whats a hip replacement like?

cathsteele

Hi, after years of hip pain ive found out i have severe OA in just my left hip. I am 29 and classed as too young to have a hip replacement at the moment.. does anyone know what age you need to be, or if you have had it done how long does it take to get over the op... want to know what to expect in the future... thanks a lot Catherine

elnafinn

cathsteele wrote:

Hi, after years of hip pain ive found out i have severe OA in just my left hip. I am 29 and classed as too young to have a hip replacement at the moment.. does anyone know what age you need to be, or if you have had it done how long does it take to get over the op... want to know what to expect in the future... thanks a lot Catherine

Hi Catherine

I am sorry to hear about your severe OA in your hip.

You may well get more response if you post on the arthritis forum. I know peeps who call in on there have had hip replacements.

There seems to be no hard and fast rule as to the age one has to be for hip/knee replacements although the consultants usually bang on about waiting as long as possible. :roll:

Many of us on here cannot understand a consultant's logic in waiting until one is 70+ as we want to live our lives now.

Hope you get some feedback soon,

Take care,
Elna

georgielou

cathsteele wrote:

Hi, after years of hip pain ive found out i have severe OA in just my left hip. I am 29 and classed as too young to have a hip replacement at the moment.. does anyone know what age you need to be, or if you have had it done how long does it take to get over the op... want to know what to expect in the future... thanks a lot Catherine

Hiya...................I love my hip replacements to bits!! Its rubbish saying your too young. I had both mine done at 17, ok i will have to have them done again but im now 34 and they are still lovely! Its now you want to get out there and enjoy your life. It doesnt take long to get over the op, i was in hospital for 3 weeks, but i know its less time now. Patience is the key though, and its hard work at physio afterwards but well worth it.
Good luck and let me know what you decide.
Georgie x

tanith

cathsteele wrote:

Hi, after years of hip pain ive found out i have severe OA in just my left hip. I am 29 and classed as too young to have a hip replacement at the moment.. does anyone know what age you need to be, or if you have had it done how long does it take to get over the op... want to know what to expect in the future... thanks a lot Catherine

Hi Cath sorry to hear about your hip pain , i had a THR 5yrs ago on my right hip and the relief from pain was amazing.. I was in hospital for just 5 days and had physio while I was in hospital and managed to walk with sticks on the day I left . The gave me an excercise sheet to follow at home which I did religiously and I was back to work on light duties in 6wks.. the hip is fine but now my left is deteriorating and I had to give up my job so its looking like I will be having a 2nd THR soon... I have heard of people having THR at very young ages it just depends on how its affecting your quality of life.. If you discuss it with your consultant you would have to make sure he knows just how badly ,or not, that its affecting you...

tamsin

Hi

I had a hip replacement about a year and a half ago now, when I was 21. It went really well & I was only in hospital for 5 days. I have no pain at all now, which is great. If the pain etc is affecting your quality of life then I'm sure they would give you a hip replacement. When you're young I think they try & hold the op off for as long as possible, but if it's affecting what you do in life then they should be able to do it!

Good luck!!

claire10

cathsteele wrote:

Hi, after years of hip pain ive found out i have severe OA in just my left hip. I am 29 and classed as too young to have a hip replacement at the moment.. does anyone know what age you need to be, or if you have had it done how long does it take to get over the op... want to know what to expect in the future... thanks a lot Catherine

Hi Catherine just wondered if you decided to have the op. I'm 36 and found out I have OA in my left hip about 2 yrs ago. I've been advised that I will need a THR at some point but its just deciding when to do it. At the moment I'm managing OK doing most things. Its nice to know there are other young people out there going through the same thing.

Take care. Claire

suzster

cathsteele wrote:

Hi, after years of hip pain ive found out i have severe OA in just my left hip. I am 29 and classed as too young to have a hip replacement at the moment.. does anyone know what age you need to be, or if you have had it done how long does it take to get over the op... want to know what to expect in the future... thanks a lot Catherine

hi, not sure if this will help but i had OA in my hip and was told i was to young for hip replacement (i was 29 yrs old at the time!) but i insisted on 2nd opinion and was seen by a specialist at Guys hospital, i ended up having a hip resurfacement. (for info it's called a birmingham hip resurfacing) it is worth asking specialist if this is worh trying or possible. feel free to message me if you want to!

collettem

Hi There,

I am a few years older than you having just turned 35, After years of my docs telling me there was nothing wrong with me I Went private in 07 to be told that my only option was to continue as I am or to have a hip replacement. I had a steroid injection in March and although it only last four weeks it was great as I was able to go out walking and the neve pain in my leg vanished. I was scheduled for a total hip replacement in July which was cancelled at the last moment and was meant to have it done today but I cancelled as my consultant previously said I could try and put up with it another while. Chatted to him on the phone today and explained that I am averaging 4 hours sleep a night and the muscle is now sore. As I am bone on bone I am out of options so have to meet with my consultant and see how much longer I can put it of for. Am very nervous as I am getting cermic on cermic and have read about problems with squeaking but that is the risk I have to take. I know someone who had it done in dec and although a lot older within 6 weeks were back to normal activities. They found it harder coming of painkillers. Let me know what you decide, It is reassuring to know that I am not the only one around this age with the problem and big decisions to make.

isobel

collettem wrote:

Hi There,

I am a few years older than you having just turned 35, After years of my docs telling me there was nothing wrong with me I Went private in 07 to be told that my only option was to continue as I am or to have a hip replacement. I had a steroid injection in March and although it only last four weeks it was great as I was able to go out walking and the neve pain in my leg vanished. I was scheduled for a total hip replacement in July which was cancelled at the last moment and was meant to have it done today but I cancelled as my consultant previously said I could try and put up with it another while. Chatted to him on the phone today and explained that I am averaging 4 hours sleep a night and the muscle is now sore. As I am bone on bone I am out of options so have to meet with my consultant and see how much longer I can put it of for. Am very nervous as I am getting cermic on cermic and have read about problems with squeaking but that is the risk I have to take. I know someone who had it done in dec and although a lot older within 6 weeks were back to normal activities. They found it harder coming of painkillers. Let me know what you decide, It is reassuring to know that I am not the only one around this age with the problem and big decisions to make.

Hi there!

Well I'm 21 and three weeks ago I had both of my hips replaced. They're ceramic on ceramic like yours will be. My advice to you is don't keep putting it off. The sooner you do it, the better because being fitter and having stronger muscle and bone prior to surgery makes getting over it all the easier. My recovery is going really well- I was discharged three days earlier than expected (11 days in total) and am walking around on crutches (full weight bearing the crutches are just for balance). The hips themselves feel fantastic, the biggest challenge is stretching out and strengthening the muscle again. So don't put it off. If you need it, you need it, so you just have to bite the bullet and go for it. Lifes too short to waste any more of it in pain. Yes, there is discomfort after the operation, but its nothing you wont be able to handle, and at least you know every day you're one step closer to not being in pain again!

collettem

isobel wrote:

collettem wrote:

Hi There,
Hi,

I cant believe you are doing so well after having both hips done. I know what you mean about biting the bullet. It is a matter of going for it. It is so frustrating when your doc is telling you what are you going to do when you are fifty, but I need to think about now. I think because it has go so bad over the past few weeks I will have to go for it, as being inactive has resulted in me putting on two stone of weight which I loathe. Anyway going to see the consultant in the next few weeks so will prob have a date arranged for before crimbo. Hope your reovery goes well and it would be great to hear your progress.

Collette






I am a few years older than you having just turned 35, After years of my docs telling me there was nothing wrong with me I Went private in 07 to be told that my only option was to continue as I am or to have a hip replacement. I had a steroid injection in March and although it only last four weeks it was great as I was able to go out walking and the neve pain in my leg vanished. I was scheduled for a total hip replacement in July which was cancelled at the last moment and was meant to have it done today but I cancelled as my consultant previously said I could try and put up with it another while. Chatted to him on the phone today and explained that I am averaging 4 hours sleep a night and the muscle is now sore. As I am bone on bone I am out of options so have to meet with my consultant and see how much longer I can put it of for. Am very nervous as I am getting cermic on cermic and have read about problems with squeaking but that is the risk I have to take. I know someone who had it done in dec and although a lot older within 6 weeks were back to normal activities. They found it harder coming of painkillers. Let me know what you decide, It is reassuring to know that I am not the only one around this age with the problem and big decisions to make.

Hi there!

Well I'm 21 and three weeks ago I had both of my hips replaced. They're ceramic on ceramic like yours will be. My advice to you is don't keep putting it off. The sooner you do it, the better because being fitter and having stronger muscle and bone prior to surgery makes getting over it all the easier. My recovery is going really well- I was discharged three days earlier than expected (11 days in total) and am walking around on crutches (full weight bearing the crutches are just for balance). The hips themselves feel fantastic, the biggest challenge is stretching out and strengthening the muscle again. So don't put it off. If you need it, you need it, so you just have to bite the bullet and go for it. Lifes too short to waste any more of it in pain. Yes, there is discomfort after the operation, but its nothing you wont be able to handle, and at least you know every day you're one step closer to not being in pain again!

newark

collettem wrote:

isobel wrote:

collettem wrote:

Hi There,
Hi,

I cant believe you are doing so well after having both hips done. I know what you mean about biting the bullet. It is a matter of going for it. It is so frustrating when your doc is telling you what are you going to do when you are fifty, but I need to think about now. I think because it has go so bad over the past few weeks I will have to go for it, as being inactive has resulted in me putting on two stone of weight which I loathe. Anyway going to see the consultant in the next few weeks so will prob have a date arranged for before crimbo. Hope your reovery goes well and it would be great to hear your progress.

Collette






I am a few years older than you having just turned 35, After years of my docs telling me there was nothing wrong with me I Went private in 07 to be told that my only option was to continue as I am or to have a hip replacement. I had a steroid injection in March and although it only last four weeks it was great as I was able to go out walking and the neve pain in my leg vanished. I was scheduled for a total hip replacement in July which was cancelled at the last moment and was meant to have it done today but I cancelled as my consultant previously said I could try and put up with it another while. Chatted to him on the phone today and explained that I am averaging 4 hours sleep a night and the muscle is now sore. As I am bone on bone I am out of options so have to meet with my consultant and see how much longer I can put it of for. Am very nervous as I am getting cermic on cermic and have read about problems with squeaking but that is the risk I have to take. I know someone who had it done in dec and although a lot older within 6 weeks were back to normal activities. They found it harder coming of painkillers. Let me know what you decide, It is reassuring to know that I am not the only one around this age with the problem and big decisions to make.

Hi there!

Well I'm 21 and three weeks ago I had both of my hips replaced. They're ceramic on ceramic like yours will be. My advice to you is don't keep putting it off. The sooner you do it, the better because being fitter and having stronger muscle and bone prior to surgery makes getting over it all the easier. My recovery is going really well- I was discharged three days earlier than expected (11 days in total) and am walking around on crutches (full weight bearing the crutches are just for balance). The hips themselves feel fantastic, the biggest challenge is stretching out and strengthening the muscle again. So don't put it off. If you need it, you need it, so you just have to bite the bullet and go for it. Lifes too short to waste any more of it in pain. Yes, there is discomfort after the operation, but its nothing you wont be able to handle, and at least you know every day you're one step closer to not being in pain again!

Hi,

I am so pleased I have joined this forum. After having RA all my life and being diagnosed with OA 3 years ago in my hips I'm also facing the decision of whether to have the op or not. Did you have both replaced at the same time? (Would they do some lipo while they are there?

I am now 36 and have been offered ceramic on ceramic. I was worried about the repairs as they are also major surgery and from what I hear aren't as good. I'm quite active now but the thought of a full nights sleep is very, very tempting...
I saw my surgeon on Friday and has left it up to me. Just don't know what to do.

L

collettem

newark wrote:

collettem wrote:

isobel wrote:

Hi there!

Well I'm 21 and three weeks ago I had both of my hips replaced. They're ceramic on ceramic like yours will be. My advice to you is don't keep putting it off. The sooner you do it, the better because being fitter and having stronger muscle and bone prior to surgery makes getting over it all the easier. My recovery is going really well- I was discharged three days earlier than expected (11 days in total) and am walking around on crutches (full weight bearing the crutches are just for balance). The hips themselves feel fantastic, the biggest challenge is stretching out and strengthening the muscle again. So don't put it off. If you need it, you need it, so you just have to bite the bullet and go for it. Lifes too short to waste any more of it in pain. Yes, there is discomfort after the operation, but its nothing you wont be able to handle, and at least you know every day you're one step closer to not being in pain again!

Hi,

I am so pleased I have joined this forum. After having RA all my life and being diagnosed with OA 3 years ago in my hips I'm also facing the decision of whether to have the op or not. Did you have both replaced at the same time? (Would they do some lipo while they are there?

I am now 36 and have been offered ceramic on ceramic. I was worried about the repairs as they are also major surgery and from what I hear aren't as good. I'm quite active now but the thought of a full nights sleep is very, very tempting...
I saw my surgeon on Friday and has left it up to me. Just don't know what to do.

L

newark

collettem wrote:

newark wrote:

collettem wrote:

Hi,

Well, I think you guys have helped me make my decision. I was slightly put off by the warnings about having to have at least two repairs later on but I think you are right. While we are hanging around waiting for the miracle everlasting replacement we aren't exactly living life to the full. I'm going to speak to my RA consultant next month and then go on the waiting list. Eeek! a bit scary isn't it?
They don't really tell you that resurfacing isn't always an option if you have had RA for a long time do they?
Many thanks. It's such a relief to know there are others out there in the same boat. Well done on your fantastic recovery, gives me something to aim for. x

collettem

Hi All after being penciled in twice for surgery and both been canceled I decided to arrange an apt for surgery with my consultant. However things did not go to plan, when I informed him that I was allergic to nickel he told me that hip resurfacing was ruled out even though he told me he was going to do a total hip replacement. When I explained that my discs were giving me problems and that this was due to my hip being wore away, he has decided to send me for an mri for my back to ensure that my 3 bulging discs have not prolapsed and cancelled my hip replacement. As always my back is in total spasms and as I have a hiatus hernia am unable to take anti inflamatories so the pain or spasms never go only get worse, between this and the hip pain, dead leg and nerve pain, and muscle wastage I am pretty fed up at this stage as even driving and walking for more than five minutes is agony. Does anyone know anything that I can take to reduce the inflamation while I am waiting to c if I am going to get my hip replacement. After four years of this A new hip will be much appreciated.

isobel

Hi,

I am so pleased I have joined this forum. After having RA all my life and being diagnosed with OA 3 years ago in my hips I'm also facing the decision of whether to have the op or not. Did you have both replaced at the same time? (Would they do some lipo while they are there?

I am now 36 and have been offered ceramic on ceramic. I was worried about the repairs as they are also major surgery and from what I hear aren't as good. I'm quite active now but the thought of a full nights sleep is very, very tempting...
I saw my surgeon on Friday and has left it up to me. Just don't know what to do.

L[/quote][/quote]


Hahaha! I thought exactly the same thing about lipo! Its ridiculous, I'm 5 foot 3 and a size 6-8 but my thighs are so fatty because I couldnt move them properly or do much before the op. Well they cut right through the saddle bags and I think theyre a bit smaller now!! So good news!

Yeah they did both at once. They warned me if I bled too much in the op then theyd stop at one, but thankfully they managed both in one sitting. Im so glad they did. Its like starting with a clean slate. Its about 4 weeks post op now and im walking around town with one crutch. I can only stay up for about an hour but thats not because my hips hurt, but because I get tired. I'm so excited because I feel like im getting my life back.

I know what you mean about the repairs. I tried to look at it as logically as possible. You can either take the op, and have twenty or so years pain free and then maybe some problems later on with the repairs, or you can spend your entire life in pain for definate. When I thought about it like that there wasnt really an decision to make. Where are you being operated on? Mine was at UCH, the surgeon was fantastic.

newark

Hahaha! I thought exactly the same thing about lipo! Its ridiculous, I'm 5 foot 3 and a size 6-8 but my thighs are so fatty because I couldnt move them properly or do much before the op. Well they cut right through the saddle bags and I think theyre a bit smaller now!! So good news!

Yeah they did both at once. They warned me if I bled too much in the op then theyd stop at one, but thankfully they managed both in one sitting. Im so glad they did. Its like starting with a clean slate. Its about 4 weeks post op now and im walking around town with one crutch. I can only stay up for about an hour but thats not because my hips hurt, but because I get tired. I'm so excited because I feel like im getting my life back.

I know what you mean about the repairs. I tried to look at it as logically as possible. You can either take the op, and have twenty or so years pain free and then maybe some problems later on with the repairs, or you can spend your entire life in pain for definate. When I thought about it like that there wasnt really an decision to make. Where are you being operated on? Mine was at UCH, the surgeon was fantastic.[/quote]


That sounds like good advice. I think I have decided to go for it. Need to ask if they will do both at once - they are both in same state so can't see why not. I will have mine done at NNUH, supposed to be excellent surgeon so should be ok.

Well done on getting up and about so quickly. I'm fairly active so was a bit scared of my body turning to mush while I recover, but as you say, the future is very exciting.

Also encouraged by the trimming of the saddle bags. I'm just 5 foot and wondered if it would be unreasonable to ask for slight extensions at the same time? Might be pushing my luck a bit there I guess...

suzster

collettem wrote:

Hi All after being penciled in twice for surgery and both been canceled I decided to arrange an apt for surgery with my consultant. However things did not go to plan, when I informed him that I was allergic to nickel he told me that hip resurfacing was ruled out even though he told me he was going to do a total hip replacement. When I explained that my discs were giving me problems and that this was due to my hip being wore away, he has decided to send me for an mri for my back to ensure that my 3 bulging discs have not prolapsed and cancelled my hip replacement. As always my back is in total spasms and as I have a hiatus hernia am unable to take anti inflamatories so the pain or spasms never go only get worse, between this and the hip pain, dead leg and nerve pain, and muscle wastage I am pretty fed up at this stage as even driving and walking for more than five minutes is agony. Does anyone know anything that I can take to reduce the inflamation while I am waiting to c if I am going to get my hip replacement. After four years of this A new hip will be much appreciated.

hi, i just wanted to say that i'm also alergic to nickel and it hasn't caused any problems at all. i had my hip resurfaced at Guys hospital in London about 5 yrs ago and it is fine. no problems, the resurfacing is made (i think) of titanium. i even had alergy testing before op and they found out about my nickel allergy then but it made no difference to the op and it was done a few weeks later.
i hope you don't mind me posting this!
sue

collettem

suzster wrote:

collettem wrote:

Hi All after being penciled in twice for surgery and both been canceled I decided to arrange an apt for surgery with my consultant. However things did not go to plan, when I informed him that I was allergic to nickel he told me that hip resurfacing was ruled out even though he told me he was going to do a total hip replacement. When I explained that my discs were giving me problems and that this was due to my hip being wore away, he has decided to send me for an mri for my back to ensure that my 3 bulging discs have not prolapsed and cancelled my hip replacement. As always my back is in total spasms and as I have a hiatus hernia am unable to take anti inflamatories so the pain or spasms never go only get worse, between this and the hip pain, dead leg and nerve pain, and muscle wastage I am pretty fed up at this stage as even driving and walking for more than five minutes is agony. Does anyone know anything that I can take to reduce the inflamation while I am waiting to c if I am going to get my hip replacement. After four years of this A new hip will be much appreciated.

hi, i just wanted to say that i'm also alergic to nickel and it hasn't caused any problems at all. i had my hip resurfaced at Guys hospital in London about 5 yrs ago and it is fine. no problems, the resurfacing is made (i think) of titanium. i even had alergy testing before op and they found out about my nickel allergy then but it made no difference to the op and it was done a few weeks later.
i hope you don't mind me posting this!
sue

Hi

Good to hear from you. At present my head is pickled on one hand I am terrified of getting anything done and on the other side I am tearing my hair out with frustration as I cant walk exercise and all the other stuff. My consultant has done a complete u turn especially on discovering the nickel allergy. I am waiting to see him as I had my mri done two weeks ago of my back and I am hopefully going to get something agreed. it is really good to hear that five years on yours is ok. Can you do aerobic exercise etc and I know this is probably really silly I am a little freaked out about the thought of having a false joint, but on the other hand I so want to be able to exercises again.

Cheers

Collette

suzster

hi, well my hip is a thousand times better than it was before resurfacing op, i have got a much better range of movement, but because my muscles were pretty much non existent before op it does take time to build up strength, but the best part is no pain!
i had mine done at Guys hospital and they were fantastic, i have to go up every yr to get it checked but apart from that no problems.
i would recomend it!
sorry i didn't reply for ages, i forget to check here so i will try to remember to look next time i'm on the forum.
if you want to ask anything please feel free to send me a message, i will answer the best i can, but i understand your worries, i was fine with having the op done until the night before, when i suddenly got really scared, after all it's a big step to take, but as i said it was worth it i promise you!
take care and do please message me if you want to, i'm on here most days.
sue

jennaangel

hi catherine my name is jenna im new on here but just saw your post they cant class you as too young for hip replacements, surely im 17 and had both myne replaced about two years ago it was meant to take no longer than six weeks but inbetween i had an infection so it took me longer to recover i can remember the first time i sat up after like 6 weeks i went dizzy because i sat up to quick if you need any more help contact me im glad to help

collettem

Hi everyone,

After a quiet Christmas due to a number of slipped discs caused by my hip problem I have today got a date for my hip replacement. My determination to keep walking wrecked my back completely and I am tomorrow getting injections into the facet joints. Went to visit my consultant today and he had already a date set for me. Although I know I need it I am petrified as it is five weeks away I was wondering if anyone has any pre op advice in preparation.

joannec

Hi - I too have never used a forum before, but on looking at these postings, was amazed that there are others out there like me!

I'm 36 (next week!) and was diagnosed as having hip dysplasia in July 08. At the mo, my Cons has also said I'm too "young" and earlier this month I've had an MRI, as on discussion with his colleagues the agreement was that a hip replacement should be delayed. He's discussed hip resurfacing, and now has sent all my info to Birmingham for consideration of "pelvic osteotomy". Other than the obvious fears of surgery/recovery, a big consideration are my family: that being hubby, and 2 girls aged 6 & 3! Anyone who's a mum knows, you just haven't got time to be ill - let alone for a big stretch of time like 2-3 mths!

Has anyone else out there heard/had this pelvic osteotomy and have any of you had to cope with recovery vs children!?

PS - I do wonder if I should perhaps wait - my pain is nowhere near as bad as those of you coping on 4 hrs sleep a night or suffering with a crumbling back!! Hats off to you guys! x

collettem

Hi
I am 35 and due to dysplsia have to have my hip replaced in 5 wks though at this stage would go tomorrow. I was not told about the alignment but to be fair my hip is to far gone for anything but a replacement. I am not able to get resurfacing as I am allergic to nickel so my con will not do it. But I have read if you can get the alignment it can help. I hope you get the right treatment and it is always helpful to know that there is others out there with the same.

C

joannec

collettem wrote:

Hi
I am 35 and due to dysplsia have to have my hip replaced in 5 wks though at this stage would go tomorrow. I was not told about the alignment but to be fair my hip is to far gone for anything but a replacement. I am not able to get resurfacing as I am allergic to nickel so my con will not do it. But I have read if you can get the alignment it can help. I hope you get the right treatment and it is always helpful to know that there is others out there with the same.

C

Hi Colette - so how long have you been suffering/diagnosed? I've had right hip pain for about 15 yrs, and after having the kids (& carrying them around) it got particularly uncomfortable so was referred for physio - it had always been treated as muscular, until April 08 when it was particularly bad and a kindly locum gp suggested a full range of tests, including an x-ray, which is where its been picked up from! I now have good & bad days - on a good day people notice I'm hobbling, but I'M not actually aware of it. On a bad day (ie if I've been on my feet for a couple of hours) I need to put my feet up for the rest of the day! I wake up some nights with pain, but never as bad as someone posted earlier!

Part of me feels like I should go for it, as I can't walk the kids to school, I need a seat if we go to the park and I have to sit down when I iron (I have ALOT of ironing LOL!) - its just a pain (excuse the pun!) so surely I need it NOW while kids are younger?, the other part thinks I should hang on like the Cons says?

I'm under a 4mth review (apr) unless I hear any more about being referred on to Birmingham?

Jo

collettem

joannec wrote:

collettem wrote:

Hi
I am 35 and due to dysplsia have to have my hip replaced in 5 wks though at this stage would go tomorrow. I was not told about the alignment but to be fair my hip is to far gone for anything but a replacement. I am not able to get resurfacing as I am allergic to nickel so my con will not do it. But I have read if you can get the alignment it can help. I hope you get the right treatment and it is always helpful to know that there is others out there with the same.

C

Hi Colette - so how long have you been suffering/diagnosed? I've had right hip pain for about 15 yrs, and after having the kids (& carrying them around) it got particularly uncomfortable so was referred for physio - it had always been treated as muscular, until April 08 when it was particularly bad and a kindly locum gp suggested a full range of tests, including an x-ray, which is where its been picked up from! I now have good & bad days - on a good day people notice I'm hobbling, but I'M not actually aware of it. On a bad day (ie if I've been on my feet for a couple of hours) I need to put my feet up for the rest of the day! I wake up some nights with pain, but never as bad as someone posted earlier!

Part of me feels like I should go for it, as I can't walk the kids to school, I need a seat if we go to the park and I have to sit down when I iron (I have ALOT of ironing LOL!) - its just a pain (excuse the pun!) so surely I need it NOW while kids are younger?, the other part thinks I should hang on like the Cons says?

I'm under a 4mth review (apr) unless I hear any more about being referred on to Birmingham?

Jo

Hi Joe,

I was only diagnosed in March 07 as my GPwas telling me it was all in my head. It was only when I went private I found out I thought all along it was my back so it was a bit of a shock. Although I have had back pain and restricted hip movement for about ten years. In dec 08 I found out about being born with the dysplasia which was good as I knew the why. All I can is in March 07 I had four bulging discs all the lower lumber. As my hip has gotten worse with me trying to persist with the walking My last MRI in Jan 09 showed problems from T1 to the lower lumber all caused by the hip pulling the back out of alignment. I can not walk and driving is a struggle so I am accepting that I need it done and like you spend a lot of time sitting. I cant get the resurfacing as I am allergic to nickel and because I dont have children yet something to do with metal going into the blood stream. Have they suggested a steroid injection into the hip? I had one done and although it only lasted about a month it was great I was out walking every evening for half an hour.

newark

Well, I did it. Went in for my op on Sat 10th Jan and came home the following Sunday. Had both hips replaced at once.

My surgeon insists his patients stay in bed for four days (I wasn't complaining!) so I didn't stand up until later in the week. I don't know about anyone else but I was amazed that it didn't hurt to stand. I was on paracetamol, codiene and small amounts of oral morphiene (for the first few days) but even so.

Everything felt stiff and awkward to move but none of it was unbearable. I can honestly say that in spite of the surgery pain I was in less pain even the day after surgery than before.

i was on crutches when I came out of hospital, down to one crutch within 2 weeks after that and none after a further couple of weeks.

Provided I took regular little walks and rested as well as doing the physio exercises it all went well. I have now learnt to walk properly again - it's been a lot of years - and am gradually getting back to normal.

Lots of patience and a liking for daytime TV essential!!

All in all it's not been a bad experience, all of it bearable and kind of exciting to have a full nights sleep. Two things helped; 1) i made sure I didn;t eat or drink too much the day before the op and 2) I took Arnica tablets just before the op and regularly afterwards. These help reduce the internal bruising and swelling and will not interfer with any other medication. My whole family swears by these for any op. Get them from your local homeopathic store.

I still swell up a little bit at the end of the day - oh another tip - make sure you buy knickers at least two sizes bigger and have a dress or very baggy clothes for afterwards. I went in a 10 and left a size 18 in bottom half! Dont worry, the swelling goes down quickly and I am back into normal clothes for the most part now.

Just thought I would share my experience on here as I know how scared I was before I made my decision to go ahead. I now know how you others who have had it done mean - whatever was I waiting for? x