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Hip replacement after one osteoarthritis flare

Posted , 9 users are following.

gilbertcat
gilbertcat

I  had sudden pain in both hip jpints and knees which lasted for 6 weeks.  There seemed to be no particular reason.  I need pain relief for 5 weeks and sleep (I could only lie on my back) was disturbed with pain.  The pain in my left hip ceased after 3 weeks but persisted in the right hip and right knee.

I saw the GP who sent me for xrays and full blood tests. Latter came back normal except for some indication of infection.  GP referred me to a consultant who suggested, for an active life (I am male 68), I have repalcement joints beginning with the right hip. He noted my lack of movement of my hips and, referring to the xray, pointed out  worn cartilage and bone spurs. I am booked in for 10 days time.

My concern is that I have had no pain for a week and think I should wait to see if the flare up was a one-off.

Has anyone any observations?

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • jennifernz
    jennifernz gilbertcat

    Posted

    Gosh, your consultant is very quick to get you into surgery.  I had my first flare up 10 years ago when i was 57 and was told to buy a bike and join the aquarobics class at the pool.  I had a couple of flareups over the years which were managed by rest and painkillers, but inbwtween i cycled to the pool 3 times a week and had an active lifestyle.  I did a couple of cycle trails and 3 walking tracks with just the normal aches and pains.  I only had my hip done because my quality of life this past year has been so poor and I was told this would give me a new lease of life and i would get back to normal.  At the moment i am only 10 days post op, so I wait and see, but don't be in such a hurry, it may settle down and gove you a few more years before it becomes necessary to operate.  Good luck, jennifer nz
  • sue87388_UK
    sue87388_UK gilbertcat

    Posted

    Hi,

    This is a really difficult decision to make but only you can do that.  All I can say is weigh up the pain you had for five weeks and ask yourself do I want to go through that again, chances are if you do nothing you may experience that again.  Alternatively, wait and see what happens next and then decide, I think this is the option I would take.  Good luck with whatever you decide.

  • Paulus1949
    Paulus1949 gilbertcat

    Posted

    I can see your dilemma..After having a LTHR earlier this year which has been successful,I am now having pain in the right hip,but some days are better than others.

    X-rays show I have hardly any cartilage left and bone spurs,so I'm booked in for a RTHR.

    As suggested to Jennifer easy cycling(I use an exercise bike) and swimming do build up the quads which support the joints..but sooner or later you'll need joint replacements..

    The only thing I would say is the younger you have the ops the quicker your recovery and the less chance of other post op related complications..and you should have a better quality of life..a new hip should last the rest of your life.

    I would say have the replacements, but others may disagree.

  • veronica58657
    veronica58657 gilbertcat

    Posted

    I defo would not have a hip replacement yet! I had a flare up 5 years ago, dreadful pain for a couple of weeks, but nothing since, except that I have been x rayed once a year and the cartalidge is slowly disappearing, so I will have a replacement of my right hip sometime during this next year, I'm 60.

    At least wait another year to see if it flares up again, and get a second opinion as well. 

    Veronica London uk

    • Paulus1949
      Paulus1949 veronica58657

      Posted

      I partly agree with you,and you could say why fix something that ain't broke...but it's worth bearing in mind that if X-rays show cartilage damage it cant replace itself once it's gone..also the outcome after major surgery is usually better in your 60's than 70's..

      Also hip and knee joint wear can eventually change the way you walk which can then lead to spine and pelvis problems.

      I had issues with my left hip for 15yrs before surgery and my surgeon said that it made the op far more complicated than it might  have been had I had it sooner.

      You have to do your own risk assessment I guess.

       

  • roadglide1959
    roadglide1959 gilbertcat

    Posted

    Hello Gilbertcat,

    Welcome to our world! Having hip and knee pain seems to come together. As to say, that once the hip starts to give you problems. The knee is soon to follow. Since our knees are referred to as our 'shock absorbers. When the Ostio Arthritis shows its evil head in your hips. The knees take on a second roll. Compensating for the added stress and strain from the hip.

    I am definitely speaking from experience Gilbert. I started having issues with my left hip in the Summer of 2011. I lasted for 2 years before having my first THR in April of 2013. While favoring my left leg for so long. My right hip figured it was its turn to give out. I've experienced crucial pain in the past. But NOTHING compared to the excruciating sharp pains from bone on bone. And when someone tells you that they understand how you feel. Unless they have felt the bone on bone sheerness. They DO NOT UNDERSTAND!

    In essence Gilbert, I believe the inevitable is. That you will need a THR. Yes exercise will somewhat help. But it goes to figure. You're putting more stress on that hip with doing so.

    So I wish you good health and luck, if there is such a thing. Try to stay positive and do your own research. Your personal experience through this will differ from mine or anyone else's.

    roadglide1959

  • jilliboss123
    jilliboss123 gilbertcat

    Posted

    Everyones different I'm 49 and just came out of revision doing well.  I'm 4 weeks out.

    I had the same issues in one hip to the point where I would drag my leg behind Me on a bad day.

    I'm happy I had mine done and you'll do the same as soon as you've had enough. 

  • gilbertcat
    gilbertcat

    Posted

    Thanks to all for your comments - very helpful.  Yes we are all different.  I have decided to put off having a new hip immediately as I wish to see what develops; if and when condition flares up again. I have been pain free now for 8 days; just a little unconfortable.
  • dallasjody
    dallasjody gilbertcat

    Posted

    Hi gilbertcat,

    I would wait.  It was just an infection, a bad day, why have more surgery for that?  Surgery should be your last option for anything, unless you really feel it helps.  All surgeons want surgery, usually ASAP here in US.  Others say wait and try any and all non-invasive procedures - medicine, exercise, physical therapy.  Surgery sounds like it hurts, has to heal, and you risk infection, etc.  I am not a physician, but that is my opinion.

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