T - 20 days!!!!!

[Anna]

Well hello hippys,

I thought it was about time I started a new positive thread!

For those of you who don't know me ... I'm 30 years old with hip dysplasia. I cannot have resurfacing due to the angles of my hips. I went to see Ronan Treacy .... he said no. If Mr Treacy says no, its a no!!! So, I've had an up and down 18 months fighting with the NHS for a THR.

I had an examination last month to test my ROM, get some dye injected into my hip etc, and got my results back today. The surgeon said I was bone on bone on the top side of my acetabulum and there was no cartilage left to fix so FINALLY I'm scheduled for my THR in less than 3 weeks time, the 8th August!! I'm pretty chuffed!!!

I'm getting a JRI Furlong Evolution stem with a JRI CSF Delta plus ceramic cup. It looks pretty good and the stem is pretty short too. I'm very excited.

Now, something I haven't thought much of before as I have always presumed I would be having a posterior approach, but I'm not. My surgeon would like to take the anterior approach. Does anyone know much about this? I believe it will give me a quicker recovery as they don't cut through all my muscles? Is this right? Anyone know much on this subject?

Anyway, I know I'm not a resurfacing patient so this probably doesn't interest many of you but I just thought I'd keep my old friends updated and hopefully help along the way some of the hippys who do not have a choice and cannot have resurfacing.

Hope everyone is well

Anna 

[Pat Walter]

Thanks for the update. 

Of course, you are welcome here.  This is a great support group for hip patients. 

I have a lot of articles about the anterior approach on my THR site

http://www.hipsforyou.com/anterior-approach-articles.php

A few hip resurfacing surgeons also use it. The surgeons and patients say their recovery is faster.  I don't really believe that since I had a really fast recovery with my posterior approach, but that is only my opinion.  As long as your surgeon is use to using that approach, I am sure you will be fine and your THR will be a success. 

Keep us updated when you can.  Good Luck.

Pat

[John C]

Hi Anna,
We are all delighted to hear that you are finally on your way.
As far as the anterior approach; I have looked into it, and am happy to pass on what little I have learned. To start with the bottom line; if I was having a THR instead of a resurfacing, I would want the anterior approach.
Advantages are less chance of dislocation later, and there is much less cutting of muscles, since the muscles are divided along their length, rather than cut. I have friends who have had both approaches done on different hips with THRs, and they all have felt that the recovery was easier and more solid with the anterior approach.
The main disadvantage is the possibility of damaging the nerve down the front of your leg, and subsequently some numbness can happen, though it is usually temporary. Many of the top HR surgeons say that the exposure in an anterior approach is not as good with an HR and this is why the use the posterior approach, but this does not seem to be a problem for THRs.
It sounds like you have found a great path forward, and we are all happy for you.

[Anna]

Thanks for the information guys! I shall have a good read of that article .... as always this place if great for knowledge!!!! 

One of my main concerns is dislocation so if it helps with that then I'm happy. I hear that with the large head ceramic balls, there's not much chance of dislocation anymore so hopefully I will be ok. The surgeon said he would be happy that I return to mountain biking and skiing afterwards as long as I was careful and steady as his only really concern was a big crash which could dislocate it.... I will be careful as I'm planning on keeping this baby for quite a long time!

He did mention that there was chance of more bleeding during the operation with an anterior approach so he only does it on certain patients depending on their health. I don't think that worries me too much

Thanks again for your support!

Anna

[Dee Dee]

Anna,
So glad you are finally getting help with your hips.  You have had a long wait to get there!
When I started my journey to get help for hips, I was sold on the anterior approach. Then I found out about HR and went that route.  I told my good friend about THR anterior and she switched doctors so she could have anterior done.  She did not want to wait and travel for HR. she is very satisfied.

Keep us informed. Best wishes.
Dee

[hernanu]

Hi Anna, so good to hear that you're finally getting your THR! 

I had anterior lateral on both HRs, they worked well for me personally. Happy that you're going on. Keep us updated...

[Anna]

Thanks Dee Dee, thanks Hern 

The more I read about the anterior approach, the more excited I get! I will keep you all updated

Anna

[Dan L]

Anna;

Glad to hear there is a light at the end of the tunnel for you.  Best wishes for a smooth surgery and boring recovery. 

Dan

[Anna]

Ha, thanks Dan ..... but I hope its not too boring!!!! 

[Mike D]

Well done, Anna.
At long, long last it's happening for you. What a rough ride you've had to get there, congratulations!
I'm 100% happy with my THR and I'm sure you will be. I'm crawling round all kinds of tight spaces at work, using ladders etc and it just feels stronger all the time.
In a couple of weeks, it will be one year since my surgery and it's flown past- it's made me realise how much all that OA pain gets to you-now its gone!
Good times are coming your way Anna.

[Anna]

Hey Mike!!!

I was wondering how you were doing. 100% happy?!! Cant beat that. Sounds like you are loving life again. Have you had any problems?

Even though I've had 18 months to prepare for this, I'm completely unorganised! Have not sorted anything out. I'm going on holiday on Wednesday too so by the time I get back, I will have one week to get everything together. Kind of nice though that I haven't had time to stop and think as it means I haven't started panicking or having any second thoughts yet! I cant believe its been a whole year for you, Sally and Ruby. It really has flown by. I cant wait till I'm on the move again. Really dreading this recovery!

Anna

[Mike D]

Hi Anna-
There's been no problems so far and that's definitely down to this forum- like so many others, it's got me through all the highs and lows that nearly everyone seems to experience.
Those early weeks were tough, but coming on here and reading about someone else going through it is so encouraging.
It did take me quite a while to accept that I couldn't be a hippie but as you said, if Mr Treacy says it can't be done then that's the end of that.
If I'd stayed local in York and not tried the HR route, I know that I'd have been left always wondering what might have been-once I knew I couldn't have it made accepting the THR easy somehow.
When I went back to Birmingham for the 6 week check up, Mr T's registrar told me that it takes most people 6 months to physically get over the THR and 12 months mentally- so far, I think he's spot on.
Looking forward to all your forthcoming news- enjoy your hols!

[Tim Bratten]

Hi Anna
Maybe you've seen from my other posts I had a revision to a ceramic on ceramic THR about a year and a half ago. It's really working well for me. Right now I'm as active as I ever was before hip surgery and I continue to experience improvements in strength and flexibility in the operated leg. I'm very happy with the results so far.

By the way, I don't know anything about the anterior approach, but I believe De Smet uses a posterior approach. At any rate, for my surgery he opened up exactly over the scar of my previous surgery.
Cheers
Tim

[Anna]

Thanks Mike! I agree, i'm glad I went to see Mr T because I know there is no other option and it does make a THR easier to accept. I'm pretty happy with the one I am getting..... and I'm glad yours is doing so great!
Tim - sounds like you are doing great too!! Do you do many sports and have you any restrictions? I'm feeling pretty positive about all of this as I have been struggling a lot more recently and I know its the right time. I just worry sometimes that I do too many action sports and that I may have to curb some of them.

Anna

[hernanu]

Wow! 8 days Anna! congrats to you, keep posting, I've been rootin' for you.

[Anna]

Thanks Hern 

I cant help but feel a little unorganised though!! So far I have bought myself some new PJ's and a grabber. That's it. Only got back from holiday this morning and haven't even unpacked!! I think I best get my ass into gear!

Anna

[evant]

I did a little research on the company that makes your THR.

It looks like they are a very specialised British company (JRI), with excellent orthopaedic credentials dating back to Prof Furlong himself, but focussed now on leading edge research, innovation, and manufacture of specialised orthopaedic equipment in Sheffield.

I've no doubt that you're getting a brilliant THR that will do you proud.

Best of luck for your surgery and post-op recovery.

[hernanu]

Thanks Hern 

I cant help but feel a little unorganised though!! So far I have bought myself some new PJ's and a grabber. That's it. Only got back from holiday this morning and haven't even unpacked!! I think I best get my ass into gear!

Anna

Ok Anna... get yourself in gear...

• Grabber... check
• Put all chargers on a shelf that's reachable...
• PJ's ... check
• Shoes that are easy to get in and out of...
• Identify a flat area to walk in after the surgery (mall? park?)...
• Patient friend(s) and family to call when in bored / bitc$&ing mood...
• Make sure you clear the spaces in your place to navigate with crutches...
• Pre cook some meals (makes it easier)...
• DVD's to watch, books to read...
• Practice that smile for when the OA is gone....

Just trying to get you ship shape.

[Mike D]

Anna-
A couple of things to add to hern's list;
Seat raisers, and the all important raised toilet seat!
Not the most glamorous accessory but one of the most necessary in the early weeks 
 

[Anna]

Evant - Thanks for the research and agreeing with my conclusion! Its a hip made in Yorkshire for a Yorkshire girl .... I think that's a good sign 

Hern / Mike - Thanks for your lists!!! I have my grabber, my new PJ's and my new slip on trainers that are very comfy. I've moved back in with the parents for the op who own a pub and live upstairs (mums the chef) so there is no need to worry about food or company (I'm pretty sure I will put on a fair few inches around the waist!) My friends have all said they will take me out when I'm ready. My partner has been sneakily reading these posts and is on standby for a lift back from the hospital (Its a 3/4 hour drive!) and more importantly he is fixing up and cleaning my bike so it is ready for action again when required  I have just ordered a stack load of DVD's from Amazon and my smile is always practiced  All I need to do is pack, clean the house (This is what I'm struggling to find time to do!) and get a toilet seat!! I'm getting there..... whats a seat raiser? Do you mean like a cushion?

Mike - Silly question but what did you do about physio and dressing changes of your wound? Did Mr T sort something out with York? Did they come to your house? I'm not sure I could get to York very easily if I had to go regularly.

Thanks again everyone
Anna