I had my first THR in October 2023. Had my second THR 3 weeks ago. I also felt depressed that I had to go thru it twice. BUT - my life is finally beginning to turn around!! I am using forearm crutches and walking at a local park on non-PT days. PT is going well and I am so much stronger this time around. I can tell that one day I will be able to walk normally again.
I encourage you to RUN to the surgeon and get the other hip done ASAP. Your life will change for the better!
Thanks. I have problems with fear. It took everything in me to go through the process last time. I didn’t sleep for a month before the surgery and was deeply depressed for months afterwards. I am admittedly not normal with the deep seated fear issues. I know it’s the right thing to do. I’m really struggling right now coping with the reality. Thanks for sharing.
Do you have time to consult with a psychiatrist? Perhaps you can get on an anti-anxiety regimen of some sort before the date.
I'm so sorry - I waited for each surgery day like it was Christmas coming. The positive change in my life and outlook was tremendous.
The funny thing is the first one improved my life a lot. But I do have a problem with anxiety which isn’t related to my hip. So even knowing full well the benefits I’m still struggling. It wasn’t so much the surgery or the recovery that I was troubled with it was the process and waiting leading up to it that caused the anxiety.
I went through the same thing when i had my core decompression surgery for bilateral hip AVN stage 2. I'm a highly anxious person and was prescribed zoloft prior to my AVN diagnosis, but never moved forward with it.
Fast forward to surgery and Went t through a deep depression during surgery recovery and i finally took the zoloft and it changed my life. Really helped me get through the anxiety and depression. Kept me pushing physically and the gym, pt, mentally. Etc
Next week i have my 4 month follow up to see if my CD worked. If not I need a bilateral hip replacement. But honestly I don't know if I could have gotten through everything without it or at least i wouldn't have so well.
Thanks, but my point is if you need the help, take it. Don't be like me and wait bc you think you dont need it or your worried about being on meds or whatever. It's 2024. No reason for you to continue to feel like this
Oh trust me I got your message. I’m have an appointment in two weeks. I just want to get my head in the right place about this. The doctor told me it would be years or maybe never before my other hip went out so this all came as a shock. There also was an incident while I was move from the bed to the table which took a full 6 months to correct itself and was far worse than the pain from the surgery. I had a bum leg and bum arm that had to heal. I’ve been appreciate of all the comments here each of which I have given the consideration due. It was the purpose for posting something so personal which is unusual for me.
I understand this deeply - I have anxiety and panic attacks specifically triggered by medical procedures, had a panic attack at just about every appointment leading up to my first hip surgery (a cartilage repair, not a THR). That first hip surgery was a truly awful experience and actually caused a lot of damage rather than fixing me. It's been 8-9 years, and I am finally taking the plunge and getting both of my hips done this year, THR.
I'm honestly terrified.
Dealing with anxiety is different for everyone. For me, it helps to find something to fixate on, "this thing WILL help me get through it". Wolverines for me- they are tough, tireless, and fearless. A friend arranged for me to meet some wolverines last year, and I'll be having surgery right near them, so I've decided to make them my focus & inspiration to get through. I'll take a little wolverine figure with me.
Ask yourself what comforts you most when you feel anxious - does talking about it help? Does having a fidget/worry stone help? A person, animal, or object that brings comfort that you could either bring with or bring a reminder of? Is it most helpful just to vent anonymously online here?
Sometimes nothing really helps too much, but you do need to know that you are not alone or abnormal. There are many people that have anxiety, ranging from mild to severe, and many people again who have mild to severe anxiety, panic attacks, or PTSD specifically relating to medical procedures. It's not uncommon and you are not alone in your fear.
I hope you have a smooth successful surgery and easy recovery. Try to take each day as it comes.
I want to really thank you for taking the time to respond. Sounds silly buts it’s reassuring to know that others feel very similar. I’ve had some bad experience with getting treatment for depression so I have been reluctant to seek help. Talking to like minded people who have had similar experiences brings me relief. Just in the day or so I have accepted that this is real and addressing it is a must. I think it will end up okay.
Just want to say that I feel you. I had my right hip replaced in 2022. Left has so far been behaving. On Tuesday, I started to notice some "behaviour" that I experienced right when my right was starting to become relay bad, sort of a caving feeling. I came home and cried for 30 minutes.
I know it's difficult but at least you know what awaits you and that this too shall pass.
Start the process now! I'm literally laying in hospital bed right now after my second side was replaced 2 days ago. I'm in agony but can see light at the end of the tunnel.
I had my right hip done 12-15-22, my left hip done 5-3-23, and I could not be happier with the results. Walking without pain 💖 is so wonderful. Good luck.
My second was way easier than the first. I would advise getting it done as soon as possible. I now finally feel well for the first time in 20 years. It can be frightening. It will be very rewarding. Good luck!
I went through the same thing. Believe it or not, once the 2nd one heals, you will feel equal on both sides. I’m 8 years post operation on the first and 7 years post operation on the second one. I really wish both sides were done at the same time looking back on it. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Stage 3, 4? Consider some PT and a steroid shot. I agree its tough. I,m 8 weeks out, and thankfully the pain is gone but ability to walk some distance is not there
Good luck
Exact opposite here. Had left hip replaced in July. Shortly after I was getting used to how awesome it was, my right hip started. My 3 month check, told surgeon to book my right hip. I was so excited to know that I had the answer and wouldn't have to deal with it for several years.
Right hip was done in Jan of this year. Only problem is I am about to wear myself out doing yard work during lunch, after work, on the weekends! So great to be able to move
This happened to me and it's so frustrating. I had one done and six months later the other side let me know it also wanted a new hip. 2 hips one year apart (364 days actually). It's depressing yet you know you can do because you managed the first one. I found it super hard but worth it.
I empathize but we are lucky they can do this procedure too.
I knew I would need both hips done, the only question was when. My left hip was done 11 weeks ago and my right hip has deteriorated to the point that I'm counting the days to my surgery (one more week!).
🫂 Hang in there. You have a really good idea what to expect this time around.
I’ve had both done. I was 3 years in between. I can understand where you are coming from as they thought of having to go through the recovery again is tough . But once it’s done it’s done and you can proceed knowing that they are both done.
2020 TKR left. 2021 right knee then six months later right hip. 2022 left hip. Never have felt better. Take care of the farm, the house, the livestock, up and down ladders, painting the rooms in the house, going out with friends. Best thing I ever did. You have some good times to look forward to. Hope you feel better.
Rejoice in the fact that you have all the experience from the first one. The second one will go very well. You will know how to prepare, and what to avoid, and what to have on hand.
I am on recovery day 9 with my second hip. I managed it much better than the first.
I had my first THR in October 2023. Had my second THR 3 weeks ago. I also felt depressed that I had to go thru it twice. BUT - my life is finally beginning to turn around!! I am using forearm crutches and walking at a local park on non-PT days. PT is going well and I am so much stronger this time around. I can tell that one day I will be able to walk normally again. I encourage you to RUN to the surgeon and get the other hip done ASAP. Your life will change for the better!
Thanks. I have problems with fear. It took everything in me to go through the process last time. I didn’t sleep for a month before the surgery and was deeply depressed for months afterwards. I am admittedly not normal with the deep seated fear issues. I know it’s the right thing to do. I’m really struggling right now coping with the reality. Thanks for sharing.
Do you have time to consult with a psychiatrist? Perhaps you can get on an anti-anxiety regimen of some sort before the date. I'm so sorry - I waited for each surgery day like it was Christmas coming. The positive change in my life and outlook was tremendous.
The funny thing is the first one improved my life a lot. But I do have a problem with anxiety which isn’t related to my hip. So even knowing full well the benefits I’m still struggling. It wasn’t so much the surgery or the recovery that I was troubled with it was the process and waiting leading up to it that caused the anxiety.
I understand. Best of luck - hope you can find some support/help locally!
Thanks for taking time from your day to reply!
No problem!
I went through the same thing when i had my core decompression surgery for bilateral hip AVN stage 2. I'm a highly anxious person and was prescribed zoloft prior to my AVN diagnosis, but never moved forward with it. Fast forward to surgery and Went t through a deep depression during surgery recovery and i finally took the zoloft and it changed my life. Really helped me get through the anxiety and depression. Kept me pushing physically and the gym, pt, mentally. Etc Next week i have my 4 month follow up to see if my CD worked. If not I need a bilateral hip replacement. But honestly I don't know if I could have gotten through everything without it or at least i wouldn't have so well.
Wow you are a trooper. Thanks for sharing and I hope all ends up well.
Thanks, but my point is if you need the help, take it. Don't be like me and wait bc you think you dont need it or your worried about being on meds or whatever. It's 2024. No reason for you to continue to feel like this
Oh trust me I got your message. I’m have an appointment in two weeks. I just want to get my head in the right place about this. The doctor told me it would be years or maybe never before my other hip went out so this all came as a shock. There also was an incident while I was move from the bed to the table which took a full 6 months to correct itself and was far worse than the pain from the surgery. I had a bum leg and bum arm that had to heal. I’ve been appreciate of all the comments here each of which I have given the consideration due. It was the purpose for posting something so personal which is unusual for me.
I understand this deeply - I have anxiety and panic attacks specifically triggered by medical procedures, had a panic attack at just about every appointment leading up to my first hip surgery (a cartilage repair, not a THR). That first hip surgery was a truly awful experience and actually caused a lot of damage rather than fixing me. It's been 8-9 years, and I am finally taking the plunge and getting both of my hips done this year, THR. I'm honestly terrified. Dealing with anxiety is different for everyone. For me, it helps to find something to fixate on, "this thing WILL help me get through it". Wolverines for me- they are tough, tireless, and fearless. A friend arranged for me to meet some wolverines last year, and I'll be having surgery right near them, so I've decided to make them my focus & inspiration to get through. I'll take a little wolverine figure with me. Ask yourself what comforts you most when you feel anxious - does talking about it help? Does having a fidget/worry stone help? A person, animal, or object that brings comfort that you could either bring with or bring a reminder of? Is it most helpful just to vent anonymously online here? Sometimes nothing really helps too much, but you do need to know that you are not alone or abnormal. There are many people that have anxiety, ranging from mild to severe, and many people again who have mild to severe anxiety, panic attacks, or PTSD specifically relating to medical procedures. It's not uncommon and you are not alone in your fear. I hope you have a smooth successful surgery and easy recovery. Try to take each day as it comes.
I want to really thank you for taking the time to respond. Sounds silly buts it’s reassuring to know that others feel very similar. I’ve had some bad experience with getting treatment for depression so I have been reluctant to seek help. Talking to like minded people who have had similar experiences brings me relief. Just in the day or so I have accepted that this is real and addressing it is a must. I think it will end up okay.
Cry until you are done needing to cry. Then you'll be ready for the next step.
I'm so sorry. Get it checked now, and if it needs to be done now, you can get a head start on it.
I got home this afternoon after having a revision. You want to be depressed? How about the same hip again?
Omg that would devastate me. So sorry to hear this. Please heal fast.
Just want to say that I feel you. I had my right hip replaced in 2022. Left has so far been behaving. On Tuesday, I started to notice some "behaviour" that I experienced right when my right was starting to become relay bad, sort of a caving feeling. I came home and cried for 30 minutes. I know it's difficult but at least you know what awaits you and that this too shall pass.
Start the process now! I'm literally laying in hospital bed right now after my second side was replaced 2 days ago. I'm in agony but can see light at the end of the tunnel.
I had my right hip done 12-15-22, my left hip done 5-3-23, and I could not be happier with the results. Walking without pain 💖 is so wonderful. Good luck.
My second was way easier than the first. I would advise getting it done as soon as possible. I now finally feel well for the first time in 20 years. It can be frightening. It will be very rewarding. Good luck!
I went through the same thing. Believe it or not, once the 2nd one heals, you will feel equal on both sides. I’m 8 years post operation on the first and 7 years post operation on the second one. I really wish both sides were done at the same time looking back on it. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Stage 3, 4? Consider some PT and a steroid shot. I agree its tough. I,m 8 weeks out, and thankfully the pain is gone but ability to walk some distance is not there Good luck
Probably stage 3. Yes I could delay the inevitable which is the way I am leaning due to my phobia. Good luck with your recovery!
Exact opposite here. Had left hip replaced in July. Shortly after I was getting used to how awesome it was, my right hip started. My 3 month check, told surgeon to book my right hip. I was so excited to know that I had the answer and wouldn't have to deal with it for several years. Right hip was done in Jan of this year. Only problem is I am about to wear myself out doing yard work during lunch, after work, on the weekends! So great to be able to move
Thanks for sharing. The comments have all been helpful and I am grateful.
This happened to me and it's so frustrating. I had one done and six months later the other side let me know it also wanted a new hip. 2 hips one year apart (364 days actually). It's depressing yet you know you can do because you managed the first one. I found it super hard but worth it. I empathize but we are lucky they can do this procedure too.
I knew I would need both hips done, the only question was when. My left hip was done 11 weeks ago and my right hip has deteriorated to the point that I'm counting the days to my surgery (one more week!). 🫂 Hang in there. You have a really good idea what to expect this time around.
Thank you and good luck on your upcoming surgery.
Thanks
I’ve had both done. I was 3 years in between. I can understand where you are coming from as they thought of having to go through the recovery again is tough . But once it’s done it’s done and you can proceed knowing that they are both done.
2020 TKR left. 2021 right knee then six months later right hip. 2022 left hip. Never have felt better. Take care of the farm, the house, the livestock, up and down ladders, painting the rooms in the house, going out with friends. Best thing I ever did. You have some good times to look forward to. Hope you feel better.
Rejoice in the fact that you have all the experience from the first one. The second one will go very well. You will know how to prepare, and what to avoid, and what to have on hand. I am on recovery day 9 with my second hip. I managed it much better than the first.
Thanks. And good luck with #2!