Told to young for hip replacement

Cb1980

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Hi so pleased to of found somewhere for honest opinions :).

I am 38 years old and have been suffering with my hip since my mid 20s, however my mobility has decreased much more in the last 2-3 years. It’s like I’m a contortionist trying to get my socks on. I workout a lot to keep the pain and flexibility at its best but even that is starting to cause regular problems now. I’m lucky the pain isn’t horrendous but this is purely through keeping up the exercise. Mobility is the biggest problem.

My doctor says they won’t operate on me as I’m to young and it’s not recommended. However I think this is more about the NHS funding than what’s best for me. I'm nervous about leaving it too long and ruining my knees and other hip.

I wanted to get your feedback and experience from people who have had operations young and possibly those who have had to have it done a second time on its success.

Also experience with different types of new hip joints. Hope that makes sense thank you.
 
@Cb1980 ,
Welcome to BoneSmart, glad you joined us!

Age is not a determinant for a THR, how your bum hip is effecting you life is the determines when you need a THR. You are to young to be limited by your hip.
We have many members in their teens and 20's who have had successful hip replacements.
Teenage hip replacements

Here is an article about approaches and incisions, THR approaches or incisions
The most important factor in success of your THR is your surgeon, be sure to pick someone you are both comfortable with, and who does lots and lots of THR's. 100+ a year.

In the articles below is a score chart, be sure to fill it out and print it. Take it to your OS so both of you can see just how limited your life has become.

If you are at the stage where you have joint pain but don't know for sure if you are ready to have surgery, these links may help:
Score Chart: How bad is my arthritic hip?
Choosing a surgeon and a prosthesis
BMI Calculator - What to do if your surgeon says you're too heavy for joint replacement surgery
Longevity of implants and revisions: How long will my new joint last?

If you are at the stage where you are planning to have surgery but are looking for information so you can be better prepared for what is to come, take a look at these links:
Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home
Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery
Pre-Op Interviews: What's involved?

And if you want to picture what your life might be like with a replaced hip, take a look at the posts and threads from other BoneSmarties provided in this link:
Stories of amazing hip recoveries

I am going to tag @Josephine our forum nurse and director, she is located in the UK and may be able to help you in your search for a surgeon willing to consider a THR for you.
 
@Cb1980 Welcome to BoneSmart! The surgeon you saw is very old school if they are basing your need for THR on your age. There is no age discrimination for this surgery. You just need to find someone more up to date who specialises in younger arthritic patients.

Can you tell me your location in the UK? And also who did you see previously? You will need to see someone not connected to that surgeon. Are you willing to travel for treatment?
 
I have the exact same issue about being told I am to young for a replacement. I have had 2 PAO's and 4 hip scopes and can't get anymore scopes to continue fixing damage to my hips. I'm in agony and replacement I have been told would be a no go. I can only share the frustration and depression.
 
I wish the doctors who are saying people are too young for hip replacements would tell their bodies that they are too young to feel such pain. In my view, if you are in pain and a hip replacement is the only thing that will fix it, age doesn’t matter.
 
Thank you for the replies.

I haven’t seen a surgeon yet. In the UK you have to get a doctor's referral. I have been battling this for 2 years. Constantly refusing because of my age. It looks like finally I have found a doctor who will refer me, however he has said I will be refused surgery because of my age. ‍

The NHS doesn’t want to pay as I’m likely to need 1 maybe 2 more. So I’m considering going private but we will see what this surgeon says first. All I’ve been told is I have osteoarthritis but not what’s caused it. I have felt quite let down tbh but I’m hoping things will change now this doctor has taken me more seriously.

Thank for the links will have a good read. The doctors have been scaremongering me a little. One even said a hip would only last 6 years in someone my age. So this info will be welcomed from people who have had real experience.

@Jaycey I’m in the West Midlands sorry meant to add that
 
Oh Cb1980, you have been led a merry dance! Let me put you in the TRUE picture!
It looks like finally I have found a doctor who will refer me, however he has said I will be refused surgery because of my age. ‍One even said a hip would only last 6 years in someone my age.
The NHS doesn’t want to pay as I’m likely to need 1 maybe 2 more.
This is all so much nonsense. Modern hip replacements are now lasting longer and longer. Latest stats show they can last at least 30 years and often a lot more. There are even reports of hips lasting a lot longer than that! Look at these
Hips that have lasted 32, 40, 41 and 45 years
67½ year old - the THRs, not the patient!

And I see that Pumpkln has already given you the list of our teenage members who have had hip replacements. And they were 15, not 19! Plus it's very common for 20-30 yr olds to get hip replacements due to suffering developmental issues such as hip dysplasia or congenital dislocation of hips.

One other thing - remember that GPs know nothing about joint replacement. Ever heard of that old saying "I want to talk to the organ grinder, not the monkey"! Not that I'm suggesting you actually say that, but you could say you want to 'hear this from the hip surgeon' because he is the expert and not the GP.

Though it is true that some CCGs (Clinical Commissioning Groups) have stipulated a block on a variety of surgical procedures for purely financial reasons and joint replacement can be high on their list because there are so many people queuing up for them (and in need!) and they are so incredibly expensive.
All I’ve been told is I have osteoarthritis but not what’s caused it
Nobody, not even the surgeons, knows what causes arthritis. Anymore than they know why we get grey hair as we age! One of those mysteries of life!
So I’m considering going private
Oh please don't do that. There is a way round this and I promise I will help you get through it if you will stick with me.

So first will you give me some information?
1. what is the name of the hospital and surgeon you are being referred to
2. have you got an appointment yet, if so when is it?
3. are you prepared to travel a bit to get this done?
 
@Josephine I've been for an up to date xray this morning. I have got to go back to my GP in 2 weeks, where he will discuss my results and said he will refer me. However I believe when I go back he will try and say there is no change and refuse to refer me AGAIN. We will see what happens, I will be disappointed if he says this as I know that can’t be true as now I can open my legs far less than 4 years ago.

He said he couldn’t refer me without getting the xray done first. My doctor's surgery is Dawley Telford, and the place I will be referred to is Oswestry orthopaedic I think. Should get that info in two weeks all being well. But that seems to be the hospital local to me that specialises in this sort of thing.

Regards traveling I would go to the ends of the earth to get this sorted so I’m now waiting for the physio referral appointment and going back to GP.

Thank you your being so helpful.
 
I can't refer you to any place better than Oswestry! By which I assume you mean the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, yes?

Assuming this to be the case, I suggest you make sure you are referred to one of these surgeons - the numbers are the numbers of hip replacements they did in the last year
Christopher Evans 290
Niall Graham 218
Robin Banerjee 185
 
I do not understand why a Dr in the UK will not refer you for diagnostics at least, it is just an x-ray. It is the surgeon who will say yes or no to a replacement. The money is minimal and as the cost are predictable THR surgery is routine and for that reason is often used by hospitals to positively manipulate data. A hip lasts more than six years even for a young person, I am 62 and have had my right hip for eight years. During that eight years I taught in a secondary school (a job when you are constantly standing) hill walked, rock climbed and I race motorcycles. I have never mollycoddled the hip and will not mollycoddle the left hip when it is replaced.
 
Oh I feel so frustrated for you, the NHS have sorted out my hip replacements no problem and I'm only 29 so don't let anyone tell you they can't!!

I got a referral to a rheumatologist from my GP as I was just in pain all over and didn't know why, she wanted an MRI done of my hips and then referred me to my surgeon from there, it took a while as does everything but my surgeon spotted my arthritis straight away and knew he would need to replace my hips. I have a hip impingement, had no problems as a child but started feeling pain and stiffness to the point where my legs just wouldn't open anymore. Turned out my socket was too big and rubbing on my femoral head and had caused bone spurs and arthritis to set in.

I really hope you get some answers soon!!
 
I do not understand why a Dr in the UK will not refer you for diagnostics at least, it is just an x-ray. It is the surgeon who will say yes or no to a replacement.
The problem is that GPs are often 'ruled' by the dictates of the CCGs and will adopt that attitude no matter what. It's the same in a district where they make rules about BMI. Different districts impose different levels so you never know what the GP is going to say. 15 miles down the road, in another district it could be completely different. Such are teh vagaries of the present day NHS!
 
I'm in the UK and had my hip done just before my 30th. It's still going strong 6-7 years later.

If the doctor won't give you a referral then book a private appointment with the consultant you want to see and then they will give you the once over and add you to their in-patient list on the NHS. At least that's what happened with me.
 
They can't do that anymore. There are strict NHS pathways for orthopaedics now (I’m a secretary)
 
Lack of mobility can be so debilitating and add a little pain to that is a nasty mix. Mobility has been my biggest battle and frustration as well. I'm 24 and finally having mine done this July! Keep fighting! Don't get discouraged! We are all rooting for you :yay:
 
They can't do that anymore. There are strict NHS pathways for orthopaedics now (I’m a secretary)
Maybe not in your district but there are wide variations around the UK.
 
Right here’s a update. After 3 weeks I’ve been back to get results from x Ray which my gp says shows significant deterioration in last 4 years. However still won’t refer me. I start physio, tomorrow which I’m desperate for as I’m suffering from acute sciatica and been off for 2 weeks not being able to walk ( this I believe is caused from overcompensation from the hip issue, had it before but not this severe) , he has told me the physio will decide if I need referring. If not that’s the end of the line nhs wise but he will give me a referral letter to go private ‍♀️. So here’s hoping I have a good physio tomorrow, wish me luck xxx
 
@Josephine just seen your reply about Oswestry. I’m very lucky to have it an hour away I know it’s one of the best places in the country. Thank you for the surgeon recommendations, that was going to be a question i was thinking of xxx
 

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