Debating hip replacement

I had a hip replacement at 54. I'm now 74. Having the replacement was the best decision I could have made. It has given me years of great mobility and independence with no pain. I highly recommend you have the replacement. Also get a surgeon who frequently does hip replacements. Good luck.

I am 66, I had my Right Hip replaced at the Mayo 5 years ago, before the surgery I was miserable, couldn't walk! I was overweight, I made sure prior to the planned surgery, to loose some substantial weight, so that after surgery my replaced hip will not suffer like my old hip from carrying all that weight.
The surgery itself and the quick recovery, was much easier than I had imagined. Walking was the only therapy I needed post surgery.
Pick a good Surgeon with plenty experience, and go for it.
Good Luck! P.S. the weight loss helped with not needing surgery on the other hip !

I'm 81. Left hip replaced in 2018, right hip replaced in 2019. No more pain but walking is a little awkward. Do a lot of physical therapy, stretch and work out to keep yourself in shape.

@weezy1939 I found out yesterday that I need my hip replaced because of degenerative arthritis. I have had two sessions with a therapist and am already doing the exercises that I downloaded from your letter. They aren't going to cure me but will strengthen me before surgery

Great news!

Good afternoon, my right hip deteriorated to the point I was without a hip socket. Thus an anterior hip replacement. Joint replacement is a significant learning curve. You'll want to google the subject and learn as much as possible before the procedure. You'll need a few pieces of equipment. A walker, cane, an elevated toilet seat (a must), and perhaps other - maybe crutches. I found all items at Good Will or Habitat for Humanity ReStore. My son in law is a ortho doctor and his recommendation was to search and find a doctor that only does hips. Many doctors will do knees, elbows, shoulders, etc. Optimally find the best hip doctor in your town. Utilize google to research doctors. Recovery will be 4-8 weeks. Insurance regs will prevent driving for 4 weeks. Use common sense, listen to your doc and PAs and you'll be very happy to have the surgery! Ps. One of my cardiologist had both hips done and I would have never known it but for the fact I commented on my upcoming procedure.

I couldn't drive for 6 weeks. Also, I could never use a raised toilet seat, (gross !). I had something put on the toilet that gave you actual handles to hold on to to keep your leg out straight, I can't remember what it's called.

If your medical system uses the computer generated anterior arthoplasty which I had yes it's a relief. I was home after five days home physical therapy for 2 wks and driving in 2 more weeks. I had 7 stairs in and out. I had to be lifted up th Good Lucke stairs in the wheelchsir. I wouldn't recommend doing both at the same time unless your Dr explains how it would be advisable. I was 53 yrs old and weighed approx 320 lb. It's a surgery that has to be customized to you.

I am currently going through the exact same thing; I also don't want to go through a hip replacement. I am 71 and have walked with a slight lip for a year now due to hip osteoarthritis. One day I went to get up, the pain was so severe from my hip to my knee that I could not put any weight on the leg and could not walk for four hours. I was in tears it hurt so bad. Went to orthopedic and got my first steroid shot a couple weeks ago. I was told a total hip replacement is in my future. Very scared to go through the procedure and recovery. Add to the problem; I live alone, have 14 steps up to bedrooms and 14 steps down to basement for laundry!

I had my right hip replaced on 8/20/20 (this is 9/25/20) and have been walking without a cane for over two weeks. I carry it with me for long walks per the PT directions. Have had little pain. I stayed one night and before being released I had to show that I could walk with a walker and was given PT on how to get into and out of vehicle as well as how to climb and descend steps. I think you could do the steps following the right instructions but initially definitely not be attempting to carry laundry up and down steps! My experience with the surgery was good - no issues of any significance. Can provide you more information if you have questions. Don't put it off if you are in regular pain and you are being limited by the hip. I even mowed my lawn this week - taking advantage of the self propelled feature so it was almost like using a walker! I was allowed to drive after my first PT session when I was assessed. - three weeks after surgery and making my wife happy!