Surgery Scheduled and Scared to Death

[mountaingoat]

Hi Christine,
I could have written your post myself. I see you are now a week out from surgery. I am scheduled for bilateral with Dr. Gross at the end of January. I've also had 2 arthroscopies and multiple injections which have helped and then periods of pain where I was miserable. The only difference is that I never thought the last arthroscopic surgery would be my last one - I knew that I would need HR, I just didn't know whether it would be in one year or 5. Arthroscopic surgery really doesn't do much for people with OA except possibly buy them a few years. I am more nervous about the concept of being so young (36) and having too metal hips...that is what is currently eating away at me..that and the fact that I am not in a lot of pain right now b/c of the last round of injections I had in September. Its much easier to look forward to surgery and getting your life back when you're hobbling around like I was this summer than now when I can hike, ski and be active.

But I think reading through these posts helped me a lot because I have been on the verge of postponing my surgery because of my current lack of pain but I realized I don't want to jeopardize closing my window on HR. I know that I have osteopenia in my hips (nowhere else) and continuing to hike and be active on them may just damage the bones more. So I guess I got to bite the bullet...

Ironically, my resurfacing is scheduled for January 23rd which is 3 years to the day of my first arthroscopic surgery. I'm hoping I won't need another hip surgery ever in my life!

I look forward to hearing about your recovery. I just keep trying to focus on the end game...recovery will be enormously challenging for me as I have a 7-month old baby but by spring I should be doing well again and by summer I'll be out hiking in the mountains where I live.

Good luck.

[CEK001]

Mountaingoat the odd thing is... because of the arthroscopic surgeries and oestoplasty, I have had lots of x-rays and MRIs on my hip over past 5 years.  I didn't have OA a year ago - the surgeries were to repair FAI.  In fact, my surgeon said he had never seen a more severe case of arthrisitis happen so rapidly in his career.  No one can tell me why, although I have my theories...

I was running up to 3 months ago - cortisone was like a miracle. Plus I'm from the no pain no gain school of running... But when I heard I could jeopordize my window for a HR, I knew I had to stop and get this done. 

The one thing I have heard over and over... that I keep repeating to myself... is people usually wonder why they waited so long to be pain free.  That's what's getting me to next Wednesday!

[mslendzion]

Best wishes.  3rd time is a charm right!

[othepain4]

I'm sure you will be fine.I am going for my LBHR on Dec. 15th. I had my right done a few years ago. It is such a great feeling to not have pain.To live life and not just try to get through it! I can't wait to get in the gym and get ready for the summer! Best of luck!