Hip replacement advice

Dragonslayer

Hi Everyone
I'm looking for advice and info. 
After a long wait I have been told my hip operation is due to be done soon. No firm date yet, for I have months of treatment for my kidney problem ahead before they can do it.
I had a full knee replacement years ago and that is probably the best working part of my body, but for some reason I'm not sure about this one. I'm wondering about things like, time in hospital, time to heal, physio, benefits from having it and pain?
Thanks 
 

chiarieds

Hi @Dragonslayer - I just know a little about this from a patient's viewpoint, as my friend had a hip replacement a few years back (some 6 months after I fractured my hip, so we compared notes!) He is an avid walker, & found the benefit of the surgery, tho he does find his hip aches from time to time (but he's back to walking 50+ miles a week). I think him being physically fit prior to surgery certainly helped in his recovery, which didn't seem to take as long as mine. He had the op done with the NHS, but in a private hospital, & his was done after getting an epidural (rather than a general anaesthetic), which he said was fine, as with the meds he was given he doesn't remember anything much about his surgery. He was only in hospital for 2 or 3 days. Time in hospital again may vary with the individual (usually 3-5 days), & how quickly you are encouraged to mobilise afterwards by a physio, & how well this progresses.

Ideally you should ask these questions of your Drs who know your medical history. Physiotherapy will help, so do the exercises.

I know it's difficult for you right now, but keep as active as you can, which will help.

Ross_Alumni

Hi @Dragonslayer

I have no personal experience here, but just wanted to wish you well for the rest of your kidney treatment, and for when the hip operation does happen.

woodbine

Mother in law had one 15 years ago, I think she was surprised how long it took to recover although as a nurse she might have known better, but after doing as she was told for some weeks she was pain free for the first time in years.

Sandy_123

Hi @Dragonslayer good luck with the hip op when you get the appointment through, each individual is different with times in hospital and recovery.
Good luck with kidney treatments too.

Richard_Scope

Hi @Dragonslayer
Prehab is just as important as the right rehab, especially with hips. What that means is trying to get yourself in the best shape you can before surgery. This will improve your recovery and rehab to no end. 

Tori_Scope

Hi @Dragonslayer My dad has had both of his hips replaced, so I asked him about his experience. He said:

I'd recommend the NHS site and the Royal College of Surgeons of England site.

However my experience on a THR (total hip replacemenet, there are other types) was: 

• In hospital 3 days. 

• Walking with stick from weeks 1 to 6, gradually increasing from indoors to outdoors if not slippery! Can be quicker. 

• Walking un-aided from weeks 6 to 12, and driving from after week 6 at a minimum.

• Resumed normal activities thereafter, but no impact sport.

• Physio from weeks 2 to 6 normally, not too often as all exercises can be done at home.

• Big pain control (on very strong tablets once out of hospital) was essential for the first few weeks while the muscle etc. heals. Should be off them after week 6, and gradually reducing from week 2.

• Benefits: all pain has gone for good, and you should be able to do what you did before it all started (unless you were a mountain climber or something). 
• It's essential you have someone at home, or visiting to help, for the first week, preferably 3. It took me 8 intricate movements to get a cup of tea from kitchen to lounge when using sticks!
  
• You also need to consider how you'll be getting food supplies, and how you'll be able to get to your physiotherapy appointments.
• Don't overdo it! I overdid it by trying to do too much on my own after my second hip replacement, and it really set me back in my recovery.

Everyone is different though. Some people are bouncing around after 3 or 4 weeks, and some struggle a bit for 12 weeks or more.

I hope that helps a little bit!

Dragonslayer

@Tori_Scope
Wow. Thanks for all the great and detailed advice. I now understand more than before and that goes a lot way to making me feel better about it. I have booked marked the sites you sent for further reference and reading. ?

@chiarieds
Thanks for the help. I was also given an epidural when having my knee OP done in a private hospital and it made the recovery from it smother and more pleasant. My understanding this time though is that it will be carried out fully on NHS.
? 

@Ross_Scope  @woodbine @Sandy_123 @Richard_Scope
Thanks to all for the support on my OP and kidney treatment. At the moment all is going well, but it is still early days. I get my second treatment this coming Monday. It seems being fit is one of the keys and I have taken that on board. ?

Cher_Alumni

@Dragonslayer Good luck with your treatment and the upcoming op.  We're rooting for you all the way.  

Tori_Scope

No problem @Dragonslayer! I'm glad it helped a bit