Anterior better for poor muscle fitness?

Posted by starman @starman, Apr 26 8:18am

I’m Stage 4 prostate cancer.My cancer is limited to some pelvic lymph nodes.My right hip needs replacement due to side effects of ADT.My orthopedic surgeon is afraid to do the surgery due to my condition.My gluts as well as my muscles are in bad shape.I’m not physically fit.Because of this I asked her to do the anterior approach.She only does posterior.I got her to refer me to another surgeon who will do the anterior approach.I recently has spinal surgery and spent 5 weeks in bed prior to my spinal surgery which weakened my muscles.I’m bone on bone but with cortisone and hyaluronic injections my hip is manageable.What am I to do?Anterior or posterior approach?

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 26 10:38am

@starman You say "...I’m bone on bone but with cortisone and hyaluronic injections my hip is manageable..." May I ask why you are considering surgery at this point (not because of your cancer, but because of your physical condition)? Would it not be better to use the injections to gain some relief so you can do PT to regain muscle tone and rehab from your back surgery?

Recovery from any surgery is much easier and more assured if you get yourself into your best shape first. Also, unless your spinal surgery was at least 6 months ago, your body has not yet recovered from that trauma.

So my suggestion - concentrate on PT to build every muscle you possibly can, then find a surgeon.
What do you think of that approach ?
Sue

starman | @starman | Apr 27 7:16am

In reply to @sueinmn "@starman You say "...I’m bone on bone but with cortisone and hyaluronic injections my hip is..." + (show)

Thanks for your advice.I’m in Canada where our ‘free’ medical system is broken.I’ve been ob a wait list for over a year.Finally I got the call.I passed on surgery at this point as I am not in shape enough for the surgery.I want the anterior approach and the orthopedic surgeon only would do the posterior approach.ADT is hard on the body.I’m on Erleda and Lupron.With the general fatigue and being out of shape after 5 weeks in bed I agree better to be in good shape rather than have an extra long recovery.I will try and get someone to help get me in a decent condition before I submit to surgery.So far the injections have helped but going forward I’m told not to rely on their help as with time they won’t be effective and could make things worse.