Need Total hip replacement at 55

mazzy55
mazzy55 Member Posts: 2
edited 5. Jun 2025, 07:44 in Living with arthritis

I developed pain in my growing about a year ago and three months ago was told by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon that I need a hip replacement.
In a year I have gone from being very adventurous and active, yoga, swimming and cycling and working full time to being off sick and only able to walk short distances.
The pain is severe and worse at night. I’ve tried various medications and also alternative therapies but the pain continues and so does the lack of mobility.
I am really fearful of the surgery. Has anyone got any advice they can offer?

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Comments

  • Poppyjane
    Poppyjane Moderator Posts: 922

    Welcome @mazzy55 to the community

    Hearing a diagnosis of OA is always a shock and when you have been as active as you describe a real curtailment of your activities and lifestyle. We have all had to reassess and adjust our outlooks to accommodate our conditions but the emotional turmoil that takes a lot of getting used to. We are glad you found us because many of us in the community know some of what you are going through and are here if you want to vent, or cry to offer you support.

    There are loads of us who have had joint replacements and some who have expressed real fear of surgery but have talked about it with others here . So do access the "hippy" diaries (go to the magnifying glass symbol top right) and read about and chat to others, it is really helpful.

    Meanwhile I attach some links which you might find useful

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/november/ways-to-help-manage-hip-pain/

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/hip-replacement-surgery/

    I hope you will join us again soon

    Best wishes

    Poppyjane

    If it would be helpful to talk to someone ring the Helpline 0800 5200 520

    Monday - Friday 9.00a.m. - 6.00p.m.

  • Fran54
    Fran54 Member Posts: 310

    @mazzy55

    there are quite a few of us "hippies" on here who have had THR and many a question has been asked and honestly answered. As mentioned by @Poppyjane please do a search for various threads on here and if you still need help with anything at all just ask as we are all here to help and support each other. I will say that I had lots of questions and felt apprehensive before my surgery but there are no regrets especially once the debilitating pain and stiffness was gone. Take care.🙂

  • Coddfish
    Coddfish Member Posts: 91

    Once your hip has become as symptomatic as you describe, it is not going to improve. Hip replacement surgery is generally a highly effective procedure, transformational for many people. Yes, the first bit of recovery is tough, but you soon get through it. I had my right hip replaced in 2021, and my left 2 weeks ago. I am through the worst bit of recovery now, and although it will be a few more weeks before I am fully fit, it’s clear it will be absolutely fine.

  • KatLB
    KatLB Member Posts: 6

    Hi @mazzy55
    You’ve definitely come to the right place😊 I had the same prognosis last February, I’m 52 and went to the doc after continuous pain in my hip, like you it was debilitatIng (and skiing last New year was the killer!). I had my hip replacement done in Aug 2024 and I’m so happy I did. I’m now back to swimming, Pilates, lots of walking, cycling, gym… I’m telling you this because a year (probably less) from now you could be back to doing all the things you love. Don’t hesitate.
    Don’t google what happens during the op, but do check out everyone’s diaries on here, they are so helpful in preparing you for before and after surgery. Ops are scary but it’s worth it - your hip pain will go, you will have a brand new hip😀the only pain will be in the muscles around it which is where all the physio comes in - check out the exercises on this website for before op and do what you can.
    I’m getting psyched up to get my other hip done, then I’ll be hitting the slopes again🤞🏻.
    Take care, Kat

  • cocoa
    cocoa Member Posts: 25

    @mazzy55

    You’re only young so hopefully you will be back to some normality a lot quicker ! I am 76 now hip replacement scheduled for 9 July and terrified but after one year of waiting can’t wait to get it over with now and able to get back to walking and going my garden . Keep posting and by the way look for any versus arthritis groups near You. I’ve only just discovered two local ones coukd have been attending once a month and git further support !!
    cocoa

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