Doctor will not consider!

[chitchen]

Hi, I'm a 39 yr old male inj the UK who suffered from Perthes as a child and wore a callipar for a couple of years. Over the years I have suffered from pain on and off and my hip joint has gradually degenerated. It is now severely deformed (doctors own words). The problem is that I am not suffering major hip pain but my hip is the underlying cause of my progressive back problems (have had major surgery once and now suffering again). This is a point that has been conceded by my doctor. He states that the replacement is a serious, risky and drastic action to take when nobody can say for sure that I will continue to suffer back problems because of my hip even though events are contradicting that theory. Unfortunately, I am suffering again and I don't wish to be paralysed because the doctor wouldn't act and the fact that I am unable to fund a private operation. Also, does anyone know if you can drive wagons after a hip replacement?
I don't know what answers I expect, I am just frustrated and slightly depressed.

Sean

 

[ripanco]

I am sorry to hear of your situation, Sean. I don't blame you for your frustration. The only thing I can suggest is to get a new doctor, not sure if that is possible with UK's health system? I can tell you that before I had my hips replaced, I also had some nasty back pain and sciatica. My back surgeon thought I would need a laminectomy after my THR. However, since hip surgery, I have had NO sciatic pain and only occasional and managable lower back pain. Most of that is normal muscle soreness after strenous exercise. I am not even contemplating back surgery now!

 

[MarilynKay]

Sean,
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I had a THR in June of 2004. I am able to do just about anything that I want to do. I swim, bike, run, garden, drive my car, ride horses and snow ski. I was having some sciatica before the surgery and that is all gone along with most of the problems with my knee since my surgery. I hope that you will be able to find another doctor who would be willing to help you.
Take care,
Marilyn

 

[Sonia S.]

Hello Sean, GET SECOND - THIRD OPINION or until you find the right surgeon for yourself. Im sure he exist and can help you with all your physical problems. You are to young to be depressed. Once you have the operation you might find that all of your other pain might disappear. I need 2 hips replaced and this week i had an awful week because my lower back killed me night and day, and i know exactly were it's coming from, hips! So do your best and find that surgeon so that you can continue to do what you love best in life. Best wishes, Sonia.