THR Time for the second hip

[Coddfish]

My right hip was replaced in September 21. A successful operation and a straightforward recovery. A few months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which quickly became stage 4. I have been battling the after effects of an immunotherapy related adverse event and the consequences of 9 months of high dose steroids for some time. This has left me with an awful lot of joint stiffness and pain, with decreased mobility and decreased ability to undertake the tasks of daily living. It has slowly dawned on me that the issues I am having with my left hip are very similar to those I was experiencing with the other hip in 2021. So I saw my GP today in order to kick off the process and now have a surgical assessment booked for Feb 26th. My cancer is in remission but I live on 3-monthly surveillance cycles and don’t know what the future holds, so will press on and get it done if the assessment confirms there is value. With my health and general fitness not as good as last time, I need to guard against having overly high expectations. It really was a miracle procedure last time that literally allowed me to get back up and running very quickly. I used this site last time around and found it helpful - back here again!

Total RH replacement - Sept 21, uncemented Smith & Nephew Polar 3
Into the unknown for possible total LH replacement.

 

[benne68]

Welcome back, @Coddfish. I'm so sorry you've had to deal with breast cancer treatment and recovery, but very glad to read that your cancer is in remission.

Since it has been a while since your first hip surgery, I will share our Pre-op information as a reminder. I'm sure this will all seem familiar.

If you are at the stage where you have joint pain but don't know for sure if you are ready to have surgery, these links may help:
Score Chart: How bad is my arthritic hip?
Choosing a surgeon and a prosthesis
BMI Calculator - What to do if your surgeon says you're too heavy for joint replacement surgery
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?

Good nutrition is very important for your recovery:
Dietary Tips for Recovery
Nutrition Basics


As you know, we try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery.

Please keep us posted on your journey, and let us know when you get a surgery date so we can add it to your signature.

 

[Zorro]

Hello Codfish,

We at BSmart are pulling for you and we are happy that you find this site to be useful.

As Benne68 stated good nutrition is imperative and this is something you can control. So keep a focus on eating nutrient-dense foods.

I suggest that you accompany practical suggestions with preparing yourself spiritually and emotionally for improved joint health and being cancer-free. This could take the forms of guided meditation, aroma therapy, consultations with spiritual experts and other activities.

Keep a good attitude and please keep us posted.
Your friend, Zorro

 

[Deni444]

@Coddfish My heart goes out to you for the challenges you have experienced. Wow, what a journey and one of immense endurance and courage . I'm sure it has been far from easy and so I will be praying that you are strengthened further, that your cancer is in remission for good and that your hip surgery will be as easy as possible for you and improve your mobility significantly. Much love and best wishes

 

[PolarIce]

Welcome back! i felt the same you do in regards to the surgery being a miracle surgery. Super excited for you with your second surgery being scheduled! you are going to be good as new! keep us posted how things come along! we are here routing for you.

 

[Coddfish]

I had my outpatient clinic appointment today, which has confirmed my left hip does need replacing. I signed the consent forms and now wait for an operation appointment date.

 

[Zorro]

Thanks for letting us know.
Keep us posted on this journey with your left hip.
We have all been there and can support you along the way.
FYI, consider joining the Insider status.
Stay strong.

 

[Layla]

Sorry you need to go through another surgery and recovery, but as you know the benefits of this great surgery will get you back to life and all that you love, minus the pain. Fingers crossed you don't have to wait too long,
Lots of comfort to you, please keep us posted!
@Coddfish

 

[Coddfish]

It’s been a bit of a slow process with our dear old NHS, where they quote me a 12 week waiting list and I then find there’s another step and another 12 weeks. With my expectation of a May surgery date being replaced by an August one, I cracked and booked a private appointment at the same clinic I used last time. I can’t use the same surgeon as unfortunately he suffered a brain injury in an accident a couple of years ago and is still working reduced hours. However, I had a successful appointment today with a lovely surgeon who has listed me for 17th May, subject to the prerequisites. He was also happy to put in an identical uncemented implant to the one I have on the other side, whereas the NHS man was keen to cement me. Having had a successful uncemented hip which allowed me to return to running, I am much happier with this outcome. Hopefully the pre-requisites will be met and I will see you all on the other side.

 

[Zorro]

Good that at least you have a firmer date! I do not know which system is vexing: US healthcare or UK healthcare!
You are going through a lot.
Yes, Coddfish, we look forward to your happy outcome on the other side of our BoneSmart site.

 

[Deni444]

I'm in the UK too. The NHS app they are incredibly pleased with was quoting me 15 weeks to surgery. That turned into at least 10 months when I was actually sat Infront of the surgeon. Another surgeon quoted me an 18 month wait when I looked for an alternative NHS option. I went private, it isn't cheap! Interestingly, I was pleased to have the cemented option for a lower risk of dislocation. There are very mixed opinions out there on cemented Vs non cemented but I'm glad you found a solution to match your personal desired outcome of running. Which private provider did you go with? I opted for the Nuffield because I wanted to stay with my surgeon who I liked. He only worked privately with the Nuffield.

 

[Coddfish]

Hi @Deni444

I had my first hip replacement in 2021 when I was 64. I sought out a surgeon who was happy for people to go back to running after surgery and left it to him what he did. He made decisions during the operation based on bone health, and of as a runner I had good bone health. Hoping that remains the case this time around.

I had been to my GP in January this year and was surprised to get a consultant appointment within 5 weeks, at which point I was told his list was 12 weeks - until it wasn’t. I wish I had just gone private in January. I had my first operation privately because the lists at that point (pandemic) were 2 years. I only went to the GP when I learned it wasn’t possible to use the surgeon I used last time. I don’t want to spend the summer limping around…..

The operation will be in a Spire Hospital as it’s nearer to where I live than the Nuffield hospital that he also operates at.

 

[scorow]

Wow. I knew that there was often a long delay to get surgery scheduled in the UK, but that has to be really frustrating when you're hurting.

@Coddfish - I'm also scheduled for my 2nd hip (other hip was done in Feb. 2020) so will be following your progress. Like you, I had a really good outcome the first time and am hoping for the same this time (while knowing it could be different). Best of luck to you!

 

[Coddfish]

Having decided I wasn’t prepared to wait any longer for the NHS, where things seem to keep moving backwards in 12 week blocks, and having seen a consultant privately on Friday, things are moving very quickly. The consultant had told me on Friday that he would list me for surgery on May 17th. Got to love the efficiency of the process at the Spire hospital where my surgery will take place. By lunchtime today I had formal confirmation of the surgery appointment, a health questionnaire, a telephone appointment to go through the questionnaire, a pre-op appointment and an appointment for final screening 48 hours before surgery. Plus of course the invoice.

So it’s now very real. I have filled out the questionnaire and paid the invoice. I now need to search for all the various aids I used last time around, and do some batch cooking and put it in the freezer ready for the early days of my recovery period.

 

[Deni444]

I'm pleased for you! It's no fun having to dig out the money but I thought it worth it compared to what felt like a torturous NHS waiting list. My experience was similar, quite amazing to experience everything falling into place so quickly. The Nuffield provided a lot of the aids and so do check to find out what the Spire will include as part of the service. They handed out things like, long handled sponge, sock aid and grabber. I even got a booster cushion for my chair but apparently I need to return that.

 

[Mich`ee]

I nearly went down the Private Road so to speak but although a 12+ week wait on the NHS I couldn't fault the excellent care amazing from Consultant Booking In and Discharge

 

[Coddfish]

I didn’t get given any aids last time but was given a list of things I might want to buy or rent. I retained the things I found helpful last time (raised toilet seat, sock puller, long handled shoe horn etc), plus I have a riser/recliner chair. I gave away a few things I hadn’t really needed (booster cushion, perching stool). I may be underplaying this but I found recovery really straightforward last time other than needing to be careful not to put full weight through it for a few weeks given it was not cemented. Hoping for the same again.

 

[Deni444]

I can't think of anything I found useful that you haven't got covered there. That chair sounds perfect and so I can see why a booster cushion wouldn't be on your list. I did find mine useful early on as my recliner isn't a riser. Just made getting up a lot easier. I haven't needed it for a week or so now though.

Coping with sleeplessness was by far the biggest challenge early on for me. I was exhausted and sleep just didn't want to happen despite being fairly comfortable and pain free. Have you got everything for a comfortable sleep based on your previous experience?

 

[Coddfish]

I didn’t find the back sleeping phase easy last time, I just remember being surrounded by lots of pillows and needing to use a gym elastic to lift my operated leg into bed for the first few nights. The one thing I am grateful for, as I was last time, is we have a large walk in shower in our en-suite.

 

[Layla]

needing to use a gym elastic to lift my operated leg

Belts work also as well as the soft fabric belt of a bathrobe. I believe you call them dressing gowns in the UK?
I am imagining your leg bouncing up and down and if your using what we refer to as resistance bands in the states?