Severe arthritis in hip and anxiety over symptoms
Posted , 16 users are following.
I was told by my doctor four weeks ago the x-rays show severe arthritis on the right hip and it needs to be replaced. He said to wait as long as possible and maybe a few years if pain can be managed, but the past couple weeks the pain has increased and now keeps me awake at night, especially waking me up a few hours early. So I am going back to see him this week and see if the surgery can be pushed up sooner. I take Meloxicam 15 mg but it still hurts. I added Tylenol Arthritis, 2 tabs at night and it does help some. More important I am getting major insomnia. I always had insomnia issues and take Lunesta, but even that is not helping right now. Since taking the Meloxicam, the Lunesta seems less effective. I may go back to Aleve as seem like insomnia wasn't as bad. Not sure if side effects there or not. So looks like a vicous cycle here where insomnia and hip pain feed off each other and causing anxiety. The hip pain is from the buttock to the thigh to the knee and even the foot. Not severe pain, just low grade consistant pain, it does respond to rest and ice some. Also, seems like low pressures and storms make it worse. I know a co-worker who did the non invasive hip surgery and was back to work in less than a month. Hope I am that lucky. Anyone had experience like this and what was helpful. Any ideas appreciated.
1 like, 24 replies
Chloeparrot sandyscamper
Posted
Hi Sandy
I was 54 when I had my first THR (the other will be done this year) after being diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis resulting is bone-on-bone. I also had problems sleeping because everytime I moved in my sleep the pain woke me up, so I spent some months surviving on minimal sleep - not fun!
When I woke up from the op the first thing I noticed was that I wasn't in pain any more. What a relief.
So, don't delay having the op - why put up with the pain when you don't have to?
lisa31002 sandyscamper
Posted
If it's affecting your sleep get the op done ASAP - lack of sleep is going to make your life so much worse. Why wait ??? 🛌💤
julie90197 sandyscamper
Posted
I had a left THR in October. I am 47. I was 34 when I was told I needed the op and was told to wait as long as possible because the new hips only lasted about 10 years then. I know they last in between 20-25 years now. So I think you should get it done now. Also try sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knee to raise your leg up a bit. And ask the doc for some sleeping tabs.
Good luck. 👍
M1954 sandyscamper
Posted
It sounds like its time for the surgery. I put it off because I was so afraid but I was so sick of the pain not sleeping well exhausted, and not being to able to live my life. Its the best thing I've ever done it's like a new lease on life. I had the anterior approach I was in surgery for an hour walking the next day with a walker no hip pain. I was told after a week I did not need walker. I saw the dr after 2 weeks he told me no physical therapy was needed not limitations at all I went back to work the third week. I would get some stiffness at the site but I would do some stretching exercises and it took care of it. My dr told me walk walk walk. They will guide you. Life is good I hope this helps and we are all afraid of the surgery but they really relax you when you get to the hospital and before you know it you are waking up with a new hip and no pain. Amazing! Keep me posted
M1954
Posted
By the way I'm 62!
sandyscamper M1954
Posted
judith12644 sandyscamper
Posted
renee01952 sandyscamper
Posted
interesting how they decise for you to wait until you will be totally disabled to get the surgery ... your whole body will be less fit and in pain, making the recovery a bit more challenging .. but this is what they do almost everywhere ..
If at all possible, get the sugreon to approve the THR surgery as soon as possible ... and there is also a wait period after you had the steriod injection ..
come back here okay, and let us know how you are getting on ...
big warm hug
renee
rose0000 sandyscamper
Posted
Hi Sandy
I was 40 when I had my hip replaced because I had medicated my way through to the last resort - morphine and could not walk, work or look after my children. I can tell you from experience that this hip will not get better, and is likely to get much, much worse in the coming months until you run out 'painkilling' options. I would not recommend this, as you lose muscle as you can move around so much (which is vital for recovery) and you also lose months if not years of what should be quality, comfortable active life.
I could not sleep through the pain either, I was constantly tired and stressed and in pain. It was awful. The pain intensified even after getting used to each worsening level of pain (which I suspect you are doing now) and my life shrivelled down to an endurance exercise 247.
Personally, the operation was the best thing I ever did.
I am completely pain free, and can sleep and live a happy active normal life.
It is impossible to put into words how grateful I am to feel this way.
I don't think you can be sure what the time frame will be for your recovery, but you can be sure that the time frame of your recovery without this operation is non existent. You will need to be patient and take your time but it is worth it.
I completely agree you should wait until you can bear it no longer, as we all want to avoid lots of revisions twenty/thirty years down the line - and you will know when the time is right for you, I would only reassure you that this is a very successful operation, and I would not wait until you are unable to do anything before deciding to bite the bullet and press ahead with it.
Best to get yourself in the best possible shape (whilst you stiil can) eat super healthily and make a decision based on quality of life, at some point you will need this hip replaced, so putting off the inevitable is only a good idea if your quality of life is not severely impaired. There is no quality of life without sleep.
Good luck Sandy, we are all here either way for information or to chat about your concerns.