Wow - I've lived long enough to need a hip replacement!

sugarplum

When I was diagnosed IIIC in 2006, I assumed that my double mastectomy was the last surgery I'd have time for in my foreshortened life - well, was I wrong! My right hip has finally given out and I'm going under the knife again a week from Monday. Funny how I think of that strong person I was 8 years ago as if she were someone else entirely - I've been extremely apprehensive about this upcoming invasion and am relying heavily on Ativan these days. I have panic disorder and don't do well with being restricted or confined - well, what's more confining that not being able to drive for at least six weeks! Luckily my husband knows he's going to have to "man up" just like he did for me during BC treatment (I was such a healthy bride back in 1984; he never imagined what he was signing up for!).

At least I'll be able to spend more time here on the boards since I won't be able to work. Thanks for all the support you've given for all these years...

Julie

Alloway

Well perhaps we can hold each others' hands? It's my left hip, and like you, after the 8 hour mastectomy and immediate reconstruction 8 years ago, I'm apprehensive about this op. In fact, I had a bone scan on Thursday because the pain is so bad and getting worse. Also, the lower back pain, referred pain from the hip according to the orthopaedic surgeon, is becoming constant and I want to ensure there is nothing nasty lurking there and that this op IS going to solve these problems.

I see him again on 10/10. Good luck for your op and for a speedy recovery!

GraceB1

I already had an appointment with a surgeon for a left hip replacement when I discovered my breast cancer. My first thought was not that the cancer was going to kill me, but that I would have to wait another year for the surgery. The only way I made it through the winter and spring was lots of steroids from chemo and limited movement because I was feeling so bad.  It's been 16 months and my hip replacement is scheduled for Oct 20th. Can't wait!! It will be great to be able to walk 10 feet without pain. I'm having an anterior approach done which should shorten the recovery time. I'm doing the pre-op exercises everyday which are really flaring the pain up but necessary to do. I have a lot of pain in my back and down to my knee. At first they weren't sure which joint was the trouble maker but we got that sorted out.  The right hip isn't too far behind and will probably need replacement in a few years. I plan on sticking around long enough to get my money's worth out of the operations. 

Good luck on your replacement and let us know how it goes.

peacestrength

Julie - (((hugs to you)))

GraceB1

I got my pre-authorization letter in the mail today. Somehow that made it officially real and my stomach did a big, not so good, flip. One step and then another.

sugarplum

Hey to all my hipsters - well, here I am on the flip side, 3 weeks post-op and incredibly impatient to get closer to the "normal" I've gotten used to. There are so many restrictions - limited sleep/sitting positions, no driving/riding, etc - that I wonder sometimes if I should have just bought a cane and passed on the surgery. I've been having flashbacks to when I was off work during my 9-month BC treatment in 2006 - but my dear husband points out that this time, instead of feeling worse & worse I will be feeling better & better. We're going back to see my surgeon for post-op this Thursday, so maybe he will open my world up a bit after seeing me walking without a limp!

Alloway, how did your appointment go on the 10th? And GraceB1, how did your surgery go on the 20th? Hope things are moving in the right direction for everyone...

Julie

GraceB1

I'm doing well, thanks. Pretty nauseated for the first week but getting better and also anemic. They debated giving me a blood transfusion but decided against it.  It's was still too low to get my herceptin on Tues. so I'll be getting a procrit shot (if we can get approval from the ins. company) and then herceptin next week. I'm up and walking almost 2 miles a day. It's not pain free but it's already better than it was before surgery. Sleeping is still a problem - can't find a comfortable position between my TE and the hip. This is nothing new but I hope it gets better. My post-op recheck is tomorrow. He'll let me drive again after that but I'll still have restrictions for a couple of months on bending over and twisting. I'm going to have to figure out how to put my socks on by myself when my daughter leaves on Sat. And yes, I'm also impatient. I wanted everything healed in two days. Hope we're all healing more every day.

sugarplum

Old thread - new hip! Yes, here I am again, anticipating yet another surgery (on my LEFT side this time) which will be happening on October 11th. The difference is they want to do it all in one day; it's the same surgeon but now he prefers doing it in his clinic so that patients can be released to recover at home the same evening (although in my case I'll be going to a hotel a few blocks away). As usual my apprehension is enormous, but I must admit the right one has performed admirably over the past 3 years. As my BC cyber-friend told me "at least you won't be looking at months of chemo afterwards!"

Wondering if any of my original hipsters will chime in...?

Best to all - Julie

GraceB1

My first hip replacement is about an 80%. I think it is the hip flexor. It hurts to lift the leg but little pain otherwise. The second one went much better. One week after surgery the first hip hurt more than the recent surgery.The pain now is from the knee cap I cracked in half a year ago Jan. It still doesn't like stairs or standing too long. I'll take two hip replacements over a broken knee cap any day. I'm about ready to see the orthopod to see if it's arthritis or something we can work on to strengthen the leg or relax the muscles. Best of luck with your surgery. I wish I'd had mine years earlier.

sbelizabeth

Gentle hugs, Julie, and enjoy your new bionic parts!

I had both knees replaced last November and it was a good decision. My chronic back pain disappeared. Now, when I ride my bike my knees feel like steel...strong, straight, painless.

pupmom

About a year and a half past my second hip replacement, and doing great! Can even run now! You'll get there too!

sugarplum

Thanks so much guys! GraceB1, I've had the same issue where my right leg meets the torso - ever since the surgery it's hurt to lift it frontways (sometimes worse than others). I attribute it to an unfortunate sneeze that happened a few weeks after surgery (I was in a sitting position and didn't brace myself properly) - thought I probably tore something as that was the most pain I'd had up until then.

Anyway - they don't want me doing any hardcore leg lifts, etc for the first 30 days, after which I'll have 6-8 weeks of outpatient PT twice a week. They said it will heal better this way. Will be interested to see which method works best...

Taking deep breaths - Julie