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Post by takilasunrise on Jun 25, 2007 11:09:50 GMT -5
Has anyone had or know of someone that has had hip resurfacing done? I am a possible candidate for one and have been reading about it. I just wanted to hear about some experiences about the surgery and recovery. For those that don't know what it is, it's instead of a total hip replacement. It's for younger, more active people. They basically put a cap over the top of the thigh bone (instead of cutting it off) and place a "surface" inside the pelvis where the thigh bone sits in. Thanks for any input!
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earthdog
Cave Dweller 
Don't eat yellow snow
Member since June 2006
Posts: 2,731
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Post by earthdog on Jun 25, 2007 20:54:22 GMT -5
Now tell the good people how I wore out you're hip...  |
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lndcrz47
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2007
Posts: 153
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Post by lndcrz47 on Jun 25, 2007 21:29:25 GMT -5
swinging arms will get you everytime E  |
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Post by Lady B on Jun 25, 2007 23:39:11 GMT -5
Hi Takilasunrise,
I am a recently retired Physical Therapist but I still keep up on new treatment interventions because I know that sooner or later my hubby and I are going to be the recipients of the treatments instead of the providers (Bob is still working as an Occupational Therapist). Back in 1971 when I first started in the profession hip replacement patients had to be at least 65 or older and in relatively good health because the "life expectancy" of the devices was thought to be 10 to 20 years and the post-surgical recovery process was REALLY tough. Patients could expect to spend up to 6 weeks in the hospital and then months of rehab in a nursing home and then on an out-patient and home-health basis. By the time I retired patients in their 30s and all the way up through their 90s spent about 3 days in the hospital, and anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks in rehab (nursing home, out-patient, or at-home settings). Some of my much older patients had multiple replacements because they actually outlived the original devices! And all of us in the Health Care professions knew that younger patients who needed hip replacements due to severe arthritic changes in the joint or traumatic injuries would most definitely need repeat surgeries in their futures because the prostheses (the new hip parts) still only had a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years.
The new resurfacing procedures are truly a godsend for the patients. They are less invasive, carry less risk of infection or failure, and are expected to last much, much longer than the total hip replacement. An additional bonus--recovery time is much quicker because the body is not forced to accept large pieces of metal where there used to be bone. And post-surgical lifestyle for most of the resurfacing patients will be good as new (and even better for some)--once the surgical site is healed the patients will be able to do all the things that lead them to the need for surgery in the first place...rock hunting, biking, jogging, square-dancing, golfing, skiing, whatever.
So if your doctor says you are a good candidate for this procedure, go for it! Just be sure to take your pain meds before the pain grabs hold ("bravery", as in the 'no pain/no gain' mentality, is not conducive to happy healing so take your meds) and follow the exercise program set by the doctor and therapists. And keep this rule of thumb in mind: For every one day you spend in the hospital and the first two weeks post-hospital stay, give your self two days to recover. That way you won't be tempted to do too much too soon. :-)
Hope this helps allay some concerns. Good luck and enjoy a great recovery!
Lady B
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Post by takilasunrise on Jun 26, 2007 10:26:40 GMT -5
Thanks for the great info, Lady B! I have been reading on-line testimonials from people that have had the procedure done, and they've all been positive, even from the people that had it done overseas in Belgium and India (before they were doing them here). I definitely want to get it done, it's just finding the best time to do it, etc. I'm still scared about it, though, but I guess that's to be expected. I've had a couple of surgeries in the past, but it was just to remove something, not to replace/rebuild. My other surgeries only left teeny scars where this one will leave a big one on my behind!
My hip has never been injured and I'm not an athlete, but I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in just that hip. The pain has really taken a lot away from me. I had a shot in my hip right before we went on our motorcycle trip and it felt awesome! But it has worn off this week and the pain is back. I just got done with 3 weeks of PT and she said I showed good improvement (only because the shot was still working!) Like I said, I'm not an athlete, but I still like to walk (at craft shows, flea markets, shopping, rock auctions, for weight loss/health) and do gardening and ride the motorcycle and you use your hips for all of that! It sounds like a great procedure, it's just comitting yourself to it and knowing you'll experience pain. etc. before it gets better. And with the pending birth of my first grandchild, I want to be available for all that. Earthdog thinks if I get it done soon, I'll be up and recovered enough for when the baby is due end of Nov. But I want to be healthy before that (for baby shower, shopping, etc.). I guess I'll just have to do some soul searching and figure it out!
Thanks, again, Lady B!
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