Hip Replacement at 32?

Posted , 10 users are following.

Hello all,

I'm new to this so please bear with me ?? After a long struggle with various doctors I was finally diagnosed with arthritis in both hips about 5 years ago. Due to the wear on my joints, especially in my right hip (my left hip doesn't give me half as much trouble!) it was also discovered I had an extra section of bone growing which was causing even more pain. Long story short, I had a hip arthroscopy to remove the bone and cortisone shot a year later to mask the arthritic pain which helped for about a year.

But then, I had to go back to the surgeon because the pain was just getting too much again. I can't exercise, be in the car for any long distance, struggle with basic housework tasks and sometimes even sitting at my desk. It has been completely ruling my life. I saw a different surgeon a few months ago and he felt I was ready for a hip replacement due to the impact this problem is having on my life. But he was then overruled by the head surgeon who urged me to try another round of cortisone injections in both hips. He said the extra spur bone is growing back but the wear on the joint is fairly slow and to be honest, was extremely dismissive of the pain I'm in constantly. He did agree however when questioned by my partner, that if the injections didn't work he would then look at replacing the hip with a ceramic joint.

I have had the injections and had very minimal relief for a few weeks at most. I contacted his receptionist for another appointment as advised by the surgeon and have now been told there is nothing more he can do for me as I'm too young for a replacement and I can't see him until end of February next year for a review! He won't see me or speak to me!

I am so upset that he has gone back on what he promised me, but worse than that am now left in pain with no resolution. I am so fed up of being in constant pain and whilst I know having my hip replaced in my early 30's could cause problems later in life, I believe it would give me the relief I need now to be able to enjoy life again. I have to take naproxen and the highest strength cocodamol almost daily. I have a busy full time job that involves travelling and a partner and step child and find my condition so limiting. I'm sick of waking up everyday in pain.

I just wondered if there was anyone out there with a similar problem, particularly around my age and/or anyone who has had trouble getting the treatment they need. I can only think to head back to the doctors to ask for a second opinion or to consider a private consultation. Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you x

1 like, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi

    sorry to hear what has been happening . In regards to your age many people including myself have a replacement in their 30's , as like you say it's about quality of life now as pain every day when trying to work or drive is not something anyone should have to put up with. 

    Are you from from the U.K. As I can give you some details of surgeons and hospitals that will operate on a younger person. I have just had my second one and still only 57 but again pain and walking was shocking. 

    Another rather large thing you could do now is proper pain control, do you have a pain clinic in your area that your GP could refer you to. Pain clinic became a very important part in my management of my hip and ability to control pain enough to function and stay in part time work. I was so worried about going on sting pain killers in my case slow release morphine , which I am still on after second replacement as I struggling getting going this time. Pain consultant talked me through my fears, strong pain killers when busy doing their job, do not make you flat or high as they busy doing the job they are meant to do. He was so right . 

    Please dont be put put off that I had a second hip, as I was born with a congenital condition so my joints are poor and muscles poor, I 100% say go for it. 

    My my consultant is wonder full he has no concern about treating younger people. He know looks after my daughter . 

    I am about to post a new new thread as I need the help of the hippie group , as having a bad day . 

    If you reply where where you live I will point you in the right direction for a surgeon who will listen 

    take care Kay 

    • Posted

      Hi Kay, thanks for taking the time to come back to me and I'm sorry to hear you are not having a good time of it today.

      I am in the uk, down in Hampshire, between Portsmouth and Southampton. Any knowledge you have of good surgeons prepared to help younger patients would be much appreciated. As you well know, being in constant pain is completely draining and I am so disappointed that I got so close only to now be told it can't be done yet. I want to enjoy my life now!

      I believe I am being referred to pain management...I did attend a pain management group a few years back (or it might possibly have been called a pain clinic) and I can't say I found it that useful, but perhaps I should try again as it's good to know you got a lot from it. I felt it was filled with people who quite frankly needed to attend in order to collect benefits for not being able to work (I don't mean to be offensive but one lady there did tell me she had to go in order to claim her cheque!). The people there had all sorts of issues, but there was no one else with hip arthritis/displasia so it was a bit too generalised for me. Out of interest, what sort of sessions did you have for pain management? Was it one to one or a group? Thanks again for responding. Vicky

  • Posted

    Hello,

    Yikes.  It is so frustrating when someone else has the power to change your life and won't do it.  I am 55 and had my replacement 2 years ago.  My brother who is 58 was told he was too young!  He lives in a different city.   

    I think that the surgeon is dismissive because of the possible need for revisions down the road.  If you are in your 30's and replacements are good for 20 years then you might be looking at 2 revisions.  With each revision there is more potential for complications.  (not good for the surgeon's stats).

    I live in Canada and at my first consult appointment I filled in a questionnaire about pain and activity and they use this to priortize my surgery, and not the xray or MRI.  A new funding formula was introduced about 5 years ago, and each hospital is told how many hips and knees that they can perfor, so there is a long waiting list.

    If this is the kind of service you are getting now, I would be worried about what happens if you have a problem with the actual surgery. I can't belive the head of the department has overuled the clinical judgement of the first guy.  Can you make an appointment with the head of orthopedics to discuss your case?  If the secretary says no. Call once a day, mention that you would rather speak with him first rather than going to his boss.

    In my case, it took 2 years for my symptoms (AVN) to hip replacement.  It was never right.  I got a second opinion from the head of orthopedics and he told me that there was nothing further to do.  I got a copy of the MRI, some clinical studies literature and went back to the first guy and he did follow-up surgery.

    Best of luck to you,

    Leah

    • Posted

      Hi Leah, thanks so much for your reply. I am in the uk and to be honest, even getting a referral to see a hip specialist was a complete nightmare. It has taken me over 7 years to get this far so you can imagine my disappointment to have got this far and then been told no! I have actually lost a bit of faith in my surgeon and the dept now after being told one thing face to face and another on the phone!

      Thanks for your suggestion to contact the head of orthopaedics - I hadn't thought of that. I think my problem was that I saw a registrar as my surgeon was too busy to see me that day, but he was completely of the opinion that quality of life matters. When I told him I struggle to even change my bed covers he understood! But my surgeon is pretty high up I think and very well respected (he's a great surgeon!) and in charge of the department so when he said he wasn't prepared to do it yet, his decision carried. Unfortunately I think there are doctors that believe in tackling it young and dealing with the consequences (like extra revisions) later and those that want you to hold out as long as possible. The fact you and your brother were told differently supports that I guess!

      My surgeons secretary did say she would go back to him as he has many patients and may have forgotten my specific circumstances, so perhaps I will get some joy if I keep calling like you suggest. Again though, I am concerned he just doesn't believe in doing them young and perhaps he's not the surgeon for me! Also a good point you make about any follow up treatment needed being hard work! Especially if he doesn't want me to have it in the first place!

      I hope your hip is on the mend and thanks again for replying! Vicky

  • Posted

    Hey mate

    Im 31 and booked in on 1st September for a full left hip replacement. Im in Australia. I think you should keep pushing it u must be in so much pain and discomfort having both. I wish i could help you. My specialist just said il have to have anther one eventually but knew that 30 is to young to be in pain everyday

    • Posted

      Hello, thanks for coming back to me! So glad to hear you are getting your hip done soon - I hope that's the start of a pain free future for you! I need to find a surgeon like yours who understands that your 30's is young for a new hip but better than a long life of pain! It can only get worse, so what's the point in waiting?! I will keep pushing and hearing from people like yourselves that are getting it done makes me feel much better, so thank you! Good luck with it all ?? I would be interested to hear how you find it once it's done Xx

    • Posted

      Hey just came across this forum. Curious to see how your recovery has been? What activities can your do normally and also do you have continued tightness around the joint?

      I am 2 weeks post opp. I am 31 as well and just had my left hip replaced due to AVN. Anything would help!!

      Greatly appreciated

      Tanya

  • Posted

    Hi Vix

    I came home from having a total left replacement today. I’m 33 and necrosis of the hip, arthritis and osteoporosis. All discovered after falling; sober and in daylight in Sept 16.

    They reconstructed After the initial injury but it just didn’t heal correctly and the pain was daily and debilitating enough to bed bound me. 

    The whole accident changed my life so dramatically I look back and struggle to recognise I was before it. 

    I and the doctors decided on replacement to allow me 10-20 years with a better quality of life than o was living. I would rather that than struggle each day. 

    I wish you the best of luck Lady

    Hannah x

  • Posted

    My daughter had a hip replacement at 28 for severe pain, she was congenital dislocated hip so had already had numerous surgeries before that. She is pain free for the first time in her adult life 
  • Posted

    Hi, I'm also 32 and am due to have a total hip replacement in the 23rd April in Bournemouth. Which hospital are you under? I had two hip block injections but 1st had no impact and 2nd only lasted a couple of months. I'm under Mr Middleton. Would be interested to see how you are getting on?

    • Posted

      Hi Amy. Just seen your comment now! I had my RHR on 23rd April. How are you now?

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