Guest guest Posted February 3, 2004 Report Share Posted February 3, 2004 I am 24 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I need a RTHR in the coming months and would like to get advice and hear stories of THR experiences. What material did your OS use? Has anyone used ceramic on ceramic? How was recovery? When could you return to work/driving/walking without assitive device? I am very scared about this and don't entirely know what to expect, despite having talked to many doctors about it. I want some patient stories! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 Hi ! My advice to you is this. If you are in pain, RUSH and have this done. I had my LTHR December 2. I returned to work January 5 with a cane. The next week I had NO cane, walker, etc. and TODAY, I forget I have had a joint replacement. I have NO pain, my walk is normal, and I no longer consider how far something is when I wnat to do something. The first 3 days in hospital is OK because of all the pain medication. I started with a morphine pump, bu I begged for a switch to a demerol pump with phenergan (for nausea) and it was great. The first week at home I had a hospital bed and that made it easier. Wlaked with a walker for 4 weeks, then a cane for 3, and nothing since. I had an anterior approach (so no restrictions now) and a plastic/metal prosthesis. Don't fret, just do it. I resisted for 2 years too long--wish I had done it earlier so I could have better enjoyed those 2 years! I am 46. >From: " " <megancn@...> >Reply-Joint Replacement >Joint Replacement >Subject: Young THR patient options >Date: Tue, 03 Feb 2004 18:15:13 -0000 > >I am 24 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I need a RTHR in the coming >months and would like to get advice and hear stories of THR >experiences. >What material did your OS use? Has anyone used ceramic on ceramic? >How was recovery? When could you return to work/driving/walking >without assitive device? >I am very scared about this and don't entirely know what to expect, >despite having talked to many doctors about it. I want some patient >stories! >Thanks > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 A friend of mine just had a ceramic-on-ceramic done by Dr. Mont in Baltimore (also known for his work with metal-on-metal resurfacing) last week. Obviously too soon to know about recovery. Dr. Mont specializes in working with young people. More information is available at: http://www.lifebridgehealth.com/sinaibody.cfm?id=1084 Phone number there is: 410-601-8500 > I am 24 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I need a RTHR in the coming > months and would like to get advice and hear stories of THR > experiences. > What material did your OS use? Has anyone used ceramic on ceramic? > How was recovery? When could you return to work/driving/walking > without assitive device? > I am very scared about this and don't entirely know what to expect, > despite having talked to many doctors about it. I want some patient > stories! > Thanks > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2004 Report Share Posted February 4, 2004 Hi , I have just had my rthr, about a year ago, and am currently 27.. My surgeon was planning on using a ceramic, but apparently the supply wasn't up to scratch, and they have to be made very specfically, so have a tintanium, steel blend.. Patient wise, I was only out of bed 3 days after surgery.. something to do with not agreeing with antiinflamatory that they gave me, but if I hadn't been throwing up so much, apparently I would have been out of bed the next day.. Ten days in hospital, and then home, walking with crutches for 3 months.. more out of having to commute around london, and the new length of my bad leg, than anything else.. I now have even length legs, which really did my head and ears in to begin with, but I am slowly getting my balance back. A year later.. the one thing that I still feel is the end of my pin.. Apparently this is very common in younger patients, as our thigh bones are still a bit bendy, and the metal rubs inside.. not much one can do about it.. but it is getting better.. My advice would be.. get it done.. losing the best (?) years of your young life to pain is pointless.. I just got back from holiday, scuba diving and hiking, and it has completely changed my life.. If you want any more words of wisdom, don't hesitate to shout.. Good Luck!! Caroline >From: " " <megancn@...> >Reply-Joint Replacement >Joint Replacement >Subject: Young THR patient options >Date: Tue, 03 Feb 2004 18:15:13 -0000 > >I am 24 and have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I need a RTHR in the coming >months and would like to get advice and hear stories of THR >experiences. >What material did your OS use? Has anyone used ceramic on ceramic? >How was recovery? When could you return to work/driving/walking >without assitive device? >I am very scared about this and don't entirely know what to expect, >despite having talked to many doctors about it. I want some patient >stories! >Thanks > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 6, 2004 Report Share Posted February 6, 2004 I had both hips done last year with ceramic on ceramic. Recovery was not too bad, any surgery is unpleasant but I seemed to come back quickly. Had uncemented so doc kept me on crutches for 6 weeks.The day I got off crutches I could walk fairly well after both surgeries( 5 months apart). Excercise like you are told and at your age it should be a cinch. Good luck Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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