Connect
Im 53 what is post op recovery of Total Hip Replacement
Ive dealt with chronic pain and back issues for some time. Done the injections, and even had the Radiofrequency Ablation. My gait is considerably worse, stair, and car transfers, sit to stand pain in hip crease and groin, unbearable. Today he took X-ray of HIP and the left one is shot, no space in socket at all on the left. He says back pain driver is resolved, I've got a consult for hip surgeon in 2 weeks, what to expect?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.
Connect
@heyjoe415
Hi Joe, I asked, ¨At what age a person is ¨too old¨ for a hip or other joint replacement?¨ I was told that there was no set ¨too old¨age. They will operate if the surgery will keep a person from being bedfast, because once a person is confined to bed, they end up sitting in their own urine and feces until someone comes and cleans them up. And that, I was told, was sufficient reason to do a knee or a hip, just to give a person some quality of life. I was surprised at the candor of the answer. Knowing that, and knowing the amount of pain I had from the then arthritic hip, I had the hip replaced at age 84, anterior procedure.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHi Joan,
Well a hip replacement at age 84 is a huge accomplishment and I am certainly proud of you. The candor in your response is one reason I like this Mayo Forum. No one holds back and no one should hold back. People are looking for honest answers, even when there are no good answers. Although in my experience, most people here do find help. It starts with honesty.
I'm 71 and have had both knees, right hip and left shoulder replaced. I did it because I will happily have treated those things that can be treated. That's not true for everything that can afflict us with age.
I go to the gym everyday and try to be as good to my body, and other people, as possible. My one ailment is a horribly afflicted lumbar spine. But by developing a set of strong core muscles, I'm more protected from surgery. Even so, I wake up every morning with an extremely stiff lower back. It takes a while to get going! That's ok, I know it could be much, much worse and I'm grateful for the life I have.
You are an inspiring person Joan and I commend you for your bravery and honesty.
Joe
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsRevisions are more difficult than original replacement surgeries. That's well said Steve. And yes, there are ortho surgeons who specialize in revisions.
Joe
Hi cosynook,
I'm sorry for what you had to go through with the first two knee replacements going south.
I've had both knees successfully replaced. Ironically, my surgeon did his residency and fellowship at CC.
As far as incisions for the hip, my surgeon used the anterior incision. This is superior in that it doesn't cut any muscle, versus posterior or lateral approaches. Steve has also posted about a THR method called SuperPath that sounds interesting, although I only know what Steve has posted. My surgeon does not use it.
All the best to you!
Joe
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi Steve, great to hear from you again.
On the subject of surgeon selection, you suggested finding someone with - "extensive experience doing the exact procedure, great hands and a great mind."
Well said. We had moved and I had to find new ortho surgeons. In addition to your criteria, I added - 1) a surgeon in their mid 30s to mid/late 40s, 2) a surgeon with a good med school/residency.fellowship pedigree (ala Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, and 3) someone who had done hundreds/thousands of procedures with excellent patient feedback.
Hope you are well friend. I had my left shoulder replaced in August last year. Recovery has gone really well but it demands a lot of patience versus knee and hip. (I have one hip and one shoulder that haven't been replaced, yet.......)
Joe
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@heyjoe415
You beat me Joe. I am only 80 although inching closer to 81. I had my left hip replaced about three years ago and my right knee about four months ago. I had RXs for Oxycodone, celebrex, small dose aspirin, and extra strength Tylenol. I ended up not having to use any.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHello again my friend! Great to hear from you!
Wow a THR in your late 70s and a TKR at 80! Congratulations! I love these success stories!
I was given the same post-op meds you were. I never used the oxy and I think I took a few Celebrex after the nerve block wore off from my TKRs. The post-op pain is just not that bad most of the time, and as you know, rehab begins within hours of surgery.
I did get my left shoulder replaced about 6 months ago. That's been the toughest rehab but not because of pain. It's a long rehab, done in stages, and requires patience - not my strong suit. But again, very little reliance on pain meds, maybe a week or two max.
The recovery from the aTSR has gone incredibly well. I was back in the gym 5-weeks post-op on the spin bike (with my arm at my side for a few sessions!) and I just started doing chest presses and weight-assisted pull ups, 6 months post-op (chest presses and pull-ups come last in the sequence of post-op exercises). The horrible pain is gone and I'm an happy guy!
Thanks for reaching out Steve! I hope these success stories of joint replacements encourage others to 1) ask a lot of questions and 2) lessen the fear around the procedures.
Yes, surgery is always a big deal, especially joint replacement. I think the procedures are now incredibly advanced and , absent complications, are very safe and effective - IF the patient does the rehab!
Joe