New member trying to make Dr decision

[Woodstock Hippy]

 ''I was thinking of getting them both done in the same week, buts that's got to be brutal. I have a two story house so that might not work for me. I guess it makes more sence to do one at a time.''

It doesn't have to be brutal.  It depends on the plan that your doctor and the hospital have for you recovery.  All single side patients are sent home after a couple days and then they are on their own.  I had my bilaterals done at NYU Hospital for Joint Disease with Dr Scott Marwin and they had a great plan for my recovery.  Both hips were done together.  The next day they had me up walking with a walker.  I was on the surgical floor for three days with PT two times a day. Also, I did the exercises form McMinn twice a day.  Then I was moved to the Rusk Rehab unit in the same building where I had PT three times a day and Occupational Therapy one time a day.  They also were able to monitor my pain medication.  In PT they really made me work every time and on the 9th day after surgery I walked out using only a cane.

They had a great plan for my recovery and because of that I don't think I had it any harder than most patients who get sent home and are on their own.

[Ljpviper]

Well some news, went to see Dr. Gross today. Real nice and spent time with me going over my current condition. He moved both hips for ROM, went over the x Rays, etc.

Here's the bad news, he is not comfortable doing the surgery yet. I still have good joint space and my ROM is still pretty good. I have one focal point of arthritis that is causing the pain.

My main problem is sitting, that's when I am in pain the most, of course I have an office job. So after the failed arthroscopy on both hips I am stuck.

Not sure what to do, but being in chronic pain is no fun.

Thanks,

Larry

[oldsoccerplayer]

Did you raise those concerns with Dr. Gross? If he doesn't want to do the surgery at this point what is he suggesting to manage the pain?

[Ljpviper]

He did not suggest anything for the pain other than anti inflammatory and cortizone shots. I allready went this route does nothing.

He would do the surgery if I wanted to but his opinion was if I can't get the pain under control is to wait.

i doubt another microfracture will do anything, as two in the same spot is not recommended by any arthro surgeon.

I am a gray area patient, not happy about this. Most of you on this board know how hard it is dealing with chronic hip pain is.

[oldsoccerplayer]

He would do the surgery if I wanted to but his opinion was if I can't get the pain under control is to wait.

Didn't you mean if you CAN get the pain under control you should wait? It sounds like you aren't controlling the pain so his recommendation would be to go ahead with the surgery.

[tennisgirl]

I was kinda in your shoes almost five years ago.  Dr. Gross was reviewing my xrays every six months for about a year, and he said I had too much joint space.  After a year I made a visit to see him, and he said I was finally a candidate.  I waited almost another year before having surgery.  I did get shots, take anti-inflamms, and work on strengthening my legs and core.  My pain fortunately wasn't awful, but my range of motion was diminishing and the pain was increasing.

You've probably read many of the comments from Dr. Gross hippies, and I would follow his advice.  He is not one to do surgery before it's time.

Best of luck in the thought process,

Mindi

[luann again]

Good luck Larry. I almost had hip sx like you had but was told by many it usually doesn't last long. I was 45 when I had my HR done and it is doing great 4 1/2 years later.  I participate it rowdy equestrian sports and am loving life again. Let us know how you are doing when you get your new hip(s).
Lu

[Ljpviper]

Sorry, he meant if I can control the pain to wait it out. Not sure what my next move is.

[Tim Bratten]

One possibility: you could e-mail your x-rays to De Smet along with a short explanation of your situation and see what he says. He consulted with me a bunch by e-mail (free of charge) before my revision.

[oldsoccerplayer]

Don't want to contradict others' advice, but if I were in your position I'd go back to Dr. Gross and update him about the pain you're in. Chronic pain isn't just your body, it affects your mood and how you interact with others in a bad way. He obviously left the door open for you to decide based on how much pain you're in. You'll find people on this site who say that with hindsight they don't understand why they put up with the pain for so long when the cure was available.
I'm a bit surprised that Dr. Gross suggested cortisone shots. He told me he wasn't a fan of going that route.

[Ljpviper]

I emailed my ortho that did my surgeries on both hips with Dr. Gross findings. My main troubled spot is at the anterior superior corner of the acetabulum. Basically it's the point if contact when my hip is at 90 degree, ie sitting and squatting. This is the part that was microfractured, that did not last on both hips.

Looking at arthritic hip X-rays online last night I can see why Dr. Gross is hesitant to operate. My joint from an X-ray looks like a normal 43 year old. Here is the problem how do I releive the pain?
Sitting irritates it, then it's irritated for the day, so the drive to work I am allready in pain for the day.

You are correct the chronic pain is effecting my work and personal life, I am miserable.

Thanks to all for the support.

Larry