Re: THR what to expect?

[Guest guest]

---Hi ann,

I'm wondering if you have heard of hip resurfacing. You are a fairly

young person and resurfacing is an excellent choice for someone your

age.

It still requires surgery, but you don't have all the restrictions you

have with a THR, and if your hip is beyond being resurfaced, you can

get the large head metal on metal THR that gives you most of the same

advantages as a resurfacing.

Go to this site and read back posts, links, files, and ask as many

questions as you can. I know you won't be sorry.

I had this procedure done 14 months ago and have never regretted it

for a second. I was 61 when I had it done. Go to;

surfacehippy

You may have to register but that only takes a second. Wishing you the

very best. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you. .....

Maxine

In Joint Replacement , " ann Trundley "

<trundleyme@...> wrote:

>

> I am new to group and looking at having hip replacement in the near

> future. I would like to hear from women around 57 years old that

have

> had the surgery so I have some ideas of what to expect. Thanks

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome ann. I had a THR on May 25th. I am 56 and the surgery went well. I have a high tolerance for pain so I did not use the morphine pump that they gave me after surgery and I took no pain meds either. There was some dull ache when they got me up out of bed 18 hrs. later but nothing I could not deal with. There was really no pain. I was in the hospital 6 days and they got me out of bed after just 18 hrs and started PT right away. I was on a walker but after 4 days I also used crutches as I found it easier. I did however get tired very fast and it was like that for about the first 3-4 weeks. Had to sit down alot after walking from room to room. I had a PT come to the house 3 days a week and a nurse twice as I was on blood thinner. I used the walker at home for the 1st week. It had a detatchable tray so it made it easy for me to carry things (meals/food etc) but after the first week I went to crutches for all getting around except my meals. I hated that walker!! Because they did not cement my prostesis in I had to stay on crutches for 6 weeks..no weight bearing on that let. Then after week 5 he told me it was OK to put weight on the leg and move from crutches to a cane whenever I was comforable. I did so right away and was on a cane for about 2 weeks and now I walk with nothing. I still limp and my new hip leg is 1/2 inch longer but he said it should correct itself when the muscles retighten. We will see. That is why I came to this group. I want to know if anyone else had that problem..and backaches for walking off centered etc. This is a super group and you will get lots of input. I go for my 3 month ckup on Aug 23 so we will see what he has to say then. I do know it was totally worth it as I was in so much pain before the surgey. I waited way too long and the ball of the femur collapsed in on itself and it was a hurting, painful mess. If you have any more questions I can help you with let me know and welcome again! Eleanor>> I am new to group and looking at having hip replacement in the near > future. I would like to hear from women around 57 years old that have > had the surgery so I have some ideas of what to expect. Thanks>

[Guest guest]

I would like to hear from women around 57 years old that have had the surgery so I have some ideas of what to expect. >>> Welcome 2 the boards Ann... I'm a 36 yr old LTHR... the best advise I can give you is~ DON'T base your case upon anothers out come. Each case is it's own... and regardless of what another mentions in terms of their experience... is not to say that'll be even close to your experience. Every doctor is different with their orders based on a patients needs... and every patients recovery happens differently even having the very same procedure & doctor at times. Your body is your own and no two are alike~ Their body will not be on the table during your surgery. It's good to hear others situations... so that you can prepare yourself mentally just don't go "expecting" anything based upon what another has to say about their experiences~ that can result in huge disappointments should things go "so not planned" or their ideas be the total opposite of what you have to endure.

I know first hand because what I prepared for was not what I actually got as an end result. My intent isn't to scare another~ it's merely my experience and I want others to know advise in helpful hints during the recovery process is great, having these boards to express yourself and others who've gone through the experiences shoulder to lean upon during your rough spots even greater~ just do yourself the favor of listening carefully to all experiences... because age isn't what matters most~ it's how your body will react & recover from the experience.... fact is~ no one truly knows that until it's done. But regardless of how things might turn out... your mental strength in being prepared for good, bad & ugly is more important then your age. Positive out look helps your recovery process but it's the best "expectation" you can have to get you through the unexpected experiences you might encounter along your journey.

At 33 I had my THR done~ since I've had 2 revisions due to complications. Although mines currently deemed "stable" it's still not "pain-free" and I have a life time of restrictions. With my age, health, active life style etc.~ I "planned" for the "perfect" outcome based upon hearing others stories. Figured most were 50+ having it done and no complications (*because at that time... all I heard on the boards were the grandest of stories & how terrific life was afterward) I couldn't help but think my outcome would be "as good" if not better then any I'd heard~ rude awakening doesn't come close to scratching the surface of what my experience become. My life has changed 360 degrees from what it once was... and I had a terrific doctor, low infection rated hospital... and did everything that I could to prepare myself... EXCLUDING~ look & question myself honestly about the "what if's" I could or couldn't deal with should complications arise and honestly address the "NOT so grand" side of matters. My body decided to do "it's own thing" and nothing I was told nor the perfect doctor made a difference. That was my only mistake in making my choices~ I weighed options "selectively" and prepared only for the good in it! Don't get me wrong... there's a good life after a bad outcome... but it's something you need to be prepared for as well as the "great" so at least should something happen that it's less then what you've planned for... it don't hit you like a ton of bricks!

You question yourself... about ALL possiblities because there are no guarantees~ and if you have any hesitation... then maybe you should seek alternatives in treatment. With THR... there is no turning back once it's done. Everyone has to make choices which will benefit their quality of life~ just make your choices wisely and looking at ALL sides of the issue! Not just the ones that you'd "like" for an outcome. Even with things being as they are for me... I can't say that I regret my decision~ nor that it's not been a benefit to my life... it's certainly given me a greater appreication for slowing down & the simplier things in life! I'd have to say my only regret in it is I didn't truthfully think about ALL possiblities~ I limited my out look based upon others experiences and prepared for what I wanted... not what I got.

I wish you the best of luck~ and hope you soon find a pain-free well walk that lasts your life time. Here are some things I recommend to anyone fixing 2 have surgery which have been of benefit to me in the past.

1.) If they'll permit you to do your own blood donations for the operation do it.... ask your doctor they'll advise you whether you can or not~ Some don't have to have blood but better prepared just incase~ and if it's not used by you... might at least help another in their time of need.

2.) Spend your time hibernating during the wait for your operation in usuful ways. Exercise exercise and exercise some more. The more toned the easier & quicker recovery time for your muscles build back.

3.) Do a "patients eye" walk through your home daily between now & then. Look at theFLOOR instead of your destination point in walking! Think in terms of you being on awalker (*I was permitted release on crutches but most aren't) find anything that might tripyou up during walking. Throw rugs are the worlds worst! But cords can be a problem andso can your furniture being placed too closely. Fix things before your surgery so it's not a problem after you return home.

4.) Get yourself an apron~ this is nifty so you can do for yourself more. Hard to carrysomething when your hands are full of walker or crutches! Least you can grab & carry on your own. I'm VERY independent and don't like to ask for help.... was nice least being able to do for myself.

5.) I did pre cooking & froze dinners for my second operation which was a HUGE HELPto hubby. But you can freeze cakes, meatloaf and all kinds of stuff. I also did the household stocking before hand. I learned with the first surgery you tend to need things when you can't get them! So I stocked all household items ahead of time to ensure no one would have to worry about me being left alone so they could run & get soap powders or whatever. My doctor only agreed to release me directly home instead of in rehab hospital with round clock care for the first 30 days. Certainly took a big chunck of running & doings off my keepers.

6.) Ask your kids, friends & family members or church members even to help you out. I created scheduled dates & times. So my hub would have time for himself and get a break from the maddness. Helps to ensure one is not too over whelmed with all the needs. And trust me if you have a hub... he might help out on a regular basis.... but he's probably not got a good grip on just what ALL YOU DO during a given day to keep things up & running. Mine actually apologized LOL and he's a helper daily.... but he truly had no idea just what all I did do until he was loaded with it all.

7.) Get a comode lift & shower bench. Those things you won't be given in the hospital. Ialso purchased shower railing one inside & one for entry~ just for safer measure. I alsogot myself bed risers because I'm fairly tall and it was worse on me getting up & down out of bed then anything else. I'm sure you'll be able to find a medical supply store in your area to purchase items of need... for me it was more cost effective to order them.

North Coast Medicalhttp://www.beabletodo.com/StoreFront.bok

North Coast has kits available... just search under "hip replacement".

8.) Two other things you may want to consider getting yourself is a dressing stick & elastic shoe strings. My restrictions will last my life time. However the majority of THRhave their restrictions lifted between 4~18 wks. depending upon your doctors orders.I didn't like having to have help to get dressed. If tennis shoes are a biggie for you~ remember you won't be able to bend to tie them. Elastic shoe strings you can get help to adjust the first time and then put them on by yourself afterward without the bending involved.

9.) Two nifty lil hints.... if your big on wearing pants instead of dresses~ Measure off astring from your hand to the floor and sew it into the lip of your pants! I'd never hadproblems with my pants wrapping around my heals until I couldn't reach the ground topull them back up and THEN FOR SOME REASON it became and everytime deal itseemed. LOL But I sewed the stings onto the lip of my pants.... and merely placed it inmy pocket. Go to pee~ get the sting in hand and then sit to do business..... least I couldpull my pants back up without having to yell for help should they drop! LOL Was funny though because after I got my strings in tact... I seldom needed them.

10.) I also recommend that you fix yourself an activity table next to your bedside. Thishelps when you don't have someone available to help you or during times you'd rather notask. If it's nothing more then a plastic grocery bag drapped over your bed post. Placethings of need & occupying time near you. THINK if you can't get up and make yourselfaccessible to items of interest or need. Place reading materials or puzzles under your mattress at arms reach.... also get pens & paper, telephone, meds. etc. It'll be a life saver if your up sleepless and don't want to wake someone to help you or you don't have someone there to help out when you need it.

11.) Purchase materials for wound care and get you some vitamen E for your scar. I hadmy carpets cleaned and did a spring clean before surgeries.... to help prevent germs & infection.... but it's not necessary if you keep a good watch on yourself. I did because mythird child is a 130 lb. black lab which stays in the house. LOL

12.) Make certain that you have some good pillows for the ride home. It's a lil rough~course I had a 2 1/2 hr. drive home. But still you want to be as comfortable as possible.

13.) I would invest in comffy clothes, a robe & slip on WELL TREADED house shoes ifyou have wooden or slick flooring. I purchased over sized boxers so I didn't have to worryabout the fannie flying out on anyone in the hospital. LOL But that's kinda a "best for you issue".

Best of luck... You'll be kept in my thoughts & prayers. If you have any specific questions just ask.... I'm sure one of us either has the answer or can at least point you in the right direction to help find it. Take care of yourself and keep us up dated.

[Guest guest]

I was 58 when I had it done... I was bone on bone.. and could barely take a step without the intense pain.. I had LTHR in March 2005.... I am over a year since the replacement... I am doing great.. life is good.. I can do everything.. I do everything...run afet my 2 grandchildren age 2 and 4 Dr told me to watch 90 degree.. but I bend.. I just know that I have to bend at the knee as well... .. I wear high heels... I dance.... everything is really good.. the only thing I still cannot maneuver is getting in and sitting in a bathtub..... but considering how much pain I used to have.. and how I couldn't maneuver the bathtub before the replacement... I guess I am truly not missing anything...Good Luck.. bayleerocks <bayleerocks@...> wrote: ---Hi ann,I'm wondering if you have heard of hip resurfacing. You are a fairly young person and resurfacing is an excellent choice for someone your age.It still requires surgery, but you don't have all the restrictions you have with a THR, and if your hip is beyond being resurfaced, you can get the large head metal on metal THR that gives you most of the same advantages as a resurfacing.Go to this site and read back posts, links, files, and ask as many questions as you can. I know you won't be sorry.I had this procedure done 14 months ago and have never regretted it for a second. I was 61 when I had it done. Go to;surfacehippyYou may have to register but that only takes a second. Wishing you the very best. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you. ..... MaxineIn Joint Replacement , "ann Trundley" <trundleyme@...> wrote:>> I am new to group and looking at having hip replacement in the near > future. I would like to hear from women around 57 years old that have > had the surgery so I have some ideas of what to expect. Thanks>

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[Guest guest]

Hello, I am 37 and I am 4 wks post-op a THR. I do recommend researching. I would check out www.minitotalhip.com I researched/put off my surgery for at least a year. Drs.. would tell me I am "too young". Well that may be true, but they didn't realize how my life was on hold due to my "bad hip".I have arthritis. I live in texas but I actually went out to Las Vegas for Dr. Swanson to do my surgery. He has the website above. He has experience performing THR on "young" patients..under 60. There is a discussion board, which you can read and ask questions on, that really help. One of the ladies..ine, she is great at answering alot of the questions you have or referring you to a website. Dr Swanson will also answer questions. He actually does alot of teaching to other Drs. on the technique...a mini incision THR. I had this. The incision is 4-6 inches long, he uses a ceramic

hip...which will last longer. The surgery is less invasive which means the recovery time is shorter than w/ a reg THR. My surgery went well. I have not have much pain at all, definitely not as bad as before surgery. I am using 1 crutch when I leave the house, but nothing inside the house. I still walk w/ alittle limp, but I walked w/ a limp for such a long time, I have to get out of the habit of walking this way and build muscle. THe web site above expand more on all of this. I high recommend Dr. Swanson and his team. It was a great experience. Good luck michelle

[Guest guest]

>

> I am new to group and looking at having hip replacement in the near

> future. I would like to hear from women around 57 years old that have

> had the surgery so I have some ideas of what to expect. Thanks

>

I am 61 and had THR 4 weeks ago today. I have a cementless prosthesis, so am non

weight-

bearing for 6 weeks. Previously, i had a total ankle replacement. The hip

replacement was not

a difficult surgery. I was on oral pain medication from the beginning. I went

home in 3 days. I

haven't had anything for pain for a least a week. I have good movement of the

hip (of course,

that is within the usual hip precaustions). I would say that the most difficult

part is the non-

weight bearing. The cementless prosthesis is supposed to last for 20-25 years.

That is a

small price to pay for 6 weeks of immobility.

Good luck to you.

Phyllis

[Guest guest]

Don't know if anyone has mentioned this. Try to get into the best

physical shape you can before the replacement. This will greatly help

the outcome IMHO. Swim, bike, situps, be creative, heck even get down

and play with the kids. Do what you can with out impacting the bad

joint.

Don

>

> I am new to group and looking at having hip replacement in the near

> future. I would like to hear from women around 57 years old that

have

> had the surgery so I have some ideas of what to expect. Thanks

>

[Guest guest]

sorry. Had to lugh at that one. If she (or anyone) is like I was prior to my surgery, I was lucky to be able to walk to the mailbox. When I did, I was limping and lagging behind whomever else went with me. I couldn't swim because any movement in the hip at all caused excriciating pain. Biking? Couldn't straddle enough to even get on. If I could have been doing those kinds of things I don't think I'd have needed my hip replaced.

[Guest guest]

Hello Phyllis...I am 56 and my deal is somewhat like yours.(RTHR Cermic hip and non cement...no weight bearing for 6 weeks. Next week I will be 3 months post-op. They did non-cement due to my young age and the possiblity of having another THR in 20 years or less. They said trying to get the prosthesis out of cement is a nightmare and can crack the femur and then..yikes! I am walking aid free for about a month now but my R leg is 1/2 inch longer after the surgery amd it is presenting some problems. Dr. said it should tighten up after about 6-8 months but in the mean time I hate it. Leg hurts, backaches from walking off center, Pain in the femur bone to the knee when I walk a lot so we'll see what's up when I go for my 3 month ckup on the 23rd. I still have some pain in the groin and hip when I walk but not like B4 and not the same kind. I can however do stairs good and have pretty much full ROM now so that is good and I never did take any pain meds. from the start. It is just in the past 2 weeks of walking with out a cane do I take asprin when the leg is bothering me. Crazy. Eleanor > > I am new to group and looking at having hip replacement in the near > > future. I would like to hear from women around 57 years old that have > > had the surgery so I have some ideas of what to expect. Thanks> >> I am 61 and had THR 4 weeks ago today. I have a cementless prosthesis, so am non weight-> bearing for 6 weeks. Previously, i had a total ankle replacement. The hip replacement was not > a difficult surgery. I was on oral pain medication from the beginning. I went home in 3 days. I > haven't had anything for pain for a least a week. I have good movement of the hip (of course, > that is within the usual hip precaustions). I would say that the most difficult part is the non-> weight bearing. The cementless prosthesis is supposed to last for 20-25 years. That is a > small price to pay for 6 weeks of immobility.> > Good luck to you. > > Phyllis>

[Guest guest]

>

> > > I am new to group and looking at having hip replacement in the near

> > > future. I would like to hear from women around 57 years old that

> have

> > > had the surgery so I have some ideas of what to expect. Thanks

> > >

> > I am 61 and had THR 4 weeks ago today. I have a cementless prosthesis,

> so am non weight-

> > bearing for 6 weeks. Previously, i had a total ankle replacement. The

> hip replacement was not

> > a difficult surgery. I was on oral pain medication from the beginning.

> I went home in 3 days. I

> > haven't had anything for pain for a least a week. I have good movement

> of the hip (of course,

> > that is within the usual hip precaustions). I would say that the most

> difficult part is the non-

> > weight bearing. The cementless prosthesis is supposed to last for

> 20-25 years. That is a

> > small price to pay for 6 weeks of immobility.

> >

> > Good luck to you.

> >

> > Phyllis

> >

Eleanor,

It sounds like you are doing pretty well. I think my prosthesis is all metal,

but cementless.

My OS uses this type often. I liked the longevity!

My left leg is shorter than my right. I think it is about an inch shorter (old

ski fracture).

The OS said he could make my right leg longer with the hip replacement, but

could not

make it shorter. I didn't walk with a limp before my hip deteriorated, but I

wonder is the

shorter left leg didn't contribute to the demise of the right hip. I think you

can have

significant differences in leg length and overcome limping. It just may take

some time

I don't know what my situation will be since I am not weight bearing yet. MY OS

said I

could walk in chest deep water which I do a couple of times a weeks at a very

accessible

pool. Hard to tell in water if I limp.

Eager to hear about your next appointment. Good luck.

Phyllis

[Guest guest]

I am 6 weeks after bilaeral (both hips done at the same time) by Dr

DeSmet in Belgium. I could put full weight on from day one. Now I am

walking walking walking everywhere the whole day long! No crutches

or cane and no restrictions at all.

Marina

>

> > > I am new to group and looking at having hip replacement in the

near

> > > future. I would like to hear from women around 57 years old

that

> have

> > > had the surgery so I have some ideas of what to expect. Thanks

> > >

> > I am 61 and had THR 4 weeks ago today. I have a cementless

prosthesis,

> so am non weight-

> > bearing for 6 weeks. Previously, i had a total ankle

replacement. The

> hip replacement was not

> > a difficult surgery. I was on oral pain medication from the

beginning.

> I went home in 3 days. I

> > haven't had anything for pain for a least a week. I have good

movement

> of the hip (of course,

> > that is within the usual hip precaustions). I would say that the

most

> difficult part is the non-

> > weight bearing. The cementless prosthesis is supposed to last for

> 20-25 years. That is a

> > small price to pay for 6 weeks of immobility.

> >

> > Good luck to you.

> >

> > Phyllis

> >

>