(18-11-2021, 07:01 PM)Olive Wrote:(18-11-2021, 03:51 PM)joe 90 Wrote: Im a newbie just saw this . I was told id need both hips done within 10 years , had assessments in 2013 2017 & jan this year but fobbed off every time as i can still walk but only about 500 M a time . 73 now so chances of getting it done now are slim unless i go private ,last i heard it costs about $25-28 000 for 1 hipThat sounds a bit on the high side. My husband had one hip replaced a few months ago and the total cost, including Southern Cross Hospital charges and the surgeon's follow-up costs, was slightly over $20,000. It's a lot of money but absolutely worth it for quality of life. Six weeks after the op he was walking freely, digging the garden; after two months he was as good as new.
Mine came in around $20k, much lower than the quote and when I mentioned it to the specialist's PA, whom I had become quite friendly with, she said they always go to the highest level 'just in case something untoward happens and more help is needed' which lessens any arguments over costs I would think. My spinal block was quoted at $2000 but was $1200, a nice surprise.
(18-11-2021, 03:51 PM)joe 90 Wrote: Im a newbie just saw this . I was told id need both hips done within 10 years , had assessments in 2013 2017 & jan this year but fobbed off every time as i can still walk but only about 500 M a time . 73 now so chances of getting it done now are slim unless i go private ,last i heard it costs about $25-28 000 for 1 hip
Depending on what DHB you go under you could be waiting forever or be done quickly as my friend was in ChCh. She went to her GP because her hip was sore, she wasn't hobbling and never used a walking stick but 4 months later she was given a new hip. This was 3 or 4 years ago. She was told they were doing 40 a week to catch up so she was lucky as although it was on the way out she didn't suffer a fraction of what others I know have had to.
When/if you go for an assessment, don't take any painkillers that day until after your appointment and make sure you use crutches or sticks, don't try to be stoic about it. I feel so sorry you are in such pain, I well remember it and it's cruel keeping people waiting so long for what is a great operation to get your life back and that starts from the minute you come round. The arthritic pain is gone, such a relief. If you find a specialist who operates in both systems, private and public, it might pay to see one privately. I did that for a procedure and had it done less than a week later under the public system.
My other hip is on the way out but I get great relief from Hemp Seed Oil Capsules, I use the GO brand. When I didn't take them for a few days I sure knew about it and had to use my crutches so back on them I went and a few days later the pain had gone. They are much cheaper at the Chemist Warehouse or Bargain Chemist if you want to try them but, like anything, what works for one might not for another although others have posted elsewhere they get relief from them as well.