too young for hip replacement?

Welcome to the forum Sinead

My situation isn't dissimilar to yours, the pain in my hip started at 30 years old and I could barely walk by the time I was 39. 

The questions you may find helpful to answer: Is the pain/and or lack of mobility impacting on the quality of your life? Can you do all the things you want to do?

Is the pain so bad you are finding it hard to sleep?

Are the pain killers working? 

In my case, I waited until I could wait no longer (really because of the prospect of needing more than one revision (possibly two) on each hip in a life time was for me not ideal) It is NOT a decision to be made lightly....when you are young it really isn't, so I understand why your consultant is mindful of your age.

I weighed up the pain I was in, and I was struggling so much trying to look after my children, work etc. In the end I took the decision to have my hip replaced, because waiting serves no real purpose in my view. As I waited the pain just grew worse and worse and was unbearable at the end. I wish I had done it sooner if anything. It was a complete success and I now have a full and active pain free life. It is a very successful operation for most people.

At the end of the day if you need your hip replaced, you need it replaced, and a few more years of pain won't really help you.

Personally I would have your hip fixed and enjoy being young and pain free. You are young you should be living life to the very full.

This is a great forum for advice and support, so come back on with any questions, there is always someone to help. Best of luck with your decision.

Hi Sinead,

First of all, welcome to the Hippy's forum! 

As far as being too young, I thought the same thing at 49 years old.  My specialist told me that he does hip replacements on people of all ages.  Technology has advanced so much over the past few years.  I was given a replacement that only needs the top part replaced if, or probably when, that one needs to be replaced.  I was told that the latest one should last me 25-30 years.

I can tell you that you won't get any better, and will slowly get worse.  The decision of when to get a replacement depends on your quality of life.  I was having pain daily in my right hip.  It was horrible!  That's why I chose to go for it.

I'm so glad that I did!!  Now 9 months post op and feel back to normal again. 

I stongly suggest that you do your homework prior to making a decision.  Find a reputable surgeon and make sure that when you do decide, that you listen to your specialist and do everything they tell you to do.  The worst is the slow recovery... several weeks.  By about the 2-3rd months, you will be up and moving around without pain and be so glad that you did it.  This forum is amazing.  You will hear the good and the bad, but the bad is usually.... I can't sleep on my back comfortably during the first few weeks.  That is nothing compared to what we were dealing with prior to having the surgery. 

Wishing you the very best

great responses from fellow members  - I have been here on the forum for some time and saw many members as young and younger than you ...

as said before, the pain will get worse and this will affect  the rest of your body as well... the way you move, walk, sit, everything to compensate for the pain -

what did the doctors suggest?  

big warm hug

renee

Hi sinead,

I'm 39 and 4 weeks post op. I've had bad hips since I was 14. I've had a lot of operations on my hips because at the time drs said I was too young for a hip replacement! Despite the big operations I was still in constant pain. I was told by my consultant a couple of years ago that i need a left hip replacement but I was too scared and kept putting it off.

I now have a new hip :-), and doing really well, my hip aches a bit put the pain I was in before has gone. I'm so glad I have had it done, it was a huge decision to make because my youngest is only 9 and I was worried about being worse off than I was before the op and not being able to take him to the park etc, best decision I made :-)

Jodie

Hi Sinead!

I am currently 39 and started having pain in my right hip about two years ago but just chalked it up to pulling a muscle or taking too big of strides when I walked. In Feb. 2017, my hip hurt so bad that it about dropped me so I made an appointment with an orthopedic who discovered that I not only had a labral tear and osteoatrhritis but I also have hip dysplasia. I made my decision to have a total hip replacement and I go in Tuesday to have the operation. Since the diagnosis in Feb. I can feel everything I do comes with pain. Sleeping, sitting, walking and all activities. My quality of life has decreased and I can't wait to get back to normal! Please don't get me wrong, I am nervous as no other. 

I wish you all the luck in the world and I know you will decide on what is better for you! Take care and Good luck.