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Debating hip replacement

Posted by flowerchild65 @flowerchild65, Jun 22, 2020

I am only 54 but have osteoarthritis in both hips to the point they can give out. I don’t want surgery but need it. Anyone have success stories or tips to share?

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cwle | @cwle | Jun 24, 2020
In reply to @vickid117 "Hi. I was 51 when I started having pain and fearful of making it across the..." + (show)
@vickid117

Hi. I was 51 when I started having pain and fearful of making it across the parking lot where I work. I was told I had arthritis in my left hip. The doctor told me the pain would get worse and then I would know I needed a replacement. He was so right.I think it was 4-5 months later it was near impossible to even get in my car. I was scared of the thought of surgery. The only time I was ever in hospital was when I had my two children. The surgery was a success. They had me out of bed the next day being mobile. Had physical therapy at hospital then at home. Went for PT at a facility. The best thing that helped me was doing the therapy at home like I was told to do.You have to have a no quit mentality. Living without that pain for the last 7 years has been amazing. No pain when I walk. Life is too short to live in pain. Also anything worth having has to be worked at. I wish you the best. Take a chance, what do you have to lose. Life could be so much better.

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Encouraging for me! Surgery in August for right hip!

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1 reply
marye2 | @marye2 | Jun 24, 2020

Visit PT for muscle strengthening before surgery; helps recovery.

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ljplou | @ljplou | Jun 25, 2020

Do it !
I am 72, had right hip replaced 3yrs ago and one year later the left hip - no more back problems and I walk 3 miles every day. The new procedures don't require any muscle dissection and recovery is faster and less encumbered with restrictions. I was walking miles a day 5 weeks after each surgery - without a walker or cane. Its a bit painful at first - kind of like someone kicked you with steel toed boots- but keep gently exercising and within a week you'll be wondering why you waited so long. Good luck

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vickid117 | @vickid117 | Jun 25, 2020
In reply to @cwle "Encouraging for me! Surgery in August for right hip!" + (show)
@cwle

Encouraging for me! Surgery in August for right hip!

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Let me know how you do. Just remember No Pain, No Gain. Will keep you in my prayers for your success story. Keep Good thoughts inside.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 25, 2020

I have degenerative arthritis and regularly have pain in my right hip from sleeping on my side. I signed up for some physical therapy to see if that helps but have to wait for my appointment on July 17th. I subscribe to a few health newsletters and this one showed up in my inbox this morning. Might get an early start on the hip exercises.

Osteoarthritis and Exercise -- Learn how to best manage osteoarthritis of the hip and knee with exercise. Reduce your symptoms and improve your mobility.
--- https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/e-learning

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cectono | @cectono | Jun 25, 2020

Just wanted to add: listen to tour therapists!

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iltaxes | @iltaxes | Jun 25, 2020
In reply to @cwle "As I am headed that way - how were the first couple of days? My doctor..." + (show)
@cwle

As I am headed that way - how were the first couple of days? My doctor wants one overnight stay. My house has 5 steps from the garage to get into it so I wonder how easy with help that will go. Did you have to use a walker in the house for a few days? PT on my schedule doesn't happen until two weeks after surgery.

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I just had my second hip replaced. This one was done outpatient, which worried me. However, I woke up the next morning, got washed, dressed, Fixed & ate breakfast, took the garbage to the curb. All before physical therapist showed up. She did her work out, including walking up & down a flight of stairs to the 2nd floor. I was a little sore that afternoon, but compared to the pain I was in prior to surgery, it was not bad at all.

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laurie1l | @laurie1l | Jun 25, 2020

11 years ago (in my 50's) I had my right hip replaced. I was crippled, could barely walk even with a cane. 6 weeks after the surgery I was walking without pain. And to this day you'd never know I could barely walk. I worked at a hospital 2 years ago, I worked there for 3 years and walked 7 - 8 miles a day with zero pain. I am VERY pleased I had a total hip replacement. Do yourself a favor and get it done. The recovery time (a good 6 weeks) seemed long to me but is well worth it looking back.

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1 reply
cwle | @cwle | Jun 25, 2020
In reply to @laurie1l "11 years ago (in my 50's) I had my right hip replaced. I was crippled, could..." + (show)
@laurie1l

11 years ago (in my 50's) I had my right hip replaced. I was crippled, could barely walk even with a cane. 6 weeks after the surgery I was walking without pain. And to this day you'd never know I could barely walk. I worked at a hospital 2 years ago, I worked there for 3 years and walked 7 - 8 miles a day with zero pain. I am VERY pleased I had a total hip replacement. Do yourself a favor and get it done. The recovery time (a good 6 weeks) seemed long to me but is well worth it looking back.

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Wow! So encouraging as I wait on my surgery date!

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cwle | @cwle | Jun 25, 2020
In reply to @iltaxes "I just had my second hip replaced. This one was done outpatient, which worried me. However,..." + (show)
@iltaxes

I just had my second hip replaced. This one was done outpatient, which worried me. However, I woke up the next morning, got washed, dressed, Fixed & ate breakfast, took the garbage to the curb. All before physical therapist showed up. She did her work out, including walking up & down a flight of stairs to the 2nd floor. I was a little sore that afternoon, but compared to the pain I was in prior to surgery, it was not bad at all.

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I hear that outpatient is more common. My doctor wants an overnight stay. Have not questioned that as being an option. Since it is my first hip replacement maybe that is OK as I go through the process.

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