RTHR On May 30th

[moms4tne]

@easethepain I know the pain you're talking about. Interesting that no matter what our lifestyle has been - fit or not - that OA pain is unique and universal to all. The good news is that the post-surgical discomfort (which can't hold a candle to bone-on-bone pain) will be a healing pain, while OA is so debilitating and becomes exponentially worse as time goes by. I last worked in Aug 2013 - just a desk job, but I couldn't do it anymore. It was almost 10 years from my injury to surgery - the last 2 1/2 were the worst, but I couldn't believe how bad I got from Aug 2013 until my surgery not quite 3 wks ago. To be able to stand now with both feet on the floor, pelvis even, no pain - and to stretch out on my back on the bed with no pain - it's like a miracle. I was seeing the chiropractor every 2 weeks trying to stay in alignment - in spite of all the modifications to my movements trying to compensate for the incision pain post-op, I thought for sure I'd throw my back out - but it's been great. This surgery really will put things right for you. All the best


2014May5 - RTHR Direct Lateral Approach
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[Josephine]

I had been mulling over the "what if I would have known earlier in life " question. Would I have toned it down and not been athletically involved.

Wouldn't have made a scrap of difference though people often blame it on sport, being overweight, walking on concrete floors, you name it! Fact is that people who are largely inactive (like me!) get arthritis too! Besides which, you're not seriously suggesting that you would have sacrificed most of your young life for the possibility that a hip replacement would be put of for another 4-5 years? Of course not!

We've also had and got any number of members in their 30s and even younger who have had hip and knee replacements! It's a 2014C phenomenon!

Here's some reading

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.
Longevity of implants and revisions: How long will my new joint last?

If you are at the stage where you are planning to have surgery but are looking for information so you can be better prepared for what is to come, take a look at these links:
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

 

[easethepain]

@bamagirl I am contacting a lawyer after Memorial Day. I am glad that you are pain free. It is reassuring. I hope to be real soon. Keep working on your gait and positive results will follow thank you

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[easethepain]

@Serenity Thank you and I hope all goes well with your surgery. I am going a few days before you. I hope all goes well and I am interested in hearing more about your recovery thanks.

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[easethepain]

@rettabetta. Retta will be better sooner than later. I agree it is hard to signup for a surgery that isnt life threatening. But, life is lived to the fullest if you are living in constant pain and you don't have to. Hopefully all of our pain will subside and we can live a happy pain free life. Good luck and stay positive!!

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[Jaycey]

@easethepain , so glad you found us! As Jo says, we have lots of members your age or young. THR is no longer an op for the old!

I remember the same feelings when I was diagnosed. Why me, what did I do to myself? I asked my surgeon as my 6 week followup about what I could have done differently. He basically said I drew the short straw. My case was also genetic so nothing anyone could have done.

Bottom line, technology is on your side. At least this surgery is now very common and the advances in implants means we can all lead long and happy, pain free lives.

I'm going to tag our other forum admin @Jamie who lives in the US. She might be able to help you access information about disability compensation there.

 

[easethepain]

@waterman1 Hello man! Better late than never. Thanks for the encouraging words. I have been wondering about food and milk as well. The more I read on I am alarmed that it is happening to so many younger adults. I see you very active athletically as well. This is true . We are so Macho and through our competive mindset we feel we can heal and get through physical ailments and be like new. Thanks for your support.

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[easethepain]

@moms4 I am glad to hear that you are pain free just 3 weeks out. That is awesome!! Seems like we have a lot similar ailments pre surgery. I am really glad to hear that they are straightening themselves out. This here keeps very optimistic! Thanks and keep getting better and lets take our lives back!

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[easethepain]

@Josephine Thanks for the information. They told me that it would have just been a factor a little further down the line w/o sports. You are right. So I wouldn't change any of my previous activities. These such activities brought upon lifelong friendships and memories. Thanks

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[easethepain]

@Jaycey I am glad as well. All these responses from people who are going through the same ailments is very encouraging. It makes me want to be the best recovery story ever! It was hard pill to swallow but I am going into surgery as calmly and positive as possible now. Thanks. I really appreciate you helping me get some advice about disability benefits in the States. I am really dipping in the savings pot right now. Not good at all. Thanks again!

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[waterman1]

Well Ease, this is where it all begins. Man, I dodged this website for years! And others! And my family and friends! Like the surgeon says, you will know when it is time, but something happens within you where you say this is what god wants of me to learn another way of life, where I limp and complain, and file disability and live in a wheelchair... Then you look in the mirror and say 'why me' for a while, and finally start looking for a way out and here you are. Fire away with questions my man! Fifty percent of my pain is gone, left hip is strong and yes I dread another surgery, but I cannot wait for another surgery!! Come on over here and enjoy life. I feel compelled to give you words of strength and truth as others did for me. I'm gonna go shoot some hoops in about eight more weeks, how about you? Where are you, let's go play some one on one, what do you say??

 

[waterman1]

More before I go Ease:
No offense to the ladies here, they are awesome but they seem to communicate with each other a whole lot better than the men, or we men are just being the loners that we are, who knows? Anyway, this stuff gets the young the old the active and the inactive, it does not seem to matter. I avoided this board until after my first THR, came home from the hospital and 'joined in' and it helps so much to talk to others going through the exact same thing. You had a college ride for basketball, me for baseball. That taught us some bad habits like 'walk it off son, its only pain' and 'the team really needs you today' and 'a shot of cortisone will fix you right up'. Right? You remember this stuff? I do! Well, I am done blaming the world, and I am searching for surgeons because I need a double dose of hip implants. Sounds like you do, too. It's OK to talk about surgeons, and anterior and posterior and modular and solid stem here. Call the college where you had a scholarship, they may have a fund to help you. I called Atlanta, but they said 'I was on my own'...

 

[waterman1]

Alrighty Ease,
I am not hearing back from you on this thread, so I hope you remain positive and moving forward. If you want to talk about pain, my right hip is killing me but you know what I went to the pool again today, just six weeks after LTHR! And I walked on a cane due to my right hip got in the pool and dragged around the bad hip leg and did some breast strokes. It was great and you know why - cuz my left hip doesn't hurt anymore. Come on June 23 for me, when is your surgery, not far away right?

 

[shrinkette]

Just wanted to say I think your outlook & attitude as you face your THR are great... indeed, very positive despite any misgivings you may have. That will undoubtedly pay off in your recovery, as will your youth & determination. Say goodbye to pain & think LIFE! Best wishes on 5/30!!

By the way, if I may ask, am I the only person who doesn't know where "Buckyland" is?! (Maybe it's a generation thing...LOL... Or sports reference?)

 

[Jamie]

Hi, @easethepain .... welcome to BoneSmart. I'm so glad to hear that you'll be getting your hip replaced soon. It will be the beginning of a new life for you without the pain. Please don't hesitate to come here and chat any time or to ask about anything that's concerning you.

I can understand your worry about finances since you are not able to work. Are you able to get unemployment? You might check with your local unemployment office to see if you are elibible for those payments. There are rules for qualification and depending on how you left your former employer, you may be able to receive some income from your state unemployment fund.

It's fine to talk with a lawyer about disability payments. But I hate to tell you that I think it probably will not be an option for you unless you had purchased a disability insurance policy prior to your diagnosis. I'm assuming you didn't have that insurance based on your posts.

In this country, "disability" payments may be granted to someone who is unable to work. It doesn't matter what the disability is...genetic or something that occurred later in life. But.....it is my understanding that you would have to apply for Social Security disability compensation (a Federal program) and that you must be in a long term disability status. These payments are not for a short-term disability like yours that will soon end. To my knowledge, there are no Federal or state programs for short-term disability. But....I am not an expert in this area, so please do consult that attorney and find out for sure.

What you may be able to do is apply for some assistance with food stamps and/or medicaid through your county's social services department. Look up their phone number and check that out. You will be in recovery for several months after surgery at a minimum and even some of this small assistance may help you get through that period.

Please let us know how you're doing. We'll be here to help in any way we can.

 

[frieds]

@ease - here I sit just one more day before hard prep for surgery. Time has flown by the last few weeks. Still nervous but almost feel liberated. I can't describe but I keep being reminded of what goes away so that hopefully good things come back. It's a bit energizing to let myself think like that finally. Hoping you are well as I'm thinking about you!

Tee


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[easethepain]

@waterman1. Hey man! I had a great day yesterday hanging out with family and friends. Playing bags, bbqing and telling the teenaged kids old stories about us growing up. I am glad that the left is holding up great! I here the pool is probably the best way to go for a great low impact resistance work. Is it? My surgery is May 30. Or as I say the end of the world as I know it and I feel fine! Without this forum I was a wreck. Good luck my man and keep on being positive and the results shall follow.

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[Jamie]

The pool is a great way to exercise. After surgery, you will need to be sure you are cleared to get in the water. And then it will be important to take things very slow. It's easy to overdo it in a pool because you do have the added help of the water to "float" you as you move.

 

[waterman1]

Hey Ease! May 30 is not far away and I'm proud of you for sticking with it. We all are here dealing with this disease and it's pain - either waiting on surgery or recovering. Wish we could all be in one big place, that would be cool. Yes I swam again today, dragging my right leg around and yes everyone looks at me funny when I come to the center on a cane, but so what, right? Keep talking about your problems and concerns, we can help each other in many ways. Remember this surgery is a privilege and an opportunity...

 

[Jaycey]

everyone looks at me funny when I come to the center on a cane, but so what, right?

Yup - so what! I remember limping into the gym on one crutch before my THR. Everyone stared. But those visits kept me sane and I did benefit from the upper body strength I developed pre-op.

Not long now @easethepain !