Total hip replacement - What to expect for recovery

Thanks a lot ! I work in retail and that’s what I was concerned about but I also work in the cold

@avs , i experienced numbness in my hip for about 6 months after my surgery. You are not quite 2 months post op. Are you going to P.T.?

Yes twice a week

After my hip replacements (2 of them) in 2006 I began wearing long underwear whenever I was going to be out in the cold. If I didn't, my hip and leg ached by the middle of the day.
Sue

It’s a different kinda cold working in a fresh food area. You can’t wear enough clothes

I returned to work ten days after hip replacement. I work from my home office and am a psychotherapist.
I did space appointments further apart so that i could get up and move around.

I noticed an indentation in my thigh. About 2/3 of the way done from my hip. I thought it would go away, but 9 months later it is still there. Anyone else experience this?

I'm a 49-year old female and was diagnosed 11 years ago with hip dysplasia in both hips when I tore my R labrum. I had that repaired and it was a really, really tough recovery (I found out it was easier to recover from hip replacement than labral repair--especially with hip dysplasia because I was non-weight bearing for 2 months). I was told that I'd need replacement by 50 and that surgeon was spot-on with his assessment.

I'm having anterior THR on my L hip in 5 weeks and am quite anxious about the recovery--especially since I'll have to have the R hip replaced during the first half of 2024. Cortisone shots only worked for 2 rounds, with the last one providing relief for less than 1 week. So I'm confident that this is the right course of action and I am very satisfied with my medical team. I have a history of blood clots and they will be taking special precautions for that.

I'm not as nervous about the surgery itself, as I've had several surgeries in the last 12 years, including a radical hysterectomy (recovery was also very difficult). The recovery has me quite nervous, though, especially how I'm going to be able to sleep (I'm a side and stomach sleeper). Has anyone used those pillow wedge systems to help with sleep? I had one for my hysterectomy but it didn't work well--although I think it mad more to do with the quality of it than the wedge itself.

We live in a house that is all stairs, so we'll be staying at my in-laws senior living unit for a week or two, as they'll be in their winter house and it'll be empty. We think that will be a huge help.

If anyone has great insights and tips for a smooth recovery, I would love to hear them!!

Thanks so much.
Jenn

The biggest piece of advice I can give is to be patient. Everyone’s recovery is different so don’t listen to those who have had speedy recovery. You will get through this and, in time, be glad you had it done. Wishing you well.

@jennylynn74 Please listen to @mitfit! I have had 5 hip surgeries, and every recovery was different. Doctors and other who tell you you will be "recovered" in 4-6 weeks must be kidding!

Here is where you are at 4-6 weeks-
- Your incision is healed
- Your muscles are beginning to mend and regain strength
- Your body has largely recovered from the anesthesia and blood loss

Here is what is still happening
- Your muscles, tendons and nerves are still healing and tightening up to hold the new hardware.
- You are spending time every day doing PT exercises and walking - boring but necessary - watch TV or listen to something fun.
- If a cement-less implant was used, the bone tissue is still working on adhering to the implant so sometimes it may feel a wee bit unstable.
- Your body is recovering from the "assault" that is joint replacement surgery.
- If corrections have been made (dysplasia, leg length, etc) you are learning a whole new way of moving, so other parts of your body may protest.

Patience, persistence and the "long view" are the keys. You have been hurting for a LONG time. When this is all done, you will be in a better place.
Good luck with your surgery. Feel free to ask as many questions as you have - we have all been there!
Sue