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Blooming hip replacement!

(36 Posts)
Luckygirl Sat 02-Jul-16 19:47:40

It is getting on for 2 years since I had my hip replaced (and was pretty darned poorly afterwards) and the pain in it is getting worse and worse. It took a long time to settle after the surgery and I had a brief few months when it was tolerable; but now it is hopeless. I cannot bend over without acute groin pain which carries on for hours after the bending; I cannot lie on that side without a rubber ring; I have pain shooting down the top of the front of my thigh; it clicks and it clunks, especially on hilly terrain; and it is generally very sore round the buttock department. I cannot stand normally for any length of time (a problems when singing) and have to put my weight on the other side (on my unhealed broken foot!!).

I had it x-rayed again a year ago because of the clunking and was told it all looked fine. A few months ago I went to GP and she sent me for physio, but that made no difference.

In the last few weeks it has deteriorated. I have an annual check-up with the consultant in a couple of weeks. One thing I know - no-one is taking a knife to it again! I was wondering if it might be related to inflammation and whether a steroid injection might be a way forward - I will just have to wait and see what he say.

Anyone else had this problem? To say I am p****d off with it would be a bit of an understatement.

GandTea Fri 08-Jul-16 18:33:03

No need to worry I have had a thr and tkr, hip was like falling of a bus, no problem, walking next day. TKR felt like I had fallen off a bus, took a while to get back walking comfortably, but all fine now. I can dance now and I couldn't do that before.

Lyndylou Fri 08-Jul-16 21:22:09

I have been debating whether to revisit my GP and ask if I am now old enough for a hip replacement. Apparently 61 was too young but I have now reached the advanced age of 64. However reading the comments have put me off a bit!!

Maybe I am not yet ready for one as I manage all right during the day at work, providing I walk around for a few minutes every hour or so, and I don't need a stick but I really struggle to get comfortable to sleep at night. I rely on my paracetamol/codeine mix tablets but I don't like taking this many painkillers.

grannyqueenie Scottish Rock - not the incredible Runrig by any chance?

Charleygirl Fri 08-Jul-16 21:44:28

Lyndylou how soon until you retire? Could you possibly wait until you have retired and then you can devote your time to getting better and you would not have to worry about getting back to work.

Have you tried getting to sleep with a pillow between your legs?

Do your homework and if possible go to your GP with the name of an orthopaedic consultant who specialises in hip replacements.

Regalo Fri 08-Jul-16 21:52:39

Lyndylou....I was 58 when I had mine done.

GandTea Fri 08-Jul-16 21:57:01

I would have a hip replaced sooner than later. The fitter you are and the stronger your muscles, the quicker you will be up and about. I left my hip too long, put up with the pain, then the cartilage split and it was bone/bone and very painful, could not walk. I then had to wait 8 weeks before they could fit me in. My knee started getting painful, my Dr, said it would not improve and was happy for me to have it replaced before it got by worse.

Galen Fri 08-Jul-16 22:44:52

My first one was done at age 49 I still have it age 71. The other side was done about 18/12 months later and replaced after 15 years. Still going strong. My immobility is due to the arthritis in my ankles and feet.
Strangely enough my knees are fine.

Elrel Sat 09-Jul-16 00:48:53

Sarah - thanks!
Ann-sixty - were not in same hospital, are we?? I promise nothing scary!!
Anno domini - thanks, I hadn't thought about the stick, I've had mine almost 10 years since I pulled a tendon.

grannyqueenie Sat 09-Jul-16 01:13:46

Lyndylou Yes you're spot on it was Runrig! I had my hip done when I was 62. I was flabbergasted when I was told that's what I needed as I didn't have any daytime pain to speak off but when it began to be painful when lying down an xray showed terrible wear and tear. For years I'd I felt I was walking awkwardly, no wonder! I didn't regain the lost movement in the joint but having the op meant I never had to experience awful pain. My walking became so much easier and as GandTea says the younger you are the better you recover. It does take some motivation, stamina and perseverance to get yourself going afterwards but it's definitely worth it!

Lyndylou Sat 09-Jul-16 09:28:59

Thank you for your replies, I will look into getting it sorted. I think the fear of ending up worse off than I am now has been putting me off.

I'm semi retired, I have a couple of companies that I have worked for in the past who call me back for "a few weeks" that usually turn into a few months each time. I think they appreciate the fact that they don't have to police my timekeeping and mobile phone use like they do the younger ones and I like the flexibility!

grannyqueenie We love Runrig, they come to Sheffield City Hall every so often and we always try to see them.

annsixty Sat 09-Jul-16 09:36:52

I can tell you when you leave it as I have done for personal reasons , the pain is dreadful and I don't overplay that. We have no car and I am housebound, I can't even walk round a store even if I am taken. Get these things done now. I am concerned that my age may hinder my recovery but I am a bit of an awkward biddy and very determined so am hoping for the best.