24 days out and counting, but I have a question.

[vino5153]

Hello. I have been browsing the forum for the last few weeks, and it has been very helpful. After suffering on and off for two years, I saw a surgeon at a local hospital and was told that I needed LTHR. The pain was not ‘That Bad’ and it was boating and fishing season so I said “No Thank you”. Off I went and suffered for the next two years where upon an OS was highly recommended to me at Mass General in Boston. In Dec. of 08 I had my first meeting with new x-rays where I could not even identify the hip.................what a mess!. So I am 24 days out and counting. I have had my pre-op with my primary and see my OS, anesthesiologist etc on 3/31 for preparation for surgery on Tax Day; April 15th. I am trying to swim (water walk) 3 days a week and have PT twice a week to strengthen the muscles.

I’m not nervous about the surgery in that I have been in and out of ORS all my life; I’m 58. I do have some apprehension in that I form keloids. Not to bore anyone with a long story but had my lower Lumbar 4,5 and 6 fused using ground bone from my pelvis. It broke apart after 6 months because scar tissue grew within the fusion and pulled it apart. I had it re-fused and ended up in a body cast for an additional 6 months. I have had other keloids from surgeries that have been cut out and re-stitched.

I realize Jo is recovering, but if there is anyone else that can shed light on this I would be grateful.

Thanks so much.

Dick

 

[HopAlong]

Hi Dick.....
I don't know what keloids are, but welcome and congrats on your commitment to yourself! I am 11 days post-op LTHR, and every day gets better! I wish you the best of luck. I bet this summer will be your best for fishing & swimming!

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Vino! So glad you decided to join us on BoneSmart.

I don't have any personal experience with keloids, but seems to me, I remember Jo telling someone that just because you have had them with past surgeries, doesn't mean they are a given with joint replacement surgery.

Did you discuss your past with keliods with the surgeon when you met with him? If not, you probably should. He should be aware of this part of your medical history and maybe he can provide some additional information or an opinion of what might or might not occur.

 

[YoungM]

Hi Vino! Welcome to the board. I just had RTHR on 3/17/09. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I sure did!

 

[JudyS]

Welcome Dick
I just read a little on keloids so I would know what you were talking about. Sounds extremely annoying, I'm sorry you have to deal with them.

As far as the replacement itself, it is awesome. I have has a surgery marathon lately and I must say it is the best . I just had thoracic spinal fusion which has been anything but a wonderful outcome. I told my hip/knee surgeon I wish I had 3 more hips to replace instead of my annoying spine!!!
Post away other questions for us non medical friends.
Oh, I grew up in Rhode Island
judy