When Should I Get a Hip Replacement?

Having hip replacement surgery can feel like a major undertaking. But it has the potential to drastically improve your quality of life. The first step to addressing your hip problems is to set up an appointment.
The Iowa Clinic offers specialized orthopaedic care within its West Des Moines and Ankeny campuses. Learn more at www.iowaclinic...
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[@debbih0813]

Thank You so very much for posting this!! You gave the best explanation that was short, sweet, to the point, and easy to understand. If you were in NJ I would definitely book an appointment with you!!

[@phyllislewis5798]

I am 92 and having pain in hip and now going down my leg. That pain is more like a gnawing sensation. My back hurts also. I had 2 injections, the first one helped a lot, the 2nd one no. Since I am older I am afraid of operations and I am also lon a nlood thinner. I am stuck

[@serenahm]

Hi, Phyllis, I’m so sorry you’re having such a hard time. But I want to tell you you’re not stuck. I’m assuming the pain has been determined to be from hip arthritis and not a back problem-though of course you can have both. I had my left hip joint replaced just over six weeks ago, and the difference has been dramatic. I’m a few years younger than you - 64 - but went in less than a year from being a ballet and modern dancer and yoga practitioner to only being able to lie in bed or on the sofa. If I absolutely had to go out, I used crutches because I couldn’t get a wheelchair in and out of my car. My husband died in March after a long illness and I was scared to have the surgery without him there with me. But my sister came to help, and the only bad day as far as pain was the day after surgery. Thank heaven for good meds! After that, though, all I needed was extra-strength Tylenol. I used a walker on the second day and part of the third, and walked on my own after that. I’ll have surgery on my right hip in January. I don’t know if I’ll ever dance again, but I can go to church and out with friends, and am no longer isolated by my pain. Surgery is scary and, like the doctor said, there are no guarantees. My left leg is now about a half-inch longer than the right, and there’s no certainty that they can be made even. But I’m so glad I did it, and look forward to getting the other hip done and getting my life back. God bless you, Phyllis!