Posted , 13 users are following.
I'm finding that the bilateral THR I'm scheduled for (10/6) is not very common so it's not easy to find out what the additional challenges will be. I have very little dialogue with Kaiser so I was wondering if there are any bilateral hippies out there who I might be able to confer with. I'd be interested to hear some of your comments and thoughts about this approach. Thanks in advance for your help.
5 likes, 70 replies
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peggy15811 pat43245
Posted
Not a bilateral here, but I had one done and used the other leg to balance at first. It was about two weeks until I could lose the walker and go to a cane. I would think those two weeks would be the hardest part if there are no complications. My doctor won't do bi-laterals because the surgery is harder on the body. You probably will need more rest and recovery time. You can't push too hard or you just end up with pain and problems. Go slow and steady towards recovery, don't rush it. Total recovery is a year or longer. Doing too much too soon makes it worse and recovery longer. I should think if all goes well and you are very healthy that bi-lateral would be a good way to go. Driving might take you longer and would definitely use an automatic but that's awhile anyway.
Good luck.
Peg
amyz peggy15811
Posted
helen2702 pat43245
Posted
Hi Pat
I am a bi-lateral hippie and had mine done 3 years ago. Like you I didn't know they could even do both together and it is rare but I did not have a good one to recover on and was almost wheel chair bound at this point.
It is scary but the best decision I took. It is harder on the body and with recovery. It's double everything in every way but well worth it and just think you only have one recovery. I had Aqua physio as well as normal physio and would urge you to do this. Don't rush things as you have to build up at your own pace.
The bi-lateral has totally transformed my life and the quality of it.
You will see lots of helpful info and tips already posted by fellow hippies all of which are tremendous and useful as we have all had the same concerns at one point or another.
I would highly recommend bi-lateral😀
Hope this helps you a little.
pat43245 helen2702
Posted
karen21427 helen2702
Posted
renee01952 pat43245
Posted
I know there are many members here on the forum who had bilateral THR surgeries and hope they will find your post/request ...
Maybe you can specify your questions?
I had 2 THR surgeries but 6 months apart - like most of us one hip-at-a-timers, we can only imagine how recovery would be when both of them are done ...
big warm hug
renee
ann67105 pat43245
Edited
pat43245 ann67105
Posted
karen21427 ann67105
Posted
pat43245 karen21427
Posted
BTHR was the best thing I've done for my health. Being pain free is the best. After a few days and especially a couple of weeks I actually think it is better recovering without favoring one side. Hardest thing for me was sleeping on my back but you'll figure that out after a few weeks. My surgery was last Oct. I've been back surfing since January and I find that daily, surfing, a long brisk walk, yoga or a trip to the gym does me a word of good and continues to loosen the hips while building strength. I'm glad to hear the hospitals are starting to do more BTHR. I know, at Kaiser they are quite reluctant. They also make almost twice the money doing one at a time so go figure. Best to you Karen. If your in good enough shape to be approved for bilateral, you're going to do just fine.
karen21427 pat43245
Posted
callan03951 pat43245
Posted
12 weeks out. i am doing well. swimming at gym. doing water exercises. very light weights in weight room. exercycle. and can walk up to 5 miles over the course of a day if I can. Getting up is a bit difficult, as muscles are still healing and tight. i call it my accordion move. stand. stretch, walk. sometimes it takes a step or two, but then it's fine. thighs still swollen a bit...slower but steady. i used trekking poles which helped with equal balance. i had a great doctor. Good luck. wouldn't have done it any other way!
ann67105 callan03951
Posted
Hi Callan so pleased you are doing so well. I too had bilateral hip replacement five months ago and haven't looked back. I have a new life. I noticed you mentioned you are swimming are you doing the breast stroke!!! I was told not to do that stroke for at least a year. Look forward to your comments.
Ann
pat43245 callan03951
Posted
Thanks Callan! Your comments are much appreciated. Did you press for the bilateral approach? Can I ask how old you are? Assume you're in good shape.
I wish I could get mine done sooner so I could start healing sooner. Thanks again for you positive comments.
eggtimer ann67105
Posted