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What is normal recovery time/ progress for total hip replacement?
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (27)Comment receiving replies
I appreciate the comments that you all have made. I am going in for hip replacement In May for my right hip. The doctor I saw previously said my right hip was OK even though its bone on bone, Also that I had a lot of range of motion so it’s fine. I changed doctors, and he said both hips need replacing. The left hip according to the x-rays, Is where my right hip was three years ago. Since I am 86 I’m probably going to have a longer recovery. I am doing physical therapy twice a week to strengthen my muscles and that is really wearing me out. I am now finding it hard to sleep at night. I like to sleep on my side and even with a pillow between my legs, it still hurts. I need to sleep more on my back, which I don’t like, so I keep waking up a lot at night. I’m sorry for all the pain for those who are experiencing it!
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I'm so sorry for what you're going through Faye. My hat is off to you though for sticking with the pre-op exercises. I did that for my knees when they were replaced in 2022, but I was a spry 67 y/o at the time. I truly respect your effort and commitment and Im sure it will help tremendously with your recovery.
As to another comment you made, each surgeon is different. In my opinion, once a joint has zero cartilage, bone on bone, it's time for a replacement. Some surgeons, like mine, prefer to wait until the patient is experiencing chronic pain.
I asked him why he does that, and he explained he wants patients feeling better after the surgery than before. It is possible to go quite a while bone on bone in any joint and not experience severe pain. So I waited and the pain worsened and I had the replacements.
Now I've changed mind. As I mentioned to Peggy, once a joint is bone on bone, and a good surgeon says replacement is inevitable, get the joint replaced. And do it asap especially if you're in good health.
Best wishes to you and Peggy on your upcoming replacements. Im getting my right hip replaced tomorrow, and given the pain, really can't wait!
Joe