Questions about Hip Replacement

[Leeaelle]

Hi folks ~ I have a question. I have a hip that is ready to break at any time due to severe osteoporosis. My question is, since I have this so bad, how would they be able to "attach" a new hip to me since my bones are so badly damaged? I know I should be asking my doctor, but he's always so darned rushed when I see him. I know I should change docs, but he's the ONLY doc in my area who treats chronic pain, and I've suffered with that for 20 years due to a deteriorating spine. And believe me, I've looked for other doctors but no others will Rx pain meds. Too scared of the DEA.

Anyway, any comments on how they'd attach a new hip? Thanks for any help. Peace, Lee ;)

[Jim59]

I broke my left hip in 2002 when it was discovered that I had very bad osteoporosis. It developed because of seizure medication. I'm paralyzed on that side from a stroke. I have reduced muscle mass because of atrophy of the muscles from the stroke. My hip was repaired with three screws that held the bones together as they healed. I started on Fosamax back then and continue to take it to today. I have a bone density test every two years to monitor it. It took 5 or 6 years of drug therapy and calcium supplements to show improvement. I went from severe osteoporosis to osteoporosis to osteopenia. My doctor thinks that I'll need Fosamax, there is a generic now, for life to protect me from future hip fractures. If you have OK muscles then you can probably have a total hip replacement which doesn't rely as much on your bone mass. They do the hip replacement on lots of older men and women so I wouldn't worry about your bones. Good luck to you.
Jim

[Leeaelle]

Hi Jim ~ Thanks so much for your reply! So evidently they don't have to attach the hip to other bones?

At any rate, I'm relieved to find out that it can be done! I had visions that I'd be bed-ridden or something! Whew!!! I"m on Evista right now for Osteoporosis. I couldn't take Fosamax because I had to have a LOT of dental work, and my Oral surgeon and Dentist both said that they wouldn't work on me as long as I was taking Fosamax due to the chance of "Dead Jaw." That's a real threat with that drug, so I had to get off of it.

I do take the Calcium with Iron & Vitamin D now, although I read somewhere that we should be taking much more Vitamin D that we think we should. My doc never mentioned that. Hmm.

I'm AMAZED at how much bone you've regained! Good for you! Thanks again for the info! And take care of yourself! Peace, Lee :D

[linniec]

My story mirrors Jim's. I broke my hip at age 57. Everything that Jim says is true. I continue taking the generic form of Fosamax as well as a regimen of self-prescribed calcium+Vitamin D. I am also keenly aware of the role of exercise in bone-maintenance.


Linnie