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Specialist holding off THR

Posted , 8 users are following.

Chrissy62
Chrissy62

Hi, I'm new this forum so I will explain my position. After having a few falls whereby my legs just gave way, I went to my GP. I gad various tests and was referred to Wrightington hospital in Wigan. Again further tests done and the diagnosis is Hip Dysplasia, Osteoarthritis, significant Labral tears both sides and numerous hip cysts. My problem is pain management. The specialist has told me as I still have some joint space and due to my age (51) they want to hold off with the THR. I am in constant pain and get spasms in my legs, this us causing me problems at work. I can't sit, stand or walk for any lengthy period of time. I dread coming downstairs as I have fallen a few times. Can anyone suggest any self help ideas I could try?

1 like, 44 replies

44 Replies

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  • hope4cure
    hope4cure Chrissy62

    Posted

    Hi Chrissy..

     

    Sometimes it is ok to wait for THR. in my experience both hips have had THR..15 years apart. My surgeon took X-rays and explained to me I have osteoarthritis.

    If ur hip joint is a candidate for THR there are many official web sites designed to inform u .on these devices available. Also I was counseled to understand that I can wait until the pain is to difficult to cope with then he will do THR surgery or he will do it anytime I was ready. I was 42 yrs. He also cautioned me to not wait too long. It is very important to not let the disease deteriorate the bone stock & tissue too much. It's very important for successful THR to have good bone stock for the implant to engage for better rehab and longevity of the device. U have the option to be in pain , risk further damage or to have THR now. Be clear on UR current options.

    Be informed, go online,study THR proceedure on video. See what the parts look like understand the dynamics. Understand the different devices available and be UR own best advocate. Good Luck!

    ((hugs))

    HOPE

    ask for info on past patients the rate of successful surgeries UR dr has performed. Every THR surgeon is trained to use certain manufacturer hip joints. Ask which one UR dr recommends. Research the device know the device success rate stay involved. U do not need to suffer. No doc wants that for a patient as long as there are alternative available to give the patient relief. 

     

    • Chrissy62
      Chrissy62 hope4cure

      Posted

      Thanks Hope, with all replies I am realising that maybe it's me that's part of the problem, I don't like asking for help, I hate feeling like I am a burden on people so like I said above I need to start bring open and honest over what I can and can't do. My specialist told me I still have slight joint space and so this is the reason why they are holding off. I have never questioned how I will know when that joint space has diminished. 

      When I'm fine, I am fine, I still shuffle when walking. But can't walk, sit or stand for long without the pain, spasms and occasionally the giving way if the legs. (My knees are scarred due to all the scrapes and knocks they've taken)

      i have a GP appointment on Tuesday so I need to tell her everything.

      thanks again..

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure Chrissy62

      Posted

      I shuffle a lot too.. It's the fibro shuffle too..my legs give way when I twist the wrong way due to a back nerve issue.. Have u had a CAT SCAN?

      I'm not sue by what u mean a space in the joint..seems the opposite the surgeon should have more of a reason to do the surgery and not hold off.

       

    • cindy6649
      cindy6649 hope4cure

      Posted

      Joint "space" is good. On an image (X-ray, ct scan, etc) it looks like open space between the bones. It's actually the cartiliage or "cushion" still left between the bones so they don't touch when you move. One of the indicators for a thr is when there is no space left. That means the bones rub together every time we move. Many of us here are very familiar with that very unpleasant feeling and have had it corrected with a thr. 
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure cindy6649

      Posted

      Thanks Cindy now I understand.. That's a good thing.. 

       

  • christine98681
    christine98681 Chrissy62

    Posted

    SORRY CHRISSY

    YOU MENT YOU WANT ADVISE ON PAIN MANAGMENT SORRY I THOUGHT YOU MENT YOU WERE GOING TO A PAIN CLINIC

     I HAVE JUST RE RED YOUR QUESTION WELL IM ON PAROCETOMOL ,ORA MORPHINE ,  CODINE, BUT BEEN ON THESE FOR THE LAST 7 MONTHS AND FEEL THEY ARE NOT WORKING BUT ONLY THING I CAN'T TAKE ANY INFLAMMATORY DRUGS AS IM ON WAFRIN

    IF YOU HAVENT ANY HEART TROUBLE THEN YOU CAN HAVE ANY PAIN KILLERS I HAVE TO STICK WITH THESE TILL I GET MINE SORTED  THEY FOUND OUT I HAVE SAME AS YOU.

    ITS REALLY KNOCKING IT OUT OF ME BUT IF YOU DO AS I HAVE EXPLAIND TILL YOU CAN GET YOURS DONE GET THE DR OR THE SOCAIL SERVICES TO HELP YOU OUT THEY HAVE WORKED WONDERS FOR ME WITH ALL THE HELP FROM WHAT IVE EXPLAINED ABOVE

     WE DON'T HAVE TO SUFFER ALONE LIKE THIS FOR THE AGE YOU ARE AT IM OLDER THAN YOU QUITE A BIT BUT TO GET THIS HELP DOSENT MATTER HOW OLD YOU ARE.

    ONLY THING I DON'T WORK SO YOU EITHER GET THE DR OR SOCIAL SERVICES TO HELP GET THESE PPL OUT TO YOU IM GETTING TERRIBLE PAIN IN MY FEET NOW THIS IS CAUSEING ME TO BE WOKE UP EVERY HR SO I HAVE TO KEEP TAKING THESE DRUGS YOU ALSO COULD ASK YOUR DR TO TRY YOU ON GABAPENTIN OR PREGABALIN 

    I CANT HAVE THEM YOU CAN TAKE ORA MORPHINE THIS DOSE NOT KNOCK YOU OUT AS I ONLY AM ALLOWED 1 TEASPOON 3 TIMES A DAY  BUT I FIND IT TAKES THE EDGE OF THE PAIN A BIT BUT THERE ARE LOTS OF PAIN KILLERS OUT THERE YOUR DR CAN PRESCIBE FOR YOU DONT LET THEM CON YOU AN ANIMAL DOSEN'T SUFFER SO WHY SHOULD WE.

     

    TAKE CARE GOOD LUCK AND I HOPE YOU GET SORTED TOO XX    

    • Chrissy62
      Chrissy62 christine98681

      Posted

      Thanks again Christine, I think I'm worrying over pain management as Work are getting on my back as when I do take my meds at lunchtime, I can't focused as quickly on my work. The office I work in are very target orientated and as a result I have the Unions involved. I cant sit at my desk for so long and then have to have a little walk round. They have put some adjustments in place such as moving me to the ground floor.

      i also know now that I possibly need a stronger painkiller and this is just going to make the matter worse.

      like I have said on other posts above, I need to speak to my GP and be open and honest over all my issues as well as suffering the pain, I am sateing now to stress over the work issues.

      i will keep everyone updated and thanks again. 

    • cindy6649
      cindy6649 Chrissy62

      Posted

      Chrissy,

      To your point about needing stronger pain meds and working, if you can find the right one, you may still be able to focus and be productive at work. Before my first surgery I was working without any problems while taking Percocet 5mg. It's pretty strong but didn't make me sleepy and as long as I ate something when I took it, I did very well. It just depends in which medications help the pain AND allow you to focus. Unfortunately you may have to try a few (and give yourself time to adjust to them) before you find the right one. I'm doing that right now. It's 4:10 a.m. and I awake because I'm itching from the new morphine sulfate I'm taking. 😩 

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure cindy6649

      Posted

      If UR itching from the meds that is a allergy reaction.. Take benedryl or Zurtec to eliminate itching. That is so miserable.

      sleep is my issue too...

      i use it when I have the itchy reaction to meds.cry

       

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure christine98681

      Posted

      I am concerned about the pain u explained u have in UR feet...

      I hope u have a opportunity to find out what is causing that pain.

      i too have painful feet and it's a combo of several issues.

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure christine98681

      Posted

      Sorry UR in so much pain... Pain meds are no way to live. I know that UR hip issue will be sorted out soon.

      Have u seen other dr for help?

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure Chrissy62

    Posted

    Hi Chrissy,

    Key points to remember

    Most people can manage osteoarthritis pain with medicine, exercise, physical therapy, and weight loss (if they are overweight). If these treatments do not help your pain, you may try joint injections, arthroscopic surgery, or osteotomy. If these things don't work, then surgery to replace the hip is an option.

    Pain meds only cover up the cause and risk more damage to the joint and tissue.

    Most people have hip replacement only when they can no longer control pain with medicine and other treatments and when the pain prevents them from doing daily activities.

    People who have had hip replacement usually:1Have much less pain than before surgery.

    Are able to return to their daily activities. Have a better quality of life.

    HOPEsmile

    • Chrissy62
      Chrissy62 hope4cure

      Posted

      Hi Hope, My weight is ok and I have had the injections and it worked for about 1 week, therefore my specialist said they will not try again so it's now just about pain management. I will definitely speak with my GP on Tuesday as it's getting to the point now where I am stressed over trying to remain in work and at times cannot cope with the pain.

      i will keep everyone updated with the outcome.

      Thanks again x

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure Chrissy62

      Posted

      Hi..

      I don't quite get what u mean by a space in the joint?

      It seems like I have exhausted any further suggestions.

  • sue32352
    sue32352 Chrissy62

    Posted

    Hi chrissy until I had my hip done in November 2012 I used a tens machine for the pain in the evenings and that diverts the pain receptors plus I had diazepam to relax the muscles try not to stand too much as I found this uncomfortable later in the evenings and when trying to sleep 
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure sue32352

      Posted

      Great suggestion Sue.. Tens work good on my muscles...

      I use it along with ultra sound hand held home type. It's so easy to use and treats many muscle and nerve issues I have.

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