Hip replacement - yes or no?

[Whitens Moss]

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?

 

[Bell2]

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.

 

[Bkreutz]

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.

 

[fdw]

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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[CAJUNLAWYER]

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.

 

[G-Mac]

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!

 

[Rimmer]

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.

 

[BaaBaa]

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.

 

[Herknav]

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

 

[hangnoose]

THEY WERE MY BREAD & BUTTER

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.

 

[bdmoss88]

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

 

[Krell1]

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.

 

[Whitens Moss]

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!

 

[kozmic]

There was sawin' and hammering and grunting and grinding...you could almost hear him saying just a CH more off the top.

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

 

[kozmic]

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.

 

[vytoland]

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

 

[federali]

Joint Replacement

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.

 

[Maddog 521]

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

 

[SmokeStack Lightning]

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.

 

[G-Mac]

3 to 6 months rehab!?

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.