Post hip replacement care/help

I have given my opinion on ways to find a really good doctor and I left out your method which should be at the top of the list! You have been in a great position to evaluate your surgeon.

@tamster1208: Having complete faith in your provider is a great start so ideally you've established a good working relationship with the medical professional with whom you've had these years of experience. Therefore, it's best to rely on their recommendations for post-op assistance and pain relief measures rather than what may have worked for others. For example, some orthopedics are very much against PT feeling it could lead to potential dislocation whereas some have therapists with whom they work and feel comfortable with the techniques to be provided in initial rehab. Others may also may warn against motorized ice machines with compression as they feel they can pose the threat of damaging local blood flow thereby causing tissue or nerve damage/irritation - especially as they can be somewhat costly to rent and may not yield superior results as following directions for judicious use of ice packs (i.e. 20 min at a time with a rest period of up to an hour between use, always with a cloth barrier protecting the skin).

Keep in mind, too, that not all total hip replacements are performed with the same operative technique due to various reasons; they are individualized to the needs of the patient. The hospital will ensure that you are safe for discharge when performing your post-op evaluation and provide you with techniques to follow for proper ways to get in and out of bed as well as toileting - which may include the use of a raised toilet seat. They will likely inform you if you need a front wheeled walker to accomplish ambulation safely on your own, perhaps even provide you with this. Can you see if the facility where you'll be having your operation provides a special pre-op class to go over these issues?

I totally understand the pain as I have been dealing with progressive deterioration of my hip pathology for over a year with surgery that had been delayed due to cancer treatment complications. I'll be undergoing a posterior hip replacement with an overnight inpatient stay on 9/4. May I ask when your surgery is scheduled?

@tamster1208: I wanted to circle back to see how you’re doing and if you had your left hip replacement yet. I had mine on Friday and I’m very pleased to report all was quite successful. I’d been anticipating a posterior approach which is more complicated but upon reviewing the latest X-rays my surgeon at Mayo felt comfortable removing my previous screws with the anterior approach (a bit of a challenge as bone had grown over one of the screws) but all went exceptionally well. I was completely comfortable throughout my overnight stay until I was seen by PT and OT yesterday morning, home by noon where I’ve been managing well with a walker, raised toilet seat and only Tylenol to keep discomfort at bay. My husband is here if any assistance is needed, mostly with carrying items.

Everyone’s post op course is different but I know you’ve had concerns so I’d like to hear about your experience when you’re able to provide it. Hope all has/will go well.

@grammato3 Sounds like you found a great surgeon who can make adjustments on the fly. Who is it? I believe in letting folks know who the good ones are.

@steveinarizona: As a retired RN, I have confidence that a capable surgeon can perform these skilled procedures and after consulting a few orthopedic surgeons over the years I did feel entirely comfortable with Dr. Zachary Christopher, his PA Lauren Miller and the entire team at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. I closely follow advancements in healthcare, and I am consistently inspired by Mayo Clinic’s latest techniques in patient safety and care - from keeping communication smooth through their patient portal, coordination amongst specialities on staff, and incorporation of the latest modalities in patient care and comfort. I'm truly amazed at how well I'm feeling on post-op day 3!

I agree with you. One week ago Shelley Noland at the same Mayo Clinic did an endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery on me.

There may be a few doctors out there who are even better but the general level of excellence at any of the Mayo Clinics is unmatched.

@steveinarizona: Glad you found that helpful and that you're recovering well.

From what I've heard from patients in my career over many years, "better" doctors are often based upon subjective experience and obviously if one has had a great outcome, their provider is the best in their eyes, understandably so! A postive outcome is always the best outcome, and having the healthcare consumer - us collectively as the patient - being a respected part of the team by actively understanding and participating in decision making contributes to favorable patient satisfaction.

Here are some qualities to look for when assessing a medical provider and their staff: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/9-qualities-of-a-great-doctor/

Continued postive progress to you in your recovery!

@grammato3
You left out one other consideration. A facility that is not incentivized to do surgery!