THR AJinNH’s recovery RTHR

[AJinNH]

Hello again everyone! Just stopping by to say Hi and see how everyone is doing. I had my 3 year anniversary a couple of weeks ago, but it passed by without my realizing it at the time. It’s a good place to be, hardly ever think of having had the surgery because my hip feels so ‘normal.’
All is going well here with my new-ish hip. The rest of me is still getting older, so there’s plenty of creaky things needing attention, but fortunately nothing serious. I am blessed to be fully vaccinated against this awful virus and praying my friends and family get theirs soon as well.
I continue to work at keeping my back healthy because of previous referred pain to my non-replaced hip. I’ve had to revisit PT for my back because I couldn’t get to the gym during the pandemic, but it never got as bad as it was before the PT I had a couple of years ago. The latest ‘thing’ is a torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder. I think I should have purchased the extended warranty insurance
I hope that everyone is doing well!

 

[SaraK]

@AJinNH - Happy belated 3 year anniversary - and glad your hip is doing so well and that you're getting through this pandemic!

I hope the rotator cuff tear isn't too bad. I had to have rotator cuff surgery a year ago (which really made me forget the hips)!

I'm also fully vaccinated now. It's somewhat liberating but I still don't want to go back into the gym so I decided to build my own at home. It's harder in some ways to motivate myself because I'm not driving by on the way home and feeling guilty if I don't stop. Now it's easy to procrastinate until it's too late to start. I am slowly building back up to my pre-surgery weights, though.

Take care and stop by to chat some time. If you need to take care of the shoulder, we are trying to build up that part of the forum and there are a few of us that have had rotator cuff surgery in the last year or so.

 

[AJinNH]

Hi @SaraK so nice to hear from you! I just took a spin over at the shoulder forum and left a post there about my rotator cuff. I’m trying to decide whether or not to have surgery. My chief complaint is weakness which I’m currently addressing in PT. I don’t have a lot of pain, none at night while sleeping and only a dull ache sometimes during the day. I don’t take anything for pain.

I have a doctor who will do arthroscopic repair if I decide to go ahead with it, but frankly I’ve had so many people volunteer that they didn’t have a good experience that I’m wondering if I should leave well enough alone.

I’ll continue this on the shoulder forum if you have anything to add. I’m glad to hear that you are improving. Stay well!

 

[SaraK]

My thread over ther is "SaraK's at it again.". There is a specific banner for rotator cuff that you can use to filter and see just those threads.

 

[Layla]

Hello! Hello!
It is so nice to hear from you! Wonderful news that your hip feels so normal you rarely give it a second thought. May it long continue.

I‘m sorry to hear about your shoulder and the torn rotator cuff. Thankfully the pain is minimal without the need for meds at this point. Hopefully PT will help strengthen the area and you’re able to hold off on the repair. I will watch for further updates from you on the shoulder forum.

Wishing you good health, much happiness and a wonderful Spring!
@AJinNH

 

[AJinNH]

So nice to hear from you @Layla How are you doing?

I am very fortunate that my hip is good and my shoulder isn’t any worse. My experience has been that my pain level, whether it’s hip, back or shoulder is related to how much I keep up with my stretches and exercises. As long as I continue to do those things I’m pretty good and have few limitations.

Wishing you a wonderful Spring as well xxxooo

 

[AJinNH]

I am now over 3 years post TRHR. All is going well fortunately. However, I do have an appointment to see my OS soon and would like to discuss with him his belief that I need to continue to take antibiotics prior to dental procedures for LIFE.

I have my teeth cleaned 3 times a year and often have a filling replaced or a crown, etc. So that's at least 4X/yr that I pre-medicate. My teeth and gums are healthy, I brush and floss multiple times/day plus use a waterpik.

I have been having GI issues that my gastroenterologist believes is related to the chronic antibiotic use. I know about all of the studies as well as the ADA and AAOS guidelines that state antibiotics prior to routine dental procedures are not necessary. When I brought this up in the past my OS stated that an infection could be life altering; he scared me and I continued to take the antibiotics. But I'm feeling a bit braver now that they're effecting my health and will again have this discussion with him.

However, is there anyone out there who believes that there is evidence to suggest that continued antibiotic use prior to dental procedures is prudent? Anything? And I'm looking for evidence that suggests that healthy people with healthy gums and teeth are at risk without the prophylactics.

I'm sorry for bringing up an issue I know has been discussed frequently, but I'd appreciate any input that will help when I have this discussion with my OS later this month.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Jaycey]

Tough issue @AJinNH ! Yes, there have been some very interesting discussions regarding pre-medicating before dental work.

I had a discussion with my GP, my surgeon and my dentist prior to my second THR. They all agreed that there is no need for taking antibiotics prior to these routine dental procedures.

There is growing evidence that over use of antibiotics is creating more problems than it solves. And if this is starting to impact your own health I would certainly have a good talk with your dentist and your surgeon. Sounds like your surgeon is a bit old school. Times have changed. Perhaps he needs an update.

 

[AJinNH]

Thanks for the support @Jaycey My PCP is up to date on the current guidelines, but both my OS and dentist are not. So far all of the case studies that I’ve found that had a potential link to oral bacteria, the patients all had poor dental health. There was one patient that they linked the hip infection to ‘vigorous flossing.’ So of course antibiotics wouldn’t have helped if the infection was attributed to daily activities such as flossing.

Also, my OS is one of the top docs at a large orthopedic hospital in Boston. I know that not all of his colleagues share my doctor’s philosophy re this issue. I had thoroughly investigated 3 doctors before choosing one to do my surgery, but I never thought to ask this question of any of them (and I had a very long list). I feel I made the right choice for the actual surgery, but I regret that this wasn’t a part of the decision process. Live and learn! This should be part of the discussion with your surgeon before you have the surgery.

 

[Jaycey]

Well since things have moved on regarding this issue, your surgeon may have updated his thinking. To be honest, I would go with your gut feeling. If excessive antibiotics are making you ill - it can't be healthy. Don't be intimidated by your surgeon. The AAOS guidelines support your thinking.

 

[SaraK]

Good to hear from you @AJinNH - it's been awhile. I'm glad things are going well for you!

My surgeon used to say antibiotics for 2 years and then changed it to "for life.". My dentist said they got a big lecture from CDC about it not being necessary. We agreed on a compromise - I used them for 2 years and then stopped. Interestingly, my dermatologist also required medication before a biopsy (and with all my moles, there's at least one biopsy each appt) but surgeon didn't require it for "clean" biopsies like skin.

Remember, you have the right to disagree and say no. If you decide you don't want to use them, you don't need to get into an argument (or even choose a surgeon based on their philosophy), just don't fill the prescription.

 

[AJinNH]

Just stopping by to say Hi, today is my 7 year anniversary of my RTHR and I couldn’t be doing better, I have to remind myself that I had surgery. I walk 2-3 miles regularly and work out at the gym doing strength training exercises. My other body parts are vying for my attention LOL, but I’m managing that will PT when needed. Thank goodness for this surgery, it’s allowed me to continue a fairly active life in retirement, keeping up with the grandkids, traveling and enjoying a full life. I have found that staying active is the key. This forum was incredibly helpful pre and post surgically. Good luck with your recoveries and good health to you all.

 

[Layla]

Hi AJinNH,
It is so good to hear from you! We had our THR's within months of each other and I remember you well. What a great update you shared above. I an happy to read how well your doing and how active and full your life is. That's our goal! Wishing you a great 2025 and will look forward to further annual updates.
Happy Seven Year Anniversary!
@AJinNH

 

[AJinNH]

So nice to hear from you Layla! Happy to see that you’re still here sharing your warmth and wisdom. It’s the support from people like you that got me through the surgery and recovery, I’m so grateful. I hope you are doing well.

 

[Pumpkin]

@AJinNH
Thank you for your encouraging update. I am having a right THR in May and reading your update gives me confidence in my decision.
I agree with you BoneSmart is incredibly helpful during the pre op and post op times.
Looking forward to your yearly update next year.

 

[Jamie]

@AJinNH …. It is so heartwarming to have you check back in every year with an update!!! This is what we love to hear….that you’re back to doing all the things you want to with our new joint. You cannot imagine how much this means to our newer BoneSmarties who are either just now finding out they need a replacement or who are still in the recovery phase and wondering what “the end game” will look like. Bless you!!! And long may your hip keep you traveling and doing.