Re: ?!$*!#...WHEN do you know when it's THR time?

[Guest guest]

 You know when the pain begins to impact the quality of your life -- No one can decide for you but I would say that a 36 year old using crutches has a decreased quality of life which warrants the operation. The operation is a complete cure for the pain and provides ability to be flexible and mobil again -- surely a much better life than the one you are facing without surgery.Advising young people to wait is very old school -- new materials such as ceramic/ceramic or metal/metal with large heads last much longer than the old poly metals. I don't know whether your condition renders you suitable, but you can also consider hip resurfacing which conserves bone and has the theoretical advantage of making a revision (if necessary) simpler.On Jan 7, 2008, at 3:52 PM, hipsrus wrote:I was hoping to avoid this group...no offense though!I've been a member of the labralicious, hipwomen, and FAI groups for the last couple years...as I've undergone 5 hip surgeries and recovery from them.However, my hip now has arthritic changes and grade 4 cartliage deterioration despite the goal of the other surgeries to fix issues and prolong the "life" of my hip...and I am wondering how to really know when it is time for a hip replacement?My latest surgery a month ago worked great initially, but then something tore inside my hip and things have been going downhill since...it began popping multiple times again, and everytime I am putting weight on it, it absolutely kills.I'm directed back to crutches from my PT, as I was using them and on bedrest this weekend, and he talked a long time today about the possibility of a THR sometime (whenever it may be) in my future...as I know the DRs had also eluded to before.But I am confused. I've heard things both ways about waiting vs. doing it at a young age (I will be 36 soon), and I just want to hear from those of you who have had it done...when did you know it was time? Was it the bone deterioration, cartilage deterioration, or pain that played the biggest role in the decision?Also, I'm having issues with my other hip now too. Did your bad hip make your good one bad also (due to extra weight bearing, etc.)?I just want to get back to being active and pain free.Thanks for the help in advance.~Hipsrus

[Guest guest]

How do you know when it's time? I think it's different for each

person. For me,I felt I was wasting some of the best years of my

life limping around. I couldn't keep up with my boyfriend, my

grandchildren, and even my 80 year old mother. I figured that by

waiting I wasn't doing myself or my family any favors. In fact I was

looking foolish for suffering needlessly. After researching my

options on line and talking to my doctor and two surgeons I opted

for a resurfacing. In doing so I have kept my joint intact for

future revisions if need be. There is however no reason to think

this one won't last. The large spike of the traditional THR scared

me to death but that doesn't mean it is not a very good surgery for

many people. Bottom line is, you can keep on trying to " prolong the

life of your hip " but it seems to me that it's life is already done

and is taking your joy away. You are only 36. At 36 I was very

active and can't imagine not being able to do things. A year ago at

48 I had my surgery. I feel 36 again. Start your research, find an

excellent surgeon who does both THRs and Resurfacings, go in for a

consult and take control of your body. The surgeons telling you to

wait are not in your predicament.

Deb

>

> I was hoping to avoid this group...no offense though!

>

> I've been a member of the labralicious, hipwomen, and FAI groups

for

> the last couple years...as I've undergone 5 hip surgeries and

> recovery from them.

>

> However, my hip now has arthritic changes and grade 4 cartliage

> deterioration despite the goal of the other surgeries to fix

issues

> and prolong the " life " of my hip...and I am wondering how to

really

> know when it is time for a hip replacement?

>

> My latest surgery a month ago worked great initially, but then

> something tore inside my hip and things have been going downhill

> since...it began popping multiple times again, and everytime I am

> putting weight on it, it absolutely kills.

>

> I'm directed back to crutches from my PT, as I was using them and

on

> bedrest this weekend, and he talked a long time today about the

> possibility of a THR sometime (whenever it may be) in my

future...as

> I know the DRs had also eluded to before.

>

> But I am confused. I've heard things both ways about waiting vs.

> doing it at a young age (I will be 36 soon), and I just want to

hear

> from those of you who have had it done...when did you know it was

> time? Was it the bone deterioration, cartilage deterioration, or

pain

> that played the biggest role in the decision?

>

> Also, I'm having issues with my other hip now too. Did your bad

hip

> make your good one bad also (due to extra weight bearing, etc.)?

>

> I just want to get back to being active and pain free.

>

> Thanks for the help in advance.

>

> ~Hipsrus

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Hipsrus,

I was just a little younger when my doctor told me I needed a hip

replacement. To be quite honest my life was miserable, and by time I had

waited and waited (typical in Australia) I was in a wheelchair. Some days I

didn't know which hip hurt worse near the end, as the other hip started

playing up.

The THR was like switching off the pain machine. I just can't explain what

a difference it made to my life. In less than 3 months I was doing things I

hadn't done for years.

In April 2001, the exact day I started a new job, I was told it was time for

a new hip. I was stunned! There was nothing wrong with my hip. I could do

everything with minimal pain. Luckily hubby missed that appointment.

The next year the doctor turned to hubby and said " she must have this done

soon, it's become urgent "

A series of blunders and stuff ups meant that it was August 2004 before I

actually had the surgery. By that time the cup had completely separated

from the bone. I was in a lot of pain.

The second hip is not a success. Sure, it's better than not walking, but

frustrating after the wonderful first hip.

I walked two blocks without my stick yesterday. Boy was I biting by then.

A collegue during a break asked me if I was ok. Apparently pain relief was

the topic of my conversation. I had managed to bring it into every

conversation from social inclusion, exercise and even diet. OPPS! She knew

me well enough to know!

The point of all this is that the younger you are, the more likely you are

to have revision surgeries. You will have longer need for it, you will tend

to use it much more. Revisions aren't always successful. And either are

primaries for that matter. If 90% are successful and you have 10 surgeries,

the odds are you will have a lemon at some time.

Ok some of you are laughing at the 10 surgeries. Hipsrus has two hips. Say

she lives to 80, which is not an outrageous suggestion. If she has surgery

at 36 on one hip, and then has the other hip done before she was 40, 10

surgeries is quite possible. My doctor said getting 10 years out of a hip

was good. Especially for one so young and active.

Once you need a revision you need it. You don't really have a choice.

I would have done it all again the way I did it. My THR gave me back my

life. That said, there is a cost, and that is more surgeries. I decided

after my last hip that I cannot do this again. When I told my doctor " I'm

not doing this again! " he said " I didn't know they were making hips that

lasted a lifetime " . The options aren't great.

Aussie Margaret

LTHR 1990 revised 2004

?!$*!#...WHEN do you know when it's THR

time?

|I was hoping to avoid this group...no offense though!

|

| I've been a member of the labralicious, hipwomen, and FAI groups for

| the last couple years...as I've undergone 5 hip surgeries and

| recovery from them.

|

| However, my hip now has arthritic changes and grade 4 cartliage

| deterioration despite the goal of the other surgeries to fix issues

| and prolong the " life " of my hip...and I am wondering how to really

| know when it is time for a hip replacement?

|

| My latest surgery a month ago worked great initially, but then

| something tore inside my hip and things have been going downhill

| since...it began popping multiple times again, and everytime I am

| putting weight on it, it absolutely kills.

|

| I'm directed back to crutches from my PT, as I was using them and on

| bedrest this weekend, and he talked a long time today about the

| possibility of a THR sometime (whenever it may be) in my future...as

| I know the DRs had also eluded to before.

|

| But I am confused. I've heard things both ways about waiting vs.

| doing it at a young age (I will be 36 soon), and I just want to hear

| from those of you who have had it done...when did you know it was

| time? Was it the bone deterioration, cartilage deterioration, or pain

| that played the biggest role in the decision?

|

| Also, I'm having issues with my other hip now too. Did your bad hip

| make your good one bad also (due to extra weight bearing, etc.)?

|

| I just want to get back to being active and pain free.

|

| Thanks for the help in advance.

|

| ~Hipsrus

|

|

|

|

[Guest guest]

To put this in perspective, there are many other groups that I REALLY would prefer not to be a part of. Hips/Knees....not so bad. It could be better sure, and it could really be alot worse. For all intents and purposes.....our affliction is generally not life threatening. Since I work in the medical field I see LOTS of diseases and conditions that I want no part of....so I am able to embrace my dyplastic hips and hold my head high. Like I have said many times before, I was diagnosed at 18 with bilateral hip dyplasia. I didn't really start having lots of pain until after the birth of my 3rd child at 32. For 8 years I had several doctors tell me to put off my hip replacement for as long as I could. At 40 I cried UNCLE and said I could do it no longer. I was in constant pain, some days worse than others. I had lost alot of range of motion and flexiblility in my right hip. I had a very noticeable limp

that people commented on daily. Some days, Iiterally, I had to drag my bad right hip behind me. My hip had ZERO cartilage left in it. It was bone on bone. Not to mention it was I think 50% subluxed (out of the socket....just hanging on by a thread). With every step it popped and grinded. (oooh yuck!) My realization came that I wanted my life back now. If my new hip only lasts 10-15-20-25-30 years (I have heard all of these estimates) then that gives me hopefully atleast 10 years now. In 10 years, my baby will be 18. I would have the time then to 'play invalid'. I have 3 kids who need a physical mom NOW! I had my worst hip (right) replaced in August 2007. So far, it has been GREAT! There are days that I forget about it. Only to be reminded of it because my left hip has taken over where my old right one left off. I am anxiously awaiting surgery to have my left hip replaced. The only

thing I am waiting on is the go ahead from my surgeon. He wants to wait to see if my symptomatic left hip 'gets any better' after having time to adjust to my new right hip. Sometimes I guess you can get some borrowed time that way. I am no longer frightened of the surgery, I know what to expect now. My guess is that if you are on crutches and if you are even asking this question......I believe, my dear, that it is time. (My opinion of course...I am NOT a surgeon). Good Luck!! hipsrus <hipsrus@...> wrote: I was hoping to avoid this group...no offense though!I've been a member of the labralicious, hipwomen, and FAI groups for the last couple years...as I've undergone 5 hip surgeries and recovery from them.However, my hip now has arthritic changes and grade 4 cartliage deterioration despite the goal of the other surgeries to fix issues and prolong the "life" of my hip...and I am wondering how to really know when it is time for a hip replacement?My latest surgery a month ago worked great initially, but then something tore inside my hip and things have been going downhill since...it began popping multiple times again, and everytime I am putting weight on it, it absolutely kills.I'm directed back to crutches from my PT, as I was using them and on bedrest this weekend, and he talked a long time today about the possibility of a THR sometime

(whenever it may be) in my future...as I know the DRs had also eluded to before.But I am confused. I've heard things both ways about waiting vs. doing it at a young age (I will be 36 soon), and I just want to hear from those of you who have had it done...when did you know it was time? Was it the bone deterioration, cartilage deterioration, or pain that played the biggest role in the decision?Also, I'm having issues with my other hip now too. Did your bad hip make your good one bad also (due to extra weight bearing, etc.)?I just want to get back to being active and pain free.Thanks for the help in advance.~Hipsrus

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[Guest guest]

Hi Hipsrus- It is time for a THR when you can't deal with the pain,

the lack of mobility, both, & your doctor or doctors you seek out say

no to resurfacing. You may, at 36, want to look into resurfacing. I

found it looking for hips that wouldn't pop out of the socket when I

climb ladders, & it is a vastly better method over THR, if you can use

it. You can check out the group Surfacehippy, google Birmingham

hip resurfacing, or check w/your doc.

I'm back doing anything I want & need to do in construction with no

problems.

Peace

Hozack BHR 10/17-31/06

[Guest guest]

Hi Hipsrus- Oh, I pushed off my replacement for too long, waiting on

resurfacing & to get some jobs done I'd committed to. It's all what

you can stand.

Peace

Hozack BHR 10/17-31/06

[Guest guest]

For what it's worth.... When I looked into hip resurfacing vs. hip replacement during the spring of 2007.... Here in California, I was told that resurfacing was not FDA approved as of yet and my insurance (Blue Cross) and most other insurances would not cover the cost of that surgery. I could have the resurfacing done, but I would have to pay cash out of my pocket. I opted for the replacement for financial reasons.....although I do like the theroy of resurfacing and it seems to be effective for most people. <flotsam@...> wrote: Hi Hipsrus- It is time for a THR when you can't deal with the pain,the lack of mobility, both, & your doctor or doctors you seek out sayno to resurfacing. You may, at 36, want to look into resurfacing. Ifound it looking for hips that wouldn't pop out of the socket when Iclimb ladders, & it is a vastly better method over THR, if you can useit. You can check out the group Surfacehippy, google Birminghamhip resurfacing, or check w/your doc. I'm back doing anything I want & need to do in construction with noproblems.PeaceHozack BHR 10/17-31/06

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[Guest guest]

Unfortunately you were misinformed. The Birmingham hip resurfacing

device was approved for distribution and use in May of 2006. I was

resurfaced in Feb. of 2007 using the Conserve Plus device

which is about to be approved by the FDA and is already being used

by some surgeons who have access. Most insurances did and do pay.

But, if all went well for you and you are happy with your new hip it

doesn't matter.

Deb

> Hi Hipsrus- It is time for a THR when you can't deal

with the pain,

> the lack of mobility, both, & your doctor or doctors you seek out

say

> no to resurfacing. You may, at 36, want to look into resurfacing. I

> found it looking for hips that wouldn't pop out of the socket when

I

> climb ladders, & it is a vastly better method over THR, if you can

use

> it. You can check out the group Surfacehippy, google

Birmingham

> hip resurfacing, or check w/your doc.

> I'm back doing anything I want & need to do in construction with no

> problems.

> Peace

>

> Hozack BHR 10/17-31/06

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with

Search.

>

[Guest guest]

At the time I was researching, it was not FDA approved, but the surgery was being done and available to me had I wanted to pay cash for it. My insurance would not cover it for lack of FDA approval--insurance companies LOVE to deny claims for any reason they can find. I did not have the time or the energy to fight it so I went ahead with the replacement and I could not be happier. It all worked out in the end!! I am happy for those who can resurface....but replacements aren't so bad :-)Deb <cocoisland58@...> wrote: Unfortunately you were misinformed. The Birmingham hip resurfacing device was approved for distribution and use in May of 2006. I was resurfaced in Feb. of 2007 using the Conserve Plus device which is about to be approved by the FDA and is already being used by some surgeons who have access. Most insurances did and do pay. But, if all went well for you and you are happy with your new hip it doesn't matter. Deb> Hi Hipsrus- It is time for a THR when you can't deal with the pain,> the lack of mobility, both, & your doctor or doctors you seek out say> no to resurfacing. You may, at 36, want to look into resurfacing. I> found it looking for hips that wouldn't pop out of the socket when I> climb ladders, & it is a vastly better method over THR, if you can use> it. You can check out the group Surfacehippy, google Birmingham> hip resurfacing, or check w/your doc. > I'm back doing anything I want & need to do in construction with no> problems.> Peace>

> Hozack BHR 10/17-31/06> > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.>

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[Guest guest]

my doctor didn't want to do the hip replacement at my age either, i was 35 at the time, but he knew that i needed it . medically there was no way around it and nothing would change that fact. he left the time frame up to me and i was asking the same questions about when and how long. his answer was simple. he said one day you will wake up and say "today is the day i call for the surgery". when you get sick of the pain, the extra meds, the loss of mobility and tired of seeing life pass you by. you will make the call. he felt it was necessary for all of his younger patients to do it this way. by "giving up" it made us better patients and a lot less likely to cancel at the last minute. i remember how good it felt after i made the call. even the people close to you will

be excited to hear that you have made the decision to go ahead with the surgery.

Coffey's Computer Center3124 1/2 North Hwy., Mi. 49221new phone number252-4337Between Randy's BBQ and The Skatery on M-52"I'd Rather Be Dirt Track Racing" ?!$*!#...WHEN do you know when it's THR time?

I was hoping to avoid this group...no offense though!

I've been a member of the labralicious, hipwomen, and FAI groups for

the last couple years...as I've undergone 5 hip surgeries and

recovery from them.

However, my hip now has arthritic changes and grade 4 cartliage

deterioration despite the goal of the other surgeries to fix issues

and prolong the "life" of my hip...and I am wondering how to really

know when it is time for a hip replacement?

My latest surgery a month ago worked great initially, but then

something tore inside my hip and things have been going downhill

since...it began popping multiple times again, and everytime I am

putting weight on it, it absolutely kills.

I'm directed back to crutches from my PT, as I was using them and on

bedrest this weekend, and he talked a long time today about the

possibility of a THR sometime (whenever it may be) in my future...as

I know the DRs had also eluded to before.

But I am confused. I've heard things both ways about waiting vs.

doing it at a young age (I will be 36 soon), and I just want to hear

from those of you who have had it done...when did you know it was

time? Was it the bone deterioration, cartilage deterioration, or pain

that played the biggest role in the decision?

Also, I'm having issues with my other hip now too. Did your bad hip

make your good one bad also (due to extra weight bearing, etc.)?

I just want to get back to being active and pain free.

Thanks for the help in advance.

~Hipsrus

[Guest guest]

Well said Bill --

Best wishes,

Brighton Michigan

From:

Joint Replacement

[mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of

Coffey

Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2008 9:43 AM

Joint Replacement

Subject: Re: ?!$*!#...WHEN do you know when

it's THR time?

my doctor didn't want to do the hip replacement at my age either, i was 35 at

the time, but he knew that i needed it . medically there was no way around it

and nothing would change that fact. he left the time frame up to me and i was

asking the same questions about when and how long. his answer was simple. he

said one day you will wake up and say " today is the day i call for the

surgery " . when you get sick of the pain, the extra meds, the loss of

mobility and tired of seeing life pass you by. you will make the call. he

felt it was necessary for all of his younger patients to do it this way. by

" giving up " it made us better patients and a lot less likely to

cancel at the last minute.

i remember how good it felt after i made the call. even the people close

to you will be excited to hear that you have made the decision to go ahead with

the surgery.

Coffey's Computer

Center

3124 1/2 North Hwy.

, Mi. 49221

new phone number

252-4337

Between Randy's

BBQ and The Skatery on

M-52

" I'd Rather Be Dirt Track Racing "

?!$*!#...WHEN do you know when it's THR

time?

I was hoping to avoid this group...no offense

though!

I've been a member of the labralicious, hipwomen, and FAI groups for

the last couple years...as I've undergone 5 hip surgeries and

recovery from them.

However, my hip now has arthritic changes and grade 4 cartliage

deterioration despite the goal of the other surgeries to fix issues

and prolong the " life " of my hip...and I am wondering how to really

know when it is time for a hip replacement?

My latest surgery a month ago worked great initially, but then

something tore inside my hip and things have been going downhill

since...it began popping multiple times again, and everytime I am

putting weight on it, it absolutely kills.

I'm directed back to crutches from my PT, as I was using them and on

bedrest this weekend, and he talked a long time today about the

possibility of a THR sometime (whenever it may be) in my future...as

I know the DRs had also eluded to before.

But I am confused. I've heard things both ways about waiting vs.

doing it at a young age (I will be 36 soon), and I just want to hear

from those of you who have had it done...when did you know it was

time? Was it the bone deterioration, cartilage deterioration, or pain

that played the biggest role in the decision?

Also, I'm having issues with my other hip now too. Did your bad hip

make your good one bad also (due to extra weight bearing, etc.)?

I just want to get back to being active and pain free.

Thanks for the help in advance.

~Hipsrus

[Guest guest]

Thanks!