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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Hip Replacement

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Chicago, IL

My RA and primary docs kept telling me that the extreme pain in my hips was arthritis even though I had tried to get a hip replacement in 2021. I finally got a referral for a MRI on my hip. The left hip is not salvageable now and the right is almost gone due to overcompensating. I'm not blaming the doctors, I should have been more persistent that I know the difference between arthritis pain and other kinds of pain. My question is now that I know what the pain is coming from, my other ailments… read more

October 22, 2025
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myRAteam

Hip pain from RA can indeed be severe and impact your whole body's wellbeing. Many people with RA experience pain that radiates beyond the hip joint into the groin, buttocks, and legs, which can make it feel like everything hurts. Your observation about hip pain affecting your overall feeling of wellness is very valid.

Show Full Answer

Hip pain from RA can indeed be severe and impact your whole body's wellbeing. Many people with RA experience pain that radiates beyond the hip joint into the groin, buttocks, and legs, which can make it feel like everything hurts. Your observation about hip pain affecting your overall feeling of wellness is very valid.

When hip joints are severely damaged, replacement surgery is often recommended when other treatments haven't provided sufficient relief. Many people have found success with hip replacement surgery when their RA symptoms become unmanageable. Regarding your career transition, this is understandably an emotional and challenging time. Before making a final decision about retirement or disability, consider:

• Waiting to see how you feel after hip replacement surgery
• Consulting with your rheumatologist about expected recovery and future capabilities
• Speaking with a career counselor who specializes in disability transitions
• Exploring part-time or flexible work options that don't require travel

Remember that your worth isn't defined by your job status or physical limitations. Many myRAteam members have gone through similar transitions and found new ways to maintain their sense of purpose and identity while managing their health needs.

October 22, 2025
A myRAteam Member

Hi Brad, I had hip replacement surgery about two years ago. Avascular necrosis. When your walking gait is off it affected everything else. So glad I had it done. Hope today brings you some sunshine and laughter 🤗

October 23, 2025
A myRAteam Member

Hi Brad. I had to quit my job in 2021 for about nine months due to unremitting severe pain, stiffness, exhaustion. I improved some and found another job after 9 months. I lasted there about 2 years and 8 months. I transitioned to my current job in June and it’s 100% remote. Bosses and coworkers don’t even know I have RA, while at previous jobs they knew. I can tell you I feel much better. Have a surgery if you have to ( it seems that’s the case) and then see. If you feel you would be on the couch moping, feeling sorry for yourself then look for a remote job. Hey I was at the place that was rock bottom, with thirty feet of crap above me.
Hope this helps.

October 22, 2025
A myRAteam Member

Brad 5, I had to medically retired at 58. After a bad surgery plus RA and Common Variable Immune deficiency. I had worked all of my life. At this certain company 25 years. I was devastated. My husband had pasted the year before. If you can get the surgery do it. Retire then if you feel better after surgery, like Bea said get a job remotely. Good luck to you with this very hard journey! You've got this! Just remember one day at a time.

October 23, 2025

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