Having a THR on the 2nd sept. Feeling worried about outcome and possible dislocation

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Can anyone advise me. I am having a total hip replacement (cementless) on the 2nd sept. I am 44yrs old. I was born with hip dysplacia and I know have severe arthritis in the hip joint. I am really worried about the outcome and the possibility of dislocation. Also having to sleep on your back for six weeks seems total torture. Can anyone calm my nerves and let me feel I am at least making the right decision in having this operation at such a young age. It is a real worry :-(

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  • Posted

    Hi, Sally

    I am 28 years old I have had an hip replacement last June. My reaction when I receive that call I been waiting for so long came. I was terrified, depressed and very nervous but the pain I was having give the strength to go ahead. After a lot of research and conversation with my Consultant I got the feeling that I was going to need a lot of pillows because I don't like the idea of sleeping on y back. Therefore I went on and had hip replace it the best thing have done pain free and much more mobile then I was before.

    Just for you to get the idea of how I felt after the awake-up my first question was is my legs now even, am I going to be able use my high heels again and how long it's gonna to take.

    I would do it all over again.

    Good luck and don't worry you wll fine.

     

    • Posted

      Thankyou so much. I too wondered about wearing my high heel shoes. I do hope the length in the leg won't be altered too much after op (think it is 1/4 inch longer than left at the moment). I am very nervous about the whole thing. Dreading the boredom too. Thankyou for your reassurance 
    • Posted

      Can you wear those high heels?  How long did it take. That was one of my thoughts too. I have such lovely shoes that if I don't wear my daughters will no doubt pinch! Haha 
    • Posted

      Hi sally,

      Yes I am using high heels, My legs are even now, however due a badly damaged hip, I had my hip replacement in June last year and only manage to wear my high heels February.

    • Posted

      Oh wow - that's one thing I've been wondering too - I cried when I put all my lovely boots away in the attic, I can get them all out again next year .....YAY!
    • Posted

      Vikki, shoes shoes and more shoes!!!  First I couldn't wear heels or many shoes for that matter as I had bad bunions on both feet...had the bunions done two years ago and all went well with that operation but still could not wear heels (my version is just l or l.5") but still I love them....and now the hip still prevented me from wearing them...so now I'm praying that all those shoes that I have bought over the last 5 years (just because they were so pretty), I will be able to eventually wear!!!!!  Funny I don't hear many men talk about their shoe problem hahaha
    • Posted

      Oh I  glad you know can. At least I hope I will be able to someday. Fingers crossed x
  • Posted

    Hi. Sally.

    I'm in the US (Boston area) and had THR 5 days ago. I'm a 53 yo female in good shape. My issue was dysplasia, bone spurs, arthritis, tears, etc. So far so good. I came home 2 days postop because I was doing so well. They have restrictions such as not bending past 90% from the waist, to keep my knees lower than my waist, and not crossing my legs, even my ankles. But these are all temporary, just precautions to keep from dislocating.I was able to sleep on my stomach for a nap this afternoon which was lovely, just need to make sure my legs stay straight. When going to the bathroom, I back in, grab onto the toilet seat, slide my operated leg out straight, and sit. An elevated toilet seat would have made things easier but not needed. I did purchase a package of ortho tools that have come in very handy. They include a tool that helps me reach and been things, another with a hook, long shoe horn, a device to help pull on socks and a couple other items. It was available in the hospital store and well worth it!   I've not heard of any bad experiences from people. These are so common now, so I'm sure you will do well also.

    • Posted

      Thankyou so much for your advice . Such great tips. I love to have baths but apparently I am told just to shower. I am dreading having 'hairy legs'! Haha. And also wearing those stocking things are apparently awful. I am meant to be attending a wedding three weeks after the operation but I am unsure if it's advisable to do so or not? Very very nervous and dreading the boredom. Normally such an active person
  • Posted

    Sally,  sometimes age can't be a factor...it has to be your quality of life and only you will know when to say yes...this forum will give you lots of tips and good advice, but always follow your doctor and if you don't necessarily agree withhim, feel free to questionhim, as it is your body...I'm6l and have suffered for at least 7 years but people said I was too young at 50, but enough is enough...I have beenhousebound for the past 3 years - what type of life is that....I also was bornwith hip dysplacia and with that is a guarantee of arthritis...just had my right hip done July 29 and home in 2 days, doing stairs (with someone taking my walker up and downstairs for me to use)...the toilet seat was a godsend for me, as was the reachers (it is so easy to forget and reach across), and I prefer the walker over crutches, you always seem to be leaning them somewhere and then they fall, etc., and with a little pouch I've attached to my walker I can carry my glasses, phone, magazine, cookies! around with me so I don't forget them....I won't lie and the truth is sleeping is my hardest hurdle, for some reason I seem to get restless leg syndrome when i sleep like that and of course you can't be moving your leg left or right it has to stay centered - I put pillows on either side to remind myself to stay straight...but as so many people on this forum who are weeks ahead in recovery of me, have said, it is truly one day at the time and if you keep a journal you will look back and each week see such gains....I had a general but many people here had the spinal with good results....keep checking in here and alot of your fears will be set to rest and you will find lots of support, Patricia from Toronto
    • Posted

      Thankyou so much for your reply. Such great tips. I was born with hip dysplacia and chose the wrong profession as a professional dance teacher which, I think,has contributing to the downfall of my hip. My mum mentioned about the bag around your neck for glasses etc, I think I will quickly quilt one. Thankyou for your response. 
  • Posted

    Believe me Sally it will be worth it x  I'm 5 weeks post op now and believe me sleeping on my back was my total nightmare but if you get plenty of pillows and arrange them around yourself it gets easier.  Take notice of everything the docs, nurses and physios say and don't be in a rush to do too much and you will be ok xx
    • Posted

      Thankyou for your advice. I am normally so active so I know I will struggle but I will definitely do as I am told. I know how important the physio is too. Dreading the whole thing and I do hope one day I can wear my high heels again?  I am meant to be going to a family wedding three weeks after the operation but unsure if I will be able to or not?  Thanks for replying 
  • Posted

    Hi sally.

    I feel for you, don't worry about the unknown it wont help being stress out over the unknown. everything will be fine it will take time but you'll get there in the end.

    I myself are worry about my hip dislocated i ask my doctor  was told not to cross my leg ( that's at the top not at the bottom) You'll get use to sleeping on your back lots of good advise on your page.

    All the best,

    Good Luck!

    • Posted

      Thankyou so much. That's just what I wanted to here. Thankyou for explaining the crossed leg thing, as I did wonder why crossing over your feet alone would affect the hip! ( not the brightest spark haha). I do wonder if I will be able to adventually wear high heels again?  And also I wonder if I will be able to attend a family wedding three weeks after the operation?  Feeling very nervous and dreading it to be honest. The boredom too and those dreadful stockings :-( 
    • Posted

      Hi Sally, I went to a family funeral last week (4 weeks post op) - bit of a long journey In the car, but otherwise not too bad - as long as you have plenty of opportunity  to sit down/stand up it should be a nice distraction for you and something to look forward to.  Maxi dresses are great for hiding the dreaded stockings!
    • Posted

      Oh wow. That sounds great. I have a good few maxi dresses. Yes, those stockings I am definitely not going to like wearing😞. I will definitely enjoy the distraction I am sure. Wasn't sure about the toilet situation though

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