When Is It Time for Hip Replacement?

Just a quick update to let my friends know that next Tuesday I’ll be having hip replacement surgery – the plan is to have the other hip done in August.

I was diagnosed with bone-on-bone arthritis in both hips about six years ago. At that time I had two microfracture surgeries to delay replacement as long as possible. The surgeries had some positive benefit – but it’s been steady pain the whole time. It’s best to keep original equipment as long as possible – but my doctor’s message has always been that life will be much better once they are switched out.

Age 53 isn’t young (or that old) –  but still younger than they like to do replacements – the old rule of thumb used to be 60. With the latest rounds of X-RAYS the doctor didn’t make an immediate comment. He just looked at me. I waited. He waited longer.

I finally said, “I think it’s time doc.”

He said, “That’s all I was waiting to hear.”

When is it time to have hip replacement? Apparently, one of the key criteria is your own assessment of the pain and lifestyle inhibitors in your life.

I knew this was coming – I put on thirty pounds in the past eighteen months and have struggled to workout. My doctor says pain, insomnia, and stress will add the pounds.  My weight as an adult has always had some flux but not wanting to work out is very unlike me. I’ve lost fifteen pounds in prepping for this- but the next fifteen will have to come post-surgery.

I’ve spent six nights in a hospital in my life – never as a patient – three with my son Bo and three with my Dad (Bo doesn’t talk in his sleep as much Dad!) I’ll stay in hospital two nights on each hip. I’ve been told I’ll be walking as soon as I wake up.

Am I excited about surgery? Of course not. But I knew it was time. So I’m feeling great about the decision and have no worries here.

Your prayers are still appreciated!