Hi Sean,
That must be awful to have it all taken out and done over again in short period of time.
When my next surgery comes around (postponed for now for at least a year), my surgeon said he wants to attempt to only replace the worn cups, either by using replacement parts (if we can identify them before then, and if they still exist) or use custom molds, because the rest of the hip parts look to be in great shape. He said the custom molds are better for older people though, because the lifespan generally aren't as long, and are more used for a last resort type of replacement. I won't have to worry about replacements for another year he said. The therapy helped my hip pains out alot.
Yeah, as Kevin was saying, hip problems are a common problem with AS patients. It is said that AS primarily targets the spine and SI joints (because they are the most common targets among AS patients), but in reality it can effect any joint in the long run.
There are a several of us here who have had a hip or two replaced. Not too many people go on to needing to have hip replacements though.
Take care, and good luck on the operation.
James.
