Is there any alternative to surgery for severe hip arthritis?

Question

My father is 80 years old and has a lot of trouble walking. A specialist told him he needs surgery but we as a family fear that he might not make it through surgery or the long recovery/rehabilitation.

My dad just wants to be pain free again. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Answer 1

Ignore the answer from he ignorant child who answered 1st.
Has the doctor suggested a shot of steroid in the hip yet? Take him to a couple more hip Dr's. I had awful hip pain for years....and recently got a shot in the hip. They did it in the hospital while under x-ray to make sure they got the right place. I walked out almost pain free...That has been several weeks. Not they said I didn't need to have anyone take or pick me up as it was outpatient....but I would not suggest that for myself again...I would want to have more then a local and then the shot as it was very painful....I told both doctors that my pain level is zero and I need the most relief they could give me and as usual I suffered during it...but your father may not..... most people have a normal pain level This is suppose to work either not at all for a few weeks, months, or years....Its worth a try.
A client of mine recently had a full hip replacement at 90+ years and was up and about in 2/3 weeks.
The doctor is the trick. Get the best you an. Email me privately if you wish as I may have more info that could help.

Answer 2

I had a total hip replacement this year and i was really scared too so i put it off a month and MAN, THAT WAS the worse pain ever!!!!!!!!!!!! Immediately after the surgery the pain was almost gone!!!! That is why i tell people now that if they ever need a THR NOT to put it off.....and the person that answered u first is RIGHT ON, the doctor who does it makes the WHOLE difference!! My doc was wonderful! I think i was really lucky bc we did not like each other at first meeting but he knows his HIPS!!!!! Does it ALL day and i love him to death now! My hip only hurts a little bitty bit like maybe when the weather changes or when it rains?????????? But other than that ..............it is good!!!!! Be sure to find a good doc for your Daddy!!!! GOOD LUCK and GOD BLESS!!!!! OH! I live in Texas, by Houston and the Medical Center where there are some of the BEST doctors in the world!!!!!!!

Answer 3

I'm sorry you have had so many problems with the hospital dealing with your case. Try not to think about the money when you make your final decision, it's just going to make you not want to get it done. Putting money out of the equation, make a list of all the pros and cons and make your decision based on which one has the most benefit to you. Try and get a second opinion too before you decide on anything. My sister in law has been waiting years for a hip replacement on the NHS (England) and my cousin has had her second replacement with no complications whatsoever. She was only small when she had her first op and she was running around like nothing had happened after about 8 months. Her second replacement she had when she reached adulthood and stopped growing and she was back to normal after 6 months and a lot of painful physio therapy. She has had this one in for a long time now and she has no problems getting about. I'm lucky because even though a lot of English people complain about our NHS service, it is actually very good and I feel confident that they will do their best to make every type of treatment a success. Losing weight will take a lot of pressure off your hip as long as you are overweight. Don't try getting down to an unhealthy weight because that will make your bones less healthy and just add to your problem. Try building up the muscles in that area. If normal exercise is too painful, try one of those abtronic things that send small electrical currents into your muscles. Even though it wouldn't cost me a penny to have this operation in England, I would still look for alternative methods to alleviate the problem before I turn to such invasive surgery.

Answer 4

Hi- First and foremost, I totally sympathize with you, as I take care of my 78 year old Father, who has MANY medical issues, including falling nearly daily. Have you gone to another Physician for a second opinion? FYI- My Dad had a total knee replacement in March, but, due to his other problems, such as diabetic neuropathy, to name one, he continues to have problems, although the Surgery itself was successful.
I take care of MANY elderly Patients who have had a Hip Replacement, and it is amazing how well they get around.
I take my Dad to a Pain Clinic, and he does receive injections, which help him. IT IS SO FRUSTRATING! AND so hard to know what to do!
I would suggest another Specialist if you are not happy with the opinion of the other Specialist. This is what I did with my Father.
I have a few sites below that may help- GOOD LUCK AND TAKE CARE!

Answer 5

If your Father does not want the surgery, chances are he will need a wheelchair. However be interested to know if they have started him on Fentanyl Pain Patches?