Expectations of Recovery after Revision Surgery

Hi @eustica ca - Welcome to Connect. You found a good group. I have not had hip replacements, but I did have 2 knee replacements. I can assure you that everyone recovers differently. One thing I have learned is that there is no standard by which to measure ourselves. I'm going to tag a few people who I think have had hip replacements and might be able to share some advice or encouragement: @beatricefay, @mariemotte, @laura1956, @scottb32laura1956
Meantime, it sounds as if you are frustrated by your recovery. Can you share more about what is happening? Are you feeling like they haven't really "fixed" your hip?

Thank you. My question only regards revision surgery. No pain in hip area, but balance and walking ability are affected. How long is recovery after revision surgery supposed to take?

In addition to the members @debbraw invited to this conversation, I'd also like to invite @holybible, @8287usmc, @nise2uss, @katrine, @binblessed, and @izabel who have all had a hip revision or are potentially facing a revision that may find this conversation of value as well.

@eustacia. I am having a triple phase bone scan tomorrow to determine whether or not I will have a revision so I can’t really answer your general question. I have had very bad “end of stem” pain and I had my hip replaced in August 2017! I do know that staying active and being guided by a good physiotherapist in consultation with your surgeon are extremely important. I am not where I want to be, I am not free of pain, but I do believe my pain level is better than it was and I have stayed with a walking program the whole time. I just don’t know if it will be enough to avoid revision. Have you had any physiotherapy? What is happening with your walking ability exactly, are you limited? Can you provide more details? What was the reason for your revision and did it solve that problem?

Reason for revision was loosening of cement that held the stem. Pain isn't too bad, but mobility is greatly affected. Activities are curtaiped, and I live constantly with a fear of falling. Surgeon never told me what to expect. Very taciturn. I had the idea that it would improve more quickly I had three weeks of therapy.

@eustica thanks for the details. Sorry for this happening to you. I know what it feels like to expect less pain and end up with more! Sounds like they did your revision by replacing the loosening cement with new cement? Have you considered a second opinion if your insurance allows it? These two ways of replacing and securing a new hip, both of which have some drawbacks it seems. I don’t have a cemented hip. I have one with a metal stem but it has caused me such a lot of pain too and I am otherwise healthy. Frustrating isn’t it to say the least. Please consider a second opinion to maybe ease your suffering. You shouldn’t have to suffer. I’m waiting to see my ortho to discuss results of the scan I had done.

My husband is having hip revision surgery in March, 2021 due to metal on metal hip implant error. When they put in the implant years ago they didn't know it would leach chromium and cobalt into his blood as the metal rubbed against the metal. Many have sued the manufacturer of this hip implant, but the statute of limitations is now making any recourse impossible. His surgeon is very optimistic that he will be able to do the activities pre surgery after the surgery. He plays tennis and works in the yard a great deal so we are hopeful. Will let you know how it turns out. Any suggestions from people who have had hip revision surgery would be helpful.

My husband just had more labs to indicate levels of cobalt and chromium which are trending higher. He also has a large pocket of inflammation around one hip which indicates metal ions leeching out. Had hips were replaced in 20008 and 2010- they have been great and have allowed him to continue all activities. Now he has joint pain and aches throughout his body; can these all be from metallosis? Best wishes for upcoming surgery!

Hi,
I had hip revision surgery September 16th. My hip had dislocated twice within 5 months so it was necessary. I’m using a walker and I’m at 50% weight bearing for 8 weeks. Today I’m officially 5 weeks post op and must admit the time is crawling by! I think when you’ve been unable to do the things you enjoy for such a long time waiting to recover is torture. BUT we will be on the other side of this next summer and hopefully enjoying life again!!
Feel free to reach out since we are in the same boat!
Take care.

I had a revision. Complete recovery in terms of pain and function could take as long a year or even two. Im still recovering after 4 months, but pain and strength are improving steadily.