Hip replacement

sharon1

Hi, I am new to this site, I visited the hospital yesterday and was informed that i need a THR, the surgoen put me on the list there and then as my hip is so bad, there is nothing left of the joint, i will be having surgery in 3 months time, I am only just 43 yrs old and very scared at the moment, I really dont know what to expect before during and after the surgery. HELP
Sharon

woodbon

Hi Welcome to the site, I hope you find it useful. I have OA, but do not need replacement surgery yet, I'm 53.

It must have been a shock to hear that you need replacement surgery at your age, its something a lot of people don't realise, but I know a lot of people on this site have had this surgery or are waiting for it. I'm sure soon someone will answer you, who will have the experience to help answer your questions, much better than me. After all, there's nothing like experience! Hopefully, soon you'll have this operation and be feeling much better, like some of the others on here. I don't know if you've tried them, but ringing the helpline may be useful, they have lots of informaion and can send you leaflets, if you need them.

I hope this helps a little, you do need time to come to terms with the shock. Love and best wishes Sue

vonski

Hi

Sorry I can't offer any advice but wanted to welcome you to the site.
I'm sure it must have been a shock but once it's done your life should get a lot better Others will be along soon as Sue has said, we are a bit like buses

Love
Vonski x

nearlybionic

Hi Sharon
I am 40 and had a THR 6 weeks ago. I have had hip pain for a long time but was only properly diagnosed with severe OA and hip dyplasia last year. I was told I needed my THR last October, but had to be referred to a specialist hospital due to the dysplasia.
I too was very shocked and scared as I didn`t associate hip replacements with people of my age. But by talking to people on here I found that it affects quite a lot of people at a younger age too.
By the time I had my surgery I was living on painkillers, including morphine, couldn`t work, sleep or do many things for myself . So even though I was scared, as I would be with any surgery, I was ready to go for it.
The operation was straight forward, and the recovery is slow and steady. If you want to talk about things please ask.
This site has lots of great info and people with lots of advice and support.
Take care
NB

ikesother

Hi sharon, you are not alone! Im 42 and shouldve gone in hospital for a THR tomorrow but it was cancelled Its such a shock at first to be told you need the op at a relatively young age, I was nearly 3 years suffering until i decided to go for the op. I have a husband and 2 daughters aged 18 and 13, so i was worried about how it would affect them, but in the end the pain and loss of be able to have a decent quality of life made the choice for me. jk

collettem

Hi,

I am 35 and five weeks post op. And you will see on the board there is a lot of young people who have had to have a THR, I was only diagnosed at christmas with hip dysplasia which came as a shock as I thought the pain was coming from my back.

The op itself is not bad, and I think your recovery depends on how fit you are, for me my muscles were so weak my recovery is slow at the minute, but everyone is different. Any questions feel free to ask, and if I cant help you there is plenty of others who can

Collette

mike77

Hi i am glad for you all, each time I see the surgeon he says , sorry your still too younng for a hip replacement ( I m 47) at least if they do it now I will have some fun runnig playing football with my son instead of a mobility scooter and cruthes at times , but i have heared that a hip replacement makes you feel like a new person

I love to hear good news and reading thease posts is the best .


Mike R & Hazel & Mike JR

sharon1

nearlybionic wrote:

Hi Sharon
I am 40 and had a THR 6 weeks ago. I have had hip pain for a long time but was only properly diagnosed with severe OA and hip dyplasia last year. I was told I needed my THR last October, but had to be referred to a specialist hospital due to the dysplasia.
I too was very shocked and scared as I didn`t associate hip replacements with people of my age. But by talking to people on here I found that it affects quite a lot of people at a younger age too.
By the time I had my surgery I was living on painkillers, including morphine, couldn`t work, sleep or do many things for myself . So even though I was scared, as I would be with any surgery, I was ready to go for it.
The operation was straight forward, and the recovery is slow and steady. If you want to talk about things please ask.
This site has lots of great info and people with lots of advice and support.
Take care
NB

Hi Thank you for your reply,
I am just looking up the recovery from THR online, i am so scared that i will be worse after ( if it can get any worse) I have heard people say that they get instant relief from the pain after surgery, I am hoping thus will be the case with me.

noeltone

Hi sharon1 I had mine done last Sept at 52 it took me about 6 weeks to be up and about but not overdoing it but we are all differnt to op times and as others have said mine is lots better than what i was putting up with i hope it goes well and i was well looked after but also nervopus before hand

wendy57

sharon1 wrote:

Hi, I am new to this site, I visited the hospital yesterday and was informed that i need a THR, the surgoen put me on the list there and then as my hip is so bad, there is nothing left of the joint, i will be having surgery in 3 months time, I am only just 43 yrs old and very scared at the moment, I really dont know what to expect before during and after the surgery. HELP
Sharon

Hi Sharon I went to my physio and she told me I am to young to have a hip replacement I am 58, why she said this I don't know but I am glad to see that on this site there are others who are much younger than me having the operation, I wish you luck, and don't worry you'll feel like a new woman after, Ifeel better seeing your replys because it's put that physio in wrong, Best wishesh be thinking of you.WENDY57

debbieclap

Hi Sharon I had a THR seven weeks ago the benefits were instant no pain it wonderful I found I could walk better than I have for years.
The surgery itself is not bad I was on a morphine drip for 24 hours then paracetamol and Dehydrocodine. Before my surgery I went to the gym to do upper body exercises to strengthen my shoulders no lower body work only what the physio gave me.
I was allowed a shower two days after my op which was great and out of bed the day after surgery don't be too frightened it's not as bad as your mind makes out.
Be careful reading info on the internet I have found a lot of it is out of date and frightened me more so be careful
Hope it goes well
Debbie

dymonz

Hi Sharon and welcome. I'm new to the site also. I've had congenital hip dysplasia in both hips. I had OA at 30 and had the left hip replaced in 2006 (for my 40th!!). I'm due to have my right hip done May 27. My hospital ran 4x1 hour workshops which covered op details to aftercare and exercises to help strengthen the muscle. I was up the next day getting in and out of my bed. Everybody heals different so what is good for one is not good for another - listen to your surgeon, physiotherapist and your body and you will be fine. Good luck!!

gloria028

sharon1 wrote:

Hi, I am new to this site, I visited the hospital yesterday and was informed that i need a THR, the surgoen put me on the list there and then as my hip is so bad, there is nothing left of the joint, i will be having surgery in 3 months time, I am only just 43 yrs old and very scared at the moment, I really dont know what to expect before during and after the surgery. HELP
Sharon

Hi
For younger people I understand they now can do a hip resurface job Maybe you should enquire about that possibility

debbieclap

Hi Gloria I had a THR in February I had no hip joint left it had broken into bits so I can feel what pain you must be in they said I couldn't have resurfacing as there was nothing left to resurface. Believe me the relief from pain with my replacement is wonderful I would recommend it to anyone. Don't be scared its not as bad as your mind makes it out to be. If I can help at all let me know?Is there anything that worries you in particular? Debbie

gillian2102

sharon1 wrote:

Hi, I am new to this site, I visited the hospital yesterday and was informed that i need a THR, the surgoen put me on the list there and then as my hip is so bad, there is nothing left of the joint, i will be having surgery in 3 months time, I am only just 43 yrs old and very scared at the moment, I really dont know what to expect before during and after the surgery. HELP
Sharon

Hi - I was 39 when I had my first THR and 40 when I had the second one. I totally understand where you are coming from. I can tell you loads of real experiences if you want to hear them and lots of tips on how to get through it. The most important thing to say right now is that at 41 (in Feb this year) I am now pain free and feeling great! There are some things you can't do but so many more that I can now do. I sleep at night too - hoorah! It is not an easy process but it is worth it. If you want to hear more let me know and I will give you some top tips! Good luck and be strong. Gill

I should also say that I found there is not a massive amount of info out there (on-line or at the hospital) for people of our age after the op. They are so used to doing THR and aftercare info on elderly patients they don't consider us younger ones with aftercare. So if you would like some hints let me know. Gill. x

debbieclap

Hi Gill please hint away I cannot find much on the internet to help me. Can you sleep on you side being awake all night on my back is driving me mad? What are the things that you cannot do? Can you walk further than you could before your op? I see my surgeon on thursday hopefully he will say I can drive again and he will be putting me on the list to have my other hip done then got to have both knees done hopefully not all this year.Debbie

nearlybionic

Hi
Re hints- when can you kneel and get up again ? When can I ride roller coasters? (random I know!) I am seeing my consultant this week, but would love to hear from someone who has been through it too. When can you sleep on operated side? I am able to lie on opposite side with pillows between knees, to relieve back ache at night, but used to sleep on my now operated side.
Sorry about lots of questions!! :oops:
NB

sharon1

Thanks for your reply, I have just had a phone call and they are bringing my surgery forward as they are now doing it at a local private hospital, At the moment i am in so much pain it is making me phisically sick, i can hardly keep and food down, hence my medication is not having any effect, I am going back to my GP tomorrow to see what he can do.
I think i have to stop looking online as i am just getting such mixed reports of THR on younger ppl.

harleyd14

sharon1 wrote:

Hi, I am new to this site, I visited the hospital yesterday and was informed that i need a THR, the surgoen put me on the list there and then as my hip is so bad, there is nothing left of the joint, i will be having surgery in 3 months time, I am only just 43 yrs old and very scared at the moment, I really dont know what to expect before during and after the surgery. HELP
Sharon

hi Sharon, welcome to this site, i had a Birmingham Hip Resurface done in Jan this year at the grand old age of 38, they told me they prefered to do BHR rather than a THR as it lasts longer, my one big bit of advice is.....DONT YOUTUBE IT!! i did and regretted it, i was sitting there looking at the screen through my fingers, open mouthed thinking "thats gonna be me next week"!! recovery time depends on you, i am still achy (??) and my hip seems to click but its nothing to worry about so i've been told, but you will feel fab about 5-7 days after, just take each day as it comes, i really do wish you all the luck in the world with your hip op a hipoty op!! take care, Sally.xx

dachshund

Hello everyone.
I have a hip replacement i've had it for 13 years.i also have a new knee 5 year's.
Igo to the gym and the swimming pool.and walk my dog.i have not had a problem with them only with my legs if anyone is offered any of them dont worry

brian35

sharon1 wrote:

Hi, I am new to this site, I visited the hospital yesterday and was informed that i need a THR, the surgoen put me on the list there and then as my hip is so bad, there is nothing left of the joint, i will be having surgery in 3 months time, I am only just 43 yrs old and very scared at the moment, I really dont know what to expect before during and after the surgery. HELP
Sharon

Can't help on THR but know several people who have had them, all very successful. I have just had a TKR. The ops for both are OK and routine with a good success rate. The staff at my hospital were brilliant and make you feel at ease. Recovery is slower than I anticipated but I'm slowly getting there after 4 weeks.

I was scared, this being my first op but I knew the alternatives were increasing pain and decreasing mobility and much to my surprise I remained fairly calm. I feel sure you will be OK and there are many who are told they are too young for THR and TKR.

caravancollie

Hi Sharon
I'm relatively new to this site only finding it the week before surgery. I must say of has been the nest source of honest supportive information you could hope to find. I am 56, saw the ortho surgeon end feb and had thr on 20 April,home on the 24.I had lots of questions and received some good info. Yes it was scary but already it feels so much better. Am following the advice of the hospital and friends on here and taking things slowly.it has not been as bad as I thought, if I can help at all let me know
Elaine

katedw

Hi

I can sympathise with you. I am 33 and have been trying to put off having my hip done for the last year as I am worried about having so much time off work. I have got to the stage now that I am going to ring the consultant and say I am now ready as I cannot take the pain anymore or the lack of sleep. They have told me that when I am ready I will not have to go on a waiting list so should be having the operation soon. Will let you know how it goes. The support and advice you will get on here will definately help.

jackiev

Hi to all .....Very pleased to meet you......
Well I will be having a hip replacement before the year is out......and for those who have already gone before may I ask a few questions....
Firstly how soon did you feel no more pain....?.....where able to walk with out the silly gait [limp]......?
Shower....?......drive....?
Did you have to have the injections.....?
I realy would be very grateful if you could give some details on your recovery experience......I do realise every one is different......but any information would be helpful I'm sure.....Thanks [/list]

caravancollie

Welcome Jackie,
I'm only one week on from surgery but what a difference a week makes!I no longer have the pain that I had before, have something slightly different at present- more like feeling kicked in the thigh muscle ut that's only when I don't keep on top of pain relief ( mostly paracetemol)Walking isn't ormal due to crutches and non weight bearing but am living in hope that in 12 weeks that will change. I haven't yet been able to shower- policy locally is that clips should be removed, have got a bottle of luxurious shower gel and booked my daughter's walk in shower for at least 2 hours next Tuesday!
Injections- not sure what you mean. I had some antibiotics pre and post op via a drip as a precaution and had clexane to prevent clotsin my tummy whilst an in patient. Again policy is that in the absence of any signs and being under 60 I did not need to continue at home. Driving is for discussion at 6 weeks but may be a no-no until 12 weeks.
Hope this helps, any further details etc that I can give please send me a personal e-mail. I have had amazing support from one forum member in particular in this way and it has allowed me to ask questions I did not feel able to ask on an open forum although everyone is so spportive.
Best wishes
Elaine

collettem

jackiev wrote:

Hi to all .....Very pleased to meet you......
Well I will be having a hip replacement before the year is out......and for those who have already gone before may I ask a few questions....
Firstly how soon did you feel no more pain....?.....where able to walk with out the silly gait [limp]......?
Shower....?......drive....?
Did you have to have the injections.....?
I realy would be very grateful if you could give some details on your recovery experience......I do realise every one is different......but any information would be helpful I'm sure.....Thanks [/list]

Hi,

I am eight weeks post op tomorrow and it has been a long process but not all bad.

After the op you have a different pain, depending on your pain relief. I think the sooner they get u up the better I was in bed the next day following the op as mine was late in the evening.

At present I still have pain but it is the muscles around the joint healing (I hope) but it is not nearly like the pain I had before.

Showering for me was three days post op and driving well as it is my right hip I have been told it will be 12 weeks.

I had to take aspirn for 6 weeks after the op instead of the injection.

I had to sleep on my back for six weeks and found it hard at the start and my heels were really sore. Even now I cant really manage my side for more than half an hour so am still lying on my back.

I would def say get a helping hand. I use it for socks and shoes, mail. grabing food from the fridge. I would be lost with out it.



Any other questions re recovery feel free to send me a message.

I do think it depends on your motivation and how strong the muscles are before hand. That really is half the battle. If I could turn back time I would have been doing the exercise pre op.

Hope this helps


C