Question
My husband had a hip replacement ten years ago at the age of 30.  Since then, the pain he has in his lower back and hip area have been increasing every year.  Now he is in pain every day and it causes bloating in his stomach.  It is worse during periods of weather change which makes him think it is just arthritis and he gets depressed thinking that there is no help.  We have tried everything OTC as far as rubs and massages.  He is already on celebrex (which he takes regularly) and Tramadol (which he takes only when the pain gets really bad).  Is there anything we should be talking to the docs about that could help further?  Anything you know of to help at least the bloating issue?  Is it time to look into another replacement?  He is pretty closed to that idea but I would push him if I thought it would really help.  ANy advice you could offer would really be appreciated.  We just got married two months ago and it breaks my heart to see him in so much pain.  Thank you so much for your help,  Kathy

Answer
Hi Kathy

I'm not quite sure how his stomach bloating would connect with his pain issues unless he is having some sort of reaction to something he is taking for pain.

A ten year old hip needs to be followed on a regular basis.  If he has not been in touch with his orthopod, he needs to get an x ray to see if the hip is failing.  It may be that he needs a revision.

Pain in the back and hip area can be due to his legs being different lengths, which will throw off his gait.  If that is the problem, a small lift can be made that he can slip into his shoe.  This will even out his gait and lessen his pain almost immediately.

Have him use heat at night.  If his muscles are affected,the heat will help.  If it is the replacement, then the heat will not help.  It may soothe him, but if the prosthesis needs to be replaced, his pain will only get worse and he will have to replace it.

I have never had change of weather affect me in the hips because the bones are no longer there, so it may be, as he thinks, arthritis in another area.

Have him see his doctor for a diagnosis.

I hope I have answered your questions.  If not, please let me know

Sharon