Hip replacement - yes or no?

[Xzbv]

Hi I’m a 71 year old female with osteoarthritis in my hip. I used to walk for miles but now have pain and a limp. Doctors are reluctant to offer hip replacement but I just want to get back my life. I know it’s major surgery and I’m not a high priority for the nhs. I’d love to hear your opinions and experiences of hip replacement.

[DorsetLady]

Why are they reluctant? Just because of current situation or something else? GP or orthopaedic doctors?

Have you been through the MSK system for all options?

My right hip was replaced some 20 months ago - deteriorated quite quickly - probably due to an arthritic knee, on other leg which resulted in a limp and uneven spread of weight. The result was amazing.

If your quality of life is being impacted, please press for some relief. There is no reason - other than the ever-increasing waiting lists due to Covid 19 - for it not to be done.

[Xzbv in reply to DorsetLady]

What’s MSK? I was seen a year ago by an orthopaedic clinic who said I was too young! And referred to some physio classes which were not very good. I’ve had an X Ray 6 weeks ago and have a video phone appointment with the hospital in October. I’m so glad you had a successful operation. Incidentally when I had my X Ray I mentioned to the technician that I was thinking of a hip replacement and he pulled a long face and shook his head.

[DorsetLady in reply to Xzbv]

MSK - musculoskeletal- probably same as clinic you went to - just a different name!

I was 71 when mine was done - so rubbish about age - unless it’s hospital policy- but I don’t think it’s nhs view.

I had my knee replaced in 2018, hip in 2019 and shoulder in Feb this year - just before lockdown!

If the 3, the hip was the easiest to recover from - both operation-wise and rehab-wise although you do have to be a bit careful first few weeks. So not sure where x-ray technician is coming from.

Versus arthritis site is good if you don’t already view it - versusarthritis.org

Good luck

[Xzbv in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks, I will check out that site.

[Samba50]

Hi

I’m 51 and I had a total hip replacement nearly 3 years ago. This was after having spent 2 years prior in physio thinking it was sciatica. People kept saying I was too young to get this done but you need some quality of life. I can now walk without the use of a walking stick and feel much more freedom. Ask why you are not being considered for it. You need to know and need some solution.

[Xzbv in reply to Samba50]

Thanks, I’ve got a video appointment in October and will make it clear that I want to be considered for a hip replacement.

[Spencermm]

Go anterior rather than posterior.

(If you're in the UK that may be standard procedure, as i believe anterior started there. In The Colonies it is not standard)

Way less pain and shorter rehab.

[Xzbv]

Thanks for the tip