THR Scared of getting a hip replacement

[Layla]

Accepting that your natural God given hip is deteriorating is difficult for many. The fact that you’re here, vacillating on your decision speaks loudly to us. We go into hip replacement surgery in varying conditions, with assorted symptoms.

While I wasn’t in constant misery, the motions / movements that bothered me, really caused me pain. I was unable to get out of my vehicle without manually lowering my leg and it was still excruciating. I rarely took a pain reliever, but I did limp. I’d guess my journey from first twinges and diagnosis, to THR was about 18-19 months. We all have a different story.

When you have a diagnosis and your limitations are interfering with your plans, your day and monopolizing your thoughts as you mentally search for an escape clause....it’s time.
@Fitness123

 

[Layla]

I do not have a recliner. Can I rent one?

While a recliner isn't a necessary recovery item, many are unable to imagine their recovery without one. Not only are they loved for comfort and convenience, but for the assistance they offer at a time when getting out of a chair can feel like a challenge.

While your mobility is limited, a lift recliner offers ease with sitting down and getting up. Recliners can provide a wide range of positions for you to relax, keeping you comfortable while you're healing. You may need to make the recliner sit a bit higher if it doesn't have lift capability, but that can easily be done with a simple wood platform or blocks.

Reclining with your feet above heart level, toes above the nose, allows gravity to naturally reduce swelling and inflammation, boosting circulation and aiding in recovery.

Ice Packs - My favorite was one the surgery site sent me home with. It held two large ice packs, each approx 12 inches long by 5.5 inches wide. It was sewn down the middle and the two packs were removable by unfastening Velcro at the top of the pockets. I mainly used mine doubled (folded in half) but it could be opened you to cover a larger area of 12x11 which is a nice option. At any rate, have several so while one is being used, the others are chillin just like you!

 

[zauberflöte]

I had all different kinds of ice packs for the first hip, and the one that rose to the top was the drug store kind that can be either heated or frozen. I have about 10 of them now, some Ace wraps and a couple of ratty old tea towels, and I can wrap and body part up on a moment's notice. I recently had a hernia repair, and was sent home with the arrangement Layla mentions, which might not have worked for my anterior, but was great for my belly!
Test your freezer now! My first-hip freezer froze an ice pack solid in 2 hours. Different house for the second, and the puny little freezer took overnight to freeze a pack. (Why I have so many!) I wore ice pretty much 24/7 for most of a month. I'm a sweller, I guess!

 

[Fitness123]

Hey everyone!
I know recovery is different for everyone. My surgery date is August 14. I am a teacher, but work with another teacher in the classroom. If I need to sit I can. Do you think 5 weeks is ok? Have to let my boss know what is up. As of now, my school will be opening in September. Teachers September1-4 for inservice and students come the 8th. Any advice?

 

[Layla]

Check out this thread -

THR - Return to teaching, how soon after THR?

Hello All, just found this forum and hoping to learn from others experiences. I saw an orthopedic in December, he looked at an xray from 1 yr ago, and new xray that he took. He says its an aggressive fast moving osteoarthritis, I am bone on bone. Yes i've been living with increasing daily pain...

bonesmart.org

I know of two members who responded and are teachers, themselves. Going4Fun and ChrissyW

A Phased Return to Work at 12 weeks is what we recommended. While that is not possible for all, I’d advise you take as much time as you can. Five weeks is pretty ambitious even with someone else there to help you. Read through the article as it highlights some aspects not always thought of as you consider your return.

Phased return to work

For return to work at 10-12 weeks as patient feels able, the following schedules are suggested week 1: Tues, Thurs 5hrs week 2: Mon, Wed, Fri 5hrs week 3: Tues, Thurs 8-9hrs week 4: Mon, Wed, Fri 8-9hrs week 5: normal duties The thing to remember really is that so often when people think of...

bonesmart.org

 

[zauberflöte]

@Fitness123 I'm not a teacher, and my hips were timed so that work wasn't an issue. My problem would have been stamina and brain fog.

Second hip was a quicker recovery in the early weeks, and I flew/bussed a 500+ mile trip at just 5 weeks. With ice, I managed fine, and I was easily able to provide music for my MIL's memorial service, but carrying my flute up and down the couple of steps to the organ area was terrifying. Which do I save if I fall??!!?? My hip??? My flute???

So, that was essentially a vacation. I would not have wanted to do a job like classroom work. However! You are 20 years younger than I was.....just to be fair to both of us

 

[minifab]

@Fitness123 I feel exactly the same way. I just got notified they've got a spot for me to have my LTHR on August 21st and now I am anxious and guessing if it's the right decision.

I am currently still active (golfing - take a cart, and walking in the evening) and not taking any pain medications. I do know I have a limp (from the AVN partial collapse), but it doesn't seem like it's "bad enough" to get a replacement.

I mean I still go out, go grocery shopping, used to go to the gym (pre-covid), and all my normal things. If I walk long distances 2+ km it starts to ache some, but once I get sitting back home it feels better and I can go out again.

My anxiety comes from a similar spot as yours; I go get it replaced and end up in more or the same pain. Given it's not completely limiting my life today, I just don't know if it's time yet.

I do know this is the surgeon I want to do my surgery and it'll have to get done at some point - but it's tough to make that call when I am still able to do most things.

 

[CricketHip]

I do know this is the surgeon I want to do my surgery and it'll have to get done at some point - but it's tough to make that call when I am still able to do most things.

I knew it was time because my world was getting smaller and smaller. Have yu noticed that happening?
The trouble with waiting is you might not get in as quickly when you really need it. Of course you know this, though. I feel for you, the decision to schedule the surgery can be very difficult, but you will figure it out.

 

[Fitness123]

I am a bit worried. I went on surgeon success rate.org. Anyone familiar with this? His rating was a one. Not sure if I understood but one star??? I think I am going to go look for a new surgeon. I found him online and people had great things to say. I have only seen him once and spoke on the phone once. Just said he would have me jumping around fast and I could go back to work in 3 weeks. My co worker just had hers done by a doctor from Rothman but only 15 minutes from me. Dr. Post. Also with school, I could take the whole month of November and December if I got it down end of October beginning of November. Any thoughts on the surgery site or my plan???

 

[Going4fun]

I feel your "pain" as in the confusing roller-coaster of emotions you're experiencing right now. Your feelings and questions and doubts--all of it--is quite typical.

I had my surgery at Rothman and at the Surgical Hospital in Bensalem. Loved it. And my surgeon was Dr. Matthew Austin. I had a sometimes rocky recovery for some months there, but ultimately I came out quite pleased. Some of my struggles were on account of my unreasonable expectations for the speed of recovery.

I walked into the hospital on surgery day, without a limp. I got the surgery because I experienced great pain when I exercised and I love exercise. It's a huge part of my mental health and wellbeing. It helps my mood, decreases stress, improves sleep, helps me regulate my eating--on and on--so I didn't feel I needed to wait until I was limping. My sister who accompanied me to surgery was using a walker and yes, momentarily the intake worker thought she was having the surgery, not me. I talked this out with Dr. Austin ahead of time and he embraced my goals for an "earlier" surgery maybe than other people. He simply wanted to be sure I wanted the surgery, and by the time I called to meet him, I was ready.

I don't mean to be critical of your surgeon, but I really don't find it helpful for surgeons to say you're going to be back at work in three weeks. I know of a surgeon in the Rothman practice who was operated on by another surgeon--that surgeon was out for seven weeks. (I'm leaving out names of both surgeons involved.) Well teaching is at least as strenuous as surgery ... and frankly, I don't think seven weeks before returning to work is something a surgeon should be promising. I took about 3 and a half months ... about 15 weeks ... I was off officially for 12 weeks, but resumed on December 13 (and that was too late for me to do any work for the term) ... so I didn't return to class until the new year.

And by the way, in some ways my recovery was fast--and I'm still happy I got the full 12+ weeks. I could dress myself fully within a few days ... could shower after a day or so, lift my leg over the bathtub wall almost immediately. Didn't need any help rising from the toilet seat and still I wouldn't have wanted to go back much earlier than I did.

Definitely do NOT count on returning to work in three weeks. You could easily still be tired and unable to walk very far at three weeks. You could also be in pain with over-walking. Some people just have more pain and need more pain meds and need them longer than others. Completely random.

Ideally take a full 12 weeks. Actually "ideally" isn't the right word. I think the wisdom here from this board (that I embrace) is to consider 12 weeks sorta a default time off ... You may get lucky with a super-fast recovery ... but please do not count on that. That's probably the number #1 issue that we see here on the board and I fell into that category myself--thinking recovery is just quick and immediate. Nope. Nope. Nope.

I didn't research Nazarian (neither good nor bad reason) ... but I did investigate Dr. Zachary Post out of Jersey ... I actually liked him quite a bit from all my research. That's not a back-handed recommendation, just sharing my experience. I just loved Dr. Austin when I met him.

 

[Layla]

Well, you’re ahead of me as I only met my surgeon once, two months before surgery and didn’t see him again until I was being prepped at the surgery site. The difference, I was comfortable with my surgeon through references and he replaced both of my dads hips. You need to be comfortable with your surgeon. It doesn’t sound like you are, or like you’re ready to move forward. I don’t believe you’re ever going to fully embrace the idea of replacing your natural hip. Surgery is not something we really look forward to, but the end result we’re hoping for is what spurs us on.

Most surgeons, if they’re highly recommended aren’t sitting idle waiting for patients. I would imagine they’re also backed up due to elective surgeries being canceled earlier in the pandemic. It may be wishful thinking to hope you can schedule your surgery for the end of October, then again, maybe not. You pretty much need to be scheduling appointments to meet with other prospects ASAP so you can get on someone’s schedule.

Best of luck to you!
@Fitness123

 

[Celle]

I think I am going to go look for a new surgeon.

You have a surgeon and a date for your surgery.
In this life with Covid interrupting things, who knows when you would get another date?

So, your surgeon only has a rating of one star - but you have heard plenty of good reports about him?
All that means probably is that the people who have given you a good opinion of him simply haven't gone to the web site you checked and given him a rating there. That's all.

Your hip needs replacing and it could collapse at any time. It's not wise to take a chance on that because, believe me, if it collapses, you will be in far more pain than you are now.
Stick with your surgeon and the arranged date.

And stop looking up stuff on the internet - all it will do at this stage is frighten you.

Instead, keep yourself busy with making your house and your kitchen ready for when you've had the surgery. Check your house for hazards that could trip you up , such as rugs and cables. Prepare and freeze extra portions of meals, so you won't have to spend ages in the kitchen preparing meals.
In the last week before surgery, give your house a really good clean, so you won't be fretting about dust bunnies while you're supposed to be resting.

And check that you have the equipment you need, following suggestions in these articles:

Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home
Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery

 

[Layla]

stop looking up stuff on the internet - all it will do at this stage is frighten you.

Not sure if you’re doing this at this point, but if so, I’d advise against it also. Same with the forum. I avoided reading about any complications here. Completely backed off from doing so.

I have an over active imagination on its own, I don’t need to feed it any negativity to ruminate over. Also realize that complications are rare and often those who encounter one come back for advice or support while the great majority are off living and enjoying life again without pain.

Focus on things like how good you‘ll be feeling by the holidays. Or what a better mommy you’ll be without pain holding you back from doing things with your daughter. You’ll have an improved mood and a new zest for life. A year from now you won’t be giving your new hip much thought at all.

I hope your weekend is a good one...enjoy!

 

[Pink Peony]

Well, you’re ahead of me as I only met my surgeon once, two months before surgery and didn’t see him again until I was being prepped at the surgery site. The difference, I was comfortable with my surgeon through references and he replaced both of my dads hips.
@Fitness123

I had the same experience as Layla, met with my surgeon once months before surgery (due to delay of Covid), and saw him right before I went into surgery. However, he had been recommended by my primary doctor, and I felt very comfortable with the amount of THR he performs. I am very happy with my results.

As to recovery times, he was willing to support anywhere from 2 - 6 weeks, depending on job. As I have a desk job, I was able to return essentially after 2 weeks and 1 day, but I spent that first week working on my laptop from my recliner. The 3rd week post surgery, I was able to sit in my office chair and work. Obviously, I am not a teacher, so ideal if teachers respond.

When I started my journey, I didn't want to have this surgery, but my feedback is that I am so happy I went forward when I did. The relief I feel without limping (which I found very embarrassing) is beyond words. Plus, I don't have that constant pain every waking minute (although I was stoic, it was always there).

Good luck!!

 

[zauberflöte]

@Fitness123 I can't find that website

One that I learned about from here is projects dot propublica dot org. It's not personal reviews (which I only trust at online retailers anyway lol) but objective measures of various outcomes.

My OS never said he would have me personally tap dancing off the table, but did speak of a colleague who joined the physicians in their cafeteria the morning after THR (show off!!), and another colleague who was golfing at two weeks. The brochure was quite optimistic, or maybe reassuring is a better word, too. I wonder if "humble OS" is an oxymoron?

 

[Fitness123]

Thanks for all your advice! I have an appointment Tuesday with Dr. Post from Rothman. A few colleagues of mine just had their hips done by him and loved him and the outcomes. He is only 10 minutes from me. Schedule looks for surgery in a month. I feel better about this. I am scared to ask this question but I will anyway. I have mild toenail fungus. I have done everything. Tried laser treatment. They don’t really look that bad but podiatrist said there is still fungus. I am now trying ciclopirocx topical polish. Heard it works but takes a good 9 months to see results. My other surgeon and podiatrist it is not something to worry about for getting joint replacement. Does not spread into bloodstream. This is my biggest fear of infection because toenail fungus is really hard to get rid of.

 

[Celle]

I think you can accept the reassurances that were given to you about toenail fungus - not a problem for a hip replacement..

 

[zauberflöte]

I had far more than mild toenail fungus for both hips. My comfort was that surgeons only look at what they're operating on (I HOPE!!!) (Also had some athlete's foot which sure didn't improve post-op until I could comfortably get to me feet) It wasn't among the questions I was asked at my pre-op.

The worst thing about toenails was, I couldn't get to the foot to trim pre-op for the pain, and I couldn't get to the foot post-op for the temporary swelling-- doing your toenails for the first time post-op is a real milestone!

PS I cured one big-toe nail fungus by accidentally dropping a heavy object on it. The nail fell off, and the new one grew in healthy. Not recommending that, although I have since been sorely tempted!

 

[Fitness123]

Thank you zauberflote!! You made me feel better. I was so worried about that fungus. It is impossible to get rid of.

 

[Jaycey]

I've had every treatment known for toenail fungus. Yes, it takes months of continuing treatment to get rid of it. It will have no impact on your THR.