Hip Joint Replacement ???
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| Mon, 08-18-2008 - 9:09am |
Greetings to All,
I am twosweet02's Eldersis. I've been lurking and occasionally posting on this board since '99. I feel sure that y'all caring ladies will be willing to help me with some information.
I have been referred to an orthopaedic surgeon who recommends left hip replacement. The Dr. says that my back is very bad, and surgery on that is not advised. I'm 77, diabetic, have used a cane for two years, and that left hip is pushing me pretty high up on the pain scale. That leg is more prone to swelling and has the most tingling. My last (May)Hemoglobin A1C was 6.00. I take 500mg Metformin twice a day, Simvastatin, Lisinopril, and CoReg, each 20mg once a day. I had been taking Fosamax (Alendronate sodium) 70mg weekly for 10yrs. but stopped a few weeks ago. I take vitamins, calcium, and 'Joint'..formulas.
Have any of you, your relatives, or friends (diabetic or not) had hip joint replacement ? Can you tell me of all experiences and/or results of the surgery. I'd like to know the good and the bad. I've been told of two ladies from different states who now have no pain, but limp around like drunken sailors. Both their surgeries were not too recent, but done within eight to fifteen months ago. I have heard a couple of good reports. A lady on insulin had hers done at Mayo Clinic and is happy.
I have read what has happened to Okie's DH, and the long struggle to heal. My heart goes out to both of them, and I pray that they will be guided to the ones who are capable of helping him.
My old 1999 PC (windows '98) crashes, and my efforts to type take forever. You may not hear back from me right away, but if I get can "old creaky" to boot up, (the power button is broken and requires a nail file, tweezers and patience), I will certainly read and appreciate your posts. Thanks.
God Loves Us,
Eldersis Ava

Thanks for your reply regarding your father. I'm glad that someone was around to give a little input about my prospects, as I face many a decision about this. I don't know what type of method Dr. Ballentyne does, but he says you are supposed to be up the next day. He gave me a couple of folders. I live alone, and have no one to help, so I will have to find out more about rehab.
Ava,
You want to keep yourself moving about as well as you can for as long as you can. My college friend who is also a type 2 diabetic had both hips done and she has done beautifully. She retired from her strenous job and now basically volunteers full time for the food bank.
Anymore the hospitals work really hard to keep the diabetics blood sugar normal while you are convalescing after surgery and yes, they get you up the day after surgery. So don't be surprised that you might be put on insulin for a short while after surgery. They have finally figured out that keep the blood sugar under control provides for a better post surgical outcome for the patient.
Check with your isnurance carrier because you may be surprised at what is available to help you after surgery. You may be able to get some home health aides to help you for a shirt while after surgery. It is part of your medicare coverage.
Please let us know what you decide and when you potentially will be having your surgery.
It is good to hear from you. I did ask about replacing both hips but Dr. Ballentyne said no. Since they are both worn, I had hoped to get it all over with. It may be that they did not want to keep me anesthetized that long. My pre-op appt. is Mon. and we will set up a date for surgery. I am trying to get my home ready, though I'm really glad I'll have some home nurses to help.
God Loves Us,
Ava