AKB... How many hip replacements do we have?

[Woodpecker]

“ AKB... How many hip replacements do we have?”

Since this is the ALL.-KNOWING. BOARD. , any one of us should be able to speak to the collective number of hip replacements.

Collectively, there have been 53 and a half hip replacements among members of this board. This has been made possible by expensive, low-quality parts from Fairgambit Enterprises.

Anyone try one of Fairgambit Enterprise's Universal Joint Replacement Kits? Because they are used for hips, shoulders, knees, wrists, ankles, and elbows, my toe joint replacement makes it almost impossible to find shoes that fit.

 

[Brownie69]

At 54 I was told this morning that I am at the point where my left hip has tipped.... "Not a matter of if, but when". Timing just depends upon personal pain threshold. I guess jumping out of airplanes and 35 years of ice hockey have taken its toll.

Do I get it done now (so I get on with being active again)... or put it off as long as I can?

I have had some bad experiences with surgery. Had compartment syndrome 20 years ago after compound fracture of left forearm. I know this replacement procedure is fairly boilerplate at this point so I guess I just need to work my way through the 6 steps of the grieving process.

 

[step.eng69]

My dad had a childhood disease/injury that messed up one hip and cause one leg to be about an inch and a half shorter. For many years they would not do his hip as he was "too old" (he was born in 1921). Finally they did do it when he was in his mid-80s. One of the reasons was that it had become routine and less invasive and all of the methods and equipment were better.. Worked fine--and he noted that he was in less pain right after the surgery than he had been for the last 10 years. It gave him far less pain and increased mobility for the rest of his life (he made it to 90), which was a godsend as he was the main care giver for my mom who had some kind of dementia.

Did your mom die before your father?

 

[step.eng69]

 

[kgilbert78]

Did your mom die before your father?

Eight days.... made the Philadelphia Inquirer.

I was 6,000 miles away at the time.

 

[Ranger Dan]

The doctor told me new hip technology came into play around 2003 so data still coming in on longevity of implant but 20-25 years is likely. Sucks getting old

Yeah, the longer you wait the better the technology. For me, I would expect to be pretty low key in my activities at that age. I gave up basketball 10 to 15 years ago, and haven’t jumped out of a perfectly good airplane in over 30 years.

 

[Ranger Dan]

I may have told this story before, but I think it’s funny.

I was dealing with an increasingly painful left hip. I was told that I would eventually have to have arthroscopic surgery to clean up the abraded labrum, and I was resistant to getting a steroid shot. Suffering through as long as I could, the pain peaked as I approached my wedding day. Our honeymoon plans were to hike in Glacier National Park, as well as Banff and Jasper in Canada. I went to the orthopedist a week before to try to get a steroid shot. I told the doc that I wanted to be able to enjoy my wedding night and the honeymoon. The doctor really seems all in for getting my hip feeling better. He even consulted with another doctor. They start asking me whether I can position my leg this way or that way, and I’m thinking that this is weird. I end up getting the shot and it works wonders (for a few months). About a year later, it dawned on me that although I meant dancing on my wedding night and hiking during my honeymoon, the doctor was thinking about other activities. Luckily these other activities were never impacted.

 

[The Spin Meister]

As to when to do it, it is a balancing act for younger people. Too early and you may wear it out and need it redone at some point.

Waiting too long has issues. As you limp around for years you could do damage to your knee or ankle. Worse you could screw up your back. Plus, pain causes other stress and can lead to other health issues. Taking a lot of pain meds for several years also ain't good for ya. Screws up the liver, kidneys, heart, and more.

Have a friend that put off knee replacement surgery for far too long. Now he has a terrible limp because his ankle is ruined. It probably needs surgery. And his back is bothering him, too.

 

[step.eng69]

Eight days.... made the Philadelphia Inquirer.

I was 6,000 miles away at the time.

God Bless your dad Gilbert, unbelievable he could still maintain his own health and take care of his wife. My wife, Karen and I cared for my mother since 2002. It was one hell of a gantlet to travel, especially in her last couple of years dealing with dementia. My wife is a saint, she helped so much with my mother, especially during the last 5 years.

 

[YogiMan71]

No hip or knee replacements at 71. After 40 years of skiing my left knee which I had sprained 2x in my life gets a bit sore. My Dr. gave me a SynvscOne shot (made from rooster comb) lasts over a year or so then I get another one. The Synvsc is only approved for knees. Good luck.

 

[BobPSU92]

Yeah, the longer you wait the better the technology. For me, I would expect to be pretty low key in my activities at that age. I gave up basketball 10 to 15 years ago, and haven’t jumped out of a perfectly good airplane in over 30 years.

Do you still jump out of bad airplanes?

 

[lubrano]

I had my left hip replaced April, 2019. Hip pain gone. Onset of pain was May, 2018. Took 7 months for the hip to degenerate to the point where replacement was needed. Cartilage completely worn out so I had bone on bone.

I had both hips scoped between 2008 (right hip) and 2012 (left hip). Suffered from spurs and labrum tears in both.

 

[Ward Hog]

Thought I might need one so looked into it right before pandemic. Turned out severe hip pain was from my back. 2 guys in office had hips done and they walked around office 2 days later without a device and with little limp. They have no pain at all and no limp. Key was anterior entry procedure which requires less muscle damage.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

ES-RC got wrecked?

Fell out of bed....or pushed out?

 

[kgilbert78]

God Bless your dad Gilbert, unbelievable he could still maintain his own health and take care of his wife. My wife, Karen and I cared for my mother since 2002. It was one hell of a gantlet to travel, especially in her last couple of years dealing with dementia. My wife is a saint, she helped so much with my mother, especially during the last 5 years.

He did have helpers, though--I think Medicare helped with that. We gave the primary helper their car when they passed (none of us had any need for it).

I do have my mom's desk at home. It's where I keep my check book, envelopes, and stamps. Just as she did. Tradition...

 

[ChandlerPearce]

This thread is depressing.

Yes......getting old and needing replacement parts suck! As a fullback I took a pounding......so......I have had both knees replaced(at the same time). left hip replaced, back surgery, rotator cuff, kidney failure due to taking to many drugs (pain) and cancer. Hips are easier than knees EXCEPT knees get cemented in place.....hips don't.....you must be very careful to be as sedentary as possible in early recovery....rehab didn't start for 6 weeks....must allow muscles to grow back together and around new hip. I waited to long....I am 61....just had hip replaced and in the first 6 week stage. I had no ball remaining in my hip joint. Absolutely get it done!
If you are hearing any cracking sounds....you waited to long. Luckily we have great health care here in the Augusta area....I would imagine Dallas does also. Do Not Push Recovery! Follow the guidelines in your hip replacement booklet. Any other questions just ask....good luck my friend!