Hip replacement

[hayseed]

So, have just been assessed and am now on the fast track for a hip replacement.
Didn't wanna hijack the knee thread, so thought I'd do a new one for the hips.

I'm having one from one month and no later, ( I was told last week ) than three months.

I'm 48, and was skeptical on them even doing it, being young, I do use a cane to get around, but since last may, when I started to get the ball rolling on this, I have depreciated severely, it's bone on bone, painful beyond belief.

So happy relief is on the way, and grateful no doubt about it!!

I've never had surgery before, so obviously kinda scared abit, kinda big procedure, well to me anyways, and abit of recovery time for sure.

Has any of you done this? I guess I'm jus lookin for advice or your experience with this. Horror stories, obviously do's, donts,must haves, anything that might set my mind at ease, or prepare me for this would be swell. I usually don't go to a doctor on a good day, let alone this . It's not going to be easy for the first couple of weeks no doubt, and even worse with the stairs in my house.

Nicer weather on the way, my wall tent and stove in the back yard seem to be on my mind more and more....

[wwbirds]

they had her up on crutches the same night. She tried to limit the pain medicine prescribed which is not the smart thing to do for the first 2 weeks.
Guess the most important thing she would recommend is to follow the doctors instructions specifically. She was given pre surgery exercises to do a month before surgery to build muscle memory and did them faithfully. She was pretty much back to normal taking the physio 2.5 to 3 months later. Her friend had the same surgery 2 weeks earlier and did not do the presurgery exercises and was a full 6 months before she stared to feel better. Like you my wife was bone on bone and excruciating pain before and after the surgery (managed by the meds after) but now feels it was all worth it with range of motion and stability she had not enjoyed for 30 years.

[tallieho]

Lucky man !! Personally i was assessed 1 year ago & am still waiting.So this will be 2 years in severe pain.Friend mines wife had both done 6 months apart.New style surgery she was up gingereally in 11/2 weeks..she was was in her 50s

[REMINGTON JIM]

I had a complete LH Knee replacement 5 years ago- It's being GREAT and NO Pain !

Now i'm going in on March 18 to get a RH hip replacement and looking forward to it !

Good LUCK on your Surgery too !

Cheers Jim

[hayseed]

Originally Posted by tallieho

Lucky man !! Personally i was assessed 1 year ago & am still waiting.So this will be 2 years in severe pain.Friend mines wife had both done 6 months apart.New style surgery she was up gingereally in 11/2 weeks..she was was in her 50s

Awe man, I hope you get in soon!!
It really sucks, I was always active, like hockey coach, skiing, tennis, jus go for a walk man...

I so want my life back. I understand some folks cant , and maybe won't have mobility back, I get that.
It's definitely an eye opener when you walk into the Ortho surgery clinic.
Lots of people need surgery, it's disheartening really.

The waiting list is unreal. I don't pop one pill for pain,my doctor prescribed me 200 ty threes.
Wtf do I need 200 pills for.??
The long wait obviously!!

I withstand the pain, soak in Epson Salts and that seems to take the edge off every night so maybe I can catch a couple of hours of sleep, before I have to get up and walk around because of pain.

I know there are a TON of people who need medical care I'm sure before me, I've seen the waiting rooms.
Unreal.

[elk eater]

Mother in law had this surgery done years ago and it did not go well. That being said a few tips that helped her. She bought a recliner that would lift her to a standing position from sitting. It was a huge help to her during the day when she was home alone. She donated the chair after she used it as it was quite expensive. I’m pretty sure somewhere you can rent or get a loner. One of the biggest problems with her hip was that they would not operate till it was severely degenerated. She was an an active fit lady that enjoyed walks and horse back riding. The pain started and it took 2 years for them to book the surgery. Then her doctor tells her “ you’ve really let yourself go and your fat now so the surgery carries more risk “. What the hell !!! What was she to do ? She could barely walk by the time they decided to do the surgery. I think others are right in do your exercise before to have a speedy recovery. Also make sure they are installing a quality part in ya. Her hip actually had a recall !?!?! That’s right a recall. They wanted her to do it a second time. It’s your right to know what they are putting in you so be sure to ask. For others out there the mother in law looked at and was planning on going state side for the surgery. 50k if I remember right but they were willing and able to do it in a weeks time. Not cheap but if your missing out on work may be an option.

[2 Tollers]

I have had three close friends get this done. All were very active before their hip failed. They were able to get back to golf, walking, rough country hiking and biking after. Ages varied from mid 40's to mid 70's. None of them were runners so I have no idea on that.

The one thing that two did was research the part that was going to be put in and the type of surgery. There is one procedure (same for knees) that is less invasive which is a quicker recovery. On the material for the joint there is at least 3 different types of joints and maybe 4 for material. The one fellow that did not research and went with what the doctor put in got a Metal on Metal and had a reaction to this after about two years. He was placed on drug program (anti -rejection as the implant inflamed) for a bit and is fine now. You should research the joint types and ask the doctor / surgeon on what they are planning to use.

[bloopbloob]

Originally Posted by hayseed

So, have just been assessed and am now on the fast track for a hip replacement.
Didn't wanna hijack the knee thread, so thought I'd do a new one for the hips.

I'm having one from one month and no later, ( I was told last week ) than three months.

I'm 48, and was skeptical on them even doing it, being young, I do use a cane to get around, but since last may, when I started to get the ball rolling on this, I have depreciated severely, it's bone on bone, painful beyond belief.

So happy relief is on the way, and grateful no doubt about it!!

I've never had surgery before, so obviously kinda scared abit, kinda big procedure, well to me anyways, and abit of recovery time for sure.

Has any of you done this? I guess I'm jus lookin for advice or your experience with this. Horror stories, obviously do's, donts,must haves, anything that might set my mind at ease, or prepare me for this would be swell. I usually don't go to a doctor on a good day, let alone this . It's not going to be easy for the first couple of weeks no doubt, and even worse with the stairs in my house.

Nicer weather on the way, my wall tent and stove in the back yard seem to be on my mind more and more....

Which hospital/doctor? You will be in good hands I'm sure. Don't worry too much! Glad you got fast tracked as well!

I haven't had hip surgery, but I've been informed it will be coming. Not sure how much life left in it, but still doing alright for now.

My hip (and spine) issues are result of major knee surgeries. I currently am bone on bone in my knee, so I kinda know what that's like. All cartilage (meniscus) between upper and lower leg had to be removed. 3/4 ligaments, my ACL MCL and PCL were also all removed. They cut my hamstrings and unfolded them, then threaded the hammies through holes drilled into my bones to try to tie things back together with screws. Not the same scenario, but probably very similar in experience. I was also fast tracked, Dr. Reid literally cancelled his schedule and got me in the next day for an 8hr surgery. I was 17 at the time. 37 now, and feeling the wear and tear. Because I use my good leg to stand, climb stairs, walk, etc, I have extreme wear on the good side, hips are 2" out of alignment, and spine has curved. Not looking forward to more surgeries to correct the issues caused from the initial injury.

[58thecat]

torn labrum from 10-2 o'clock...painful when running etc...didn't know just dealt with it...seen surgeon to repair the tear ahhh nope....full hip replacement...huhhh...he says your in pain....sometimes just burns and right mobility is buggered...said how long this been going on...I said since 2017....so I sit and wait until Dr. Carlo Panaro out of Edmonton can get me in....was told he was one of the best for this type of surgery.

too bull headed to stop and pay the price periodically but hey the cards were dealt....surgeon said you will not regret the choice of surgery...get back to doing things pain free.

[hayseed]

Surgery will be in Reddeer. I live in Lacombe, so real close.

Surgery is from the side of hip. So position on the slab, on RHS, and they insicion on LHS, up and down I guess Like from hip down to ankle incision.

I have to meet with the attending surgeon soon to get a date, and get prepared for this.

I do appreciate the feedback, and I hope those that need surgery, it happens soon.

Living with this kinda sucks, but if all I have to deal will with my health, is this, I will grin and bear it!!

[fisher Gord]

got left hip done 4 years ago, that leg is my good one now. started from arthritis. and the last month was 50 ft and stop and let pain subside. Full hip replacement, walked 100 ft that afternoon. climbed stairs 2 days later and heeyaa sent home. 3 months off work after [carpenter] as other said do what the doc and phyiso say

[Austin]

I had mine done a year ago... did exactly what the dr’s say for pre and post op exercises and pain management. I’m not a pill man either but you have to be in front of the pain after surgery. Dude they hammer a rod into your femur and screw hardware to your pelvis... there will be pain first while.

I took the route of having a spinal block but I reacted to the knock out meds so I was lucid and awake the whole time... depending on your physical and sleep conditions determines if they knock you out or give you a spinal block.

Get the shower chair, get the sock putter-onner, get crutches, get the raised toilet seat with side handles and get busy exercising. I am 54 yrs old non smoker.

I was back to work At my desk for half days within two weeks,,, but I should have waited until 3 weeks.

[3blade]

Do exactly what you are told to do. No more or less, you don’t know better. They have it down to a science.

Do NOT smoke, anything. Nicotine stops the microvascular healing process, toxins cause inflammation. If you need to quit do it now. Most common problem with any ortho surgery is the patient smokes and therefore doesn’t heal- and I don’t mean “heals slower”, I mean doesn’t heal.

[bloopbloob]

Originally Posted by hayseed

Surgery will be in Reddeer. I live in Lacombe, so real close.

Surgery is from the side of hip. So position on the slab, on RHS, and they insicion on LHS, up and down I guess Like from hip down to ankle incision.

I have to meet with the attending surgeon soon to get a date, and get prepared for this.

I do appreciate the feedback, and I hope those that need surgery, it happens soon.

Living with this kinda sucks, but if all I have to deal will with my health, is this, I will grin and bear it!!

Not sure your circumstances, or what your options are. Just providing my experience . I tore my ACL playing high school basketball. Told it was a sprain. Then tore my MCL. Told it was a sprain. Both ligaments tore and detached, then they weakly reattached to the wrong location over a few months of being bedridden or on crutches. Long story short ended up tearing my PCL as well while on crutches. Got in to the Glen Sather Sport Clinic in Edmonton. Found Dr. Reid, he does surgeries for the Oilers and Eskimos. Cancelled an Eskimo surgery for me the next day it was so bad. All done arthroscopically, 9 little 1" incisions. My school Had a girl on the womens team with just an ACL tear at the same time, she was gutted like a fish. 4 ft scar down her leg,
I was told if I would have had to pay, it was about $150,000 just for the main surgery. It was 3 surgery's total.

[hayseed]

I may be overthinking this , again, I've never had any surgery.
Just very apprehensive, and I'm not looking forward to down time, but I wanna heal, and get back givin er!!

Appreciate all the advice/comments.

[Offwork]

I had full knee replacement 5 years ago, full hip replacement 2 years ago and on the waiting list for other full knee replacement likely to happen this spring. All r3placements due to oestoarthrytis. I am in my early 70’s. And walk 10,000+ steps every days and more in the fall chasing pheasants. Next to be replaced knee is badly deteriorated, and I take pain killers for relief, and am careful about my activi5ies.

The knee replacement recovery and back to work took 3 months and for 1st month not very comfortable. I was retired for the hip surgery but could easily have gone back to work after 1 month. Much much less discomfort during hip surgery recovery and rehab. Leaving the hospital after 2 days I told wife this is great, no more hip pain, Immediate relief from pain and the rehab exercises were not too taxing.

Follow the rehab recomendation and take the pain medication as prescribed and you will be ok during recovery and happy with the results.

[roper1]

OP, good luck with the surgery, hope for a full recovery. Take care!

[landowner]

PM sent 👍

[Boatbuilder]

I'm in need of a new hip as well. I. went to specialist in Calgary and he did motion test with me and was amazed at how much motion I still have. I don't need a cane or anything but have discomfort but not a lot of pain. I do take 3 Tylenol at night so I can get a good sleep. The Dr said by looking at the X-rays/MRI that it looks like I should have it done asap but he treats the patients not the X-rays/MRI results. He said to just come back when I feel its time to get it replaced. After spending 2 hours in waiting room I knew that everyone there needed the surgery way more than I do. Walkers and canes everywhere. The biggest thing I did was lost 50 pounds and that has helped huge.

[graybeard]

Originally Posted by Austin

I had mine done a year ago... did exactly what the dr’s say for pre and post op exercises and pain management. I’m not a pill man either but you have to be in front of the pain after surgery. Dude they hammer a rod into your femur and screw hardware to your pelvis... there will be pain first while.

I took the route of having a spinal block but I reacted to the knock out meds so I was lucid and awake the whole time... depending on your physical and sleep conditions determines if they knock you out or give you a spinal block.

Get the shower chair, get the sock putter-onner, get crutches, get the raised toilet seat with side handles and get busy exercising. I am 54 yrs old non smoker.

This is pretty close to my story other than I am a little older.

Managing the pain and the medication is so important. Without the pain meds you will not push yourself in physio.

If don't work hard you stand the chance of freezing your knee. If you dismiss this tidbit of caution, google "knee replacement freezing" and watch how they remedy that.
This guy is in total agony......wowwww

Remember you only have two chances for one knee. Once one replacement is wore out you only have one left for the same leg.

I still hunt and fish and select my activities. I ride a bike and elliptical instead of running.

Was my decision the right one for me: yes it was. I have spoke to a lot of people who went through the same procedure and 100% have no regrets.

Do what the professionals tell you and you will be successful.

If you have never been anesthetized before, or used pain killers, a word of caution, you get constipated and what ever goes in your body has to come out...... Eat small meals.

Good luck

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by hayseed

I may be overthinking this , again, I've never had any surgery.
Just very apprehensive, and I'm not looking forward to down time, but I wanna heal, and get back givin er!!

Appreciate all the advice/comments.

https://bonesmart.org/hip/hip-replac...ant-materials/

not sure what route to take but I will ask the surgeon a few questions regarding the hardware that going to be installed.

what did others get installed?

results?

[graybeard]

Originally Posted by hayseed

I may be overthinking this , again, I've never had any surgery.
Just very apprehensive, and I'm not looking forward to down time, but I wanna heal, and get back givin er!!

Appreciate all the advice/comments.

You should feel this way and you are no different than anyone else. Time heals and don't try to speed up the healing. The operation is very intrusive and you can only heal as fast as your body will allow.

Remember when you worked out and there was the saying "pain is gain"? In this instance, pain is more damage....Just do as the doctor and physio people say and you will be ok.

I suggest you slow your expectations down a little and extend your time-line somewhat.....

When you get this procedure done, your full time job is now rehabbing that new titanium joint.
I probably worked out 6 times a day ...just nice and slow and a little at a time.

Even now at 3 years later I still stretch my knee while I am sitting or climbing a set of stairs. It still smarts a little but feels good when I am done...

[Offwork]

I have metal on plastic. I think it was titanium. No problems. I had a spinal injection and was given the option of being awake or being out during surgery. Wanted nothing to do with seeing or remembering the surgery. Out like a light on operating table and next awaking back in post op. Good drugs in hospital. most discomfort and suprises is when trying to manoeuvre your equipment when going to bathroom on the raised seat toilet.

As others said take the pain relief medication as without it you will not fully be able to do the rehab exercises. Rehab is key to recovered mobility after the surgery.

[Sundancefisher]

70 year old aunt had it. If she can handle it you will do just fine. As a guy who has had some bad surgeries, they look after you and set you up for success. Just don’t feel scared to ask questions or let people know how you feel.

Enjoy the new hip.

[Ronji]

My best friend (he was 58), and my dad (dad was in his 80's) both had 2 hip replacements. Both had them done within a year and a half after the first surgery.
They were up and around in no time flat. The nurses had them moving almost as soon as the anesthetic wore off.

Short story is that they were golfing, fishing, cutting fire wood, and driving skid steers within 6 months.

The worst part for both of them was waiting for an operating room.

[Off in the Bushes]

Get some silk pyjamas so that you slide around on the bed sheets, makes getting around in bed easier

[Head Lice]

Made a doctors appt. on Jan. 24th for an assessment, surgery is on March 5th . . . . surgeon said that a large 'block' of operating room time was available . . . then he asked me "what are you waiting for?" Bone on bone situation for me . . . Good luck to you folks, and hope things go well . . .

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by Head Lice

Made a doctors appt. on Jan. 24th for an assessment, surgery is on March 5th . . . . surgeon said that a large 'block' of operating room time was available . . . then he asked me "what are you waiting for?" Bone on bone situation for me . . . Good luck to you folks, and hope things go well . . .

3 months and you were in....wish it was the same here

[omega50]

Neighbor is blind and was coming home from work on the LRT last Friday. Some impatient guy pushed past him on the last few steps and bumped him. He stepped down hit some ice and fractured his hip. The guy kept going.

The doc decided to do a full replacement rather than repair. Surgery was on Monday, He was home Wednesday and doing amazing

[Burrowing Owl]

My best friend was rammed by a drunk driver while driving her bus. Impacted leg into hip requiring hip replacement.

Felt like her bus had run over her when she woke up after surgery, but quickly got the pain under control. It is imperative you GENTLY start walking with the walker standing up as straight as possible, and without shuffling. don't fall into the 'bride walk' of bringing the back foot up to the front then taking another step!!.

Once allowed, your side leg movements are easily done on the bed if you have a sheet of cardboard under your heel.

Also, you have muscle memory going on from when you compensated for pain and you didn't walk properly, in addition to the surgery muscle damage. Really make sure you start from day one trying to keep your feet as straight as possible.

Lots to remember, but you will gain so much by doing these things. Don't forget real Vitamin E on the scar tissue (don't use synthetic), it will heal much quicker and softer.

Most of all, don't push your recovery. Taking it gently at first will get you out in the bush a much happier man.

Prayers to you.