Idiopathic Bilateral OA - More questions

[Guest guest]

Idiopathic Bilateral OA? What kind of diagnosis is this? I

understand it to mean that I am screwed and they can't tell me why.

So now what?

Thank you to those of you who post here. It has provided me with a

wealth of information. I have been particularly interested in the

responses to the person who is on the fence and been there for some

time.

I have seen three well-known and respected OS in Boston, one as

recent as last week. I am 40 years old and have bilateral idiopathic

OA. The doctor stated that my condition is very bad. My left hip is

worse, however, both are bone on bone, the left hip is no longer

round and I have bone spurs forming in both hips. He was very

gracious with his time. He stated that my only real option was to

have THR and that he could do it in three months and do it

simultaneously. I inquired about resurfacing. He formerly did this

procedure several years ago and abandoned it because it is not

effective. I suspect it was with materials other than those used

today. Additionally, his other concerns may be summarized as

follows: 1) bone preservation was an invalid argument because you

take the same amount on the pelvic side and you are worse off when

inevitably go to THR, and 2) he has concerns about the metal ions

issue long term. Other than that he really wasn't interested in

discussing resurfacing as a viable alternative to THR.

I am in a quandary and not sure how to proceed. I read your stories

and I feel very badly for those of you in such pain. I have lived in

pain for about four years, however, it really isn't that bad most of

the time. It is more of a chronic pain with very limited range of

motion. I discontinued most running about six months ago in an

attempt to preserve what I have. After the discouraging news last

week I went out and ran ten miles and played hockey with my kids for

three hours. I took a hand full of Advil and I was living in the

same chronic pain as always. It doesn't feel right to be considering

such a drastic operation given that I still do many active things and

I can live with the pain. My main issue is that I have very limited

range of motion that is beginning to hinder most athletic

activities. As a former athlete I had five reconstructive knee

operations. It was an easy decision; I had broken bones and torn

ligaments and access to one of the best OS in the world to fix me.

After conducting my research it seems so intuitive to look into

resurfacing. I want to remain very active and resurfacing seems the

only way to accomplish this objective.

As I see it I have two options: 1) continue my active lifestyle and

live in tolerable pain for a few years and get the THR on both hips

after I really wear them out; or 2) take a chance with resurfacing.

I enjoy hearing the BHR resurfacing success stories, however, I would

also like to hear from people that did not have such great results.

So this leads me to a few questions, and again I apologize for the

delay in getting here.

1. What is the process for setting up an appointment with any of

the resurfacing specialists? I requested my x-rays from my OS. I

sent an email to JRI explaining my condition and they did not

respond. Do I send them my x-rays and follow up with a call?

2. How long is waiting too long to be considered a candidate for

resurfacing?

3. Given my limited range of motion has anyone experienced doing

anything that pushes you reluctantly past the end point? Is there a

possibility for more damage to the joint when you exceed your range

of motion?

4. I understand there is limited data available, however, do the

doctors commit to any estimates on how long this will last provided

the operation is successful? It was suggested to me that this is a

temporary fix if at all.

5. When I was competing I was 165 pounds, however, I am down to

145 pounds from running and less weight training. Will this

disqualify me as a candidate for this procedure?

6. Is there anything in the near future either from a procedural

or technological perspective that would suggest that I should wait?

7. How long does it take to get a date for surgery and to get

through the process?

8. I am inclined to get them both done at the same time. What

is the experience of those unfortunate enough to have this curse in

both hips? Are the doctors willing and able do both during the same

operation?

9. What is idiopathic? Is it true that they really can't

provide me with a reasonable explanation for this? I am trying to

write it off as too many marathons, too many crashes and too many

years of athletics. I have a hard time with the plausibility of this

hypothesis because I have had several knee operations and never have

any pain in my knees.

Thank you for your responses and support. I wish the best possible

outcome for each of you.

Aleks