Hip problems are brutal, been there before :( Mine (mostly) resolved when I addressed some other underlying issues but I was also seriously considering joint replacement for a bit!
The surgery and downtime are no joke, but everyone I've talked to who went through with a replacement was glad they did. I even know at least one guy who now works on his feet all day. Not saying to just take the plunge now, but if you ever do, the outcomes seem pretty damn good.
Yes - it’s a bit ironic that I have an extremely rare condition (Perthes disease) that ultimately may be resolved by a very common surgery. And it is known as one of the best as far as outcomes - the Lancet called it the surgery of the century, so I do at least have some hope there.
Good to hear you were able to mostly resolve your issue. Given your name I’m assuming you have ankylosing spondylitis - I certainly see that in joint replacement forums from time to time, often people younger than I at this point who are facing more joint issues than myself.
Damn, I recently learned about Perthes and it does not sound fun. Glad you're managing for now but I hope you get some relief in the future, through surgery or otherwise.
And yep, spondylitis with a side of hip bursitis, so Perthes hits close to home. Eventually I figured out I have colitis, started to treat that, and the arthritis got 90% better. Also I learned that some people with really aggressive colitis who go on steroids for years wind up with osteoporosis so bad that they need... hip replacement surgery, lol. It all comes full circle!
The surgery and downtime are no joke, but everyone I've talked to who went through with a replacement was glad they did. I even know at least one guy who now works on his feet all day. Not saying to just take the plunge now, but if you ever do, the outcomes seem pretty damn good.