Hip re replacement

knockback
knockback Member Posts: 10
edited 25. Jan 2009, 07:00 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi,
For the last 3 months I've had bad groin pain, muscle pain and tightness in left thigh. My walking is restricted and stiff movement wise - I cannot do side abduction. Went to see consultant today who thinks it may be that my hip replacement of 16 years needs replacing. I had an x-ray but have to wait to see surgeon. Please can anyone tell me what their hip replacement felt like when it had to be replaced? Did you have groin pain, extreme stiffness all within a couple of weeks of the initial pain? Did exercie help or hinder? I find swimming hurts. Any info would be great as I think it may be muscle strain but not sure. - I'd like it to be just that x :lol:

Comments

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    Sorry I know nothing, but just wanted to offer my sympathy and hope that someone out there on the forum might be able to help you today.
    Good luck
    Toni x :(
  • annebrown
    annebrown Member Posts: 4
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    When my hips needed re replacements(called revision) They hurt when taking weight, that was my main sympton. An x ray usually reveals any loosening. However, my advice would be to hang on as long as possible, as revisions are not as good as the original. Cheers Anne
  • perran
    perran Member Posts: 1
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    [ :D:D ]
    Hello
    You should certainly go and have some more tests. I have just had a 2nd hip replacement recently and my symptoms were like yours. Don't leave it any longer. I left mine too long and ended up getting very low in spirits! Nearly back to normal now although still very tired - 'op done 7 weeks ago so still early days. Don't push yourself too far - just take the first 'op date you can get!!!

    Good luck :lol:
  • knockback
    knockback Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for your replies. I am typing this whilst resting. Waiting to see surgeon but pain has become immense. I cannot lift leg, groin pain is intense and increased pain in pelvis. Unable to weight bear and yes, spirits getting low. Just can't do anything. Hope it gets sorted soon but thank you for your support and advice. Will let you know what happens xjavascript:emoticon(':?')
  • knockback
    knockback Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hiya! Perran,

    Hope you're well. Just to let you know I eventually had my hip re replacement two weeks ago. It was in a bad state as the cup literally fell out in the surgeons hands. Well, it had 16 years good use. I'm non weight bearing (well, i can touch foot to floor but no weight through it yet) as had to have bone grafts to fix in new joint. Pelvis was a bit fractured too so we'll see what happens. Physio to build up muscles and just taking it steady. Thanks for your advice tho. I was so down with the pain and glad now it has been kind of sorted - fingers crossed. How are you getting on with yours? x
  • jeanniep
    jeanniep Member Posts: 42
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi everyone,
    I'm new to this messaging lark so hope this makes sense.
    I'm interested in the topic of re replacement of hip joints, as I'm waiting for my first. Dr at hospital was reluctant to put me on waiting list as i am only 55, and it will probably new redoing in ten or fifteen years time. He said it would be a cementless one with a big ball on the joint as they're less likely to dislocate.
    My question is really - should I struggle on with the pain I'm getting at the moment (manageable most of the time) but lead a restricted life, or go for it now, live life to the full, and accept i'll have to get it done again in the future, which might not be too successful. Has anyone else experienced revision of cementless THR, and are they trickier than the other sort?
    Oh, the Dr also said he knew of one hip replacement that had been going for 28 years. So that's hopeful.
    Thanks
    Jean
  • knockback
    knockback Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Jean,

    I would say go for the THR as they are great. Mine gave me a lease of life at the age of 14 and have lasted until just recently - well, the left one has just been redone 16 years later. Hip joints are being redesigned all the time and I read recently that they are planning to make them last longer with a new coating they use on them. No one can depict an exact date and you have to remember that the averages they give are based on older makes. The newer ones probably last longer and are sturdier. Mines an old style one. If you wait you will have more pain and the hip will become stiffer making it more difficult when you do have it done. In the meantime do work on your quad muscles by doing clenching of thigh muscles by lying on back and pushing knees into bed and then relaxing. Work on abduction (out to the sides) and bending of the knee.
    THR do give a new lease of life, free of pain and stiffness. They will last as long as you want. If you lead an over active life then they may not last as long. Go steady and enjoy. x
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi knock back and jeannie,
    I am very interested to hear from someone who`s been there, done that etc.. I am 40 and am due to have my 1st THR soon. Knock back you say you had bone grafts this time, how was that? I will need this too as I have bilateral hip dysplasia and my head of femur has gone up into my pelvis. My consultant says he will need to do a graft with bone from my pelvis. I am nervous of the surgery but keen to get my life back!! What other exercise would you recommend in preparation? Sorry about lots of questions!!! :oops:
    Jeannie, I would be keen to keep in touch to see how you`re doing etc.. If thats ok with you :):)
    Nicola
  • knockback
    knockback Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Nearly Bionic,
    No worries re questions, it's good to chat to people to know what to expect as surgeons, drs, physios can only tell you so much. As for the bone grafts - mine were from a bone bank as my bone is not great to be used. A bone bank is donated bone from people who have had replacements whose bone is strong. It is cleaned and checked for infection before being used again. The idea is that your body will eat it up and this promotes your body to produce more. Ask your surgeon if this could be an option save using yours. I am only 2.5weeks post op so it's early days for me re this re replacement but will keep you updated.
    The exercises I recommended can also be done in a standing position. Also, try lying on your side and lift the top leg up straight and hold for a count of 5-10 and then slowly lower back down. Do about 10 of these on each side. As much as pain allows. The stronger the quad muscles the better. Also, try not to let the muscle at the front that joins your hip to your knee get too tight. If it is getting tight put your leg over the edge of the bed and lift your other one. This should provide a bit of a stretch and keep that muscle mobile.
    Hope that helps. If you need any other info let me know.
    The new ceramic hips look great - a lady, who was in her 40's, had one whilst I was is hospital recently and she was up walking on the 2nd day. By day 5 she had got down to using only one crutch. It is hard work so prepare yourself mentally as well as physically. However difficult try and maintain a positive outlook as this helps the road to recovery. I'm here if you need any more advice or to offload.
    Take care and all the best x
  • granter
    granter Member Posts: 24
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    This is a bit of a different topic but I don't know where else to ask. I think I need a new hip. I have RA of 40 years and low dose steroids for 35. As I have osteoporosis now, do any of you know anything about having a new hip in spite of it? Have you heard of anyone with osteopososis having a new hip? Oh and I use a wheelchair. I'd be grateful for any info.
  • knockback
    knockback Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Granter,
    Have you spoken to a surgeon about the possibility of a THR? My pelvis and hips are very weak, bone very eroded (my physio described my bone as being like cheese!) which is why I had the bone graft done. How well this will take I do not know yet. It can take upto 2 years for it to be completely taken. As the new joints available are lighter they may not put too much strain on the bones but it is best to ask a medical professional. Remember you can always ask for a second opinion too. When visiting your GP or Rheumatologist consultant it is best to lay on how much pain you are in and lack of movement. STress how your quality of life is diminishing, you cannot sleep due to the hip pain, you feel emotionally drained etc - they take, well they should do, all of these things into account. Let me know if there's anything else I may be able to help with x
  • granter
    granter Member Posts: 24
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    knockback wrote:
    Hi Granter,
    Have you spoken to a surgeon about the possibility of a THR? My pelvis and hips are very weak, bone very eroded (my physio described my bone as being like cheese!) which is why I had the bone graft done. How well this will take I do not know yet. It can take upto 2 years for it to be completely taken. As the new joints available are lighter they may not put too much strain on the bones but it is best to ask a medical professional. Remember you can always ask for a second opinion too. When visiting your GP or Rheumatologist consultant it is best to lay on how much pain you are in and lack of movement. STress how your quality of life is diminishing, you cannot sleep due to the hip pain, you feel emotionally drained etc - they take, well they should do, all of these things into account. Let me know if there's anything else I may be able to help with x


    Not sure what reply with quote means. Thanks for that. I haven't spoken to anyone yet as I am between visits to rheumatologist. Not sure whether to ask to see a surgeon before i go on anti TNF in Feb. Just in so much pain I feel mixed up and helpless. As you do. Thanks
  • jeanniep
    jeanniep Member Posts: 42
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi knockback
    thanks for your good wishes and hope. I didn't know that pelvis and other bones could be strengthened with bone grafts - i hope yours goes well and heals to make you strong.
    I am doing exercises - in fact have been visiting a local gym for the past couple of months on a GP referral scheme which has been brilliant. My aim is to get as strong as I can before the op. My abduction is lousy - I try and raise the left leg when lying on my side and it merely winces and ignores me! so I've got a way to go yet. I'm glad I discovered this siter though as you are the experts and so bloomin' supportive.
    thanks to everyone.
    Jean
  • knockback
    knockback Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Not sure what reply with quote means. Thanks for that. I haven't spoken to anyone yet as I am between visits to rheumatologist. Not sure whether to ask to see a surgeon before i go on anti TNF in Feb. Just in so much pain I feel mixed up and helpless. As you do. Thanks[/quote]

    Feeling mixed up and helpless is a true arthurian/rheumarian - welcome to the gang (smiling) I've been on anti TNF for nearly 2 years now. I'm on enbrel injections once a week. They really work for me - touch wood. Try the Anti TNF first as this does reduce pain and swelling and also gives more energy as you're not in so much pain so you can use energy to do things rather than fight pain. But do mention your hip to your Rheumie on your next visit. Says it is a concern and please can it be kept an eye on. Worth a try. Let me know how it goes and wish you all the best x
  • knockback
    knockback Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Jean,
    Thanks for your well wishes.
    Good luck with the gym That's fab. Do a few for me - hee hee!
    Don't worry about the abduction on your side. This does tend to get weak. You can work on it also in the standing position. Lean on something and lift your leg out to the side, hold and then back to start postion. Use a very small weight on your foot if you can manage it. Doing it lying down is hard as you are working against gravity too. Try in the pool too doing side abductions. Have fun and all the best too.
    Knockback x
  • jeanniep
    jeanniep Member Posts: 42
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi knockback
    thanks for advice - will do this. Best in the pool though, as it won't matter if i fall over then, will it? :)
    Cheers
    JeanP
  • ikesother
    ikesother Member Posts: 171
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi there, my first post! couldnt help replying im in exactly the same position as you; had hip displasia and now need a thr at the grand old age of 41. Its pants really. have managed for the last 3 years but am in so much pain, discomfort etc decided enough was enough! my local hospital were willing to do the op, but as i researched found mine wouldnt be a text book op, so got a second opinion and am now going to a more specialised hospital in sheffield. had my pre op on jan 2, hopefully everythings ok to go, am told upto 12 weeks, so should be hearing from them soon omg:)