Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hi all!! I've been a little down lately based upon my recent appointment with my osteopath who I go to monthly for a tune-up for my left hip. Long story short is that the Prednisone knocked out the development of my left hip since I had my first transplant when I was 6-years-old and so my left leg is shorter than my right leg and I have arthritis and loads of other chronic pain problems with the left hip and lower back.
When I was 11-years-old, I was on crutches and when wheelchair-bound from the severity of my hip issues, but they seemed to magically go away when I had my second kidney transplant when I was 12-years-old. Then, when I as around 24-years-old, I was told that I will definitely need a hip replacement surgery, but to put it off as long as possible because hip replacements only last about 15 years and to get a revision surgery is really risky based upon my very complex medical history since I was a little kid. My osteopath treatments are like massages that help to keep my lower back and left hip in a manageable state, but my osteopath noticed recently that my left hip is getting worst and is much more inflammed. She said it may be time for surgery and I really need to see my orthopaedic surgeon sooner rather than later. I was really down when I got this news because the last thing I want is ANOTHER surgery and especially a surgery that really has no guarantee with improving my life for years and years as opposed to a kidney transplant, which naturally improves a person's life. I'll be going with my Dad to an appointment in a couple weeks. In the meantime, I am trying to shed some pounds, stay positive, and do all that I can to take care of myself. I'm 28-years-old and I'm still told that I should at least get a hip replacement surgery in my 30's, but I'm not sure how long I can go with this pain. It has now reached a point that I am in pain after about 15 minutes of walking, and it is not fast walking, but relatively slow-aced.
It helps to know that I am not alone, and so I was wondering if there is anyone who had had to have a hip replacement surgery because of the prednisone and especially anyone in their 20's who had to have a replacement surgery?
Thanks for listening!! I appreciate any guidance and tidbits at all!! :-) Feel free to email me at mwu82@yahoo.com directly or check out my book blog: "Confessions of a Kidney Transplant Recipient" at http://kidneyconfessions.blogspot.com.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Joe Berry on -
I was 18 when I had the "old fashioned" hip replacement surgery. It was called "Vitallium cup arthroplatsy". As I understand it, they placed a steel cup in my hip socket. I was in surgery for over six hours and off my feet for over seven weeks. That was in 1968 and I still have the same cup in my right hip.
I would do it again without hesitation. For me it was a quality of life issue. The pain was overwhelming. I have had little pain since. I hurt if I do too much, but Tylenol will fix the pain. Today's surgeries are so much better and more effective than my old fashioned one.
Compared to a transplant, it is much easier in my opinion.
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Permalink Reply by Steven D. Pigott on -
Mary, if it was me I would get the replacement surgery. Why suffer if it can improve your life without pain. I would have a good discussion with my kidney doctor about the problems that the surgery might cause with my kidney txd and discuss with them and the hip doctor about the % success of the replacement surgery for relieving the pain. Good luck, youre in my prayers.
Steve
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Permalink Reply by Catherine (Cathy) on -
Hi, I know a lady who is 19 years post liver transplant had two hips done and also has a rod in her back due to steroids after her liver transplant.
She is doing great she does suffer from neuropathy but it is good to know someone that is doing well sadly in the older days after a transplant they kept you on those dang steroids so long... Truly hurts our bones !!!
Praying For You!!! If you get it done make sure it is a good surgeon and the hospital has a low infection rate....
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Permalink Reply by Mary Wu on -
Thank you all for the advice! Most, if not all people say that I should get the surgery b/c it all comes down to quality of life! I will see my orthopaedic surgeon next Friday and go from there with an open mind!! :-)
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Permalink Reply by Curtis Lewis & wife, Denise on -
Mary, hope you decided to do the hip replacement. My husband is a heart transplant recipient (7 years ago) and had one hip done two years ago and one last summer. The journey wasn't much fun, but he feels MUCH better now.
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Permalink Reply by Mary Wu on
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I'm seeing my orthopaedic surgeon this Friday. Keep your fingers crossed!! For now, the only decision I've come to is I want to lose up to 20 pounds and then make the decision from there about a hip replacement surgery. I've started a weight loss/food management program this week and I already feel a lighter weight on my hip. I was even able to walk in New York City for an hour over the weekend!! I was never able to do that before this week! So, I really don't want to jump into surgery when I somehow believe in me that if I lose some weight and then pressure off my hip that I could avoid the surgery for as long as possible and manage pain or even be as pain free as possible. Again, we'll see and one thing at a time!! Thanks all for the support!!
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Permalink Reply by Sunil Khanal on -
Hey same problem here. It's been one year of my kidney transplant and after 4 months of transplant..started to pain my left leg but i ignored it thought its normal.. but after i went to doctor..and heard about The solution is Total hip Replacement surgery..now im 23 years old.. And i have to stay with this pain . i can't walk.. Just finished AVN Cone decompression surgery in both leg.. I don't know what's is going around my life..!!
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Permalink Reply by Mary Wu on
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Hi, Sunil! Sorry for the delay in writing back to you! Things have been really crazy with work and personal life! It sounds like you know exactly how I feel with my ongoing chronic pain with my hip and with the kidney transplant. Well, I had two kidney transplants. I had my first kidney transplant when I was 6-years-old and my second kidney transplant when I was 12-years-old. It has been 16 years since my second kidney transplant. Most thankfully, my second kidney transplant is doing well *knock on wood*, but it is just my hip that causes a lot of discomfort and pain. I'm going to my orthopaedic surgeon this Friday to see what to do. I'm a little confused...did you actually have the hip replacement surgery and is it causing you more pain for both legs? I hope you feel better soon and, as always, it is a comfort to know we are a part of this Transplant Cafe community where people understand us!
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