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Full right hip replacement on 12/12/2016

Posted , 7 users are following.

alasdair3087
alasdair3087

Good evening all,

I am 34 years old, I got injured at work five and a half years ago. During this time being injured I underwent three hip arthroscopy procedures, the most recent I sought the specialist skills of Mr Richard Villar (awesome fella). Unfortunately none of the procedures were successfully in rectifying all my symptoms, as such I found myself requiring further more dramatic intervention.

I have two children under the age of 7 and as such struggled to be the fully hands on dad, with rough and tumble with my boys. In turn, the barriers have caused me some psychological issues making me hard to live with for my wife.

On Monday 12th December 2016 I underwent the full hip replacement (ceramic on ceramic). Within hours post op I was on my feet going for my first walk with the aid of a Zimmer frame.

I'm now 6 days post op and I am able to walk with crutches (for stability) around my local streets, strengthening the muscles and keeping mobile. The pain is isolated to the operation site and the muscles that contain the swelling, along with masses of bruising.

I feel a new person and I have the drive to know the hard work begins now. However, I honestly believe that the success thus far is down to the pre-operative isolated exercises to strengthen the muscles groups that are affected during the procedure. Simple exercises with resistance built up over a three month period set me up to be in the best possible position to endure the procedure.

My only regret is that I didn't go for the replacement earlier so that I could enjoy my life, and my family.

If you are young and/or in a similar position as I found myself, please think of the benefits to the replacement and the life that you once had prior to the issues. You can get those days back. Hopefully by the time a revision will be required, technology will have moved on. Remember life is for living and we only have one to live.

5 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • AnnieK
    AnnieK alasdair3087

    Posted

    Sounds like you are doing very well! I would, however, encourage you to take it very easy, since you are still so early in recovery. It takes a certain amount of time for the bones that were cut and the soft tissue that was stretched and stitched to heal, and you can't hurry that. If you do too much, including too much walking, you can hurt yourself and delay your recovery. Best wishes for the future, when you will be able to be that fully active Dad that you want to be!

    • alasdair3087
      alasdair3087 AnnieK

      Posted

      Thank you. I know you are right, reigning myself in is key. I find myself feeling surprised at how good it does feel this early post op.

      I am attempting to keep my goals realistic and without stretching myself too far as I probably did in previous operations.

      Your wise words remain with me to sober me when getting carried away.

  • elaine23679
    elaine23679 alasdair3087

    Posted

    Well done, keep it up, there will be bad days but you have gone through this traumatic operation and come out positive.  

    ​Be careful not to overdo things I ended up with Bursitis and now have Piriformis Syndrome ​which is inflamed muscles both hips.... more stretching exercises and sit on tennis ball!!! 

    Have a wonderful Christmas and take care.

  • judith12644
    judith12644 alasdair3087

    Posted

    Fantastic news Alastair, onwards and upwards! I was the same as you, ceramic on ceramic, and I was mobile v quickly. Let's hope they're nice and long lasting! Wishing you all the best.

  • aaronwest
    aaronwest alasdair3087

    Posted

    Glad that you got this done. I had just one surgery and was a little older, but the pain and immobility made quality of life a mess. I knew the day after surgery that I had made the right decision and you did too.

    By the way, mine was 12/16/15 and I have my life back. Full mobility, exercise, and even got a new, better job this year. Glad you are getting yours back as well.

  • ann43383
    ann43383 alasdair3087

    Posted

    Great to read your happy story, I'm sure it will inspire others. Warning, just don't overdo it in the first 4-6 weeks, you might regret it later. Just take it easy through the healing period and big Congrats!

  • daniel68507
    daniel68507 alasdair3087

    Posted

    I'm also 34, with a total hip on December 5th. 2 young children and a wife, we have very similar situations. I too have to remind myself daily to slow down and take a break. I just feel like on the days I feel good, I should be working harder, taking advantage of the feeling. That only slows me down for the next day though. I'm trying to come up with a new way of thinking. If you're like me, you just need to get out of your own way and listen to your body more.

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