Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

Should probrably post this somewhere else but with all the current Katrina problems mine is very minor, so I thought I would post here for advice. Looks like after the wreck in Dec 03, my shattered hip is getting worse instead of better. Getting tough to walk,pain is getting worse. Went to a doctor today that I trust,he said the only way out is a hip replacement,I will only get worse,he recommended a total replacement now. He said 3-4 days in the hospital,maybe 6 weeks on crutches,walker,etc.Doesn't sound like fun,but at age 61 I want to be able to walk to the mailbox and get in and out of a 353/382/600's without the pain I am having now. Who has had this done or know someone that has? When I left the hospital after the wreck I swore I would never go back voluntarily,but it is my call now. Advice or comments would be appreciated. Robert

Re: Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

seen and talked to hundreds of patients pre and post-op.

DO IT!

...if your doctors are confident it's the only alternative to a life of pain.
a potentially growing dependence on pain meds, or limited mobility, are certianly even less desirable than surgery.

hip and knee prosthetics are very routine. Don't get me wrong, it's major surgery...but very, very well proven techniques and parts. ;)

be rid of the pain that is infringing on your quality of life
in 3-4 months you'll never even know it was done. :)

Good luck.

Randy

Re: Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

My mother did it on one hip a long time ago and swore she wouldn't do it again, long recovery process.

Finally 10 years later she had the other one done and a world of difference in her recovery. Much less blood loss and pain. She was out of the hospital in 5 days and on a walker for 4-6 weeks then a cane for a while.

She wonders why she waited so long to have the other one done. She was scared from the first time. They have come a long way since her first one and probably just as much since the second one.

I would do it.

Re: Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

Robert, a friend of mine was about your age when he had it done. His hip was getting so bad, he was really getting depressed, and he was one of the most fun guys I've ever known. He wasn't himself for a while, it was like he was just waiting to die. After he had his hip replaced, and rehabed, he was back to his old self again. I am so glad he did it.

Go for it, and good luck.
Joe

Re: Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

Robert, my neighbor across the street had his done a few months back... he is better than ever he say's now. Last weekend after Katrina blew through, he helped me saw down a 25' oak tree and carry it and stack it... he worked as hard as I did for 4 hours straight. If I hadn't known he had the surgery, you could have fooled me all the way to the bank... he's out playing golf today and tomorrow too, he does NOT own a golf cart either, he's 60.

Jim

Re: Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

Make sure you find an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hip replacements and/or joint replacements. If you can find a hospital with a joint center or a high number of hip replacements done per year you are more likely to receive competent care. Hope this helps and good luck, chronic pain is not fun.

Re: Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

Next door neighbor had both his done, one at a time, been about 5 months and he is alot better off now than before!! good luck and don't wait too long. It'll be spring 06 before you know it.

Re: Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

I've got a couple of blown-out discs in my lower back due to excessive snowmobile speeds over bumps that were WAY too big. I just drink more rum, works every time. :drink:

But seriously, good luck with whatever you chose to do.

Dave

Re: Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

Agree with all of the above. Miracles of modern science and technology have greatly improved this procedure and long-term outcomes. Just ask around for the doc that has the most experience and happiest post-op patients.

Re: Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

previous owner of my business had it done and was very happy with the outcome,,,and he was in his seventies,,recovery took about 4 months for him but by then he was back to playing nine holes of golf a couple of times a week...good luck no matter what you do.

Re: Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

My father in law had it done last year and it went very well. His is stainless but they have different replacements (ceramic TI, etc.) I have a good friend that is an consulting mechanical engineer for an ortho company too so I could recommend a good doctor in the Tampa Bay area. Do some research in your area and find a good Dr. and also do some research and see what you want. Don't let the ortho guy pick the one that buys him the best vacations....get what is best for you based on lifestyle etc. I say do it without a doubt.

Re: Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

Robert,
Sorry to hear about the hip. Fortunately there's some hope for young healthy guys like you. Until recently, my brother John sold hip replacements for several years. He now sells heart stents. He can give you some advice on what's out there and what to look for. PM me and I'll give you his phone number if you'd like.

Re: Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

Robert - I know you spoke to my mother about this when we were down in May and she told you my dad was an orthopaedic surgeon who has done hundreds of total hips. We would recommend going to have it done. Rehab will be a PITA, but you will be better off in the long run.
Take care and good luck
Rob

Re: Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

Duckenrock's brother gave some good advice. He also said it is very important that I use a doctor that has done a lot of revision type replacements on highly traumatized hips rather than one that normally does just primary hips,as there is a difference. Pretty sure my doctor is in the former catagory,but I will ask him.

Re: Hip Replacement-kind of off topic
 

Too bad about your hip.
I know how hard it is to get around when a person has joint, back, hip, knee, etc. pains.
When I had problems with my lower back I had to have surgery and I found a spine specialist. Was told to stay away from orthopedics for my condition. This doc fixed me up right. It's been close to 4 years now with no problems.

I know how hard it is to make this type of decision. I asked all the questions I could think of, spent time on the net researching the procedure and trading e-mails with those that had the same operation. It made my decision a lot easier. I went into operating room knowing what to expect.

Good luck, and hope it all works out.