Hip dilemma.

What a difficult question and one that exercised my mind for a very long time indeed before going for the surgery in late September. When the surgeon got in there he was clear that I could not have left it much longer as it was down to bone on bone with lots of osteophytes.

Like you, there were things that I could do and things that I couldn't. And also times when things seemed better than at others. In the end I made the decision on the basis that the things I could not do were ones that mattered to me a great deal and that I did not want to spend the rest of my life being unable to do them if there were some way that this could be dealt with.

What I would say is that it is a hugely successful and well tried and tested piece of surgery that transforms many people's lives; and there are many people on here who can testify to that. But please do be aware (which I guess I was not) that it is quite major surgery and the recovery is quite slow. I had a long talk with the physio yesterday who kept spelling out to me that, even though I am 5 weeks post-surgery, it is early days and I must take my time and be patient.

I have had a few setbacks which are not standard (problem knee whilst doing physio and a heart rhythm episode - which is probably totally unrelated to the surgery) and have just been jolly bad luck, so there are days when I think "Why the heck did I do this? When will I be fully better?" - I am sure that many share those thoughts in the first few weeks. But everyone I know who has had the surgery has been pleased with the long term result. Their mobility has improved and they are free from pain; and their quality of life has been enhanced.

I do wish you well with your deliberations. I am sure there will be lots of good advice coming your way on here.

I wouldn't hesitate petallus the relief from pain was instant after my surgery, that dull nagging ache that was endless and the pain on walking was gone and it was such a relief. Its scary I know but I haven't regretted it for one minute.

I was only 58 when I had my first one done and was told I'd get 15/20 yrs use before it might need replacing, but I am now contemplating having surgery on my other hip and like you are am trying to get to the tipping point when the pain out weighs the fear I'm not quite there yet I have yet to get the resting pain that disturbs my sleep but as soon as I am there I will be asking for a referral. I do understand why you are procrastinating but I can only tell my own experience which was a very positive outcome for me.

Mishap thanks for your thoughtful post which is very helpful. I have been following your hip thread so know you have been going through the mill. I hope you are feeling better today.

tanith that's exactly it, getting to the tipping point when pain outweighs fear.

It has been a good, warm long summer for us down here in the south. If you are anything like me, if it is a cold winter and it gets into your joints, that will soon refresh your memory as to why you wanted the op in the first place. I'm keeping going for as long as I can before I have one as I am not yet 60, and have been told repeatedly that there is less chance of success with a second op, but every summer I think oh, this isn't so bad, I can cope (although going down steps is really hard even then, or digging) but come winter I can scarcely get out of bed and remember why it is that I am so desperate to have a new hip.

Do go ahead, Petallus. It enhanced my quality of life enormously nine years ago and I haven't regretted having the replacement for a minute. I couldn't have gone on with it as it was, aching every minute of the day and night. Don't worry about your age - you could easily last another 20 or even 30 years and you don't want to have pain for all that time.

Do it while you have the option, who knows how long you'll have to wait in the future if you wait till it gets really bad.

I had both hips done within a few months of each other nearly 20 years ago(having had problems since birth) and I can honestly say, it transformed my life. So far they have lasted really well and I would certainly be in favour. I would suggest making sure you have a good surgeon and being good about doing the exercises afterwards and Mishap is right about being patient about the recovery.
Good luck, whatever your decision.

I am sorry to hear how much pain you are all going through but also pleased to hear the positive comments on good surgery and how it has improved your lives. what I have always said to patients as a nurse is that there is no virtue in pain and if a surgeon has offered you surgery he/she is not looking for work he/she thinks they can do a good job for you and make you better. I know its a difficult decision but the success rate is so high and as for how long you are going to last none of us know that but we now have more 100+ year olds than ever before so here is to a long and pain free life.

I would also add, do it before the NHS gets altered yet again and it becomes potentially harder to have anything done without a two year wait.

Go for it asap.
I had my hip replaced several years ago, brilliant result.

When my hip first played up I tried all sorts of things, pain relief, physio etc. Eventually it got beyond a joke and I was booked in to have it replaced. Shortly afterwards the cartilage collapsed completely and I spent 2 months in agony, should have had it done much earlier If the joint is worn out, it is not going to get any better, just worse.

I had my knee replaced as soon as they diagnosed terminal wear, even though I was not in too much pain, I knew it could only get worse.

You will be in for a few weeks discomfort, but within 6 months, you will have forgotten you have a replaced hip.

Bit suprised you have been told 6 months, I though 18 weeks was the maximum now, I only waited 3 months total from when I was referred.

I know Mishap has had a rough time with her hip, but that is unusual.

Regarding waiting times, I have just checked our local hospital. (North Essex)
Waiting time to see consultant 2 weeks
Waiting time for surgery 9 weeks

This varies a little depending on the surgeon chosen and may be a little longer if you opt to go to a private hospital.

I opted to go to a private hospital, I had to wait 8 weeks to see the consultant and a further 4 weeks for the operation.

Go for it, petallus. DH was in terrible pain before his first hip replacement at 64 - he is now nearly 70. He got over the op very quickly and being pain free changed his life. He knew the other hip was going to need replacing as well but the op was postponed while he recovered from a stroke. He couldn't wait to get it done and although he now walks with a slight waddle he is pain free.

So many people are needing hip replacements now. Life's too short to be in constant pain if something can be done.

Agree with pompa.Don't leave it until it becomes unbearable..it will.I can leap out of bed in the mornings, swim, walk and jog again.I just love my new hip!

I'm waiting to have my second knee replacement. Right leg was done in June and left is due to be done in November. I have been very lucky and had no problems so far. When considering wether to have the op, I took into consideration how much the pain was limiting my usual activities in everyday life (a lot ) also how much it affected my friends and family (a fair amount although they never complained ). How long could I put up with the pain ( was finding it more and more difficult). I spoke with as many people as possible who had been through the process.

When I had the xray in preparation for the procedure there was no cushioning between the joint at all so the sooner the better.

I now have no pain in my right knee when walking and once the other one is done ,I hope to feel the full benefit and will gradually increase the distances.

Most people have a good outcome (some with a few problems along the way). The most important thing post op' is to be very determined with the exercises that they physio' gives you. They can be painful but help so much in the long run.

I'm sure most of this would is apt for a hip as well.

The thing is, it's not going to get any better. As Mishap says, it can get to bone on bone when all the protective cartilage has finally worn away.
I'm another person who has had the replacement done, and it was so worthwhile.

I have had my r) knee replaced and like you, kept putting it off. What decided it for me was that the pain was waking me up during the night. I am not problem free but I do not have any pain during the night.

I agree with others, the onset of cold weather may make you decide that now is the time. It is horrid walking when bone is grinding on bone and that will never improve.

Thanks everyone for the comments, which I really do appreciate.

I now feel very relaxed about going forward with the hip replacement.