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How long have I got left?

Posted , 5 users are following.

pip1980
pip1980

I had a full hip replacement in 2002 and thankfully have had no real problems at all. My question now is that how much longer have I got before it will need to be done again. Over the last few years I've been getting more and more pain but still not totally debilitating. The pain I have is varied. There's shooting pains in my thigh and a burning feeling on the inside of my thigh. When I get up there's a quite painful pop feeling. My knee and anckle have both been aching for a while now. I believe this is displaced pain because of my hip and that my leg is 2 1\2 cm shorter than my good leg. I'm just worried as I'm only 36 now so how much worse do things need to be before I need it doing again? What if the next 1 isn't as good as this 1? My GP has decided the pain I'm having is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome but I'm not sure it is???.

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • AnnieK
    AnnieK pip1980

    Posted

    https://patient.info/health/greater-trochanteric-pain-syndrome This will explain GTPS to you.

    As to when you will need another THR, only your orthopedist can determine that, using combination of x-rays, physical exam, and the level of your pain and immobility. Good luck getting this all figured out.

    • pip1980
      pip1980 AnnieK

      Posted

      Thank you. I guess as pain isn't totally debilitating its a blind waiting game. Its frustrating tho as I've been on cosine daily for a few yes and then given neproxin and now given tramodol as well. Doesn't feel like much of a life constantly trying to manage pain.
    • AnnieK
      AnnieK pip1980

      Posted

      Pip, your pain sounds pretty darned debilitating to me! I would see if I could get an x-ray of the hip, if I were you. That should show the state of the cartilage. When I first had my hip x-rayed prior to my THR, the orthopedist couldn't believe that I was able to walk on it, as it looked bone-on-bone in the image. I hadn't had that much really bad pain, although I did use trekking poles always when I was out of the house, since the burning pain would start after about 15 minutes of walking. But it wasn't unbearable, and I didn't take any pain meds for it. But a THR was warranted.
    • AnnieK
      AnnieK

      Posted

      Oops, I see that you are talking about a hip that already has a THR! Well, then whatever imaging that your orthopedist deems to be appropriate to diagnose correctly what is happening. X-ray could show loosening of the prosthesis. MRI (MARS for metal reduction imaging) can show details of soft tissue injuries. Even diagnostic ultrasound can tell quite a bit about soft tissue issues. 
  • linda38528
    linda38528 pip1980

    Posted

    So sorry for this Pip - I can well understand why you would have expected your hip to last longer.

    From other forum members I have come to that understand GTPS is quite 'uncomfortable' so pain is part of your life yet again. That has to be frustrating. 

    I wish I had advice or a magic solution for you, but all I have is hugs and prayers to send your way. 

    I hope  they can do something to resolve this for you. I believe Renée has this too and may have advice for you.

    Good luck and best wishes for future.

    L 

    • pip1980
      pip1980 linda38528

      Posted

      Hi Linda, I'm really not sure how long a hip is supposed to last. I know it varies person to person but my initial thoughts were that it would last 10-15yrs. As I'm around that now I sort of feel like I'm walking on a time bomb not knowing when it might fail but knowing that it's probably soon. x

  • renee01952
    renee01952 pip1980

    Posted

    Hi Pip, 

    warm welcome to the  forum of friendly hippies - 

    I agree with previos responses to have an orthopedic surgeon look at it - Perhaps it is time to get an updated x-ray ...

    I was diagnosed with GTPS in old new hip (THR March 2015) and pain was exactly the way you described yours - My surgeon didn't want to give me the cortisone shot yet (risk of infection around new hardware) and told me to rest - Your THR was done long time ago, so risk of infection is minimal, I would think ...

    Get it checked out, sweetheart - it will give you peace of mind -

    let us know how you get on, okay?

    big warm hug

    renee

    • pip1980
      pip1980 renee01952

      Posted

      Thank you for all your replies. I e only just worked out how to get back to my discussion. Massive technophobe lol. It has been a few yrs since seeing any experts other than gp. Last time I was just told must be a painful hip as no loosening or infection seen.

      Unfortunately I suffer with anxiety and depression and so making me pretty forgetful. When ever I get the ball rolling on things I mess up and forget ab appointment or something taking me back to the beginning. I either give up or don't trust myself enough to even start the ball rolling again. Sux when you got no one to help except yourself and can't even rely on that person haha x

  • pip1980
    pip1980

    Posted

    Thank you for all your replies. I e only just worked out how to get back to my discussion. Massive technophobe lol. It has been a few yrs since seeing any experts other than gp. Last time I was just told must be a painful hip as no loosening or infection seen.

    Unfortunately I suffer with anxiety and depression and so making me pretty forgetful. When ever I get the ball rolling on things I mess up and forget ab appointment or something taking me back to the beginning. I either give up or don't trust myself enough to even start the ball rolling again. Sux when you got no one to help except yourself and can't even rely on that person haha x

    • linda38528
      linda38528 pip1980

      Posted

      Hi Pip,

      Have you thought of seeking help from mental heath service? I dont know your system but l think it could help to have someone working with you on the anxiety and depression. They might be able to reduce its effects on you or help you get help to manage the health system better.

      There is a lot of depression in my extended family, so I understand only too well how badly it effects our lives. Please don't wait to get some help withe depression - it might make it easier to follow up on other matters and reduce the frustration and anxiety in your life.

      With big hugs and strength to overcome at least some of this.

      L

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