Hip fused for 10 years looking for options for THR
Hi I am a 27 year old mother of 2. I have had my right hip fused for 10 years and am looking for some insight into having a THR or Resurfacing within the next 5 years.
I fear that Ortho Docs will tell me that the pain level has to be really bad before anything will be don for me, because I don't have a lot of pain I could probably have my hip fused for another 10 years but I don't think I can stand it anymore.
I am unable to ride a bike, sit on the ground with my kids, tie my shoe; the listg just goes on. I know how blessed I am to not have unbearable pain but I also realized that I just reajust my life to limit my pain. I take short walks and lean on the girls stroller, I sit often while shopping in the Mall, I avoid any shoe with a heel (the swollen knees I get later on it not worth a cute shoe), I have to take breaks will cleaning the house because my back will hurt so much that I can hardly stand.
I guess I want to know from those of you who TOTALLY understand what I am going through, is this enough to warrant another hip surgery? and if so What would be the best kind of THR or Resurfacing? I see an Orhto Doc soon for a consult, I hope it goes well.
Thanks- Tina
Comments
Ms. Tina,
I am suffering from Bilateral Avascular Necrosis (AVN). This is basically the death of cells in the tissues. I was walking with cane support. This was identified when I was 32. Now I am 42 years old. I was advised to have THR on both the hips. This THR will lost just 10 years only, after that you have to go thru surgery several times. Since you are so young better to avoid it now. It will be very useful when you become old (55 or 60).
However my Ortho Doctor had given an alternative solution. Which is called "Core Decompression" surgical proceducere. The success rate for this procedure is very less even less than 40%. my Doc advised me to take this procedure. I had this surgery in 1999 March in Atlanta, USA. I was in rest for 1 week. I was on crutches for 3 months. After that I started walking without any support. I always avoid sitting in the ground. However I can. Also, I learnt to live with the pain. Now I am able to survive without THR. Currently I am in India and able to do most of the works on my own.
Please consult your Doc whether they can perform the "Core Decompression" for you. You have to be in Hospital for 24 hours (if it is in USA).
Another alternative procedure is also available. That is called "Birmingham Resurfacing". I am not sure if it is available in USA and approved by FDA. However this is available in Appolo Hospitals, Chennai, India. It costs Indian Rupees 400,000 (= US$10,000).
Prakash Balakrishnan
Bilateral AVN, Asthmatic
From Chennai, India.
Hello, thank you for such a quick response to my question.
Today I saw an orthopedic doc for the first time since my hip fusion.
He said besically what you stated about a THR. He was concerned about a THR lasting and becoming dislocated. He was very interested in sending me to his colleague in Flint, Michigan.
When I go I will mention "core decompression" and see if I would be a canidate.
Thank you again-- Tina--- Michigan, USA
Joined: 2008-06-23