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Double hip replacement in future. So many questions.
I'm 69.
Not in serious pain but doctors don't know why I'm not.
I have multiple physical problems that I also have a high tolerance for.
Mainly, if moving "this way" hurts, I don't move that way.
My rheumatologist says I should wait until severe pain. I think by that time all the other problems will be worse, too. And mobility will be minimal, making recuperating slow if not impossible. That's why I think , since both hips are practically bone on bone and will get worse...do this while i can still get to and do PT.
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (was in remission. tests last week say it's back)
Major arch tendon in right foot is torn and irreparable. Special orthodics are helping now, but cant walk far or fast.
Four lower back vertebrae are also bone on bone. One is slipped.
Right hand is in constant brace, thumb has to be kept stationary ... wrist has some bone on bone.
Also small stuff.
And it's just me. I have dogs I need to care for and it's 1 step into the house and 4 steps up to the kitchen, or 10 steps down to my bedroom and bathroom.
Starting with logistics, once I'm cleared from the hospital will I be able to use stairs? Use my house?
Help lift my senior, 28 lb dog?
Now I carry her down the stairs, seated on my butt, her on my lap.
How soon can I drive?
I want to get both done as the doc says both need it, but is it better in my situation to do one side at a time? Or am i equally out of commission either way?
I would love to talk with someone in my Southern NH area who's gone through all this or I will be adding carpal tunnel to my list of ailments just writing all this..
Thanks for any help.
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Hi HippieChick,
Wow I am so sorry for all that you are going through. I'll focus on your hip question, and if you have other questions, please do ask.
I don't suggest bilateral joint replacement. Recovery is a lot harder and you need a lot of help. The good news is that hip replacement should have a very quick recovery. You can ask your surgeon, but you may be able to get the hips replaced within three months - less or more depending on your health.
So please do ask the question of your surgeon.
Addressing another point you raised - I don't agree either that waiting until pain is constant is a good way to decide when a joint should be replaced. In my opinion, as soon as a joint is painful enough to prevent you from doing something you used to do easily, and there are no other remedies, it's time to schedule the replacement.
I'm 71 y/o and have had both knees, right hip, and left shoulder replaced. In all four cases I waited until I was in daily pain to schedule surgery, and then had to wait about three painful months to get on the schedule. Do it as early as possible and when there are no other alternatives to lasting pain relief.
I wish you well, friend.
Joe
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1 ReactionThank you, Joe. You should change your online name to the Bionic Man!
I definitely will ask him many questions, just.. my appointment is a month+ off.
How long before you could do stairs after your HR?
You sound like a very upbeat "can do" type person. You have a lot going on, but I agree with Joe.
What I do is I fix the small pains first: in my case, I did my carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve release on my left hand and elbow, 45-60 days before my RT shoulder replacement (Oct 15th).
Have not had to have hip replacement, like Joe or you. Though from what I have read shoulder replacement is harder than hip replacement?
What do you say heyjoe415?
IMHO success of surgery and difficulties in recovery have ALOT to do with your overall general health and attitude; support system.
IF it were me, and I am 70, I would likely do both hips at once - but ONLY if I were in tip top physical fitness as I could be. I would work out as much as possible for at least 90 days - what I call "rehab" - and LOSE any weight above what is exactly your perfect weight, before doing a double hip. If that is not possible for you, I would do as Joe says and do one at a time; though doing that, you are going to be in a rehab center IF you do not have at home help for your at home rehab.
And having animals, I would want to be at home.
SO - if you can line up very supportive, consistent, rehab help AT HOME twice, do the single sides first, IF that help can come help you rehab twice?
Otherwise do both at once, it may take longer, but lining up help only once will be easier (?) that twice?
I think the best thing you having going for you is that you sound like an undependent, intelligent, go getter type personality. "Can do" personality style goes a LONG way in orthopedic procedures.
I would not wait. Age works against our recovery physiology of course. Weight works against our recovery. Going into a rehab facility works against us, as it opens one up for infections and depression; being out of our element as we age is not good for us due to physiological and psychological reserves declining once we hit 66-70; depending on each person's baseline at age 25-30.
Hang in there. I know with my shoulder replacement getting rid of the painful joint and replacing it with a new joint took away the pain immediately! The only thing I have is stiffness and soreness from muscles being manipulated, and a bruise on my right boob because someone must have leaned on it when replacing my joint! lolol
I'm about 6 lbs from ideal weight. Been working on it.
Besides walking large yard 2-3 times a day and fall clean up my only exercise is aquafit.
My right foot is a mess. Ankle bones rub, the torn arch tendon, Merton's neuroma, and my Catch-22 is a Ganglion cyst. The more I walk in he worse it gets. So walking PT won't work.
Im hoping aquafit will be good.
I have a friend with an elliptical machine she's offered me.
Have to see what doc says.
I have my annual wellness appointment tomorrow. I'll see if my PCP has thoughts on all this.
Remember when there was only one doctor that knew everything?
Thank you for your time and suggestions. I'm open to hearing them all.
I will be prepared.
@hippiechick I support working out in the water!
Good... great, actually. Hope the Dr supports water exercises, too. It's not 'weight bearing' which is what I think is preferred.