THR Charlie's RTHR Recovery Thread

[myglasshalffull]

Good news, happy you were able to get SI injection and hopefully will ease the pain for awhile.
Let us know how you do.

 

[thepuckhead]

Green beer anyone? lol

Make that a black and tan and you're on! Here's to your continued improvement and continued being an advocate for yourself and not stopping until you're where you want to be.

 

[Charlie33]

Hi all: So I got a second opinion on a hip replacement number 2, timing and computer versus non computer assisted. Learnings to share:

1) Didn't go for second opinion on first replacement but they gave it anyway: first replacement looks perfect, top shelf. I agree, no issues, very happy.
2) Right hip moderate, not as bad as left when operated on but right causing pelvis to be slightly out of whack. This results in quad tightness, SI & knee pain and other symptoms I've struggled with on non-op side.
3) OS #2 agrees with OS #1: All the PT in the world likely won't let me 'recover' fully, i.e. live with the moderately bad hip for 5-10 years. The second replacement will restore pelvis to neutral position and allow me to recover fully versus the struggles/frustrations I've posted about, mostly related to non op side! They said I could do it now, but they recommended enjoy the summer and try for the fall. They dont think I should wait longer than a year....

I'm inclined to muddle along through the summer and take a wait and see approach. That said, at least I know why this is happening.

So here's the question: both OS's are fantastic, same approach to surgery. The second OS uses the computer assisted approach, which uses a CT scan for optimal implant placement. I trust my original OS, but also hear making sure the pelvis is perfectly level is key (like within a milimeter). My view is a skilled surgeon, computer or not, can do a good job but welcome anyone who has experience or knowledge on computer assisted.

Welcome any and all feedback on folks who dealt with implant #2, timing, decision process and on the computer stuff. Thanks!

 

[Merrimay]

Wow, @Charlie33, you've been doing your due diligence! You and I have dealt with identical postop spinal issues that refer to the nonop hip. Interestingly, I made an appointment yesterday for March 31 with my original surgeon. His PA is going to give me xrays of my lumbar and nonop hip, and we'll take it from there. If I need a 2nd thr, I'll stick with him since he did such a great job the first time. My hindered progress is not about the operative hip. I think I've had a misaligned pelvis for a decade or more, and a vital and well-done surgery just triggered a worsening of symptoms. But we'll see. I'd like to postpone the second hip til Fall if possible so I can enjoy the summer. Last year I was so disabled I was housebound from June to Oct!

@Charlie33 , I'm so sorry you're encountering a situation like mine, but being able to commiserate and share our experiences with various alternative protocols has been such a help to me.

Hang tight!

 

[Charlie33]

@Merrimay glad to hear and great help to me too! My sincere hope is someone reads our stories and benefits down the road. Pay it forward as they say

 

[Layla]

Others WILL read your stories and benefit, so thanks for sharing here. Happy Four Month Anniversary, Charlie!
I hope you comfortably make it through the Summer since that's your wish and have clarity in making decisions as they arise. Take good care and stay in touch!
@Charlie33

 

[Merrimay]

@Charlie33 , did either of your surgeons suggest hip arthroscopy?

Anyone else know if hip arthroscopy is ever a possible considerstion for pelvic misalignment pain?

 

[Merrimay]

To be more specific, this would be hip arthroscopy on the nonoperative hip after THR?

 

[Charlie33]

@Merrimay Hi, no just that joint is shot and to ditch it! Haha. I can ask

 

[Merrimay]

No, if the joint is shot, its time for the trashcan!

 

[Mojo333]

Hi @Charlie33
My opinion for what it's worth.
Both my hips were very bad apparently (one slightly worse than the other) and I wish I had known so I didn't spend those last 2 years pre-op So miserable...but I'm very glad that I had both done at once as, indeed, I believe it would've been impossible to get things right until both were done.

My bad hips caused horrible lower back pain and SI pain, not so much HIP pain, really just decreased ROM.
The doctors investigated my back without considering my hips, hence the delay in the diagnosis.
After BTHR, it took some targeted PT at 2-3 months to relieve the SI issue due to Pelvic tilt and hip flexor issues which affect the pelvis.
I don't think waiting will help anything...waiting until all the cartilage is gone so you HAVE to have a replacement (all the while being unable to recover properly from #1 due to posture/gait from bad hip) on top of the 2 surgeons agreement that it will take getting the other hip on board to get things right seems unhelpful.

I did not have computer guided surgery but several member here have to great success.
Again, only my opinion...
if the surgeon who did #1 still has your confidence, and doesn't deem the other THR unusual or complicated... perhaps I'd be inclined to stick with him...
However if you feel #2 will give you an advantage for alignment, I might would give it a hard look also.

If you are healthy otherwise and up for doubling down, then I say... do it sooner than later.

 

[Charlie33]

@Mojo333 Thanks for your response. Very helpful insight on SI and pelvis which has been focus for @Merrimay and I. OS2 said non op side will just remain out of whack until replaced.

If I can get things somewhat better over next few months will try but overall think #2 a 2023 event. Prefer not to do before summer.

I’ve read many threads on double or wait 6 weeks between implants, but haven’t seen like @Merrimay and I where you’re about 3 months into recovery from #1 and non op side starts affecting overall recovery. Another one for the library!!

Thanks again!

 

[Mojo333]

You are welcome.

I’ve read many threads on double or wait 6 weeks between implants, but haven’t seen like @Merrimay and I where you’re about 3 months into recovery from #1 and non op side starts affecting overall recovery. Another one for the library!!

Can't think of the examples but we've seen many cases of this on the forum.. and also seems many times where surgeons suggest 3 months between surgeries.
Baby that brat hip, and hopefully your SI pain doesn't get too awful while you wait.
That pain is horrid...was for me.