Any advice on how long to wait before a THR.

Hi Philips

I also started with hip problems around 5yrs. I still continued with normal activities but just had to deal with the pain later in day. I also had trouble when first standing after sitting a while. Pain was originally in buttock then down side of hip and then moved to groin. From that time I continued to get steadily worse and less able to do some things.

It took some time before I could get a medical person to take me seriously about the pain and I started tests, physio etc.

I had the op in July at just 61yrs. Due to deterioration I was hardly doing anything for the last year.

Now 16 weeks post op and feeling fantastic , pain free and no longer limping.

If I had the time over again I would of pushed for the op a lot sooner. Your pain and mobility is only going to get worse and YES recovery is easier the fitter you are. If In UK you may also be on long waiting list. There is no good reason to suffer and waste some of your life.

Just my opinion.

Sandra

Yes get it done ASAP - it can get worse very, very quickly and your body having to compensate can lead to lots of problems ie bad back, tendonitis, knee problems. I'm still suffering a year after the op from tendonitis in my supposed good leg due to it having to take the strain due to the bad leg ! 👣👣👣

Hi Philip,

I think your dilema is a common one. I was diagnosed at 39 with osteo in both hips due to an accident at age 25.

It's devastating being told that you have got wear and tear at a young age. I used to like dancing and gave it up after realising that taking 8 co-codamol a night was stupid.  I did a lot of reading and wanted a re surfacing at age 49 but the consultants told me I was too young so after a cortisone injection started going to the gym to building the leg muscles up and swam a lot. Like you up until age 67 i was cycling 80 kms and walking 5 or 6 miles albeit with a limp.

I knew it was time to get it done when a pain in my groin started to twinge every time my right leg was fully extended rearwards and I could only sleep in one position without pain. My partner was also telling me I was leaning forward when walking due to not wanting to extend the right leg to far back. At first I thought the groin pain was due to a groin sprain but after a year it was just getting worse.  I  also noted the start of knee pain in the same leg which is probably not helped by me adjusting my walking gait to suit the ever stiffening hip.

Possibly when I get the op and if successful I will probably wish I had done it earlier like many others have said. But, it's all a trade off  between many considerations, but at least now with ceramic hips, better plastics and better techniques there is more chance of your hip lasting a lot longer than say 20 years ago.

It's your call but if you have a consultant with a good track record then that must count for a lot.

I waited about 5 years until I could hardly walk a block. Got the Steroid shots, pain pills etc.  Bone on Bone gets not better. It started affecting my knee and lower back. Had a THR posterior approach 2 years ago. Now I forget I have an artificial hip and wished I had it done several years earlier. 

I had my first hip replacement 5 years ago, at 58, and my second hip last July at 63. Just know, it’s not the joint God have you. I am a physician as well, so have experienced this issue on both sides. I tell my patients, “when you can’t walk or sleep, it’s time. Nothing will happen from waiting. You will know when you cannot take it anymore. Although a very small percentage, I am having issues after my second THR. In fact, today, I had an aspiration due to abnormal CRP and Sed Rate 5 months out, after a wound debridement as well- my point, there are always down sides to everything. I hope that helps you in making your decision. 

I had the same scenario at 61. I was getting around ok but with a limp. When it got to a point it was getting more difficult to sleep because of the pain and discomfort, I asked my doctor what he suggested. The x-ray and MRI showed pretty much bone on bone. So he said the surgery is optional from the perspective that I could choose when to have it done. It was just depending on how long I wanted to put up with the discomfort and limp. It wasn’t a matter of if, but when I would have the surgery. When I asked if it was better to do it now while I’m in relatively good shape and can handle the surgery and post PT and recovery, he said “Yep.  You’re getting the picture!”  LOL!!  So I opted to go on and get it done. That was 2 years ago and glad I did. 

Don't wait! The pain will just get worse and so will the arthritis! I waited and ended up crawling up my stairs every night! I tried stem cell therapy before both hips were replaced...I waisted $8,000 on the stem cell therapy and a whole year of PAIN as well waiting for the stem cells to work! Do it! Get your life back! I just turned 62 and had both done at the same time. Anterior surgery!

Hi phillip20437

The decision to have a THR depends on the serverity of your condition, this can only be determined by your body condition and your physician assessment. The fact that you could still do some of the things you like, like walking around with a limb and cycling I will advice you change your lifestyle and try using more of supplements and medications. THR should be the last resort if everything has failed. 

Hi Philip. I was told I had OA about 8 yrs ago and was told if I waited about 4 yrs it would be better as I was still rather young. I’m 58 now and just had my second THR. Both sockets were worn down but the one I just had 2 weeks ago was the worst. I noticed more pain in the last 2 months prior to surgery. 

I’m very pain tolerant so I guess I was used to the pain until I finally said no more. I kept putting off the surgery. 

I also wondered if there was such a thing as waiting too long. I did read about someone being in a wheelchair because it was so difficult to get around prior to surgery. 

You would be the one to know best. Sounds like your in pretty good shape. I used to exercise daily until about 8 years ago and I felt I was so out of shape for surgery. 

As everyone says....wish I had done it sooner but I know waiting because of how long a hip replacement lasts is something to consider. 

Sounds like ur getting around pretty good still. 

Wishing you the best. 

I am 55 year old woman and can relate to you. Last year I was in the hospital having a THR and my Surgeon cancelled it on me as he felt he could give me more time due to my age. I have had 2 cortisone injections and also Durolane Gel Injection and did not help. Also I have taken so many pain reliever's and anti inflammatory.  I go to pool therapy twice a week and it is just getting worse.  I am a Flight Attendant and on my feet all day and also very active and this issue has effected all aspects of my life. My x-ray shows moderate Osteoarthritis and bone spurs. My MRI showed tears also.  I have been plugging away with life. I have these horrific flare-ups where I cannot walk, sleep or sit comfortably. Then it is gone and I am back to constant aching and I get something catches in my hip which are supposedly the tears catching.I am not bone on bone yet many surgeons feel that it is not bad enough. I cant live like this anymore as it is effecting my life and my work so I went to my surgeon and he agrees that he will do the Surgery December 13th. I am so ready for it even though I am young but this is the time as we are active still. I am not waiting to be in my 70s or 80s when I will not be as active anymore.

?My sister has had both hips done and a few friends and everyone agrees that I cant wait any longer! It will not get any better only worse. My sister had bone on bone and she kept falling and hurting herself I am not waiting that long. I went back and forth, should I do it or wait longer. Questioning myself constantly! Once you make up your mind it feels great!!