Anyone Had A Total Hip Replacement

[Crazy Horse]

Well yesterday I went to another doctor for a last attempt at finding out what is causing my right leg to go lame and give out on me when walking. This has been going on since 2007 after a case of not being able to walk for 3 months. I went this time as a last resort to a different orthopedic surgeon "group". They took 4 x-rays before I even met the doctor (good sign). There was no question a total hip replacement is needed if I ever want to hike again. Grinding bone to bone, severe arthritis and the cartilage is gone from the joint. In a couple of weeks I'm going in to the hospital to have an injection into the hip that will neutralize the pain I'm feeling as a direct result of the hip joint being gone. The injection will allow us to see how much of the pain I'm feeling will be left as a result of my lower back and neck problems after the hip is replaced. I think I can live with what pain will be left especially if I can walk again.

I do feel finally relieved to a point, but don't look forward to the surgery. I'm looking for advise or input from anyone who has had this procedure done.



Thanks,

Phil

 

[firefighter]

Yes I had a total hip replacement 5 years ago no pain at all, I had the birmingham hip done this hip is all metal no plastic or nylon to wear out, you might want to check this hip out before you make a decision on the type of hip you want,google the name to find more info

 

[p-Bar]

Ya watch it there are cheapys that Kaiser use and better ones are out there. If you are over weight lose the weight. These operations get better and better every year.

 

[DHD]

I had my right hip replaced 12 years ago. I have never had any problems and hike and back-pack hunt. I have gone in every couple years for follow-up x-rays and my last checkup 2 years ago should no wear at all in the replacement and my surgeon told me my hip will outlive me.

I was fairly young (49) when I had mine done and that turned out to be a plus. They did not cement my replacement in but rather was able to let the bone grow around it. The cement they use is one of the worst things as the cement deteriorates over time and becomes an abrasive to the actual ball and socket joint.

The type of replacement joint is important but even more important is the surgeon. Find a surgeon that specializes in joint replacement and not a general orthopedic surgeon that does all of the sports-medicine stuff as well.

Done right, with the correct replacement joint and it will be the best decision you ever made as it will give you back a part of your life that has been missing and make you pain free.

 

[Crazy Horse]

I am going to look at the artificial hips real close with what I see written here. The brochure the doctor gave me does show a stem that appears to go down into the leg bone about 4" and on the end has a ball and cup (see photo). I'm thinking I may go up to Charlotte NC to do more research. Currently I'm seeing a doctor in Spartanburg. Thanks for the reply guys.

 

[DHD]

Good luck. I know you will be glad you did.

 

[firefighter]

Be sure to look at the birmingham hip, this hip is ditfferent in that they do not cut of the ball they put a larger ball over the bone ball, so no pin down the femer makes for a stronger hip,Iwas a firefighter when I had this hip done at 55 years of age, was able to pass all physicals for the job, was the only hip that would allow me to shock load the joint with complete safety. BIRMINGHAM HIP check it out.

 

[Crazy Horse]

BIRMINGHAM HIP check it out

Where did you have yours done?

ff, thanks for the info, I will definitely look at this. Thank You.

 

[BullyDogJason]

ive not had it done. . but when i was prob 23 i fractured my hip in the Army. I still get pain from it form time to time. I hope that when im older its not too big of a bother to my well being

 

[ACoyle]

Both of my hips have been replaced. I think about 5 years ago. I even forget they were done. Got my life back, best thing I ever did for myself.

These are the folks that did mine.
Hartzband Center for Hip & Knee Replacement L. L. C. | 10 Forest Ave. | Paramus, NJ 07652 | Tel. 201. 291. 4040

I believe Dr, Hartsband was one of the originals.

 

[DJW]

I've had my two hips replaced, first at 79 years of age and the second at 82, I'll be 84 this month and can walk quite well, climb stepladders and ladders, pull on socks and lace shoes, (what else is left to do?). I had mine done at Kaisers in Northern California, I found them very efficient, each time was asked by all, "Which Hip?" even on operating table, I would reply and place my hand on thigh so no confusion. First one had operation in afternoon walked the next morning with physical nurse in attendance using a walker, spent a total of 3 nights in the hospital then discharged. For the second had operation in the morning slept after operation then walked that afternoon with walker and physical nurse in attendance, spent two nights in hospital and discharged in morning. Before being discharged had to walk up 4 steps using walker and down other side to prove I was capable of entering and leaving house as have 3 steps front and rear of home unaided, emergency exit etc. Had physical nurse visit home to change surgery patch and check for healing, blood check for clots, take me through exercises to regain strength in joint etc, in all very pleased with the outcome. Not to forget, had a formed soft plastic wedge to place between legs and straps when laying down and for sleep. No complications whatever and no regrets in losing PAIN (a Miserable Companion plus half crippled). Before entering hospital I bought a pair of crutches although you only need one for walking exercise, a walker very useful until you regain full use of your leg, a portable commode to adjust seat to your height for using toilet. I bought all mine for less than $10 by shopping at Charity shops, in fact all were new with labels still attached. Things should go right for you, listen and follow all instructions, anything you have trouble understanding ask for clarification, they want you to succeed as well as they do. You'll be Glad you did it.

 

[Crazy Horse]

Thanks for all your reply's. I'm going in monday to finally get some relief with a hip injection under fluoroscopy.