How Did Hip Replacement go in your (active) 80's?

Posted by lazor14 @lazor14, Nov 28, 2023

I am female 83 excellent health. No meds nor health issues. I do need a hip replacement. I am bone on bone. I take one Aleve each time I play golf, pickleball volleyball. I manage my pain thru heat treatments, exercises, hip supports.
My concern is can I handle the recovery period?? How have patients my age group handled surgery /recovery. I would appreciate any suggestions that helped them.

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lazor14,
I am 71 and had a right total hip replacement five months ago.
I had a great surgeon and a really good hospital experience.
PT started day of surgery.
The first week was rough. Pain even with Percocet - although that was really just when I would attempt something like getting into my quite high bed. Very awkward. I used walker for 5-6 days. Never really used cane.
Now, five months out, I feel 90% recovered. The thigh on that side is still quite numb which they say is a thing. I think it “wakes up” slowly and sometimes I’ll feel a twinge there.
I had to have the hip replacement as I was in a lot of pain and couldn’t manage my usual activities. No regrets.

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Profile picture for susanfalcon52 @susanfalcon52

lazor14,
I am 71 and had a right total hip replacement five months ago.
I had a great surgeon and a really good hospital experience.
PT started day of surgery.
The first week was rough. Pain even with Percocet - although that was really just when I would attempt something like getting into my quite high bed. Very awkward. I used walker for 5-6 days. Never really used cane.
Now, five months out, I feel 90% recovered. The thigh on that side is still quite numb which they say is a thing. I think it “wakes up” slowly and sometimes I’ll feel a twinge there.
I had to have the hip replacement as I was in a lot of pain and couldn’t manage my usual activities. No regrets.

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Thank You! your reply was very helpful.
Lazor14

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I am 77. I had left hip done in July and the right one done Nov 1. I was not prepared the first time for the numbness, burning and swelling but at least not surprised the second time. I used a walker for 3 weeks because I was so afraid of falling. I got dressing aids and a leg lifter to help get in and out of bed. We have a higher toilet and grab bars next to it.
I’m hope you will have some help at home with meals, dishes and laundry.
Good luck!

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Make sure you have the - anterior approach. Cut is in the front of the hip- not sides.
Recovery is wonderful!!!

My husband was back on his motorcycle in 2 weeks- for short rides.
Don’t know where you live - excellent surgeon in Illinois- Geneva, Elgin area.
Does 6 a day.
His name is Dr. Shawn Palmer - you won’t be disappointed!

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Profile picture for boharley14 @boharley14

Make sure you have the - anterior approach. Cut is in the front of the hip- not sides.
Recovery is wonderful!!!

My husband was back on his motorcycle in 2 weeks- for short rides.
Don’t know where you live - excellent surgeon in Illinois- Geneva, Elgin area.
Does 6 a day.
His name is Dr. Shawn Palmer - you won’t be disappointed!

Jump to this post

Thank You!! That was very helpful.
Lazor14

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My twin sister, who had a mastectomy, chemo, and 15 radiation treatments, is 75. She broke her hip and had surgery. She is very frail. How long will her rehabilitation likely take?

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A newer minimally invasive approach is the Superpath or STAR method. My surgeon is the primary inventor of the Superpath method, He replaced my left hip four years ago and I had no post surgery pain.

Nine months ago he replaced my right knee. Again...no pain.

My conclusion: Finding a truly great surgeon is the single most important thing a potential recipient can do.

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Go for it !!! I'm 81 years old had my left hip done July 02 2026 The operating was done around 3pm .
At 6:30 pm my wife drove me home about 100km
FROM day one I never had to use a walking support !
Nothings!
I did my descripted exercise every day. My daily steps 2000 the first week by now I try to make 8000 steps.
The most important thing is to find the right surgeon with the right approach!
If you need more info
@wolfgangjorn77

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At 75 y.o. I had a right hip replacement surgery done in 2020 using the posterior approach.
Recovery took about 6 weeks and the first few days were painful and I took the high dose Tylenol during that time for the pain. The biggest difficulty was getting out of bed to go to the bathroom to urinate which seemed to be several times at night for the first 2 weeks. I had to pull myself up by grabbing the bedsheet.........there is actually a "bed ladder" on Amazon for this! Also, check out the "grabber" while on Amazon. You will need it to reach for things and I still use it today.

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