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At age 91 - decided to "Roll the Dice" and have undergone total hip revision surgery

Posted , 8 users are following.

Nicholas_Melb
Nicholas_Melb

At age 91, it seemed I'd outlived the partial hip replacement I underwent 20 years ago. I was in constant but bearable pain until 2-3 months ago when I began to experience excruciating pain upon intermittent, debilitating hip locking! Diagnosis suggested the metal head of the Thompson's prosthesis was eroding the bone in my pelvic socket. This led to my having to make a frightening decision as to whether to undergo total hip revision surgery; major surgery accompanied by huge risks and possible complications given my 91 years of age. Of most concern was the risk of femur bone fracture upon removal of the well cemented old prosthesis and complications of major, 3 hour surgery such as haemorrhage, kidney failure, heart failure, pneumonia.

After reviewing comments and experiences from this group, reviewing recent publications of anthroplasty statistics & outcomes, and researching the qualifications and experience of hip revision surgeons, I decided to take the plunge and book-in to undergo total hip revision surgery last week.

I am very happy and extremely relieved to report that the 3 hour surgery went smoothly and none of the possible complications eventuated. The surgery was performed under spinal block epidural and light sedation. I came out of anaesthesia well and spent and expected 3 days in ICU to stabilise blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels and kidney function before being transferred to a standard orthopaedic ward where I currently remain.

It has been 6 days since surgery. I am on panadol osteo and daily oxycodene , have no pain when resting and no longer experience hip-locking. I am walking very short distances now with a support frame - this is painful and difficult but of course will improve over time, (hopefully). In two or so days time, I will be transferred to the rehabilitation arm of the hospital. This is where the "fun" will truly begin! Let's hope it will not be too painful!

Overall a very successful "Step 1". Now onto rehabilitation and full recovery! I know it's an individual thing but, does anyone have any insight as to how long re-hab may take, or how long for pain to subside after total hip revision surgery?

Thank you for your comments on this site and all the best Easter wishes to you all!

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • julie1717
    julie1717 Nicholas_Melb

    Posted

    hi. well well done on deciding to have your OP and it going so well. you certainly sound like you're in a great hospital for immediate post OP care and re hab. I've not yet had my OP so cant be much use to answer your questions from experience but from what others have sd in the past the quicker you recover seems to relate to how mobile you are . so hopefully you'll be soon much better .

  • gdoug
    gdoug Nicholas_Melb

    Posted

    Hi Nicholas,

    congratulations on your surgery.

    I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery.

    Looking forward to your updates.

  • Dawron
    Dawron Nicholas_Melb

    Posted

    Well done you. my advice is to walk take it easy and slowly at first accompanied until you are confidenent to walk on your own , then take each day as it comes and walk as far as you can all the best for the future and enjoy life.

  • Dawron
    Dawron Nicholas_Melb

    Posted

    Well done you. my advice is to walk take it easy and slowly at first accompanied until you are confidenent to walk on your own , then take each day as it comes and walk as far as you can all the best for the future and enjoy life.

  • judith12644
    judith12644 Nicholas_Melb

    Posted

    Hi Nicholas, It sounds as though you're doing really well. Just take it easy, the physios should help with your exercises and encourage you. Make sure you stay ahead of your pain, take your meds, and tell the staff if you are are in pain. I'm afraid I can't advise on how long it will all take, but I wish you all the best.

  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 Nicholas_Melb

    Posted

    great news. just take it slowly, and listen / be aware of how your body is behaving. I have friends who are specialist orthopaedic nurses who told me that improvements continue up to two years post op although most happen in the first 3-4 months

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