When would a doctor advise that it was time for the op?
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I%26#039;ve had both hips replaced in separate surgeries. It took me a long time to get up the nerve to have the first one. THR is elective surgery so once the hip problem has been diagnosed as something that replacement surgery can fix, it%26#039;s pretty much up to the patient as to when they want to have it. Looking back, I now know that I waited too long because I lost a lot of living because it was so hard for me to get around. There%26#039;s no magic time. I scheduled my surgeries at times that I thought would be convenient for me and my family. When conservative measures stop helping (by %26quot;conservative%26quot; I mean exercise, joint protection, using a walking aid, taking NSAIDS or other pain meds), when sleep is interrupted, when the patient avoids activities that they previously enjoyed, then that is when they can start planning for THR. Wait too long and a chunk of living is just gone. I took NSAIDS for 4 years and they worked pretty good for about 3. I did the physical therapy/exercise stuff and it made me feel good for about an hour. I used a cane the last 9 months and it started ruining my hand from the pressure I put on the cane. Finally I basically stayed home and didn%26#039;t go anywhere unless there was a grocery cart I could use as a %26quot;walker%26quot;. That%26#039;s too long to wait.Other Answers (6)
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Consultant usually decides based on age, activity level, employment, family, underlying health conditions and how far the hip has deteriorated. I think people think it is just a situation of %26#039;Next%26#039; as in we have the replacement part so who is next to receive it? Every aspect of the Patient has to be taken into consideration including pain threshold. Under going a hip replacement is major trauma and after the surgery you have to get up and walk, therefore have to show you are willing to put up with intense pain before the surgery, as you will have intense pain, after surgery. Best of Luck
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My mother (awhile ago now) had arthritis in both of her hips. She waited until it interfered with her being able to walk, and sit, and stand up, etc. Basically until it severely interfered with her life. Then she got it done. Hope that helps.
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you need to be assessed by a doctor to get an answer on this one. Just be aware, that the longer you hold off, the greater the damage and the less likely a new hip will be possible...there has to be some bone left that is healthy to do a hip replacement.
RN
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I would get hip replacement at the point the becomes unbearable. but check WebMD. (webmd.com) to be sure
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when the doctors / consultant think the time is right then they will be put on the surgery list, but it all depends these days on how much money they have to spend
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