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Hip replacement and pmr

Posted , 9 users are following.

Crystalcave
Crystalcave

i have had pmr for 3 years, on 13mg a day  and using the reduction regime I got of this website, thank you.  I have had trouble for ages trying to reduce but it seems to be working at the moment following this regime.

The question I wanted to ask is that I am due to have a total hip replacement in a few weeks time and wondered if the pmr will be affected by the surgery.  I have asked my Rheumy and he said he didn't think so but I don't have much faith in him to be honest.  I have also been suffering from knee bursitis for a couple of months and I don't know if this is because so the hip problem I have.  I would be grateful if anyone has any comments for me to ponder.

thanks in anticipation

2 likes, 25 replies

25 Replies

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  • frustrated61
    frustrated61 Crystalcave

    Posted

    hi Crystal!

    My dear friend just had surgery hip/knee replacement.  She is doing well.  She suffers from a few afflictions.  One being polycystic kidneys and PMR.  The surgery was this past January and she's doing so well!  Her pain is at a low and she's able to walk like she always loved to do.

    When is your surgery scheduled?  Are they replacing both hip and knee?  I'm not sure if this helps, but it's worth a try. 

    In any case, I'll keep you on our prayer list and wish you well!

    Frustrated

    Warm regards,

    • Crystalcave
      Crystalcave frustrated61

      Posted

      Hi frustrated61, 

      my pre- is next week (October 8th). I am having my one hip done ( was born with hip dysplacia). But's got so much worse over the last four years). I am 58 yrs old. Thank you for your good wishes

      sue

  • EileenH
    EileenH Crystalcave

    Posted

    I know two ladies on the forums who had PMR who have had hip replacements. Both of them have been able to reduce their pred to zero since the surgery - it has almost been as if the removal of the pain of the OA in the hip has removed a stress contributing to the PMR. Both were terrified about their ops but they went very well and they are both back to being almost as mobile as pre-PMR. 

    I think your rheumy's comment was perfectly fair really - he doesn't know because everyone is different in how they respond to surgery. If he said a categoric yes or no he only has a 50% chance of being correct - if he said yes would it not possibly make you unwillling to have the surgery? Or if he said no and you DID have a flare might you not be angry with him?

    The knee bursitis could well because you are walking badly with the bad hip and with a bit of luck will improve post-surgery. If not - they may offer you a cortisone injection to reduce the inflammation when the mechanical problem is removed.

    • Mousemum
      Mousemum EileenH

      Posted

      Thanks Eileen for positive comments we can always rely on you for support. smile Not got a date yet for my op see reply to crystal cave but hoping soon. Will keep in touch.
    • Crystalcave
      Crystalcave EileenH

      Posted

      Hello Eileen,  I think you are right about my rheumy's comments.  On thinking about it I can see he had no other choice but to say that.  I'm looking forward to my surgery , to ease the pain if nothing else, but also looking forward to being able to walk again.  Then I can just deal with the PMR.

      kindest regards

      sue

  • Mousemum
    Mousemum Crystalcave

    Posted

    Hi Crystal Cave I am in exactly same position as you. Been PMR for three years and down to 121/2mg of pred. My consultant said might take a bit longer to recover but shouldnt have any more problems except I would be prone to infection and they would have to be very careful. Comforting thought isnt it. Just try and get as much rest as you can now and buid yoursef up. I havent got a date yet but in a lot of pain so sooner the better although like you I am very apprehensive. Please keep in touch and we can go on this journey together (even if we are hoppong on it biggrin

    Carol

    • EileenH
      EileenH Mousemum

      Posted

      Have either of you opted for an epidural anaesthetic? Our 2 ladies on the other forum were terrified of that - but after everyone else's input decided it was a good idea. Now they support the epidural options themselves! It speeds up recovery a lot, you don't have the sicky feeling post-GA and pain control is also good. Come over to the other forum and ask there!!!!!
    • Crystalcave
      Crystalcave Mousemum

      Posted

      hi Mousemum,

      thanks for the kind words.  My surgery should be soon but not got a date yet,  same as you.  I am looking forward to getting it over with so I can deal with the PMR.  It's like walking through mud sometimes getting on with all these ailments lol.

      anyway,  I'll keep in touch.  Good luck yourself,  speak soon

      sue

    • Crystalcave
      Crystalcave Mousemum

      Posted

      hi Mousemum,

      thanks for the kind words.  My surgery should be soon but not got a date yet,  same as you.  I am looking forward to getting it over with so I can deal with the PMR.  It's like walking through mud sometimes getting on with all these ailments lol.

      anyway,  I'll keep in touch.  Good luck yourself,  speak soon

      sue

    • Crystalcave
      Crystalcave EileenH

      Posted

      hello Eileen,

      i had an epidural when I had my children but don't fancy it for my hip replacement.  I don't fancy the hammering or drilling I think will happen.  I take your point though that it is a quicker recovery time.

      sue

    • EileenH
      EileenH Crystalcave

      Posted

      The point of using the epidural is that that deals with all the pain side - they will give you a sedative so you sleep and don't hear/remember the DIY sounds. But using the epidural means they need a very light general anaesthetic rather than enough to block all pain and that speeds your post op recovery.

      Whichever and whenever - good luck!

  • lodgerUK_NE
    lodgerUK_NE Crystalcave

    Posted

    Don't worry about the op, an 80 lady with PMR had it and was just fine, she is even back to gardening, her passion, once more.  Just do eveything they tell you to do and you will be fine.

    Ensure you tell the pre-op people what pred you are on currently and for how long.

    Hoep you don't have to wait to long and just think  - less pain is coming your way.

    • Crystalcave
      Crystalcave lodgerUK_NE

      Posted

      hi lodger,

      i am am due to have my pre-op next week so will go through all my meds then.  Thanks for the msg

      sue

  • BettyE
    BettyE Crystalcave

    Posted

    Crystal, I'm one of the ladies Eileen mentioned.  PMR was thoroughly discussed at my pre-op appontment and I was told not to reduce the Pred. any further until after my post op follow-up. Also told to stop taking glucosamine ( my GP was in favour of my using it ) and also the cod liver oil I took regularly.I think this was because it would not go well with the routine blood thinning medication that follows the pop.

    My surgeon was very much in favour of epidural as opposed to GA. I was also given a sedative so knew nothing of what happened. I was 'phoning home within two hours of going back to the ward and home pain free in less than three days. Whatever you do don't get constipated. It was caused by the pain killers and could have been easily treated but I let it go on too long and that was FAR more painful than the hip!.

    I had the op in May 2013 and was off Pred. by the end of October.  This was my first time ever in hospital and I'd go back tomorrow if the other hip ever palys up. Good luck.

    • Crystalcave
      Crystalcave BettyE

      Posted

      hello BettyE

      thank you for this valuable info.  Anything helps at the moment.  I am scared of the epidural,  although so far I haven't been offered one.  I wouldn't want to hear what they are doing to me.  I'll let you know how it goes

      sue

    • frustrated61
      frustrated61 Crystalcave

      Posted

      Crystal ~

      If you had an epidural and this is frightening to you,wouldn't the doctors offer you something to possibly make you go into a twilight sleep?  not with anesthesia but just a relaxer so you actually sleep?  I get epidurals while getting pain injections as I have usually no less than 7-9 injections and I don't want to feel that or hear it.  Just wondered if you're offered this option of "twilight sleep"

      Good luck with your surgery.

      Frustrated

    • Crystalcave
      Crystalcave frustrated61

      Posted

      Hi,  well to be honest the more I hear about the epidural option the more I am coming round to the idea.  I have an appetite at the hospital on Friday to go through the surgery and recovery etc then my pre-op assessment is next week so I will definitely ask about it,  thank you.

      sue

    • frustrated61
      frustrated61 Crystalcave

      Posted

      Sue ~

      I hope you get the answers you so desire and everything works out in your best interest. Good luck and well wishes.

      Frustrated

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