Guest guest Posted June 11, 2003 Report Share Posted June 11, 2003 In a message dated 6/11/2003 1:55:05 PM Pacific Daylight Time, jjg@... writes: > Any major surgery is scary. You are right to give some good thinking. Yes, > it will be a lousy week following the surgery, followed by a2 - 3 months > of getting back to speed. That is a large interruption to your life and one > not to be done casually. > > I will probably need a resurfacing on the other (left) side one of these > days. What I think will be the deciding factors are these: > > * Am I twisting? I.e. are there skeletal changes underway? The most > miserable part of post-op was the good solid year of physio it took to > deprogram my muscles and learn to stand straight. The hip ached, but the > back was worse and I found myself bed-ridden at least a couple of times > because of it. I became sway-backed pre-op. > > * Can I sleep through the night? I went a good 3 or 4 years without a > night's sleep. > > * Is my personality changing from the pain? I admit it, I was nasty as Hell > at times because of the pain. Nothing really helped for the pain after a > point. Post-op I didn't need pain meds, since it hurt less than pre-op. > > * Am I losing bone mass from the affected area? This is late stage OA, but > has dire consequences, since a resurfacing is only as good as the bone > stock. I almost missed being able to get a resuf because of this. > > * Do I get through the day by grim determination only? If you feel like you > have to keep moving just to keep from going down, it's time to get it > fixed. > > If I had it to do again, I would and without hesitation. This is my > personal watchlist, essentially so I know what to watch for next time > around and be sure it doesn't happen. Once, as they say, was quite enough. > Post-op, it's been fabulous, but your mileage may vary. > > I was a wamblin' man, but no more! > > > -- Jeff > > rBHR Aug. 1, 2001 > Mr. McMinn I agree with everything Jeff said and have the following to add. For my first resurf 18 months ago, according to Mr. Treacy if I had waited another 3 months I wouldn't have been a candidate any more. I had some huge bone cysts which had to be gouged out and patched. I'd been on Celebrex for about 9 months and hadn't slept through the night for about 6. I was clearly long overdue for surgery. By about four months post-op, I was in better shape than I'd been for maybe ten years prior. Unfortunately at about six months post-op, the other hip started to give me pain. For my second resurf, which I had three weeks ago, I was in much better physical shape and wasn't taking anything for the pain except the occasional extra-strength Tylenol. I was limping pretty badly and didn't sleep for maybe three months prior. Having had the first successful resurf, I had no doubt that (a) I shouldn't wait so long; and ( since I knew what to expect there was nothing to be afraid of. I have some now stiffness when I get up, moderate back pain, and I still wake up when I feel the urge to roll over in bed. These damnable stockings are a pain! However it gets better exponentially every day, and now that I'm into my daily regular walking regimen, my muscles are starting to feel much stronger, leading to a corresponding decrease in overall discomfort. Provided that my current improvement continues at this rate, I am planning to resume light karate training at 7 weeks, and start on a hip machine at about 10 weeks, with gradually heavier training. No-one can really tell you when you're ready. You'll know. It's normal to be afraid. The problem is if you wait to long you may miss the window of opportunity. At that point, you won't be able to kick yourself, although you'll really want to! Good luck with your decision. My feeling is that the sooner you're through this, the sooner you'll be able to play properly with your kid. Des Tuck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2003 Report Share Posted June 11, 2003 Any major surgery is scary. You are right to give some good thinking. Yes, it will be a lousy week following the surgery, followed by a2 - 3 months of getting back to speed. That is a large interruption to your life and one not to be done casually. I will probably need a resurfacing on the other (left) side one of these days. What I think will be the deciding factors are these: * Am I twisting? I.e. are there skeletal changes underway? The most miserable part of post-op was the good solid year of physio it took to deprogram my muscles and learn to stand straight. The hip ached, but the back was worse and I found myself bed-ridden at least a couple of times because of it. I became sway-backed pre-op. * Can I sleep through the night? I went a good 3 or 4 years without a night's sleep. * Is my personality changing from the pain? I admit it, I was nasty as Hell at times because of the pain. Nothing really helped for the pain after a point. Post-op I didn't need pain meds, since it hurt less than pre-op. * Am I losing bone mass from the affected area? This is late stage OA, but has dire consequences, since a resurfacing is only as good as the bone stock. I almost missed being able to get a resuf because of this. * Do I get through the day by grim determination only? If you feel like you have to keep moving just to keep from going down, it's time to get it fixed. If I had it to do again, I would and without hesitation. This is my personal watchlist, essentially so I know what to watch for next time around and be sure it doesn't happen. Once, as they say, was quite enough. Post-op, it's been fabulous, but your mileage may vary. I was a wamblin' man, but no more! > -- Jeff rBHR Aug. 1, 2001 Mr. McMinn >Hi everyone > >Not posted before but have been looking at this forum for the last >month or so and have become a lot better informed because of that. >I have been on a waiting list for about 8 months now for a BHR at my >local hospital and have just had a pre-op medical there last week >with Surgery to follow late june this was sooner than I expected and >it has come as a shock to be told the deed will be done in a few >weeks. >The trouble is I am now having doubts about going through with the op >at this time, and am even thinking about putting it off for as long >as I can perhaps until i need a stick or am at least worse off than >now, >I am 41 with two young kids, am still mobile I walk with a bad limp >and have mild pain afterwards. >I cannot reach my right foot and have the occasional sharp pain in my >hip when i move wrong or turn in bed , I have to take the occasional >pain killer during the day, my little boy still likes me to play >soccer with him he is 4 and am still just about able to manage this >although painful. Just wondered what sort of pain levels you guys >were at pre-op and if you have any advice on what you think I should >do. >Sorry if I sound selfish perhaps I am just scared of what might happen > >Ivor > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 Hi Ivor I know exactly how you feel. 42 years old and two young girls. Both are little fireballs and the older plays soccer and I coach her in baseball. My problem was I found myself watching from the sidelines more and more each day and it was eating me up. The thought of not being able to be show her how to steal a base or fight for the ball was a big factor. It had been drilled into me that beause of my age I should wait unitl I had to crawl into the Dr office before I should consider surgery (THR). Once I found out about resurfacing and did about 18 months of investigation I stared to worry about my hip grinding itself away to the point that BHR was not an option and I would have missed the boat. Dr De Smet summed it up very well when I asked him how long I should try and " hold out for " he simply said " How soon do you want to wait to get your life back " Everyone is very different and have to make their own best choice but for me I would now wish i had doenit years ago. Almost a month since I was in Belgium and life is so much better. Iwalk my girls to school,while I rehab. This was impossible a few months ago. The pain that was constant before is gone. I noticed the change the day after surgery. That sharp bitting pain was gone replaced by very sore muscles. The first week was tough but now I can't wait to get up and see how much I have improved from the day before. Funny thing about surgery the day after I got my date my hip stopped hurting I wish you all the best with whatever choice you make Doubts Hi everyone Not posted before but have been looking at this forum for the last month or so and have become a lot better informed because of that. I have been on a waiting list for about 8 months now for a BHR at my local hospital and have just had a pre-op medical there last week with Surgery to follow late june this was sooner than I expected and it has come as a shock to be told the deed will be done in a few weeks. The trouble is I am now having doubts about going through with the op at this time, and am even thinking about putting it off for as long as I can perhaps until i need a stick or am at least worse off than now, I am 41 with two young kids, am still mobile I walk with a bad limp and have mild pain afterwards. I cannot reach my right foot and have the occasional sharp pain in my hip when i move wrong or turn in bed , I have to take the occasional pain killer during the day, my little boy still likes me to play soccer with him he is 4 and am still just about able to manage this although painful. Just wondered what sort of pain levels you guys were at pre-op and if you have any advice on what you think I should do. Sorry if I sound selfish perhaps I am just scared of what might happen Ivor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 I am also planning surgery for December, but wondering how long to put up with discomfort. I am taking Celebrex twice daily max strength.I still get pain mostly random sometimes sharp and sleep disruption. Most advice I've had is get on with the op as quality of life suffers and deterioration can limit resurfacing options Doubts Hi everyone Not posted before but have been looking at this forum for the last month or so and have become a lot better informed because of that. I have been on a waiting list for about 8 months now for a BHR at my local hospital and have just had a pre-op medical there last week with Surgery to follow late june this was sooner than I expected and it has come as a shock to be told the deed will be done in a few weeks. The trouble is I am now having doubts about going through with the op at this time, and am even thinking about putting it off for as long as I can perhaps until i need a stick or am at least worse off than now, I am 41 with two young kids, am still mobile I walk with a bad limp and have mild pain afterwards. I cannot reach my right foot and have the occasional sharp pain in my hip when i move wrong or turn in bed , I have to take the occasional pain killer during the day, my little boy still likes me to play soccer with him he is 4 and am still just about able to manage this although painful. Just wondered what sort of pain levels you guys were at pre-op and if you have any advice on what you think I should do. Sorry if I sound selfish perhaps I am just scared of what might happen Ivor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 Jeff: Thanks for posting this. Your story sounds exactly like mine (though I am only 11 weeks post-op) in every way. I think your list of questions one should ask are excellent. I hope a lot of fellow hopeful surfers get to read this. Lois C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont Re: Doubts Any major surgery is scary. You are right to give some good thinking. Yes, it will be a lousy week following the surgery, followed by a2 - 3 months of getting back to speed. That is a large interruption to your life and one not to be done casually. I will probably need a resurfacing on the other (left) side one of these days. What I think will be the deciding factors are these: * Am I twisting? I.e. are there skeletal changes underway? The most miserable part of post-op was the good solid year of physio it took to deprogram my muscles and learn to stand straight. The hip ached, but the back was worse and I found myself bed-ridden at least a couple of times because of it. I became sway-backed pre-op. * Can I sleep through the night? I went a good 3 or 4 years without a night's sleep. * Is my personality changing from the pain? I admit it, I was nasty as Hell at times because of the pain. Nothing really helped for the pain after a point. Post-op I didn't need pain meds, since it hurt less than pre-op. * Am I losing bone mass from the affected area? This is late stage OA, but has dire consequences, since a resurfacing is only as good as the bone stock. I almost missed being able to get a resuf because of this. * Do I get through the day by grim determination only? If you feel like you have to keep moving just to keep from going down, it's time to get it fixed. If I had it to do again, I would and without hesitation. This is my personal watchlist, essentially so I know what to watch for next time around and be sure it doesn't happen. Once, as they say, was quite enough. Post-op, it's been fabulous, but your mileage may vary. I was a wamblin' man, but no more! > -- Jeff rBHR Aug. 1, 2001 Mr. McMinn >Hi everyone > >Not posted before but have been looking at this forum for the last >month or so and have become a lot better informed because of that. >I have been on a waiting list for about 8 months now for a BHR at my >local hospital and have just had a pre-op medical there last week >with Surgery to follow late june this was sooner than I expected and >it has come as a shock to be told the deed will be done in a few >weeks. >The trouble is I am now having doubts about going through with the op >at this time, and am even thinking about putting it off for as long >as I can perhaps until i need a stick or am at least worse off than >now, >I am 41 with two young kids, am still mobile I walk with a bad limp >and have mild pain afterwards. >I cannot reach my right foot and have the occasional sharp pain in my >hip when i move wrong or turn in bed , I have to take the occasional >pain killer during the day, my little boy still likes me to play >soccer with him he is 4 and am still just about able to manage this >although painful. Just wondered what sort of pain levels you guys >were at pre-op and if you have any advice on what you think I should >do. >Sorry if I sound selfish perhaps I am just scared of what might happen > >Ivor > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 > Hi everyone > > Not posted before but have been looking at this forum for the last > month or so and have become a lot better informed because of that. > I have been on a waiting list for about 8 months now for a BHR at my > local hospital and have just had a pre-op medical there last week > with Surgery to follow late june this was sooner than I expected and > it has come as a shock to be told the deed will be done in a few > weeks. > The trouble is I am now having doubts about going through with the op > at this time, and am even thinking about putting it off for as long > as I can perhaps until i need a stick or am at least worse off than > now, > I am 41 with two young kids, am still mobile I walk with a bad limp > and have mild pain afterwards. > I cannot reach my right foot and have the occasional sharp pain in my > hip when i move wrong or turn in bed , I have to take the occasional > pain killer during the day, my little boy still likes me to play > soccer with him he is 4 and am still just about able to manage this > although painful. Just wondered what sort of pain levels you guys > were at pre-op and if you have any advice on what you think I should > do. > Sorry if I sound selfish perhaps I am just scared of what might happen > > Ivor When I first learned the source of my occasional but very annoying hip pain (October 02), the surgeon told me I had arthitis and that I would eventually need a THR, which blew me away. i had no clue. He also told me that he has found that once OA is diagnosed, the speed of degeneration can be very rapid. That's what appeared to have happened to me. Now the pain, only 5 months later, is relentless. WIthin the last two months I went downhill very fast, need a cane and have even bought a walker because the other hip is now misbehaving. I've been wrestling with the whole resurf vs THR for the last 7 months - finally made up my mind to do it, and now I can't wait. But I do have to wait until August. Even tho my surgery is far away, I take heart from what the wonderful people on this board have to say and know that my future will be better than my present or near past. You can take comfort from knowing that you won't have to give up as much of your life (and sleep) as the rest of us did because we waited too long. It's normal to be scared - I am too. Just think - after a few weeks, you'll be free of this millstone and return to a normal active life. Good luck! Lois Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 Ivor The majority of people going for hip operations ask, at some time, if they are doing the right thing. Your Orthopaedic Surgeon has obviously confirmed you need it - With an 8 month waiting list he's hardly touting for business. If you leave it there is a possibility that your hip may become too bad for resurfacing; your pain will get worse; you'll not be able to enjoy activity with your children. Weigh these up against the reasons to wait. I deteriorated gradually at first, playing golf through the pain. When I had to stop golf it was only a few months before I was in a wheelchair - I really enjoyed that. People talk to whoever is pushing you and assume that because your in a wheelchair that your brain dead. The pain doesn't go away - every kerb and pothole your wheelchair hits shoots pain straight through your hips. You have to make up your own mind but if you've listened to all the advice on this site your mind will have been made up for you. Those people who have not had their operations ask questions about issues that worry them, metal ions for example. This may be or may not be an issue - history of about 30 years says it won't. There are far higher risks in life like crossing the road. One thing about this site is that there are very few who regret having had hip surgery. Even those who have had complications have rarely uttered regrets except that they should have had it done sooner. Rog L & R BHR Ronan Tracey Doubts Hi everyone Not posted before but have been looking at this forum for the last month or so and have become a lot better informed because of that. I have been on a waiting list for about 8 months now for a BHR at my local hospital and have just had a pre-op medical there last week with Surgery to follow late june this was sooner than I expected and it has come as a shock to be told the deed will be done in a few weeks. The trouble is I am now having doubts about going through with the op at this time, and am even thinking about putting it off for as long as I can perhaps until i need a stick or am at least worse off than now, I am 41 with two young kids, am still mobile I walk with a bad limp and have mild pain afterwards. I cannot reach my right foot and have the occasional sharp pain in my hip when i move wrong or turn in bed , I have to take the occasional pain killer during the day, my little boy still likes me to play soccer with him he is 4 and am still just about able to manage this although painful. Just wondered what sort of pain levels you guys were at pre-op and if you have any advice on what you think I should do. Sorry if I sound selfish perhaps I am just scared of what might happen Ivor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 I am now at the point were I am looking at a surgical solution, so I am certainly not trying to disuade you from something and others can probably speak to pre-op anxiety much better than I can... But here is some non-surgical experience I have had. I was taking " the occasional pain killer " but things were getting worse. I started taking Celebrex -- it was MUCH more effective than the typical non perscription advil, asprin, tylenol, etc. etc. for me. Whereas before this I had a great deal of pain and trouble sleeping, etc. it is more of a mild ache with the Celebrex. Of course it too has risks and side effects, but is allowing me to more thoughtfully consider my options. Since at the time the only option I knew about was THR my Dr. encouraged me to buy whatever time I could if quality of life was still ok... Hope this helps. Rich Doubts Hi everyone Not posted before but have been looking at this forum for the last month or so and have become a lot better informed because of that. I have been on a waiting list for about 8 months now for a BHR at my local hospital and have just had a pre-op medical there last week with Surgery to follow late june this was sooner than I expected and it has come as a shock to be told the deed will be done in a few weeks. The trouble is I am now having doubts about going through with the op at this time, and am even thinking about putting it off for as long as I can perhaps until i need a stick or am at least worse off than now, I am 41 with two young kids, am still mobile I walk with a bad limp and have mild pain afterwards. I cannot reach my right foot and have the occasional sharp pain in my hip when i move wrong or turn in bed , I have to take the occasional pain killer during the day, my little boy still likes me to play soccer with him he is 4 and am still just about able to manage this although painful. Just wondered what sort of pain levels you guys were at pre-op and if you have any advice on what you think I should do. Sorry if I sound selfish perhaps I am just scared of what might happen Ivor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 You should have concerns, that is only being prudent. I can tell you that I had no dounts as to my decision to have bilateral hip resurfacing done. I spoke with a number of patients who had the surgery performed by Dr. Amstutz in Southern California, and not one regretted their decision. Furthermore, the thought of being able to have resurfacing done, and that it may last a lifetime versus hip replacements which at best last 10 to 15 years for an active person, was a major motivating factor since I am only 42. Finally, if you do delay your decision know that you run the risk of having bone damage from bone-on-bone wear, which could disqualify you from being a resurfacing candidate. Best wishes in your decision. Joe > Hi everyone > > Not posted before but have been looking at this forum for the last > month or so and have become a lot better informed because of that. > I have been on a waiting list for about 8 months now for a BHR at my > local hospital and have just had a pre-op medical there last week > with Surgery to follow late june this was sooner than I expected and > it has come as a shock to be told the deed will be done in a few > weeks. > The trouble is I am now having doubts about going through with the op > at this time, and am even thinking about putting it off for as long > as I can perhaps until i need a stick or am at least worse off than > now, > I am 41 with two young kids, am still mobile I walk with a bad limp > and have mild pain afterwards. > I cannot reach my right foot and have the occasional sharp pain in my > hip when i move wrong or turn in bed , I have to take the occasional > pain killer during the day, my little boy still likes me to play > soccer with him he is 4 and am still just about able to manage this > although painful. Just wondered what sort of pain levels you guys > were at pre-op and if you have any advice on what you think I should > do. > Sorry if I sound selfish perhaps I am just scared of what might happen > > Ivor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 Ivor, I noticed two common themes on the timing of resurfacing.... 1. You'll know when it's time because you'll look forward to the relief that surgery will bring without reservation. 2. No matter when you have it done, you'll wish you'd done it sooner. When I scheduled my surgery with Dr. Kennedy for September, I was " getting by " pretty well. I had been through three rough years but I thought I could " handle it " till then. Now, I'm not sure I'll be walking on my own next week, much less in 2 1/2 months and my quality of life is down the tubes. I feel like I'm existing day to day and wasting this time of my life in subsistance mode. I also feel like I'm wrecking my other hip by limping and compensating so much. No one can make your decision for you... but I wish my surgery was tomorrow! Mike Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 12, 2003 Report Share Posted June 12, 2003 Ivor, Your story is very similar to mine...a year ago. My hip was hindering my daily activities and I, like you, investigated the options, concluding Resurfacing was the preferred alternative. When the time grew near I started to " feel better " and thought maybe I didn't need the procedure after all. The truth is I was experiencing pre-operative jitters and the problem was getting worse. Many members of this forum suggested these were common emotions. A few weeks later it was over and I was the proud owner of a shiny new hip! Every step from that point forward was progress, I have not looked back since. The five month anniversary is in four days and I'm already doing most everything I did before the problem began three years ago. Biking, Mt. Biking, Soccer with the three year old in the back yard, running, you name it, I even considdering signing up for a Marathon to take place this December (but more on that later). Resurfacing is a great procedure and you have made the right decision, now go out and make your life better. Steve C DeSmet 1-03 > Hi everyone > > Not posted before but have been looking at this forum for the last > month or so and have become a lot better informed because of that. > I have been on a waiting list for about 8 months now for a BHR at my > local hospital and have just had a pre-op medical there last week > with Surgery to follow late june this was sooner than I expected and > it has come as a shock to be told the deed will be done in a few > weeks. > The trouble is I am now having doubts about going through with the op > at this time, and am even thinking about putting it off for as long > as I can perhaps until i need a stick or am at least worse off than > now, > I am 41 with two young kids, am still mobile I walk with a bad limp > and have mild pain afterwards. > I cannot reach my right foot and have the occasional sharp pain in my > hip when i move wrong or turn in bed , I have to take the occasional > pain killer during the day, my little boy still likes me to play > soccer with him he is 4 and am still just about able to manage this > although painful. Just wondered what sort of pain levels you guys > were at pre-op and if you have any advice on what you think I should > do. > Sorry if I sound selfish perhaps I am just scared of what might happen > > Ivor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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