Scheduled Hip Surgery -Freaking out :)

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YoungM

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I scheduled my surgery for 3/17. I'm very nervous and unsure. As you may be aware from my earlier posts, I'm only 26. I'm not at the point where I'm unable to walk, but I do suffer much pain after normal activities of walking through the mall, exercising, etc.

I have a list of questions for my doctor. Does anyone have any advice for any preparation you can share with me? Also, any particular questions I should ask the surgeon?

Thanks :)
 
You are not experiecing anything others have not, I anguished for months before finally deciding to go ahead with my hip resurfacing, right up to the day of surgery. Let no one kid you, this is major surgery with all the risks associated with that concept. But chronic, never ending pain saps your energy and spiririt; so it becomes a quality of life issue. No one can make the decision for you, but one day you will just say to yourself, "I don't want to live like this any more, I can do something about it and I am going to". When that day comes, if it hasn't already, you will find the courage to calm your nerves. Making the right choice for you has a way of doing that!

BTW: At your age, I would research the advantages of having your hip resurfaced vs totally replaced. There are pros and cons to both procedures, but the younger you are the pros for resurfacing stack up fast. If you want some detailed info check out these sites:

http://somewhere else.info/

http://www.somewhere else.info/hiptalk/

http://www.birminghamhipresurfacing.com/

If you want to talk about resurfacing or anything else about your decision, feel free to PM me and I'll send you my email address.
 
I kind of freaked out the day I scheduled my surgery, also the day I wrote about it and saw it in print on this forum.

I know you are very young, but you will be happy with this surgery. I seem to be on a surgery streak, but let me tell you hip replacement is the best. My other body parts let me know they had surgery and still complain. My hip is the most awesome.
My doc told me it is the most succesful surgery going , it is perfected, it is great. I could still walk no problem most of the time, but the nagging annoying pain is gone, gone , gone.
You'll do great
Judy
 
The method of preparation that worked for me was to research as much as possible about my condition (hip dysplasia) options for surgery, (resurfacing vs replacement), types of implants, surgical approaches, risks, recovery stages etc etc. Also, I talked to four surgeons, and made sure I was extremely comfortable with and confident in the one who finally did the surgery.

Taking that approach helped me feel that I had done as much as was in my power to find the best option for me.

One word of warning though… Doing all that research, gathering information, I had kind of treated it like another project in gathering information, listing questions, going through the options etc. The process was interesting and enjoyable, but a bit of an academic exercise at first. I had a scary 5 mins or so at the pre-op clinic when reality hit, and it finally sunk in that they were going to do all this stuff to me, my body! At that stage I could have happily run (well, limped!) away but a couple of deep breaths and a soggy handkerchief later I was fine.

Once I had a surgery date I made an extra effort to eat well and do lots of exercise so as to be in the best shape possible.

Hope that helps :)
Monica
 
YoungM,
I know it's easier to say than do, but close your eyes, takes a deep breath and RELAX. Then as each day goes by, say to yourself "only X more days until this crummy hip--and the pain--are gone!" Being 10 weeks (today!) after a THR, I'll echo others on this forum--it is SO absolutely, positively worth it to do this! And afterwards, at 26, you won't have to deal with all the other creaks and sags those of us who are a "certain" age have to contend with! :)

Since you already have a list of questions, (and seems like you've been researching) you probably have the basics covered. Ask your doc what type of components will be used and why they were selected (not to question professional judgement, but because the answers can be reassuring, especially in terms of longevity--important at your age). Do you know what type of approach will be used? If not--ask.

Stay as active as you can to keep your thigh & butt muscles strong--that will help recovery greatly. Keep healthy & well-nourished; visit this forum for moral support often, but most importantly--BELIEVE the outcome will be awesome and you'll get your young life back!
 
I am in agreement with MudPro (and think I already said this to you on your first thread) that resurfacing is something you should check out before you make any final decisions. Truly. Even at this late date. You still have 2½ months to change your decision.

There's also this post that might be helpful How to choose a surgeon and a prosthesis as it lists a number of pertinent questions to ask the surgeons you see.
 
YoungM,

Ditto to all the above. I'm not as young as you, but a 'younger' THR patient at 43. I'm 11 days post surgery and very pleased with the result! I went through lots of phases getting ready. The thing that kept me strong and postivie was knowing that after surgery, I'd be on a healing path, rather than a "getting worse" path.

I think we're all saying that the healing process is a great right one to be on! Congratulations for getting on the healing path!

"Does anyone have any advice for any preparation you can share with me?" To answer your question, I got into eating right, getting in the best shape possible, both in terms of muscle strength and flexibility. I figured that anything I did would be like money in the bank during and after surgery.

I learned as much as I could about the newer procedures available as mentioned above, including the direct anterior approach, resurfacing, types of implants, etc. I listened to my surgeons opinions and was careful to question my sources (especially internet ones). I also kept in mind that most of the research does not focus on younger, athletic hip replacement recipients. For example, my physical therapy goals are to get back to riding horses, swimming, and maybe some easy downhill skiing.

"Also, any particular questions I should ask the surgeon?"
I dug out my list of questions from my surgeon appointments. I went through a couple surgeons before I found one I was comfortable with.

Here's the list I brought with me to the appointments:
1.) How many THR's do you do per month? How many in my age group?
2.) Should I bank my own blood?
3.) When is the best time to schedule surgery?
4.) How do you ensure accurate leg length?
5.) What brand/type of implant do you recommend? What are the pros/cons of each?
6.) Are you restricted on your choices of implant by the hospital, insurance or any private company?
7.) How long after surgery before full weight bearing?
8.) How will physical therapy be structured after surgery?
9.) When will surgeon follow up visits occur?
10.) How many nights in the hospital?


I hope this helps and good luck!

Tom Pompei
Dayton, Ohio
 
Yep, me too, YoungM! Seems like we have the same day booked!
 
M,,,,,That's good luck that you & Jo are booked for your ops on the same day! Your being young is the key here,,,that means you're resillient and will do great! The only other thing I would ask your OS is if you should go to rehab after your surgery!
Best of luck, keep posting, and you will do great! The countdown to less pain has begu for you! :)
 
hi there, i know what your going through! im 55










and my left hip needs doing. My doc is wa

ahead, but i just cant bring myself to do it yet! like you im not in constant pain but im not dancing anymore and i cant get in the pool or bath and my walks are getting shorter. what made you decide to do it?
 
Rsalle,,,, I think its time to see another doctor, get his opinion,, And then, if you need a replacement, you will have your life BACk!!!!! :)
 
Rsale, I figured that for 6 years I watched myself slowly stop doing things that I love (dancing). I didn't even realize how much it was affecting my life -until I was on vacation last year at Disney. I couldn't make it through 1 park without being in pain the next day. If I go to the mall, I know that the following day will be a day of limping and pain. Although my condition is not horrible, I'm not doing normal things that I should at 26. I rather be active now than when I'm older. If I need a hip revision then, I will get the revision then. I decided I want to live my life now! I think you should go for it :)
 
Mine's a knee joint but the story remains appropriate.

My day of reckoning came upon me slowly but I always had a pretty good idea at which point I would take the plunge. I had first symptoms in late 2005 and was diagnosed with arthritis in March 06. July 06 I had a diagnostic arthroscopy which not only confirmed the diagnosis but revealed it was worse than the xray showed. However, I then had log periods of 'remission' when I could pretty much do what I wanted which included dancing,
gardening, and driving often long distances often in the course of work.

But over the past 2½ years, this has been chipped away at until I now employ a man to do my garden, only drive short trips for shopping, etc., have given up the work and my biggest heart ache, had to stop the dancing. So when all the boxes had been ticked and I found myself having to use a crutch to walk from the car to the store and then having to use the store electric cart, I knew it was time.

Got the tell you though, I got my date on Monday and my knee suddenly started behaving itself! I actually woke yesterday thinking "I don't need this done!"

Ermm - yes you do, missus!
 
Jo--I had a similar reaction. I booked my surgery and also got samples of Celebrex from my doc. I haven't taken anything other than occasional Tylenol or Advil before that, though much more of it in the last 3 months or so.
All of a sudden I'm thinking, hey, maybe I should put this surgery stuff off. Fortunately, my wife has seen me hobbling around for a couple of years. Then there are the 3 OS specialists I have seen, each of which has gasped "'Wow!" upon looking at my X-rays. And I went to a business meeting this morning and had to walk a bit...it wasn't fun. But it's a stark reminder of the tricks the mind can play on you. It's time!
Tom
 
Indeed! I know when I saw Mr O'Brien last summer, just to officially transfer my case from his colleague to him, I told him then I wasn't ready yet. He saw my xrays and the scope pictures (both 14 months old), asked me to squat and rise. I complied and his jaw dropped! He said I had absolutely no business being that good with what he'd just seen! Hence the ability to get in put back on his list with a single phone call.
 
Hi all,
How I remember the denial and ability of brain to block out severity of problem. I had my 6 month check after RTHR yesterday. My Dr who has been in the field for many years said I was the first patient who came in at first appt and called it re: need to THR w/o past orthopedic appts on subject. Think he was even surprised as I look fit and I learned well how to compensate for limping, etc during short timeframes (he got a big clue when he checked for flexibility and my leg barely bent). For me, the deterioration of hip was a long slow process, over 20 plus years.

I am so glad that is all over with. My recovery has been trouble free. I did ask about metal ions and Dr did say that this is a hot topic at all medical conferences--said that though there is indeed elevations in blood, etc, that to date there is no clear determination of bad affects. He did say that if I had been of child bearing age (long over for me at 56) that he would not have put in the metal on metal but that overall m on m has a great track record (and doesn't shatter like ceramic on very rare occasions).

Anyway, Josephine, keep that surgery appt. You will feel so much better and afterwards you will just shake your head thinking about what you have put up before the big day.

Laurie
 
R,,,,,what made me do it???? When my little grandson took his little baseball bat & started walking like ME!
Have you watched yourself walk in a mirror? I almost cried when I saw myself! I totally couldn't believe that was ME!
Whether its vanity, or just plain wanting to feel better, I don't think you need a reason! That's not how you want to live your life nd that's why you're here!
Of course we all have our aches and pain but the quality of life you will get after surgery will be immeasurable! Good luck!
Phew! My grandson is now 25 mos old! He's coming sown to see us in Florida next week! This time I'll be able to venture out with him with NO CANE,,,,,a true milestone for me! Good Luck! Ahhhh! Life is WONDERFUL again!
 
Thanks again everyone for your insight and encouragement -it really does mean a lot. I come on this board and it helps calm my worries!

Jo -I feel fortunate that I have the same day as you! It puts me at ease a bit :)

Question -do most go to rehab after surgery, or need a PT to come in to your home, or do you go on your own (if you can get a ride)?
 
You do get some pt in the hospital. We practiced things like bathroom, showering (just getting in and out), getting into a pretend car, stairs, putting clothes on without that bending down. Of course getting in and out of bed.
I did not ask for any home care, but I got signed up each of the 3 times I had major surgery. I had a pt come to my home for 3 weeks. That was really all I needed.
Judy
 
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