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(Soon to be) 22 yr old, suffering badly, is hip replacement only option?

Posted , 6 users are following.

meg12824
meg12824

Hi there,

I'll be 22 in June. I live in Australia. I had Perthe's Disease (childhood avascular necrosis) when I was 5 or 6 (they reckon) which was discovered in 2006 (age 13-14) when I developed a funny pain every now and then. A cortisone injection got me off a 5 month crutches period in 2007, thought it was all better. It came back about 7 months later, same thing (on off pain getting worse) till my sport teacher banned me from running as it seemed to make it worse (aged 16). By Feburary the following year (2009) I had my period, where the pain started again, but this time the period finished but the pain never did, and I've been in pain every day ever since. It was excruciating pain for my whole VCE, constantly on the crutches, cortisones don't work, neither do drugs. I developed these 'pain spasms' where the pain levels spasm (like a muscle spasm, but instead of the muscle doing it it's the pain, dunno how else to describe it). They were the worst to deal with, because you CANT deal with it. They can last for 3-10 mins each, have no idea what's going on around me when they happen, and they leave me exhausted and in agony for the whole rest of the day, even days/weeks afterwards. Ended up finally having a Femoral Osteotomy at the end of 2010. Looked like this was finally working, it wasn't brilliant but I could live with it. Had the screws from that taken out 2 yrs later. Over the past year it has ever so slowly grown worse, so I was recommended to see a physio, which didn't help. This year alone it has declined so severely and rapidly that it feels like it's turning back into what it was like in VCE, and it is really almost there. I'm having spasms every other week if not more, this week alone I've had 3, 2 of them being in one day, and it's tried to do it once more also. I'm having to use the crutches more and more, even to move around my own house. I'm being referred to a pain specialist, and I'm seeing my othopedic surgeon again in June. My family is seriously suggesting a hip replacement. I can't go on like this, I can't work, and if I can't work I can't pay bills and rent. My biggest concern with having a THR at this age is how it's going to affect me in 20 yrs time when I need another one. But I seriously do not see any other option, as I'm really struggling to live with this. I've also looked up hip resurfacing, but there's not enough research on that to see if that's really a viable option. Any advice or opinions?? Thanks smile

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • meg12824
    meg12824

    Posted

    And something else that just occurred to me: what happens if I get married and want to have kids? Is that even an option? Obviously that is something I would have to discuss with my doctor but that's a month away, so any input would be appreciated smile
    • beryl29765
      beryl29765 meg12824

      Posted

      My daughter in law had a resurfacing when she was 26 and she went on to have two baby's with no problem 

      also don't worry that you are too young as by the time you have to have another hip done things will have changed on the why they do them 

      I had my hip replacement when I was 59 

  • ros007
    ros007 meg12824

    Posted

    Well I can put your mind at rest over babies.  A girl I worked with had a baby post-THR with a vaginal delivery when she was in her 30s - being able to look after her baby and play with her toddler tipped the balance for THR.

    The median life of a THR is going up.  Revision is usually possible but it depends on bone stock - talk to your surgeon about your situation.  The youngest person I met with a THR (she had 2) had them both done when she was 18.  She knew she would end up in a wheelchair because her bones hadn't developed properly but had taken the decision with full knowledge.

  • Amnesia3637
    Amnesia3637 meg12824

    Posted

    Hi Meg. If your surgeon suggests it (and although we're good on this forum, surgeons are better!) and all the indications are for a hip replacement you should have it done. Medical/ surgical technology is advancing so rapidly that in another twenty years we may very well be having laser revision if necessary. Anything's possible. When I was an orthopaedic nurse 40 years ago we'd never have guessed techniques would be so advanced so don't wait until you end up much worse than you are now. Be guided by your medical team and all the very best of luck to you. 
    • meg12824
      meg12824 Amnesia3637

      Posted

      My surgeon is one that sees surgery as a last option (which is probably good, cos it's not always the way to fix things if other ways will help albeit longer), which my young age is probably a contributing factor to. We put off doing the Osteotomy because I was so young (18) to be having hip surgery and so he was trying to do everything else to see if it would fix. I know he will say that I'm too young, and I probably am, but I'm at a loss as to what to do. Should I insist on a hip replacement? Also should probably see what happens with the pain specialist if they can provide any insight...
    • Amnesia3637
      Amnesia3637 meg12824

      Posted

      Be guided by your surgeon. You are very young to be having a hip repalcement and the pain specialist may be able to give you help and coping strategies. I do hope you have a successful resolution to your problems and pain soon.
  • ros007
    ros007 meg12824

    Posted

    It isn't something to rush into but, especially if the rest of your bone is good, the outlook is much better now.  If you do decide to wait a bit longer try to keep your muscles toned because that will improve your rehab.  Try swimming crawl or backstroke in a nice warm pool and a few muscle toning exercises while the weight of your body is supported by the water.

    Whatever you and your surgeon decide I hope it works out for you

  • kaleani75551
    kaleani75551 meg12824

    Posted

    A friend of mine's 21 year old son just had hip replacement and is doing wonderfully.  Don't worry and do it.  You might have to have it redone 1-2 times before you leave this planet since you are now so young and these prothesis only last some 20-25 years if we are lucky.  I am old enough that the 2 hips i replaced probably (hopefully) will last me till the end.  Good luck!
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