Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Hip Replacement anyone?

I'm the chairman (fancy title heah) of the state AS group (NSW Australia) and have a member who needs a hip replacement but is unsure of how it goes with AS. Have you had a hip replacement and if so do you have any advice on the procedure? I would really be interested in anyone from Australia who has had it especially if you live in NSW or close by but all replies would greatly be appreciated. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"don't think you can - KNOW you can"

Sorry Ozlion
I fit one of the criteria in that I am from Australia(S.E. Queensland)
However I know nothing about hip replacements. Thought I would say hello anyway.
Regards
Giddo

I'm not from Australia, but have had two hip replacements that I received about 6 yrs ago. I have had AS since age 16 so it has taken a toll on me now. I was to the point that I could not walk at all anymore and was in terrible pain in sitting or laying or anytime. They went in and did the first replacement and I immediately felt better. The constant pain was gone. It took months for me to rehabilitate, but was already at such a better state that it was already an improvement. As soon as my one side healed enough for me to walk without a walker or cane, they went in and did the other side. Then I got to start the rehab all over again. It was a long and drawn out process for me. I still "waddle" instead of a graceful walk, but I will take that anyday over what I was previously experiencing. I don't think AS made a difference in my recovery, except I thought new hips would help me run, jump and be able to play more, but too many other factors involved with the rest of my body to allow me to do that--just grateful to be able to walk. Best of luck to your friend. I hope they have great success. Laurie

Hi OzLion,
I'm in Canada but I did have a hip replacement done 11 months ago.For years I kept putting it off because it scared me.The dr. always said that when I couldn't walk / sit / or lay down without a lot of pain , it woud be time to do it .Well sure enough it came time and believe me I was physicaly and mentally ready.I must tell you the hip pain is all gone now.There is a new problem that has come up because of the surgery though.My spine is in bad shape because of AS but had been in a somewhat painfree state for a year. I have started fusing up even tighter. It seems that the trauma of the hip surgery has re-kindled the fire.I am back on the meds again.I'm still hopeful that it will settle down again. All this said, my advice is that, if you are ready physicaly and mentally,don't be afraid to get it done at any age.I am 54yrs. now and I should have gone sooner.
Ray (Icky)

Hi,
My name is Yoly had both hips replcaed at age 35, they were done three months apart. I have the NON- cemented kind metal on metal no plastic liner.. Here is a great web site I belong to all about hip replacement and hip resurfacing. http://www.totallyhip.org
My only regret was waiting so long. I do water aroebics sponserd by the Arthritis foundation at the gym 4 times a week. Be well, Yoly

Edited by Michelle in Md on 03/16/02 04:49 PM (server time).

I believe I can answer any question you may have except finding a proper Doc outside of U.S.. BUt I would call the surgeon who did my replacements and ask him if he had a recommendation.

I had both my hips replaced in my early 20's one year apart. Many surgeons advised against this since they thought my youth was detrimental. Hips would not last long enough and one day I would be in wheelchair.

the problem was every year w/o a replacement was another year of muscle atrophy and the liklihood that the delayed replacement would be less effective and offer less mobility since the muscle and soft tissue supporting the joint would be more and more severly damaged.

I went to all the alleged "top" DOC's on U.S. east coast and the physician who did it was comparatively young at the time but is expert in the field now.
Dr. Michael Bronson at Lennox Hill. Well its18 years later and my spine is shot, myshoulders ache but my metallic hips are like the Everready Bunny and they work like a charm. I golfed on them and still do for years. I abuse the hips day in and day out and so far so good.

DOc said back then I would have enough bone mass for a second replacement if necessary and technology keeps getting better and better.

Psychologically it renewed my life. I cried when I was released from the hospital because I had some sort of life again after years of crazed pain to walk every few feet.

My advice in general for hip replacements is get the best Doc in your budget and do it sooner rather than later!!!


stevec-they also serve who stand and wait

To the Chairman and member:
I had both hips replaced almost 7 years ago and recommend such a procedure to anyone in such pain. It took me almost 1 1/2 years to realize I had no pains I would normally expect; morning, noon and night pain. I am sure you could back out of the operation if you change your mind and decide you have not lived with the pain long enough. I was so comfortable with my 1st new hip, I could hardly wait for the other. Do not forget to bank your own blood for the operation! Tom

I'm in Florida in the USA. I had my right hip totally replaced 2 years ago and it helped TREMENDOUSLY. It even got rid of the pain in my right knee that was supposed to require a replacement as well. HAve your friend do it no matter what their age. Recovery is quick and not very painful - no where near what I expected. IF they can swim afterward, that's the best physical therapy for ANYONE with AS - even if you can only get in the water and float around on a rubber toy or devise to hold you up, etc.

Hey Chairman,

I have got my right hip Resurfaced last year. It is a a relatively new procedure recommended for young people. It is not FDA approved here in the US. So far I am doing great.

There are lots of options even within Total replacement and lots of materials too. You will have to make you own decision finally. The site Yoly suggested in the previous post is great for information.

Takecare,
Raj