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?