Hip Replacement at the age of 52
Posted , 13 users are following.
Hi. I had a right hip replacement 9 days ago at the age of 52. After many years of thinking I had a problem with my back, I was finally diagnosed last year with mild DDH (Developmental Dysplaysia of the hip), a labrum tear and osteoarthritis. I had a hip arthroscopy just before christmas last year, but unfortunately it was unsuccessful and my osteoarthritis just got worse. it was finally decided that my only option was to have a full hip replacement.
As I am a little bit younger then the average age of people undergoing a hip replacement, I do feel a bit alone. It's been 9 days since my operation and I think I'm doing okay. . Spent 3 nights in hospital. Managing to walk with crutches (sometimes just one) and still taking painkillers on a regular basis. I'm hoping to get off painkillers as soon as I feel able to. The surgical socks are driving me mad and I wonder if I can stop using them now (?).
0 likes, 30 replies
Lilylou1 angela43852
Posted
Hi there
Im 45 and had a total hip replacement not quite six months ago. I had suffered for 7 years starting in my 30s. There is thought that mine may be dysplasia too....
Anyway after the first 4months i can honestly say im doing brilliantly but at the start i had doubts and concerns.
I wish you all the best in your recovery.
angela43852 Lilylou1
Posted
Hi, thank you for your reply. Gosh 45 is young too! I am so pleased to hear that you are doing well. It is very encouraging to know! Since coming home, I've had a challenging few days and very up and down emotionally, but I suppose that's not surprising after everything we go through. I, too, can't help having doubts especially after the arthroscopy which was unsuccessful. This time though I am feeling more positive as each day goes by.
Good luck for the future!
Lilylou1 angela43852
Posted
i think this op takes a lot out of you emotionally and mentally.
I also lost 40percent of my blood on the operating table and needed blood transfusions afterwards.
There were plenty of times i was in tears wondering if i would ever be normal again.
I was intentional about doing recovery slow and kept to restrictions for optimal recovery.
Now im wearing high heels again and walking further than i have in 7 years! Towards the end the letterbox was about it!
My husbands cousin had her second hip at 28 years!! Younger than me! You wouldnt even know she has one. Anyone looking at me now wouldnt have a clue, it took awhile to lose the limp just take it slow and be patient.
julie1717 angela43852
Posted
hi had my OP 4 days ago. sounds to me you're doing well. I'm waiting atm to be discharged today.
as for your socks they should've sd to you how long you're to wear them as it does cary from place to place and surgeon. I'd check your paperwork - should really say on discharge sheet. if you cant find it ring the ward you were on theyll tell you. good luck 😃
angela43852 julie1717
Posted
Hi, thanks for your reply. My post op notes state to wear the stockings until mobile. I am walking with crutches and I am up and about albeit taking it very easy. Just wondered if this is mobile enough. As you say, perhaps a call to the ward can clarify. It's true what you say though, that advise does seem to vary. My consultant said that I could lie on my unoperated side in bed (with a pillow between my legs), but I've read elsewhere that I should just lie on my back for 6 weeks. For now I am going with what my Consultant advises me. Hope you make a speedy recovery and settle in back at home ok.
julie1717 angela43852
Posted
seems everything is different. I can lie on my back or operated side only. no pillow between my legs either. I've found since op I can now put the back of my operated knee on 5he bed which I've not been able to do for ages so slept really well in hospital. see how I go here tonight tho lol.
my advice is really do what your surgeons advised as he/she will only blame you if you don't. anyway good luck. I've not long been home and its bliss 😃
Cyberman82 angela43852
Posted
Walking on crutches is not mobile enough. I think you need to be walking around with a single stick more confidently before removing the stockings. I lied on my back for about 4 nights but since have been able to lie on unoperated side also. You just have to make sure that you don't cross your legs in bed that's why the pillow in between is advised I think. I am 17 days post OP but not yet able to lie on the operated leg but not far off.
Good luck
teri13771 angela43852
Posted
hi I'm Teresa 54 I had total hip replacement 7 months ago you really need to wear the socks for 4_6 weeks because of blood clots x sounds like your doing great make sure you do the exercise to build the mussels back up. mine is not to good but getting there slowly due to an infection at the start xx
angela43852 teri13771
Posted
Hi Teresa. Thanks for your advise. I am glad to hear that things are finally looking up for you!
sarah03778 angela43852
Posted
I had a THR in November last year, at 53 years old. I had osteoarthritus in my left hip. The first two weeks of recovery were difficult mainly because of lack of sleep and sleeping on my back. I was on one crutch pretty quickly and think you body knows when it is ready for that. Keep on the painkillers as much as you need, I sometimes need just mild painkillers as hip is a bit stiff first thing in the morning. I had blood thinning tablets and surgical stockings for six weeks, when the consultant said I could remove them I was delighted!! Although took ages for my skin to recover, alot of moisturing required! They are a pain, but necessary. I didn't want to take any chances. Think 9 days is a bit early to remove them. Good luck with your continuing recovery!
angela43852 sarah03778
Posted
Thank you for your advice. I did take the stockings off for a couple of hours this morning (it was nice to have a break even for a short while!), but I have put them back on again. As you say, it's not worth taking any chances. It's so helpful to speak to others who have been through the same thing and to hear their experiences. Thank you!
Cyberman82 angela43852
Posted
I would keep wearing them, but there are different ones. I changed to below the knee level ones and found them much easier
angela43852 Cyberman82
Posted
Okay, thanks.
Lilylou1 angela43852
Posted
it also depends on where you live as to the dreaded stockings, in spite of popular opinion re stockings helping to prevent blood clots that actually isnt correct.
Like many others compression stockings were one thing i didnt have at all.
I had soecial medication for blood clots while in hopsital and on discharge daily asprin fir about two months.
Also when not resting its being mobile ie walking that helps also with blood clots.
Ice for swelling all the time, which i did.
The stockings possibly have a good placebo effect on peace of mind.
julie1717 Lilylou1
Posted
I'm now 5 days post OP came home yesterday. am taking asprin for6 weeks post OP. they tried to put the dreaded stockings on me after my surgery but they dug in too much and sd theyd do more harm than good. so long as I walk /move ant and take the asprin my consultant very happy I don't need the stockings. which I'm more than pleased abt as I live alone and would gave trouble organising them being changed often. anyway all this seems to vary so much but you can only do as your consultant asks of you.
I know its early days but the pain I'm now in is nothing compared to the constant sole destroying pain I had pre OP. and I'm sure what pain I have will go in time - or hope so. having the OP has made me realise how bad I was but I'd managed over time to convince myself it was just sore which it wasnt at all.
for those who are yet to have surgery imo there is light at the end if the tunnel 😃
Lilylou1 julie1717
Posted
Thats great news and like i said people seem convinced the stockings stop clots they dont its a myth. Its the walking, taking asorin, elevate when resting, ice.
To be honest i couldnt believe how bad i felt post op, i think i was a bit in shock because people kept telling me how great i would feel. My butt hurt so sitting for long periods was out which provided a good incentive to move, i felt fatigued.
I wondered if i would ever feel ok again.
At nearly six months i can say its temporary, you will feel good and better than good, lean into the job of recovery.
angela43852 Lilylou1
Posted
I am now 11 days post op and at last the healing pain is beginning to subside. I was beginning to worry that it was never going to go away and that I'd be on painkillers forever more! I certainly found the first few days at home very difficult, however other people (who had had a THR), had told me that the first couple of weeks are a bit grim but then you pick up and seem to recover quite quickly. Not needing quite so many painkillers I'm pleased to say!