[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Reston Easy

Tough decision,

One Dr. said hip replacement.
2nd opinion doc says cortisone injections could possibly buy a little more time.
Both docs see "severe" condition from MRI

Appreciate your help, I'm in pain.
Thanks!

I never give specific medical advice to specific individuals on this forum. That being said, I can't say I disagree with the majority of opinions posted on this thread.

[martine48]

If you are in so much pain it sounds like injecting won't work for long.
I had a hip replacement over 10 years ago following a accident. It is a minor operation especially as pain is concerned compared to a knee replacement which I had 6 months ago by Dr Duke in Ocala. I would seriously recommend Dr Duke for your surgery. It's all he does, hip and knee replacements. According to his web site he has done more than ten thousand. He has a very well run organization and I think you would we well satisfied

[BruggsNC1]

Another bad part about waiting is....your gait pattern is affected by your arthritic hip. This affects the kinetic chain. So, you will start to tear up your other joints as well. You will probably start to notice that you are having knee pains, or ankle pains or back pain.

[Villages Kahuna]

Having had both hips done myself, I’d ask you “why buy time”. Getting a new hip, walking normally again, not living in constant pain—the decision is a no-brainer.

When you select an orthopaedic surgeon make sure he will do the procedure using the anterior approach. As opposed to a large incision on your hip/buttock, the anterior incision is a small one on the front of your hip. Recovery and rehab time is materially shortened if the prosthesis is installed using the anterior incision.

An excellent Orthopaedic surgeon is Dr. Steve Nguyen. He operates at Dr. Phillips Hospital in Orlando and has offices both in Orlando as well as on Route 44 here in The Villages.

[MrFlorida]

Do it now, all my friends that waited were sorry they didn't do it sooner.

[vagent711]

I have the same situation. Got two opinions. Both said I could try the shots and see what happens. I did and so far pain free for 6 months. Will keep getting the injections until they don’t work for more than 3 months. Then, I’ll go for replacement

[airstreamingypsy]

Seven years ago, my hip hurt so much I thought I would need a hip replacement. Went to Dr. Messiah and he gave me cortisone injection...... it has never bothered me since.

[kansei]

I had a shot but it didn't really help. Hip replacement scheduled. Have the shot , it may help Temporarily. Keep in mind , at some point, you may need a replacement. Better to have it at an earlier age .

[Belva100$]

If you have never had metal put into your body before, the toughest part of the surgery is the mental part. Just had a new should put in. Did the PT. and on my way to using the arm again.

[mikemalloy]

I am 13 days post op as I write this. Received a cortisone injection in Dec. and had relief for less than 3 weeks. Decided to forgo any further delay and have the hip replaced. Recovery seems to be going well and I hope to be driving a car in 2 weeks and a golf ball in 4. Glad I chose the replacement.

[Stu from NYC]

Remarkable how far along this surgery has come in past 35 years since my mom had her hip done and spent weeks in a rehab facility.

[LianneMigiano]

Originally Posted by Mudder

Well buying more time sounds like a good idea, but meanwhile everyday you are getting older. If both docs said severe I'd go for replacement, why wait?

I've had cortisone shots in various places with pain over the past 4+ years. They only lasted a short while and then the pain returned with a vengeance.

[Bishop]

I had a total hip replacement in 2019 and have had not problems with it since. My doctor was Timothy Van de Leur and the surgery was done at The Villages Hospital Joint floor. I stayed overnight only because my surgery was in the afternoon. Recovery was fairly rapid and uneventful. Don’t wait - your hip will only get worse.

[Toymeister]

All of the advice given so far, except one poster, has been given without reference to the ages of the patient are of limited value.

I would wait because I am young enough that I can outlive the serviceable life of a replacement hip.

[collegeref]

I had shoulder pain that would bring tears to my eyes and bags of ice for hours.
Doctors:
1. Injected 2x said I need surgery.
2. Injected again (no relief) said I didn’t need knife.
3. Said injection wouldn’t work
I needed surgery and I would be fine after 9 month recoup
4. Ah Doctor 4 in NC that my first words to him was how soon can you do the surgery.
He replied back this:
“ I make my money doing surgery, if that were my shoulder I wouldn’t have surgery done “
I replied with disbelief are you suggesting another shot ?
He replied, “ I would “.

Cured.