Everything has changed....

I had a follow up visit with my Orthopedic Surgeon yesterday. Quick history - I've been dealing with chronic pelvic pain, Fibro and a multitude of other issues, including hip impingement on the right side (along with tears in the tissue, and a bone spur). My first visit with the Ortho included new x-rays and the suggestion of having a cortisone shot in the hip joint, to ease the pain.

I had the injection done, had some minor relief, but nothing lasting. When I saw the Dr. yesterday for the follow up, I expected we would talk about hip revision surgery, which is what he felt the next step might be. Fast forward to having more x-rays done yesterday, just prior to the appointment (this clinic has their own x-ray group, so they get the results instantly).

After looking everything over, my Dr. told me that regretfully, the hip revision isn't going to help me much, because I have too much arthritis in the hip joint. So, the plan now is to see him again in 6 months, and then he wants to do a full hip replacement surgery.

I have to admit, I was speechless when he said this, as we'd never talked about anything that extreme. He showed me the x-rays and he could see changes from the first ones he did to the ones done yesterday - and not changes for the good. He wants to wait for 6 more months, to see if there is any delayed reaction to the cortisone...he's see it happen before. Mostly, he wants me to monitor the pain with and without activity. There's a good chance I'll need to talk to him about knee surgery as well - we're waiting for an MRI to confirm the problems. It's the knee on the right side as well, so perhaps I should just ask for a complete Right Side of the Body transplant.

So, I go through the next 6 months as I have been, but with an eye to major changes after that. I'm going to go hang around in the Arthritis Forum as well, to get some perspective and advice there. Thanks for the care and support here...I'm afraid I haven't been very good about posting my good wishes and support to others here, I've been so busy hurting and wallowing in self pity.

Wishing each of you a day of sunshine, and praying for each of you a lifetime free of pain.

Hugs,
Pam

 

          Good morning Pam!

                That was my same thought, and the hip surgries, seem to be pretty successful these days as well.

     Maybe this will be the best route to go in the long run. It is!... a big surgery and can be painful for a short while, but many of the friends I have seen have them, are up and going in a very short time.

       I know six months is a long time to wait, but you just never know, and there is a chance that you wont have to do that either. Hang on!

         Also, YES!...you are missed here, but I understand your reasons too!....just stop by and visit when you can.

     Take care!

   SE/scrambled eggs!

I'm sure it was a shock to hear this if it had never been discussed before!...

Once the dust settles and you get used to this idea...please know that it is a very successful surgery and as SE has mentioned...I know 4 people who have had this done and are doing so well they have their lives back again to walk and mostly pain free!!!

Why does he not want to go ahead and schedule the surgery? Why wait another 6 months...it shouldn't take but a few weeks to see if there is a reaction to cortisone... It seems if this is what is warranted...then it would be good to move forward in the next few months...a half a year is a lifetime with cp!

Obviously you should get a 2nd opinion with any major surgery to verify it is needed...

And with any surgery..it's always the first month that is tough but it does get better!...

I will pray that this will be the answer that gives you relief finally in your hips!!

Hi Pam It's good to hear from you. I'm sorry that you're going thru so much. I've also heard that the total hip replacement is really successful. The dr shouldn't be making you wait so long though. If I were you, I would seek a second opinion. I hope that you can get some relief really soon. (((((((((((hugs)))))))))))) You take care.

love and soft hugs
Loretta

I've known two people who had total hip replacements and one who had a knee replacement. All three are so happy that they decided to go through with the surgery. Pain and mobility both improved.