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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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@hippiechick the implants used were titanium and Crome. Wearing against each other formed a form of liquid compound that caused the Cobalt / Chromium poisoning. Anyone that has implants should periodically have their blood tested for these two compounds because they can be toxic. Stryker had a class action settlement against them for their failed implants. My wife has followed up with an independent orthopedic surgeon in the event any future complications and hope to never have to go back to Dartmouth out of New Hampshire
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1 ReactionI've done it both ways, waiting till unbearable pain for hip replacement that was out of my control because Covid shut down electives for three months. I'm doing it now needing a shoulder replacement. I'm planning on scheduling it for next March. I figure the difference is hips and knees are necessary for walking and the shoulder is sort of optional. I might move it up because I don't know if Medicare will still exist next year. I mean there aren't any guarantees and it is an expensive surgery.
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1 ReactionBettes mentioned long term care insurance.
Another mentioned at home help. I'll check tomorrow with my insurance to see if those are options for me or if they can be added to my current insurance.
I hope you can get your surgery moved up. Especially if you are in pain. Best of luck. And thanks for your input.
Hi, as someone who has had 7 total joint replacement and/revision surgeries, I would not recommend doing bilateral hip replacements. In a perfect world, yes it would be so nice to get them done at once. In a perfect world, yes I would agree it's the easiest of the joint replacement surgeries. Unfortunately, infections happen, complications happen, and when those come up, it's really good to have one of your hips healed and ready to use. Our hips are such a big part of how we move our body, how we sit, stand, walk, even to use a toilet/bed pan. Like others have said, if all goes well, full recovery is within 3-6 months, and then you could get the ball rolling for the next one. If there are complications (and I've had a variety of them), you'll want to have "one good leg to stand on" because recovery and rehab won't be routine and won't be smooth. I was really lucky - my first 5 surgeries didn't have any serious complications. But the last two surgeries I had are the reason they make you sign something that says the surgeon has explained ask the risks to you. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do. We're pulling for you!
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1 Reaction@janeen17 Message heard.
And isn't it an amazing time we live in! 7! Joint replacements! I hope you are feeling better now.
@hippiechick
I ended up not going there but I almost went to a physical therapy facility that used weightless simulation equipment:
https://frogspt.com/
It was, and it, tempting.