Re: I am new ,hi:)

[Guest guest]

Amora,

For you, at your relatively young age - hey, I'm 56 - it's resurfacing

as it suits younger patients. Don't expect the NHS in the UK to know

much about it. Refer your GP and any consultants you meet to

McMinn and Ronan Treacy in Birmingham and their Birmingham Hip

Resurfacing operation. Thousands of these operations have been carried

out, with a very good outcome so far. The NHS moves so slowly that it

has still not accepted this operation as a standard one.

Excuse my concern here but DO NOT ACCEPT a hip replacement operation

recommendation unless you are rejected as a candidate for hip

resurfacing by an experienced hip resurfacing surgeon. Most

orthopaedic surgeons in the UK (the ones that deal with hip problems)

say hip replacement by default and have not been trained in hip

resurfacing or understand its advantages. Do NOT let them push you

around, however politely.

Hip replacements last 12-15 years. You can have a second one after the

first wears out. Then it's a wheel chair when the second wears out. So

you could expect at 37 to have hip replacement, then repeat it at age

50 or so and get stuck in a wheelchair at 63 or so.

You would only need one hip resurfacing operation per hip and it will

probably last longer than you will. The joint is less prone to

dislocation than the hip replacement too.

Your GP is nothing but a well-trained plumber or electrician or car

mechanic. Your taxes pay his/her salary. Ask away and don't stop till

you get clarity. And, by the way, any orthopaedic surgeon you meet is

nothing but a more specialised trained mechanic etc. Their word is not

law. Yours is, for you are their customer and you should choose the

best one for your needs; not let the NHS supply one to you just

because he/she is your local orthopaedic surgeon.

Don't be scared. There is a happy outcome possible and many of us in

the UK are enjoying it right now.

Chris.

> Hello, everyone,

> I am 37,in UK,2 bad hips,OA on both, operation when was 2 y.o.- now

> have to face new one- resurfacing or replacement.

> I am in pain,but not so bad, I mean- i am use to it , i supouse...

but

> my GP sais- I definetelly have to do something, anything, cos its

> will not become better anyway...and i am taking painkillers and

> working, but really have to do something...

> Any sugestions are very welcome, oh, and of course- I am very, very

> scared...very...is actually anyway just to not go on anyone of this

> operations???I am ashamed to ask my GP this silly question...

> thanks to u all,

> amora

[Guest guest]

> Hello, everyone,

> I am 37,in UK,2 bad hips,OA on both, operation when was 2 y.o.- now

> have to face new one- resurfacing or replacement.

> I am in pain,but not so bad, I mean- i am use to it , i

supouse...but

> my GP sais- I definetelly have to do something, anything, cos its

> will not become better anyway...and i am taking painkillers and

> working, but really have to do something...

> Any sugestions are very welcome, oh, and of course- I am very, very

> scared...very...is actually anyway just to not go on anyone of this

> operations???I am ashamed to ask my GP this silly question...

> thanks to u all,

> amora

Hi Amora,

I am new here too. I am 32 and have been putting off hip replacement

for 6 years so far. I too am overwhelmed, in pain, frustrated, and

gloomy, but that is why we are here...to find the best solution.

This is such an exciting thing. I am so ready to move on with life.

Since I have finally discovered this group, I realized I am not the

only young active person out there that doesn't accept the bleak fate

that was handed to me in the OS's office. (I just knew I wasn't the

only person!).

Good luck with your journey. Let everyone know where your search

leads you.

Amy