My doctor said that he wants me to wait before having a hip replacement because I am only 45 years old. But, I’m in a lot of pain, which he doesn’t seem to understand. Why does he want me to wait?

Whether people should wait for replacements because of their age is debatable. Some doctors feel that if you put in a hip into a young patient, you are increasing the chances of the patient needing a second hip replacement when he or she gets older. However, there is also the quality-of-life issue that needs to be discussed. If someone is in tremendous pain and can’t function because of a sore hip, then a replacement might be called for.

Speak with your doctor and make sure that he understands completely how this is affecting your life.