About to have a hip replacement

rb1234

Hi

I'm new to these forums so hi.

I have tried to do a search as I know this is a common topic. I can't seem to find exactly what i'm looking for.

I'm having a total hip replacement in 3 weeks time. My Pre admission appointment is not to the day before so I don't really have any way to find out answers. I have been told that after the surgery I can't move my hip more than 90 degree for the first 6 weeks but really that's about all I know.

I would really appreciate some other people's experiences of the surgery. I especially would like to hear about how you managed after the surgery. What should I expect? How long before I am comfortable to go on a long journey in a car (I know I can't drive for 6 weeks)? What things can I and can't I do? Did it hurt (sounds like a silly question but I mean more than you expected)? Any comments and experiences would be greatfully received.

To let you know a bit about me. I am 31 and I've had arthritis since I was 2. I have had both of my knees replaced about 10 years ago now. That was (for me) a brilliant decision and changed my life and what I could do. I am lucky as I take Enbrel and have done for 6 years. Since my 2nd dose I was pretty much in remission on this drug and have been since then. In the past I've taken lots of other stuff (and had other surgery) but Enbrel and Methetrexte together work well for me at the moment.

Anyway, I really would appreciate any help or advice you can offer. I'm hoping it might calm my nerves but please be honet.

Thanks

miss_l

Hi,

I had my hip replaced 3 months ago aged 27.
I dont know how much i can help but i will give it ago!

I left hospital 4 days after my op and faced a two hour drive home - it wasn't too comfortabe as the seatbelt caused pressure on my scar so i did find a rolled up towel next to my scar a huge help,also bring a cushion to sit on as that helped me and allowed me to manage the ride home!
My consultant didnt give me any instructions but the physio was strict on not bengin my hip more than 90 degrees in addition to not crossing my legs or sleeping on my side. I managed a good nights sleep with a pillow between my legs and even now it stays there!

I'm having a few problems post THR so wont bore you too much! Make sure there is someone around to help with cooking and bathing for the first few weeks - even now i still cant manage to get in a bath or put food in the oven (due to complications) and am still on crutches.

If you need anything please get in touch
x

cazaline

Hey,

I'm also waiting to have hip replacements, one on the 10th Dec this year and the other next March. I have quite bad RA in all my joints since the age of 6 (I'm now 22 years young) and apparently developed Avascular Necrosis (AVN) in both of my hips, hence the need for replacements.

I can't really give you any advice myself, I've been told the same precautions as you by the looks of it, but I wish you the best of luck and it seems you'll prob be having them done around the same time as me . Other people on here have been very helpful and supportive to me so it wont be long before you get the same treatment .
Good luck and let me know how you get on!

Much love

Caroline xx

rb1234

Hope I'm managing a reply here - not done this before!

Thanks for the responses guys. Miss I that was a really helpful tip about the car. When I leave hospital it'll be about 3 hours back home in the car. Still not sure whether a train might be easier. Think I might have to play it by ear until I know how I feel. I hope your complications sort themselves out quickly.

Cazaline, good luck for your first op. Mine is also on 10th Dec in London! Well hopefully. I've had a virus for 6 weeks making me feel rubbish and GP just told me to take some time off work. She said if i can't get rid of it they'll probably have to reschedule. Agghhh! That was not in the plan! Good luck and let me know how you get on.

Anyway, thanks for the tips and advice.

xx

penfactor

Hello there!
Just to say, I think Miss L's advice is spot on! I had my right hip done a month ago. The advice booklets from the hospital actually state the not bending from the hip (i.e: beyond 90degree) should continue for at least 3 months.
My physio's & home rehab team have been brilliant - I had to have a toilet raise fitted & my chair raised at home. You will not be allowed to bend down to floor level, of course, so I highly recommend you get yourself a pick-up stick as this is invaluable when getting dressed!
Do you have a walk-in shower? If so, could I nip round & borrow it?!!! Only joking, just that if you just have a bath, like me you won't be able to use that. There is also a "sponge-on-a-stick" you can get which all my son's friends found hilarious! It is brilliant cos you can use it wash your feet!
I am 50 but I was also only in for 5 days.
See what kind of hip they are giving you. When you are younger it is usually not the cemented kind as it lasts a bit longer.
Just don't worry, if your hosp is anything like mine they will look after you splendidly. Keep posting on here & let us all know how you're getting on.
love Pennie X

rb1234

Hi Pennie

Thanks for your comments. I found them really helpful. I had heard about not getting in a bath (yes my shower is over the bath). Is it because of moving the new hip too far? I can't imagine no shower for 6 weeks! I will look into a sponge on a stick and a grabber thingy.

Thanks for your help. I hope your new hip continues to improve!

x

nearlybionic

Hi
I am 40 and had a THR in Feb this year. The occupational therapy people will sort out the `aids` like sponges, grabbers, loos seats, sock aids, perching stools, bath step etc.. I was referred to them at my pre op assessment. I didn`t like the aids at first, but you get used to them and really value them too.
My advice would be to listen to the physio`s. They are the ones in charge and know how to look after your new hip. Pre op, try to do some muscle strengthening exercises.
I had my op on a Monday and came home Saturday morning. I too have 2 children, a couple of years older than yours. Accept as much help as you can post op, which will prevent you risking over doing things. I had an uncemented ceramic prothesis, which is usually advised for younger patients, as they are supposed to last longer. If I can answer any more questions let me know.
Good luck!
NB

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rb1234 wrote:

Hi Pennie

Thanks for your comments. I found them really helpful. I had heard about not getting in a bath (yes my shower is over the bath). Is it because of moving the new hip too far? I can't imagine no shower for 6 weeks! I will look into a sponge on a stick and a grabber thingy.

Thanks for your help. I hope your new hip continues to improve!

x

Hi,

Best of luck for your op. The relief from the pain was really marvellous and although both hips were done this year recovery was different. keep up with whatever physio suggests as it all helps recovery. the worst part is getting better!

skezier

Hi,

I can't help but just wanted to say hi and welcome and wish you real good luck. I hope it all goes well for you. Take care Cris

rb1234

Thanks for all the help guys. I really appreciate it!

2 weeks to go and counting!

tkachev

Good luck!
I joined this forum in June to ask questions about my THR which was due in July.I didnt really know very much about it beforehand so it was good to get some answers.I had my op and everything went very well.You have to avoid twisting at the hips,bending over so your hands are level or past your knees and not sit at 90 degrees for at least 12 weeks following the operation.This is to avoid dislocating your hip.Just follow these rules and you will be fine.Feel free to ask as many questions as you need.
I had to travel 30 mins home by car and a cushion is the best thing to raise you higher and make sure you have space for your legs to stretch out in front of you as you get in and out the car.
Best wishes
Elizabeth

newark

Hi,

I did reply to this last week but my message appears to have gone into the ether somewhere!

Good luck with the op, it's nowhere near as bad as you think it will be. I had both hips replaced in January and was home in a week. Would say take extra large kicker with you because you will swell up after the op (it goes down) and dresses are the best thing as you can get them on and off easily. I picked up some really cheap ones just to get me through those first few weeks.

Arnica tablets are the other thing. You take them just before the op and as soon as possible after (get someone to smuggle them in). They help reduce swelling, internal bruising and speed the healing process.

Once you have had thr staples removed start with the bio oil. I can barely see my scars now and I put it down to using that three times a day.

Really good luck, not great timing for you with Christmas coming up. I agree with the other posts though, accept as much help as you can.

All the best.

Lx

dachshund

Hi rb1234.
i had my thr 13 years a go. i also have a tkr 5
years a go.
i walk my dog. i go to the hydrotherapy pool.
and to the gym.
the only thing i find difficult is getting up off the floor.
i have a mobility scoota to get from a to b as i cannot drive.
i wish you all the best with your opp.
joan xx

hileena111

Thanks for starting this topic....I didnt see it when I started mine so I'm checking on here as well as my own thread....all advice is invaluable..Thanks

Hileena

ikesother

Hi, just want to wish you well with your op, 3 weeks will go VERY quickly :roll: I had my THR in August, Im 42 and I was really scared to be honest, but the staff were brilliant, and put me at ease. The op went well and I was home after 4 days. Its very tiring at first and I was a bit uncomfortable with the bruising, but its a good feeling being in your own bed and not having that awful arthritis pain. I used a bath board, and showered myself that way, and was on crutches for 8 weeks, but now I swim 3/4 times a week, walk everywhere PAIN FREE! Hope thats of some help, good luck jk

penfactor

Hi ikesother
Just saw your post & you mention something called a bath board. Please tell me what this is & where I can get one if poss as I miss my daily showers so much!
P.S Am just 5 weeks post op.
love Pennie X

elnafinn

Hi Pennie

I am sure you would be able to get a bath board from an OT. why pay for one? :? As long as you can swing your legs over into the bath once on the board, you will be able to have a shower, as many as you like ..... of sorts, depending how your shower is set up etc if you know what I mean . We don't want you flooding the bathroom

Lovely to see you posting,

Lots of love
Elna x ((()))

hileena111

Hi
Yes your OT will get you a bath board .....its just basically what it says a board {plastic} that fits across the bath. I crossed a little village road last Dec and walked behind 2 parked cars, 1 started, rversed, knocked me down went over my ankle and then drove over it....so I was off my feet for a long time....thats when they gave me the bath board. I have an over head shower but found it just as easy to sit on it and use a sponge...the only thing is at this time of the year its not exactly warm ....sitting up perched about the water with just your feet and legs in it.....but it does.
Love
Hileena