Anyone have advice for someone age 30 who is facing hip replacement?

Question

I'm 30 years old and facing possible hip replacement due to a malformed right hip joint at birth. I had hip reconstruction as a toddler and after that was quite mobile but with a bit of an unusual gait. I was very active in highschool and college and enjoyed running and kickboxing. About three years ago I began to feel some symptoms of arthritis which seems to be a somewhat strange disease because some days my pain is a level 8 or 9 and other days I feel fine. My activities are much more limited now because of that. I have seen a couple of orthopedists the past three years and both are well thought of in their field and both say that I am definitely facing replacement. People say that someone my age should put it off as long as possible and part of me feels that too but at the same time if the surgery will improve my gait and get rid of the pain then I want to have the courage to do it. I'm conflicted and scared about all that's involved in this major surgery!

Answer 1

The procedure of hip replacement is common in the elderly but is also done in the young with congenital problems such as yours and various other reasons.
There has been a lot of advances in the procedure . You might be surprised with the outcome ! and even will say that had you known it was going to be this great relief from discomfort- you would have done it YEARS ago !
Here is one of those procedure improvements-
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-The approval and introduction of the ceramic-on-ceramic product complements the company's existing line of advanced bearing products for hip replacement surgery, including a hip product made of oxidized zirconium metal, branded OXINIUM�. Advanced bearing materials are longer wearing and are increasingly used by orthopaedic surgeons to treat younger or more active patients.
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Here are more things to read on- http://www.engineering.ualberta.ca/nav02.cfm?nav02=29626&nav01=18430
Have faith.

Answer 2

Yes, you are a bit too young for a total hip replacement(THR) and I agree with those who say that you should try to put off the surgery as long as you can. This is because THRs have a lot of complications inherent with the procedure-the most dreaded of which is infection. Once a THR gets infected it is very hard to eradicate the infection. Somehow the bugs seem to find ways to survive inspite of antibiotics, no matter how strong they are. There is no question about the technique-this has been almost perfected since the pioneering days of Sir John Charnley of Wrightington Hospital in the UK. Unfortunately, however, THRs do not last a lifetime, specially when done in young people like you. If you were in your 60s or 70s, then the procedure is just right for you. Even if your initial THR lasts 20 years which is really asking for the moon, by age 50 you will most probably need a revision surgery. You will be lucky if the revised THR will last another 20 years. If I were you, I would try to temporize the surgery as long as possible. Of course this all depends on the amount of pain you are getting. The decision is really up to you.

Answer 3

I was told that I need two total hip replacements five years ago. It came from taking steriods. They say I have avascular necrosis. I've been trying to put it off as well. And like you said, some days i am fine and others I am in a lot of pain. I had just given birth when I was told that I needed the replacements and I am in no rush for the surgery. I'll say try to hold off as long as you can because . It will be a year before you can really walk again. I learned that from several people that had hip replacements. And then they supposedly last for 15 years. Will you need another when you are 45?

Answer 4

I can understand your concerns for this procedure. I have had rapidly progressing osteoarthritis for the past six years. I too, am facing joint replacements for my knees; and possibly surgeries for my ankle, neck , and lower back. I have had arthroscopy on both knees and was told that my right knee joint will need to be replaced within the year. My orthopedist says to stall the procedures as long as possible because joint replacements only last for a certain number of years and then it will have to be done all over again. I also wrestle with the pros and cons, I can totally agree with you about doing something to alleviate the pain, which is a roller-coaster. I have pain medication but I only use it as a last resort because of the chance of dependancy. I have found it helpful to take up a sitting down hobby which requires a good deal of concentration. This helps to take my mind off the pain (at least for a little while). The cons of a procedure such as this can and should be talked over with your doctor. As for myself, I would love to have my mobility back as this will help in all areas of my life. I have also found it helpful to gather as much information about a procedure in order to completely know the risks. With this knowledge I can feel more calm about my decision.

Answer 5

Add me to the list of folks who think it is a good idea. Age 79 is just a number. What really matters is how good her general health is. If she is healthy and strong then there is no reason not to. My sister-in-law's mom is 95. She had both of her hips replaced three years ago and is very happy she did it. She still drives, plays Bridge, does volunteer work at the local hospital and walks about two miles a day. You mom will require a lot of help post-surgery, but should be well on her way to a complete recovery in about six weeks.

Answer 6

When I was in hospital the man next to me was having a replacement hip he was 70 years old and it was his second replacement. I could hardly believe my eyes when they had him up walking after just 4 days.
The reason they try to wait until people are old is because a new hip only has a limited amount of time before it needs replacing again, but in recent years the materials they use and modern techniques have made it much more common for younger people to have surgery.
It is major surgery but a well practised one and you will be up and walking again in no time.
Wish you the best of luck.

Answer 7

That is an extremely major procedure, and I'd have to agree with the "put if off as long as possible" advice. Still, if the pain is that severe, only you can say how urgent the need is. I'm sorry you're going through that, and at age 30, no less. Best regards.

Answer 8

I had mine done at the age of 65 and was up and about 2 days later.Left hospital after 5 days.Pain went immediately after having operation. Don't be scared ,have it done!

Answer 9

Its normal to be worried.Just keep in mind it will be a tough road ahead but you will get better and be able to do things you have not got to do in yeras.Stay positive and look ahead.

Answer 10

stay strong. my friends aunt had that done she said it was the best thing she did.