12 weeks post op

Hi Kimberley 

i know exactly how your feeling I'm 37 and have had hip problems all my life I'm still debating if I should have it or not as there's been a lot of negative comments on hear and not many good ones so it is nice to hear the positives I hope you make the right decision xx

Dear Keren

I've been reminding on this forum for several weeks that a bad outcome is far from inevitable and have mentioned my own experience in case it helps you and others.

I had to wait about five years before I was allowed a hip operation but I was so bad that I could not continue to carry on with my self employment job.

Yes it was a frightening decision to gave to make especially as my wife af the time was less than supportive, but if you need a hip replacement there really is no alternative if you truly want an end to the pain

To continue if you truly want to end the pain and get your life back and who wouldn't then you should just move on and book your surgery.

Worried about the recovery, of course you are. I left hospital with two sticks only because they insisted but put one aside as soon as I was home . The second one only was used for a day or so and I was walking a mile a day within literally days and a couple of miles shortly afterwards.

Driving a manual car at six weeks and back to work at the same tine.

Just be confident and careful and try not to push faster than is right for you....only you can decide how fast you go as we are all different!

Good luck. Richard

Hi thank you for replying 

I've had my problem since birth I've had a few different procedures and now a hp is last option I've got oust to pain and deal with that fine for me I have 3 inch difference between legs as my ball isn't in the socket it's up in my pelvis I'd like to have it done to get length back but I've read so many horror stories on hear that I'm not sure it will help me I'm also a single mum of 4 so I'm a little worried about the kids and sorting them out and the pain I'm not good with pain at all I'm really worried about recovery time as everyone seems so different many more being months and months rather than 6/12 weeks I've been told by surgeon I'm so confused  xx

Thanks. If you are not completely confident with the ability of your surgeon I urge you to seek an alternative one. You obviously have a lot to deal with so I do hope that you can get some home help so that you are less stressed and can concentrate on getting better.

All the very best

Richard

Hi Karen,

There are lots of positive stories as well. I had my right hip replaced last July, and it was loads better than I was expecting. I came home on day 2, took all my prescribed meds for the first fortnight, and then cut down after that. I had very little pain, although I was very uncomfortable at night.

The first week or so is tiring, but I was soon very mobile on my crutches, met friends for lunch, had some lovely days out. Fine using bus, tube train. Went for my first physio appointment at 6 weeks and was discharged without my crutches.

I was 57, and fit apart from the hip. I went back to work for a few meetings from week 6, and went back at week 10. I teach part time.

I'm just saying all this so that you know that some outcomes are really straight forward. Good luck.

Well said Judith,

I totally agree. Like you I've had no problems. Everything had been so positive. I've done all I was told to do by the professionals and I'm going back tomorrow at 10 weeks.

In a funny sort of way I've enjoyed the weeks after I was out of precautions at 6 weeks. I've been meeting up with friends who I've not seen for years and of course enjoying walking every day without pain.

I do trust mr H with my surgery it just seems his attitude has changed some what from yes we can give you more length to it will all depend not really much help if any lol how do I go about seeing another surgeon even if it's just for a second option x 

Hi Judith 

im so glad everything has worked out so well for you and that your making a good recovery I'm a bit younger but not very fit as can only walk small distance did you rest for first week or get up and move about I'm not one for doing nothing but have been told rest is best and do you have a limp or are legs same length x 

it is nice to hear some good stories reacher than all the bad im really worried about everything the pain the healing process the how longs driving you name it my minds doing over time x 

If you live in the UK .....since you have not completed your profile I cannot tell where you live, but here in the UK you can find a surgeon you want to see and then ask your doctor to refer you. You will then in the fullness of time, in my several cases it has been a week or two you will get an appointment from the relevant hospital.

Hope that helps

Cheers Richard

Hi Karen,

I did rest a bit in the first week, but I also walked around as well, and did my exercises. It was July, and I hate being inside when the weather's good, so it was an incentive to get out! (I didn't spend any time in bed, except for during the night because I found it quite uncomfortable.)

I came out of hospital on day 2, and I went out for a little walk every day after that, gradually increasing the distance. I also used to like sitting outside reading. On day 7 I went out for lunch with friends. I found walking with my crutches very manageable, and there are lots of shopping/ eating places nearby, so that was easy. I always used 2 crutches outside right up until my 6 week physio appointment. By day 4 or 5, I was ok with 1 crutch inside, and that makes life a whole lot easier. (You have a spare hand..... Washing up, ironing, hoovering, carrying stuff...It all becomes possible again.)

I would also say that I was very lucky, and had hardly any pain. I did take all my prescribed meds for the first 2 weeks, and gradually reduced them.

As far as my leg length goes, the osteoarthritis in my hip had made that leg shorter, and the surgeon said he would make my legs the same length, which he did. I'm afraid the difference was quite small though, maybe only a centimetre or 2. I limped a lot before my op, but I don't limp any more.

It's 9 months since my op, and I hardly think about my hip.

I hope that it all works out for you. I wish you all the best, Judith

Hi, I'm glad it worked out well for you. Yes, I enjoyed the post week 6 time too!

Hope it was ok at work for you.Take it steadily, I was tired at times.