Guest viewing is limited

Surgeon in Cork, Ireland?

It's really hard for anyone to tell you what to do or what is best for you. You can find my thread and read as I'm one of the ones that waited. Over the years I've had back problems but not as much from my hips as from physical labor. With one hip done once I got active again so has my back pain. I didn't have any leg length difference but both hips have been a problem since I was a teen. I knew I would need a hip replacement for decades but kept waiting until I felt it was bad enough. All my decision and it was my life, no regrets.
 
Thanks everyone who has been in touch. I’ve been talking with my gp and she feels that I might be able to manage awhile on pain management and has referred me on for Physio to see if that helps and to give me more time to come to the right decision for myself.
 
squarepeg said:
I know it’s a long time but at the moment the pain isn’t terrible. I am a bit worried that the situation could deteriorate but I’m not sure I’m really ready for this yet.
Click to expand...

I am there with you. I have had hip dysplasia since I was a baby, too. I am 49 now and the pain is also not that bad. My doc also said my hip was like a square peg in a circle. I am contemplating surgery in May. I have bone on bone right now. I also have a shorter leg, not by much but, it causes a limp and the os said he could lengthen the left leg at the same time as the hip replacement. I had growth plate surgery at age 13 which almost evened out the legs but, I suppose as the hip wore down it caused the limp to increase.

I have no one at home to help so the decision to do this is a tough one. I also have 2 dogs to care for...I know I'm going to have to hire someone to come in the first couple of weeks to help with so, it's a financial burden coming, as well.

I also worry about how long this new hip will last...don't want to have to go back and redo it in 20 years...if i'm still around at that time.

Looking forward to hearing what you end up making your mind up to go ahead or not. Either way, good luck to you.
 
It sounds like we’re in very similar situations. Luckily my husband has been super supportive and will be able to take care of kids, cats and the dog. The financial side is definitely a worry for me as well. 6 weeks off work and while the surgery should be covered by my insurance I still have to copay for dr and Physio.

I’m not sure where you are living but I know how expensive homecare can be in many places and I know no one wants to feel like a burden on extended family and friends. But maybe it’s the time to call in some favors?

I wish you the best of luck with the surgery in May and let’s keep in touch!
 
squarepeg said:
I’m not sure where you are living but I know how expensive homecare can be in many places and I know no one wants to feel like a burden on extended family and friends. But maybe it’s the time to call in some favors?

I wish you the best of luck with the surgery in May and let’s keep in touch!
Click to expand...

Deffinitely keep in touch. I am going to check with my insurance and see if in home nursing care is covered. It looks like it might be. I'm not sure what they help you with but, I'm sure it's not dogs lol. I have rover.com which is a directory of dog care people who come in for a 1/2 hour for like 15-20 dollars a visit...I will probably have to splurge a bit on that. I definitely don't want to ask for any favors...but, if I have to I just might occaisionally.
 
Hopefully the home nursing will be covered in part at least. The dogs will be the hardest. Any local teenagers who would dogsit? Might be worth asking around just in case.
 
6 weeks is lofty expectations for returning to work, I'd double that. As far as any home nursing there really isn't much nursing needed, what's needed is someone to cook and clean for the first couple of weeks.
I don't now how the system works in Ireland. For me THR came close to maxing out my out of pocket on my health insurance, this is why many start at the 1st of the year and if they need a 2nd surgery they can get it within the same calendar year so they don't have any more out of pocket costs. As far as work goes in the US we can use the Family Leave Act if our employer falls under it and have our job protected while we're off, past the allotted time and you're on your own. The best case here is to purchase a short term and long term disability policy which provides income replacement when you're off if you qualify.
 
Hopefully 6 week will suffice for a part time desk job. I could possibly work from home as well. The health system here is luckily different from the USA and while I have to pay half of the physio and check ups, the surgery and hospital stay should be fully covered.
 
Hi @squarepeg I am 28 and I have just been listed for surgery. I am a little apprehensive because the question of "do I really need this" is still in the back of my mind because there are risks, but this forum has shown me that the op is worth it - especially on those days when the pain is unbearable...that reminds me that nothing else will fix my hip and it is only getting worse. You should be able to find lots of support on here which should hopefully make this life-changing decision easier :)
 
Thanks for the support! It’s the same feeling for me. The is it really that bad and how will it impact the rest of my life questions that makes it hard to decide.
 
squarepeg said:
Hopefully 6 week will suffice for a part time desk job. I could possibly work from home as well. The health system here is luckily different from the USA and while I have to pay half of the physio and check ups, the surgery and hospital stay should be fully covered.
Click to expand...

Hey it's not all bad in the USA... I've paid about $750 for my operation, including all pre-op and my first post op appointment. That includes the hospital I believe. Waiting on the anesthesiologist bill, but not sure if that's also through the same group. I also didn't have to sit on a waiting list - just picked a doctor and had surgery 2 months after my first AVN symptoms popped up. Of course that's private insurance, but my premiums are minimal.
 
I was a putter-offer myself, started a bit before you (chronologically) and went on for decades. Now that I'm "cured" what rankles me the most is the years and years of NSAID toxic load I forced my body to accept. I might suggest doing your liver, kidneys and stomach a huge favor and put a big checkmark in the Surgery column.
 
You will know when you are ready for surgery. I too have a square peg in a round hole. 1 year ago, I would not have considered getting a hip replacement. Now that square peg likes to either get wedged in the socket or just come out. It's really taking a toll on my "good" hip and back. My replacement is scheduled in November and I would not hesitate to hobble in there sooner if there is a cancellation. My thoughts are with you on this journey.
 
You are going to do great @squarepeg! Without a hip replacement things absolutely WILL get worse. Sure, surgery is a big deal and recovery (ugh..just starting out on mine) isn’t easy or fun. But I (and you) will handle it, recover and get a happy, active life back. And that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Hang in there—you can do this!
 
squarepeg said:
...and the pain is more like a cramp than a deep bone pain most of the time. If that makes any sense to you :)
Click to expand...

YES! Yes it does! My pain often feels more like muscle than bone but 2 doctors told me I need a new hip. I've put it off for like 7 years now, but after reading this post and others about people younger than me having great success, I'm ready to find out what pain free is like.
Here's to a great night's sleep! (sometime in 2019...)
 
Really helpful and supportive comments. Like everyone I think I’m trying to avoid nsaids as much as possible. And it’s reassuring to hear that the pain is similar to others as the cramping feeling was a bit confusing. Have decided to see a counselor as well to help me through the bad feelings that have come up with the whole situation.

Another question though, what are people’s thoughts on the anterior vs posterior approach? Or the bikini hip replacement? Especially considering that at my age there’s a good chance I will need a revision in future.
 
squarepeg said:
what are people’s thoughts on the anterior vs posterior approach
Click to expand...
Let your surgeon make the decision regarding approach. They will use the approach they have the most experience with taking into consideration your own medical situation. Don't believe the hype about anterior being a quicker or easier recovery. The end result is the same!
squarepeg said:
at my age there’s a good chance I will need a revision in future
Click to expand...
Old school thinking. Implant technology has come a long way! Surgeons are talking more and more about the "forever hip".
 
I know it should be the surgeon’s choice as to approach but from what I’ve read depending on which approach is used the limitations afterward are different. That’s a major concern for me as I still want to do all the activities I enjoy. And different surgeons have different approaches so how many should I see? How do I decide which surgeon is best for me???
 
Well the approach does not determine post op restrictions anymore either. This was the case not too long ago. But most surgeons are not imposing post op restrictions (like the 90 degree rule) now.

In terms of activities in life after THR - find an up to date, modern thinking surgeon. Most will tell you to just get on with life. If a surgeon tells you that you can never do a particular activity ever again - well I would say they aren't who you want to work with. Of course there are limits post THR. My surgeon's only cautions were no parachuting or bungee jumping. Since I have no interest in either activity - I really don't feel restricted at all.

A lot of deciding on a surgeon is gut feeling. If they allow you to be a part of the decision making and and willing to discuss anything and address any concerns, then they are someone you can work with. Anyone who makes you feel rushed or who brushes aside your questions is not on the list. You will know during the consultation. And BTW - ask how many THRs your surgeon does in one year. 100+ is a keeper.

Here's a link from our Library that might give you more info: Choosing a surgeon and a prosthesis
 
Hi Jaycey, that’s super helpful! I’m not planning on skydiving or bungee jumping either but I really enjoy ice skating, skiing, surfing and racquet sports so limitations would be a big issue for me in making my decision.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Active Antimicrobial Hydrogel

Staff online

Members online

Total: 2,540 (members: 2, guests: 2,538)

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom