too young for hip replacement?
Posted , 12 users are following.
Hi all. I'm new to this website but thought I would get some advice from someone who has been in the same situation as me, as I am now trying to decide whether or not to get a hip replacement. I was diagnosed with juvenile RA when I was 14. I am now 30 and have been dianogised with osteoarthritis in my left hip. I have been on anti-inflammatories, painkillers etc long term. I also have crohn's disease. I am getting different advice from doctors in relation to surgery. Am I too young? Should I wait a few years? Will it make a difference? If anyone has been in the same situation, particularly anyone in their 30s who have had a replacement, I would love some advice.
2 likes, 28 replies
Badger65 sinead74973
Posted
Hi sinead
I feel your pain and it brings back a lot of memories I too was in the same situation and was told at 50 I was too young to get a hip replacement my pain started about six years ago . I was working full time as a lifeguard and had always exercised as a runner and triathlete I was also doing hill walking,by 2015 I was struggling to keep up with my training and was ten diagnosed with slight arthritis in left hip and was told to give up running which I did the pain didn't get any better and by the start of 2016 was even struggling at work. So I went part time and changed my job and by the end of last year having made all these changes I was not exercising at all and was even struggling to do day to day things and had no quality of life. Luckily my doctor could see how much I was struggling and wrote to the surgeon advising surgery and by the time I seen the surgeon he could see how much pain I was in so rexrayed hip seen arthritis was worse. So the moral of my story is yes you are young but if you have no quality of life go for it and make lots of noise and jump up and down. I am ten weeks post op and yes I still have a long way to go, but already feel like I have gone back 8 years good luck😀Xx
sinead74973 Badger65
Posted
Thanks for the advice
ya my quality of life is deteriorating in general. I always have to plan ahead if I go anywhere in case I would be in a lot of pain. Recently went to the cinema, went for dinner and a spa day to try and enjoy myself but each time I just ended up in pain or couldn't move with the pain the following day. So I think surgery is the answer.
Badger65 sinead74973
Posted
rose0000 sinead74973
Posted
I remember that feeling so well, of getting well and truly 'stranded' whilst out with the pain and clearly this is having a huge effect on your life. Go for the surgery you will never look back x
Tutuye sinead74973
Posted
My dear seanad I had thr when I was 33 and start pain free life now am 35 and "there is life after hip replacment " dear my surgion said ..if you have no plan to be an athlet you can have the surgiory... And now am living my normal life
So my dear discuss with your doctor
Good luck pleas let us know .
Big hug
Kazareth sinead74973
Posted
Hi Sinead
Like most people before me I thought I was too young too - I was 33 when I was first diagnosed with avasuclar necrosis of the right hip. The Specialist told me they didn't want to operate because I was so young so I ended up with 7 years of pain albeit dramatically worse in the last 3. I finally had my hip done in February at the age of 40. Although I'm not fully fit I am so much better than I was, I can walk for miles without pain (other than a bit of an ache, I couldn't walk 200 yards without being in pain before).
Only you can make that decision but I wish I had pushed harder for the operation, my life was pretty much put on hold due to not being able to do things, I could never just say yes to any offer from friends and family, always having to think about the amount of walking I would have to do. I know hindsight is a wonderful thing but if I ever get diagnosed with the other hip I will kicking up a stink to get it done asap and not be in pain for 7 years waiting for it!
All the best with your decision and good luck!
Karen
t3chiman sinead74973
Posted
"...Should I wait a few years? Will it make a difference? If anyone has been in the same situation,...."
Hi Sinead-
10-plus years of suffering with arthritis? Way too long. Get yourself a new hip joint ASAP, start living a pain-free life with a functioning joint.
In answer to your questions: Don't wait. Yes, it will make a life-changing difference. Surgeons have been replacing hips in thousands of under-30's since the 1970's. It works out fine in 98% of the cases. Believe me; I know.
Once you are on the surgeon's schedule, plan a nice trip about 6 months out, to reward yourself. Maybe some light hiking in a scenic area, someplace out of the question today with your twisted and painful body. Or at least a fancy dinner with a special someone.
Hope this helps.