Re: hip replacements and healing

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy,

I had a total hip replacement last June, I am 51 years old. I did not have

much pain at all and rarely had to press the pain pump while in the hospital.

After being released from the hospital I rarely had

pain either. I kinda attributed it to the fact of my CMT had deadened my nerves

but don't really know for sure.

Betty

[Guest guest]

Hi Joana,

I was born with hip dysplasia although never really knew I had it

until I was around 46 years when I started having pain in my left hip. I was

diagnosed with CMT at around age 40. No family history that I can tell and my

father was a family practitioner doctor. I had alot of problems as a child with

my knees dislocating but none with my hips. I tried pain medicines and had a

shot of cortisone in my hip which helped with the pain for a couple of months.

Last year the pain got so bad that I could hardly walk anymore and

I knew I had to have it replaced. Truthfully I was petrified of getting it

done because of my CMT and I didn't know how well I would recover. I had

talked with a woman with CMT that had both of her hips replaced a number of

years ago and she assured me that I would do fine. I should have the other hip

done also but I want to wait until the pain is unbearable before I do that one.

Having the hip replaced has done nothing for my balance due to the CMT but the

pain in the hip is gone. Your mood sounds like you are suffering from

depression which I think we all suffer from at some point in our struggles with

CMT. A doctor should be able to prescribe an anti depressant to help you with

that problem and hopefully it will work for you. Many people with CMT take some

type of anti depressant.

If you are thinking of getting your hips replaced make sure that you get a

doctor that is a very good orthopedic surgeon and is familiar with CMT. Like I

said in my last post I really did not have much pain after the surgery and

hardly ever had to push the pain pump while in the hospital. When they sent me

home from the hospital I didn't even take anything for pain except Tylenol and I

was fine with that. I don't really know why but I suspect it was because my

nerves are deadened by the CMT. Hope I have answered some of your questions and

take care.

Betty

[Guest guest]

Hello Betty,

I am Joana from London and also have CMT type 1A.I am now 51 years old, has been

now for a quite long time that I have been very

bad with my hips ( both sides).

I have done the MRI in Brazil and the doctor told me I may need a

hip operation and I got very worried. He said I have tendonitis,

osteo-arthritis and bursitis, what else there?

I feel so much pain in both sides and also my walking is very

wobbled, like dislocated, funny to see. The hips moves in a very

bad way, the gait is not correct, hard to explain in words

really, and after while I feel the calve muscle goes like jelly as

well.

Even hard to stand up because I loose my balance very easily too.

Gosh, I am very concerned with this condition. So suddenly bad like

that!

Now, I have been having panic attack and being crying a lot too because of the

discomfort, fear and anxiety inside. Betty, I would like to ask you something

regarding this please. Why you need to have that replacement? Did you have

problems with pain and osteo- arthritis as well?

I just wonder if you feel the same like me before the operation. I just don't

know how to cope with this right now, been feeling so

sad and upset at all times. Even then, I am doing my best, I am doing exercises

at the gym and go to the chiropractor to see if I can change this situation.

I would love to hear more from you Betty. Thanks so much for your attention.Take

Care and have a great day!

Joana

[Guest guest]

Dear Betty,

Thank you so much for your email. Yes, you did answered so much for me...Thank

you really! I did not know exactly what dysplasia was, my friend told me

afterwards...so sorry to hear! I need to check if I don't have it as well, who

knows?

Well done Betty! Amazing your courage. Can you walk better now?

I will keep you informed about my consultation on the 22nd of this

month. I will see an orthopaedist and then we will take from there.

I must say that I have been praying a lot and trying hard to keep

going no matter what.

My nutritionist told me about a supplement called Rhodiola for

depression instead of taking drugs (pharmaceuticals). I will try to

see if it helps me too. It is just a moment and nothing last forever ...winter

always turns into spring.

I need to remember that at all times and keep on living one day at

the time with strengh and hope for the better. It was so kind to receive this

email from you today. God Bless You out there !

Joana