Partial hip replacement and ME

[Sallyagerharris]

Unfortunately on 3 January I fell whilst at home alone, took 90 mins to turn on floor and inch to phone to call my husband. Anyway I’d badly broken my hip at the age of 57 (ME since 2006, stroke 55). Apart from lack of pain relief the care was amazing and 10 days later I was home and now having physio at home and onto crutches.

Im learning by error by limits as slightly overdoing it on Sunday and then physio Monday and sleeping since then. I realise that the normal 3 months recovery is 6 for me. As I tripped and fell whilst heading for the printer to pick up my 2023 list of stupid things not to do, I’m taking this as an opportunity to try and recover a bit with ME having had several cumulative bad years after I took over my brothers life when he was seriously sick for 8 months which destroyed me.

So I’m slowing my daily hip exercises down. But would love to know any other experience of breaks / hip replacements and recovery. I use a powerchair outside of the home and on bad days inside. So I’m not in great shape. The fall has reinforced that my life of dog walking possibly 3 days a week can survive but not walks more my dog by river and swimming or just playing with her in one field and no charging off across rough terrain flat out in my 4x4 all terrain powerchair. I’d done this 2 weeks before well covered but in pouring rain and wind. We raced around and it was freedom and exhilarating but I need to be even more careful. So I hold those memories close.

OK all advice most welcome and thank you.

Sally

 

[Hufsamor]

I have no advice, but would just say I’m sorry
I’m very sorry for your broken hip, and

everything’s kind of double difficult for one with me/cfs.

 

[Jyoti]

I’m very sorry for your broken hip, and

everything’s kind of double difficult for one with me/cfs.

Readily echo this! I am sorry to hear. It sounds like literally one thing after another.

I’m taking this as an opportunity to try and recover a bit with ME having had several cumulative bad years after I took over my brothers life when he was seriously sick for 8 months which destroyed me.

I have not broken a hip but a few years ago I did get run into by a charging dog who smashed my tibia. I was put on bedrest--no weight bearing--for two to three months. It was tricky in some ways, but as a result, my ME improved rather dramatically. Of course I got use of my leg back and starting doing too much rather soon after, but the time of enforced rest was really a blessing.

I hope that in some (similar) strange way it will be that for you as well.

 

[lenora]

Hello.....I'm a 75 yr. old woman with severe osteoporosis. I'll be taken off my med, Fosamax, for a "vacation" in April. I've been on it since I was probably 40.....osteoporosis has been a long battle for me. It seems that something is always broken.

Last January, I fell....just fell while standing, and ended up multiple pelvic fractures and of course, new vertebrae that were injured. My back is one big mess. I have no idea what to do or take when I'm on this vacation from Fosamax. I know these drugs are all supposed to be dangerous, but osteoporosis definitely ranks up there. Besides, I feel that Fosamax has stopped really bad breaks from occurring.

Insofar as having a hip replacement (or partial) @Sallyagerharris, I don't think I'd be inclined to do it. My pelvic fractures had me bedridden for a year, I still have considerable pain and I look at things this way: They can always be worse and it has happened to me. Yes, I feel the hip will break naturally on its own and I don't know what my answer about surgery will be. I'm tired of pain, fatigue...oh, the usual. It has been over 35 yrs. that I've been ill and yes, I'm old now and these things are expected. Still no real answers, though. My Dr. wants me to have an injection of Prolia every 6 mos. instead of the Fosamax. I told her, politely, "No" as I've had two friends who have been on it and both had severe pain and the usual features of FM (which I also have). So, I don't feel that's the answer and won't be heading in that direction.

If anyone has ideas for both of us, please let us know. Yours, Lenora

 

[Sallyagerharris]

I’m glad to say I seem to be through the worst. Bed / recliner enforced rest is defo helping my ME!!!! The hip and leg are healing nicely. I have a bone scan tomorrow so I can compare the results to my last one a few years ago now. It’ll be interesting to see what they recommend for the osteoporosi!!! I’m assuming it is but have had blood bests to check for other causes so also waiting for the results of that

 

[lenora]

Hi....I'm just coming off years of Fosamax and have declined to be given Prolia (injection for 6 mos. at a time).

I would be very interested in what you're going to be told; a lot of us would be, I'm sure.

Very glad that you've made such wonderful progress. I'm sure you'll continue to do so. Yours, Lenora

 

[Sallyagerharris]

Hi Leonora,

the nurse practitioner I chatted to has said it’s likely to be zoledronate. 50% reviews fab 50% terrifying!!! Apparently you have it intravenously once a year in hospital and think she said every 3 years.

 

[lenora]

Thanks @Sallyagerharris. This is a complicated matter and they all seem to come with the same side-effect. My mouth is OK (apart from general wear, tear & age) but I don't want a broken femur.

I went back on Fosamax until April, at which time it won't be filled, so my inclination is to wait and go back on it whenever the internist feels I should. Parents must go insane when their children are ill and they have to make all of the decisions.

I'm so happy that you're doing much better. A little R & R, huh? Yours, Lenora

 

[Sallyagerharris]

Just an update. I had my bone scan yesterday which revealed severe osteoporosi!! I just laughed as I had a stroke at 55, my hip this year …. Plus super ME. I use a powerchair as cannot stand of walk much. Anyway I’ll now be researching all the treatments. Sort of hoping they find another cause for the osteo from the blood tests that could be fixed although the bones from what I’ve read so far are at no repair stage!! I’ll look forward to my 58th birthday tomorrow. Big hugs everyone

 

[Sallyagerharris]

My bone scan score 3.6 which is just so so rubbish as 4.0 is the highest reading they give. Bit upset as another life blow …

 

[lenora]

Hi Sally.....All I can say that is as we age more and more things "get in the way." I look at this problem as one of them and will fight it off for as long as I can.

I also have two different types of epilepsy & other problems, and really having seizures was one of the best things that happened to me. Fortunately, they happened in the ER and two doctors saw them and now I'm on the right type of medication. Obviously the seizures had something to do with my prior broken bones. Still, it doesn't change the fact that osteoporosis is a big part of my life and my balance leaves a lot to be desired.

Do your very best. If you walk with a cane, then that's what you'll do. Unfortunately youth and perfection disappear with each year. Focus on the gains in life (which this illness does also deliver...and no, I'm not talking about those afflicted with the very worst situation). I've been up and down for more than 35 years...well, a lot longer than that. Life presents us with many challenges and we can only meet and adjust to them. I do wish you well....and Happy 58th....make it special. You'll never be 58 again. Yours, Lenora