Advice and useful suggestions

hello @ftracy_456 welcome to this amazing community. So sorry to hear you’re in such pain and having a difficult time. We can certainly empathise.

There’s lots of info and advice on the site and probably worth reading different OA THR (total hip replacement) diaries to get a sense of different situations. None are likely to be exactly the same as yours but you will probably be able to pick out aspects that resonate and/or than can be beneficial.

I can give you an insight into my experience, I have written a diary and I’m sure there’s a way to share but I’ve not worked that out 😕I have had OA in my hips for many years but it deteriorated rapidly leaving me limping badly, body skewed, pain in my hip, thigh, knee and shin. Opioids and anti inflammatory medications were no use for a range of reasons. I only took paracetamol. I was extremely active previously - hiking, gardening, photography, running etc but as you have mentioned as OA progresses some of your activity decreases and some stops completely. I had lots of physio (I referred myself), did some of the exercises as part of the escape pain programme, did some of the exercises found on this site and joined the gym. Cycling and things like wall squats really helped strengthen my leg and helped reduce the pain and discomfort in my knee. I used walking poles when out and about which helped me feel a little less vulnerable. Having discussed options with my GP and consultant it was clear things were not going to get any better and a THR was needed.

I had my op just over 3 weeks ago and it’s been transformative. Yes the first week is tricky but there are aids etc you can get to help - e.g. a grabber to pick up the things you drop (in my case regularly) and to help you dress, a tool to help with socks, a long shoehorn, elastic laces (thanks to @Trish9556 for that tip), plus many others that can make things that little bit easier. I was given crutches which I no longer need unless I’m in a large crowd or walking narrow lanes when I take 1 with me for confidence more than anything. I don’t live on my own but if I did I know there are things I could do ahead of the op to ensure I could manage well when I got home - eg - cook meals and freeze so I only need to reheat rather than cook from scratch at least for the first week or so, order groceries online and have them delivered, have pots/pans etc on the hob/work surface so I’m not trying to get things from a low shelf, rearrange my fridge - I’m sure others would have even more and better ideas.

I don’t have dogs so can’t advice however are there dog walkers who could help in the short term?

Only you can know and decide if / when a THR is right for you. If you read others accounts most if not all say they wish they’d done it sooner rather than later.

I hope this is in some way helpful. Know you’re not alone and do ask questions. Wishing you well

Hi @ftracy_456

I am just over 8 weeks post THR and do not regret having it done at all. Before the op. my everyday life such as walking, shopping were gradually getting less and less and my social life was more or less non-existent ( because of how I felt I didn't want to socialise ).

I had done the Escape Pain course and was still trying to do my physio exercises as much as possible ( sometimes through gritted teeth ) But I do not regret this as it has helped me post op.

I do not live alone but there are a few "hippies" on here who do and have posted their experiences post hip surgery. I found reading these posts very helpful and they were full of hints and tips.

Please know that you are not alone on here and keep us updated in what you intent to do.

Take care.🙂

@ftracy_456 Apart from the dogs I could almost have written the same as you've just written a year ago. Eight months post-op I have no regrets and I do wish I'd had my replacement earlier. But the real joy is the enjoyment I now get out of simply being able to do most of what I used to do. I now enjoy social events and don't feel myself getting snappy due to the pain and frustration. I no longer have to pace myself and take such a long time to get anywhere, but as others have said you will know when it is time for a replacement for you. Do get yourself on a list though - it can be a long wait.

And do read the diaries - they tell it like it is. I won't pretend the first couple of weeks were easy but really they weren't too bad and I soon forgot them. Just so long as you can get someone to help with the dogs the rest is all achievable and we are all here to listen, we've all been there and understand.