My hip tips (I had November THR)

[Guest guest]

Gordon: those are very good tips! Thanks for sharing them, I wish all

of my patients were as well informed and motivated as you are!

Marilyn P.T.

gordon_h_kass wrote:

I had a total hip replacement on my right hip last month.

Here are some tips I'd like to pass along, based on my experience:

TIPS:

1. Do research about doctors, methods, outcomes, etc. beforehand. Go

into the hospital confident about why you're going in and know that

you are R-E-A-D-Y. I researched a LOT beforehand. I read stuff on

the Internet, asked questions to doctors, etc.

2. Be confident in your surgeon.

3. Note that there is a lot of talk about manufacturers of the

materials (e.g. Stryker). I think the more important factors are

clearly:

A: Which DOCTOR (they're different - some are better or more

experienced; a doctor may not use all choices of materials (see 3B);

a doctor may have a preferred method of access to the hip (see 3C)).

B: Which MATERIALS work best for you (ceramic, metal, other).

C: Which METHOD OF ACCESS to the hip (anterior, posterior).

4. Do exercises beforehand.

5. Have family or friends scheduled to help you afterward, if at all

possible. Plan out the surgery, immediate hospital stay and the post-

op rehab.

6. Put forth a serious effort on the post-op Physical Therapy. Get a

good physical therapist and work at all your post-op exercises. You

got this far, don't slack off now.

7. Take music player (CD, Cassette, MP3 player, Ipod, etc.) with

earphones to hospital. With soft tunes. Great for post-op recovery,

including sleepless nights.

8. Post-op motion precaution and other things are DIFFERENT depending

on your surgeon, which method (see 3C above) was used and other

factors. Everyone talks about motion precautions

but they are DIFFERENT for different people, not the same for

everyone. E.g. some allow moving leg backwards, some don't. Some

allow compressing joint less than 90 degrees, some don't.

9. Don't shave your hip beforehand. An inadvertent cut might get you

sent home on Op Day. Let them shave you.

10. Everyone is different. I am 50 and have been active so my post-

op and rehab have been quicker than some others. Just realize there

is no one schedule for everyone.

PS: I'd be glad to share more of my experience with others, if folks

are interested, especially if younger and active. In brief, before

the surgery, I had bone-on-bone in the joint (cartilage had worn

out), a lot of pain, limping and hindered activity. After the

operation, I have had no pain and a very quick and functional

recovery so far.

[Guest guest]

Congratulations Gordon on a quick and successful recovery! No pain must be heaven! I can hardly wait for my knee surgery. I am more than ready to be out and about again.

sandi

I had a total hip replacement on my right hip last month.Here are some tips I'd like to pass along, based on my experience:TIPS:1. Do research about doctors, methods, outcomes, etc. beforehand. Go into the hospital confident about why you're going in and know that you are R-E-A-D-Y. I researched a LOT beforehand. I read stuff on the Internet, asked questions to doctors, etc.2. Be confident in your surgeon.3. Note that there is a lot of talk about manufacturers of the materials (e.g. Stryker). I think the more important factors are clearly:A: Which DOCTOR (they're different - some are better or more experienced; a doctor may not use all choices of materials (see 3B); a doctor may have a preferred method of access to the hip (see 3C)).B: Which MATERIALS work best for you (ceramic, metal, other).C: Which METHOD OF ACCESS to the hip (anterior, posterior).4. Do

exercises beforehand.5. Have family or friends scheduled to help you afterward, if at all possible. Plan out the surgery, immediate hospital stay and the post-op rehab.6. Put forth a serious effort on the post-op Physical Therapy. Get a good physical therapist and work at all your post-op exercises. You got this far, don't slack off now.7. Take music player (CD, Cassette, MP3 player, Ipod, etc.) with earphones to hospital. With soft tunes. Great for post-op recovery, including sleepless nights.8. Post-op motion precaution and other things are DIFFERENT depending on your surgeon, which method (see 3C above) was used and other factors. Everyone talks about motion precautions but they are DIFFERENT for different people, not the same for everyone. E.g. some allow moving leg backwards, some don't. Some allow compressing joint less than 90 degrees, some

don't.9. Don't shave your hip beforehand. An inadvertent cut might get you sent home on Op Day. Let them shave you.10. Everyone is different. I am 50 and have been active so my post-op and rehab have been quicker than some others. Just realize there is no one schedule for everyone.PS: I'd be glad to share more of my experience with others, if folks are interested, especially if younger and active. In brief, before the surgery, I had bone-on-bone in the joint (cartilage had worn out), a lot of pain, limping and hindered activity. After the operation, I have had no pain and a very quick and functional recovery so far.

[Guest guest]

Hi Gordon,

Good tips. May I add another one?

My mp3 player was a Godsend, but it worked even better with one of

those eye covers the airlines hand out. I found a combination of

Medwyn Goodall music, and the blocking of light did help to nod off

for a bit. Be careful about the headset you get, you want something

that is comfortable while you are lying on your back.

Margaret from Australia

>

> I had a total hip replacement on my right hip last month.

>

> Here are some tips I'd like to pass along, based on my experience:

>

>

> TIPS:

>

> 1. Do research about doctors, methods, outcomes, etc. beforehand. Go

> into the hospital confident about why you're going in and know that

> you are R-E-A-D-Y. I researched a LOT beforehand. I read stuff on

> the Internet, asked questions to doctors, etc.

>

> 2. Be confident in your surgeon.

>

> 3. Note that there is a lot of talk about manufacturers of the

> materials (e.g. Stryker). I think the more important factors are

> clearly:

>

> A: Which DOCTOR (they're different - some are better or more

> experienced; a doctor may not use all choices of materials (see 3B);

> a doctor may have a preferred method of access to the hip (see 3C)).

> B: Which MATERIALS work best for you (ceramic, metal, other).

> C: Which METHOD OF ACCESS to the hip (anterior, posterior).

>

> 4. Do exercises beforehand.

>

> 5. Have family or friends scheduled to help you afterward, if at all

> possible. Plan out the surgery, immediate hospital stay and the post-

> op rehab.

>

> 6. Put forth a serious effort on the post-op Physical Therapy. Get a

> good physical therapist and work at all your post-op exercises. You

> got this far, don't slack off now.

>

> 7. Take music player (CD, Cassette, MP3 player, Ipod, etc.) with

> earphones to hospital. With soft tunes. Great for post-op recovery,

> including sleepless nights.

>

> 8. Post-op motion precaution and other things are DIFFERENT depending

> on your surgeon, which method (see 3C above) was used and other

> factors. Everyone talks about motion precautions

> but they are DIFFERENT for different people, not the same for

> everyone. E.g. some allow moving leg backwards, some don't. Some

> allow compressing joint less than 90 degrees, some don't.

>

> 9. Don't shave your hip beforehand. An inadvertent cut might get you

> sent home on Op Day. Let them shave you.

>

> 10. Everyone is different. I am 50 and have been active so my post-

> op and rehab have been quicker than some others. Just realize there

> is no one schedule for everyone.

>

>

> PS: I'd be glad to share more of my experience with others, if folks

> are interested, especially if younger and active. In brief, before

> the surgery, I had bone-on-bone in the joint (cartilage had worn

> out), a lot of pain, limping and hindered activity. After the

> operation, I have had no pain and a very quick and functional

> recovery so far.

[Guest guest]

Hi Gordon

Those were great tips for anyone about to undergo THR. I am 58 and had both hips done simultaneously in March. I was active and relatively fit preop, notwithstanding the fact that both hips were bone on bone, and I was in lots of pain. Being relatively fit preop really helped my recovery. I was hitting a golf ball in 9 weeks, playing golf, with a cart, after 12 weeks and biking 15 miles a day, 3 times a week by 6 months. I was passionate about my physiotherapy routine. I have a leg strenghtening program from a fitness trainer that I do 3 times a week. Day to day, I do not notice a difference, but every couple of weeks I can't help but feel that I am making good progress in getting myself back in good shape and walking well. I had to have a hernia operation in October, and just by being inactive I felt my self slipping back in terms of my progress. I cannot recommend more strongly your recommendation that someone recovering from THR have a good physio design a program for

strenghtening and recovery. That is the key, in my opinion, to getting the most out of your new hip.

I would be interested what materials your surgeon used. I wanted ceramic/ceramic and my surgeon was adamant that the newer metal/metal (cobalt/chrome) would be the best for me. When I came to in recovery I was told that I had metal/metal. Since I am more or less stuck with them, I have to believe in his thinking. As a 50 year old recipient I would suspect yours are ceramic/ceramic. I would be interested to know. I am Canadian and with socialized medecine one cannot help but wonder if there is pressure from the system to use a less expensive prosthetic!.

Good luck with continued progress in your recovery

gordon_h_kass <gordonkass@...> wrote:

I had a total hip replacement on my right hip last month.Here are some tips I'd like to pass along, based on my experience:TIPS:1. Do research about doctors, methods, outcomes, etc. beforehand. Go into the hospital confident about why you're going in and know that you are R-E-A-D-Y. I researched a LOT beforehand. I read stuff on the Internet, asked questions to doctors, etc.2. Be confident in your surgeon.3. Note that there is a lot of talk about manufacturers of the materials (e.g. Stryker). I think the more important factors are clearly:A: Which DOCTOR (they're different - some are better or more experienced; a doctor may not use all choices of materials (see 3B); a doctor may have a preferred method of access to the hip (see 3C)).B: Which MATERIALS work best for you

(ceramic, metal, other).C: Which METHOD OF ACCESS to the hip (anterior, posterior).4. Do exercises beforehand.5. Have family or friends scheduled to help you afterward, if at all possible. Plan out the surgery, immediate hospital stay and the post-op rehab.6. Put forth a serious effort on the post-op Physical Therapy. Get a good physical therapist and work at all your post-op exercises. You got this far, don't slack off now.7. Take music player (CD, Cassette, MP3 player, Ipod, etc.) with earphones to hospital. With soft tunes. Great for post-op recovery, including sleepless nights.8. Post-op motion precaution and other things are DIFFERENT depending on your surgeon, which method (see 3C above) was used and other factors. Everyone talks about motion precautions but they are DIFFERENT for different people, not the same for everyone. E.g. some allow moving leg

backwards, some don't. Some allow compressing joint less than 90 degrees, some don't.9. Don't shave your hip beforehand. An inadvertent cut might get you sent home on Op Day. Let them shave you.10. Everyone is different. I am 50 and have been active so my post-op and rehab have been quicker than some others. Just realize there is no one schedule for everyone.PS: I'd be glad to share more of my experience with others, if folks are interested, especially if younger and active. In brief, before the surgery, I had bone-on-bone in the joint (cartilage had worn out), a lot of pain, limping and hindered activity. After the operation, I have had no pain and a very quick and functional recovery so far.

[Guest guest]

Congratulations Gordon!! Sounds like you did a lot of homework but it

sure paid off!!!

Have you considered posting your info on the database on this site?

I think it could be helpful to a lot of people. Just go to the left

on this page and click on database and fill in the sections.

Good luck in the future and keep posting your progress. You are an

inspiration!!!!

Joan

>

> I had a total hip replacement on my right hip last month.

>

> Here are some tips I'd like to pass along, based on my experience:

>

>

> TIPS:

>

> 1. Do research about doctors, methods, outcomes, etc. beforehand.

Go

> into the hospital confident about why you're going in and know that

> you are R-E-A-D-Y. I researched a LOT beforehand. I read stuff on

> the Internet, asked questions to doctors, etc.

>

> 2. Be confident in your surgeon.

>

> 3. Note that there is a lot of talk about manufacturers of the

> materials (e.g. Stryker). I think the more important factors are

> clearly:

>

> A: Which DOCTOR (they're different - some are better or more

> experienced; a doctor may not use all choices of materials (see

3B);

> a doctor may have a preferred method of access to the hip (see 3C)).

> B: Which MATERIALS work best for you (ceramic, metal, other).

> C: Which METHOD OF ACCESS to the hip (anterior, posterior).

>

> 4. Do exercises beforehand.

>

> 5. Have family or friends scheduled to help you afterward, if at

all

> possible. Plan out the surgery, immediate hospital stay and the

post-

> op rehab.

>

> 6. Put forth a serious effort on the post-op Physical Therapy. Get

a

> good physical therapist and work at all your post-op exercises.

You

> got this far, don't slack off now.

>

> 7. Take music player (CD, Cassette, MP3 player, Ipod, etc.) with

> earphones to hospital. With soft tunes. Great for post-op

recovery,

> including sleepless nights.

>

> 8. Post-op motion precaution and other things are DIFFERENT

depending

> on your surgeon, which method (see 3C above) was used and other

> factors. Everyone talks about motion precautions

> but they are DIFFERENT for different people, not the same for

> everyone. E.g. some allow moving leg backwards, some don't. Some

> allow compressing joint less than 90 degrees, some don't.

>

> 9. Don't shave your hip beforehand. An inadvertent cut might get

you

> sent home on Op Day. Let them shave you.

>

> 10. Everyone is different. I am 50 and have been active so my post-

> op and rehab have been quicker than some others. Just realize

there

> is no one schedule for everyone.

>

>

> PS: I'd be glad to share more of my experience with others, if

folks

> are interested, especially if younger and active. In brief, before

> the surgery, I had bone-on-bone in the joint (cartilage had worn

> out), a lot of pain, limping and hindered activity. After the

> operation, I have had no pain and a very quick and functional

> recovery so far.

[Guest guest]

Hi Gordon,

I just wanted to thanked you for sending these tips I wish I had them when I went for my Hip replacement witch didn't turn out that great I have scar tissues I also had a knee replacement that turn out better then my Hip I learn to live with it I try to do my execises everyday after the Holidays I'm looking for a new dr and hope he can help me its been four years since my Hip replacement . Well I know this guy thats having a Knee replacement on 1-11-2005 I sent these tips to him even through its for Hip replacement it should still help him. I wish I had a group like this four years ago .Well you have a nice day and have A Happy New Year .

Susiegordon_h_kass <gordonkass@...> wrote:

I had a total hip replacement on my right hip last month.Here are some tips I'd like to pass along, based on my experience:TIPS:1. Do research about doctors, methods, outcomes, etc. beforehand. Go into the hospital confident about why you're going in and know that you are R-E-A-D-Y. I researched a LOT beforehand. I read stuff on the Internet, asked questions to doctors, etc.2. Be confident in your surgeon.3. Note that there is a lot of talk about manufacturers of the materials (e.g. Stryker). I think the more important factors are clearly:A: Which DOCTOR (they're different - some are better or more experienced; a doctor may not use all choices of materials (see 3B); a doctor may have a preferred method of access to the hip (see 3C)).B: Which MATERIALS work best for you (ceramic, metal,

other).C: Which METHOD OF ACCESS to the hip (anterior, posterior).4. Do exercises beforehand.5. Have family or friends scheduled to help you afterward, if at all possible. Plan out the surgery, immediate hospital stay and the post-op rehab.6. Put forth a serious effort on the post-op Physical Therapy. Get a good physical therapist and work at all your post-op exercises. You got this far, don't slack off now.7. Take music player (CD, Cassette, MP3 player, Ipod, etc.) with earphones to hospital. With soft tunes. Great for post-op recovery, including sleepless nights.8. Post-op motion precaution and other things are DIFFERENT depending on your surgeon, which method (see 3C above) was used and other factors. Everyone talks about motion precautions but they are DIFFERENT for different people, not the same for everyone. E.g. some allow moving leg backwards, some don't. Some allow compressing joint less

than 90 degrees, some don't.9. Don't shave your hip beforehand. An inadvertent cut might get you sent home on Op Day. Let them shave you.10. Everyone is different. I am 50 and have been active so my post-op and rehab have been quicker than some others. Just realize there is no one schedule for everyone.PS: I'd be glad to share more of my experience with others, if folks are interested, especially if younger and active. In brief, before the surgery, I had bone-on-bone in the joint (cartilage had worn out), a lot of pain, limping and hindered activity. After the operation, I have had no pain and a very quick and functional recovery so far.

[Guest guest]

I had a total hip replacement on my right hip last month.

Here are some tips I'd like to pass along, based on my experience:

TIPS:

1. Do research about doctors, methods, outcomes, etc. beforehand. Go

into the hospital confident about why you're going in and know that

you are R-E-A-D-Y. I researched a LOT beforehand. I read stuff on

the Internet, asked questions to doctors, etc.

2. Be confident in your surgeon.

3. Note that there is a lot of talk about manufacturers of the

materials (e.g. Stryker). I think the more important factors are

clearly:

A: Which DOCTOR (they're different - some are better or more

experienced; a doctor may not use all choices of materials (see 3B);

a doctor may have a preferred method of access to the hip (see 3C)).

B: Which MATERIALS work best for you (ceramic, metal, other).

C: Which METHOD OF ACCESS to the hip (anterior, posterior).

4. Do exercises beforehand.

5. Have family or friends scheduled to help you afterward, if at all

possible. Plan out the surgery, immediate hospital stay and the post-

op rehab.

6. Put forth a serious effort on the post-op Physical Therapy. Get a

good physical therapist and work at all your post-op exercises. You

got this far, don't slack off now.

7. Take music player (CD, Cassette, MP3 player, Ipod, etc.) with

earphones to hospital. With soft tunes. Great for post-op recovery,

including sleepless nights.

8. Post-op motion precaution and other things are DIFFERENT depending

on your surgeon, which method (see 3C above) was used and other

factors. Everyone talks about motion precautions

but they are DIFFERENT for different people, not the same for

everyone. E.g. some allow moving leg backwards, some don't. Some

allow compressing joint less than 90 degrees, some don't.

9. Don't shave your hip beforehand. An inadvertent cut might get you

sent home on Op Day. Let them shave you.

10. Everyone is different. I am 50 and have been active so my post-

op and rehab have been quicker than some others. Just realize there

is no one schedule for everyone.

PS: I'd be glad to share more of my experience with others, if folks

are interested, especially if younger and active. In brief, before

the surgery, I had bone-on-bone in the joint (cartilage had worn

out), a lot of pain, limping and hindered activity. After the

operation, I have had no pain and a very quick and functional

recovery so far.

[Guest guest]

Gordon,

Very good tips.

Would you mind sharing how you came to pick your surgeon, what type

of implant he used, surgical approach used etc and how your personal

recovery went i.e. time frame.

PS I'm interstead to hear your experince since I'm 44 and looking in

to having my hip's done. Both of mine are bad the left one is bone

on bone and the right is not far behind.

Thanks

>

> I had a total hip replacement on my right hip last month.

>

> Here are some tips I'd like to pass along, based on my experience:

>

>

> TIPS:

>

> 1. Do research about doctors, methods, outcomes, etc. beforehand.

Go

> into the hospital confident about why you're going in and know

that

> you are R-E-A-D-Y. I researched a LOT beforehand. I read stuff

on

> the Internet, asked questions to doctors, etc.

>

> 2. Be confident in your surgeon.

>

> 3. Note that there is a lot of talk about manufacturers of the

> materials (e.g. Stryker). I think the more important factors are

> clearly:

>

> A: Which DOCTOR (they're different - some are better or more

> experienced; a doctor may not use all choices of materials (see

3B);

> a doctor may have a preferred method of access to the hip (see

3C)).

> B: Which MATERIALS work best for you (ceramic, metal, other).

> C: Which METHOD OF ACCESS to the hip (anterior, posterior).

>

> 4. Do exercises beforehand.

>

> 5. Have family or friends scheduled to help you afterward, if at

all

> possible. Plan out the surgery, immediate hospital stay and the

post-

> op rehab.

>

> 6. Put forth a serious effort on the post-op Physical Therapy.

Get a

> good physical therapist and work at all your post-op exercises.

You

> got this far, don't slack off now.

>

> 7. Take music player (CD, Cassette, MP3 player, Ipod, etc.) with

> earphones to hospital. With soft tunes. Great for post-op

recovery,

> including sleepless nights.

>

> 8. Post-op motion precaution and other things are DIFFERENT

depending

> on your surgeon, which method (see 3C above) was used and other

> factors. Everyone talks about motion precautions

> but they are DIFFERENT for different people, not the same for

> everyone. E.g. some allow moving leg backwards, some don't. Some

> allow compressing joint less than 90 degrees, some don't.

>

> 9. Don't shave your hip beforehand. An inadvertent cut might get

you

> sent home on Op Day. Let them shave you.

>

> 10. Everyone is different. I am 50 and have been active so my

post-

> op and rehab have been quicker than some others. Just realize

there

> is no one schedule for everyone.

>

>

> PS: I'd be glad to share more of my experience with others, if

folks

> are interested, especially if younger and active. In brief,

before

> the surgery, I had bone-on-bone in the joint (cartilage had worn

> out), a lot of pain, limping and hindered activity. After the

> operation, I have had no pain and a very quick and functional

> recovery so far.

[Guest guest]

Gordon: Your recommendation for THR are very useful.

I am planning a hip surgery but before I am trying to

go the natural way. My x-rays seem to indicate just

as you bone-on-bone in the worn out cartiledge. I am

trying out some pretty expensive injections which

suposely can gradually rebuild joints whether it is a

rip off I really don't know. Nevertheless, I wanted

to ask you after one month of surgery are you walking

on crutches or are still in bed? How much time more do

you think you be able to go back to normal activity?

Did you have any pre or post depression about the

surgery?

Thanks for your insights ,I wish the best in your

recovery.

joint

--- gordon_h_kass <gordonkass@...> wrote:

>

> I had a total hip replacement on my right hip last

> month.

>

> Here are some tips I'd like to pass along, based on

> my experience:

>

>

> TIPS:

>

> 1. Do research about doctors, methods, outcomes,

> etc. beforehand. Go

> into the hospital confident about why you're going

> in and know that

> you are R-E-A-D-Y. I researched a LOT beforehand.

> I read stuff on

> the Internet, asked questions to doctors, etc.

>

> 2. Be confident in your surgeon.

>

> 3. Note that there is a lot of talk about

> manufacturers of the

> materials (e.g. Stryker). I think the more

> important factors are

> clearly:

>

> A: Which DOCTOR (they're different - some are better

> or more

> experienced; a doctor may not use all choices of

> materials (see 3B);

> a doctor may have a preferred method of access to

> the hip (see 3C)).

> B: Which MATERIALS work best for you (ceramic,

> metal, other).

> C: Which METHOD OF ACCESS to the hip (anterior,

> posterior).

>

> 4. Do exercises beforehand.

>

> 5. Have family or friends scheduled to help you

> afterward, if at all

> possible. Plan out the surgery, immediate hospital

> stay and the post-

> op rehab.

>

> 6. Put forth a serious effort on the post-op

> Physical Therapy. Get a

> good physical therapist and work at all your post-op

> exercises. You

> got this far, don't slack off now.

>

> 7. Take music player (CD, Cassette, MP3 player,

> Ipod, etc.) with

> earphones to hospital. With soft tunes. Great for

> post-op recovery,

> including sleepless nights.

>

> 8. Post-op motion precaution and other things are

> DIFFERENT depending

> on your surgeon, which method (see 3C above) was

> used and other

> factors. Everyone talks about motion precautions

> but they are DIFFERENT for different people, not the

> same for

> everyone. E.g. some allow moving leg backwards,

> some don't. Some

> allow compressing joint less than 90 degrees, some

> don't.

>

> 9. Don't shave your hip beforehand. An inadvertent

> cut might get you

> sent home on Op Day. Let them shave you.

>

> 10. Everyone is different. I am 50 and have been

> active so my post-

> op and rehab have been quicker than some others.

> Just realize there

> is no one schedule for everyone.

>

>

> PS: I'd be glad to share more of my experience with

> others, if folks

> are interested, especially if younger and active.

> In brief, before

> the surgery, I had bone-on-bone in the joint

> (cartilage had worn

> out), a lot of pain, limping and hindered activity.

> After the

> operation, I have had no pain and a very quick and

> functional

> recovery so far.

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Gordon,

Those were good tips. I never knew why you shouldnt shave your legs

beforehand. I had surgery 11.10.04. I've still never let a day go by

yet without doing exercises and as the weeks progressed, lots of

walking.

I'd just like too add that foam earplugs for nighttimes were a great

help to me! I was in a room with 3 others and slept like a baby,

Leigh