Hip replacement surgery--tell me good, bad??

[Mamie]

I may have to have hip replacement surgery in a few months and I've heard that it can be horrendous----from the recovery process to the physical therapy. I have almost no cartilage left in the joint and I have spurs too. Since I live by myself (and prefer it that way) this is of great concern to me.

Please tell me the good and bad about it. I know there are lots of things I haven't considered or even know about to be able to consider. Any and all comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, dear people, in advance....:scared:

[bearwds]

Jayne has a PHD in this procedure. Why not drop her a PM..?


bearwds

[Mamie]

Jayne has a PHD in this procedure. Why not drop her a PM..?


bearwds

Wow! Sure thing! Jayne?:confused: Is that her whole nic? Thanks for the info!

[Mamie]

Jayne has a PHD in this procedure. Why not drop her a PM..?


bearwds

Thanks, I did that-----I took a chance it was just Jayne.

Thanks again!

[Adalena935]

Mamie, Haven't experienced it personally but people I've known said it was wonderful once they healed (initially about 4 months). The only people who got into any trouble were those who tried to do too much too fast. Best of everything to you.

[warhorse46]

The most common comment I heard post hip replacement surgery when I worked home health was---I don't know why I waited so long to have this surgery, it feels wonderful to be out of pain.

[msgatorslayer]

My Husband's Grama elected to have hip replacement surgery when she was in her early 90's. The Dr. had her up and walking right after. She was allowed to put full pressure on the new hip.

She was in rehab for about a week. From there, she came home. She also lived by herself at the time. I would come in every morning and stay with her all day till her Son got off work to be with her. This went on for about 3 weeks, I guess. With home health, and a therapist coming in 3 times a week.

After a month total time, her therapist told her she could get rid of her walker if she felt comfortable in doing so. And she did.

She gets around with a cane now days if she's out in public. One of her legs is shorter than the other after surgery and she wears a custom sole for elevation in one shoe. She limps a bit.

My Dad also have hip surgery last year but I won't get into that. He ended up having 3 surgeries in total because he fell and broke his.

I know Nan says it was well worth it in the end. She had arthritis really bad and it had been giving her problems for a long time.

[Jayne]

Mamie...I responded to your PM.

I drove my car one week after surgery...a stick shift/manual. I had my other one done 9 months later (It needs to be replaced..manufactuer defect...but don't let that scare you).

I'm back to bellydancing...walking...no rollerskating or bicycles (safety at falling off, LOL)..and I gained ten years on my life. I do not have a PHd in this...I have a JD..but I sure have experience...with two hip operations and I walked through it with my surgeon. He said..I knew exactly what he was doing..even during the operation! I did so much reading up on it beforehand that I was out of bed within hours...walking circles around the nurses station..sent home on Sunday (operation was Friday)..they wanted to get RID of me! I still have the rubber thingies..for exercise...therapist only came 4 times and graduated me. It's all what you put into it..if you want to get up and about YOU WILL! Make sure you have someone around to help you the first week or two....get food for you..drink lots of water..and MOVE..MOVE..do NOT sit!

Only thing is..when you go shopping..you'll set off those metal detectors! LOL When I go into an airport or courthouse - I just say..Frisk Me!!

You'll be OK..it will change your life..trust me!

jmo

J

[CindR]

I may have to have hip replacement surgery in a few months and I've heard that it can be horrendous----from the recovery process to the physical therapy. I have almost no cartilage left in the joint and I have spurs too. Since I live by myself (and prefer it that way) this is of great concern to me.

Please tell me the good and bad about it. I know there are lots of things I haven't considered or even know about to be able to consider. Any and all comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, dear people, in advance....:scared:

My Mom had it done when she was in her 80s and was very pleased with the results.

FYI, your doctor should supply you with a card that you can present at airport security checkpoints and anywhere else you set off an alarm. You can also order them here for $18 or so: http://www.joint-id.com/

[desmom]

A friend had hip replacement surgery done 2 years ago at the age of 78. The biggest problem she had or I should say we (family & friends) was keeping her down long enough for her Dr. to release her. She felt fantabulous and wondered why she waited so long to have the surgery done.

[Jayne]

Mamie - I went back and read your initial post - you live alone. I was fortunate to have a friend come and stay with me and my son the first time for about a week, and former colleagues would bring food to the house (lived on a second floor and didn't even attempt to ambulate the steps for two weeks, except for therapy practice). Set up your house so it's easy to get around with the walker - you may use it a few days or a few weeks - all depends on your particular circumstances. I did use my cane (for support - just to be there even if not needed) for about a month after the operation..helps with stairs, etc. Get rid of (store) any loose throw carpets...I don't even have them now - too risky for a slip and fall. There are great online sites about recovery from hip surgery. I had the "mini" procedure - with a neat little tattoo, ya'd never know!

Here's one: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hip-replacement/MY00235

Your insurance may pay for a home person to come in a few times a week to help out with bathing, etc. Just be sure to get up and moving. All those little devices they give you (or sell you!) are terrific - the leg puller*, reacher/grabber, shower seat, and especially the commode seat...you need to stay at a 90 degree angle when sitting. I'm happy to share more with you. IF I lived close to you, I'd help you out for that back home rehab. I learned a lot and am very grateful for my surgeon and the titanium hips! Sometimes I go into a store and never buy a thing - just to test those security bars! LOL Just kidding..

(Yes.I carry a card..get one..CindR gave you a site if your surgeon doesn't arrange one for you. Zimmer automatically sends one to you through your physician. Better than my DMV pic!)

jmo

J

[Jayne]

Glad you cleared that up. I thought maybe you didn't by what you posted.


CindR....I like you!

Jayne

[Debb]

I'm not sure of the details, but when my aunt was ready to leave the hospital and had no one at home to help her about and to do the cooking, etc. they put her in a rehab facility while she healed. I'm sure it was covered by the government because she had no other health insurance or cash to pay for the rehab facility.

[Casecase]

I've heard good things about hip replacement surgeries but, unfortunately, my dad was not one of the great stories. He had nerve damage from the surgery, which caused foot drop. Sometimes the nerve comes back . . . in his case, it didn't. He doesn't get around so well walking anymore. He needs to have the other hip done but there is absolutely no way he will even consider doing it.

[retiredcop]

I had to have two hip replacements. Without them I'd be in a wheel chair. I had one in 2000 and one in 2006. It was different hips. I picked the doctor with the best reputation for hip replacement surgery in the area where I live. Research is the ticket.

Anyway, I breezed through both of them and have had no problems.

It is not a bad surgery and recuperation is fast. The pain is totally gone as if I never had bad hips. Must do the physical therapy though.

[retiredcop]

By the way, general anesthesia scares me so I had spinal blocks. No problem with that either. You're so high you don't feel the needle go in and you sleep well without that tube down your throat. Saves the sore throat afterwards. I remember nothing of the surgery.

No Diprivan either.:wink:

[GMTminus6]

My friend's hip replacement was the result of a fall. She was active before the accident and even more so afterwards.

She has been told not to jog. She walks at least 5 miles a day. Damp weather gets her a bit achy, but nothing serious. Vegas cures her:thumbsup:

She does set off the alarms at the airport. Plan on arriving a few minutes early.

She did have her sister staying with her for the first couple of days.

[R~O~S]

My sister in law can't wait to have the other one done, she's a year out from having the first done.

She doesn't live alone, I see that as your one obstacle.

When I worked as a young girl in a nursing home the patients would go to rehab for a couple of weeks, wouldn't that be an option?

The best of luck to you!

[Mamie]

By the way, general anesthesia scares me so I had spinal blocks. No problem with that either. You're so high you don't feel the needle go in and you sleep well without that tube down your throat. Saves the sore throat afterwards. I remember nothing of the surgery.

No Diprivan either.:wink:

Aw shucks----where's your sense of adventure? LOL

But good point about the spinal blocks and no sore throat----I hate that sore throat afterward!

[Mamie]

THANK YOU-----ALL OF YOU-----for your wonderful responses and insightful comments. I truly mean that. That's one of the greatest things about this message board, you can always rely on terrific people and their knowledge, whether it be firsthand or not.

I loved all the responses, here, and your wishes of well being. And I think between my three kids (even the boys) that I could get them each to spend a night or two with me right after I come home and it would get me on my feet, and it wouldn't be overtaxing on any of them. In fact if they did it on a rotation of one night each, I might be so ready to be on my own that they may not have to do a second night! LOL

P.S. I will go to the sites recommended here, and will certainly research the doctors that my rheumatologist gave me the names of before I do anything. I did that with the last surgeon in 2003 and it does make you feel better going in.

Anyhow, thanks again one and all.
Mamie

[Jayne]

Mamie...and to those who are giving her hope.

Hip replacement is an easy procedure..the difficult part is learning how to live with it..and it isn't all that bad..you just have to learn how to ask for help/assistance. You can still cook..hug...pick up the phone..and carry a few small pieces into a new apt - ONCE you're healed and I mean "healed". And you can walk without pain...drive even a manual shift car...and walk in the sand..it just takes time..and not a lot of it if you do the physical therapy..and keep up with it. Don't stop just because you're been "graduated" from therapy..keep doing it. I had a routine..until I was displaced...and will start it again soon. I just unboxed all my "gel..stretchy thingies"..to keep in shape.


jmo

J

[Mamie]

Mamie...and to those who are giving her hope.

Hip replacement is an easy procedure..the difficult part is learning how to live with it..and it isn't all that bad..you just have to learn how to ask for help/assistance. You can still cook..hug...pick up the phone..and carry a few small pieces into a new apt - ONCE you're healed and I mean "healed". And you can walk without pain...drive even a manual shift car...and walk in the sand..it just takes time..and not a lot of it if you do the physical therapy..and keep up with it. Don't stop just because you're been "graduated" from therapy..keep doing it. I had a routine..until I was displaced...and will start it again soon. I just unboxed all my "gel..stretchy thingies"..to keep in shape.


jmo

J


Thanks Jayne, for all your kindness and valuable information! Today was a good day. In fact so good that I thought maybe my hip wasn't so bad afterall, maybe could do without the surgery and I told that to someone at work who had discs in her back go out and she said she remembered those "good days" as well and thought the same as me. She had the surgery, walked with a walker for a time and is in her late 30's now! Anyhow she healed well and says she is so glad she had the surgery. I do really so like the "good days"! LOL

[ViennaGal]

Mamie my Mom is 74 and had hip replacement last year. She did exceptionally well and just now is recovering from knee replacement on the same leg. Good luck! Her exact words were "why didn't I do this before."

[Mamie]

I met with the doctor last week - I like him and he comes highly recommended. (Retired Cop - he said he would recommend the spinal blocks too and that it would keep me out all day probably). Said they would get me up twice the next day and walk me. Stay in the hospital is 3 to 5 days and then PT would come to my house the first week after I'm home and then after that I go to them.

People at work asked me if I was excited or happy about this and I said if it were a boob job, facelift, liposuction----maybe, but not excited about this yet. I suppose I will be either at the surgery date or after I get through the first week and can start to feel a little better, a little at a time.

But you people were fabulous at your responses and I thank you for them and reread them all again tonight and plan on doing it again before I go to the hospital to have the pre-admitting stuff done.

Thanks again to each of you,
Mamie

[Jayne]

Hey, Mamie! Break a Leg (not a hip!!)...I'm wishing you the best.

I didn't do a spinal block..but I guess it's ok. I was up running circles around the nurse's station the day after the surgery..home the second day..and I'm not in my 20s, BTW. Wish I could be there...I had some wonderful student's parents (and the students) come visit me..right after surgery (probably looked like the dickens! LOL) and the next day. What a THRILL..that Company really helps..and that Good Hospital Food. (REALLY..the PMC had an amazing "alternative" menu..it was like eating at a Cafe!)

I'll need to have my L one re-done once I get health insurance (yeah..thank's Administration!!) but probably can't travel back 3K miles for the same Fabulous Doctor/Surgeon.

I wish you the VERY BEST!

J

[Missti]

I haven't had the surgery myself, but my neighbour just had her surgery in January - she is doing amazing.

I can't tell you what her problem was, but I do know she begged the doctor for three years for the surgery due to the pain she had all that time. He was trying to put if off as she is in her early 50's, and they didn't want to do it yet. They finally did it.

She told me the first few weeks were difficult, as she has a two story house and had to get up and down (bathroom etc) - but by the second week she was moving really well. By the end of the fourth week - she was pain free. She does a LOT of walking now - and doesn't have the limp she had all the years I have known her.

She flat out said that she only wished they had done it years ago as she is now PAIN FREE and is back to living a normal life.

She didn't so any actual physio therapy, she got a gym membership and used the tredmill and bike for exercise.

A coworker is also lined up for her surgery (also just hitting 50) in November - she too is looking forward to not having pain anymore - her hip is shot from years of marathon running. Her brother also has the same issue - had both his hips done - great recovery both times.

I haven't personally heard any bad stories, and I can count six people (not thinking too hard...) that I know who had this done.

I wish you all the best - I think you will be pleased with the results.


Missti

[Mamie]

Hey, Mamie! Break a Leg (not a hip!!)...I'm wishing you the best.

I didn't do a spinal block..but I guess it's ok. I was up running circles around the nurse's station the day after the surgery..home the second day..and I'm not in my 20s, BTW. Wish I could be there...I had some wonderful student's parents (and the students) come visit me..right after surgery (probably looked like the dickens! LOL) and the next day. What a THRILL..that Company really helps..and that Good Hospital Food. (REALLY..the PMC had an amazing "alternative" menu..it was like eating at a Cafe!)

I'll need to have my L one re-done once I get health insurance (yeah..thank's Administration!!) but probably can't travel back 3K miles for the same Fabulous Doctor/Surgeon.

I wish you the VERY BEST!

J

Hey Jayne! Nice to see you again! I am looking things up on the computer so I can be ready like the toilet seat adjustment I'll need to get and checking to see what my insurance is paying for in the way of that (if they do those sorts of things) and for a walker that I might need. I guess I'm starting to look forward to it, especially hearing all these stories of how much better off all of you are-----how can I not be happy about that!

Anyhow, thanks for your best wishes and I just wanted to bring everyone an update since you all thought enough to write in the first place. Take care of yourself Jayne and send me an email anytime!

[Mamie]

I haven't had the surgery myself, but my neighbour just had her surgery in January - she is doing amazing.

I can't tell you what her problem was, but I do know she begged the doctor for three years for the surgery due to the pain she had all that time. He was trying to put if off as she is in her early 50's, and they didn't want to do it yet. They finally did it.

She told me the first few weeks were difficult, as she has a two story house and had to get up and down (bathroom etc) - but by the second week she was moving really well. By the end of the fourth week - she was pain free. She does a LOT of walking now - and doesn't have the limp she had all the years I have known her.

She flat out said that she only wished they had done it years ago as she is now PAIN FREE and is back to living a normal life.

She didn't so any actual physio therapy, she got a gym membership and used the tredmill and bike for exercise.

A coworker is also lined up for her surgery (also just hitting 50) in November - she too is looking forward to not having pain anymore - her hip is shot from years of marathon running. Her brother also has the same issue - had both his hips done - great recovery both times.

I haven't personally heard any bad stories, and I can count six people (not thinking too hard...) that I know who had this done.

I wish you all the best - I think you will be pleased with the results.


Missti

Thanks Missti for sharing your neighbor's hip replacement surgery. Good for her that she didn't do the PT but was active enough without it! I will do the PT because I know at my age I'll need to if I want the surgery to be a success. I guess for the first week after I'm home, the Therapist will come to my house and after that, I go to them. I'll probably be ready to get out of the house at that point anyway!

Thanks again for sharing!

[Jayne]

GREAT POST Bugout...everything you said!!

I took for granted, in a sense, how "easy" it was for me, I guess. Do Indeed take that shower or BATH (OH..my I love baths..but it was weeks before I could take one after the operation(s)) before surgery.

Those socks are a PITA..my child learned how to help me with that "shoehorn"..Pull up thingie..but I still had trouble getting it over the heel as I couldn't bend down.

It's been three years for the first and two for the second (the one that needs replacement, eventually..NOT the surgeons fault..manufacturing defect..apparently). I did things my surgeon was aghast at when I went for my last appointment...BUT I learned to "baby" myself...always sit either on the floor or 90 degrees in a chair..even today. I'll never rollerskate, samba, or tapdance again..but I'm going things I couldn't do for the past ten years..again. I'm afraid to ride a bike for fear of falling off.

jmo

J

[Mamie]

GREAT POST Bugout...everything you said!!

I took for granted, in a sense, how "easy" it was for me, I guess. Do Indeed take that shower or BATH (OH..my I love baths..but it was weeks before I could take one after the operation(s)) before surgery.

Those socks are a PITA..my child learned how to help me with that "shoehorn"..Pull up thingie..but I still had trouble getting it over the heel as I couldn't bend down.

It's been three years for the first and two for the second (the one that needs replacement, eventually..NOT the surgeons fault..manufacturing defect..apparently). I did things my surgeon was aghast at when I went for my last appointment...BUT I learned to "baby" myself...always sit either on the floor or 90 degrees in a chair..even today. I'll never rollerskate, samba, or tapdance again..but I'm going things I couldn't do for the past ten years..again. I'm afraid to ride a bike for fear of falling off.

jmo

J

What happened to Bugout's post? And what did they mean about the shower and what is PITA (referring to the socks)? TIA Jayne!!

[Jayne]

What happened to Bugout's post? And what did they mean about the shower and what is PITA (referring to the socks)? TIA Jayne!!

Geeze...I think the shower is the seat in the shower? I don't know what happened to Bugout's post. You can get in the shower but you can't get your dressing wet..so you need that shower seat. Then later..yeah..you can shower..it will be a while before you can lower yourself into the tub for a BATH!

I took some long luxurious baths before I went in..I'm not a "shower" person! LOL But after 3-4 weeks, I had my next Bath!..takes a bit of self discipline and understanding how to move..to get "down" in the tub..and THEN OUT of the tub! I'm still careful...2 and 3 years later.

PITA - IS Pain In The "A-tushie"! LOL

Mamie...give me a call before you go in..want to cheer you on. It's a piece of cake!

xo

jmo

J

[Mamie]

Geeze...I think the shower is the seat in the shower? I don't know what happened to Bugout's post. You can get in the shower but you can't get your dressing wet..so you need that shower seat. Then later..yeah..you can shower..it will be a while before you can lower yourself into the tub for a BATH!

I took some long luxurious baths before I went in..I'm not a "shower" person! LOL But after 3-4 weeks, I had my next Bath!..takes a bit of self discipline and understanding how to move..to get "down" in the tub..and THEN OUT of the tub! I'm still careful...2 and 3 years later.

PITA - IS Pain In The "A-tushie"! LOL

Mamie...give me a call before you go in..want to cheer you on. It's a piece of cake!

xo

jmo

J

Thank you, my very dear Jayne, for having patience with me explaining this stuff! I haven't taken a bath in about 6 years and yes, I love them too but once I get down I can't get up-----the knees just kill me trying to do that. So I've resigned myself that I'll never get another bath unless I win a hefty lottery where I can afford to buy the house of my dreams with steps going down into a gigantic tub! LOL