Hip Surgery with Fibromyalgia

[Johnstonablc]

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a little over a year ago, along with osteoarthritis. I am about to have my right hip replaced due to osteoarthritis. The docs have said it will be harder for me, because of the fibromyalgia. Has anyone else undergone hip surgery with fibro? Thanks

[M0AL61 Moderator Volunteer]

I haven't had hip surgery, but I have had a few other major operations with fibromyalgia, and my recovery was just as quick as those who didn't have fibromyalgia.

When I was in hospital I made sure that all the staff, from the nurses, to the anaesthetist to the surgeon were aware that I had fibromyalgia.

To be honest, the thing I found the worst was the uncomfortable hospital beds. They really hurt my bum! So, if you're able to perhaps purchase your own rubber ring to sit on, or ask the nursing staff if they can get one for you - I did get a couple of sores on my bum when I had my last operation.

The pain was kept under control, both when I was in hospital and when I got home.

Good luck with everything. x

[Olivia77]

Hi I had a hip replacement a few years ago I was expecting the worst but surprised how quick I was up and about and I think that may be the best thing. I didn't go out for a while but did the exercises they give you. What I did find and this probably won't for you I got very down when I didn't get the mobility back I was expecting so don't beat yourself up if you are not ice skating by Christmas. Hope all goes well and keep us updated olivia

[Sue1955]

Hi there I’ve had both my hips replaced and had fibro for 25 yrs, at least you have been warned it may effect your fibro when I had my first one done in 2009 they said it wouldn’t make a difference, it took them past the second one in 2012 to say well for someone with fibro your doing well lol. Ok so my experience is yes it gets rid of the burning pain and the unreliability of hips letting me down as they became very unreliable prior to op, but don’t expect to be running around like a person without fibro, although everybody’s experience is different. I believe if. I hadn’t had them done I would be in a wheelchair now which I’m not thanks to op I manage to walk but not pain free, it’s a slow process back after the op I did everything I was told and the recovery was reasonably quick. Take it steady and listen to your body, as somebody else said I too was up on a Zimmer frame with in 24hrs of the op, you just have rules to follow. The first one I returned to work with in 5mths by the second I returned but then had to take early retirement.

I hope my honesty isn’t too off putting but if you go into it with an idea of what it may be like, I think it’s better I had high expectations so reality that I couldn’t walk 5 miles like I used to years ago was hard to take. Anyway good luck for the op I hope all goes fantastic for you, so now I’m off to walk my dogs a bit slower than most but at least I can do it lol regards sue

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

Hi there hope all goes well for you and that having the replacement hip will feel much better , let us know how you get on and wishing you well Yasmin Tina