Posted , 8 users are following.
I wondered if there is anyone who has undergone a double hip replacement? if so, is there anything you wish you had been told before your op or anything you could advise me on what to expect?
Many thanks
0 likes, 11 replies
We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.
Cyndey Barbs2909
Posted
you are very brave! i had my first December 3rd and having second 1st April, he was going to do it March 18th but it was deferred until i saw my surgeon after first one as i was a bit concerned having second one done so quickly as my check up for my first was delayed a month! I am still not properly recovered from my first due to the left one giving me grief! i am very nervous about it but pleased i am not waiting too long for second one as i want it all over together. i hope it all goes well for you the worst part for me was sleeping in one position on my back! couldnt get comfortable pain in my back and buttocks were worse than my hip!!! please let us know how you get on, how old are you if you dont mind me asking
daniel98313 Barbs2909
Posted
i havent had my ops yet but in the same situation as you. From what i can tell is its not going to be pleasant for the first 6-8 weeks maybe more...yeah it'll be an improvement for what you have now but doesnt mean its going to be a walk in the park during that time.
Since we need both done the recovery isn't going to be standard as we haven't got the strong leg to support the new hip.
They wont do the second one until you are ready - mentally and physically. Like Cyndey said they delayed until she was ready and her first hip replacement was strong enough to support her second op.
The question burning in the back of my mind is can i do the same job i was doing - i was lifting 25kg bags into a mixer - will my new hip survive!? time will tell.
Dan
jim100 daniel98313
Posted
Hey Dan,
I had both of my hips done about 2.5 years ago. I'm a painter/handyman. My work is strenuous at times so I worry about wearing them out early. I can pretty much do everything I use to do but when I pickup heavy things I can feel it in my hips, sometimes for a few days afterwards. I try to do things smarter now, and I treat them gingerly as much as possible. Definitely there is nothing like the originals. I'm stiffer now and I feel twinges now and again. However, I feel so much better with the arthritis pain gone. Good luck, be gentle with your new hips!
Jim
Barbs2909
Posted
Thanks so much for your replies. I'm actually having both of them done at the same time rather than one after the other as they're both in a very poor condition
AlexandriaGizmo Barbs2909
Posted
Hi I am thinking that maybe it want be too bad or they would not do them at the same time and will have considered this at your preop
I think so long as you follow the instructions your given absolutely to the word you will be fine and think in the positive
Your done and dusted and want have to wait months to get the other one done
Are you having a spinal or full
charles07267 Barbs2909
Posted
Hi,
I had a bilateral hip replacement in September last year. This suited me as my consultant said if he did my left, and worst, hip first in three months I would be back asking him to do my right hip. Having both done at the same time worked for me.
All went well apart from not being able to sleep properly for eight weeks, after that no problem. I was able to walk five miles at six weeks post op. I started going to pilates after four months which I find is good for flexibility.
I am 67 years old by the way, and live in Sheffield UK, and am happy to help with any other questions you may have.
Charles
daniel98313 charles07267
Posted
CHARLES - how did managed to get around and do your exercises during the six weeks? did you manage to go back to work or are you retired? im 32 so still got 30 years of working to get through.
Barbs2909 charles07267
Posted
Wow! Thanks for the information Charles. That's really helpful. Is there anything you know now after your op that you wished you had known beforehand?
Did you have any special aids to help you?
Barbara
charles07267 Barbs2909
Posted
Barbara
One of things I found most useful was a sock aid. This is for putting on socks and was invaluable when you can't bend to reach your feet. The other thing was a grabber. Its surprising how often you drop things , something you dont notice preop. I have also being going to a chiropodist to cut my toe nails.
I was dreading climbing stairs for the first time after the op. With some encouragement from my physio I tried the stairs three days post op, and surprisingly wasn't an issue and I had been worrying unnecessarily.
I used two crutches for the first two weeks and then down to one for a time.
Charles
Barbs2909
Posted
Thank you for all of your replies. They're all really helpful.
Barbara
jim100 Barbs2909
Posted
Hey Barbara,
I had both of my hips done about 2.5 years ago. I was 50 at the time. I told the doctor I couldn't take a lot of time off so she recommended I do both at the same time. It has worked out fairly well for me, it's nice not to be in constant pain from arthritis. Maybe I was lucky, or maybe it's fairly normal but I didn't experience any real problems. I think the key is to do your exercises and have a positive attitude. Try to do some strength training in your arms and legs prior to going into the hospital. In the beginning i found myself using my arms to push myself up and around so stronger arms helped. Also, stronger legs should help your legs recover faster. Also it took me a couple of months to feel normal walking again. It was almost like I had to teach myself to walk again, I think it had something to do with both hips being done at the same time. I wish you all the luck!
Jim