What to do. I have been told that i need hip replacement

Question

due to acute arteritic pain in one leg joint. I was so shocked when my gp said I had to have hip replaement.. All sorts of thoughts are going round my head. Some friends say do it and some say don t do it. Has anyone had this done anf if so what is life afterwards like. I do pray a lot and your advice wil be much appreciated

Answer 1

This can help you with your everyday routines. Just think, if you didn't have that replacement, you'd be dosed up on painkillers, morphine, even laying in bed all day. What good is that going to do? Really, if you don't know, discuss this with your doctor.  

Answer 2

I've had both hips replaced in separate surgeries because of osteoarthritis.  This was 6 years ago.  I would be in a wheelchair by now if I hadn't had them done.  Now I can walk miles, without a limp, take no pain meds, and use no walking aids.  I consider this surgery sort of a miracle surgery.  Without it I would be an invalid, probably riding around on one of those motor scooters.  That's not for me.  

It's normal for "all those thoughts going around in your head".  Major surgery is a scary thought.  But after I saw what my first surgery accomplished, you couldn't have stopped me from having the other one done 5 months later.  

Life afterwards is really really great!  

Answer 3

First off = praying will do you no good at all. End of story on that one.

Second - if your doctor has said you need it - get it done.

Third - your life will be so much better after having it done - it will take time to adjust but, things will be so much easier once everything has healed.

Not had it done but I do know someone who has and they have had their life transformed

Answer 4

I know a lot of people who have had a hip replacement and all their lives have been changed for the better. Pain free walking, no pills, brilliant - go for it.

Good Luck.xx

Answer 5

You have'nt said how old you are. I'm Ricky's mum and I'm 58 and although no spring chicken I dont consider myself over the hill yet. I've been told I need 2 hip replacements and even though I will feel old and doddery it will be better than suffering pain. I know people that have had replacement hips and can move about better than ever., so if I can go through this slight indignation I'm sure you can

Answer 6

I haven't had hip replacement, but I have had both hips pinned to correct congenital deformities.  Those operations were successful and I lead a normal life.  Now my Grandmother had both knees (not hips) replaced on separate surgeries about a decade ago. It is not too bad because they do it through an arthroscope now, and the scar is only the size of a key hole.  This greatly reduces pain and recovery time.

My only concern is that this recommendation is coming from your GP.  It should come from an orthopedic surgeon after thorough x-rays studies and MRI have been done.  You should also get a second opinion from another surgeon (most insurance requires this anyway).  It is a pretty common operation these days.  Hope everything turns out well for you.