Hip Replacement for me soon?

[Jean]

Hi Everybody

I have posted several times in Jo's Post Op Blog but now it's about me

My right hip/leg has been painful for some time now making it difficult to walk very far but I have not said anything much to my doctor as I have had so many visits re my diabetes and get fed up having to see him - not a very good excuse I know.

Any way, it's been so painful lately I did go to see him and I now have an appointment 13th May for x-rays and probable hip op in the near future.

I have been encouraged by all the various stories on here and the fact that several have said - don't delay the operation and get your life back which seems a sensible attitude. If the outcome of my x-ray says I need an op then I shall doubtless be back here for more information and support as well as lots of questions to sister

Jean

 

[Texas]

Glad you decided to talk to your Dr. sounds like you have been thru enough. Hang in there and post when you need, someone is always on here to even just talk to........Hope you feel well soon.......Kim

 

[Jean]

Hi Kim
That was a very quick response - thankyou for those kind words.

 

[aussie]

Hello Jean,

Yes we will all be here for you. No use struggling to walk when there are alternatives. Good luck with the x rays.

Chris

 

[mdakota]

i would also ask about the synvisc, its approved for knees but they have had alot of success with it for hips. its three injections put in under flouroscope a week apart, and i've had friends that did it and had it last for years. with diabetes healing can be hard so take a look at all the options. but if os says replacement is the best one then join the crowd either way its great your hear, there is alot of inspiration on this board. nice ot meet you
monique

 

[Jamie]

Jean, sorry to hear that a surgery might be in your near future, but now we can be there for you!!!

 

[Judles]

Hi Jean! Well.....if replacement's in our future. You know you've certainly come to the right place! Jo has been such an inspiration for all of us! Hope you'll be feeling well soon!

 

[Nancyo]

Hello again Jean!
It is very good to speak with you again even tho it is under different circumstances now. You know we'll all be here for you Jean and I know that Jo will take excellent care with your posts just as she does all of ours. Truth be known Jean, It's probably easier to reach Jo by forum than by phone don't you think? It's not an easy decision for joint replacement, but you know the outcome is so much better than dealing with the constant pain and it does mean getting your life back and for you, probably getting back into the garden if I remember correctly. I do hope your hubby is doing better with his heart and now it's time to turn attention to you. Please keep us updated on your progress in each step of the way. We care and always hope for the best possible outcome. Blessings on you!
Nancyo

 

[Josephine]

 

[Nancyo]

Jo! LOLOLOL Does this mean you've spoken with Jean by phone? HA! Without a doubt my sister, without a doubt. Just funning with you anyway.
Blessings~~
Nancyo

 

[Josephine]

Hour upon hour upon hour ........

We were so pleased when we got a phone package that included all phone calls (including International

) free 24/7. Saved us a whole heap of dosh!

 

[Jamie]

"Whole heap of dosh"???? Now there's a phrase that's new to me.....geeze, I LOVE the British way of saying things!! I'm gonna use that!

 

[Jean]

Hello Nancy
Nice to 'talk' to you.
I am feeling a lot better this evening because I have taken some ibuprofen - my doctor told me not to take them any more and just to use paracetamol saying that I would get terrible things happen to me if I continued to take them.
I have only been using ibuprofen for about ten years!.
So following GPs advice I have only taken paracetamol and my knees and hips have gradually been feeling more achey and stiff and I haven't been sleeping too well because of it. This evening I thought enough is enough and took some ibuprofen and I feel sooo much better! Now do I continue to take paracetamol which doesn't seem to do much for me or should I go back on ibuprofen?

.

 

[Josephine]

Oh my - another smilie freak!

 

[Jamie]

Must be something in the gene pool....(LOL)

 

[Jean]

A little update now that I've had my x-rays done.

It looks like I am needing right hip replacemnt but have yet to see my GP to confirm this - he is away on holiday at the moment. Having said that I don't think it it will cure my lower back pain as the x-rays shows there is considerable spondylosis present in the upper lumbar spine. The left hip is a bit suspect too but nowhere near as bad as the right one.
Then of course there are my knees to consider. I have been on a list to have my left knee done (partial) for over a year now but have put that off as the moment I got a date to have it done the pain seemed to disappear. It's my right knee that is often very painful and stiff a lot of the time. This is probably because of the problem with my hip?
One thing that worries me is that if/when I have my hip done there will be nobody to look after my husband so that will have to be sorted out and that is one reason why I keep thinking I will delay the op as long as possible.

 

[mdakota]

janis i wish i knew more about the uk, i know jo can tell you what is available for your husband. maybe some home health. i'm so glad you had your hips checked out. sorry to hear the results but its a start, and sometimes the validation even makes you feel a little better. who will take care of the both of you if you fall apart. ? sometimes you have to stop and take care of yourself to be good to anyone. i'll be praying for you.
monique

 

[Judles]

Oh Janis! What a quandry to be in! Can any of your church ladies look after your hubby while you're rehabilitating? In the US, we are starting to have respite centers for caregivers! NOT an easy decision to make! !

 

[Jamie]

Janis, you certainly have more than your share to deal with right now. Just take each one in turn, though, and you'll work through it all. Even though your BoneSmart family can't be THERE to help, we'll always be HERE. (((HUGS))))

 

[Steph]

Hello Janis - I understand your concerns about looking after your husband while you are recovering, is there nothing that your Adult Social Care can offer in your own home for you both? I have been told that my local Social Care team (Bucks) could help me out if I needed it.

I see you are taking Ibuprofen - has your Dr ever put you on Diclofenic - it is an anti-imflammatory, but a prescription one. I find it very good for my knees but it doesn't help my hip at all.

I am sorry to hear that you will also have to have surgery, but the postive side is that you know what the problem is now and that something can be done to alleviate it. I know it is tempting, but try not to delay your op too much, the sooner you get it done the quicker you will be able to get back to normal. I hope it all goes well for you. Take care.