Question
Hi Sharon,
I'm a 40 year old who was born with hip dyplasia on the left side. It was noticed a bit late, and docs tell me now that the surgery I had at 18 months was too late to be very effective. I have had a limp since high school and developed arthritis in the hip in my 30s. I am considering hip replacement, but wondering if I should try to wait longer. My doctor tells me that at this point, it is totally up to me (I think he would like for me to try to wait, but he hasn't actually said it). The arthritis is pretty advanced and I am restricted in my activities, but still have pretty good flexibility, all things considered. However, the pain is quite bad sometimes and I can't walk as long without a cane as I would like. I have had others who have had the hip replacement advise me to go ahead before the joint deteriorates further.

Any insight you could share from your own experience would be appreciated. Thanks!

Best regards,
Jeannine

Answer
Hi Jeanine

I am sorry for the pain you are going through.  Here's my take on it.

You're young, and your quality of life is being effected in a negative way.  I had my first set of hips put in at 14, and if I did not have the surgery at that time, I would not have been able to go to college, get married and have children.  I'd be in a wheelchair.  The doctors left the decision to my parents, who knew all the risks of letting me have the surgery so young.  The knew I would need revisions.  

I had to have four revisions on each side, you will not need that many revisons because the protheses have come so far and are so much better than they were when I had my first hips put in.  

You will have restrictions after the surgery on what activities you can do.  You can't do contact sports, you can't ice skate, you may not be able to ski, but you will, essentially have a normal life.  At this point, you are certain that your pain will only get worse and your life will only get more limited.  That is for certain.  

After my first surgery, I completed college and graduate school, I married, toured France and England and went on to have two healthy children.  I would not have been able to do that if I waited to have the surgery.  I  have had revisions every 10-15 years, but I still manage to hold down a full time job, and have an essentially normal lifestyle.

As you can see, my opinion is to get the surgery now.  You don't know how many improvements will happen in the years to come. Why limit yourself to not being able to do what you want to in life at the age of 30?  You're young, and if this is the only thing holding you back, and giving you pain, go for the surgery.

Ask your doctor if you can be put in contact with his younger patients to speak to them too.  That will also help you make a decision.  Please contact me after you have made your decision, I'd like to see what you have decided.