Scared to death

[nuttygolfer]

OK, I admit it. I have been putting up with pain in my right hip for 5+ yrs and now my Dr says you must get a total hip replacement. It has been scheduled for 11/11/09 at NBH in Boston. I'm already scared out of my mind. I've never had surgery, I'm 56, soon to be 57. I play 70-80 rounds of golf a year and want to be sure I will still be able to. I've given up on walking and doing anything that requires me to be on my feet for more then 30 minutes. I just wonder if its time to do this THR. How bad does the pain need to be before you get it done. I can sit comfortably, do have trouble sleeping, but could stand it for another year or two if I had to. Am I being a baby here?? I'm concerned that I'll never be the same again. I need to find some strength to get through this. Thanks for listening.

 

[Judles]

Welcome, Nutty!!! No of course you're nt being a crybaby! We've all been thee,,,nscared of the unknown! As long as you've researrched, done your homework, and are confident in your OS, you're in good hands! Why do you have to wait so long for your surgery? The sooner you have it, the better you wil feelb. You'll also wonder why you waited so long to have the surgery! It's amazing surgery! Good luck and keep posting! . You've come to the best place!!!

 

[Josephine]

Hi nutty and welcome to BoneSmart. We were all scared, my friend - even me and I have spent my life working in this speciality!

It's an old fallacy that you need to wait until the pain is "bad enough". What nonsense! This time, when you are cutting back and cutting back on what makes your life enjoyable, will never be got back again. It's lost and gone forever. Why waste it? It's far too precious.

Plus, you risk acquiring deformities in the joint and the bone which will make the job harder for the surgeon and tougher for you in your rehab. Better get it done now while you're in the best condition you can be. If possible, go to a gym and do some muscle/strength building work, it will pay dividends in your rehab if you have good muscles.

As for will you be able to play golf - of course you will! Have a look at this thread which names a lot of sporting celebrities who've had THRs and returned to their own sport Gymnast - Mary Lou Retton and other celeb THRs. You should also read my post How to choose a surgeon and a prosthesis

others articles of interest to you ....
- broken link removed: https://www.pr-inside.com/legendary-golfer-tom-watson-has-anterior-r861159.htm had anterior approach hip replacement surgery Oct. 2, performed by Joel Matta, MD, at Saint John's Health Center
- broken link removed: https://chip2score.com/hiprehab.html
- broken link removed: https://www.minitotalknee.com/webpages/BackToSports.htm

https://bonesmart.org/hip/how-to-choose-a-hip-or-knee-replacement-surgeon-and-prosthesis/Hope this all helps some. If there are other specific issues that are worrying you - anaesthetic, pain management, prosthesis longevity - please don't hesitate to post them.

 

[DianeC]

I had my RTHR 22 days ago and I already feel better than I did before my surgery. I didn't wait very long either.

My hip started hurting in January of 2008; I tried taking Mobic and had 2 cortisone shots, but nothing helped, so in January of 2009 I got on the schedule for surgery in May. I would have had it done sooner except I had some things going on that I wanted to finish first.

It sounds like your pain is already severely limiting your activities. Having the surgery is the way to get your life back.

Best of luck to you.

Diane

 

[prairienut]

I am 58 and had about the same disability you had -- maybe a little less. I worried, too, about whether I should "stick it out" another year before having a total hip replacement. I was limited in the amount of walking I could do. Sitting was fine; sleeping was mostly fine; but I couldn't take long walks any more, and this was a real hit to my quality of life. I was on only occasional OTC pain meds. Most of my friends didn't even know I had a problem as I had only a slight limp. I decided to go ahead with the surgery sooner rather than later. I am now 11 weeks out and can walk long distances with no pain. My recovery was rapid because I was not overly disabled prior to surgery. As of 6 weeks after surgery, I have no restrictions on activities. So glad I did not wait! I am looking forward to our family vacation in August where I will be doing a lot of day hiking. This would not have been possible without the THR. I was a nervous wreck prior to surgery wondering if I was doing the right thing at the right time. But all turned out well. Pick a good surgeon and good facility, and I predict you will be very happy with the results!

 

[TBONE]

Hi Nutty and Welcome. I am not much of a golfer but as of April of this year, at 51 y.o., I had never had any surgery. So imagine my surprise when I was told in January that I needed bilateral hip replacement surgery. In truth, I knew I needed it but I had been ignoring my symptoms (and avoiding doctors) for at least 7-8 years.
On April 1, 2009, I had BTHR. I just passed my 12 week mark and I am doing great, back to the gym, lost weight, and I can stand and walk for hours. Before my surgery, my walking and standing was down to about 10 minutes. To be sure, I have some recovery issues, but they are mostly related to waiting too long to have my surgery and the resultant flexibility problems that waiting has caused. Nevertheless, my flexibility is much much better than before surgery. And I continue to work on these issues.
About 5 years before my surgery I started golfing. I quit within 1 year due to flexibility problems and because I couldn't bend down to pick the ball out of the cup without looking very foolish. Even though I'm not much of a golfer, I went to the driving range last week because I want to pick it up again. It felt great!
Best of luck on your decision.

 

[JudyS]

Although I had a low grade nagging hip pain for at least 14 years it did not really interfere with my activity until fall of '07. I saw a hip surgeon, we both thought I had a little tear in the labram, arthroscopic surgery Feb 1st. WEll lthe MRI showed maybe mild arthritis, when the doc got in there is was severe on both weight bearing surfaces. I was shocked when he started talking about hip replacement:shk:
I was 51 a mountain trail runner and he must be kidding. Well, I had that hip replaced in June of "08 and never looked back. It is an amazing surgery. I am not supposed to run (very small amounts I have done just to see how it feels and it feels totally normal and very painfree) Just don't tell my doc.

Anyway running is the only banned activity. I have since had other surgeries and no longer fear surgery itself, but the hip was the best. If you are worried about specifics ask away, we've been there.
I would not put it off one day, do it now. Why nov?
Just make sure you read what our wonderful Jo has suggested and go for it. I am so thrilled every day with my new hip.
judy

 

[trish.tx]

Hi scared to death, I know what your going thru, I lived with the pain for 3 years before I knew it was my hip was told I had a pulled groin. My pain and hip got so bad I could barely walk without a cane and I was scared the wheelchair was my future. I did a lot of cking on doctors and was lucky and made the correct choice for me.

I had surgery May 22 ,09 I went to the surgery like a lamb to slaughter, I was scared to death like you I hadn't had surgeries and was scared of the epidural and the anthesisa. I hate to be put to sleep. In fact if I could have stretched my legs apart wide enough to not go thru the operating room doors I would have BUT I was given something that before I got to the operating room I was out and woke up about 3 hours later in recovery.

I was surprised I didnt have the pain I thought I would after my surgery, started physical therapy getting up etc. Was released from hospital after 4 days. Had a home health nurse and pt for 4 weeks. I was homebound, as my doctor is very strict . Had my first post op visit today and I can now ride in car up to 2 hours in the front seat. I am putting full weight on my left leg and relearning to walk. I dont have a limp and I am virtually pain free. Wish I had done it sooner and it is more then worth all the worries I had built up in my head and I see a bright and mobile future for me I am 62 years old and had a total left hip replacement

 

[kangaroo]

Hi scared to death,
...if you read the literature and search the web I'm sure you will find lots of scarey information about the "seriousness" of THR , and I'm not going to take away from that.....BUT.....as far as I am able to determine almost all the problems, or maybe potential problems can be solved....pain (through medication), nausea (anti nausea drugs) ,lack of mobility (solved by involving friends/family), fear of anaesthesia (problems here are rare with modern anaesthetics) , feeling dependent or out of control (that's tough, but not a bad lesson to allow others to help you, and to learn to ask for help)....all of the issues that I was scared of were able to be solved or rationalized. Bottom line is THR is a very safe and successful op... So whilst the literature is scarey....they do that to avoid litigation....please listen to us who have been there and are still in the process....Being post surgery is a great place to be...and we have all been where you are now too.
In your post you said your surgery was in November. Thats a long time to wait. Can you bring it forward a little? One of the problems I had was that once i knew that thr was going to happen, i spent every waking moment thinking about it....this becomes a lot of time totally taken up with waiting ....far better to be getting on with life, than worrying about something and if you are anything like me escalating it out of perspective...

Oh and by the way, Ive never been able to play golf because of the hip....but I'm keen to get out on the course and have a go.....
Rachel

 

[Josephine]

trish.tx - welcome to BoneSmart! I opened your post up into paragraphs to make it easier to read.

I'm pleased to hear your great report. You are what hip/knee replacements are all about! Wonderful!

 

[Troweltalk]

Nuttygolfer:

The stress I gave myself leading up to the surgery was by far the worst part. I put it off for one year after first getting the "word" from the doc that I needed a new hip becasue quite frankly, I was afraid.

Afraid of the surgery, afraid of complications, afraid that I was "too young", afraid I would be worse off than I was before or wouldn't be able to do activities I did before. But most of all, I was afraid of the unknown.

The more research you do, the more people you talk to who have had the surgery, the more you weigh success stories vs the very very few failures; the more you will be able to come to grips with the notion that you are doing this for the quality of your life, and there is nothing to be afriad of in that.

I'm not a golfer, but I shot my first round of 18 since the surgery a little over a week ago - no problems whatsoever!

 

[nuttygolfer]

I've scheduled the surgery for November because I was hoping to gut out the rest of this New England golf season. However I'm am finding myself getting consummed with anxiety over this already. I can't take that daily until November so we'll see if I get up the nerve to move the surgery date up.
Thansk for your encouragement!

 

[Jamie]

Nutty.....every day you wait is another day that you're not on the road to recovery and your goal of pain-free golfing. You can do this....move the surgery date up and lean on us if you need support. Remember, the most difficult part is the waiting....so don't make yourself wait any longer than you absolutely have to!

 

[nuttygolfer]

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement and the links. They are great.

 

[nuttygolfer]

Nutty.....every day you wait is another day that you're not on the road to recovery and your goal of pain-free golfing. You can do this....move the surgery date up and lean on us if you need support. Remember, the most difficult part is the waiting....so don't make yourself wait any longer than you absolutely have to!

Thanks, I'll see if I can work up the nerve to move the surgery date up.

 

[nuttygolfer]

Hi scared to death,
...if you read the literature and search the web I'm sure you will find lots of scarey information about the "seriousness" of THR , and I'm not going to take away from that.....BUT.....as far as I am able to determine almost all the problems, or maybe potential problems can be solved....pain (through medication), nausea (anti nausea drugs) ,lack of mobility (solved by involving friends/family), fear of anaesthesia (problems here are rare with modern anaesthetics) , feeling dependent or out of control (that's tough, but not a bad lesson to allow others to help you, and to learn to ask for help)....all of the issues that I was scared of were able to be solved or rationalized. Bottom line is THR is a very safe and successful op... So whilst the literature is scarey....they do that to avoid litigation....please listen to us who have been there and are still in the process....Being post surgery is a great place to be...and we have all been where you are now too.
In your post you said your surgery was in November. Thats a long time to wait. Can you bring it forward a little? One of the problems I had was that once i knew that thr was going to happen, i spent every waking moment thinking about it....this becomes a lot of time totally taken up with waiting ....far better to be getting on with life, than worrying about something and if you are anything like me escalating it out of perspective...

Oh and by the way, Ive never been able to play golf because of the hip....but I'm keen to get out on the course and have a go.....
Rachel

Thanks Rachel. You've hit on most of my fears 100%.
You should but a sign out for consultations!!
Your words and encouragement go a long way
Thank you!!

 

[nuttygolfer]

Nuttygolfer:

The stress I gave myself leading up to the surgery was by far the worst part. I put it off for one year after first getting the "word" from the doc that I needed a new hip becasue quite frankly, I was afraid.

Afraid of the surgery, afraid of complications, afraid that I was "too young", afraid I would be worse off than I was before or wouldn't be able to do activities I did before. But most of all, I was afraid of the unknown.

The more research you do, the more people you talk to who have had the surgery, the more you weigh success stories vs the very very few failures; the more you will be able to come to grips with the notion that you are doing this for the quality of your life, and there is nothing to be afriad of in that.

I'm not a golfer, but I shot my first round of 18 since the surgery a little over a week ago - no problems whatsoever!

Awesome, Thanks for your reply.

 

[nuttygolfer]

Hi nutty and welcome to BoneSmart. We were all scared, my friend - even me and I have spent my life working in this speciality!

It's an old fallacy that you need to wait until the pain is "bad enough". What nonsense! This time, when you are cutting back and cutting back on what makes your life enjoyable, will never be got back again. It's lost and gone forever. Why waste it? It's far too precious.

Plus, you risk acquiring deformities in the joint and the bone which will make the job harder for the surgeon and tougher for you in your rehab. Better get it done now while you're in the best condition you can be. If possible, go to a gym and do some muscle/strength building work, it will pay dividends in your rehab if you have good muscles.

As for will you be able to play golf - of course you will! Have a look at this thread which names a lot of sporting celebrities who've had THRs and returned to their own sport Gymnast - Mary Lou Retton and other celeb THRs. You should also read my post How to choose a surgeon and a prosthesis

others articles of interest to you ....
- broken link removed: https://www.pr-inside.com/legendary-golfer-tom-watson-has-anterior-r861159.htm had anterior approach hip replacement surgery Oct. 2, performed by Joel Matta, MD, at Saint John's Health Center
- broken link removed: https://chip2score.com/hiprehab.html
- broken link removed: https://www.minitotalknee.com/webpages/BackToSports.htm

Hope this all helps some. If there are other specific issues that are worrying you - anaesthetic, pain management, prosthesis longevity - please don't hesitate to post them.

Thanks so much for your reply and the info on the links. They are very helpful. I am putting the surgery off to November because I trying to finish up the summer golf season in New England before undertaking this unknown. You have made me feel much better about my decision.
Thanks again!

 

[nuttygolfer]

I had my RTHR 22 days ago and I already feel better than I did before my surgery. I didn't wait very long either.

My hip started hurting in January of 2008; I tried taking Mobic and had 2 cortisone shots, but nothing helped, so in January of 2009 I got on the schedule for surgery in May. I would have had it done sooner except I had some things going on that I wanted to finish first.

It sounds like your pain is already severely limiting your activities. Having the surgery is the way to get your life back.

Best of luck to you.

Diane

Wow, that's is very good news to hear. 22 days and felling better then before it was done. I only hope that will be my case.
Thanks again!!

 

[nuttygolfer]

Thanks Tom for the words of encouragement. I hope my experience will be similar to yours. I so look forward to the day when I can walk and carry my golf bag for 18 holes rather then limp around with a golf cart as I am doing now.
Doug