About two years ago, after a lifetime of running, aerobics, yoga, tennis, and everything else you can think of to keep fit, I found myself suddenly limping, in a lot of pain, and losing my quality of life. When I went to my (male) family doctor, he told me to get a hip replacement. He said it just like that: “time for a hip replacement.”
No discussion of the risks, none of the fact that there’s a long recovery, nothing about the perils of general anaesthesia. It may as well have been “replace the spark plugs.”
I’m not a fan of unquestioned medical advice, and my mother “sundowned” after general anaesthesia for diverticulitis surgery and never recovered, tipping over into Alzheimer’s disease and a terrible slow decline. So I tried it all: acupuncture, physical therapy. yoga, stretching, Celebrex — whatever.
Nothing worked. My joint was bone on bone. But I also have back problems, which I had always controlled through yoga, and I knew a lot about alignment. After all, the “hip bone’s connected to the thigh bone, the thigh bone’s connected to the knee bone,” and they are all connected to the spine.
So I sought a surgeon who could help me with the hip replacement while not destroying the subtle alignment I had created in my back through yoga. The first guy I saw was so gruff that I walked out of his office. The second, a doctor in Tucson who does the minimally invasive surgery, admitted that he knew nothing about backs, and allowed as how my back wasn’t important, because after all this was my hip!
Finally I was referred to a female hip surgeon. And naturally, she listened to me and planned with me. She knew damned well that my back would be a problem, and she told me flat out that she couldn’t do minimally invasive surgery and guarantee my back would be okay after because she had to see inside the joint to position the new hip properly.
I trusted her, and we went through the surgery together, but it still wasn’t easy. Especially the recovery, about which no one is honest. If they told you it would be at least six months before you felt like a normal human being, you wouldn’t do it, so they stress the fact that you are up on your feet the same day. That’s not the same as being able to walk two golden retrievers on leashes. Also, the hospital itself is dangerous: nursing shortages, staph infections, complications, and all the psychological issues.
I had no one to talk to about these, and very little from the patient’s perspective to read. So I kept a blog here. I documented my fears, my opinions of surgeon and hospital, and my ups and downs during the recovery.
Please read it, share it, and recommend it to other people contemplating hip replacement. If we share enough stories, we will get good medical care. If we keep it to ourselves, we will literally suffer in silence.
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I am a 58-year-old woman who is six months post total hip replacement and am getting my life back. I rejoined my clay court tennis club today after having a lesson in which my instructor estimated I had hit about 450 balls. After the usual rehab, I started taking tennis lessons about 2 and a half months post surgery. Now I still have some tightness in the joint and still follow the precautions of not crossing my legs or bending the wrong way, however, I have to say that my surgery has been a success. This is primarily due to having a good surgeon, being in decent shape prior to the surgery (by doing Pilates and Yoga), and also keeping up a good diet and regular exercise post surgery. You have to know the fine line between how much to do and when to quit, and err on the side of caution. This has been a terrific experience for me; I waited two years after I should have for the surgery to be sure my insurance would pay for it. Now I am even more grateful for the life it has given me back.
January 22, 2012 - 8:29pmThis Comment
I would like to reply to someone. I think this is a good site. Thxs.
April 11, 2015 - 2:36pmThis Comment
JE, it's great to hear that you've been able to resume most of your activities. I used to be the girl who could take both legs and fold them behind the head, which really played mind tricks on my younger sister's friends. (her friends were all A students, but not a segment of an athletic gene) Up until this past May, I was still able to do a full split in the pool, on the deep end. One leg up, the other straight down. Same when I switched legs. The top of the pool kept my heel from floating away, and it always stunned the life guards half my age. I no longer was able to do the straight across to actually touch the wall of the pool, but got close enough.
I'm hoping that with the rehab and being a swimmer, to have a smooth recovery. I'm going to trust my Dr, and my body. I'll have to remember that bending certain ways will have to change, and as far as crossing legs while sitting - I never did that. If you remember the movie "The Princess Diaries," Julie Andrews tells Ann Hathaway that a lady never crosses her legs. When seated, you bring them together and just gently take them to a side.
JE, you've given me more hope as did Francine who began this thread several years ago. Thank you so very much!
February 3, 2012 - 11:20amThis Comment
To scubadiver,
I first posted (as Anonymous) on July 29, 2011, and I had the THR surgery in mid-August. Like you, my left leg -- on which hip pinning for a femoral neck fracture had failed -- became shorter and shorter than my right leg due to bone collapse/crushing.
My height has been restored, so I don't see why your surgeon can't do the same. You have a valid concern because, in my experience, balance worsens as one leg continues to become shorter and shorter than the other.
I know it's nearly impossible to think or concentrate when you're in intolerable pain, but perhaps you could seek the opinion of a few more surgeons before proceeding any further.
Maybe I'm incorrectly comprehending your post becaue I see no logical reason why you would need 2 surgeries. My surgeon restored the length of my leg with one THR procedure. I don't need another surgery unless this one fails, which it hasn't.
After the failure of the first surgery, I contacted both a local and a national orthopedic association about the surgeon. That seemed to motivate him to get his act together.
My femoral neck bone was broken in a fall from a ladder. My left leg grew shorter and shorter -- one surgeon said by 3 inches, another said by "only" 1 1/2 inches.
The shorter my leg got, the more falls and balance issues I had. Even my vision and depth-perception were affected. I fell in my home, in the grocery store, at the pharmacy, and on concrete and asphalt, sustaining severe wounds and bruises to my forehead, cheekbone, nose, knees, elbows, palms of my hands, and tearing my clothing.
The only time I felt balanced was with my golden retriever standing at my left side, her head, chest and front paws ahead of me, and me holding on to her collar. I don't know if it's the weight distribution as she positions herself with her "torso", for lack of another word, next to my hip/thigh that supports and balances me or if it's her strength. But she has helped me many times to get up and when I become dizzy, she comes to my side to help me get to a chair. Conveniently enough, she loves to retrieve, and has picked up a slew of things I've dropped, from the phone and pencils to water bottles and clothing.
You're right about this procedure being life-changing. I wish my surgeon would not have minimized the impact the procedure would have on my life. One surgeon I consulted intended to do the procedure on an out-patient basis.
I still have post-surgery pain, but it's not as excruciating as the pain I experienced after the failure of the first procedure. Like you, I reached a point at which I could barely walk and resorted to using the walker I was provided after the failed procedure.
In addition to the post-surgery pain, I apparently have a complication called "end-of-stem" pain, which feels like a flaming sharp metal rod suddenly jammed into my middle thigh. It happens suddenly while I'm walking, even from my kitchen to the living room. The pain is severe, but it doesn't last long. When I get it, I know I just have to stop moving and sit down.
The surgeon said there's no way to know who will experience this complication and that it should resolve itself within a year. Other surgeons say 18-24 months. Apparently, there's no surgical or medical treatment for it.
The pain I now have is worse than the pain I had after breaking my femoral neck bone and undergoing the first procedure. I've heard over the years from people who have had all types of surgery that there is still pain, just a different pain. I would agree with that. I wish I would have never gone to the E.R. and just been able, somehow, to lay in bed until my femoral neck bone healed on its own. From what I've read, that is possible.
My golden, not a "therapy" dog, continues to assist me, and we are now working with a trainer so my girl can be certified. I am so thankful to have her. Just 2 days ago, we were in the back yard together and while walking I suddenly got dizzy and braced myself with a hand on the side of the house. She came to my side so that I could grab her collar and she led me into the house. I adopted her in 2007 from a local rescue group and every day she continues to amaze and astound me with her antics -- to make me laugh -- and her intellect.
December 28, 2011 - 3:53pmThis Comment
In two days, I will be 4 weeks post op. I am SO VERY GLAD I found this Dr - it took 5 tries, but I DID find him, and was very pleasantly surprised in the recovery room. I could tell that even with the surgical pain, there was relief in sight.
My surgery was on a Friday around noon, and by evening once in my room, therapy came in and got me up. Frankly, I was shocked at how much I COULD do - because the femoral head and socket had deteriorated to the point, and dislocated 3 inches ... walking was almost impossible and unbelievably painful.
On Saturday morning, I began my FULL WEIGHT BEARING physical therapy, and by afternoon was MUCH stronger. By Sunday, I was moving well enough to do most therapy easily. I was released Monday, but did stay for both physical therapy sessions. I was now walking one foot in front of the other, and was taken on the main back hallway stairs of the hospital. I actually didn't need the walker, although did take it because my insurance did cover. It as a "just in case." I did use a crutch, but only held onto the hand portion - more or less like a cane.
When I arrived home on Monday night, I managed to walk up all my stairs to my room, and as I laid in bed did my exercises, and when I would get up to use the powder room, I balanced on the vanity counter and did the toe tips, back kicks, side slides, etc.
I drove to my physical therapy today and although I still have to work on adjusting the car seat - it rides very low and the pillow I had was too big, I'll get it right.
My thigh now looks normal, and the incision was done on the side but mostly rear. The incision at under 4 weeks is almost invisible. The color that shows is from the marker, and what you feel are the stitches under the dermal layer which was held with butterfly bandaids.
I went in not knowing WHAT to expect, and once awake, could feel the difference. The pain is gone - it actually disappeared in the hospital, and right now am careful not to cross legs and keep the leg with the replacement in proper position while lying in bed. I've been able to sleep on my side, and see improvement each day. I've read many comments on how much pain people have had, how difficult their recovery has been and wonder if it's because of their surgeon.
The one surgeon I had scheduled with sent me home with a folder that showed NO weight bearing for 6 weeks. I'm so much happier that I looked one more time and found this Dr. The hospital was spotless, and they check for staph before your surgery. Every potential patient has their nose swabbed - 1 in 3 people has staph in their nose. No biggie ... they are given a cream to apply prior to surgery. Luckily, I didn't get the call after 3 or 4 days.
I can see myself walking without the crutch/cane within the next few weeks, and at this point CAN wear heels as long as I have it with me. I haven't worn them publicly ....but am scheduled for a big dinner dance in a month and hope by then I can be free of the crutch/cane and wearing a cocktail dress with heels.
Now to wait out the six months and get the opposite knee done. The original injury and the irony of how THAT leg had become the one I depended on the first 2 1/2 weeks for standing, sitting, and stairs.
Will I be lucky enough to have a great result? I'm definitely going back to the same surgeon - I LOVE how the hospital had enough staff, and quick responses, along with expertise in the various replacements.
March 21, 2012 - 9:41pmThis Comment
I'm not sure why it didn't take my username: Scubadiver on this post, but that's who I am - it used "guest" for some reason.
March 21, 2012 - 9:46pmThis Comment
Dear "Anonymous,"
Thank you for your reply! As it happens, I DID some more research and located another surgeon who went to medical school in Russia, residencies there, residency in Switzerland, Germany and one at the pre-eminent hospital systems in the world. He is now the head of "orthopedic reconstruction." He trained under Dr. Gavriil Abramovich Ilizarov - who revolutionized bone lengthening. Since the initial method, there have been other devices available for bone distraction. Yes, your bone IS cut - just like a broken leg, and as you heal, the device distracts your bone 1mml per day.
As it turns out, because I still HAVE the entire femur and only the head and socket are shot, he is confident that I will have my original length back. My thigh muscle looks horrendous - the only way I can describe it is - pretend you have a shish ka bob, and mush all the "meat" down. When I saw him, as I waited, I saw very young children with obvious bone deformities, length issues of arms or legs, and the same with adults. I spoke with some of them and they have been very happy with results.
I had a new round of x-rays (this is now the 3rd complete set ...(not counting the waste of time at the other orthopod who took several x-rays, even though I had the discs with me, spent 5 minutes - I wanted to see his partner who does another procedure, but because I had seen this one in '98 ...his staff is instructed to NOT appoint anyone who was his previous patient to the associate ....which was a complete and utter waste of my time, and frankly, a bit unethical) but I digress.
The Surgeon I saw, this time my spouse coming with me (he's a Surgeon) I saw hope. My bones are strong, and he felt that both legs will be of equal length. During the surgery - he is going in through the front side with a minimally invasive method which will preserve my muscle (ie - not slice through it), and during the surgery will check to make sure both legs are of equal length. He likes to send patients home for recovery, but frankly, because of stairs (I do have a full bath on my first floor, etc) but being in my master bedroom, my bath is here) and that I have NO ONE to help - bring up meals, mail, etc ... I would like to stay at an inpatient rehab facility - one that actually DOES rehab, for 2 weeks. I in no way want to risk a wrong turn, a fall down the stairs, etc.
I cancelled the other surgeon, and three weeks from today I will be having my THP. I will NOT need to self donate blood, will NOT be given the injection some older patients receive to help build red blood cells, and if for some reason the length doesn't match, he is highly trained. I am willing to do whatever it takes to rehabilitate - I want my life to return to normal. You can not walk with a 2 to 3 inch difference in leg length, and although I use a crutch, but hold it only like a cane - it is STILL very difficult to walk, and quite painful. I am on pain meds, and will have to switch to the "tylenol" version ( which I do not like because of the acetaminophen dangers to your liver)
Animals are very perceptive and your beautiful goldie knows you well enough that she can sense what you need and tries the best she can to help. There's a reason why they're called man's best friend. It sounds like both of you are VERY lucky!
February 3, 2012 - 11:12amThis Comment
To the person who remarked that Francine's comment about male surgeons was sexist, I choose to disagree. At 55, I've been active in various sports and look barely half my age - in fact, I was featured on a major venue for people that don't show age. It's a combination of hitting the gene pool lotto and also taking care of yourself.
My condition was a direct result from a swimming accident, and now find myself in need of a THP. I called friends in the medical field to give me the names of the top surgeons in the area, and as I began meeting them, I can certainly see why some immediately start off with a bad impression.
I've had surgery before, and realize there are risks with anesthesia. This is a completely different and life changing procedure. I have no choice. The pain is unbearable, the ability to walk is almost impossible without a crutch and even then the pain is visible.
The first surgeon entered the exam room swinging a replacement as if it were a New Years Eve party noisemaker. One other problem - my femur is now approximately 3 inches shorter than the other femur, and the first surgeon assured me I would get the limb length back. The entire femur is there, but shoved up very high - it seems to have shot through the socket. This surgeon is one of the best in the US, and I had no confidence in him.
The second surgeon was one who does the ultra minimal technique with just the relining of the femoral head cartilage. I was waaaaaaay past that point.
I tried to get an appointment with a surgeon who does a different implant, but because his partner and owner of the practice had worked on my knee (an arthroscopic procedure 15 years earlier), the office wouldn't let me see the partner who specializes in the newer technique. THAT was a WASTE OF MY TIME and frankly, unethical. He billed for an appointment ( the 5 min to tell me what I already knew) and extra Xrays. I had an entire disc with me.
The final and looks like the surgeon who will be performing the procedure could not guarantee limb length recovery. There is a procedure for that, and once healed, I'm hoping I can have it done. I haven't asked about it yet, but will. This surgeon was clear on how long it would take to heal (I do heal very quickly, but we shall see), the length of time in the hospital and then at least two weeks in a rehab facility. Coming home is not an answer, and I don't want anything to go wrong with recovery. I have a friend (a Dr) who had a THP in his late 30's because of a sports injury. He now has a limp. There's a stigma when you see a woman limp - especially one who wore 5 and 6 inch stilettos.
I'm in the pre-op phase right now, and will be self donating blood, and will undergo all the necessary testing. I guess 15 yr old EKG's are out of date.
My main concern is movement, and of course regaining limb length. It's not a matter of a centimeter or two, it's 3 inches. I know I'll be able to Dive again, but other activities such as volleyball are out, as are certain types of dancing. This is a major life change, and frankly, at this age, you don't think it's something you'll ever have to deal with. But then again, it's why they're called .... accidents.
To make matters worse, the statute of limitations has run out - although the accident was well documented, I didn't see an attorney. My main concern is hoping insurance covers the limb lengthening procedure.
This is a new chapter in life, and yes, there are people out there with far worse issues, but for now, my focus is to get into the correct mindset, and go forward.
December 27, 2011 - 10:43pmThis Comment
One of my friend has also gone through the hip replacement surgery and after few weeks, she was feeling much better and has got relief from the pain too.
September 25, 2011 - 10:38pmThis Comment
At 48, I spent years participating in the activities you list, along with, when I was much younger, roller skating, ice skating, bicycling, skateboarding and gymnastics, all of which became impossible after I developed fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue and immune deficiency syndrome in the early 2000s.
I tried medications, exercises and so on to recover, even spending thousands of dollars to visit a specialized recovery center in Las Vegas, Nev. -- which seemed eventually to make me feel better until, after using every penny of my retirement savings meant that I could no longer go for treatments, my symptoms recurred weeks later. I could barely hold my head up, much less exercise. As the years passed, there were moments when I managed to take my beloved golden retriever for a very short walk.
Finally, after my caring, compassionate physician and I took one more look at results of blood tests ordered for me years before, we noted that my being positive for Lyme disease on the Western blot might mean taking a shot at trying one of the few specific anti-bacterials that treats Lyme disease. This was last year, 2010. I finally started to feel better for the first time in six or seven years. I started getting things done, trying to make repairs, walk my golden girl a bit farther than before, to enjoy feeling better.
So it was that I was resolute in the knowledge that the pain in my left leg from a fall off a ladder, a fall of no more than a few feet onto carpet and carpet pad, must be a pulled muscle or ligament. That it wasn't made me laugh out loud, to the surprise of those in the ER who I'm sure had never seen such a response to such a severe injury. After getting what's called "hip pinning" for my femoral neck fracture, I thought all would be well, despite my surgeon failing to provide any precautions.
Knowing that my luck would never change, I wasn't the least bit surprised when told that I had a non-union, that the bone had collapsed, that I had avascular necrosis and now needed a complete hip replacement. What did that mean to me? "You're old. You'll never be able to live the way you once did. If you thought you were disabled before with the agonizing pain of fibromyalgia, the feeling of being entirely depleted of all your blood, your bones and muscles, at least had there been a cure, you could have lived as if you were never sick.
"Now you can't. You're forever debilitated. Forever disabled. There is no hope."
I'll never run again, do aerobics again, skate again. Thanks to the rest of you, at least I'll feel that I'm not alone in my struggle. Thank you to all of you.
July 29, 2011 - 8:00pmThis Comment