Debating hip replacement

Posted by flowerchild65 @flowerchild65, Jun 22, 2020

I am only 54 but have osteoarthritis in both hips to the point they can give out. I don’t want surgery but need it. Anyone have success stories or tips to share?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

@weezy1939 I am 81 years old and had my right hip replaced in July.I was outside walking a block with walker 2 weeks later. Started therapy at three weeks and was taught how to use a cane. I am legally blind so decided cane was a hazard so after a week I walked without it. I did grab onto furniture in the house.
Another week later I walked on my own outside. I now call it my 30 year old hip and I walk fast every day on my mile route. I had back pain for thirty years and since hip surgery that pain is gone.

REPLY
@weezy1939

@weezy1939 I am 81 years old and had my right hip replaced in July.I was outside walking a block with walker 2 weeks later. Started therapy at three weeks and was taught how to use a cane. I am legally blind so decided cane was a hazard so after a week I walked without it. I did grab onto furniture in the house.
Another week later I walked on my own outside. I now call it my 30 year old hip and I walk fast every day on my mile route. I had back pain for thirty years and since hip surgery that pain is gone.

Jump to this post

Weezy - Thanks for sharing your success story. I had the same result with back pain - never realized I was limping until after surgery when I had to learn to walk properly!
Sue

REPLY

Hello @727, You are not alone with concern about being worse off after major surgery like a hip replacement. I saw your post in a neuropathy discussion and thought I would tag you in this hip replacement discussion so that you could meet members who know what you are going through like @weezy1939, @lgal, @sueinmn and others.

If you click the link below, it will take you to the top of the discussion so that you can read what other members have shared.

-- Debating hip replacement:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/debating-hip-replacement/

REPLY

Thanks, it is somewhat reassuring to read these comments. I am 76 years old in good form and health except for peripheral neuropathy, so I’m still curious if any folks with neuropathy have been faced with hip replacement surgery.

REPLY

I had a total hip replacement almost 4 weeks ago. I’ve been walking without a cane or walker to most places I hardly have any pain and what I thought was knee pain is now gone vI did have knee replacement 2 yrs ago and there’s no comparison. The hip is a much faster recuperation. I’m very pleased Btw, I’m 81

REPLY

I am 63 yrs old and just had a Left THR August 1st, anterior approach. When I woke up from surgery I felt absolutely fabulous....my head was so clear, no headache, no nausea, just fabulous. I was very happy. In recovery I got one or two low doses of fentanyl for a little annoying pain in my hip, it worked. The Doc put me on tramadol, 3 times a day, and PRN Norco for pain. I was able to walk and do stairs with therapy, and the only reason I had to stay over night was because I was retaining too much urine (anesthesia will do that). The next day, the NP took my bandage off, gave me some flomax and sent me home. My incision looked great, and so did my leg! Really, no swelling at all. My son was there to tend to me, but I got up, got around and did everything on my own at home. Then came the barrage of Home Health Care Worker phone calls. I saw the RN twice, the OT once, and the PT about 4 times. Fortunately the PT told me to expect more pain and swelling after just a few days, cuz that is exactly what happened. My leg swelled through my foot and bruising was scattered all over my leg...and, of course, the pain worsened. It really wasn't half as bad as I envisioned it could be, and after a week at most, I'd say my leg is down to normal. I feel like I'm having a great experience, I just started out-patient PT yesterday and am walking with a cane. I did have ONE bad experience so far which I'll tell you about next time. Wishing you all well!❤

REPLY
@celiak

I am 63 yrs old and just had a Left THR August 1st, anterior approach. When I woke up from surgery I felt absolutely fabulous....my head was so clear, no headache, no nausea, just fabulous. I was very happy. In recovery I got one or two low doses of fentanyl for a little annoying pain in my hip, it worked. The Doc put me on tramadol, 3 times a day, and PRN Norco for pain. I was able to walk and do stairs with therapy, and the only reason I had to stay over night was because I was retaining too much urine (anesthesia will do that). The next day, the NP took my bandage off, gave me some flomax and sent me home. My incision looked great, and so did my leg! Really, no swelling at all. My son was there to tend to me, but I got up, got around and did everything on my own at home. Then came the barrage of Home Health Care Worker phone calls. I saw the RN twice, the OT once, and the PT about 4 times. Fortunately the PT told me to expect more pain and swelling after just a few days, cuz that is exactly what happened. My leg swelled through my foot and bruising was scattered all over my leg...and, of course, the pain worsened. It really wasn't half as bad as I envisioned it could be, and after a week at most, I'd say my leg is down to normal. I feel like I'm having a great experience, I just started out-patient PT yesterday and am walking with a cane. I did have ONE bad experience so far which I'll tell you about next time. Wishing you all well!❤

Jump to this post

I’m two months out from THR and doing great. No regrets.
The numbness in the thigh is weird, but not a problem.

REPLY
@celiak

I am 63 yrs old and just had a Left THR August 1st, anterior approach. When I woke up from surgery I felt absolutely fabulous....my head was so clear, no headache, no nausea, just fabulous. I was very happy. In recovery I got one or two low doses of fentanyl for a little annoying pain in my hip, it worked. The Doc put me on tramadol, 3 times a day, and PRN Norco for pain. I was able to walk and do stairs with therapy, and the only reason I had to stay over night was because I was retaining too much urine (anesthesia will do that). The next day, the NP took my bandage off, gave me some flomax and sent me home. My incision looked great, and so did my leg! Really, no swelling at all. My son was there to tend to me, but I got up, got around and did everything on my own at home. Then came the barrage of Home Health Care Worker phone calls. I saw the RN twice, the OT once, and the PT about 4 times. Fortunately the PT told me to expect more pain and swelling after just a few days, cuz that is exactly what happened. My leg swelled through my foot and bruising was scattered all over my leg...and, of course, the pain worsened. It really wasn't half as bad as I envisioned it could be, and after a week at most, I'd say my leg is down to normal. I feel like I'm having a great experience, I just started out-patient PT yesterday and am walking with a cane. I did have ONE bad experience so far which I'll tell you about next time. Wishing you all well!❤

Jump to this post

I have had a great recovery. Went home same day and no need for pt. After a month I’m walking in the house with no cane and use cane outside, sometimes. I still don’t feel confident with stairs, since I don’t need to use them too often. Compared to my tkr, this is heaven

REPLY
@susanfalcon52

I’m two months out from THR and doing great. No regrets.
The numbness in the thigh is weird, but not a problem.

Jump to this post

That's great! Yeah, I was wondering when that numbness will go away. Good to hear your experience.❤

REPLY
@snoony2

I have had a great recovery. Went home same day and no need for pt. After a month I’m walking in the house with no cane and use cane outside, sometimes. I still don’t feel confident with stairs, since I don’t need to use them too often. Compared to my tkr, this is heaven

Jump to this post

Fabulous! Prior to my surgery I was unable to bear weight on my left leg or walk in any normal fashion for over 2 years, (Docs were focusing on my spine instead of the hip.😒) So, I guess it's baby steps....And a lot of arthritis all over, but I know that sooner rather than later I'll at least walk again. YAY!😁

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.