Question
Due to AVN caused by steroids, both of my hips have been replaced. One in '03 and the other in '04. I continue to have serious pain issues with both but mostly with the '03 surgery. X-rays, CTscans and a variety of other tests have given little if any explanation for my continuing problem. Dr's just sort of shrug and wish me the best. However, I have (thru my GP) been working with a pain specialist and PT person the last several months. While the pain is now being more or less controlled with narcotics, I really wish there was someone who could tell me why I didn't receive the 'advertised' results. ie: the ability to walk or even run without pain. I used to be very active/athletic and that is no more. I wasn't expecting miracles but was hoping for a better life. Currently, I can only work part time and have had to up my meds just to move around.
The question is: Do I have a reasonable chance of finding a way around this? The meds work but bring with them problems I'm sure you're aware of. The PT lasts only briefly. Suggestions? DF

Answer
Hi David
We had the same problem, AVN due to steriods.  I am on my fourth pair of hips, both hips revised four times in eight different surgeries.  I also had and still do sometimes have pain issues.  

I cannot take anti-inflammatories so I do have to go through the narcotic route just like you.  Currently I am not on anything except a tylenol III once and awhile.   I was on the morphine patch but was so sick on it, I weaned myself off.  It was awful.  I did go for PT and they found that one leg was almost 3/4 of an inch shorter than the other, and I got a 1/2 in lift for my shoe and I immediately felt much better.  Have you had your legs measured?  The difference in leg length can cause spine, hip and knee pain.  Once that is corrected, if it is one of the problems you have, you will feel better.

If you were very athletic in the first place, I am surprised your doctors did not tell you that your life would change.  Most people with AVN, regardless of their athletic ability prior to getting AVN, gradually lose any athletic abilities they have as the disease gets worse.  At the end, they are so badly in pain they don't care about sports anymore and just want the replacements to ease pain.  

Your life does change and as a THR patient you have to resolve that emotionally before you can get better.  I tend to think you may be a bit depressed and you are wanting back a life you no longer have due to AVN. I know that sounds terrible, but you haven't lost anything in life, you have actually gained.  ASk yourself where you would be if you did not have the replacement?  Probably in time, you'd be in a wheelchair.  I'm sure you know that deep down.

Work with what you have David.  See if your legs are the same length, if not, get a shoe lift.  That will help.  If you are working part time, try to get in a bit of water walking or swimming.  Just being able to move in a pool will help you feel better.  Trust me on that.  No matter how bad my pain, being in the water always made me feel free again.  Look for ways to drop the amount of narcotic pain meds you are taking if you can.  Try meditation, try visualization, and try deep breathing. It may sound crazy, but try it.  Try anything.  Look on the internet for non drug pain therapies.  

You might want to go to a reputable mental health person.  I did that and still do see one at times.  It really helps.  Whenever I went for surgery on my hips, I took anti-depressants until I got my life back, because I knew the loss of independance would affect me emotionally.   

Life goes on and you need to find ways to feel needed.  I found that by working with people who have less than me in volunteering for things.  YOu don't say if you are married or committed to someone.  If you are, use that person as a support.  And it's OK to mourn, but you have to mourn, grieve for what you lost and then pick yourself up and move on to the better times.

I hope I have helped you.

Sharon