Total hip replacement - What to expect for recovery

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

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

I had anterior THA on the Hana table. Never again!! Since the surgery in 4/22 I've got more back pain, tingling and pins and needles sensation in the left thigh that now goes to the toes and now have peripheral neuropathy. The surgeon admitted he either pinched the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve or damaged it but didn't completely sever it. I can't walk too far, stand too long, sit too long or the pain and tingling becomes worse. The surgeon told me it would go away after a year, symptoms continued, then told me 2 years and now doesn't have any answers. None of the physicians I've seen have any answers. I think some of the problems were caused by the Hana table. Look it up and see what a torture table it is. My back pain is worse since surgery and no spine surgeon will do surgery. What's the point to having doctors? The good thing about the anterior approach is less dislocation than the other 2 locations, but life is not good like I'm living it now. Good luck to you and ask questions.

I was told that total recovery would take a year. I believe that. My initial recovery was fast. I’m 4.5 months out now and feel like I have hit a wall. 90% recovered, but can’t get any further.
I believe that part of my problem is that limping before the surgery harmed my back and perhaps limping after did also. Now, i have back pain!
I can see that some of my limping is psychological- if i focus on walking with no limp, I can.
I’m still happy with my results.

Susan - Let me repeat my "mantra" for after knee/hip replacement where limping is a persistent issue - find rehab PT and get gait training - they will help you retrain your brain. Also, if you have access to a pool, I found it helpful to practice walking in water without limping - and I felt like the resistance helped me get over that "90% hump". I also had an aqua therapist teach me to use stepping down against a large pool noodle (again resistance) to strengthen my quads.
Have you had any gait training?
Sue

Sue, thank you for your reply.
I have just started gait training at PT. It is helpful and the PT seems knowledgeable about this. He has been with me since before the hip replacement. I started going to PT when i first had pain, but before i discovered that I needed a THR. So, he’s been with me for the entire journey.
One of the remarks he made while watching me walk laps around the room was that I am “scared walking.” I know this is true. I watch the floor/ground and take tentative steps. I think that I’m afraid I will fall down and break something! I told my surgeon that and he said,”You’re not going to break the new hip. It’s titanium. You might break something else.”
😳