Bilateral Hip Replacement in April

Your old life back! Plan on not doing much for a while -  a couple weeks then things start getting better. For me, in the theater, I dozed off and awoke in the recovery room.  Everyone is different in their healing so don't use others as bench marks. Consider the pain and the limitted range of motion you have now? If you've come this far to schedule the surgery I think you've realized this is bette rin the long run. Hopefully you have a partner or others to help out the first few days, because that is when you will likely be the least mobile.  Foe me, I could sense the OA pain was gone and replaced by something else that diminished aily. Good uck in your quest to recovery. Check out the permanently pinned piece by rocketman - lots of great info. I can only encourage you to relax - it will be better. 

You will be given lots of excellent advice and directed to Rocketman's brilliant web page which is invaluable - put it on your favourite list as you will go back to it often.

For me, I would start doing sit-ups now and work on your core muscles as they will come into their own in the first few days post op.

You will look back and realise it was the best thing you have done.

We will all be here each step of the way.

Michael

Hi Coffeeman,

A few days when you feel you've been hit by a truck then a gentle recovery, with small improvements every day that get bigger as time goes by.

As Michael says, keeps your muscles as strong as you can, especially your core muscles, keep a sense of humour and try not to worry too much.  It will only get better.

Cels xxx

A slightly longer and harder recovery than us single sided hippies, but not double the time or difficulty.

Someone mentioned my website - see below.  The moderators resource is at 

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147

Graham - 🚀💃

OK, take a deep breath, you've made the right decision and it will work out fine!!!  I am six weeks post op after bilateral hip replacement, anterior approach..  The first two weeks will be very difficult (since you will not have a good leg to stand on, hehe) and it is important to have someone to help you during that period.  That is very important!!  It will allow your body the neccessary time to sleep and recover without worrying about how to get yourself fed, cleaned up, getting ice, etc.  It is extremely difficult, even with a walker to get around during that first two week period and doing stairs is difficult too.  It is best to keep stairs to one time a day.  Take your pain meds and do all perscibed exercise but no more.  DO NOT OVERDO IT!!  There is no benefit in overdoing the first two weeks.  None.  It will only delay your recovery.  Also, as important, take your meds and make sure they are doing their job in minimizing the pain.  There is no benefit at all in trying to wean yourself off pain meds during the first two weeks.  None!

Make sure before surgery to get your home set up for you so that during the day you can sit in your recliner and have your phone, blanket, books/remote control, meds, ice etc. easily available to you. If you are able it was useful to build a small platform for the recliner.  That raised it 4 inches off the ground making it easier to stand up and sit down.

I also rented an electric hospital bed for several weeks.  You will find that you will sleep alot and it will be important to change position if you can.  Having the electric bed can raise your head and/or feet.  The hand rails give you something to grab on to as you adjust your position.  For the first two weeks your legs will have limited strength to assist in this.  If you cannot get the bed try to have six or so pillows of varying thickness to prop your back or legs to achieve the same goal of changing your position so you don't get sore and uncomfortable.

Set yourself up to ice regularly.  I found this to be incredibly important in terms of pain management and muscle recovery.  I would try to do 20 mins. each hr but you'll figure out what works for you.

Finally, with any luck you will find that one leg recovers alot faster than the other so it will help you out.

Every day I am thankful that I decided to do both hips together.  It is not for the faint of heart but if you set yourself up for success it will make it alot easier.

If you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact me.  This forum has helped me immeasurably.