Hip Replacement

[Guest guest]

> I am considering (fearfully) a left hip replacement - in my 60s.

What

> is the (true) recovery time? What is the (true) success?

[Guest guest]

I am in my 50"s, had surgery 6 weeks ago. I don't know anyone personally who didn't have 100% success with their THR. I'm sure there are people on the Internet who will give horror stories. My best advice is to go to a major medical center where they do lots of THRs. At the 6 week mark, I am basically fully recovered - I run/walk 2 miles on the treadmill and live my normal life. I still have the 90 degree rule in place until I see the surgeon on 7/28. I am also still on coumadin until then. Otherwise life is what it always was - I do laundry, grocery shop, drive, clean my house and go to work. Good luck.

[Guest guest]

Every patient has a different recovery time, I had my left replaced

in FEB of '98. I did three weeks in-patient rehab, then out patient

for an additional 4 weeks. I have heard of patients returning to

work after less than a month of rehab. I work not, so I put those

PTs to work. If you have pain, bone on bone cracking like I

did, " GO FOR IT " . Good Luck, ie

> I am considering (fearfully) a left hip replacement - in my 60s.

What

> is the (true) recovery time? What is the (true) success?

[Guest guest]

Had total hip replacement in October. Had surgery on Monday went home from

the hospital on Friday and Sunday I went to a local restaurant to eat and to

church. Of course I had to walk with a walker. After three weeks I was

able to drive and still walking with the walker so the hip replacement

would grow in place and after four weeks I had to walk with a cane for

another 2 weeks and in November about the 15th I went back to work as a EMT

with some restrictions but was able to do my job. Have not had any problems

what so ever and no pain. I am 63 years old.

Re: hip replacement

>

> > I am considering (fearfully) a left hip replacement - in my 60s.

> What

> > is the (true) recovery time? What is the (true) success?

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am a 51 year old female. I had my surgery 3 months ago on April

14th. I have the metal on metal type of hip & had the epidural

during surgery. I had no problems with the epidural. They gave me

something to help me sleep & I woke up in the recovery room. I was

very alert & even made some phone calls 3-4 hours after surgery.

I was in the hospital from Monday to Thursday & then moved to the

transition care unit on Thursday. I was there til the next Tuesday.

Starting Wednesday I had physical therapy twice per day. I could put

as much weight on my hip as I could tolerate.

When I left the hospital, I continued physical therapy 3 times a week

for 4 weeks. I was on comadin for a total of three weeks. I used a

walker for 2 weeks & a cane for 2-3 weeks. I continued to use the

can when I went out for another 2 weeks. This was mainly to help me

get my stride back without limping.

All my restrictions were released at 6 weeks and I returned to work

at 7 weeks.

I feel so much better I wonder why I did not have it done sooner. I

still have problems with flexibility and strength but other than that

I feel great.

Good luck to all of you that are thinking of having surgery.

Sharon

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon,

Nice to hear of another success story. You are so correct when you

ask, " Why not sooner? "

I was in agony before I went under. I was encouraged to leave it

until I could stand it no longer...THEN they put me on the surgical

waiting list.

The results for me were miraculous and very fast in healing. Why

endure 6 months of living hell when you can be well on your way to a

new lease on life?

I am cleared to drive at just over 3 weeks post-op; I walk more than

a mile daily without an aid and I feel 100%. Some muscle weakness in

muscle groups that have not been used in a while, but nothing

serious.

I plan on returning to work in 2 weeks. Most " suport groups " made me

think I would be off until Christmas. I'm glad you posted your

success. People need to hear that!

Cheers!

Ian

> I am a 51 year old female. I had my surgery 3 months ago on April

> 14th. I have the metal on metal type of hip & had the epidural

> during surgery. I had no problems with the epidural. They gave me

> something to help me sleep & I woke up in the recovery room. I was

> very alert & even made some phone calls 3-4 hours after surgery.

>

> I was in the hospital from Monday to Thursday & then moved to the

> transition care unit on Thursday. I was there til the next

Tuesday.

> Starting Wednesday I had physical therapy twice per day. I could

put

> as much weight on my hip as I could tolerate.

>

> When I left the hospital, I continued physical therapy 3 times a

week

> for 4 weeks. I was on comadin for a total of three weeks. I used a

> walker for 2 weeks & a cane for 2-3 weeks. I continued to use the

> can when I went out for another 2 weeks. This was mainly to help

me

> get my stride back without limping.

>

> All my restrictions were released at 6 weeks and I returned to work

> at 7 weeks.

>

> I feel so much better I wonder why I did not have it done sooner.

I

> still have problems with flexibility and strength but other than

that

> I feel great.

>

> Good luck to all of you that are thinking of having surgery.

>

> Sharon

[Guest guest]

Hink,

Can you please contact me via email? My address is

apoplectic@... (My email won't accept AOL, MSN or hotmail

because of the spam from those domains).

Ian

> Had total hip replacement in October. Had surgery on Monday went

home from

> the hospital on Friday and Sunday I went to a local restaurant to

eat and to

> church. Of course I had to walk with a walker. After three weeks

I was

> able to drive and still walking with the walker so the hip

replacement

> would grow in place and after four weeks I had to walk with a cane

for

> another 2 weeks and in November about the 15th I went back to work

as a EMT

> with some restrictions but was able to do my job. Have not had any

problems

> what so ever and no pain. I am 63 years old.

[Guest guest]

--- In Joint Replacement , " Sharon " I'M Ida,nice

to read your experience on the operation that you have gone throo. I

will be going thru the operation on the 21 Aug and feeling quite

scar. reading yr message have given me the good feeling and

confidence. NOW THAT i have some idea of the post will really help me

a great deal. THANK YOU FOR MESSEGE BYE MAY GOOD BLESS YOU AND SPEEDY

RECOVERY.......

[Guest guest]

My orthopedic specialist mentioned that when I need my hips

replaced, I will make a great canidate for this surgery. He would

have to make my replacements customized because if my structure, but

doesnt think it would be that complicated, because they do that a

lot.

My suggestion would be to have your son get a few opinions and do

research about this before he goes ahead with the surgery. There are

many websites about this surgery and I've learned a lot about the

process and how long they last, etc.

My doctor says that once I get my hips replaced, it should not be a

very difficult recovery and it will make a world of a difference.

Also my doctor is very impressed with how I constantly am aware of

how my hips are and take medications if needed and use my wheelchair

and crutches when things get unbearable for me to walk.

I would encourage your son to join this list and speak to other

adults and find out for himself whats out there. And I would also

encourage your son to think about talking to his orthopedic

specialist about different durable medical equipment that are

available to help relieve his hips. Also, I would encourage your son

to ask many questions and keep on learning about his options.

Being stubborn is not a good reason not to take care of yourself.

And since he's an adult, he needs to look at all his options and do

what he feels is best for himself.

I am 23 years old and have SEDc, my height is 44 " and 75lbs in

weight.

I know I will need hip replacements some day....I am going to

continue to use my wheelchair and crutches as needed when days are

really bad, until I cant bear it anymore, then I will go for the

surgery.

a

> Hi just wondering if any LP has had the experiance with total hip

> replacement? My son age 27, who had hip displasia surgery on both

> hips in 1993 is now do for hip replace ment the left is the worst

hip

> at this time. Dr. we have is a great Ortho but is stating parts

are

> very hard to find for little people just wondering what you input

is.

> What was the recovery process like? Thanks for you help.

> Chad ,my son is 43 " tall weighs 72pound and is a very subbern guy

not

> wanting to go to the walker just using his cane and motrin for

pain,

> sits all night with the heating pad and has given up his shopping

> sprees and going places. Won't use his cane at work, but suffers

then

> after, what a guy love him dearly. Please email me and let me know

if

> you have any advice. Marsha, Chads Mom

[Guest guest]

I don't HAVE TO. But I love my water bed

Larry

post right total hip

At 02:07 AM 6/14/2004 +0000, you wrote:

I was wondering if any of you

have to sleep on a certain kind of

Mastress?

[Guest guest]

Hi Larry,

Thanks for leting me know does it bother you sleep on the side that you had your replacement on ?

SusieLarry Lauer <lhlauer@...> wrote:

I don't HAVE TO. But I love my water bedLarrypost right total hipAt 02:07 AM 6/14/2004 +0000, you wrote:

I was wondering if any of you have to sleep on a certain kind of Mastress?

[Guest guest]

We got as sleep number bed about a year ago. A great investment

for someone with joint issues. I can change the hardness depending

on how I feel each day/night. Was great while I had to stay flat

on my back after THR. We got it just before I had knee

replacement, and works great now that I had THR.

Valeri

[Guest guest]

Hi Valeri,

Is that the bed where you can change it on both sides ? I think I saw a bed on tv like that . I have a twin size bed it has the pillow mattress on the top and the bottom so I can turn it over .Well you take care. SusieValeri <vjshoem@...> wrote:

We got as sleep number bed about a year ago. A great investment for someone with joint issues. I can change the hardness depending on how I feel each day/night. Was great while I had to stay flat on my back after THR. We got it just before I had knee replacement, and works great now that I had THR.Valeri

[Guest guest]

Hi Ken,

I had THR 2 days after you..

I dont like driving much these days as I get pain on the outside of

my knee, pain on my shin, ankle and foot, I have to stop and stretch

or walk every 25 minutes or so.

I too am doing ok, except in the mornings when I am stiff as hell...

The only time I get a tightness in my hip, is when I cross my leg

over, usually in bed..subconsciously.

Mark

>

>

> Hi everybody,

> I had a THR Dec.1st 2004 and am now at 3 months and doing good

> except for tightness in my hip and butt when walking any

> distances.I'm not using a cane and can do most things ok but

walking

> slow. Has any of you had problems driving far like on a freeway? I

> get cramps in my whole leg. I can drive all day in town without

any

> problems.By the way I'm 55 and I saw this support group and

thought

> I would join and learn from all of you.I look foward to reading

you

> thoughts. Thanks, Ken

[Guest guest]

I have that problemm of cramps in leg on the freeway.

Maybe if I learned to use the automatic pilot I could

ease the cramp. RUTH

--- llk_kmk <llk_kmk@...> wrote:

>

>

> Hi everybody,

> I had a THR Dec.1st 2004 and am now at 3 months and

> doing good

> except for tightness in my hip and butt when walking

> any

> distances.I'm not using a cane and can do most

> things ok but walking

> slow. Has any of you had problems driving far like

> on a freeway? I

> get cramps in my whole leg. I can drive all day in

> town without any

> problems.By the way I'm 55 and I saw this support

> group and thought

> I would join and learn from all of you.I look foward

> to reading you

> thoughts. Thanks, Ken

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________

Celebrate 's 10th Birthday!

Netrospective: 100 Moments of the Web

http://birthday./netrospective/

[Guest guest]

Mark: your pain sounds like it may be coming from your back, not your

hip. Try using a small thin pillow at your low back (waist level) when

you are driving. See if that does not help relieve some of your

discomfort while driving/sitting for any length of time. Are you

stretching your hamstrings and heel cords? Very important post-op.

Marilyn

Mark wrote:

Hi Ken,

I had THR 2 days after you..

I dont like driving much these days as I get pain on the outside of

my knee, pain on my shin, ankle and foot, I have to stop and stretch

or walk every 25 minutes or so.

I too am doing ok, except in the mornings when I am stiff as hell...

The only time I get a tightness in my hip, is when I cross my leg

over, usually in bed..subconsciously.

Mark

>

>

> Hi everybody,

> I had a THR Dec.1st 2004 and am now at 3 months and doing good

> except for tightness in my hip and butt when walking any

> distances.I'm not using a cane and can do most things ok but

walking

> slow. Has any of you had problems driving far like on a freeway? I

> get cramps in my whole leg. I can drive all day in town without

any

> problems.By the way I'm 55 and I saw this support group and

thought

> I would join and learn from all of you.I look foward to reading

you

> thoughts. Thanks, Ken

[Guest guest]

Hi Marilyn,

How do you stretch the Hamstrings and heel cords ?I don't think I was told to do these execises , I had a Hip replacement five years next month and I still feel my new hip and its still hurts if I do too much and I feel it when I tried to sleep I had my knee replace three years ago that doesn't bother me as much its just my leg feels numb when I touch it and its sore sometimes I had both done on my right side . Well you have a nice day ,

Susie

-------------- Original message -------------- Mark: your pain sounds like it may be coming from your back, not your hip. Try using a small thin pillow at your low back (waist level) when you are driving. See if that does not help relieve some of your discomfort while driving/sitting for any length of time. Are you stretching your hamstrings and heel cords? Very important post-op. MarilynMark wrote:

Hi Ken,I had THR 2 days after you..I dont like driving much these days as I get pain on the outside of my knee, pain on my shin, ankle and foot, I have to stop and stretch or walk every 25 minutes or so.I too am doing ok, except in the mornings when I am stiff as hell...The only time I get a tightness in my hip, is when I cross my leg over, usually in bed..subconsciously.Mark> > > Hi everybody,> I had a THR Dec.1st 2004 and am now at 3 months and doing good > except for tightness in my hip and butt when walking any > distances.I'm not using a cane and can do most things ok but walking > slow. Has any of you had problems driving far like on a freeway? I > get cramps in my whole leg. I can drive all day in town without any > problems.By the way I'm 55 and I saw this support group and thought > I would join and learn from all of you.I look foward to reading you > thoughts. Thanks, Ken

[Guest guest]

SUE VOGEL <suevogel@...> wrote:

Joint Replacement From: SUE VOGEL <suevogel@...>Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2005 18:01:34 -0800 (PST)Subject: hip replacement

I have been cleared for surgery.. platelet issue has been diagnosed and rediagnosed.. but I have been cleared... so I ask to all of you have been thru it....would you do it again....has your pain been relieved . was it all worth it...can you walk as you once did prior to the Hip Replacement,,,, Doc says I will be great....

what is the opinion .................

Thanks Sue

Celebrate 's 10th Birthday! Netrospective: 100 Moments of the Web

[Guest guest]

I have been cleared... so I ask to all of you have been thru it....would you do it again....were you relieved of pain.. was it all worth it...can you walk as you once did prior to the Hip Replacement,,,, Doc says I will be great.... That is what I say, too. I would do it again in a minute.

In fact, I am sure I will be required to in a few years. The other one is beginning to complain a bit while driving. I am so glad I had it done. Also glad for having the knees done. What a difference! They simply do not hurt!

Marge

[Guest guest]

>

> I have been cleared for surgery.. platelet issue has been

diagnosed and rediagnosed.. but I have been cleared... so I ask to

all of you have been thru it....would you do it again....has your

relieved of pain.. was it all worth it...can you walk as you once did

prior to the Hip Replacement,,,, Doc says I will be great....

>

> what is the opinion .................

>

> Thanks Sue

>

YES YES YES... I would do it again. I make no claim to be pain

free...still a few aches, But nothing like per-surgery. I have had

a TKR and THR. Go for it...

Valeri

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/7/2005 9:06:12 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, suevogel@... writes:

so I ask to all of you have been thru it....would you do it again....has your relieved of pain.. was it all worth it...can you walk as you once did prior to the Hip Replacement,,,,

Two months post LTHR (Jan 13) and I'm walking with a cane and getting about better than before surgery with virtually no discomfort in my left hip. I'm 62 and overweight, so if I can do it, you can do it too!!

Go for it.

Huntly

[Guest guest]

Yes, I would do it again.

I have no pain at all.

It was hard work and was definitely worth it.

I can now walk BETTER than I did prior to THR. I couldn't walk

before surgery because arthritis was so bad. I walk as good now as I

did prior to my years of hip arthritis.

Your Doc is probably correct. Good luck to you.

would you do it again....has your relieved of pain.. was it all worth

it...can you walk as you once did prior to the Hip Replacement,,,,

Doc says I will be great....

>

> what is the opinion .................

>

>

[Guest guest]

> For me a Home Run Sue. 2 mos postop, > I have almost no pain and

feel 10 years younger. (But everyone is different, and being in

shape before and working very hard after was the key for me).

BB

cleared for surgery.. platelet issue has been diagnosed and

rediagnosed.. but I have been cleared... so I ask to all of you have

been thru it....would you do it again....has your relieved of pain..

was it all worth it...can you walk as you once did prior to the Hip

Replacement,,,, Doc says I will be great....

>

> what is the opinion .................

>

> Thanks Sue

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Celebrate 's 10th Birthday!

> Netrospective: 100 Moments of the Web

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna. I'm at the research stage. Haven't even chosen a surgeon

yet. But I noticed you haven't received a reply and wanted to pass a

link on to you. They have been wonderfully helpful!

http://hipuniverse.homestead.com/index.html

Hope this helps,

Peggy

Is this normal, the posts I've read seem to have much

> better results by this point. I'm quite discouraged.

>

> Donna

>

[Guest guest]

Try to go walking every single day. I was told that walking was about the best therapy we could do for our hips. In my expereince, I still get sort, tight muscles in my upper thigh - so I take 3 motrin every morning, and 3 every night before bed. I don't know if this is good or not, but it beats being on the prescriptsion meds. My Surgeon is who told me to try the motrin, when I told him I was sore every morning when I woke up. I think that muscle just tightens back up every chance it gets! Anyway, try walking up and down your block maybe once a day? This seems to help speed things along.

Also, I did my standing leg stretches religiously for the 1st 8 weeks after surgery - so maybe that helped as well?

My surgery was June 21st.