AVN - Sounds like a new hip (or most likely hips) are in my future

[Jaycey]

@whatthe2 , you are correct AVN can progress quite quickly. In my case it has only been a matter of weeks since formal diagnosis. My situation has gone from tolerable to beginning to plan my life around pain. Good luck with your appointment!

 

[whatthe2]

@Jaycey yeah I hear ya. Just a few months ago I was running/elliptical 4 miles or so a day. Now some days are worse than others, but I'm always limping and in some sort of pain.

I'm having a hard time waiting to see a couple OS's. I've got an appointment with one of them on August 11 and the other on September 5. I think I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I need at least one THR rather quickly, but until I find an OS I like, and he says he can help me, I feel like I'm left in no mans land wondering what will come. Ugh

I'm really looking forward to seeing the guy on August 11. He specializes in minimally invasive anterior THR and apparently was one of the first to start doing them in the U.S. The 11th can't come fast enough.

 

[Jaycey]

@whatthe2 it's good you are taking the time to find the right surgeon. You enter into a partnership with an OS. It's important you feel comfortable letting that person get on with his/her day job. Please keep us updated!

 

[whatthe2]

I was able to find another OS that I'm excited to see. I have an appointment with him this coming Thursday. He does the Anterior Minimally Invasive technique. Glad I finally have an appointment in sight.

Speaking of the Anterior surgery, I was watching a video of this procedure being performed with my wife and kids last night. When they got to the part where they did the osteotomy and removed the head, my daughter, whose 9 said, "Do we have anymore chicken wings?" Too funny.


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[Poppet]

The innocence of children, I love it! I am very pleased you have an appointment with a prospective surgeon. As Jaycey indicated it is a partnership, but remember it is not only their day job, but they chose to specialize in orthopedics, so they have a passion for their craft

 

[whatthe2]

Finally got in to see an OS and he said what I figured he would - time for a RTHR.

After reading through many threads on this site, I'm all for it. I can get on his schedule in October. I've got one more OS to see Monday. I've heard great things about him as well, so I'm looking forward to meeting him and seeing about getting in earlier than October, although not counting on it.

I had been taking Diclofenac up until a couple days ago. I stopped taking it because I felt that it was upsetting my stomach. My pain has been much worse since I stopped. Not sure if it was helping or if the AVN is just progressing. If @Josephine or anyone else has suggestions on other meds to try (maybe Tylenol or Ibuprofen?), I'm open to suggestions. Will also call my Dr. Monday, but looking for relief til then.

Thanks


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[Poppet]

With quite some time to October and surgery, I would suggest discussing with your Doctor all avenues of pain meds when whether oral or patches. They all work differently - good luck seeing your second opinion OS, let us know how you go

 

[Jaycey]

@whatthe2 , tylenol and ibuprofen can be taken together but you need to make sure you do not exceed the doses. Jo should be along to advise soon. I take Naproxen and tylenol but frankly it only takes the edge off. Poppett is right - talk to your doctor about alternatives.

 

[Poppet]

 

[whatthe2]

Thanks @Poppet and @Jaycey

I had another appointment yesterday with an OS that I REALLY like. He does the Anterior Minimally Invasive Surgery and said if the insurance approves it, he will do it as outpatient. Otherwise one night in the hospital. this is the same surgeon @inthebeginning used. (I see now why he speaks so highly of him). He's hoping to get me in soon because of the pain. Hope to hear from them today to schedule a date. Fingers crossed that it's sooner than later.

 

[bottomshollow]

@whatthe2, just remember that even though it's referred to as "minimally invasive", it is still MAJOR surgery involving the use of a scalpel, a saw, a drill, and a hammer; and your body is not going to be real happy about it.

 

[Poppet]

That is good news, you might like to check out these articles - knowledge is power. As Judy indicated, recovery is all about the actual procedure once the surgeon is inside and your body is In charge of the healing process

The following is a link to an article which provides the current science regarding the healing beneath and around the implant and approximate timeframes for the healing phases and processes and the relevant nutritional information for each phase.

Healing Phases & Nutrition

This second link is to other nutritional articles which you may find interesting, including one relating to bone health.

Nutritional advice for pre op and recovery

 

[whatthe2]

@bottomshollow, yeah I know, I just can't help getting a bit excited at the thought of getting rid of this pain. I'm hoping I fall into the, "I'm in pain after surgery, but it's much better than the pain I've got now" group of people that I've seen post in this forum.

@Poppet, great info, thanks again.

 

[bottomshollow]

@whatthe2, I certainly hope you fall in that category, too; and I can't think of any reason you shouldn't. If you follow the BoneSmart mantras to the letter during recovery, you should have steady improvement and a wonderful recovery----but there WILL be moments!

 

[whatthe2]

Today is the day, finally! I'm ready and have the BoneSmart mantras committed to memory. Wish me luck.

 

[Jaycey]

Wow - you are on your way! All the best @whatthe2 ! See you on the other side!