So I thought I would answer some of the questions you have been asking me. The likely-hood is someone also wants to know the answer.
Was the operation worth it?
YES! YES! X1000 YES!
I can't sugarcoat it and say it will be easy, it won't, but it will be worth it. I have cried, had tantrums and then cried a bit more, mainly about having to have the replacement but the most exciting thing is, I am over the hard bit. No longer am I on a helta-skelta spiral down into more pain and restriction. Instead I am ¼ of the way up a long set of stairs leading towards no pain and no limitations. There is still a long way still to go, but there is also a long path behind me.
I was very lucky to be covered by my Dad's work’s private medical insurance, so my hip replacement was performed by Mr Johan Witt at the London Clinic. (His website link can be found on the links page).
What prosthesis was used?
My prosthesis is ceramic-on-ceramic with no cement to make the replacement last as long as possible, due to my age. Typically the cement deteriorates first, requiring a second or even third replacement. The lack of cement means my bone can in-twine and grow into the replacement, hopefully increasing its longevity. From my research (links on links page), I believe ceramic was chosen to eliminate the risk of metal in the blood, caused by a full metal replacement. While the repercussions of slight metal in the blood are currently unknown, I personally feel it is best to avoid it.
Why do you think your treatment as a toddler didn't help prevent you needing treatment as an adult?
When I was little and undergoing treatment, my parents were told I might never walk properly, let alone run. They pushed for the best treatment and for the best outcome, but the aim was simple, to get me walking, the future wasn't a consideration with the present being in jeopardy. My outcome beat all expectations and I even managed played hockey to county level.
A hip replacement was always on the cards and my parents expected it, but more towards my 40's, not aged 20. The reason for this earlier replacement is very much unknown. It could be due to the complexity of my medical history, or it could have been due to my level of sport, no one will ever know. My advice to parents dealing with DDH is not to consider the implications of treatment as a toddler, strive for the best for your child now. Who knows were medical advances will take DDH or hip replacement treatment in the future.
Would you advise getting a raised toilet seat?
To wee, or not to wee, - how is the question…
100%, in fact you have to, the hospital won't let you leave hospital without a raised loo seat
Something I discovered was very helpful for going out and about was a Shewee, transporting your own toilet seat is, one, very difficult and two, not very stylish.
A Shewee is, ‘a urinating device that allows women to urinate without removing clothes whilst standing or sitting’. While I am sure many of you will have seen these at festivals, this will transport you from camping to glamping, they are also highly practical. Directly after a hip replacement, sitting down is hard at the best of times, let alone trying to sit down in an unclean public toilet. So why would I put myself through all that stress when a Shewee can solve everything?
No one has to know you use one, but I guarantee it will make life SO much easier.
A few blogs back, you talked about shoes... you said you'd had your weight distribution analysed, and I wondered where and who by?
I have been doing my research for this question. My weight distribution through my feet was analysed while at the London ski show. I am not saying you should go there just for that but your local ski boot shop might have one.
Some Snow and Rock or JJB stores plus most specialist running shops use a running machine and slow-mo camera to analyse your gait when you run. Be careful though, some charge for this service and I would advise ringing ahead to make sure its working.
I hope the answers to these questions are helpful, please feel free to message me with any more questions you might have!
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