27 years old just had a LTHR

Francis, your THR will be life changing but in a really positive way. Good physio is the answer in your recovery over next few months. I thought a THR was about the bones but it's really about your muscles. Mine are all stronger than they ever were before the op thanks to regular physio all on the NHS here and me putting in some time to do the daily exercises set. I can't believe how I skip up flights of sains these days when day 5 post op I couldn't even step over my door threshold. Life will be great again and football just means having a revision sooner but your quality of life is important so if that's what you want to do rather than a lower impact sport then go for it.

whole range of ages on this forum so plenty of people to share you lows and many highs with.

all the best

Nicky

Hi Francis-

  You can post on a world-wide computer message system 5 days post-op. Understand, that is a combination of several near-miraculous advances in technology and medicine. A bit of perspective: in the bad old days before THR (1960s), people with bum hips faced several outcomes, all of them with grim aspects. If one opted for surgery, the docs would either fuse your joint (i.e. drive 3 big screws through it), or insert a metal cup between the ball and socket. No friction-free articulating joint, just a cup. It was between you and your physical therapist as to how much range of motion you could regain before your joint mercifully fused itself, and you could walk unaided. Took a couple of years, typically. Or, you could avoid surgery, and just survive on the pain medication of the day. Regardless, life with a hip problem was very frustrating. And not uncommon; sights of folks dragging their bodies along on crutches, one shoe built up 6-7 inches, were not rare at all.

So, yes, you have been through a lot, and you are presently taking a beating. But, having gone through some pre-THR hip surgery, I can tell you that you are extremely fortunate. You don't have to live a lifetime with hip problems. The bad stuff is gone. You are cured.

It's going to take a few weeks to shake off the effects of major surgery. And a few months to straighten and strengthen your body, which has been compensating for your weak hip for years. Take your time, get plenty of rest, drink fluids, take medicine, etc.. Ease back in to whatever career you are involved in. Come Christmas time, plan a nice holiday at a place where you can walk around and enjoy the scenery. Or at least have a celebration dinner with a special someone.

Hope this helps.

Hi Francis,

Gosh you are very young to be having a THR I wish I could give you some advice but I've yet to find out for myself what this surgery entails!

Wishing you the best of luck with your recovery and getting back to your football training very soon.

Lulu

Wow Francis you are a strong young man going through what you have. Give yourself time. Your body has gone through a lot during surgery. You suffered a long time with pain.

I myself put off my RTHR for too long. 6 years of pain and I'm 6 mos post. Complete healing is 1 year but the pain is gone. I still need to work on stretching my muscles which are still used to what they were doing for years. In another 6 months I am doing my left hip.

I too was very scared of having surgery but now so glad I did. We are all different. Everyone heals at a different pace.

I wish you the best dear. Don't forget patience,,,,please keep us posted.

hi francis, 

welcome to the hippies forum ...

what was the diagnosis?   

where do you live ? in most cases hospital stay is 2-4 nights, depending on the approach to the surgery - you are in the hospital for 5 days ... are you full weight bearing? are you getting physical therapy ?

usually they get you out of bed a couple of hours post-op; teaching you to get out and in to bed, walk with a walker or crutches and going to the bathroom by your self --- 

not sure what to tell you about the leaking - what were you told ?  

please let us know how you are getting on otherwise ...

you will be fine ... you are young and I am sure, really fit !

just take your time ---

big warm hug

renee

Francis, you will be fine, you young ,just take day at the time. Take it easy. If you can do your excersice, eat lots of fruits ,drink plenty of water.

Im sure one day you will be OK to play soccer again. Don't rush heeling take time. Just have life without pain is pretty good. This forum is great and

if you are down or need some advice we are here for you.

Good luck with your recovery hug Madla💗

Hi Francis. I had a THR this past November, and I just kept thinking 'thank God I'm old enough not to give too many sh*ts about how others perceive my body anymore'. The hardest part for me was just being in the hospital and dealing with bed pans, lack of privacy, food made for people with dentures, being in a ward where everyone was twice my age, etc. I just had no idea what to expect at the hospital. It was definitely emotional for a few weeks. I cried in front of 2 nurses, a physiotherapist, and a doctor. Just wanted you to know you're not alone. This is tough, but I feel amazing now. Hang in there, and give yourself a break for a couple of weeks!

Francis, you sound like a very brave person.  Where do you live?  I'm just wondering because here in California, USA they send us home from the hospital really early.  I was sent home on the day of surgery, most people go home after one night in the hospital.  I think you will feel better after you get back into your own bed.  No more nurses waking you up all the time, and much quieter.  You will need help at home for a few days.  You are young, you will recover really quickly.  Hang in there.  Google Lara Spencer - hip replacement.  She is a TV host on Good Morning America and had hip replacement surgery at a young age.  She was a college athlete.  They followed her recovery and it is pretty amazing.  I had surgery (anterior) three weeks ago and I am doing fine.  Walking around the house without a cane, no pain meds, and driving.  Yesterday I went back to the gym and walked on the treadmill for 15 minutes, plus some weights.  I have three more weeks to take it easy but I hope to be back swimming after that and then in a couple more months back on the tennis court. You can do it!

Thank you all.

I wanted to reply every comment but I have few minutes to get ready for therapy session.

To answer some of your questions:

I live in Italy.

This is a private hospital and fortunately for me insurance covers this type of surgery so I don't have to pay.

Also the surgeon is a mutual friend, plus it also seems my case is a little special due to my age.

Here they keep you in the hospital for at least a week before allowing you to go home, but this hospital has a rehab center so they just move you a different ward after a week and prep you rehab.

The leakage thank God, it finally reduced as I didn't get my dressing changed because it wasn't wet one of the most frustrating things about the recovery process.

13 days after the surgery I can go to the bathroom myself and do my own thing lol, although it's pretty difficult to put my boxers on.

My major concern is that the operated leg has become few centimeters longer than the good bothers me a lot, I spoke to one of the doctors who was present when the surgery was going, he says it's normal for such an occurrence but with time it will fall in place and be equal.

I really don't want to limp again, so that leaves me with a question.

Has anyone experienced the same problem with the length of the legs.

Thank you all for the sweet and supporting message.

Thank you.

Guys I have to apologize, it's actually been 10 days after surgery. I feel like it's been a month, but the good thing is I seem to be recovering really well.

This morning I was in therapy and I could tell I did waaaay better than yesterday. I'm really happy about the progress and each day the pain I feel is less therefore I reduce the medication.

I wish I had done this surgery a year ago.

This forum been has been such a blessing thank you so much.

Franxis

Yes, I feel like my left leg is longer.  All of the physical therapists I have spoken with say that is normal.  When the swelling goes down, the hip joint will settle into place.  My left leg is still swollen so I have aways to go.