hip issues/surgery etc

[cookiedough]

my left hip in groin past 6+ mths has gotten bad pretty sure is arthritis and xray needed to show that bone on bone contact hard to go up steps, stand for long periods of time, and certain movements hip will not bend or if I help it along will move but hurt, even sleeping on left side hip is a NO go hurts.  IF I do much walking like mowing yard, etc.,  it throbs in left groin hip area enough that I have to sit down and almost cry it hurts that bad dull pain to somewhat throbbing pain.

going into dr. tomorrow to get checked out since not going away getting slowly worse week by week by week.  Pretty sure not good but here is question:

Has anyone had hip replacement surgery and results, recovery time, how did it go?

[Rams]

Can't help you as far as hip surgery but, once my doc asked me what made it hurt, I told him.   He then said, well, don't do that. 
Yeah, eventually, he worked on my shoulder and it took a couple of months with rehab to get things back to somewhat normal.   It'll never be like it was before but, I can live with it the way it is.   It's not like I have much choice in the matter. 

Rams   

[da prez]

Had the right hip replacement.  Recovery was not bad. Anterior method. Dr. Did a horizontal cut instead of a vertical. I have nerve damage. FULLY discuss the surgery.  Many others will chime in. BTW I have three prosthetic joints.  Try to do physical therapy before the surgery. The stronger you are , the easier the recovery process.

            da prez

[John Schmidt]

Had the right hip done nearly 5 yrs. ago, will probably need the left done before many more yrs. pass. As was mentioned, insist on the Anterior method which is what I had. I have a 4" vertical scar on the front of the hip to show for it. The Anterior method doesn't cut muscles or tendons, they do get stretched some during the procedure so you're sore for a while. I was in the OR about 12:30pm, in my room by 2:30, had a nurse present about 5:00 so I could hit the bathroom using a walker. The hospital had a program where twice a day following joint surgery, all those patients had an hour of physical therapy. We were all together in one room and you had to walk to/from that room with a staff member...I used a walker for that stroll. First night I needed some pain meds, used some pain meds twice once home. I used nothing but a cane during my recovery, and for only a few days at first. Never used a walker or crutches at home. I was back on the bike in about a month. If your pain is deep in the groin, then it's a safe bet you're a candidate for replacement. I found losing some weight(about 25 lbs., need to lose more) made a difference in my mobility. Take that for what it's worth! 

[Bighead]

Had the right hip done nearly 5 yrs. ago, will probably need the left done before many more yrs. pass. As was mentioned, insist on the Anterior method which is what I had. I have a 4" vertical scar on the front of the hip to show for it. The Anterior method doesn't cut muscles or tendons, they do get stretched some during the procedure so you're sore for a while. I was in the OR about 12:30pm, in my room by 2:30, had a nurse present about 5:00 so I could hit the bathroom using a walker. The hospital had a program where twice a day following joint surgery, all those patients had an hour of physical therapy. We were all together in one room and you had to walk to/from that room with a staff member...I used a walker for that stroll. First night I needed some pain meds, used some pain meds twice once home. I used nothing but a cane during my recovery, and for only a few days at first. Never used a walker or crutches at home. I was back on the bike in about a month. If your pain is deep in the groin, then it's a safe bet you're a candidate for replacement. I found losing some weight(about 25 lbs., need to lose more) made a difference in my mobility. Take that for what it's worth! 

John as I understand it from cookies post he is a large fellow 300+ lbs. very difficult to do an anterior approach on a person of that size.

[NewValker]

I had left hip replaced in 16. I was riding in 7 weeks. That was without dr. & wife’s knowledge.
I was 293 lbs. with BMI of 39.5. Surgeon told me if it hits 40 he wouldn’t do it as I was a poor candidate for recovery. I went on a diet that day. I’ve lost 100 lbs and feel awesome.
I had right hip replaced in 19, I was riding in 5 weeks. Again on the sly lol. I can assure you that I had a far easier recovery on the right hip because I was lighter and in way better shape.
As stated, anterior method is best, and I found a massage therapist that specializes in people with issues, doesn’t do just fun massages, and used her for 6 months after recovery. Huge help!!

It sure sounds like bone on bone, I did oxy for 3 years before the first one. I was in denial & scared shitless to die on the table. My advice for what it’s worth, do what you have to do and get it done ASAP!
Also, listen  to and stick to everything the PT says and shows you.

I play softball twice a week, walk 3-5 miles a day, ride anywhere, anytime I want, rode to & from InZane this year totally pain free.  I even picked my I/S up when I dropped it 3 months post surgery!

Good luck,
Craig

[cookiedough]

hey now ONLY 290 NOT 300+ but BMI 39-41 range so guessing 41 BMI now was 38.5 BMI 3 years ago lost 20 lbs. did feel better even if only 20lbs. loss.

I do not look HUGE ONLY in the gut/waist since ONLY 5'10" but 44 size jeans is NOT good would like to be 40 waist as feel that is possible again one day loosing about 30-40lbs. would be ideal.  Feel no way be under 250lbs. again but pushing 300 is NOT good and that I know as I age over 50 now.  Past few years have had to shop in BIG and TALL sizing since most normal folks are waist 40 and under.  I was waist 36 in middle school throughout high school being waist 38 then after college waist 40 for a long time until old age set in and became not as active.  what really sucks is I buy XXL shirts now but being big in the gut area rides up some would prefer XXL TALL to keep the butt cheeks (crack) from showing (yah, I know TMI, but prior job someone commented and got a talking to from lady boss about showing too much butt crack...     

Sounds like surgery is not that bad if needed there goes my 4K deductible having to meet 1st and 20 percent after that.....   I best get an estimate if surgery is needed what will be billed to insurance,  doubt 100K but 30K or so is do-able.   Like said, living in daily misery gimping along past 6+ months is no way to live next 10-20 years.

My wife's colonoscopy was billed 5K for 20 minute procedure but was considered preventive maintenance a month or so ago now that am over age 50 should see if I can get a 2 for 1 deal and get both done the same time?  LOL  

[John Schmidt]

Cookie, I'm also 5'10" and have quite a few years on you. I weighed myself at the gym today...206 after the workout, want to get below 200 by end of the year. Unless you're muscle bound like a body builder, at 5'10" you can still lose a bunch of weight, probably 70-80 lbs. at least. For some time I've been buying XL shirts but they all are rather big on me now. At my age I'll probably not go much below 200 but would like to try, problem is the joints in your mid-80's restrict the weight you use when exercising and the type of exercise you do. Old injuries are a quick reminder to you. 

[Bighead]

hey now ONLY 290 NOT 300+ but BMI 39-41 range so guessing 41 BMI now was 38.5 BMI 3 years ago lost 20 lbs. did feel better even if only 20lbs. loss.

I do not look HUGE ONLY in the gut/waist since ONLY 5'10" but 44 size jeans is NOT good would like to be 40 waist as feel that is possible again one day loosing about 30-40lbs. would be ideal.  Feel no way be under 250lbs. again but pushing 300 is NOT good and that I know as I age over 50 now.  Past few years have had to shop in BIG and TALL sizing since most normal folks are waist 40 and under.  I was waist 36 in middle school throughout high school being waist 38 then after college waist 40 for a long time until old age set in and became not as active.  what really sucks is I buy XXL shirts now but being big in the gut area rides up some would prefer XXL TALL to keep the butt cheeks (crack) from showing (yah, I know TMI, but prior job someone commented and got a talking to from lady boss about showing too much butt crack...     

Sounds like surgery is not that bad if needed there goes my 4K deductible having to meet 1st and 20 percent after that.....   I best get an estimate if surgery is needed what will be billed to insurance,  doubt 100K but 30K or so is do-able.   Like said, living in daily misery gimping along past 6+ months is no way to live next 10-20 years.

My wife's colonoscopy was billed 5K for 20 minute procedure but was considered preventive maintenance a month or so ago now that am over age 50 should see if I can get a 2 for 1 deal and get both done the same time?  LOL  

The gut is the problem with the anterior approach. It is in the way. Also as stated above we will not do a hip from any approach if BMI is 40 or greater. Too many possible complications. Loose about 50-60 pounds and all will be much easier on you and the surgeon.

[scooperhsd]

I'm 6', 250 now (I've lost 20 pounds in the past couple years)  probably need to drop to size 44 jeans too. However - I buy XXL shirts when possible because I have a long body, but short legs (relatively) - I think my body would work well on someone 6'2". Kills my BMI probably.

I would love to lose some more (getting down to 210 would be great) - but it's going to take awhile.

[cookiedough]

hey now ONLY 290 NOT 300+ but BMI 39-41 range so guessing 41 BMI now was 38.5 BMI 3 years ago lost 20 lbs. did feel better even if only 20lbs. loss.

I do not look HUGE ONLY in the gut/waist since ONLY 5'10" but 44 size jeans is NOT good would like to be 40 waist as feel that is possible again one day loosing about 30-40lbs. would be ideal.  Feel no way be under 250lbs. again but pushing 300 is NOT good and that I know as I age over 50 now.  Past few years have had to shop in BIG and TALL sizing since most normal folks are waist 40 and under.  I was waist 36 in middle school throughout high school being waist 38 then after college waist 40 for a long time until old age set in and became not as active.  what really sucks is I buy XXL shirts now but being big in the gut area rides up some would prefer XXL TALL to keep the butt cheeks (crack) from showing (yah, I know TMI, but prior job someone commented and got a talking to from lady boss about showing too much butt crack...     

Sounds like surgery is not that bad if needed there goes my 4K deductible having to meet 1st and 20 percent after that.....   I best get an estimate if surgery is needed what will be billed to insurance,  doubt 100K but 30K or so is do-able.   Like said, living in daily misery gimping along past 6+ months is no way to live next 10-20 years.

My wife's colonoscopy was billed 5K for 20 minute procedure but was considered preventive maintenance a month or so ago now that am over age 50 should see if I can get a 2 for 1 deal and get both done the same time?  LOL  

The gut is the problem with the anterior approach. It is in the way. Also as stated above we will not do a hip from any approach if BMI is 40 or greater. Too many possible complications. Loose about 50-60 pounds and all will be much easier on you and the surgeon.

so you saying if BMI being me 41 right now no surgeon will replace a hip doing surgery if needed?

got xrays done and will have to look up the terminology but nothing so out of shape from the way the radiologist used dr. jargon that says I need surgery, or at least I think that was his mumbo jumbo he said explaining it in DR. terms.    Dr. wants me to go see at sports medicine clinic a few times and do some exercises to see if strengthens and stretches my hips better.   I doubt it will help but will see?  He gave me normal blah blah speech loose 20-30 lbs. will help and eat better NO carbs no sugar, less red meat more chicken/turkey/fish, less butter, no rice or bread, less ice cream/dairy and more veggies like a mediterrian diet.    Mowing yard and picking green beans tonight was pure MURDER one would think me gimping along in pain barely able to move my left leg I was dying.    He also did not like me not going in yearly physical been 3 years,  since things can change and if diabetic want it treated sooner vs. later.

my bloodwork is pre-diabetic still slightly higher than 3 years ago when last seen dr.  but doubt needing pills, etc. or at least not yet. 

My wife and I had a conversation this morning and we BOTH need to loose 20-30lbs.  I am 285 (266 3 years ago and bloodwork results slightly better)  and we weighed ourselves and will not say what wife was but she has worked from home over 1 year now due to Covid and munching so much she has gained 30 lbs. in one year NOT good.   She now has only 3 pairs of new jeans she bought that fit and a whole closet full of newer jeans when she was skinnier not able to use.    She worries me though picking beans tonight she bends over then stands up and a lot of times gets dizzy and goes off balance  even a few times I have caught her from falling down passing out.

[Bighead]

Some surgeon may do it.  But ot recommended. The surgeon I work for will not if BMI is 40 or greater. If the xray didnt show a misshapen femoral head or no joint space left you could have a torn labrum. Also a lot of time people think they have a hip problem when it is actually a pinched nerve in the Lumbar Spine. Seen it a 1000 times.

[Po]

I had hip replacement 6 year's ago.  Best thing I ever did.  9 weeks later road on the bike from Illinois to Pennsylvania. Not one problem. Right doctor is the key.

[da prez]

Consider this , get the advanced blood work done. Basic will not give you what you need to know. It will cost about $250.00 above the basic. There is a wealth of info in it.

          da prez

[cookiedough]

Some surgeon may do it.  But ot recommended. The surgeon I work for will not if BMI is 40 or greater. If the xray didnt show a misshapen femoral head or no joint space left you could have a torn labrum. Also a lot of time people think they have a hip problem when it is actually a pinched nerve in the Lumbar Spine. Seen it a 1000 times.

here is the radiologist mumbo jumbo info:

FINDINGS:
There is no evidence of a fracture or acute destructive bone abnormality. There
is no hip joint subluxation.

The lateral aspects of the femoral heads are protuberant. This lack of normal
femoral head sphericity can be a predisposing factor for femoral-acetabular
impingement. There is, however, no appreciable stress related sclerosis of
either femoral head or neck. There are no defects in the articular cortex.

The lateral aspect of the left hip joint space is moderately narrow. There is
subtle subchondral sclerosis of the adjacent portion of the acetabulum, likely
degenerative.

The sacroiliac joints and symphysis pubis are aligned appropriately.

No acute soft tissue abnormalities are visible.

Interesting about a PINCHED NERVE thought of that myself thinking going to a chiropractor as well for an office visit that my kids and wife have gone to with some success.  All I know is that Dr. results to follow and he wants physical therapy done at sports medicine clinic but really do not think certain exercises and strength training will make a difference.  I think is osteoarthritis or something else for I feel something is wrong unable to walk like normal without throbbing pain and walking like a 90 year old at times this weekend.  Sleeping sucks as well but better try going to bed now ....

pinched nerves I have had in my upper neck making my right arm go numb and tingling in right fingers and loss of arm strength severely.  A chiropractor did some good enough so that I was able to function with my right arm/fingers.    I wonder if pinched nerve in lumbar spine a chiropractor could diagnose easy enough?  I fear is worse that that though but pinched nerves can do very odd things to the body for sure.  luckily my wife switched her insurance to 30 to 60 dollar copay is all to see a specialist vs. paying 1st 4K for office visits 1st since every office visit is usually 250-350 bucks which IMO is totally insane for 30 minutes of Drs. time.  Who makes say 600 bucks per hour?

[cookiedough]

went to chiropractor today he pushed in key areas in lower back and sides and even sides of thighs/upper legs.  He said he pushed lightly all over but felt like SUPER HARD hurt like heck screaming like a little baby.  He said I am inflammed all over should not be in that much pain and bersitis (spelling?) and he says he can help but will be a long process for sure to reduce inflammation and get lower spinal cord unbound and loosened up again.  He worked with a HARD penetrating agitator SUPER hard in about 20 spots and man oh man did that HURT like heck literally almost crying screaming like a baby.

going back for sure 2 more times next 2 weeks and also physical therapy/sports medicine dr. next week to see what they say as well.   Wanna bet by the time they expect me to pay per visit might be cheaper to just have replacement hip surgery paying 20%????   sure hope not.   

Chiropractor said is a combo of bad hips and lower spine area inflammed and not aligned right causing my issues past 1 year.   AS of now, I agree, sure hope next few visits to each help really do not mind going back 4-8 more times but 20-30 probably not going to do, will see with each passing week.

I am to the point of really do not feel too safe driving heavy Valkyries with weak hips/legs.