Concerned

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/3/2004 9:15:47 PM Central Standard Time, lhlauer@... writes:

If the pain is manageable, then you are not in need of a joint replacement yet.

_____

I sort of disagree with that. I have been walking around for about 8 years now, losing out on half my life because I couldn't manage to walk that well. but I can still walk....I could "tolerate" it for a couple more years if I had to. but I want to work, want to walk in the woods and in malls, and with my friends. for me, the quality of my life is extremely important.....just "making it/tolerating it" leaves me cold.

y

[Guest guest]

Hi Janet,

I found that most of my questions were answered by this site,

http://www.totaljoints.info/

seems to have evidence based ( as all good medical decisions should

be!, impartial information, and they cover almost all your concerns

It has updates on the latest scientific publications in easy to read

format,

Leigh

[Guest guest]

"My name is Janet. I am a new member."

DEAR JANET,

HERE WE GO FROM THE 'SMALL WORLD" DEPARTMENT. LOL

WE ARE HEADING FOR DESTIN, FLORIDA IN JANUARY. STRANGELY ENOUGH, WE HAVE PLANNED TO OVERNIGHT IN THIS LOVELY SOUNDING SMALL TOWN JUST OVER IN ALABAMA, BY THE NAME OF OPELIKA.

IMAGINE MY JOY TO SEE YOUR ADDRESS?

LOL

WANNA HAVE COFFEE THEN?

MARGE

MY GOD LIVES!

[Guest guest]

So many restrictions on activities that are essential.

But if the pain is manageable, as mine certainly is, are the post-surgical restrictions worth trading for the inconveniences of occasionally having to use a cane, taking NSAIDs, and so on? YES, LEWIS, YES, YES,YES.

THE RESTRICTIONS BECOME CAUTIONS. I AM 8 MONTHS POST THR AND I CAN REACH THE FLOOR NOW TO PICK UP MY LAUNDRY, IF I HAVE TO. I CHOOSE TO KEEP A GRABBER HANDY BECAUSE I SIMPLY DO NOT WISH TO DEAL WITH A DISPLACEMENT. I EXPECT TO GET MORE AND MORE LOOSE AND MOBILE AS THE YEAR WEARS ITSELF TO A CLOSE.

SAME WITH PUTTING ON SOCKS. ALSO MY HIP IS SUPPOSED TO BE WALKING FOUR MILES A DAY BY NOW, WHICH I WOULD TOTALLY LOVE TO DO! BUT THE OTHER KNEE IS SCHEDULED FOR REPLACEMENT SOON, AND IT DOES NOT WISH TO EVEN WALK AROUND THE YARD. I AM AS MOBILE AS MY WEAKEST LINK. HAVE YOU HEARD SOMETHING LIKE THAT BEFORE? LOL I CAN SLEEP ON EITHER SIDE, AND I AM STANDING IN THE SHOWER AGAIN AT TEN WEEKS POST OP TLKR. LIFE IS MUCH, MUCH, MUCH BETTER OVER ON THIS SIDE. GO FOR IT!

MARGE

MY GOD LIVES!

[Guest guest]

You are right. If the pain is manageable, then you are not in

need of a joint replacement yet. You should talk to your

doctor about less invasive methods of treatment. You will know when

a new joint is right for you. I knew when it right for me.

Larry

At 10:04 PM 6/3/2004 -0400, you wrote:

So many restrictions on activities that are essential.

But if the pain is manageable, as mine certainly is, are the

post-surgical restrictions worth trading for the inconveniences of

occasionally having to use a cane, taking NSAIDs, and so on?

[Guest guest]

I agree. That was my second point. You will know when you are

ready.

Larry

At 10:22 PM 6/3/2004 -0400, you wrote:

In a message dated 6/3/2004 9:15:47

PM Central Standard Time, lhlauer@... writes:

If the pain is manageable, then you are not in

need of a joint replacement yet.

_____

I sort of disagree with that. I have been walking around for about

8 years now, losing out on half my life because I couldn't manage to walk

that well. but I can still walk....I could " tolerate " it

for a couple more years if I had to. but I want to work, want to

walk in the woods and in malls, and with my friends. for me, the

quality of my life is extremely important.....just " making

it/tolerating it " leaves me cold.

y

[Guest guest]

I agree with y. If you are using a cane, is that really

acceptable? You may have a high tolerance for pain and may be doing

more damage to your joint than you realize. If the doc says it is

time, it probably is time. Most docs say to wait until you can not

stand it. You scheduled surgery, so you must have had a good reason.

Sue

> In a message dated 6/3/2004 9:15:47 PM Central Standard Time,

> lhlauer@e... writes:

> If the pain is manageable, then you are not in need of a joint

replacement

> yet.

> _____

> I sort of disagree with that. I have been walking around for about

8 years

> now, losing out on half my life because I couldn't manage to walk

that well.

> but I can still walk....I could " tolerate " it for a couple more

years if I had

> to. but I want to work, want to walk in the woods and in malls,

and with my

> friends. for me, the quality of my life is extremely

important.....just

> " making it/tolerating it " leaves me cold.

> y

[Guest guest]

> Hi:

>

> You say " I can't imagine (I live alone, daughters are here often but

> are

> not much use for housework) life for 6 to 8 weeks without being able

> to bend

> every which way, sleep on my side (both sides), pick things up off

> the floor,

> tie my shoes, use the bathtub... "

>

> These are not really unusual limitations for the immediate period

> following THR. And, if it's any consolation, the time does go by

> fast and the patient gets better, stronger, more agile slowly day by

> day. Your own surgeon will instruct you in whatever limitations and

> restrictions would pertain to your particular case.

>

> P.S. the illustrations on the website are drawings, not photographs.

> I believe that drawings do a better job of showing the surgery than

> photographs of actual surgeries. There are those who actually want

> to see photographs and videos of surgical procedures so if you become

> curious I can point you to some of those sites also.

>

Thanks for this reply. I haven't been very conscientious about replying to

messages on this list in response to my earlier queries, but I sure appreciate

all of them and will try to do better.

About illustrations, I'm just squeamish. I once looked at a video of an MIS THR

operation on the web. The surgeon was speaking mostly Latin (with a distinct

Aussie accent) and smiling a lot for the camera but it looked, well, not pretty.

I'd just as soon not see more.

I'm sure I would be able to deal with the restrictions, recover and put the pain

behind me eventually. After putting it off last year (on the advice of my

surgeon), I've been planning to do the THR this month, since it's June or never

-- I'm a teacher, and summer is the only chance I get to do this without giving

up a semester.

And I've promised to teach a semester next summer at a university in Japan which

is located on a steep hill, lots more walking than I have to do here in NYC.

So I'll probably go ahead with it.

My point was mostly that I think there ought to be some kind of reasonably

objective test or checklist to help you decide whether you really need a hip

replacement badly enough to put up with the risks (which are real, however

modest) and the post-op restrictions. I tend to see the latter as 6 weeks taken

out of my life (though since I rarely do anything but read, write, and shop for

groceries, it may not make a big difference... lol). The surgeons always say its

'optative.' One of them even told me it was a " lifestyle " decision (I haven't

been back to see him.) Litigation anxiety may be behind some of this, of course.

There seems to be a tentative consensus on this list that you will *know* when

you need it. My problem is that, when I add them up, there are usually about 60

minutes in a day when I know I need it, and another 23 hours when I think not,

cringing from the idea of having my left femur, dead and decrepit as it may be,

sawed off and replaced with a ceramic prosthesis.

[Guest guest]

Hi Larry,

I had a TRHR Five years ago and it still bothers me my dr told me my hip didn't look that bad but he replace it anyway why didn't he just leave it? I got my right Knee replace two years ago thats what I wanted done in the first place.

Regards juneflower60 or SusieLarry Lauer <lhlauer@...> wrote:

You are right. If the pain is manageable, then you are not in need of a joint replacement yet. You should talk to your doctor about less invasive methods of treatment. You will know when a new joint is right for you. I knew when it right for me.LarryAt 10:04 PM 6/3/2004 -0400, you wrote:

So many restrictions on activities that are essential. But if the pain is manageable, as mine certainly is, are the post-surgical restrictions worth trading for the inconveniences of occasionally having to use a cane, taking NSAIDs, and so on?

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I think everyone is differant its up to you, How old are you?

Regards juneflower60 or Susiemarge <palybami@...> wrote:

So many restrictions on activities that are essential.

But if the pain is manageable, as mine certainly is, are the post-surgical restrictions worth trading for the inconveniences of occasionally having to use a cane, taking NSAIDs, and so on? YES, LEWIS, YES, YES,YES.

THE RESTRICTIONS BECOME CAUTIONS. I AM 8 MONTHS POST THR AND I CAN REACH THE FLOOR NOW TO PICK UP MY LAUNDRY, IF I HAVE TO. I CHOOSE TO KEEP A GRABBER HANDY BECAUSE I SIMPLY DO NOT WISH TO DEAL WITH A DISPLACEMENT. I EXPECT TO GET MORE AND MORE LOOSE AND MOBILE AS THE YEAR WEARS ITSELF TO A CLOSE.

SAME WITH PUTTING ON SOCKS. ALSO MY HIP IS SUPPOSED TO BE WALKING FOUR MILES A DAY BY NOW, WHICH I WOULD TOTALLY LOVE TO DO! BUT THE OTHER KNEE IS SCHEDULED FOR REPLACEMENT SOON, AND IT DOES NOT WISH TO EVEN WALK AROUND THE YARD. I AM AS MOBILE AS MY WEAKEST LINK. HAVE YOU HEARD SOMETHING LIKE THAT BEFORE? LOL I CAN SLEEP ON EITHER SIDE, AND I AM STANDING IN THE SHOWER AGAIN AT TEN WEEKS POST OP TLKR. LIFE IS MUCH, MUCH, MUCH BETTER OVER ON THIS SIDE. GO FOR IT!

MARGE

MY GOD LIVES!

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I never had any sites to check before my operations I had a TRHR five years ago my dr said that it wasn't that bad my hip but he did the replacement anyway and now I feel this thing inside me when I'm laying on my side I had the operation on .The dr says I have bad scar tissues I had my right knee replace two years ago .Well you take care,

juneflower 60 Susie Cook <lcoqc@...> wrote:

> Hi:> > You say "I can't imagine (I live alone, daughters are here often but > are> not much use for housework) life for 6 to 8 weeks without being able > to bend> every which way, sleep on my side (both sides), pick things up off > the floor,> tie my shoes, use the bathtub..."> > These are not really unusual limitations for the immediate period > following THR. And, if it's any consolation, the time does go by > fast and the patient gets better, stronger, more agile slowly day by > day. Your own surgeon will instruct you in whatever limitations and > restrictions would pertain to your particular case.> > P.S. the illustrations on the website are drawings, not photographs. > I believe that drawings do a better job of showing the

surgery than > photographs of actual surgeries. There are those who actually want > to see photographs and videos of surgical procedures so if you become > curious I can point you to some of those sites also.> Thanks for this reply. I haven't been very conscientious about replying to messages on this list in response to my earlier queries, but I sure appreciate all of them and will try to do better. About illustrations, I'm just squeamish. I once looked at a video of an MIS THR operation on the web. The surgeon was speaking mostly Latin (with a distinct Aussie accent) and smiling a lot for the camera but it looked, well, not pretty. I'd just as soon not see more. I'm sure I would be able to deal with the restrictions, recover and put the pain behind me eventually. After putting it off last year (on the advice of my surgeon), I've been planning to do the THR this month, since it's June or never -- I'm a teacher, and summer is the only

chance I get to do this without giving up a semester. And I've promised to teach a semester next summer at a university in Japan which is located on a steep hill, lots more walking than I have to do here in NYC. So I'll probably go ahead with it. My point was mostly that I think there ought to be some kind of reasonably objective test or checklist to help you decide whether you really need a hip replacement badly enough to put up with the risks (which are real, however modest) and the post-op restrictions. I tend to see the latter as 6 weeks taken out of my life (though since I rarely do anything but read, write, and shop for groceries, it may not make a big difference... lol). The surgeons always say its 'optative.' One of them even told me it was a "lifestyle" decision (I haven't been back to see him.) Litigation anxiety may be behind some of this, of course. There seems to be a tentative consensus on this list that you will *know* when you need it. My

problem is that, when I add them up, there are usually about 60 minutes in a day when I know I need it, and another 23 hours when I think not, cringing from the idea of having my left femur, dead and decrepit as it may be, sawed off and replaced with a ceramic prosthesis.

[Guest guest]

Sue,

Thanks for this reply, and for reminding me about not waiting long enough to

lose good bone.

I'm glad I don't have to worry about driving a car (one of the nice things about

NYC, we have subways and buses, even taxis).

One of my issues is that I sleep on a (luxuriously high-density latex) futon

(=mattress) on the floor. No way to get down into or out of this without

violating the 90 degree restriction, so I'm advised (by visiting nurse) I should

sleep for 4 weeks on one of my daughters' beds (she'll have to use the futon).

(I just wonder what people in Japan do if they need hip replacements, since

almost everyone over 40 there sleeps in futon.)

I should talk to my Doc (a real salt of the earth guy) but it takes a month to

get an appointment to see him, and I'm scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks.

Thanks again for your comments.

Re: Concerned

>

>

> I just read the activities listed. The 90 degree rule, the raised

> toilet seat, long shoehorn or other aides for footwear are pretty

> much universal. However stairs are doable, recliners are okay if

> you can get out without breaking the 90 degree rule. Same with

> sitting and picking things up. Bend sitways. Have everything

> nearby. Walk as much as possible. I was cemented and on on crutch

> at 2 to 3 weeks. Driving at 3 to 6 weeks. Going into work 2 weeks

> post op. Alot depends on you and your doctor. You don't want to

> wait too long and loose good bone for the prothesis. Talk to your

> doc NOW. Find out what he expects and tell him what you expect. Or

> she. It is better to err on the side of caution. Lawsuits I am sure

> are a big reason.

>

> I am having a revision Monday. Estimated stay of 3 days, no cath and

> full weight bearing immediately. Stairs are incouraged. Good thing

> since I have 16.

>

> Calm down, take a deep breath and call the doc to ease your concerns.

>

> Sue

>

> -- In Joint Replacement , " Cook "

> <lcoqc@e...> wrote:

> > Thanks very much treprice2000 for these links and suggestions. A

> few comments:

> >

> >

> > > Try your public library or online bookstores for books on the

> > > subject. One older title written from a patient's perspective

> that I

> > > read was " A Patient's guide to knee and hip replacement " , by

> Irwin

> > > Silber. There are others (and newer titles as well) that can be

> > > located by searching an online book vendor.

> >

> > I bought Silber's book and have been reading it off and on, but

> as you note it is " older " and the technology changes so much from

> year to year that it seems better to rely on web sites for up to date

> information.

> >

> >

> > > As for online sources of information:

> > > This from Medline Plus explains the surgery in an easy-to-

> understand

> > > format, complete with illustrations.

> > > http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002975.htm

> >

> > I'd just as soon not see illustrations ;-(

> >

> > > The Fact Sheets from Amer. Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons are

> > > informative.

> > > http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/category.cfm?topcategory=Hip

> >

> > This is a good site, but after reading the first

> article, " Activities after a THR " I have to ask whether the

> recommendations and advice there is not unusually conservative? If

> what they say is generally true, I think I'd rather postpone the

> surgery I've scheduled for next month. So many restrictions on

> activities that are essential. I wonder if others on the list are

> facing the same dilemma? I've had osteoarthritis and AVN in left hip

> for 3 or 4 years, have a limp, and have to take 50mg of Vioxx to deal

> with pain. One or two nights a week have trouble sleeping, and can't

> walk for more than 15 or 20 minutes without a cane. Can't climb

> stairs much at all without the cane, though I don't have to. On

> the other hand, I can't imagine (I live alone, daughters are here

> often but are not much use for housework) life for 6 to 8 weeks

> without being able to bend every which way, sleep on my side (both

> sides), pick things up off the floor, tie my shoes, use the bathtub

> (the visiting nurse who came for a pre-op inspection of my apartment

> said I'd be better off giving up the bathtub for life), sit in my

> chair without arms, etc.

> > It's a difficult call. Many people on the list report that

> they'd put up with pain for too long and wish they'd had surgery

> sooner. But if the pain is manageable, as mine certainly is, are the

> post-surgical restrictions worth trading for the inconveniences of

> occasionally having to use a cane, taking NSAIDs, and so on?

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> > P.S. the illustrations on the website are drawings, not photographs.

> > I believe that drawings do a better job of showing the surgery than

> > photographs of actual surgeries. There are those who actually want

> > to see photographs and videos of surgical procedures so if you become

> > curious I can point you to some of those sites also.

>

> I think what he meant was the intimate drawings. I thought they were fairly

> conservative and that the drawings were bland in terms of anything explicit

> and trust me, I have very conservative standards. ly, I would have

> appreciated this information very much as it was one of my questions as

> well. When you've come so far, you just hate to ruin the operation when it

> could have been avoided. That is how I look at it anyway. And let's face

> it, this is a part of life and it has to be addressed in some way. Not one

> health professional in all this took the initiative to talk to me about it.

> Vera

Oy -- I apologize for the misunderstanding but just for the record it didn't

even occur to me that private parts might be in the picture. I just don't like

the sight of things bleeding.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I would asked the dr about the bed you sleep in I haven't knee down on the floor or sat on the floor in five years :-)Are you over 40 ?

I wish you luck , Susie Cook <lcoqc@...> wrote:

Sue, Thanks for this reply, and for reminding me about not waiting long enough to lose good bone. I'm glad I don't have to worry about driving a car (one of the nice things about NYC, we have subways and buses, even taxis). One of my issues is that I sleep on a (luxuriously high-density latex) futon (=mattress) on the floor. No way to get down into or out of this without violating the 90 degree restriction, so I'm advised (by visiting nurse) I should sleep for 4 weeks on one of my daughters' beds (she'll have to use the futon). (I just wonder what people in Japan do if they need hip replacements, since almost everyone over 40 there sleeps in futon.) I should talk to my Doc (a real salt of the earth guy) but it takes a month to get an appointment to see him, and I'm scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks. Thanks again for your comments.

Re: Concerned> > > I just read the activities listed. The 90 degree rule, the raised > toilet seat, long shoehorn or other aides for footwear are pretty > much universal. However stairs are doable, recliners are okay if > you can get out without breaking the 90 degree rule. Same with > sitting and picking things up. Bend sitways. Have everything > nearby. Walk as much as possible. I was cemented and on on crutch > at 2 to 3 weeks. Driving at 3 to 6 weeks. Going into work 2 weeks > post op. Alot depends on you and your doctor. You don't want to > wait too long and loose good bone for the prothesis.

Talk to your > doc NOW. Find out what he expects and tell him what you expect. Or > she. It is better to err on the side of caution. Lawsuits I am sure > are a big reason.> > I am having a revision Monday. Estimated stay of 3 days, no cath and > full weight bearing immediately. Stairs are incouraged. Good thing > since I have 16.> > Calm down, take a deep breath and call the doc to ease your concerns.> > Sue> > -- In Joint Replacement , " Cook" > <lcoqc@e...> wrote:> > Thanks very much treprice2000 for these links and suggestions. A > few comments:> > > > > > > Try your public library or online bookstores for books on the > > > subject. One older title written from a patient's perspective > that I > > > read was "A Patient's

guide to knee and hip replacement", by > Irwin > > > Silber. There are others (and newer titles as well) that can be > > > located by searching an online book vendor.> > > > I bought Silber's book and have been reading it off and on, but > as you note it is "older" and the technology changes so much from > year to year that it seems better to rely on web sites for up to date > information. > > > > > > > As for online sources of information: > > > This from Medline Plus explains the surgery in an easy-to-> understand > > > format, complete with illustrations.> > > http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002975.htm> > > > I'd just as soon not see illustrations ;-(> > > > > The

Fact Sheets from Amer. Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons are > > > informative.> > > http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/category.cfm?topcategory=Hip > > > > This is a good site, but after reading the first > article, "Activities after a THR" I have to ask whether the > recommendations and advice there is not unusually conservative? If > what they say is generally true, I think I'd rather postpone the > surgery I've scheduled for next month. So many restrictions on > activities that are essential. I wonder if others on the list are > facing the same dilemma? I've had osteoarthritis and AVN in left hip > for 3 or 4 years, have a limp, and have to take 50mg of Vioxx to deal > with pain. One or two nights a week have trouble sleeping, and can't > walk for more than 15 or 20 minutes without a cane. Can't climb >

stairs much at all without the cane, though I don't have to. On > the other hand, I can't imagine (I live alone, daughters are here > often but are not much use for housework) life for 6 to 8 weeks > without being able to bend every which way, sleep on my side (both > sides), pick things up off the floor, tie my shoes, use the bathtub > (the visiting nurse who came for a pre-op inspection of my apartment > said I'd be better off giving up the bathtub for life), sit in my > chair without arms, etc. > > It's a difficult call. Many people on the list report that > they'd put up with pain for too long and wish they'd had surgery > sooner. But if the pain is manageable, as mine certainly is, are the > post-surgical restrictions worth trading for the inconveniences of > occasionally having to use a cane, taking NSAIDs, and so on? > > >

> > > > > >

[Guest guest]

I go along with y on this. I'm due for TRHR on 20th July. I postponed it as long as I could... at age 59 (now 60) I was starting a new course of studies which I didn't want to miss (and glad I didn't), so the surgery took second place...

But for the past year and more, I've been hobbling around, trying to manage with minimum painkillers (Voltaren - which certainly helps my leg, but causes me stomach pains and bloating...), unable to do my housework properly, unable to do the activities I enjoy, such as long country walks... and no prospect of any improvement without surgery... left untreated, it can only get worse...

"Tolerating", living with daily pain, is not the quality of life I wish for myself.

I'm not looking forward to the post-op restrictions, loss of independence, not being able to drive, etc etc... but these will be temporary; and hopefully when they pass I shall be a new person!

Margaret

----- Original Message -----

From: scottyzpt@...

If the pain is manageable, then you are not in need of a joint replacement yet.

_____

I sort of disagree with that. I have been walking around for about 8 years now, losing out on half my life because I couldn't manage to walk that well. but I can still walk....I could "tolerate" it for a couple more years if I had to. but I want to work, want to walk in the woods and in malls, and with my friends. for me, the quality of my life is extremely important.....just "making it/tolerating it" leaves me cold.

y

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/3/2004 10:10:16 PM Central Standard Time, Suzeegrape@... writes:

You may have a high tolerance for pain and may be doing more damage to your joint than you realize

______

Glad you mentioned that. An abnormal distribution of your weight while walking on that painful hip or knee is going to throw off everything above.....and sooner or later, you will see related back pain, pain in the other leg, postural changes, etc. While there's no sense in looking for trouble, or in having unnecessary surgery, these things were part of my consideration......I'm one of those people who do have a high tolerance for pain, and could probably have kept dragging myself around for years, meanwhile getting more and more deconditioned.

y

[Guest guest]

Hi Marge,

Sure. If you're in Opelika, look me up.

Janetmarge <palybami@...> wrote:

"My name is Janet. I am a new member."

DEAR JANET,

HERE WE GO FROM THE 'SMALL WORLD" DEPARTMENT. LOL

WE ARE HEADING FOR DESTIN, FLORIDA IN JANUARY. STRANGELY ENOUGH, WE HAVE PLANNED TO OVERNIGHT IN THIS LOVELY SOUNDING SMALL TOWN JUST OVER IN ALABAMA, BY THE NAME OF OPELIKA.

IMAGINE MY JOY TO SEE YOUR ADDRESS?

LOL

WANNA HAVE COFFEE THEN?

MARGE

MY GOD LIVES!

[Guest guest]

>>I sort of disagree with that.  I have been walking around for about 8 years now, losing out on half my life because I couldn't manage to walk that well.  but I can still walk....I could " tolerate " it for a couple more years if I had to.  but I want to work, want to walk in the woods and in malls, and with my friends.  for me, the quality of my life is extremely important.....just " making it/tolerating it " leaves me cold.<<

_______

I agree with this as well. I could get around ok but I could never go to the zoo with my children or walk around a mall for the day.

Vera

[Guest guest]

>>I apologize for the misunderstanding but just for the record it didn't even occur to me that private parts might be in the picture. I just don't like the sight of things bleeding.

Oopsy, I think we are thinking of two different web sites. Nevermind.

Vera

[Guest guest]

Pat,

Thanks. You guys have been a great help. My dad feels more comfortable about

having the surgery.

Again Thanks,

Janet

Fitzgerald <pcfitzgerald@...> wrote:

Janet,

My dad just had THR last Tuesday and today I think he could beat me in a

foot-race. He's 74 and Iam 38.

Don't give it another thought, its a great thing!

blessedly yours,

Pat

C Fitzgerald

(805)294-3309

[Guest guest]

Hello Susie,

I will ask the doctor about the bed and other things, if I get a chance. I

have a pre-op interview or session a week before the surgery at which I get to

ask questions, though I think it will be the doc's assistant.

I'm not sure I like the idea of not being able to sit on the floor. Is that

a restriction, or a matter of choice? (I lived in Japan for 14 years and did not

own a chair. No place for one in a traditional Japanese house.Great way to live

if you don't like furniture.)

I'm 54, and (nevertheless) still enjoy doing yoga. Some of the exercises

involve violating the 90 degree rule by about 85 degrees; they are strenuous but

exhilarating.

I sometimes wonder if I should wait a few years until someone devises an

artifical hip which doesn't require the 90 degree restriction?

Hi ,

I would asked the dr about the bed you sleep in I haven't knee down on the floor

or sat on the floor in five years :-)Are you over 40 ?

I wish you luck ,

Susie

[Guest guest]

Marge,

Thanks for this encouragement. I find it a little stressful to read messages

entirely in majuscules (reminds of around 1982, early apple computers that only

had caps on the keyboard lol) but I make an exception for you alone.

'Mobile as my weakest link' is new to me but I know the feeling. This should

be added to _Bartlett's Quotations_.

Re: Re: Concerned

So many restrictions on activities that are essential.

But if the pain is manageable, as mine certainly is, are the post-surgical

restrictions worth trading for the inconveniences of occasionally having to use

a cane, taking NSAIDs, and so on?

YES, LEWIS, YES, YES,YES.

THE RESTRICTIONS BECOME CAUTIONS. I AM 8 MONTHS POST THR AND I CAN REACH THE

FLOOR NOW TO PICK UP MY LAUNDRY, IF I HAVE TO. I CHOOSE TO KEEP A GRABBER HANDY

BECAUSE I SIMPLY DO NOT WISH TO DEAL WITH A DISPLACEMENT. I EXPECT TO GET MORE

AND MORE LOOSE AND MOBILE AS THE YEAR WEARS ITSELF TO A CLOSE.

SAME WITH PUTTING ON SOCKS. ALSO MY HIP IS SUPPOSED TO BE WALKING FOUR MILES A

DAY BY NOW, WHICH I WOULD TOTALLY LOVE TO DO! BUT THE OTHER KNEE IS SCHEDULED

FOR REPLACEMENT SOON, AND IT DOES NOT WISH TO EVEN WALK AROUND THE YARD. I AM

AS MOBILE AS MY WEAKEST LINK. HAVE YOU HEARD SOMETHING LIKE THAT BEFORE? LOL

I CAN SLEEP ON EITHER SIDE, AND I AM STANDING IN THE SHOWER AGAIN AT TEN WEEKS

POST OP TLKR. LIFE IS MUCH, MUCH, MUCH BETTER OVER ON THIS SIDE. GO FOR IT!

MARGE

MY GOD LIVES!

[Guest guest]

IF you can get on the floor now, you should be able to do it again

after you are healed. If you have a good doc, the 90 degrees is not

forever.

Talk to the PA. Write it down if you have to! I always forget. If

it is fear that is making you question surgery, ask for meds. If you

really don't feel you need it yet, ask some hard questions about what

kind of life you want.

I chickened out the day of surgery for my total shoulder

replacement. Thought I could tolerate it longer. WRONG. I had it

done a month later.

Hang tight.

Sue

PS How many cabs have you missed because you could not outrun the

other guy?

> Hello Susie,

>

> I will ask the doctor about the bed and other things, if I get

a chance. I have a pre-op interview or session a week before the

surgery at which I get to ask questions, though I think it will be

the doc's assistant.

> I'm not sure I like the idea of not being able to sit on the

floor. Is that a restriction, or a matter of choice? (I lived in

Japan for 14 years and did not own a chair. No place for one in a

traditional Japanese house.Great way to live if you don't like

furniture.)

> I'm 54, and (nevertheless) still enjoy doing yoga. Some of the

exercises involve violating the 90 degree rule by about 85 degrees;

they are strenuous but exhilarating.

> I sometimes wonder if I should wait a few years until someone

devises an artifical hip which doesn't require the 90 degree

restriction?

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi ,

> I would asked the dr about the bed you sleep in I haven't knee down

on the floor or sat on the floor in five years :-)Are you over 40 ?

> I wish you luck ,

>

Susie

[Guest guest]

I agree with you . This is exactly what I was trying to express

to the group when I was labled as being negative. I was only trying

to state what I felt with regard to having THR as opposed to waiting.

I do stairs. Some days I go upstairs better than other days. I can go

down stairs easily.

I don't use a cane unless I'm having a bad day and then only for very

long walks.

I do all my own housework (14 rooms), laundry, gardening of all

types, wash windows, go up and down ladders, etc.

I refuse to let this thing get to me, and will live with it for as

long as I can. The devil I know is better than the one I haven't met.

Arianne

> This is a good site, but after reading the first

article, " Activities after a THR " I have to ask whether the

recommendations and advice there is not unusually conservative? If

what they say is generally true, I think I'd rather postpone the

surgery I've scheduled for next month. So many restrictions on

activities that are essential. I wonder if others on the list are

facing the same dilemma? I've had osteoarthritis and AVN in left hip

for 3 or 4 years, have a limp, and have to take 50mg of Vioxx to deal

with pain. One or two nights a week have trouble sleeping, and can't

walk for more than 15 or 20 minutes without a cane. Can't climb

stairs much at all without the cane, though I don't have to. On

the other hand, I can't imagine (I live alone, daughters are here

often but are not much use for housework) life for 6 to 8 weeks

without being able to bend every which way, sleep on my side (both

sides), pick things up off the floor, tie my shoes, use the bathtub

(the visiting nurse who came for a pre-op inspection of my apartment

said I'd be better off giving up the bathtub for life), sit in my

chair without arms, etc.

> It's a difficult call. Many people on the list report that

they'd put up with pain for too long and wish they'd had surgery

sooner. But if the pain is manageable, as mine certainly is, are the

post-surgical restrictions worth trading for the inconveniences of

occasionally having to use a cane, taking NSAIDs, and so on?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Arianne

You do not sound ready for THR. When you have trouble doing normal

things and become frustrated that you can not " run and play " with the

others kids, then you will be ready. Do you have AVN? I did and my

right hip was a mess when I got the THR. But it started locking up

and the left THR felt better! AVN can go downhill very fast. You are

right about knowing the Devil. But it does only get worse. You have

to plan for the future. wants to teach in Japan next summer.

If his hip is bad now it will be worse then and that job may not be

possible. It is easier to prevent pain than to control it.

We all know the options. We just give support and opinions. It is

up to the individual to make his or her choice.

Good luck to all of you.

Sue

> I agree with you . This is exactly what I was trying to

express

> to the group when I was labled as being negative. I was only trying

> to state what I felt with regard to having THR as opposed to

waiting.

> I do stairs. Some days I go upstairs better than other days. I can

go

> down stairs easily.

> I don't use a cane unless I'm having a bad day and then only for

very

> long walks.

> I do all my own housework (14 rooms), laundry, gardening of all

> types, wash windows, go up and down ladders, etc.

> I refuse to let this thing get to me, and will live with it for as

> long as I can. The devil I know is better than the one I haven't

met.

> Arianne

>

>

>

>

>

>

> > This is a good site, but after reading the first

> article, " Activities after a THR " I have to ask whether the

> recommendations and advice there is not unusually conservative? If

> what they say is generally true, I think I'd rather postpone the

> surgery I've scheduled for next month. So many restrictions on

> activities that are essential. I wonder if others on the list are

> facing the same dilemma? I've had osteoarthritis and AVN in left

hip

> for 3 or 4 years, have a limp, and have to take 50mg of Vioxx to

deal

> with pain. One or two nights a week have trouble sleeping, and

can't

> walk for more than 15 or 20 minutes without a cane. Can't climb

> stairs much at all without the cane, though I don't have to. On

> the other hand, I can't imagine (I live alone, daughters are here

> often but are not much use for housework) life for 6 to 8 weeks

> without being able to bend every which way, sleep on my side (both

> sides), pick things up off the floor, tie my shoes, use the bathtub

> (the visiting nurse who came for a pre-op inspection of my

apartment

> said I'd be better off giving up the bathtub for life), sit in my

> chair without arms, etc.

> > It's a difficult call. Many people on the list report that

> they'd put up with pain for too long and wish they'd had surgery

> sooner. But if the pain is manageable, as mine certainly is, are

the

> post-surgical restrictions worth trading for the inconveniences of

> occasionally having to use a cane, taking NSAIDs, and so on?

> >

> >