Total hip replacement - What to expect for recovery

Posted by cak11555 @cak11555, Nov 29, 2018

I am having a total right hip replacement in six weeks. My surgeon leaves me to believe that I will be up and around in a few days, just no kitchen work. The physical therapist who came to evaluate me before hand felt I needed exrended care after surgery. What has been others experience following this kind of surgery? How has recovery gone for you?

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

I had a right hip replacement 11 days ago. I need to remember that this is major surgery and everyone’s recovery is different.
Getting in and out of bed was challenging until pt showed me how to use a stool to get in bed.
I must say any surgical pain is better than the pain I had had the last 6 moths.
I need to be patient.

REPLY

I agree with you on this. It’s the numbness for me . Trying to get comfortable to sleep is still rough

REPLY
@jerelyn

I was surprised at the stiffness. Needed help lifting my legs to get in and out of bed. And had to pee every 2-3 hours all night long, so poor husband didn’t get much rest either. I also used a commode in the bedroom the first week or so since I was afraid I wouldn’t get to the bathroom in time. We do have one of those toilets that is higher than the standard one, but I still found it hard to sit down and get up due to the stiffness and groin pain. I got a sock helper but it doesn’t seem to work for short socks, so my husband helps me get shoes and socks on. Clipping toenails is not possible either yet!
I’m having my right hip replaced in November, so get to do it again but at least I know what to expect.

Jump to this post

It sounds like you're doing great! And spouses certainly come in handy after any joint replacement. As for using the bathroom, I worked to strengthen my triceps for lowering myself and getting up from the commode. If not, you'll certainly build those muscles?

All the best in your recovery.

REPLY
@toby94

I had a right hip replacement 11 days ago. I need to remember that this is major surgery and everyone’s recovery is different.
Getting in and out of bed was challenging until pt showed me how to use a stool to get in bed.
I must say any surgical pain is better than the pain I had had the last 6 moths.
I need to be patient.

Jump to this post

Great attitude! What I found after getting both knees replaced is that even though rehab was hard, bordering on painful but mostly uncomfortable, was that my pain did get a little better each day. Pre surgery, the pain was getting worse each day.

These are little/big things to keep you going in post op rehab. All the best!!!!!!!!! Keep up the great work!

REPLY
@faykatsfour

I had my total hip replacement surgery March 1 of this year. So I'm six months down the road. I did the pt and was doing well, then started having so much pain in hip that I quit pt. I still have horrible pain in the hip. Drs. doing MRI Sept. 11 to see if there's a problem in my back. I wish I could get some relief. Nothing really helps. I'm frustrated.

Jump to this post

"so much pain in hip that I quit pt"

This is surprising. Was the therapist unable to help at all? Did you explain the nature of your pain and what movement caused it?

I wouldn't give up on pt yet. But I don't know all of your circumstances, so my only wish is that you get better quickly.

REPLY

I have an MRI scheduled for Monday, Sept 11 to see why I am having so much pain six months after hip replacement surgery. Depending if they find anything negative, I want to resume pt, maybe also water therapy.

REPLY
@roxxxy2626

Hello,
Where is your pain in the hip?
Is it in the incision area or the groin area?

Jump to this post

It's in the incision area, and my lower back. My left side and thigh hurt so bad. I even have pain in my buttocks (embarrassing!). I feel I should be farther along than this in my recovery. I have 4 cats, and it is so hard to clean litter boxes and bend over to feed them. I am totally on my own as my husband passed 6 yrs ago. It has been difficult for sure. I do have a neighbor that helps clean litter boxes when he's available. And a niece that helps with house work when she has time. I am indebted to them both.

REPLY

I am 76 and on steroids for autoimmune PMR. I had a total hip replacement 10 days ago and spent 9 days in the hospital. I requested rehab for a week in a nursing home but insurance denied it. I am still weak but getting better. I received IV steroids for four 4 days after surgery and my blood sugar and blood pressure was up and down but finally stabilized. This surgery would not be bad if you are not on long term steroids. Each day is a little better and my pain is only 10% of what it was before surgery. Best wishes on yours.

REPLY
@queenie2030

I am 76 and on steroids for autoimmune PMR. I had a total hip replacement 10 days ago and spent 9 days in the hospital. I requested rehab for a week in a nursing home but insurance denied it. I am still weak but getting better. I received IV steroids for four 4 days after surgery and my blood sugar and blood pressure was up and down but finally stabilized. This surgery would not be bad if you are not on long term steroids. Each day is a little better and my pain is only 10% of what it was before surgery. Best wishes on yours.

Jump to this post

Yes, needing to be on steroids certainly complicates everything, doesn't it? Hang in there, and make sure your surgeon keeps a close eye on your healing. Mine revision took longer to heal, even the incision, due to steroids for my asthma. The surgeon was awesome, though, and kept encouraging me.
Sue

REPLY

Thank you for your encouraging words. I expect it will take longer to heal. My incision is very sore at 10 days post surgery.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.