hip replacement

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Permalink Reply by Guy Boss on July 12, 2009 at 12:42am

Kevin,

I understand your reluctance. I was first told I should have my knees replaced in 1976, but for a variety of reasons including not liking what they considered a 'success' at the time and a severe case of cowardice, I waited until 1992. It's not an easy decision. I know knees aren't the same as hips, but like an old Wendy's or KFC commercial said, "parts are parts."

I was puzzled by your doctor's statement about hemophilia causing a shorter than normal lifespan for the prosthesis. When my knees were done my orthopedic surgeon felt they should last the usual fifteen to twenty years. As it is, I had to have the left one replaced in 2006 because of an infection, but my current doctor (the first one retired) thinks the right one is easily good for another five years. I did a Google search for 'hip replacements in hemophiliacs' and a few of the articles did say that the lifespan of the prosthesis was shorter for us, but others reported very good results. The one thing I noticed was that the more pessimistic articles studied guys who had their operations in the 70s and 80s. Procedures and/or materials should be vastly different now.

I can't tell you what to do because that decision depends on a multitude of factors (not just VIII or IX) that you, your loved ones and doctors will have to weigh; but I can tell you that when I finally decided it was time it was, for me, one of the best decisions I've made. (And one of the most frightening.)

Good luck, and like Red Green says, I'm pulling for you. We're all in this together.

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Permalink Reply by kevin on July 12, 2009 at 5:52pm

Thanks Guy for your addvise I really needed to hear from another hemophiliac. I am going for my clinic visit this week and will discuss it farther with my hemotologist and infectious disease doctors.

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Permalink Reply by Tom Albright on July 12, 2009 at 7:28pm

I had my first hip replacement on 4/23/2009.
I would start by looking around for the best surgeon. I'm not so sure that statement your surgeon made about lasting only 8-12 years is accurate; I certainly hope it isn't... My surgeon had done knee & hip replacements on several hemophiliacs before me; that was beneficial. My HTC referred me to my surgeon even though I had to use a different hematologist who had Dr.'s rights at my surgery hospital.
You also need a very good hematologist with experience in hemophilia to become totally involed in the surgery process. My hematologist was in the surgical prep area when I had my surgery; making sure my factor was being administered properly. She also visited me in my hosp. room. I only stayed in the hospital for 72 hours after surgery; then went straight home. I chose to have my hip replaced in Kansas City ( 3 hours from home) instead of going with a commmunity hospital/ orthopedist/ hematologist. I'm glad I did; it was worth the drive.
I had a total knee replacement in 2004. I never have gotten an infection in that joint. I always take 2000 mg of Amoxicillin 1 hour before my 6-month dental cleanings. I haven't got any infection in my new hip either. My new hip had very little swelling from surgery and the incision was small; was taped closed; not stapled or stitched on the outside. I love my new hip and knee.
Good luck...

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