I got bone on bone in my right hip, severe arthritis and am having mobility problems and lots of pain at times. Doc says hip replacement an option but of course there are major risks, such as infection, etc. I've had both knees replaced with good success but worried about more surgery six years later as I am now past 70.

Meanwhile I'm relying on pain pills to manage and occasionally using a cane. I plan to see an orthopedist to consult on the possible hip replacement but would appreciate any advice from those of you who are familiar with this operation and subsequent rehab. Another issue is cost: 50 grand easily. I am a veteran and likely would have to be put on a wait list through the VA. If I go the Medicare route, I'm looking at 80/20 and that's 10 large on my end, which I couldn't handle.

So, what to do before I'm in a wheelchair?

I had my hip replacement done two years ago and I am thrilled with the result. I used to limp badly and now I can walk freely. The thing is you MUST do your rehab properly and persistently. Yes it is painful at first but the more you do it the easier it gets. I was 68 when I had it done. Medicare and my supplemental coverage, which I signed up for at no cost, plus my hospital having a policy of writing off part of the cost if you meet certain income levels left me out of pocket less than $400. PM me if you want more info.

I have had both hips replaced, I tried to "tough it out" and put off the first surgery until the top of the femur collapsed That was not a pleasant experience. I'd say to go after VA coverage, it may take a while (mine didn't but that was in 1996, almost 20 years ago). I didn't wait for the other hip to collapse and had it done 2 years after the first one. I had partial disability from my time in the Army in relation to my hips so maybe that helped.

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Minimize the variables

I had both hips replaced at the same time in October using the anterior method which requires much less recovery time. I feel like a new man and wish I would have done it earlier. I'm mid fifties though. Not all surgeons do the anterior method.


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Years ago I came across some show that was showing an actual hip replacement and to say the least it was absolutely fascinating!!! Talk about your heavy construction!! The only thing missing was the surgeon wearing a hard hat.!! There was sawin' and hammering and grunting and grinding...you could almost hear him saying just a CH more off the top.
Orthopaedic surgeons are truly the framing carpenters of the medical world.

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Forum consigliere

I put off having my right hip replaced for six or seven years. BIG mistake.

Had it done about four years ago and couldn't be happier...NO MORE PAIN!!!

Just do it!

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'Merica!

I waited for 5 years then I had it done. Last October to be exact and I am happy with the outcome.
No pain, no limp, and I feel like I did 20 years ago.
Just turned 63.

FWIW a neighbor had a second hip replacement last week, in her eighties. Everyone I know who's had it done wishes they had done it sooner.

A guy at work has had 3 docs tell him to tough it out. He walks worse than most men 2x his age.

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Where's my dad's America?

AS you have had both knee's done already there is little to tell you that you don't know & have already been through. I will tell you that knees are tougher on the Pt. Your experience with PT/your tolerance with anesthesia/ age are the major issues. I wouldn't let $ be a consideration & go the MC route, IMO. It appears there really isn't much of a choice. Good luck.

Had my right hip replaced last summer. Like everyone else I wish I had done it sooner. It's like a different world now.

I endured a lot of pain and suffering waiting to get a shoulder replaced. They finally got the replacement the doc wanted to use and I got it done. A LOT of physical therapy and I've never felt better. It's been over 10 years now and no problems. Hips are easier to do and eberyone I know who had it done say it was like night and day with regard to results. All are very happy they did the surgery. Physical therapy is a MUST with any joint replacement.

3 to 6 months rehab!? Plus, from wiki:
"Risks and complications in hip replacement can include dislocation, loosening, impingement, infection, osteolysis, metal sensitivity, nerve palsy, pain and death."

Sheesh!

I figured maybe that was a southern abbreviation. After further thought, turns out it's a universal unit of measure!

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paws for friendship

I had a hip resurface done (new parts just not as much bone removed) a few years back and will have to have the other one done in the not-too-distant future. For me I had instant relief and rehab was quick.

Once the pain and immobility get to the point where I have to get my left hip done, I will not hesitate. The benefits far exceed the risks IMHO.

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paws for friendship

the key factor to any surgery is having the best physician perform the operation in a top notch medical facility.....

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There's nowt so queer as folk

My hips are still good but I did undergo a knee replacement followed by a knee revision (a re-do) when it became infected. While I do lament the reduction in range of motion, the joint is so much better post-op than pre-op. The thing with joint replacements is that the longer you put it off, the longer the recovery will be. Sell a few guns if necessary and go for it.

You can probably have it done through the VA like you said. They'll bill your insurance companies and maybe eat the difference. Don't know for sure on this.

When you decide be sure to pick the right doctor for the job. IMHO that is the most important decision to make.

Pal of mine had his right hip replaced last summer.

1 week later we were out riding our Harleys together.

He just made sure to lean the bike to the left when stopped.

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AKA: "Strange Tamer"

BS!

I was back to work (light duty) three weeks and three days after the operation. My boss couldn't believe it! She said, "Do you have a note from your doctor saying that you could go back to work?"

I pulled the letter from my surgeon out of my pocket. I was using a cane for a few more weeks but that's it.

The "occupational therapist" that was coming to my house got mad when I told her I didn't need her help any more.

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'Merica!

I agree. The orthopaedic surgeon that replaced my hip had done hip replacements on other orthopaedic surgeons.

I figured....that's my guy!

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'Merica!

I asked my surgeon the morning of my surgery the following questions; Did you have a fight with your wife this morning? Are you hung over? Did you loose big at cards last night? Get a speeding ticket on your way here? Do you have a tee time in the next few hours?

What I didn't think to ask him was if he had flight to Australia for 4 weeks of vacation later that afternoon! I never saw him post surgery. He was air born by the time I woke up.

Thankfully his associate was absolutely gorgeous. I gave him a free pass once I saw her. What a knockout!

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paws for friendship

I'm sure glad I saw that film after my hip replacements, if I had seen that before they would have had to "slip me a Mickey" to get me to the hospital.

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Minimize the variables

I'm 63, had my right hip replaced last June. First two weeks I'm wondering what have I done? Third week turned the corner and never looked back. Rehab is basically getting to where you can walk, and then you're on your own. I'll be playing golf in a couple of weeks.

Find a surgeon who does a lot of hips. Mine does three hip replacements each Monday morning, year round.

David

It's the pretty gals who were nurses we enjoy too.

And if you don't get it done.......continuing PAIN & loss of mobility for the rest of your life. Nothing comes without some risks. In this case the odds of an improvement in the quality of life outweigh the risks IMO.

Don

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Laus Deo! <><

Never had it done myself, but that's everyone's experience that I've heard too. You have to be careful for several months; no crossing legs, for instance. Putting on socks needs a gadget to do, or a patient wife. My wife was a little careless, and before the muscles had completely strengthened, she managed to dislocate the joint twice. Thats a trip to the emergeny room, and afterwards, more stuff to hang on your leg so you don't do it again.

The Techniques and materials have all been drastically improved in recent years. The procedure is is much less intrusive and the recovery time is shorter. There is still rehab but because of all the improvements in all aspects of the surgery that too is greatly minimized. Still critical to how you recover but not nearly as bad as it used to be.

I've never had a hip replaced but I have had my left leg broken out sideways at the knee. That was in 1973 and the leg was put back together. Total knee replacement in 1994 and again in 1998. Most people learn how to walk once, I've had to learn how to walk 4 times. So I know a little something about living with pain and rehab etc.

All that said I would not live for one more day with bone on bone pain and immobility. Get the surgery, do the rehab and get it behind you. You will be so glad you did once you see how it feels to be pain free and to not be crippled any more. I can't stress this enough. You have probably been living with this all for so long you may have forgotten how it fees to be whole again. I have been good since 1998 and I thank God every day I bit the bullet and "got 'er done".

Good luck and God bless.

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Real men love cats!

Oh Heck YES !!!

I am an Extreme case but as a teenager my hips were so bad
i was basically confined to a wheelchair and could walk only a little with crutches

After my Hips were replaced, within year i was walking with just a cane

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Compact 9mm Just my $0.02

I read most of the posts. I wasnt going to post because my hip replacement was a little different. I was hit by a truck and my hip, and pelvis was shattered. So they had to build bone to put the hip into.

I will say this, rehab is very important. If you want to remain moble work it.

I have both hips replaced best thing I ever did to make the quality of life better.
Now I can reach down and tie my shoes, before that I would only be able to get into slip ons.

I vote yes do it, just get a metal on plastic replacement.

99% of the people I know got along very well with their hip joints. I've seen a few clunkers, but the chances are good that it will be fine. I think it would be better to get some quality of of life sooner than suffer until you are forced to move on it.

Ever notice how big most ortho docs are? I had one that was a power lifter!

Seriously, to the OP, I've never had a hip replacement, but you only go around the sun so many times. If you're miserable, then I would seriously consider getting it done.

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Proud anachronism