Need THR

[MarieR]

Hello,
I have been reading postings and would like advice. I am a 45 yo, female in NC who will be needing THR. What advice can you give? Has anyone had both done at the same time and if so, what was the recovery time? Had the injections 2 wks ago, left side not as bad as the right. On pain meds. and stiff and not able to sleep much, hips starting to pop again. Have no cartilage in either hip and bone spurs in both.

Thanks for any answers you might have.

 

[ripanco]

Hey Marie,

I just sent you a private email

 

[poochiemama]

I am scheduled for the new minimally invasive surgery on 9/07 I am walking with a cane now, in pain all the time and can hardly wait!!! I have reached the point where I do not want to live like this anymore...I feel like a cripple, it affects me and my family...we don't go anywhere or do anyhting hardly at all! I have a really good surgeon at Grossmont Hospital in SD and I am counting the days!

 

[MarieR]

What is the new minimally invasive surgery? I haven't heard of this and I just went to a surgeon on 081606.

 

[Steveb]

Re: Need THR - Minimally invasive

Hi Marie,

I just had minimally invasive; in my opinion it is totally the way to go. I am on week 5 and walking 2 miles un***isted. The same parts are used for this surgery as the traditional procedure, the difference is the way they cut or actually don’t cut the mussels. The down side is that it takes a very high degree of surgical expertise. Ask your surgeon how many of minimally invasive hips they have done. My surgeon had done 3,000. There are two types of surgeries 2 incision and 1 incision It is my understanding that this does not make much difference and to go with what your surgeon is comfortable. I had what was called a modified Watson-Jones.

Good luck.. here is a link I found while doing my research it’s a story of a young woman going through here double hip experience. https://mansfield.emba.uvm.edu/~eppstein/hips/hipindex.htm

Steve

 

[poochiemama]

I am going in two days for total hip Replacement of my Left hip...minimally invasive...I can't wait...the pain meds (Ultracet) help for awhile until I sit down and try to get up and walk again...horrible...it has become so debilitating...I will post after it is over how everything went...have a good surgeon and I can hardly wait to be the bionic woman!!!

 

[Terri]

Good luck, mine was 5 weeks ago today. It is proving to be life changing surgery. I too had a lot of pain before surgery and it is gone now. It's wonderful and have found the recovery to be easier than anticipated. Best wishes for a successful surgery. Terri

 

[Annette]

I'm 72 years old and have recently been advised to have THR. I'll need it on both hips. Surgery for the right hip is scheduled for 10/16/06.
I live alone. I have no family, few friends and I'm terrified. I've enjoyed good health, been relatively active, and independently handling all my affairs. I have a difficult time asking for help.In truth not even knowing which way to turn. I feel completely overwhelmed and am tempted to have the surgery put off. It seems like their so many things to take care of before hand. I'm writing for the first time just to see if this message gets posted. I've been encouraged by others accounts.
I'm confused and in both mental and physical pain. All this happened so suddenly.

Annette

 

[Sonia S.]

Dear Annette, because you don't have no one to look after you, after your THR try to stay at the rehabitation hospital a bit longer and only get out when you feel satisfied. Hopefully, you might get some help at home with nurses. Find out if there is such service and explain to them that you are on your own and that you need help! Also rearrange your house, take bits and pieces off the floor small items away from your path. Don't put off you operation go ahead and God be with you. Good Luck. Sonia

 

[kim1313]

Dear Annette,
I know it is difficult to ask for help, but there is plenty of help out there but it is necessary to discuss this with your doctor or his/her nurse to get the post op care you need. Like Sonia said, there is a rehab hospital option and there are home nurse options. There are services available to you, but now is not the time to be shy! Get the surgery; your quality of life afterwards will be so much better than it is now! Good luck!

 

[Annette]

I was scheduled for THR on October 16. I went into a complete panic and wound up in the hospital for depression and anxiety. I cancelled the surgery believing I could not handle the recovery period. Now I'm back to square one. This has been a difficult year for me physically and mentally.
I'm disappointed in myself for not being able to follow through. I would have to wait until Feb. to schedule with the same surgeon. I'm planning on getting a second opinion. I believe eventually I will need to have both hips done. I'm 72 and very much alone. I've not been able to reach out and have pretty much isolated myself. I am seeing a professional and on an anti-depressant.

 

[shanvey]

Annette,
Hang in there! My husband was scheduled for a traditional hip replacement on 11/7. I was about to worry myself sick. We went yesterday for a second opinion to an ortho. specialist. The drive was about 100 miles one way, but it was worth it! He told us that he is a candidate for the minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. The second day, he will go home! He can drive in 1 week and back to work in 4-5 weeks. Amazing! He does over 700 minimally invasive replacements a year.

Remember, if you are not comfortable with your decision, you need to seek another opinion. The overall success of a hip replacement, depends upon you.

Good Luck
Sandy

 

[Annette]

Thanks Sandy,
Your reply was greatly appreciated and right on.