Hip replacement

1. Vicki Spiers 13 June 2012 at 09:48AM
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   Hi,

   I'm 42 and having a THR in 8 weeks time.I have suffered from Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis in it for 5 years now,but have kept putting the operation off due to my age.

   The pain is now unbearable at times,but I am unable to take the cocktail of drugs prescribed to me as the side effects are worse than the pain!

   My question is,I am due to attend a wedding 8 days after surgery,is this possible,and what state will I be in?!

   I am scared that by having the surgery,my hip/leg will never be the same again,and my mobility will be compromised.

   I look forward to hearing from others who have gone through it,and come out the other side smiling

   Thanks,

   Vicki

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2. phil49 14 June 2012 at 13:50PM

   Hi Vicki

   I had THR last September. You will hopefully be out of hospital after 3-4 days, but you will be on crutches. Whether you will be able to make it to a wedding 4 days after that really depends on your recovery speed. I probably could have done but it would not have been easy. You will need good painkillers and somewhere to sit down whenever you need to. You might find a wheel chair would be the best option for something like that. Your physio will be the best person to advise you on your options. As far as the op is concerned, I had mine under epidural and would recommend it. The recovery time is quicker than for a general. I could not feel a thing apart from some vibration and some sounds. I had an ipod with me in theatre which passed the time quite well. The most uncomfortable thing was the blood-pressure cuff tightening every five minutes. I was on my feet the following day with the aid of a zimmer and on crutches 2 days later. I was discharged after 4 days. I could get about the house and up and down stairs without many problems. I went onto one crutch after about 2 weeks and onto a stick after about 4 weeks. I feel briliant now, the op has changed my life completely, I can walk at least 2 miles now without any problems. I cannot really tell the difference between my good hip and my replacement. Ihave definitely come out smiling and would recommend having it done. Two important points. 1. Follow your physio's instructions completely. They are the best people to get you out and about asap. You MUST do the exercises, they are essential. 2. You cannot drive until the consultant gives you the ok. You will not be insured. No-one else can do this, only the consultant.

   I have no regrets whatsoever about having the op. it has changed my life. Best of luck to you, I hope yours goes as well as mine. If you wan't to know anything else, please ask.

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