Greetings - So glad I found you!

[hopefulm]

So I'm just trying to adjust to my "Oh shucks " moment last Thursday - I went for an OS appt, thinking I would get a referral for PT, and maybe encouragement to lose weight & exercise more. . .I have a troublesome knee, previous arthroscopy, and a chronic sore back after lumbar laminectomy at age 30. (I'm 63 now.)

So the last few years my gait has been progressively worse, with limping & pain, horrible sleep issues with difficulty lying on either hip, and, most disturbing, the last few months. I can barely reach to pick up anything, put on socks, or get into the car. Still, my husband had to hound me to be seen. . .so, I shouldn't have been so distressed & shocked to hear the news - "I'm surprised that you are still walking. . You have no cartilage left in either hip. Your left hip is classed as severely impaired, and your right hip is end stage."

END STAGE! What??? I thought that term was only used for terminal illness!!

So, I'm reeling still, trying to adjust to the idea of not one, but two hip replacements in my immediate future.

I'm doing a lot of on line research, trying to ID the best OS, etc, etc, and found this forum. So glad! Great information. Still panicked. . .

As a retired RN, I doubt I will ever be completely trusting of the health care system, but working on making the best decision possible. I'm seeing another OS next week - the first appt. I saw a PA only, without any introduction to the surgeon, and although he is rated as one of the best in the area, I'm not about to schedule with someone I haven't seen!
The OS I see next week does minimally invasive anterior vs the posterior approach used by the first OS. So, waiting for the second opinion, and will decide then.

I'm also considering traveling to University of Washington, but would rather be closer to home for lots of reasons, including insurance.

So, any suggestions appreciated!!

 

[Pumpkin]

@hopefulm,
Welcome to Bonesmart, glad you are finding all the helpful information here, be sure to check out the library.

.As a retired RN, I doubt I will ever be completely trusting of the health care system, but working on making the best decision possible.

I work in health care and feel the same way.
Sounds like you are doing all the right things, keep us posted on how you are doing.
All the best,

 

[MajorHeidi]

Hi @hopefulm and welcome!
Gosh, I know when I was diagnosed I felt stunned and alarmed.
I was surprised my groin pain was caused by OA in my hip.
I first felt groin pain Aug 1 2013.... diagnosed as Hip OA in Oct 2013 after I finally realized the groin pain was not really muscular but something else.....
Had THR in April 2014.
Still recovering, but feel so much better than when I had the pain and limp.
Today I still have stiffness upon standing that takes about a dozen steps to 'walk off' before I walk with no pain. Then ... I am fine to walk for miles. Hope that goes away eventually as they say it will.

 

[Jamie]

Welcome to the forum! It sounds like you are really ready to get these hips taken care of....when it's time, it's TIME!!! I'm sure it was a shock to hear the term "end stage" though. Some of the doctors just slay me with their tact!

So consider yourself among family and friends here. We all understand how you may be feeling and we're here to help. First, let me post some pre-op articles for you to read. Once you've had a look at them and maybe at some additional posts here on the forum, you may have questions.....ask away!!! That's what we're here for.

New BoneSmart members like you are in various stages of their journey to joint replacement. Making the decision whether or not to have surgery and preparing for surgery can be easier once you have done your research and know what lies ahead. Here are some tools that can help you decide what is best for you.

Even though you know you need surgery, these links may help you come to terms with your decision:

Score Chart: How bad is my arthritic hip?
Choosing a surgeon and a prosthesis
BMI Calculator - What to do if your surgeon says you're too heavy for joint replacement surgery
Longevity of implants and revisions: How long will my new joint last?


These articles provide information so you can be better prepared for what is to come:

Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home
Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery
Pre-Op Interviews: What's involved?


And if you want to picture what your life might be like with a replaced hip, take a look at the posts and threads from other BoneSmarties provided in this link:

Stories of amazing hip recoveries

 

[bottomshollow]

@hopefulm, so pleased that you have joined us here on the forum. Be sure and check out those links Jamie has given you. Lots of good info there. Also feel free to browse our Library about all things hips.

We are here to help in any way we can: answering questions and concerns; supporting and encouraging you from start to finish; giving you a place to vent, whine, complain if you need to; sharing experiences with one another; and having fun and some laughs along the way.

Take care and keep us posted. We care.

 

[fulafoto]

Hi and welcome @hopefulm - I hope you get your OS situation sorted out quickly and please feel free to ask any questions or vent your feeling here with us - most of us will either being going through it or have been through it.
Once again - welcome!!!

 

[hopefulm]

Thanks to everyone for all the great advice & support. I have identified my OS, & have an appt Sept 8. I remembered that a former colleague, friend, and skilled ER MD has undergone both THR in the last 3 years. I contacted him with questions & received guidance from someone I trust completely.

It was reassuring to me that the OS on the top of my list is the one he had perform his surgeries, and he recommends highly for his experience & skill. This OS has done over thousands of THR, & has been using the anterior approach with the Hana table for several years. His infection rate is <0.5%, & his DVT rate is very low. If he decides that is appropriate for me, I think I will be scheduling surgery on my right hip around the 1rst of November.

My friend said he was walking around the school track without problems a few days post-op, so I remain hopeful of a good outcome.

I did receive a disk in the mail yesterday of the X-Rays I had requested from the first OS I saw last week. Wow. When I loaded the disk & really looked at both hips, it was pretty appalling how awful the right one really is. No joint space, of course, & just a sort of cloudy, obliterated mess! I now realize how deep my denial was - although it is easy to blame hip pain on a bad back, and the limp on a bad knee.

So again, my gratitude for the support!

 

[Jaycey]

@hopefulm So glad you joined us. I went through the same issue with my left hip. Denial and incorrect diagnosis - and finally a collapse. Yes, I too thought is was my back. Matters not - you are doing the right thing. You won't regret this surgery. It is life changing. Please keep us updated. Good luck with your appointment.

 

[fulafoto]

Sounds like it is coming together for you @hopefulm - I look forward to reading more about your journey towards that shiny new hip!

 

[dede62]

@hopefulm so glad you found the forum, but sorry for the reason you have to be here. You will find a lot of helpful information here, and it is definitely a great place to be to talk out things both pre- and post-surgery. The Bonesmart Angels, i.e. the moderators and staff, are well versed not only in the specifics, but can really help you pull up your bootstraps when things aren't looking so rosy. I so appreciated their kindness (and reprimands) when necessary!!!

It also helps to have others going through the same process, with the same questions, anxieties, and concerns, and this is truly the safest place to voice any concerns and just plain feelings. Your medical background will definitely come in handy, as you can be a great advocate for yourself!

Sounds like we might be near neighbors (considering UW). I'll try and keep an eye on your progress. Take care!

 

[Poppet]

Welcome, what a great resource your ER MD friend was, so helpful and reassuring to receive this type of information.

Here are a couple of links to articles you may wish to browse..

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

 

[hopefulm]

Well, it's 4 AM & I'm awake again. . .the pain has gotten so bad in the last month that I can't sleep more than 3-4 hours unless I knock myself out with Ambien, which I won't use more than every 2-3 days, because I really don't want to become habituated & lose any effectiveness. . .so it's ice & internet one more night. I have my OS appt on 9/8,& plan on surgery around 11/1.i have longstanding plans for a family 4 day camping trip, a 3 day visit to a friend, a 2-3 week road trip with hubby, camping & kayaking, & a week in New Orleans (flying) with friends at the end of October - all before surgery. We have a comfortable van w/ memory foam mattress (&refrigerator for ice packs!) for camping, & can cut short the road trip if I get too miserable. . .but I am appalled & a little frightened by the seemingly rapid deterioration of my right hip w/ increasing pain in the last several months. Is it common for things to go downhill fairly rapidly? I'm using hydrocodone sparingly, sleep aids intermittently, meloxicam daily , and acetaminophen fairly routinely, along with hot baths & ice packs multiple times daily. I do stretching exercises daily to keep my back as loose as possible, & quad sets, heels slides & leg lifts to try to strengthen as much as possible pre-op, as well as twice/week on our rowing machine. What I can't tolerate at all is walking - which has always been my primary exercise - or any prolonged time on my feet. I'm working on weight loss - started with BMI about 31, lost 15 lbs so far, since mid-June, & hope to take off another 15 before surgery. Just hope I can somehow get through the next 2 months!!

 

[dede62]

@hopefulm so sorry you are feeling so poorly, but you'll realize this is the hardest stage. You've made the decision to get this fixed, so that's a great move to get on the other side of this. Many say that it does tend to get a bit worse and unfortunately it can progress quite rapidly. Be diligent about your medications to make sure they are working for you (like taking the tylenol with your meloxicam). Don't hesitate to get your GP involved while you are waiting to see the OS to help you get the right combo that will give you the best relief. Don't feel guilty about resting and icing. It can be the best thing for you at this stage.

You've really booked yourself a busy schedule prior to your surgery, but it sounds like you've also built in an escape plan if you need it. You may need to back off on some of the exercising, as we have all experienced pain during or as payback pain. Do your best to get the weight off, but don't focus only on the exercise; your food intake also plays large part in your outcome. Believe me, I have the same challenge every day - the battle between me and the food!

Hoping you have more good days than bad between now and surgery time.

 

[Jaycey]

but I am appalled & a little frightened by the seemingly rapid deterioration of my right hip w/ increasing pain in the last several months. Is it common for things to go downhill fairly rapidly?

Short answer - yes! Things can get very bad very fast. I am going through this same thing (again). X-ray confirmation I needed RTHR in April and I am now planning my every activity around this pain. That 3-4 hours of sleep in a stretch - me too! The pain is exhausting!

I would recommend cutting out any activity that might aggravate that hip. Watch any lifting of heavy objects, no furniture moving. From my first hip experience this is what led to my hip collapsing. Easy does it until you can get this fixed.

 

[MarkK]

Hi @hopefulm -- I've had both hips done now, one 20 months ago, the other 8+ weeks ago. I waited about a year after the first little pain to do the LTHR; once the pain got moderate, I booked the surgery. The RTHR was done after almost no wait this summer. (As soon as I saw the x-ray I booked it). Both of my surgeries and recoveries have gone extremely well.

It sounds like you are on the right path to an experienced OS. I liked that mine did anterior method because the healing was very fast, the leg lengths are the same, and I have hardly any scar from the first - and the tiny scar from the right is fast disappearing. No drains, no staples, no stitches (only tape), and home very quickly (36 hours in hospital for the second one, the OS kicked me out). But any good OS is fine; using whatever method they do well.

Sorry if this sounds like preaching, I am only trying to help: In your shoes, I would take the first surgery date your OS will give you for your worse hip; then followup according to the OS's schedule for the second one as soon as they will do it. The reason is that we all have finite time; the pain from the bone-on-bone is much worse than a typical recovery. And traveling will be difficult -- I went on one trip, to a friend's wedding in France before my first THR -- I regretted it, and not doing it before. Also, the waiting is the worst part of this surgery.

Please read my recovery threads in my signature. It will give you a good idea of what to expect. 8+ weeks after surgery now - and I am still in outpatient PT, at least a few more great sessions - I hardly notice the hips, no pain, and I have a happy life.

Good luck,

Mark

 

[hopefulm]

Thanks again to all of you who responded. What a terrific support system! @dede62, I appreciate the suggestions. The exercise regimen I described is mostly about keeping chronic back & right knee problems from flaring up & worsening the pain - I know from bitter experience that backing off from daily stretching leads to back spasms & knee pain - so it's all a balance. As for our rowing machine, it's a Concept 2, & I have it set for very low tension, just to keep the other parts moving a bit. I am on the Weight Watchers program, & am not particularly trying to burn calories by exercising, just trying to stay loose & toned as possible. I really think I can take off another 15 lbs before surgery at a very doable 1-2 lbs/week - eating well on a Mediterranean type diet with mostly portion control.
@Jaycey, thank you. You seem to have intuitively guessed the challenge I have with backing off from doing the "necessary" chores of a pain-free and healthy life. I have to remind myself that a slightly dirty hardwood floor is not a cardinal sin!!
@markK, I plan to review your thread, & had already decided to request the earliest possible date for surgery, because I am getting worse. The elephant on the table for me is a reality based fear about a major surgery. In late 1999, I was a very healthy 49 year old with gall stones - after an attack, I decided to have a "simple" laparoscopic gall bladder removal. Developed complications, infection, & 2 weeks post-op admitted for several weeks in ICU & a month on the ward with sepsis & ARDS (lung white out), which has about 60-70% mortality. I recovered fully, but am apprehensive nonetheless. . .that said, I am still anxious to get a new hip(s)!!

 

[hopefulm]

So Monday I had my appt with the OS whom I chose . . .I liked him, he answered all my list of questions, and was very kind and compassionate when I expressed my anxiety about major surgery in light of my previous near-death experience after gall bladder surgery. He said I am in great condition for a successful THR with a good outcome.
I'm scheduled for 11/11, as second case in the AM. He does spinal anesthesia with sedation, and expects that I might go home that evening, assuming that PT clears me and the pain is controlled. His infection, DVT, and other complication rates are all under 0.5%, so I feel as confident as is possible.
That all said, I guess I was still hoping for an out. . .I'm terrified and tearful ever since the appt. My husband (who has had a total shoulder replacement) has been very sweet and supportive. Part of me feels ashamed of myself for being such a wuss, and I'm trying to buck up and get over it, but. . .
The other positive thing from the appt; the OS did up my pain meds, so I slept a bit better last night.
Eight weeks seems like forever!

 

[Michegon]

@hopefulm Hi fellow Portlander, I had Bilateral THR by DR. Duwilius at St Vincents on July 2 14. Post-op is fantastic. You are going to be ok. I checked out several OS in area but i wanted to do both. Sounds like you got your super star, now just enjoy the ride to an active life.

 

[hopefulm]

Thanks, @Michegon! I am very pleased with my choice of Dr Duwelius. Although my left hip is bad on X-Ray, it isn't causing much problem at this point, so he recommended doing the Rt. & waiting on the left. It is good to hear that you are so happy with the results of bilateral THR.

Since you are 10 weeks out from surgery ,I'd like your opinion. . .recognizing that everyone heals and recovers differently. . .we have a winter home in AZ, and would like to travel down as soon as I can reasonably do so. I was tentatively thinking that I might tolerate the trip at about 10 weeks. We have a small Sprinter van motor home with a very good bed for frequent rest breaks, and a refrigerator for ice packs. What do you think?

 

[Jaycey]

@hopefulm Great news about getting your date for surgery.

He does spinal anesthesia with sedation, and expects that I might go home that evening, assuming that PT clears me and the pain is controlled.

Please do not let anyone rush you to get home. It is critical that you get the pain management cocktail right while you are in the hospital. This is major surgery!

I'm terrified and tearful ever since the appt.

Of course you are terrified. Who likes major surgery? Keep coming here and sharing your fears. It does help!

we have a winter home in AZ, and would like to travel down as soon as I can reasonably do so. I was tentatively thinking that I might tolerate the trip at about 10 weeks.

Yes, it's hard to predict since we all react differently to surgery. Your major roadblock (from my experience) will be sitting for long periods of time. At 10 weeks out this may be a bit easier. But if you stop regularly and get out to stretch you legs I wouldn't think you would have a problem with the trip. Sounds like an ideal place to recover!