when to have the operation.

hi karen

when I was in pain before it was decided I needed a hip replacement I was prescribed Co codamol I took 2 every 6 hours and it did help don't try and cope without it won't work love the hip complaint just gets progressively worse

good luck and try and rest up that helps to

Hi Karen, I'm 52 and had my THR 6 weeks ago. I was diagnosed with OA a year ago it got worse and worse over the months. Had physio which didn't work so was referred to so surgeon in November, he told me I shouldn't have to live with this pain at 52 let alone 44 like you. I think you expect to have aches and pains in your 70's but not in your 50's and certainly not in your 40's. So I'd say have it done. I'm only 6 week post op and feel fantastic. No pain whatsoever. Still a bit stiff but getting better every day. Good luck

Sue xxx

Hi Karen. i had my thr 3 weeks ago. Best thing I ever did. Painkillers worked at first, progressed to morphine patches & got so bad nothing worked. It isn't something that will get better on its own. If you're being offered the op, I would get it done asap. It's nowhere near as bad as you expect & you will eventually be pain free. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Hi Karen,

I had my first hip replacement when I was 45, so nearly the same age as yourself. I left it in the hope that I could keep going but then ended up on crutches, taking morphine, continuing to work full time, look after a house and family and to make things worse at the end of a long waiting list. If you are in pain I would get your name on the list. I'm now 46 and have recently had the other hip replaced, it is a real relief to no longer have the deep persistent pain that I had before the operation.

Without doubt get it done, I had mine last May (I'm 47), I struggled on for 5 years too long in which time other things suffer at the expense, I certainly haven't done my back any favours by waiting x

I'm 46 and my GP put me off for years until he could no longer ignore deterioration showing up in later xrays. Even then I was referred to a specialist for an assessment in which my doc told me I would need to convince him the op was necessary. In the end the specialist took one look at my xray and told me I could put my speech away. My point is the pain won't go away and the longer you wait the more pain your likely to be in. Keep on at your doctor would be my advice.

Hi Karen I was diagnosed with OA in both hips 2 years ago at the age of 48 and have just had my right hip operated on a week ago. It was devastating to get the diagnosis at that age when I thought I was suffering from a netball or running injury. It's not until you find a great forum like this that you realise that there are many of us suffering in this relatively young age bracket. In terms of where you from here; the consultant told me that a lot of the pain is caused by muscles around the joint seizing up. I followed my physios advice about exercising the muscles , and I got back to the gym, swimming and Pilates , basically anything low impact that didn't cause me pain, static bikes were particularly good. Doing these activities regularly I was able to wean myself off painkillers after 3 months  ( ibuprofen and paracetamol ) and even managed a skiing holiday 6 weeks after diagnosis ( albeit with lots and lots of stretching, painkillers  and lots of vino!!) I managed like this with only the occasional painkillers for 2 years but then suffered a rapid deterioration in my right hip which led to the op a week ago. Obviously everyone's experience is different but you may find if you do the above you can stave off the operation by maintaining your OA at a manageable level. Whatever you decide I would definitely recommend sensible exercise as the fitter and stronger you are before the op, the quicker your recovery will be . I can't believe that my op was a week ago yesterday and I am walking around the house without crutches. I have definitely got Pilates to thank for that. I did try various other remedies such as joint supplements ,omega 3 and a cream called flexiseq , but I can't say any of them made a significant difference. Exercise was the main factor for me in managing the condition. Good luck with whatever you decide. 

my op was  just 12 months ago and you really wont believe what a difference it makes....surgery is nowhere near as bad as you imagine and soooo worth it...don't  put it off its the only real solution!

Im 55 12 weeks post L thr,  the 5 years up until I had the surgery was in pain good days bad days, but the 6 to 8 months before  surgery had more bad days then good taking pain meds like candy to get by, trouble getting dressed, walking, getting in the car, up or down stairs,trouble sleeping, it does get worse not better, having the surgery was the best thing to do, im feeling great! no pain, good mobility,glad I did it, getting other hip done March 9. Get the surgery you will be glad you did it, you are young and will recover quickly,