Hip, Hip and Hooray?!?!

United States
June 7, 2016 2:47pm CST
I thought it was time for an update on an older post. As you might know, I have arthritis in both hips, left worse than right, and some knee pain that is secondary to the left hip pain. Ten years ago, I was told I would have to get the hip replaced. X-rays were done in February and my left hip is bone on bone--quite painful actually. The right hip is not far behind. I belong to Kaiser and the individual plan that I have has a 6k deductible. That means that the surgery would cost me 6k. If I wait until September's open enrollment period, I can go back on my husband's insurance plan--the cost would be about another $150/month in insurance premiums, bringing my monthly premium to about $750 a month. But the surgery would be basically free. So that is the current plan. The catch? If I sign up during open enrollment, the plan doesn't kick in until January, 2017, so I have to find a way to deal with increasing pain and decreasing mobility until then. More on that later. How do you find ways to deal with medical costs? insurance issues? and most of all, chronic pain?
3 people like this
3 responses
@DianneN (246334)
• United States
20 Jun 16
We are fortunate to have excellent coverage. I wish I could give you ours.
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Jun 16
My husband actually has excellent coverage, so going back in his plan is the way to go. I will feel relieved when that happens
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246334)
• United States
20 Jun 16
@divalounger But you will have a long wait. How will you manage your pain?
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246334)
• United States
20 Jun 16
@divalounger I hear ya! Tylenol, too. Keep me posted.
@JudyEv (325105)
• Rockingham, Australia
7 Jun 16
If your hip joint is basically bone on bone, that would be very painful. I don't really have any suggestions as I don't know anything about your health systems. My Mum had a hip replacement at 99 and it improved her quality of life a lot.
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Jun 16
It is pretty painful--sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be out of pain!
1 person likes this
• United States
8 Jun 16
@JudyEv That must have made her feel happier and more alive!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325105)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Jun 16
@divalounger Before the op my Mum was spending a lot of time in bed. She was much improved after.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64362)
• United Kingdom
7 Jun 16
I'm lucky to live in England and had my hip replaced 18 months ago. Our National Health service ensures that it's free, though of course every worker pays in a small amount from their wages to fund it. I hope you manage to get yours done as soon as possible - good luck.
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Jun 16
You are lucky to have National Health. Eventually, I feel that the US must go in that direction. Did you have an easy recovery?
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@jaboUK (64362)
• United Kingdom
7 Jun 16
@divalounger Yes I did. Just on canes for a couple of weeks, six weeks of sleeping on my back, 6 weeks of not driving. No problems.
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Jun 16
@jaboUK I am glad it went so well for you!
1 person likes this