I saw were not hands on as he was. He was brilliant and got me walking properly again. I manage my pain naturally as I'm not keen on filling myself with chemicals. Anyway, I came on to put the other side. A dear friend of mine had a new hip a few years ago and she has regretted it, pain now is worse than it was and now her other hip needs doing. She is putting it off because she is frightened that that will end up the same as the first one. At the end of the day, it is your decision, you have to make that to suit you. Good luck whatever you decide to do. xx
Hello, yes there is a risk although most people sail through the operation. I was unlucky as I bled a lot and had blood transfusions. I spent 8 days in hospital, 3 in intensive care. On my first check up appointment they found a hairline fracture and told me to rest again and not try to walk for a while, so my recovery was delayed again. It was a long struggle and took 6 months before I could walk without crutches . I vowed at the time that I would never have another operation. But in fact it’s like having another baby after you swore blind you’d never go through labour again. It feels so liberating to be able to walk again without any pain. Would I do it again? Yes!
I would suggest you speak to your GP, family and friends to secure a consultant surgeon recommendation and pay for a private consultation. I believe in the NHS and if you can secure an NHS consultant referral to discuss alternatives to surgery ( you could discuss the possibility of such a referral with your GP) so much the better, but this is not really the role of the Consultant, at least within the NHS!A private consutation would likely cost in the region of 250 pounds and I do appreciate the value of money, but if you are able to met the expense, this might prove to be the best 250 pounds you have ever spent!
I was terrified of having my hip replaced and pre surgery I would hazard that everyone had their fears and doubts. You do have to be mentally ready for the operation and you should talk to as many people as you can about their experiences and outcomes.
My outcome was good. I no longer suffer with that horrid nagging arthritic pain and once more enjoy my walking.
Hello I am now 63 and have had both of mine replaced unfortunately both with slight complications but I would still go ahead knowing what I know now . The biggest bonus is I dont have that consistent pain and have even been able to get back on my horse . Sadly I believe but dont quote me ! the degeneration will only get worse the longer you leave it . A personal decision but one Im glad I underwent twice . Best of luck which ever way you go
I'm 54 was under a hip surgeon for a few yrs 2 steroid injections hadn't worked relented after seeing my none existent ball joint completely gone .Hip surgeon wasn't a 100% sure it would work which was putting me off however 2 pre ops had then Covid Cancelled. During covid I had servere ischemic colitis hospital 8days & no longer a candidate for surgery. Gait is bad alongside constant pain & tilted pelvis has shortened my other leg by 2cms , cannot use crutches due to servere neck issues that put more pressure on nerves & have lumbar issues with Stenosis. Not in wheelchair Yet but for me to get out more think it's the next step. Cannot walk far for obvious reasons live on my own with very little help. Under pain management but prescribed medications from doctors which only take the edge of. Just waiting to see orthotics for a rise in shoe Should be fun . So yes I live without the hip joint & it's difficult If you have no other health issues Go for it I'd say.
sorry to read. Can leg be shorter due to shortened calf muscles. This is what I have been told although I'm interstellar in tilted pelvis. Is there good physio to help us
Not sure about physio however having been to orthics I've discovered my right leg is 3/4 inch shorter 😯 they have given inserts which have sorta balanced me but can only wear them for a couple of hrs Ankles Heels knees hips very painful .. calfs are fine & been a stubborn bugger have managed to keep going 😁 do have lumbar issues dics gone L5 To L1 with Stenosis which happened prior to hip going ...due to bladder issues Neurosurgeon in August. It never rains Just pours down 😂😂😂😂
Orthopaedic hip surgeon MRI & been measured . Not poor me don't see it that way Frustrated yes . Have cyst on brain & urge/stress incontinance even though I've a prolapse pelvic floor muscles fine Signals to bladder are effected have no sensation when I need to go other than belly & pain telling me to go..however around same time back went L4/5 2014 went 2022 lumbar went all together & Neck gone aswell all these nerves will effect body functions ...was self catheterisating till I couldn't bend ( Hip ) so it's off to neurosurgeon again
I'm wondering why you are worried about a hip replacement? It's so amazing to be able to walk again after mine! I will probably need my knee and shoulders doing. When I was in hosp, I walked the following day up and down the corridor. The shoulder people were in the most pain. My 93 year old friend has just had her hip done! I was 54. Knees take longer than hips to heal, so I heard, but shoulders are harder with pain. If you're still wondering, I fully recommend a couple of weeks of pain, rather than that awful shooting pain every time you stand on it.
I will echo the previous reply. I had both knees replaced at age 46/47 (currently 57) then both hips at 48/49. I am glad I had the hips done, sometimes regret the knees(though, I suspect, if you put me back in the pain I had nearly 4 years constant prior with the near inability to walk at age 48/49) I’d make the same decisions. Best of luck to you!
I had a hip replacement 22 years ago, still going strong although I do get a bit of pain as knees are going and need knee replacement now. Having hip done was best thing I did
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
hip replacement surgery
Hip Replacement Revision
