Too soon! Son experiencing pain in right hip

Hi, Annie. We have the MRI results, which show Stage I or II progression of AVN in the non-operated hip. At that time - one week ago - he told the surgeon he would go ahead with the only procedure available - core decompression. Unfortunately I will need to tell him my research on results shows CD is ineffective in 75% of the cases. Majority of those who have this done eventually have THR. I know he cannot face the idea of pain & recovery (and CD is WORSE than THR).

The fact that he has pain in the other hip now indicates it is OA. So, RTHR is what he is facing. 

We hope to buy some time with Durolane, as Basia has mentioned, as well as Fosamax - from Linda & Renee.

Aloha

So the AVN doesn't cause pain? And he has OA, too? How complicated. Yes, I read up on it, and pretty much everyone who has CD ends up with THR. It must be so hard to know at such a young age that you need to have a second THR at some point. So sorry for him! And you. It's awful watching a child (of any age!) in pain.

Hi Annie: Here's the difference - AVN is when decreased blood supply to the bone, so it decays. OA causes cartilage to wear. He has AVN. Both cause pain. 

Thanks for your kind words.

Mahalo for sharing your story, Graham. Everyone's experiences are so different. I fear this will put son back into being a hermit. He's away across town now, so I'll have to see how he's doing tomorrow. I know I'm underfoot, but I want to be around in case he needs help. 

I know you are back to work - props to you. And is it correct that you're hoping for a revision? I wish you the best.

Soos,

You are right, everyone'sexperience is so different, but it's so lovely to have you there to support him.

I am hoping I don't need yet another (third) operation - but as I no longer trust the original surgeon, I want another opinion from someone used to dealing with 'problem' replacement joints which mine now is.

Another week, and I should know. 

Graham

Graham, if we hadn't had a second opinion, son would still be waiting for surgery, so I hope you find the right specialist you're looking for. Please let us know.

Son & I talked - I'm going home next week. He'll have to inform surgeon he is now experiencing constant pain in other hip. He knows I'll be back no later than July, sooner if necessary. He decided against the core decompression - our family doesn't gamble with such poor odds. 

I've learned from this forum that there IS such a range of experiences - approaches to surgery, PT regimens, recoveries. And that this is a safe place to ask questions when you can't find them elsewhere.

I wanted to thank you, Graham, for your website - the info on painkillers was especially helpful.

Aloha

Thanks for that - hope it all turns out well for your son - it's such a worry for a parent, and I think I would agree on not taking the core decompression gamble with poor odds.

Best wishes

Graham

Hi Renee. I told him of some of my negative findings but not that my conclusion is NOT to get the CD.

Yes, I plan to go home next week Thursday. He's pretty sick of me, and I've been here for 3 months. I'm homesick. It all depends on what he decides. If he goes ahead with the CD anyway, we don't have a date yet. I will come back to help him.

If he cancels the CD, he should talk to his GP about getting on the the bisphosphonates and either a Durolane or Synvisc injection. Or even a cortisone shot depending on the pain. 

At first, he thought he would move to the west coast, but now he realizes he can't know when the other hip will give out. He would have to establish resources there, and he couldn't bear another winter here with ice, snow. The first year he was here he fell and cracked a rib. 

So, although he doesn't want to, the reality is he may have to come back to Hawaii. There's a very good surgeon there who would have seen him, but the one here agreed. The second one.

It's complicated, but the simple thing for me is to be here for him. As much as my presence irritates him!

Mahalo for listening, Renee! I'm having a drink with a fitting name after I get off the forum - a Corpse Reviver! Since son's not here, I scrubbed the shower and the stove. I deserve it!

  cheerz Soos ... what is in the Corpse reviver drink???

Oh yeah, you irritate him now but he will miss your presence when you are gone ... or not ... it seems all so up in the air for you, however going home to be with husband is probably a very good thing to do - also that son is going back to Hawaii instead of West coast where he has to establish himself (again) and be amongst "strangers' instead of home -

Why didn't Hawaiian surgeon agree to THR ? or do I misunderstand?

thinking of you both -

big warm hug

renee

Corpse Reviver

1 oz gin

1 oz Cointreau

1 oz Lillet

Squeeze of lemon

1-3 drops Absinthe

Orange peel

Of course since there was only a teeny bit of gin leftover, I had to add that. I just whispered "absinthe" over it with a French accent, as I had none. Shake liquids with ice, strain. Rub peel on rim and twist over drink.

Yum! See attached photo.

You're probably right, Renee, but he won't admit to missing me. I am going. Son is going to Hawaii for the conference, but idk about August except that he won't be here in midwest.

Complicated. He had an appointment w/ Hawaii surgeon for second opinion. Before that happened, he got the date for surgery here in midwest. 

Thinking of you fondly. 

Aloha

Annie, AVN is AVascular Necrosis - the blood supply to joints - hips, shoulders, knees, ankles - gets cut off, causing bone to die.

Ooh noooo!!! Hope there is a way to help him. Poor boy sounds a wreck!? He's really been through a lot. We should put him and Sarah with her positive attitude in touch with each other. He sounds like he's suffering from depression too?

Yes, Annie. Depressed before, more depressed and overwhelmed now. I have to say Sarah has him beat in the gutsy category, it's why I admire her. Thanks Annie. Aloha