Bilateral Hip Replacements?

Hi Shmugdsy, I would not have them both done at the same time, it is terrible not to have a good leg to stand on, and more difficult all round, sleeping on the back is difficult or wedged up in bed, the better way to sleep I feel, also double the pain in the wound at first, it is quite painful for the first week and also living alone, a lot of trouble that could come your way, I know that they do ,do them together sometimes, but my specialists were both against it, I had them done within four months, getting betternow, two spells of 7 weeks off work, quite a while, and 10 weeks between operations, they say you loose too much blood, and body chemestry , but I am not a doctor, I would not have them done together, having had both done separately now, I am fine and mending quickly.

Interested to see what the other regular posters will say about it, but I dont think the surgeon will do them both at the same time for you.

Keep in touch  Ian.

Hi

I am 16 days post bilateral THRs. I have no regrets having them done together. My surgeon said I was a good candidate for a bi as I didn't have a good hip to stand on. I am 53 active and fit. If there had been any complications with the first hip then they would not have completed the second on that occasion. All went well , blood loss was OK so it's all over with. I can walk around the house without crutches but use them outside. I have needed help with the TEDS but with planning have managed other things . Everyone is different in biological age, attitude and recovery capacity- it takes time. I know I would have been depressed if I had only had one side done as my life would have been on hold till the other side was completed. Have a good chat with your consultant. Good luck xx

Hi shmuggsy,

Obviously getting it all over and done with in one fell swoop would be the best option for anyone needing them both done but having had mine done one at a time, I have no idea how people manage getting bilateral hip replacements done. I find it hard to imagine doing it without at least one good leg to help keep me upright and to give me the strength to transfer. I just said the same to my hubby through the night when I had to wake him to help me get to the loo.

I'm also carrying a few extra pounds and honestly don't think I could have done it both at the same time. I would be surprised if your surgeon agreed to it anyway tbh.

I hope it goes well for you, whichever path you end up taking. It really is so worth it to be pain free and so many people give commented on how well I walk just after having one done, I can't wait to see the difference when they are both healed. I also have had decompression surgery on my spine and I'm not quite walking upright after that but this second new hip should help with that too. 

Keep us posted with how things are going.

Take care.

Ali xx

Hi Shmuggsy

i am 6 weeks on from a bilateral hip replacement. I am delighted that they were done together.  I would have hated having to go back in to go through the op again.  It was definitely the right choice for me but everyone is different.

I am really sorry to hear of your problems with weight and depression.  I am not a surgeon so this is only my opinion but I am sure that a surgeon would only carry out a bilateral replacement if they were happy with your general state of health.  I was told that because of my age (53) and the fact that I was very fit and healthy that they were comfortable with doing both at the same time.

As with any operation it is not just the physical aspect of getting well but also the mental one because it really is a major operation.

Your consultantant will guide you through the process to make sure that your care is tailored to your individual circumstances.

Please take care of yourself and let us know how you are doing. Never feel alone because there is lots of kind support on offer via the forum. Xx

Hi there

I just want to send all good wishes to you   I can relate to a bit  of yours,  yes Im overweight  and the change of lifestyle brought about through pain  (no dancing, walking  and the general struggle to keep job up etc )  has caused anxiety and depression for sure,    getting better in this dept  as get impatient having to pace things,   but now a bit more acceptin,  I was a fit 60,    but still no sigh of being offered THR   in fact I ve come back from hospital  to loose weight, do pilates,  before going back in Jan,    now into day 3  of tackiling 3 stones!! 

I  expect it is the way we think that determines if prefer one hip at a time  but fully appreciate  being on own as paints a different picture,     think what Id do with that is find out everything how you will function initially after both being done together  this way you can make informed decision,    if its doable  (even a convalescent place for short time )  you will regain your freedom and life back sooner

please keep in touch   yes  we are in the right place for sure

Love and light     pauline xxx

p.s.

i know what you mean Laura   I want to loose weight and be as fit as poss  before op,  only makes sense,  yes its harder when not as active,  Im riding bike  - lol   great once on it but the getting on and off a nightmare especially if short notice,   eek     A SILLY part of me also hopes that the pain will magically go away when all the wieght is taken off the joints . . . .

PPS

Regarding the mental bit  we will cope, will do it and take it as it comes,  just like all these other nice folk here,  no need to fret  because we will, this is the anxiety speaking up, just ignore that one! 

I don't have anyone to go with either but as scared as I seem to be everyone medically are lovely.  I am so relieved to have al so found this site as it is comforting and reasuuring to read the posts people are sending.  I go in to have the op on the 7th so will continue to add to this site when I come out and possible before.  Lots of useful information from reading the peoles posts who have had this op.

Marvelous.

Bunty

will be thinking of you Bunty  -  yes  definately in the right place and all the help you will need,   great   xx

Dear shmuggsy, 

Welcome to this wonderful Hippies family -- as you can see, we share our personal stories, give tips, support and unconditional love ...

Ultimately, it will be you who has to make the decision and this is a tough one - 

Maybe it is best to have your surgeon inform you when you see him/her ... 

it might be that your physical condition does not qualify  for bilateral surgery ... don;t worry about the stairs - after surgery you will get physical therapy in the hospital and not discharged before you can walk up/down stairs -- 

Are you being treated and on medication for your depression? 

just write the questions you might have down as they come up and take the list with you ... and you can always come here, of course ... 

shmuggsy, it takes a lot of courage to make this step ... so take a deep breath and be proud of yourself that you are taking charge - you are not alone,remember that -

big warm hug 

renee

Hi Shmuggsy, I had a bilateral hip replacement on 21/5/15 and gone honestly say it was the best thing I ever did, yes it has it's problems but I wanted one op 1 recovery, my surgeon was happy to do it has I'm fairly young and healthy.

good luck.

kaye