Preparing for my first of 2 HR's

I have got disolvable stiches in mine and have been given an app to go back in 6wks.i had mine done on 5th jan and have been given a change of wound dressing by the g.p since then.

Hi, answers to your questions according to what I experienced:

1.  I didn't have staples.  The stitches desolved. 

2.  It depends on your age and lifestyle.  I was 49 and have a desk job.  I was able to go back to work comfortably after 10-12 weeks (post physical therapy).  This was my choice, as I didn't want to go back too soon and regret it. 

3. 10 days after surgery.  They take more X-rays and check the wound.

Hope this helps

1. Mine were removed about 12 days after.

2. Mine was Dec. 7 and though mobile with and without a cane, pain free, doing exercises, I would say at least another 2 to 3 weeks to go out to work on limited time. You get tired and need to rest. I do some limited work from home.

3. 6 weeks to see surgeon

Work with physio or ot re pillows for between your legs and something to rest your legs on whilst sleeping on your back. My best advice is to check in here with all the little and big things that go on.

Best of luck

Susan

It all depends on lots of variables.

I didn't have staples, I had dissolveable stitches. One replacement dressing for user only if needed and it wasn't.

What is your definition of recuperate? I was totally pain free from the second I woke up. I could walk immediately. Returned to work this week at nine weeks - GP wanted a further assessment first, but for nothing to do with the hip per se. Full recovery can be anything from a few months to over a year depending on the person. And, obviously, whether there are complications.

I was supposed to have surgeons sign off at six weeks, but had an appointment at two as there were tests that he had to run due to potential complications - in fact the tests were all clear and the outcome was already perfect so he threw me out at two weeks! 

I don't think toy will find two people with the same answers - it is highly individual! 

Four days is a long time in hospital - do you know if there is a reason for that? Most of us are kicked out the day after surgery, or the day after that. 

My top is start practising now! Learn how to do things without bending, how to use all your equipment, plan your routes around home and remove anything you can trip over. I over planned out in some ways, and some of the equipment was barely used, but better to be over prepared than under. You might need it next time anyway - reading here people can have completely divergent experiences even with the other hip! 

Staples are typically 14 days post surgery.

?

My first set (I was 25yo) I took a week off after I got out of the hospital before returning to work. After my second set (20 years later) I was out 3 months each hip, but the surgery was far more agressive and I had physical therapy post surgery. I would get as much PT as possible and return when I felt I was 75% or so. I did half days for a while before I could do PT and still work the same day.

I did not go back until I had my staples removed, but we were in contact often as things changed.

?Keep ahead on pain meds, if you get behind it is almost impossible to get caught back up.

?If you are sitting or lying down a lot post release from hospital, request a muscle relaxer if you start having back pain. I hate them, but they are very helpful for the pain.

?Don't give up, and stay the course on PT. It will seem like you have hit the wall and are not making any improvement. This may last days or even a week or two, but keep pressing and one day you will get up and the wold will be a different place.

?I was told before my first time through that I would be in less pain post surgery than I was going in. They were not lying, and it was not due to pain meds, but reduction of pain from my hips. You will realize how much pain you have been in.

?Keep your eyes on the goal and push yourself to that goal. After my first set, I was playing softball and backpacking. Since the last set, I have been backpacking and hiking more than ever before. It is not unusual for me to hit the trail and do 12 miles in 6 hours with a 40lbs pack. That did not come the day after release, but took 18 months to work up to. work for the long term win.

?Good Luck.  

 

Hi my staples was taken out after 14 days, I was out of hospital within two days,1st Hr I stayed at my mums for two weeks then was probably OK to do easy stuff,second one 28th Dec 16 I stayed at my mums 5 days came home and could do things for myself everyone is different good luck

Mine was Posterior approach THR. Staples came out 19 days later on my 12" incision. Follow up with Surgeon at 6 weeks and all restrictions lifted. Will take up to a year+ to totally heal. Everyone heals at a different rate and depends on approach, cemented, age, health and surgeons experience. I am in USA, 66 male.

I think age and fitness might come into it.  Everyone different.  I was gobsmacked to learn that my bilateral hip replacements were done with superglue!  Who'd have thunk it!  Unbelievable...I can't open superglue without ripping skin off somewhere!

Hi Tricia10

I had my first THR (in the UK) on Nov 23rd 2016, second will be in October 2017.

I was worried about the operation, but it's been the post-op recovery that's been the hard bit in fact. It seems to go very slowly, but I have seen improvements every day. Prepare yourself with lots of books, puzzles, videos etc - you will be sitting around quite a lot in between exercising to start with!

Staples come out at 12 days - and it doesn't hurt at all.

Recuperation means different things to different people I guess. 8 weeks on, my husband still has to put on my socks for me, and do up any difficult shoes. Sometimes I'm uncomfortable, but I can walk without a stick, and drive, go shopping, and do pretty much everything else myself. If I was working, I'd be happy to go back to a part time desk job now.

You should see the doctor at around 6/7 weeks. I've just seen mine, he was happy with my progress, but did say with emphasis "You will always have to be careful of your hip, remember it's an articial hip and take care of it."

Good luck, hope it goes well for you.

Since practice varies so much I would be asking them for that specific information. If your in the uk you should be given a information leaflet explaining everything

Thank you everyone for your replies, very helpful!

I forgot to ask about sedation for the operation!

The surgeon did suggest an epidural but I am very concerned that I will

be able to hear everything going on.

I would appreciate any feedback!

Thanks