80 yr old Mum having THR

MissWoosie, since you say "Mum", I assume you are in the UK? Here in the US, you can go to a rehab facility after a surgery like this, so that you are in better shape to cope when you get home. I recently had hip surgery and was in the hospital for 5 days, and then in a rehab for 14 days, every penny paid for by my insurance. I still needed help when I got home, but not for self-care. Do you have anything like that where you live? If not, then you should inquire with her doctors about how a person her age can function when she gets home. In my opinion, she will need lots of help, especially since you say she normally does everything at home and there is no bathroom downstairs and the over-the-bath shower. She'll probably need someone to manage her meds, cook her food and serve it to her, help her dress and bathe, get to follow-up appointments, etc.

It may be very difficult for her to manage stairs up and down multiple times a day. I couldn't have done it, and I am only 68, although others seem to do it, no problem. Sometimes you need to get to the bathroom fairly quickly. You might want to consider having her staying upstairs for some time. I used a tub transfer bench after both of my surgeries, and am still using it 6 1/2 weeks later after the second.

Even without a GA, most people still need strong pain killers, after a THR. I was on them for 5 weeks after my THR a year and a half ago, and that had nothing to do with my type of anesthetic, the effects of which are gone in a day or two.

Most of the issues of THR are the same for people of all ages, although most older people need more support. I hope you will bring up all of your concerns for your mum with her medical professionals, so that they can guide you in the best ways to help her.

You might want to check out "A laymans guide to Total Hip Replacement from one of our users - Rocketman54", which is the last of the resources listed in the pinned discussion at the top of the thread page called THR-Useful Resources: https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147. Graham (Rocketman) created this page so that many good ideas regarding recovery issues, based on his experience and those of other users on this site, would be in one place.

My father had aTHR at 90 years old. In fact he had his birthday in hospital and had his first great grandchild as a birthday present! He had some pain on the second day and slept a lot. He also seemed to eat a lot as well, particularly ice cream which he likes. 

Hi Misswoosie your mum is going to need a good care package in place to come home to as your

aware being a nurse,your proberbly also aware

before your mum is sent home she will do a home visit

with the assessment team to see how she gets

on and what help she needs,comode ,bath aids

that's when she can manage stairs.There is lots

of help for your mum especially with her age

(not being rude) don't take no for answer ask,ask,

ask I cared for the elderly for many years so I

no it's there for her. I wish your mum well keep

in touch.xxx😳🙋

Hi misswoosie

ive just had a hip replacement at the age of 70 and I have managed the stairs.

i have a friend who is 92 and at the age of 83 she had her left hip re-done and has managed fine at home. She has a stair lift and a walk in shower and she also has a toilet downstairs.  Her other hip needs re-doing but now she feels too old.

After your mum has had the replacement she should get advice  from the hospital on how to cope at home,and they will assess whether she needs re-hab before she goes home.  If she has sufficient care and can manage stairsthey will then let her home.

I hope this will help you.  All the best Brenda C

 

Hi there.

My mother in law had a hip replacement in her 80s. She is still going now and is 91. It gave her a new lease of life. She does gardening and goes to play scrabble with her friends. We have also found out she climbs ladders to do painting in her house. Haha.

Take care and hope your mum recovers well. X

Oh gosh...wishing you the bestest of bestest!

Thinking about it didn't the Queen Mother have a hip replacement when she was around ninety. Prince Charles said she went dancing after she had had it done, not immediately of course!! 

I forgot to mention that my husband's dad had a partial hip replacement (stem only) after a fall when he was 95, and he lived to be 100. He was at a skilled nursing facility for the last 6 years or so of his life. He was able to walk again after the surgery, using a walker, and he did very well.

80 is not what it used to be...I wish your parents the best

hi misswoosie, 

I don't have anything to add ---

Going to rehab facility seems the best solution for post-op care ... can your father manage on his own ?

I am not sure what to say about the aneasthesia - She will need pain medication which can make her feel woosie and unbalanced ...

please come back here and let us know okay?  

big warm hug for both of you

renee

Hi, I am an 80 year young lady and in September had a hip replacement due to a fall. I am a very fit person and opted for an epidural which was marvellous - the recovery time is so much quicker than having a general anaesthetic. The op went well although I am still hobbling and have to rely on my walker for longer walks. Tell your mum not to worry and go for it. I am sure if she discusses her back probs with the anaesthetist he/she will advisde her if an epidural would suit. Good Luck. Regards Jean

My 91 year old neighbour has recently had a hip replacement due to a fall. She has been going round on crutches for a while and the other day I saw her driving her car again. She is quite fit, but lives by herself and now just uses a stick which she did before the surgery anyway. Very impressive.