Need Hips replaced; Research adds to confusion; Scared; Advice Please?

[marliz]

I am a 65 year old woman with fibromyalgia, arthritis and other back problems. When I saw a surgeon about my back he realized my hips were causing problems. I don't consider the pain unbearable, but can't walk far and walking helped me so much with the fibro and depression, so I'm about ready to try the new hips.

No one can really know which type of implant or replacement, since that will be up to the doctor I choose (I was not happy with the one who made the diagnosis), I'm hoping some of you can answer other concerns.

First does anyone know of a good Surgeon in Michigan or nearby state? Ann Arbor was the nearest place that made the USA Best Orthepedic Hospitals list. I am close to Grand Rapids. Does anyone know about Spectrum Health Services or a surgeon here who keeps up to date and does a lot of replacements? If not I would be willing to go to Ann Arbor, or even another state if you can give me the name of an excellent doctor.

It sounds as though computer ***isted surgery (I've tried replacing the asterisks three times without success--hope you know what it means!) is an added safety feature so I would hope that was available.

Snce I haven't been able to do my three mile walks for the past two years and, other than trying to keep moving around the house, do you know of any excercises I could do to help myself get ready? I'd love to dump the 30 extra pounds put on by meds, but it seems impossible without excercise.

I can't wear earrings with nickle posts. Do they always test you for an allergy to nickle before the surgery?

Most of all, it would help so much to hear from others with additional health problem, who have had the surgery .

Thanks for any hand holding!

 

[ripanco]

Hi Marliz,

Have you tried working in a pool? It is great for arthritis and fibro. Before I had my hips replaced and I was unable to run, I used the pool to help keep my fitness. I got an aquajogger belt, a noodle, some other little pool accessories for resistance. I would do my leg workouts in the pool as well as pool running in the deep end. Absolutly no impact on your joints but still can be a really good workout. The harder you push the harder it is. Can get boring as heck, but some music or meditation goes a long way I did work really hard in the pool, but it worked wonders in keeping me strong. I also have spondololythisis of L4-5, but since the hips are fixed, my back pain has mostly dissapeared.

I live on the east coast so can't help you in finding a good surgeon, but I can not stress enough how important it is that you are happy and comfortable with the one you choose. Once you have faith in one, I would listen to what they recommend. My most wonderful surgeon uses MIS, posterior, with Stryker components with outstanding results.

I also have no idea about the nickle thing, but then I can't wear any earring, even gold so maybe that is not a factor. I am doing just wonderfully with my bright new titanium hips!

Good luck,
Andrea
(Believe in Barbaro)

 

[marliz]

Andrea, thanks so much for your caring response. I actually was working out in a pool last year. When winter came I couldn't seem to make myself face going out into our cold Michigan winters, getting into an 84 degree pool, and then back into the icy weather again.

I'd gotten out of the habit this summer and my worst enemy right now is depression. I can't seem to make myself go anywhere. I did find a site with a few exercises to tighten the muscles and today started trying again to go back to a 1200 cal a day diet -- I can lose slowly if I cut back that far.

I'm toying with the idea of looking for a three to six month apartment rental near a reputable orthepedic hospital in a warmer area, with the idea of possibly relocating so I will be able to get out and walk more when I get my new hips!

My husband is not thrilled about it but is willing to try and if we like the area, we could rent awhile until we were sure enough to buy a place. I can't take much heat with humidity so it will have to be somewhere with a drier climate.

So much to think about. Sometimes I think I should just get the surgery done here and then look at moving, but since I will have to spend time in a rehabilitation place anyhow (my husband makes a very poor nursemaid) the idea of going to a major center near an area we might like to stay in is really tempting.

Sorry. I didn't mean to make this so long. My brother lives in Philadelphia. Are you (and your great surgeon) anywhere near there?

Thanks again!
Marliz