Avascular Necrosis 2nd hip replacement

inj3cted

Hi All,

I had my right hip replaced just before xmas, and I’m well up on my feet and back to work etc. I got awarded higher rate DLA and passed my driving test and got myself a car, this allowed me to get to work etc. I actually returned to work after 6 weeks and had a replacement (that i was told) should last me 25 years.

However recently my left hip is rapidly deteriorating, i have not been able to walk at all, i have had to start taking tramadol again and that does not please me at all for varying reasons. But it will hopefully allow me to get around again once it kicks in over the next day or two.

I return to university in September to do my final year, so i am in one of hell of a predicament, if i see my surgeon now it will be 6+ week wait for surgery and then 6 week’s recovery. So i really hope to last out until next year once my dissertation etc is finished. But I’m not convinced it’s the best thing to do at the moment

Another thing that concerns me, is when i have my left hip replaced they will then take higher rate DLA away from me thus losing my car. I would not of been able to go to work without my car, and i have been told that i have to spend the rest of my life taking things easy, in pensioner speed mode. The car is intrinsic to my daily life now, and could not afford to get one out of my on wages etc.

It not comfortable having the replacement, its gives off some very strange feelings at times, like a clunk or a pop but it’s a hell of a lot better than the pain i went through, the days of playing football etc are well and truly missed, even the ability to run or even mountain walking are sadly lost forever.

I have looked around various forums about disabled classifications and i would of thought that with having both hips replaced and the rest of your life to consider from a safety perspective that this would be clear and simple, but no its seems even though you have replacements, they then deem you 100% fit and mobile.

I am led to believe that you can only have two replacements and sometimes op’s go wrong and i don’t fancy warming a wheelchair seat after over doing things.

Sorry if this seems like a rant etc, just thought i needed to have a blow out.

skezier

Hi Ing3cted,

I am not sure I know the answers to any of your questions but i can say Hi and welcome to the site. I wonder if the helpline team can help you work out what is best for you to do?

My kid brother has had 2 replacements and they haven't said he can't have another if needed in later life, maybe thats a bot more flexible than the guidelines if you need it?

Any way I do hope you can work out what is best for you and take care, Cris