Very, very scared to have knee surgery and hip surgery

I’ve had hip replacement and it was pretty easy surgery never had knee surgery though

I had a hip replaced (anterior approach) in September, a knee replaced in February, and I’m having my other knee done in October. I couldn’t be happier and I couldn’t recommend getting them done more. I know so many people (including my husband - a year ago) who have had their hips and knees done (my hubby, my dad, my best friend. Between us we have 7 new joints!) and all have been very happy with the outcome . Key is 1.) make sure you have the anterior approach for the hip. Recovery is so much easier! And 2.) research the surgeon. Talk to other healthcare providers for recommendations. Look up ratings in Google, etc. the right surgeon is so important. If you’re not comfortable with how one answers your questions or explain things - go to another. Do not have surgery with a surgeon you aren’t comfortable with. Good luck. Do it and don’t look back!

Hi just catching up on some post I have been looking for new surgeon myself for second opinion on knee I had replaced still having issues with ….. anyway good getting hip done that will help your over all pain because getting your knee done will affect you hip if it is having issues…..I was having sciatica before my knee surgery and during surgery they use a tourniquet to your thigh……well I had so much more pain in my hip and thigh I think because of sciatica issue….the knee is tuff surgery ask all the questions if dr does not want or have the answers I would suggest talking to another dr.it is so important that your dr is knowledgeable and willing to answers all your questions…..my experience unfortunately I have a dr that does not want to listen to me ….so please don’t make same mistake…..good luck remember this is your livelihood don’t take for granted dr knows best ….. good luck may you be free of pain soon

I am quite certain I will need knee surgery once the hip surgery heals.

I’m pretty sure you’re hip surgery will be a lot less painful than knee surgery I’ve never had knee surgery but for some people it’s wasn’t a big deal just depends on the person I think

Hi, Chris, I appreciate your response as well as the others. I have a question, for you and perhaps for anyone else -- how many times did you see your surgeon before the operation? I am calling my doctor tomorrow for a follow-up appointment, and sadly, I am reluctant to ask what type of surgery he intends to use because frankly, I think HE should be the one telling me. Be that as it may, I probably will go ahead with the surgery because so far I trust him to do a capable job. The pain is getting worse and of course all I can do is hope and pray the doctor is as good as his reputation stars on the internet. 🙂

Why knee replacement recovery said to be worse than hip replacement?
That is my question. Thanks to all you guys for answering and helping me out. 🙂

Hi Cindi - I have a LOoong track record of orthopedic surgeries, going back 25 years, and with six different orthopedic surgeons. I have also had somewhere near a dozen other surgeries by 7-8 docs.
Something my primary doc told me before my first ortho surgery (her husband was a surgeon) was not to expect "warm and fuzzy" from any surgeon - that "many, if not most, prefer their patients unconscious" - then she laughed, but I have found the statement is more true than not!
One of my surgeons actually left the room and let his PA explain the procedure, another simply handed me a written explanation. If I wasn't an assertive patient, no questions might have been answered.

Here is what I do now whenever seeing an unfamiliar doc:
Write down the reason for the visit
Write all my questions checklist style on a small pad, with room to write answers alongside.
Listen carefully to the doc's initial explanation without interrupting or writing anything (active listening)
Look at my list and see if there are still unanswered questions. If so, ask them and insist on answers.
After the visit, sit down in the waiting area & go over notes, see if I have any follow-up questions. If the doctor has an on-line communication portal, I send a message when I get home. If not I write them down & ask the front desk to give them to the doctor or his nurse for a follow-up call.

To answer your question about how many times I see a surgeon before an operation - usually once, when it is proposed and explained, unless it is something where we are trying to decide between surgery and more conservative treatment.

Having had bilateral hip surgeries twice, I would recommend that you give your body enough time between operations to recover - I had one set of hip surgeries 6 weeks apart (TOO close!) and one set about 4 months (worked for me.) And be ready to work at your recovery - the more you follow the multiple times daily stretching & strengthening protocols, along with ice, intermittent rest, etc, the better you will do.

If a half dozen doctors have given you the same answer about needing surgeries, it is time to choose one and get started. This will give you, and not your pain, control of your life.

If you still feel paralyzed by your fears, maybe you need to talk to a counselor or therapist to get to "Go" ?
Sue

Thank you very much, good advice. I have finally decided to "go through with it." My fears paralyzed me for years until the pain got so bad I can't stand it any more. I kind of like the doctor I (finally) decided to have surgery with. I guess even if a doctor is the greatest he doesn't have to be compassionate in speech or manner? Although this doctor is pleasant enough. It's nice if he is, but I guess he doesn't have to be endearing, although this one tries to be, I think. But anyway I feel inclined to this last surgeon I saw and expect to go through with the surgery. Not looking forward to the aftermath, but naturally hoping I feel better after the surgery. And that I don't die or stroke out on the table. I feel confident enough although I'm 78.

Dear friend,
If you are in unbearable pain in hip and/or knee and they are SURE it is an arthritic joint, then consider joint replacement. If pain is on your right side only correcting one joint may fix the other one also.
I understand your fear. It is very scary. After wits end with arthritic pain I had both knees replaced 6 months ago to the day.
Results? Well, no more arthritis pain and can certainly stand and walk for much longer than before. But the healing takes a loooong time. My knees are still very stiff, my balance is not great, and won’t be going on any hikes. I’ve been told now it takes a year. Was it worth it? The jury is out on that still. It’s a horrible operation and last resort imho. So, take joint replacement under serious consideration. It is not easy. It hurts a lot. Good luck you and blessings.