I'm 38, & have been told I should have a hip replacement and another thinks I should wait. What should I do?I've had a hip surgrey already (Labrum tear repair in Fall of 2006), and am confirmed to have hip dysplasia. I don't understand why I should wait - I have developed moderate arthritis, and have difficulty keeping up with my kids now - after 4 years of trying to improve this condition.
I'm so frustrated! I would like to stop taking pain medications. I just want to walk and live a somewhat active lifestyle without having to ice my hips to be able to fall asleep each night.
Does anyone have any advice?
ryssee
My dad had hip replacements, the first in 1980, the second about 10 yrs later. The advice to wait is because of how long they last. The earlier you have it done, the more often you will have to have it done in your lifetime, and the more work is done to your bones and muscles. Medical advances since then have helped I'm sure, but the wear and tear on your body is a factor. Continued meds can help with pain and mobility, and once you have the surgery you will probably need to have it again every 10-15 yrs.
I would suggest getting more medical opinions. Of course you have to make the decision but the more info you have and the more opinions you get will let you make the best decision.
Good luck to you!
Xara
How about getting a third opinion?
Racist Answer Man
Do it now.
I developed arthritis in my hip at 32. I wanted to hold out until I was 50. My doc told me that I'd know when it was time...and he was right. Not to sound like an ad, but I wish I had done it earlier.
Everything they say about that first step is true. It's a kaleidoscope of pain 10x worse than what you probably feel now.
What's amazing is how quickly you recover. You've been dealing with the pain for so long that PT doesn't feel so bad. Do it. You'll be glad.
In my case I had actually waited about as long as I could. When the doc moved in to cut the ball of the bone off it shattered. Apparently there was a bone cyst in there. In 12 more months it would have shattered by itself and that would have really been a mess.
Good luck.
AMBER D
My brother had the same problem, he decided to wait and follow his doctor's instructions. Now that his kids are gone, he regrets his decision as it took precious moments he could have spent with them when they were little.
Do some research for ceramic replacement joints ( they have a lot longer life span), talk it over with your doctor and if you must, get a second opinion.
Kraftee
I've had both hips replaced in separate surgeries because of osteoarthritis.
Probably one of the reasons that you were advised by one doctor to wait is your age. To some, 38 is very young for this surgery. One of the reasons: young age at the primary THR ups the odds that you'll need at least one revision surgery; you may outlive your fake joint. REvisions can be less successful, cause more complications, than primary THR.
On the other hand, you are fast losing the ability to enjoy your life. This is a very personal decision and HR is considered elective surgery. So you do have some options about timing. Also remember that it is not unheard of for a person of your age (and younger, believe it or not) to have a hip replacement. New bearing materials (such as ceramic and metal and highly xlinked poly) give hope for the possibility of a longer lasting prosthesis.
You might enjoy (and benefit from) joining & participating in the web forum "Hip women" which is for adult women suffering from hip dysplasia. Here's the link:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hipwomen/
While dysplasia wasn't the reason that I needed this surgery, I can attest to the great difference that getting my hips fixed has made in my life. I couldn't walk without a cane, I had to quit my job because I couldn't stand the pain, my pain pills stopped working very well, and my world got smaller and smaller.
I now have a new life, have no limp, use no cane or pain meds, and can walk miles. It's a whole new world out there for me.
Orignal From: I'm 38, & have been told I should have a hip replacement and another thinks I should wait. What should I do?
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