Deg Arthritic Hip Surgery???

[Frank J. Perrotta]

Being the most stubborn human on earth, my father has gone over six weeks and half a hundred falls with a torn up right hip and something with his knee??? where he can now NOT walk and was forced into the er hospital.

This was about 48+ hours ago and we now find him nearing total dementia where previous he was following instructions (even in the ambulance that brought him into the er).

About 24 hours ago they attempted to do an MRI but he would not keep it together (mentally) so that was scrubbed. When I arrived he settled down and they were able to get a CAT scan done.

These tests have not shown that he had a broken hip or (more likely) a degeneration of his hip due to arthritis. Not sure why this is important - we obviously do not understand what is involved in a hip replacement! It seems that the hip is not really replaced???

We were told by the surgeon that if it is a degeneration of the hip that is a much more complicated procedure and would have to be done at a major hospital not locally.

Since they cant get the MRI done they are assuming that it is not a break but a degeneration... Can someone explain the difference and if we are getting the correct info? Currently they are going to go with rehab and see how things go instead of surgery. But we wanna get dad out of the hospital asap as he is slipping into dementia. He is in his early 80s.

Thanks for any info and suggestions.

[overcomer25]

I saw the "Deg" which is a Norwegian word it got my attention to  read your post.   I am sorry about Dad's mental condition,   Pain can do much to hinder one's attitudes. However, when I was going through almost unbearable pain in my hip at the age of 77, I consented to surgery.  My hip was deteriorated so badly my surgeon said it was  shattered.  After a little over a month of intense  therapy to learn to walk up and down steps, etc. my husband and I were on the road RV ing again.  I wondered why I was so stubborn for 3 years prior.  I really wanted the Lord to heal me, but found He works through wonderful men like my surgeon and team.  I am 84 now and it's still holding me up.  I have a low pain tolerance but somehow over the years bit by bit when parts of our body wear out we learn to handle pain the best we can.  I must admit this last bout with my shoulders has left me on edge especially when I cannot sleep long enough.  All I can say is, I was told at  this age of 84, surgery would very likely NOT be the wisest choice because of the condition of my bones.  Everyone is different.  However, my grandma had the same bad hip problem and didn't believe in Dr.s, ending up HER LIFE walking all bent over with a nasty limp till she left us at age 95..  My mom had the same hip problem and had successful surgery.  Lived to be 95.  A lot has to do with a positive mental attitude which no two people can deal with pain the same.  I pray you come through all this victoriously.