Recovery time after total hip replacement

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I am a 63 year-old male, scheduled for a non-cemented total hip replacement for AVN. I read on this website that there would be no/little weight-bearing for 6 weeks, and need for a cane or crutches for another 6. Is the 2nd 6 weeks necessary? I have a very long auto trip (to hunt)planned 7 weeks after surgery. Walking will be involved. Can I probably do this? Precautions? Alternatives? Thank you very much.

-- Sneed B. Collard (sbcollard1@att.net), July 06, 2002

Answers

I am a 49 year old female and had a ceramic on ceramic non-cemented total hip replacement on 17 May 2002. I have been putting up to 30 pounds in weight through my affected side. I see my Consultant on 8 July for my 7 week post op follow-up. I then expect to be able to go onto 50% weight-bearing on the affected side. I am on 2 crutches throughout this 13 week post op period. I will be starting physio and hydrotherapy next week.

I certainly would not be ready to make a long car trip at 7 weeks post op. I have also to build up all my leg muscles. I have bilateral hip dysplasia.

Sandra

-- Sandra Flannery (sandra.flannery@ntlworld.com), July 06, 2002.


Sandra, Thanks very much for your view -- I really had no idea what to expect, even after reading as much as I could find (having a Ph.D. in Marine Biology didn't help much!).

-- Sneed B. Collard (sbcollard1@att.net), July 06, 2002.

I recommend that you take look at the Totally Hip Support Group site. It is really excellent. You can pose any question there and you will get many people responding.

Sandra

-- Sandra Flannery (sandra.flannery@ntlworld.com), July 06, 2002.


Can you (or anyone out there) supply me with a link or URL for the "Totally Hip Replacement Group"? Thanks!

-- Sneed B. Collard (sbcollard1@att.net), July 26, 2002.

Our regimen has changed a little. It now is 2 crutches or walker with 50% weight bearing for 6 weeks then 1 crutch or a cane and 100% weight bearing.

-- Marc Hungerford, M.D. (mhunger@jhmi.edu), December 23, 2002.


I had my total hip replacement Dec. 6,2002..uncemented, ceramic..but the surgeon did a 3 1/8" cut. I left the hospital on the 4th day..with a cane. I am 63 in Jan. but had lost 25 lbs..now 163 was 185 5'8' male..in good health. I began to walk with full weight distributed by 7th day...and have not used the cane since. I am now 3 weeks and two days..into this and I want to go to work..though I tire at 3-4 pm and need a nap..for an hour to rejeuvenate for the evening. Am I doing too much? My first visit with the surgeon is jan 23 rd..approx 6 1/2 weeks..

-- gary hellinger (gary@plasticboxes.com), December 29, 2002.

My husband is 28 years old and had a total hip replacement because of AVN on February 10, 2003 (4 days ago). He is still in excruciating (sp) pain and can feel his hip "grinding" sometimes when he walks. It does not "grind" or "pop" every time he walks. Also, his operative leg appears to be 1/2 to 1 inch longer than his nonoperative leg.

Is all of this normal? Should he still be in this much pain? He can't even move his leg on his own sometimes. He says he has no control over that leg... Any advice/opinions/stories would be wonderful.

-- Virginia Mize (vmize@jam.rr.com), February 15, 2003.


Hello I am a 34 year old female mother and wife. I had a total hip on Jan 8th 2003. Mine is titanium non cemented. I was on a walker with 50% weight the day after surgery. I went to crutches after 3 weeks and now I a cane. I am having a really hard time with the weight bearing now and alot of pain on the inside of leg. I really thought because I was young i would bounce right back but I am really having a hard time!!!!!!!! My Doctor is new to me my old Doc retired a week before my surgery . My new Doc is hard to talk to and there are some days that I am really in alot of pain, and he says that I should not be and does not give me anything for the pain. I was wondering if someone would share with me week by week how there post op went???

-- Audra Foster (yawhooos@aol.com), February 18, 2003.

I had total hip replacement on Jan. 29th.. The next morning I was walking on a walker short distances. The surgeon(Dr. Glenn Landon, Houston, Tx.) released me Jan. 31st. from the hospital. I am 44 yrs. old, stand 6'3", and weigh 200 lbs.. The Dr. stated I could walk on crutches if I felt secure. I occasionally used a walker around the house(easier to get around) for the first week. About a week and a half into post-op I went to one crutch for support. Dr. Landon stated he had a "good tight fit" and told me I could weight-bear whatever was comfortable within reason. Two and one half weeks later I was on a stationary bike for 30 minutes, then an upper body weight workout. I am not allowed to use any leg weight machines yet. I still must wear my "TED HOSE STOCKINGS", and have been taking coumadin to prevent blood clots. After about a week I was completely off of Vicodine and walking occasionally around the house without any support about a week and a half later(not recommended by my Dr.). Dr. Landon emphasized doing the basic exercises given religiously, and "WALK, WALK, WALK". The first week I essentially could not move my leg on my own. I needed help on and off the bed. I occasionally would have swelling, and as of last saturday(Feb.22nd.), after being at my son's high school baseball tournament from 10:30am - 8pm I had slight swelling around the ankle. Remember the "three sins" of post- op is no crossing the legs, no pointing the toes in, and do not go beyond 90 degrees. I hope this helps. I wish I had known about this website before my surgery. Feel free to email me with any other questions.

-- andrew korbal (akorbal@yahoo.com), February 24, 2003.

Return to work depends somewhat on the type of work. People with sedentary jobs can return in 4 to 6 weeks. Most people return at around 3 months. Those with active jobs take longer, up to 6 months. Some patients who have very heavy labor jobs are never able to return.

Good luck

-- Marc Hungerford, M.D. (mhunger@jhmi.edu), May 07, 2003.



I am a 47 year old male in the military who was very active playing basketball and running with my soldiers. I had THR 1 MAY 03 and as of 2 JUN 03 I am walking with a cane, but sometimes slip and walk or stumble without it. I am trying to be very careful to follow all my doctor and physical therapy's orders. I do all the required exercises and try to walk 2 miles a day, one mile in the morning and one mile in the evening. Also I feel if my weight was less it would help accelerate my rehabilitation (5/9 220 pounds), but in good physical shape. I am fishing but very careful when I sat down or move around on the fishing bank. Keep on living and enjoy life, we just can't go as fast as we use to.

-- herbert l. greene (bluegillcatfish@aol.com), June 02, 2003.

I'm 75 and scheduled for replacement june 13. (Friday already) My doctor told me I would be able to snow ski on the blue and green slopes. Naturally, I told him I was a very conservative skiier, which was the truth. I will be getting the glued titanium replacement. From what I have read and been told, I expect to recover fully in three months. I was a speed walker for fourteen years just prior to haveing problems from artharitis three years ago. Istill work out regularly with weights and stretching exercises. Keep in shape and you will be abel so overcome your problems much easier. luv, John

-- john a riley (ibimsfe@aol.com), June 11, 2003.

I had a complete hip recplacement on 17th June, 23rd July am walking with the aid of a walking stick, I was fit swimming 20 laps a day prior to surgery, find the Hot spa pool a great relief can exercise more freely, I really wish I could say you will be able to go on your trip, I had to travel home by car for 800klms three weeks after surgery but had to stop every hour as I kept seizing up, had to get out and walk, feel safe at home in own environment Hope everything works out f

-- Kaye Berger (sberger@bigpond.com), July 23, 2003.

I found this site through a Google search. I must say that it offers a lot of very interesting information that I may find valuable in numerous projects I am involved in. Thanks, all.

-- Brasziz Braszai (tearthatoldschittdown@yahoo.com), October 03, 2003.

What a wonderful site to find. I have had a Zimmer non-cemented versys hip replacement 25 days ago. I feel almost too well, and the thoughts of doing too much scare me. Does anyone know of this repacement and what are its risks? Thanks in advance sher

-- sherri russell (sherri@pathcom.com), November 30, 2003.


I had THR 4/2003. I am a 49 year old male and was very active prior to the surgery,though the last year before the surgery I was walking with a cane and had to limit my activities. I was up and walking a bit with a walker then crutches after two days. I went home after 4 days. I started back to light upper body weight lifting (very light) in July. My endurance was poor and is still not 100% after 8 months. I am now back to my original upper body workout three times a week. I had been using a Nordic Track for my aerobic workout for many years but had difficulty even 6 months after the surgery so I swithched to a Bike Wind Trainer which is more comfortable. I am having trouble yet in two areas. My leg on the replacement side still goes numb and cold when I sit. An ultrasound didn't detect any circulation problem but the problem persists. Also, my right leg is now 3/8" longer then the left causing me to require a lift in my opposite shoe, no one ever told me this could be a possible side effect. The surgeon told me (after the fact) that there was an increased level of difficulty in getting the applicance to the correct length due to my size.(6'10" 250#) I am still walking part time with a cane.

-- W.V. Hammel (hammelbill@aol.com), December 27, 2003.

I am sorry this isn't an answer to your post, but I really wasn't sure how else to post a comment on the page. I, like many others found this page through a simple google search. I am 19 years old and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 6. I really have worked hard to keep it from "changing my life" and although I have had to have other operations so far nothing of this magnitude. MY luck seems to have changed though. Just the monday before Christmas at a "routine" appointment was told that the recent hip x-rays, well basically sucked and that a total hip replacement is in order. It looks like this will take place over my summer break from college between just my soph and junior years. I know that this is really young to have the operation, but I was wondering what to expect. I have been a rower at school for a year and a half now and know that is done or will be for good when this happens, but other than that what can I or can't I do? I really just want some real life insight on all this. Thanks.

-- Jess Dailey (jessdailey@excite.com), December 28, 2003.

what a brilliant site!!!! wow!! wish that i had found it months ago!!!! i had a total hip replacement in july 2003 (un-cemented, titanium) age 37.Its now 6 months since my op, but still things are not back to normal. I am glad to be pain-free, that is why i went ahead with the operation to be pain-free. I have had hydrotherapy and been to the gym to increase the muscle in my leg. I am now building my leg muscle up on my exercise bike at home!!! I am still unable to bend down on the floor, or do certain movemnts with the operated leg. In my experience the fitter you are before the op, the quicker the recovery, but best of all the advise I could give to anyone having or had this operation is, build up your muscle in the leg which is holding the new hip joint in place, therefore it will be strong!!!!

-- Tracy (Madtrace2003@yahoo.co.uk), January 06, 2004.

I am 58 years old and just had my second THR. I had a titanium uncemented prosthesis on both hips. The first surgery I was in the hospital 3 days, and walked full weight on the hip the day after surgery. Was driving in 4 weeks and returned to work after 8 weeks. The second surgery I had 12 Jan 04. Was walking on the hip 3 hours after surgery and was discharged from the hospital the next day. I walked with use of a cane the first 10 days - had staples removed the 10th day, and am now walking without a cane. My doctor had no problem with full weight on the hip the same day - I have experienced very little pain and just a bit of soreness. I have used a physical therapist since I left the hospital, but as of yesterday she determined that I really have no need any more and left a number of exercises for me to do on my own. I am attributing my success to an excellent surgeon and perhaps to being in a relatively healthy condition prior to surgery.

-- Jack Blystone (blystonejack@comcast.net), January 30, 2004.

Hi, I had my hip replacement on January 26 and am 65 years old and over weight. I left the hospitol on the fourth day and was walking fine. about three days later I felt something pull in my groin and all real activity halted. I really got discouraged as everything had to be done for me. My doctor took an xray and I hadn't fallen out of my hip, which I thought I had and I rested a few days just moving when I had to. Today the doctor told me to begin walking again so I am doing that and feeling a bit better. I have to be helped into bed though I can get out on my own. I'm not at all used to letting doctors cut on me. Wow, this has been hard.

-- Katherine M. Cook (kirbsgirl3000@yahoo.com), February 10, 2004.

I am hoping to find someone who has had an ankle replacement. I have found a doctor who does this type of surgery but would like to talk to someone who has undergone this proceedure and has had success (or failure). If anyone has any had this done, would appreciate hearing from your. Don

-- Don Hale (dammhale2@aol.com), February 12, 2004.

There are different types of surgery for THR. I had an anterior approach (front), with 4" incision, no muscles cut. I also got a steel/non-cemented, but they jammed it in so I could put full weight on immediately. I was home after 2 days, and walking with a cane only. Posterior approach generally involves cutting muscles and requires longer recovery. Find out which procedure your doctor intends to do. It can impact rehab a lot.

-- Kris Carson (wisson00@aol.com), February 19, 2004.

Great site, I am going in for a THR in 2 days (18th March 2004) due to Advanced Nevascular Necrosis and arthritis from a motorcycle accident 3 years ago. I was due to have Hip resurfaceing but was told at the weekend that my hip is too damaged and will not hold so a THR is all I can have. I was originaly ofered the resurfacing because of my age (I am 33). I was told that the replacement will only last 10 years and I can only have 2. This would mean I'll be in a wheelchair in 20 years, with the resurfacing I would have got at least another 10 years out of it.

Does anyone else have any further information about how long a THR will last? was my doctor just erring on the side of caution when he said 10 years?

Also my job involves sitting down for long periods - is this a problem for a new hip (I know that currently my hip gives me a lot of problems when I have been sat for a while)

Thanks in advance

Glenn Dunwell, London UK

-- Glenn Dunwell (glenn_dunwell@hotmail.com), March 16, 2004.


March 18, 2004 Due to hip dysplasia I received an uncemented total hip replacement on January 15, 2004. Haven't felt this good in a long time. As per doctor instructions I put approximately 25% of my weight through my leg for the first 6 weeks, for the next 6 weeks I am to increase weight bearing and go from bth crutches to one crutch (that's where I am now) to cane and then I am on my own. I have been doing muscle building exercises since day two in the hosipital. Just simple leg lifts up and to the side but they certainly do help to strengthen. I find sitting too long is the worst. Anyone I have spoke to with previous replacements tell me the more you use the joint the better you feel. I have also been told the 90 degree rule should be obeyed for the first 3 months to prevent any future problems. Good-luck

-- Kelly M. (kemrlm@idirect.ca), March 18, 2004.

I have osteo arthritis in my right hip after a motorbike accident 25 years ago.

I am an otherwise fit, average weight, 48 yr old male

I was told 2 years ago that I should now have a hip replacement operation as I was in constant pain and this was badly affecting my sleep and therefore my well being and alertness.

I was told at an interview at the hospital the following

I would have to sleep on my back for 3 months I cannot do this, especially during my sleep at say 4am, when I may turn over in my sleep.

I cannot use a car for 3 months I cannot get to work without my car and cannot afford to pay my rent etc “on the sick”

I cannot have a bath for 3 months I do not have a shower

I cannot dress from the waist down for 3 months I will not be able to dress my lower half !!

etc etc

I cannot understand how these criteria can be met by anyone ! – can anyone offer any advice or experience ?

John Birkett

p.s. any info on these new “keyhole” hip replacements,as in the last post here, I believe many or all of the above restrictions may not apply.

-- John Birkett (john@lifecycle.org), March 19, 2004.


John: Somebody is giving you a bunch of balderdash info. I had bilateral hip replacement one month ago (Feb.24,04)and have been taking care of myself just fine for a couple of weeks already. I'm driving, walking without any assistance, although I usually take a cane just to help with balance. You can attach a handheld shower head to your tub to make your own shower and you can wash everything. Getting dressed is a breeze (I used one of those remote pickup gizmos for a few weeks but now I can even put on sweat socks without any trouble. I can't believe a doc gave you this info...or maybe it was somebody other than a doc that's just plain uninformed? If you want any info on how I've done to help you out just send me an email...but in the meantime if a doc told you this stuff, find another doc who will give you the straight scoop. This whole deal isn't that hard and the ends more than justify the means. Good luck! Mike McFarland

-- mike mcfarland (mikem@mcfarlandgroup.com), March 23, 2004.

John,

Mike is right. It's not that bad. I had my left hip replaced on March 15th, (2004) and I'm already back at work and doing fine! I'm a 45 year old male, amateur bicycle racer and very amateur tennis player, and I have been suffering horribly with the ol' hip for about five years. I finally had a ceramic-ceramic replacement installed. The first four days really stunk, but after that, it's been a breeze. I walked out of the hospital the second day on one crutch, then switched to a cane on the fourth day. By day six, I was walking pretty darn good with no assistance! This is unusual, for sure, but it happened for me! Within a week I walking up to two miles with my little kids and having a ball. After 12 days I took my new hip for its first bike ride, which it didn't like all that much! I bought a "grabber" and a sock-helper at the drug store to help with getting dressed, and they help a lot. I taped plastic over the incision and bathed myself in the sink for ten days. After the staples come out, they let you shower. The absolute worst part was getting in and out of bed the first couple of days...that really hurt. Other than that, it's been pretty easy. I have an automatic tranny in my truck, and had the left hip replaced, so driving is fine, if a little bit uncomfortable. Don't worry about the doctor's information...they have to be really conservative to avoid lawsuits should someone hurt themselves. If you're in relatively decent shape, your recovery doesn't have to be that big an ordeal. I just holed up in an extra bedroom and took care of myself while my poor wife chased after the kids downstairs! Read some books, sleep a lot, go for walks, and it will limber up and heal just fine! Prayer helps a lot too...ask the Master Physician for help, and he will help! Let me know how it goes, buddy.

-- Glenn Wright (gwright@bha.com), March 30, 2004.


Hello, everyone! I hope that this response finds you all healing and doing well. I just had a THR on February 25, 2004 after approximately 6 years of constant pain. I am a "very young" 46 year old female, and I am extremely active. However, my hip problem was missed by doctors saying that I had a herniated disc with sciatica. Anyway, I will be 5 weeks post-op on Wednesday (March 31st)and I feel great considering how I felt right after surgery. I am at 100% weight bearing on my operated right hip and I walk around my apartment with no assistance from my cane or crutches. However, when I go for outside walks, I take my crutches. I think that I like the sympathy factor that the crutches give and people give you a lot more space when they see you coming. LOL! I will be going back to work in New York City in May. In the meantime, I will continue my physical therapy and exercises, as well as working on my endurance. I too, get a little sleepy around 4, and I definitely have to break out of that habit. All in all, I would say that recovery comes in stages. One day you will wake up and be able to do more than you did the day or week before. Like Glenn said, Prayer helps! God is absolutely AWESOME and He is a HEALER!!!! Put your faith in Him and everything else will follow! Enjoy your new hip, Summer is on its way and we will be ready!

-- Caryl Quashie (quashieboo5555@yahoo.com), March 30, 2004.

I am a 50 year old young woman who had a THR on March 9th 2004, three weeks ago today. I had a non cemented ceramic on ceramic thingy. My surgeon is one of the very cautious ones, and I have been given lots of instructions for the next few weeks. I have to do much as many of the writers on this site, and although it's a real pain to be so restricted, I feel that it's worth it in the long run. As the nurse who packed me off home said at the door of the car, "You have a brand new hip, and for the next 6 months it is your most treasured possession, look after it!" I am due to start using sticks this week, having been on crutches for 3 weeks. After a further 3 weeks I can use one stick if and when I feel I need it. As for the turning over in the night, I was scared of this, and did find myself on the unoperated side a couple of times in the hopital... so I have a sort of open funnel shaped pillow for the operated leg. It means I snore like crazy as I am flat on my back, but then, that doesn't worry me, I am asleep!! I just think that it's worth being kind to yourself for a few weeks, after all, it's been pretty ghastly for quite a while leading up to the operation, so a few weeks of care can mean years of painfree existance. My biggest problem is the pain in the lower half of the leg, I am assured that this is due to a certain amount of swelling and fluid, but it's odd not to hurt in the region of the surgery. My cut is at the back, and is tiny. How on earth they did all that hacking and sawing is a wonder to me, but I will be able to wear a swimming costume with no visible scar. Mind you, scarring was the least of my worries, but it's a bonus. God luck to you all, and look forward to doing the hippy hippy shake in the not too distant future!

-- Lin Ellis (big-leggie53@hotmail.com), March 31, 2004.

Had a THR right hip for osteonecrosis last week -- Monday March 29. Went home from local university teaching hospital 3 days later. First 24 hours post- op pretty hellish. Hospital stay fairly chaotic. Chatty room mate, too many visitors, nurses harried and appearing disorganized. Up and walking day after surgery with walker. Went home with forearm crutches and instructions to be 60 lb. weightbearing on my new ceramic prothesis. Went back to work 8 days post-op. (executive job) about half days. No problems with showering, dressing, etc. Occupational therapist in hospital did a really good job coaching me. Am taking blood thinners...no fun. Make me nauseous. Zero pain at this point and no need for pain meds. Just soreness, as if I hiked too far... but feeling quite fatigued by afternoons. Basically have the lifestyle of a toddler -- bland food and long naps. My number one recommendation to anyone considering THR is READ AND LEARN! It is all just much easier if you know what's happening. Good luck, all!

-- Fredericka Oakley (oakley@dcn.org), April 07, 2004.

I am very thankful that I found this site because I have been concerned about the groin pain I am experiencing. Had MIS on my hip on 1/19/04. Did well with the surgery, and spent a week at Health South doing physical therapy. I am a 73 year old female and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the hip. Went for my 6 week check- up and complained to the doc about the groin pain. He told me to continue my exercises (which I do twice a day) and get in the pool and power walk, which I do at least 4 times a week. I am also biking. The groin pain is severe when I start out biking, but the more I bike, the less the pain is. The pain comes on when sit for a long period of time and I can't seem to stand for long periods of time. The doc took an x-ray of the hip and said it looked good and that my problem might be stemming from the back - and that it might possibly be spinal stenosis. However, now that I have read other messages on this website, I don't feel as though it is that serious since so many people seem to be experiencing the same groin pain. I ice the area and that seems to help. Also, I found the message about one leg being shorter than the other might possibly be a factor very interesting. Thanks so much for your contributions to this site.

-- Diane Cooper (dcoop428@hotmail.com), April 14, 2004.

I received my THP April 5th. I'd rather forget my first 4 or 5 days post op, fairly painful, especialy when PT came to visit and insisted on my walking. Thank God they did, after a few times on the walker I was expericing less pain. I find ater 5 week post op, Im able to get around without the aid of a cane, no problem expect for a bit of pain, expecial when I first get out of bed or out of a chair. I do carry a cane with me when I leave the house, just for balance on rough ground. I was back to work the first day I was home from surgery and worked for 3 hours, ofcourse having a home office helps. I find my self taking pain meds around bed time, hopefuly within the next couple of weeks I will wean my self off the drugs. I have been taking the same pain pills for the past two years, now for recovery before due to severe hip pain. I'm pretty sure my body is depended on the pills, and will need to get off the meds slowly with the help of my family doctor. Already I'm finding things that I couldn't do before the operation. I am a 55 year old male with a four and nine year old children "second family" my life and my family's quality of time will for sure dramitcly change for the better. If all of you who are thinking about receiving this operation and keep putting it off, DO IT ! It is so worth the minimum discomfort and will change you life....All who have had the operation enjoy your new found freedom as I have. God Bless.....David

-- David Andrews (greatlakesv@msn.com), May 09, 2004.

My father had hip replaclement surgery on May 4 (today is May 18) and is still in the hospital. He is in more pain after the surgery than before he had the surgery. He developed a bowel obstruction (possibly due to his parkinsons) and now blood clots and swelling in both but primarily his leg that had the replacement. His problem now is that he is so weak he can barely stand even with assistance, let alone walk. It is heart renching to see him this way. Has anyone had these extreme conditions? Were you able to bounce back? He is a big man, 6', 230, although he has probably lost 30 pounds. Did

-- Stephanie B. (thetexasbrowns@earthlink.net), May 18, 2004.

I had all metal non cemented left total hip replacement April 12 2004, and now, at eight weeks, just finished two days of fly fishing on western Va. streams, (very slippery rocks). Don't cover the water as I did at 25, but at 50, and with new parts installed, am pleased with the results of my surgery. I was driving at one week, short distance with automatic. The hardest part was entry/exit of vehicle, I used a mini-van. At 3 weeks drove myself 31/2 hours one way and back the next with one stop to stretch each trip. Caution of pain killer use (sleepiness), and results of accident, were the two cautions from my doctor. He used a long incision 14", on the outside of my leg, and is of the 8 week untill total weight bearing school of thought. He is one of the two best at this operation in Va., and schooled under the best (who is booked 8 months in advance for hip replacement). Common sense approach to recovery is paramount, paying attention unusual pains that may persist. He says there are varying theories on how long before putting total weight bearing on new joint, but best to err on the safe side. I find myself tired at 2pm (have been back to work since week two) and take a 1/2 nap with feet propped up at my desk,(one of the advantages of owning own business)but find this being less of a problem every day. Yes,the first days are tough, but it is Major surgery, and if you take the pain medication as your told, pain is not much of the recovery. I'm 6'3" 250 lbs former college football player who still worked out 3 times per week untill arthritis pain stopped that a year ago. Doc told me American football, ice hockey, Australian football and rugby produce a large amount of total hip replacement income for his profession, years after the athlete is done with the game. Because of my two shot hips(the right one will be done next year), I don't encouraged my son to play anything which transmits impact to the hip joint. Hope this helps, any questions emailed to me will be answered, as I found information made my decision much easier. Chris Mawdsley

-- Chris Mawdsley (criscars@msn.com), June 18, 2004.

Attention everyone who is a candidate for THR(Total Hip Replacement) surgery!!! How would you like to have your hip replaced and have immediate weight bearing without walkers or crutches? You can know have your hip replaced using Mininimally Invasive surgery using the Anterior approach. There are only a few doctors in the US who are trained to do this procedure and I am including their websites here for you to explore. Ask your doctor if he is trained in this technique, if he is not, go to a doctor that is. Most patients leave the hospital within a day or two and can resume normal activities within 3 days!!!

If you don't believe me, check this out! www.hipandpelvis.com www.altaortho.com

or visit this website http://www.adultjointreconstruction.com/

-- Wade Brittingham (wadebrittingham@hotmail.com), July 04, 2004.


For those of you who are considering having a hip replacement and are undecided my recommendation is to choose a doctor who does a lot of hip replacements and is well recommended and then go for it. I am 49 years old and had two hip replacements five weeks apart and could not be happier. Both of my incisions are about 5" long. Had the first replacement on 4/20/2004. Stayed in hospital a week doing rehab starting around 4th day and continued with outpatient rehab until I had 2nd replacement on 5/28/2004. I guess the rehab for the 1st hip really helped because I felt well enough to go back to work about 2 1/2 weeks after 2nd surgery. Started off using walker 1st 2 weeks and then used a cane for the next 2 weeks and by the 4th week did not need anything. It is now a little over 7 weeks since my last replacement and I finished physical therapy last week and am now swimming every day and feeling great. I still follow my hip precautions but otherwise I lead a normal life. I try not to overdo it but I go shopping whenever I want and to work every day. I feel that the key to my recovery is that I chose an ortho surgeon who does about 300 hip replacements a year and only specializes in hips and knees. The 2nd key to my successful recovery was starting physical therapy right away and working hard at building up the muscles. I feel so grateful to have my life back that I wish all the same to all of you who are thinking of having a hip replacement or are recovering from one and if there is any way I can be of help please let me know.

-- LEONOR RAVELO (LEONOR606@AOL.COM), July 18, 2004.

Almost 3 months since my operation, no pain just aches and itchy scar area. What about you golfers out there when did you start to play again...I m planning on starting lob wedges and chips in a week.

-- Pete Johnson (plj99@comcast.net), August 08, 2004.

I had a THR 16 days ago on 11/11/04 and was walking the next day. I was told I could put as much weight on it as I could stand. I went home after 3 days. Keggi did an anterior approach and I have two small incisions. His advice is walk, walk and walk. I do my exercises and I feel great. My advice is to ask a lot of questions and seek out referrals from everyone. Don’t be afraid to travel to find a good surgeon. The hospital here arranges special rates at hotels for people traveling to Conn. for surgery and rehab.

-- John Boucher (jcje@optonline.net), November 27, 2004.

Hi all,

I had a ceramic Total Hip Replacement on 19th January and am still awaiting physio from my local hospital. I came home on crutches and have been ambling round the house on one and sometimes on none. I dont have an exercise plan yet and would like to start doing something at home to build up my muscles which are starting to waste. I am 36 and was born with CDH.

I am still experiencing a fair amount of pain especially at night and am finding sleeping difficult as I dont naturally sleep on my back and have been told that is how I am supposed to sleep.

Any advices, precautions etc would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

-- Sandra (Sandras0104@hotmail.com), February 07, 2005.


I think your doctor is the expert on the directions he wishes you to follow. Older people need to be aware that it is for their benefit to follow the restrictions. they were made for your protection and full recovery. I had total hip replacement in January and I still walk with a walker because of the 50 percent weight bearing rule. Although at times you wish it would go away, it is there to help you. I am doing great and intend to continue all of my restrictions until I go back to see my surgeon in March. People have a tendency to rush recovery. This is major surgery and your body needs to rest to recover. Do your exercise daily, eat well and rest. You will come out the feeling much better. Thanks

-- Janet Wood (jamakebow@aol.com), February 15, 2005.

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