How Do I Know If I Need a Hip Replacement?

How do you know if you are ready for a hip replacement? Dr. Alan E. Hibberd, board certified orthopedic surgeon with TSAOG Orthopaedics, discusses the importance of a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon to accurately diagnosis the cause of hip pain. Once you have been diagnosed with hip arthritis, conservative treatment options will be exhausted before undergoing total hip replacement. If you are experiencing hip pain, call TSAOG Orthopaedics at [phone] to schedule an appointment with a hip specialist today.

[roger]

I just had this done two weeks ago. Went home the first day. No crutches after the second day. I live alone and manage easily. Just do it and don't over analyze it.

[victorialee]

My story: Gradually developed hip pain so that over time I couldn't run, walked with a limp, hurt when I climbed into bed, hurt getting up from a chair, hurt getting in and out of the car, etc. At age 58, I had a right hip replacement, and it is a miracle! No, it didn't happen overnight. But there was immediate relief of the pain when I woke up from surgery. It has been 3 months since my surgery. I am now working out at the gym, going for long walks, riding an exercise bike, doing yoga, and sleeping well at night. It's so wonderful to not be in pain and not be taking painkillers all the time.

[juditholund]

My Total Hip Replacement Journey - Anterior Approach • August 29, 2018 • Dr. Salyapongse • Dublin, California

 Hello everyone. I would like to share my Total Hip Replacement journey with you.

I am Dr. Judith Gayle Olund, having earned my Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership in year 2012; however, today I will share with you a much more personal journey - my decision for a total hip replacement.

Over my past 70 years, I have enjoyed a wonderfully active life that began with dancing lessons as a young child and have continuously enjoyed all physical activities throughout the years; even until most recently often dancing at the local pub Friday and Saturday nights for two to three hours straight.

So yes, I ignored my slow but sure developing limp (over at least five years) and was finally diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hips over one year ago (bone-on-bone). I never really considered surgery, feeling confident that perhaps losing a little weight would help with my developing limp. So...I did work at it; I lost some weight and also began a wonderful collection of shoes hoping that they would solve my “walking problem" which was becoming more and more pronounced.

More recently, it was becoming a "challenge" to walk from the dancing pub to the pizza joint just three blocks down the road. My friends were wonderful, allowing me to lean on them (literally) as we went for our snack in the early morning hours. I had never really been a pill taker during my life, but I began to take a couple of NSAIDS just before going out to my social affairs in hopes of walking better and hiding my "little limp.” Not possible; but, my friends were always so kind.

Finally I had a checkup with my general doctor Dr. Calvin Lei at Stanford Health Care in Pleasanton, California. We discussed my walking issue which resulted in a referral to my now orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Aaron Salyapongse of Webster Orthopedics in Dublin, California; however, after my first consultation with the surgeon...I remained very hesitant. Maybe all I needed was a shoe lift - funny how we rationalize when we just aren't certain about things.

Well, when my general labs were assessed - funny thing: I wasn’t even eligible for surgery because my blood sugar was a little high; and more importantly, my blood platelets were below the "normal" level important for surgery. So, I thought that just might be a "stop sign" for any surgery. Okay then - decision made. I thought it could be months before considering surgery again. Who knew?

Dr. Lei, my general doctor, soon referred me to an oncologist in order to checkout my blood platelet situation. Dr. Kavitha Raj, a wonderful oncologist with Valley Medical Oncology Consultants in Pleasanton, assessed my condition and informed me that while my low platelets were normal for me, my platelet count must be in a normal range for surgery. Okay, so I took some prescribed medication wondering how long this could go on. Who new?

A few days after the follow-up blood test by Dr. Raj, I unexpectedly received a phone call from Dr. Salyapongse’s office saying that I had been approved for total hip replacement surgery and was asked if I would like to schedule a date for surgery. I was definitely in shock...expecting to have months to reconsider surgery. I was then offered a surgery date in just two weeks which had opened up due to a cancellation. If I had not secured this opening, I would have had a month wait for surgery....that is, if I had decided to go ahead.

We penciled in the date. Two weeks.

So...because I was instructed not to take NSAIDS for ten days prior to surgery, I quickly realized how those little pills were actually masking my discomfort to a reasonable degree - more than I thought. By day eight without pills, I was reaching for the walls in my home (not wanting to put weight on my left hip); and, I was also compensating for my diminished hip movements by over-using my right knee which was becoming notably over worked. It was my time. I had a choice. Show up Wednesday morning for surgery, or go shopping for a cane and hideout more at home in the future.

I showed up for surgery: Total Left Hip Replacement by Dr. Aaron Salyapongse, - Anterior Approach scheduled for September 29th, 2018; having just celebrated my 70th birthday two days before.

I would like to share my surgery experience to add to your information gathering....but always remember, we are each uniquely different.

I showed up for total hip replacement surgery with Dr. Aaron Salyapongse at six-thirty a.m. on September 29th, 2018, for admission to the Stanford Health Care / Valley Care Hospital in Pleasanton, California.

Paperwork complete, it was now time - my time. I was escorted down the hall to the pre-op section and quickly asked to take two pills. I followed instructions and swallowed. Okay, I was then given my hospital gown, toothbrush, toothpaste, non-skid yellow socks to wear, and then asked to change and go potty; also, to brush teeth. Now it was time to get comfortable on the bed. So, I did.

Three pre-op nurses were soon hovering over me -- each doing their task including the IV, asking many questions, and establishing monitors and so forth.

I froze.

What was I doing here? I questioned all my decisions in one moment.

I asked the three nurses if it was normal to get "cold feet" about this time? My sudden tears prompted a three-nurse-cheering team offering kind supportive words of encouragement. My one minute freeze was over.

Soon the medical team and my family surrounded me. Dr. Salyapongse, my surgeon, now in his light blue scrubs was asking me what procedure he was about to perform on me. I replied, "A total left hip replacement, anterior approach, 4 inch incision, then moving the muscles with your fingers giving access to the ball to be sawed off, which made way to the socket area which would be replaced with new materials; then a "test" implant (to hold the new ceramic ball) would be fitted before implanting the permanent titanium implant."

He was impressed and said I could help : )

Well, somewhere along the line, the anesthesiologist mentioned that Dr. Salyapongse preferred that his patients have a spinal. Whoa…a spinal?

I didn't have much time for debate to my amazement because the “meds” were doing their thing and a good "cocktail" was lingering in my I.V! : ) So then, after being wheeled into the operating room, I barely cared when asked to sit up and lean forward for the "dreaded" spinal. I leaned over with no cares: at some point, the anesthesiologist administered two shots. I couldn't really tell. Afterwards, I was asked to lay back and I did.

It seemed liked the very next moment when I heard the words "wake up you're done." Done? I was having such a nice sleep after months and months of restlessness.

***
After surgery: No pain. No nausea. No dizziness. I took one pain pill as more of a precautionary measure by end of day one. I was up and walking shortly after surgery to go potty (using a walker primarily to prevent any falls).

Day one after surgery: No real pain. I called it my "brick leg" but no pain. I was up and walking (using a walker primarily to prevent any possible falls).

Day two after surgery: I returned home, remade my new bed downstairs, and went upstairs for a shower. Nice. No pain.

I am presently enjoying my recovery time (Day 6) and continuing to take meds for continued healing and good health. I feel amazing. No more anguish when I walk. Of course as to be expected...I will continue with healing and adjusting to my new life, my new hip, and my new ability for excellent mobility.

My biggest lesson learned - let others help you when you can. Trust in the positive side of things. Accept blessings when they are right before you....and always give thanks.

Dr. Salyapongse, I thank you for your excellent skills and for your dedication to help others, providing them an opportunity for a second change of continued mobility and healthy living.

***
Footnotes:

-- Thank you to my dear family and friends for good thoughts and sweet prayers.

-- Thank you to the medical staff and all related personnel who cared and helped so graciously.

-- Mostly, I thank my Father God who clearly urged me to trust others and let others help me because He does care about everything we encounter.

-- Recommendations:

Dr. Calvin Kyaw Soe M. Lei (General at Stanford Health Care in Pleasanton)

Dr. Aaron Salyapongse (Orthopedic Surgeon/Webster Orthopedics Dublin)

Dr. Kavitha P. Raj (Oncologist / Valley Medical Oncology Consultants)

Stanford Health Care - Valley Care, Pleasanton, California

[victorialee]

Yes, once the hip started to deteriorate, it progressed to getting really bad quite quickly. I'm really glad that I had it done and I'm eternally grateful that we have access to such excellent care.

[KevinJohnson-jcju]

Oh you will know when you need hip replacement. I was on crutches 8months before my surgery. Both hips were bone on bone. I had a great surgeon he did the anterior method. I found walking helped very much with recovery, I'll never play hockey again because I don't want to chance it..but get the surgery it's a life changer

[graemepadgett]

I had a Birmingham Hip inserted 12.5 years ago. Back riding a Horse in two months. Showjumping speed class won at Shepparton 10 months later. Cant thank Hospital staff enough. 😍👍

[mfongowon]

This is an excellent account...
Thank you dr. You explained everything so well....
Very very explicit!!!

[graemepadgett]

14 plus yrs since my first Hip. Brill pain free later on 9 yrs ago a knee brill no pain. 2-5 yrs ago another Hip pain free they reckon I’m going to the Metal Recycler when I’m done and dusted 🤪💪👏🏇👍🏇I’m Horse riding most days lots of walking but before my new parts I kept riding and keeping really fit plus an exercise bike and a push me pull me gizmo. After op I’m out in two days. Brill and thx to all the Surgeons who studied whilst I was being a ummm Bushranger tearing around on Horses. Six weeks back on a Horse 3 mths for knee. Thx gang 👍🏇🏇🏇🎼🎸😍

[ofaninchofbrain]

This man is very genuine good person I can see that.

[josephvanharen]

Thank you Dr Hibberd for the very helpful information, I have a hip problem and see a Orthopaedic doctor next month, you gave me some hope .

[KurruptLyfe]

This doctor did a great job in this video. I was very relieved after watching this. First off by mentioning a hip replacement might not even be necessary, and secondly that the procedure and recovery time is not long at all. I was worried if I did need the procedure that I would barely be able to get around and would not be able to function at work. So glad I watched this.

[KSDICanada]

Thanku sir for ur simplicity of explaining the hip replacement great job

[Anjanya]

Your video is clear and concise unfortunately I live in SW fla and we got crap for Drs here.

[georgedavidson]

I am going into hospital Tuesday the 15 of march 2022, can’t wait because I can’t do antibiotics so much pain .

[davidm.]

Thank you for the wonderful guidance. 🌅

[erinvaughn]

Thank You for sharing this information 👍🏼👍🏼

[kimberlygould]

Great presentation. I’m trying to rule out what is going on currently. Have a PT evaluation this week and hoping and praying that will be all I need and that it will eliminate my pain issues!!!

[ronsteitz]

Trust me you will know when it’s time. My first clue was riding my motorcycle as I could no longer raise my feet back to pegs after stoping at the stoplights. Needed to grab pants and lift leg up. It was time.😬

[skindiver]

I’m having a hip replacement in 90 days I get so depressed
I’ve gone from comp table tennis comp dancing comp spearfishing bush walking rock climbing and working in my job to NOW doing nothing because of Severe OA in hip
Really really sucks
Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[jazzyup]

Thank you so much for explaining and putting my mind a little more as ease.