Are you considering a hip and/or knee replacement?

I have had three hip replacements. The first with a 1" ball and short angular aarm proceded to be displaced five times up to separation of about 3 inches, resulting in 5 ambulance trips to the hospital for restoration. The result ended in replacement with a ball joint 1.5" diameter, which did not pop out . I exercised extreme care for over a year to avoid stretching the muscles any again. I have had this joint over 6 years now. The right hip followed the left and the replacement matched in size to keep them equal... The results have been good. I notice any displacement ahead of any real movement and carefully back off of any strain on them. My joints were removeal aof the ball from the femor and a 8" taper driven down into the thigh bone. The socket was reamed and a stainless steel shell with a linear polyethylene bearing about 3/8" thick press fit inside. The 1 1/2" Ball is attached to a short bent arm about 1 1/4" long that limits the arc of movement.Bothe the ball and the arm were replaced after one year on the left hip.

I had a minimally invasive total hip replacement in June 2006. 50 years ago - I was born without a hip socket and a tiny ball joint on the femur of my left leg. Although I have walked with a limp for many years, use a cane and have major problems with my lower back (radiculopathy, narrowed facets, bulging discs), not one of about 24 doctors I had prior to 2005 ever even noticed my congenital defects of the left hip, pelvis and missing T-14 ribs!!!

Anyway, I was hospitalized for 4 days, and sent home to rest and begin physical therapy. The surgery only took about 60 mins. and my 3" incision is right on my hip. This type of surgery does not cut muscles or nerves, as they are only gently moved away. It was a joy to be able to walk without much pain that very week, and within about 15 days had no discomfort at all.

The physical therapy afterward is mandatory! It will strengthen your legs and core, help you learn to walk properly, and teach you how to manage your daily activities without damaging your new implant.

Things I recommend before surgery:
• begin exercising now - the stronger you are, the faster you will heal.
• take Zinc in doses of 100-200mgs per day - zinc helps speed the healing process, and I take it daily.
• get a DEXA (bone density) scan - it will determine how healthy/dense your bones are, and if you need prescription supplements.
• take vitamin D3 in doses of 1000-2000mgs/day on a daily basis - it helps keep your bones strong.
• develop ways to relax your mind and muscles; just 4 long, deep breathes with your brain on "hold" can really help; I have learned self-hypnosis, and it is a fantastic way to deal with pain and stress.
* about 5 days before surgery, bathe with an anti-bacterial soap; take it with you to the hospital, and gently clean your hip the around the incision several times a day; this will go a long way to stop the MERSA infection; continue washing with this as long as your incision is not completely healed.

Most of all - be happy!! Your grinding pain will be gone, and you will be on the dance floor soon. If you are still in pain (like before surgery) after about 10 days, call your doctor.

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