Simultaneous hip replacement?

I have had one hip replaced and will need to have the other done at some point. I can’t imagine having both done at once! Perhaps you should get a second opinion?

Apparently both hips can be done at the same time. I did extensive research on my surgeon before contemplating even having one hip done. Research research research is my best advice.

My surgeon was highly recommended because he performs the anterior approach .
I’ve been reading about having one vs both but still not sure.

I think having both at once is possible IF you are healthy, already strong, don't have underlying conditions (lung, heart, diabetes, etc.)
BUT things can go wrong. My (healthy) friend suffered low sodium and unstable BP after surgery and lengthened recovery. It would have been disastrous if both hips were involved since it limited her ability to get up and moving after surgery. If you get an infection after surgery, will it affect both hips? If one hip has a problem during surgery that might compromise rapid mobility, will you need to go to a rehab facility? For how long?

Other considerations - Do you have ready, willing and able help at home? You will need help with the activities of daily living for at least a couple weeks. Is your house easily adapted to toilet seat riser, shower bench and easy access to the outdoors and your car? You would not believe how difficult going up or down even 1 or 2 steps can be if both legs are affected.

When I asked about doing both at once at age 54, my surgeon was horrified. We did them 6 weeks apart to meet a "schedule" in my head, and in hindsight, even that was too close - my body was not yet recovered from the "insult" of the first surgery when I had the second.

Everyone has their own comfort level, and schedule. If you have had major surgery before and know how your body reacts, think about double the impact and ask yourself if it is a good idea for you.
Sue

Hello!
My surgeon would not do my hips at the same time. And I can see the reason why because it is tough to get up and off that toilet and chairs and go up and down the stairs if you have stairs. But I did do mine 26 days apart and I was happy with that. I think it's a personal choice, if that's something that you think your body can handle then I would go for it.

I’m under the impression that most surgeons are using the anterior approach. Sue brings up many many excellent points.

thanks this was very helpful

Thanks

I would NOT get them done at the same time I currently have no more cartilage in both hips and I am due to get them both replaced at some point I cannot raise my right leg up at all barely my range of motion is I can barely spread my legs apart let's just put it that way it's very bad like taking bald tires and expressway

And I'm trying to find a good surgeon but there's no way I would get BOTH HIPS DONE at once that's too hard on the body in my eyes and even if you are physically fit and strong I still think that you're putting too much on your body but that's my opinion you need TIME to get better and well and strengthen that one leg up and then in time go get the other one done like 6-8 months is what I would do even a year is good time to strengthen that new hip

I have to get them BOTH done and I have been suffering for years in pain with autoimmune diseases it's been so hard chronic pain sucks the life out of you even when you want to smile and be happy it's relentless and still there and there's no guarantee my rheumatologist told me even after I get my hips replaced that I will not be guaranteed to be pain-free the last 8 years have been pretty bad so it's TIME 😵‍💫😔

I wish you ALL the BEST LUCK healing vibes and blessings too I hope you found a good surgeon I don't know about a surgeon who wants to do BOTH at the same time that would make me feel very uncomfortable I'm not too sure about that that's all I can say but if you feel confident and they have reputable background then I say go with your GUT feeling but at the end of the day remember you're going to have to get up and do ALL that physical therapy and you want to be able to do it it might be hard to do it if you have BOTH done at the same time.. 🌈

I experienced hair loss after surgery. I’m still losing my hair 5 months later. Also I have been cold since surgery which was really a shock since I live in New England and it’s colder here than it was in New York. I used to wear summer pjs year round but after surgery had to wear fleece. Very disturbing. Also I have another issue that I brought up with the doctor but she cannot find a reason for it. As someone mentioned this is a shock to the system. It’s major surgery. Sometimes we forget that. Personally I would not have both hips done at the same time. One was hard enough.